Chapter 138: Atonement

Despite ascending to the prestigious position of Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division, bypassing countless seated officers, Makoto felt no joy. His gaze lingered on the departing figure of Unohana, filled with reluctance and fury.

His eyes, his demeanor, his very essence seemed to cry out:

Sensei, take me with you... Sensei... Don't leave me. How can I live without you, Sensei?

Makoto's reaction—brimming with defiance and anger towards the Central 46's authority—did not elicit any displeasure from Yamamoto. Instead, the Captain-Commander looked at him with a trace of approval.

This young man respects and honors his teacher... How commendable.

For a fleeting moment, Yamamoto saw in Makoto the shadow of Sasakibe Chōjirō, his loyal vice-captain who had stood by him for millennia.

Not rejoicing over promotion, but remaining wholeheartedly devoted to one's mentor—such loyalty and righteousness!

It was perhaps this unwavering sincerity that had miraculously calmed Unohana, bringing her out of her frenzied state. It was no wonder she valued Makoto so deeply.

Donning his Shihakushō once more, Yamamoto, his previously ferocious demeanor softened by his age and wisdom, spoke with an unusual gentleness.

"Vice-Captain Senju, do not worry. The Central 46's actions are merely precautionary measures to ensure Captain Unohana's stability. It is all for the good of the Soul Society."

"I... I don't understand." Makoto's voice trembled with emotion. "Captain Unohana is so kind, so selfless. She has sacrificed herself time and again for the Gotei 13 and the Soul Society. And yet, she's treated with such distrust... arrested..."

His eyes reddened once more as he voiced his indignation. "Does a millennium of loyalty count for nothing?"

Makoto's bold words stirred a pang of guilt in Yamamoto, prompting a moment of reflection.

Perhaps the young vice-captain has a point...

For all their vigilance, had he and the Central 46 been too harsh on Unohana? As one of the two remaining founding captains of the Gotei 13, Unohana's contributions were no less significant than his own.

Yet, Yamamoto could not ignore the blood-soaked past buried under Unohana's blade—the mountain of corpses she had once left in her wake. He recalled his own destructive actions, such as the reckless use of his Bankai, Zanka no Tachi, which nearly evaporated all water in the Soul Society, causing irreparable damage.

But Unohana... hers was a different kind of devastation. She had slaughtered nobles like livestock, leaving behind carnage so profound that her name echoed as the greatest villain in the history of the Soul Society.

Shaking himself from these thoughts, Yamamoto spoke again, his tone measured but firm.

"Vice-Captain Senju, there are things you do not know. The Central 46's decisions are for the stability of the Soul Society. And both Captain Unohana and I have long since undertaken the burden of atonement for our past misdeeds."

After a brief pause, seeing the tension in Makoto's furrowed brow, Yamamoto added a reassurance.

"If Captain Unohana's condition proves stable, she will return to the Fourth Division within a month. I give you my word."

Makoto's expression softened at these words. He bowed deeply in gratitude, though Yamamoto paid little mind to the gesture. His leniency towards Makoto stemmed largely from his regard for Unohana, seeing Makoto as an extension of her legacy.

As Yamamoto turned to leave, he issued a final directive.

"Vice-Captain Senju, the chaos is not yet over. Assemble the Fourth Division to tend to the wounded and prepare for immediate medical support."

"Yes, sir!"

Once Yamamoto departed, Makoto turned to Urozakuro, invisible to those around them. Uozakuro, perceptive as ever, began relaying updates about Aizen and the movements of the Hollowfied Shinigami.

Under the guidance of Soya Azashiro, Urozakuro had grown remarkably efficient—anticipating Makoto's needs without being told.

Unlike the clumsy Shinro Banshō, Urozakuro was truly invaluable.

"By the way, Makoto," Urozakuro added, "you should be cautious. It seems Aizen has noticed traces of your spiritual pressure lingering on Kyōka Suigetsu. He hasn't sheathed it since, and he's actively guarding the blade."

Makoto's eyes narrowed. He understood that his dynamic with Aizen had reached a precarious stalemate. Aizen had likely deduced the nature of Makoto's connection with Azashiro, suspecting him of possessing knowledge of his plans.

This revelation meant Aizen would likely conduct critical operations and experiments beyond the reach of the Gotei 13 surveillance.

Such are the risks of exposing one's hand.

Makoto couldn't help but marvel at Aizen's insight. With just a single clue, this man had unraveled so much.

No matter how highly you regard him, it always feels like an underestimation...

However—

"Urozakuro, you don't need to worry about that," Makoto said calmly, retrieving a spare pair of glasses from his pocket. "As a doctor, I wouldn't leave traces where they don't belong."

Thankfully, he had anticipated the possibility of his glasses breaking and purchased an extra pair during his outing with Soi Fon.

Though it was a pity—the broken glasses had been Fon's favorite.

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