Chapter 87: Should I... Go back to that?

To summarize, in Makoto's words, Yamada Seinosuke had practically become the leading figure in healing techniques and medical arts within the Seireitei. His skill was almost on par with Unohana herself. Yet, Seinosuke's combat ability was rather average, making him easy to control.

In other words, if Aizen ever needed a talent proficient in healing arts to aid in his research or conspiracies, well...

I—Senju Makoto—can vouch with all my heart that my idol, Yamada Seinosuke, perfectly meets Aizen's criteria.

Masterful in healing and kidō, soft-spoken, and easygoing.

Yes, that's right. I'm just a newbie, so if there's any trouble, you can direct it all to my revered vice-captain, Yamada Seinosuke.

Finally, with admiration gleaming in his eyes, Makoto spoke with a heartfelt tone.

"Vice-Captain Yamada is one of the people I admire the most. He's also the one who brought me into Fourth Division. These days, Vice-Captain Yamada rarely steps in to treat anyone personally. Even offering extra compensation might not persuade him..."

"But if Vice-Captain Aizen needs an introduction, I'd be happy to help. I think Vice-Captain Yamada wouldn't refuse."

Aizen smiled and shook his head gently. "No need, Makoto. Vice-Captain Yamada and I often cross paths. In fact, we recently had a pleasant conversation in the adjutant waiting room. There's no need to trouble you."

"Is that so? What a pity…"

Makoto's innocent smile hinted at disappointment, as if truly sorry he couldn't assist. He bowed respectfully to Aizen and said, "In that case, I won't take up any more of your time, Vice-Captain Aizen."

With that, Makoto turned and briskly walked away.

It wasn't until then—after Makoto's playful digression had thoroughly derailed the conversation—that Aizen remembered his original purpose.

However, when Aizen lifted his gaze again, Makoto had already disappeared around the corner.

Aizen adjusted his glasses, his eyes following the direction where Makoto had vanished. Silently, he thought to himself:

Chasing him now would be too obvious...

But Makoto-kun, a Shinigami from Rukongai, noticed the threat I posed the very first time we met in Seireitei…

As expected, Makoto-kun, you and I are the same.

---

Meanwhile, with a calm expression but hurried steps, Makoto made his way back toward Fourth Division.

Aizen showing up in person? Makoto was certain that man had an agenda.

Yet Makoto understood one thing clearly: it was better to disrupt Aizen's rhythm entirely than to get drawn into it.

Even if such behavior might arouse Aizen's suspicions, it was still far better than being manipulated by him.

Suddenly, Makoto stopped in his tracks and spoke to the empty air around him.

"Vice-Captain Aizen, is he following me?"

The next moment, the shadowy figure of Urozakuro materialized before him. With a curious tone, she answered, "No, he's not."

Pausing, Urozakuro circled around Makoto with a puzzled expression. "Makoto-kun, you can actually sense how dangerous that man is?"

Makoto didn't respond to her question. Instead, he asked one of his own—a question that surprised Urozakuro even more.

"Aizen's zanpakutō, Kyoka Suigetsu—its true countermeasure is to touch the blade before he activates complete hypnosis, right?"

"You… even know that?" Urozakuro's voice faltered with astonishment.

From the moment Makoto had entered Seireitei, Urozakuro had observed his every move. This was only his second encounter with Aizen, and yet Makoto seemed to know so many of Aizen's secrets.

Could it be… Makoto's zanpakutō, which can manipulate spirit particles, also allows him to merge with Seireitei's spiritual fabric? Urozakuro pondered. No, that can't be right. If it did, Makoto wouldn't need to ask me.

For the first time, Urozakuro found herself doubting her own understanding of Makoto's zanpakutō. Her previous theories about its abilities suddenly seemed unclear.

Nonetheless, under Makoto's persistent questioning, Urozakuro confirmed his suspicions.

Aizen's zanpakutō, Kyoka Suigetsu, indeed had the power of "complete hypnosis." Once someone witnessed its release, they would forever remain under its influence.

The only way to break free was to touch the blade before complete hypnosis took effect.

In essence, within the illusionary world crafted by Kyoka Suigetsu, touching the blade—the one true reality—would return everything to reality.

For Urozakuro, who was bonded to Seireitei's reishi through her wielder, she was essentially always in contact with Kyoka Suigetsu. Thus, she remained immune to its illusions.

Eventually, under Makoto's questioning, Urozakuro also revealed that on the day of the Adjuchas invasion, Aizen and Tōsen Kaname had secretly left Seireitei using Kyoka Suigetsu's powers.

Hearing this, Makoto finally believed Urozakuro hadn't been affected by Kyoka Suigetsu, and that his memory of how to counter "complete hypnosis" was accurate.

He also confirmed one of his own suspicions.

Aizen had likely witnessed the moment Makoto fully unlocked the true power of his zanpakutō, Shinro Bansho, and even seen when Makoto's spiritual pressure had vanished completely.

Makoto's eyes flickered thoughtfully before he turned to Urozakuro with a bright, innocent smile.

"Zaku-Sister, could I ask you for a favor?"

"Oh?" Urozakuro's ethereal figure leaned closer, her mouth near Makoto's ear as she whispered teasingly. "Makoto-kun, you've always treated me so harshly before—calling me annoying and bothersome at every turn..."

"How could I?" Makoto replied with a slightly aggrieved tone. "Zaku-Sister voice is so sweet and soothing, like a melody from the heavens. If I've ever hesitated to listen, it's only because I was afraid I'd fall for it and never recover."

Hearing this, Urozakuro hesitated, as if conflicted, before speaking.

"Really? But… I think I preferred the old you—the outwardly gentle and kind, yet inwardly aloof and prideful Makoto-kun. Whenever you showed disdain for me… it made me want to punch you, or maybe just hug you tightly."

Makoto tilted his head innocently. "Should I… go back to that?"

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

Consider joining me on P@treon For 50+ Advance Chapters:

P@treon: p@treon.com/JustaPasserby