Chapter 150: It's All Urahara Kisuke's Fault

Makoto carefully reviewed the details of the Fourth Division's barracks repairs with Ōmaeda Marenoshin, who displayed surprising competence.

Particularly impressive was Marenoshin's mastery of flattering his captain, which left Makoto with much to learn.

This guy… Not only does his praise come off as genuine and unpretentious, but he also speaks with precision, tactfully preserving others' dignity while maintaining a sharp eye for intricate details, Makoto thought to himself, growing more appreciative of Marechiyo's capabilities.

It was clear that the Ōmaeda family's generations-long service as the Shihoin family's loyal aides was built on more than just sycophancy. They also possessed undeniable talent.

Among the vice-captains Makoto had encountered, Marechiyo's skills stood out, making him a prime candidate for his position.

While discussing the specifics of the hospital renovations, Marenoshin suddenly remembered something and asked anxiously,

"Vice-Captain Makoto, my son, Ōmaeda Marechiyo, is still in the Fourth Division's hospital, right? Is he okay?"

Makoto paused, recalling Marechiyo's bloodied and battered state from the previous night. Smiling, he reassured Marenoshin,

"Your son was under my care last night. He suffered minor injuries from the collapse, but he's fully recovered now."

"That's a relief," Marenoshin sighed in gratitude.

Just as he was about to deepen his rapport with Makoto, Yoruichi entered the room with Yushiro in tow. Her tone was firm and left no room for negotiation.

"Marenoshin, save the small talk for later. I need to discuss something with Makoto. Take Yushiro to rest, and for the time being, you'll handle the affairs of both the Second Division and the Onmitsukidō."

"Understood," Marenoshin responded solemnly, bowing respectfully. He prepared to leave with Yushiro, but Yoruichi called out.

"Wait…"

She stroked her chin and addressed Marenoshin in a tone laden with an ambiguous undertone.

"Sui Feng… or rather, Soi Fon, has started on the path to mastering Bankai. Discuss matters with her within the division, and help nurture her decision-making abilities. Do you understand?"

Though Marechiyo outwardly seemed a fawning subordinate, his astute mind quickly grasped the implications. Shocked, he asked,

"Lady Yoruichi, are you saying—"

Yoruichi cut him off with a warning look. "Don't ask what you shouldn't. Focus on your duties."

After a brief silence, Marenoshin bowed deeply, his forehead touching the ground. "The Ōmaeda family will always follow the will of the Shihoin family!"

"Go," Yoruichi commanded.

Though Marenoshin's over-the-top displays of loyalty were not unusual, this time Yoruichi couldn't help but feel a flicker of emotion. Still, she outwardly maintained her usual impatient demeanor and waved him off.

"Go on. Keep your composure from now on."

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi," Marenoshin replied, pulling the still-confused Yushiro out of the room.

Once the door closed, Yoruichi shifted her gaze to Makoto. Her voice carried a thoughtful tone as she remarked,

"Makoto, have you noticed how Marenoshin's sycophantic behavior is actually a form of loyalty? It teaches members of the Shihoin family to discern flattery from sincerity, shielding them from deception."

After a pause, her expression darkened slightly.

"Which leads me to ask—how did you manage to earn Yushiro's trust and affection in such a short time?"

Makoto froze, struggling to follow Yoruichi's leap from Marenoshin to Yushiro.

"Ugh, you're such an infuriating guy…" Yoruichi muttered before sprawling lazily onto the tatami mat. She patted the mat, signaling Makoto to sit.

As Makoto joined her, Yoruichi, without hesitation or modesty, adjusted her clothing to inspect herself, exposing much of her skin. She then leaned close to Makoto, a teasing glint in her golden eyes.

"Makoto, are you sure you didn't… take any liberties while treating me?"

Startled, Makoto instinctively leaned back, pushing up his glasses as he replied earnestly,

"Lady Yoruichi, please don't insult a Doctor's professional ethics!"

Yoruichi chuckled mischievously.

"I'm just teasing. You're so serious sometimes—it makes me want to tease you even more!"

Despite her playful tone, Makoto couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.

During her treatment, Makoto had been nothing but focused and professional. However, he couldn't deny that, through his efforts, he now had an unparalleled understanding of Yoruichi's physique. From her outward measurements to the microstructures of her spiritual particles, he knew it all.

"Lady Yoruichi, was there something specific you needed to discuss?" Makoto asked, steering the conversation back to business.

"Indeed." Yoruichi's demeanor turned serious as she began,

"I've already heard the general account of last night's events from Yushiro…

"I deeply regret the harm and destruction caused to the Fourth Division. While it wasn't my intention, I'm grateful you chose to treat me regardless. For that, I, Shihoin Yoruichi, offer my heartfelt thanks."

She bowed her head, an unusual display of humility.

Makoto shook his head and replied in a tone consistent with his role and character.

"I understand that you were a victim in this situation, Lady Yoruichi. The blame lies entirely with that scheming Twelfth Division Captain, Urahara Kisuke. I will never forgive him for this."

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