Chapter 196: Chapter 197: The Rank of a Mid-level Noble
"Yes, sir..."
Aoki Risa straightened her posture and reported in a firm tone, "The treatment of the twelve injured members of the Sixth Division has been completed. Additionally, the remains of eighteen Sixth Division members have been recovered."
"Vice-Captain Kuchiki Sojun of the Sixth Division has also fully recovered under Captain Unohana's care in the Seireitei and is no longer in any danger."
Makoto nodded, then accompanied Risa on an inspection of the wounded at the temporary medical camp. The injured greeted them warmly, expressing gratitude despite their circumstances.
Due to the condition of some patients who couldn't yet be moved, the joint team comprising the Fourth, Sixth, and Eighth Divisions would remain in the Human World for a few more days.
Afterwards, Makoto took a walk nearby with Risa.
The aftermath of the battle the night before was evident. Although the Shinigami had tried their best to avoid harming humans, the surrounding 500-meter radius bore scars that looked like the result of a monstrous rampage. Craters, scorched earth, and shattered terrain painted an unexplainable picture by human standards.
The Human World's authorities had cordoned off the area, explaining it as a "tiny meteor shower" with no casualties. However, such an implausible explanation didn't sit well with the curious onlookers, and rumors ran wild.
"It must have been a monster, right?!"
"A monster? No way. Ultraman isn't real—it's probably an urban legend!"
"I agree! Maybe it was a battle between Hachishaku-sama and Shuten-dōji?"
"Ridiculous. Clearly, it was a fight between a Tengu and a Bone Woman!"
…
Ordinary humans lacked sufficient spiritual power to see Shinigami or Hollows. Thus, even though Makoto and Risa walked past them, they remained invisible to the crowd.
Makoto couldn't help but grimace as he listened to their speculative chatter.
Unfortunately, the Technology Development Bureau had yet to create tools like Kikanshinki, so the evidence of Shinigami battles often led humans to attribute the destruction to monsters, ghosts, or urban legends.
As Makoto strolled around, he noticed stark differences between the history of this world and his previous life. Still, certain technological developments felt surprisingly familiar, fueling his curiosity.
The visit to the Human World was refreshing. Makoto couldn't help but envy those like Yoruichi, who often found ways to enjoy themselves here.
The rigid traditions of the Seireitei made it impossible to match the entertainment and progress of the Human World.
Makoto even went out of his way to tour a local hospital with Risa.
When it came to uniforms, the Human World seemed far ahead in both functionality and aesthetics!
After observing their practices, Makoto shared his insights with Risa, commenting, "Their medical uniforms are particularly noteworthy... Compared to the somber black of the Shihakushō, their white, minimalist design offers patients a sense of cleanliness, purity, and reassurance. It's an improvement we in the Fourth Division should consider adopting. As healers, we must not cling to old ways but embrace change and innovation."
Risa nodded fervently, taking notes in her small notebook to draft future development plans for the Fourth Division.
Over the following days, Makoto frequently led Risa on explorations across the Human World. Along the way, he performed Konso ceremonies to guide wandering souls, fulfilling his Shinigami duties.
However, the Seireitei soon issued orders for all Shinigami to return.
Makoto felt a pang of regret as he prepared to leave. Standing at the precipice of the Senkaimon, he glanced back at the bustling Human World one last time.
"Someday, I'll get a gigai ready and enjoy this world to its fullest..."
With that thought, Makoto was the first to step through the Senkaimon, leading the team back to the Seireitei.
Upon arrival, a First Division messenger awaited him.
"Vice-Captain Senju, please follow me to the First Division. The Captains are waiting for you."
Makoto was surprised.
Since Sojun had already returned, any investigation into the incident should have been handled through him. However, considering Sojun's noble status and the delicate timing, multiple confirmations might not be unusual.
When Makoto entered the First Division's meeting hall, he found an intimidating lineup. At the head stood Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, flanked by numerous captains, including Jūshirō Ukitake. The only notable absence was Kenpachi Zaraki.
The sight left Makoto momentarily dazed.
His gaze briefly lingered on Captain Unohana, who responded with a calm yet reassuring smile.
"Now then…"
Yamamoto opened his eyes, which seemed to carry the weight of centuries, and spoke with a commanding presence.
"Vice-Captain Senju of the Fourth Division, please provide a truthful account of your experiences in the Human World."
Under Yamamoto's stern gaze, Makoto steadied himself and began recounting the events in an unhurried, composed manner.
Much of what he described revolved around providing medical aid and acting as an observer during the conflict. He saw no need to fabricate details.
However, when it came to his use of Shinra Banshō: Jukai Kotan, Makoto downplayed the specifics, vaguely attributing the retreat of the Adjuchas-class Hollow to sensing Captain Kyōraku's imminent arrival.
As he finished describing his actions and subsequent exhaustion from overexertion, the captains remained silent.
Unohana gave Makoto a knowing glance, her warm smile laced with subtle amusement. She alone understood that Makoto's wood-based abilities didn't drain his energy so drastically, but she said nothing.
Finally, Yamamoto glanced at Kuchiki Ginrei, who gave a slight nod.
"Boom!"
The sound of Yamamoto's staff striking the floor echoed through the room as he declared,
"In light of Vice-Captain Senju's exemplary performance and decisive actions, which saved over ten members of the Sixth Division, he is hereby awarded the status of Mid-level Noble as recognition of his achievements!"
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