Chapter 33: Soi Fon · Sting of the Swallowtail

"Minor... treatment?!"

In an instant, under the intangible aura emanating from Makoto, the men of Eleventh Division felt an inexplicable tension in the air.

This demeanor...

This tone...

No matter how they looked at it, this didn't seem like any kind of 'minor treatment' at all!!!

More importantly, Makoto wasn't exuding any fearsome spiritual pressure, so why did he feel so terrifying?

"Uh... well..."

Ikkaku finally realized that something felt amiss, sensing that Makoto didn't seem quite like his usual self. With an awkward chuckle, he spoke up.

"Senju, maybe I should come by some other day."

But Makoto moved a step, positioning himself in front of the doorway. "No need. You're already here..."

…

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the gynecology clinic, Soi Fon—petite in stature and dressed in a standard shihakusho—observed her surroundings, following the signs that pointed toward Makoto's office, located in a relatively secluded corner.

This... was Soi Fon's first time here.

In the past, whenever she felt unwell, she'd usually visit the pediatrics clinic of Fourth Division

Now, entering the gynecology department, she just barely fit in, though her small, girlish figure still caught the occasional glance from passing Shinigami.

Finally, as she followed the signs and arrived at the office labeled with "Makoto Senju and Aoki Risa," just as she raised her hand to knock, a low, restrained groan echoed from inside—a male's voice filled with anguish and agony.

"Aaah~~~"

(O_O)

Soi Fon.

Her hand paused mid-air, her mind racing with increasingly wild images.

Hesitating for a moment, she double-checked the nameplate on the office.

"Makoto Senju and Aoki Risa."

Could it be... no way... maybe... it couldn't be...

Slowly, Soi Fon lowered her hand and cautiously pressed her ear to the door.

"Ah~ Oooh~~~"

Instantly, the groans from within grew clearer, and Soi Fon could just make out the blend of pain and relief in each sound.

Her eyes... widened slightly.

'Is this... really the gynecology department? Maybe I should head back to pediatrics...'

Involuntarily, a shadow cast over the youthful mind of Soi Fon.

However, as she stood there, her face clouded with uncertainty, wondering what to do next, another anguished groan echoed from within.

"Aah~~ Mmm~~~"

The same tone, blending restraint, pain, and some kind of relief...

At that moment, Soi Fon's mind swirled in confusion, unable to imagine what chaotic scene might be unfolding inside.

But with each new, muffled groan that followed, her worldview felt more and more shattered.

'Just how many people... are in there...?'

Dazed, Soi Fon attempted to sense the spiritual traces naturally emitted by any Shinigami within the office.

A distinct red spiritual aura emanated from the body, different from a typical spiritual being's, unique and vivid…

But in the next moment, Soi Fon's eyes widened as she saw waves of densely packed red spiritual threads surging toward her from within the office.

So... so many?!

'This... this doesn't make sense...'

For a moment, the young Soi Fon's mind blanked entirely.

And then...

"Bang!"

The office door in front of Soi Fon abruptly swung open, and one by one, large men—sweating, pale-faced, and walking with awkward steps—filed out in a single line.

One...

Five...

Twenty...

Fifty...

It was like witnessing an endless stream of burly men piling out of a tiny Wuling van for the first time; Soi Fon couldn't comprehend how more than fifty male Shinigami could have fit into such a small office.

'How... could they all squeeze in?'

Soi Fon suddenly felt that her past training in the Stealth Force—on "how to hide effectively in confined spaces"—might still have room for improvement.

Finally, as a gentle-looking young man stood at the office doorway, smiling and waving farewell to the departing Shinigami, the steady stream of men finally ceased.

At that moment, Makoto noticed the dazed and adorable Soi Fon standing nearby.

With her obedient bangs, long hair, a face still carrying a hint of youthful innocence, and her petite, delicate figure…

Makoto looked at the stunned Soi Fon and asked, "Hello, is there something I can help you with?"

"N-No... nothing..."

In that instant, Soi Fon's first instinct was to turn and flee.

But as she took a step back, she remembered the task entrusted to her by Lady Yoruichi.

'No... I can't! Lady Yoruichi's mission is absolute; I must gather information on Makoto Senju...'

'For Lady Yoruichi's sake... everything is for Lady Yoruichi's command...'

In an instant, Soi Fon's expression shifted to one of firm resolve. She gritted her teeth and quietly asked, "Excuse me, are you Makoto Senju?"

"That's right."

Makoto nodded, sensing that the delicate girl in front of him looked somewhat familiar, though he couldn't immediately remember her.

"Apologies for the intrusion. I'm Soi Fon from Second Division. May I request a treatment from you?" Soi Fon asked.

Soi Fon?

Makoto's eyes flickered, immediately understanding.

Though the name was new to him, since joining the Seireitei two months ago, Makoto had gained a basic understanding of the various squads and institutions.

Among these, the Second Division and the Onmitsukido have been led for generations by the esteemed Shihoin family, one of the four great noble families of the Seireitei. The current Second Division Captain and Commander of the Onmitsukido was none other than Lady Yoruichi, known famously as the "Goddess of Flash."

Due to this longstanding Shihoin influence, many noble families devoted to their service were embedded within the Second Division.

The Fon family was one such lower noble house, long loyal to the Shihoin, where each family head inherited the title "Sui-Feng," symbolizing their willingness to serve the Shihoin family with unwavering loyalty.

'So… this girl before me is the one destined to inherit the title of "Sui-Feng" and, in the future, become the Second Division Captain after Yoruichi leaves the Soul Society?'

For a moment, Makoto's gaze held a newfound intensity as he looked at Soi Fon, causing her to instinctively take a step back.

Then, Makoto gave a warm smile.

"Don't be afraid; I'm not a bad person. Come, follow me inside…"

=============

𝕾𝖕𝖊𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖑 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖐𝖘 to 'Jacob Mooe' for accessing 'Apostle of Light' tier! (11-19-24)

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