Chapter 3: What I Hope For...

As for Ikkaku Madarame, he didn't overthink it. The reason he was so intent on pulling Senju Makoto into the 11th Division wasn't just because he considered him a dear friend, but also because he had grown accustomed to the constant "healing" Senju provided, which allowed him to fully indulge in the thrill of battle.

After all, Senju Makoto's "healing"… was truly abundant!

"Makoto, don't worry. I'll always protect you. As long as I draw breath, I will stand in front of you. If the enemy wants to touch you, they'll have to step over my corpse!"

Ikkaku Madarame thumped his chest, speaking with absolute certainty, his bald head gleaming as though radiating light.

Yet, Senju Makoto had no idea what had given Ikkaku Madarame such audacious courage. Was it the "healing" he could constantly provide in battle?

Step over Ikkaku Madarame's corpse…

Truth be told, Senju Makoto honestly didn't think that would be much of a challenge.

After all, despite Ikkaku Madarame's bald, tough-guy appearance, his strength still hadn't reached the level that matched his image.

A Seat Officer!

From Senju Makoto's estimation, Ikkaku Madarame might be in the top tier among the graduating class, but within a division, he could barely be considered a Seat Officer.

Just this?

And you dare get a dedicated "healer"?

Senju Makoto mused silently, his lips twitching slightly as he reminded, "Ikkaku, don't set such a flag. We're friends, and I've never thought of taking your seat…"

At this point, Senju paused, realizing he almost let his true feelings slip.

"Ahem…"

Shifting his tone, Senju Makoto spoke sincerely, "Ikkaku, everyone has different aspirations. I understand you long for exhilarating and fulfilling battles, and as your friend, I'll always support you…"

"However, what I hope for is not battle, but healing. My dream is to save lives, to pull those lost in suffering out of the pain they face. But that's something I cannot achieve in the 11th Division, where combat is the focus."

"Do you… understand?"

At that moment, Senju Makoto spoke as if advising a patient with no cure, his tone gentle and sincere.

Ikkaku Madarame blinked, nodded, and said, "That's right, Makoto. I often feel lost because I can't find an opponent, and I'm always aching from battles… Hmm, maybe the entire 11th Division is full of people with injuries you can treat, helping you realize your dream…"

He paused, then grabbed Senju Makoto's hand and gave it a firm squeeze. "Makoto, your muscles contain so much power, and sometimes I can feel your burning desire for battle. I'm sure you're just lacking the opportunity to unlock that potential. Come to the 11th Division. It'll open a whole new world for you, believe me!"

Hearing this, Senju Makoto's expression froze.

Although he had known Ikkaku Madarame for several years, Senju Makoto, who sometimes found his own thoughts a little… unusual, couldn't help but feel that Ikkaku's unique way of thinking was rather strange.

Is this… normal?

Can anyone even come up with an answer like that?

Could you be a bit more restrained with your palm? What do you mean by "lack of opportunity for development"? What's this "new world door" you speak of?

Just as Senju Makoto was about to give up on trying to correct Ikkaku's thought process and find a way to escape this verbal trap, a shadow loomed behind him. The towering, muscular figure of Kenpachi Zaraki appeared suddenly at his back.

Kenpachi Zaraki looked down from his imposing height at the three men squeezed together like a sandwich. His eyes scanned their faces, and as if recalling something, he spoke.

"Oh? You're Ikkaku Madarame? And Ayasegawa Yumichika?"

At that moment, Ikkaku and Ayasegawa quickly released their hold on Makoto, their bodies tensing as they bent slightly at the waist, their faces full of excitement and eager response.

"Kenpachi! We've come as promised. From now on, please allow us to serve as your subordinates and follow you."

Kenpachi Zaraki crossed his arms, his expression indifferent, as he responded with a casual tone, "Do what you want. But if you start interfering with my enjoyment of battle, I'll cut you down, too."

Ikkaku and Ayasegawa beamed with joy, as if they had been given some great reward, their voices full of excitement. "Yes!"

Meanwhile, Kusajishi Yachiru, perched on Kenpachi Zaraki's shoulder, blinked her eyes, seemingly recognizing something. With a cheerful smile, she waved her hand.

"Ah, it's you guys! Baldie, princess…"

In an instant, Ikkaku and Yumichika's smiles froze.

A vein bulged on Ikkaku's forehead, but he didn't dare to snap back. He explained awkwardly, "That nickname wasn't the one from last time…"

Kusajishi poked her chin thoughtfully, as if deep in contemplation, murmuring, "Hmm? Not 'Baldie'? Is it 'Baldhead'?"

"..." Ikkaku Madarame.

Just as Makoto was about to quietly slip away to avoid ruining the moment, his back retreating slightly, Ikkaku grabbed his arm once more, immediately shifting the conversation back to Kenpachi Zaraki.

"Kenpachi, this is my friend Senju Makoto whom I met at the Shin'o Academy. Can you let him join the 11th Division?"

In an instant, Senju Makoto's expression completely froze.

What?!

Who would want to join the 11th Division, a place where 99% of the members are either muscle-bound or… well, very close with each other?

Moreover, considering the entire 11th Division's collective intelligence could probably fit into the mind of the big boss Aizen Sosuke who lurks in the Soul Society, what would happen if he unknowingly got assimilated once he joined?

Kenpachi Zaraki looked at Ikkaku's serious face, and finally his curiosity turned toward Senju Makoto.

A boy with black hair and eyes, his build and appearance similar to the pretty-boy Ayasegawa Yumichika, he didn't seem like someone who would enjoy combat or fighting. As for his spiritual pressure…

Kenpachi Zaraki's eyes betrayed some disappointment.

With spiritual pressure like that, not only did he not stand out compared to Ikkaku Madarame and Ayasegawa Yumichika, but even among the graduating students, he wouldn't be considered exceptional.

In the battles between Soul Reapers, in a certain sense, spiritual pressure was everything. Weak spiritual pressure didn't hold much value.

But considering Ikkaku Madarame's request, Kenpachi Zaraki still asked, "Does this guy have any special combat abilities?"

Ikkaku patted his shiny bald head, giving a vague and unclear response. "Senju doesn't have much of a combat ability for now, but his healing and medical skills are top-notch. His Zanpakuto can heal injuries."

At this point, Kenpachi Zaraki lost interest entirely. Nervous, Senju Makoto couldn't help but secretly give Ikkaku Madarame a thumbs-up.

As expected of you, Ikkaku!

Seeing that Kenpachi Zaraki seemed to have lost interest in Senju Makoto, Ayasegawa Yumichika, who had subconsciously aligned himself with the 11th Division and understood Senju Makoto's value, quickly added in a precise, urgent tone.

"Kenpachi, Senju Makoto's Zanpakuto ability is large-scale healing, and it continuously provides healing during combat. He can even keep replenishing the spiritual energy of others!"

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