Chapter 201: Chapter 202: The 'Tough' Senju Makoto
Ultimately, Makoto convinced himself to commit fully to the development of a green version of Shunko.
Meanwhile, in the stillness of night, Unohana, accustomed to Makoto's presence, found herself uncomfortably aware of his absence. While she didn't experience profound loneliness, she certainly felt a sense of unfamiliarity.
No longer finding solace in her usual pastimes—Ikebana, tea tasting, or Kaido research—she noticed her thoughts frequently drifting to Makoto.
Especially in this period where Makoto avoided returning to her courtyard, Unohana's awareness of his absence became more pronounced.
She grew disinterested in her usual hobbies and, before she realized it, picked up a sketchbook Makoto had left behind—a supposed "evidence of his misdeeds."
The first time Unohana had discovered the contents of this sketchbook, she'd been filled with rage, determined to identify the audacious individual who dared to defile her image in such a way.
But after confirming that it was indeed Makoto's work, she abandoned thoughts of severely punishing him, opting instead for a minor reprimand.
Yet, the situation had developed beyond Unohana's expectations. Makoto, in a rare display of defiance, expressed his displeasure by outright refusing to return to her quarters.
This first act of rebellion left Unohana with an inexplicable sense of distance between them. For the first time, she wondered if she had ever truly tried to understand and accept Makoto's preferences.
After all, it had always been Makoto accommodating hers.
Lost in thought, Unohana held the sketchbook in her hands, her brows furrowing and relaxing repeatedly before she sighed softly.
"Perhaps I've been too harsh on Makoto. Interfering with his hobbies so excessively is beyond the scope of a teacher's responsibilities."
After a moment's hesitation, Unohana began to slowly flip through the sketchbook.
Unlike the cursory glance she'd given it before, this time she carefully examined every page.
As she studied the vivid depictions of herself in various poses—expressing sweetness, allure, or charm—her face grew noticeably flushed.
After a long while, with her cheeks glowing, Unohana closed the sketchbook, touched her warm face, and murmured softly.
"Makoto… how bold of you. I'm over a thousand years old—can I really pull off such embarrassing poses?"
"And even if I could, would such undignified postures suit someone of my age?"
As the thought surfaced, her legs unconsciously shifted into a playful, duck-like seated position, mimicking one of the illustrations.
The next moment, Unohana abruptly stood, as though nothing had happened, and returned the sketchbook to its place.
For her, this sketchbook was undoubtedly something that must never be exposed to others.
Had anyone else drawn it—any other Shinigami—Unohana would have likely sent them to the Maggot's Nest on fabricated charges without hesitation.
---
Unaware of Unohana's subtle change in perspective, Makoto continued to avoid her like the plague, his guilt making him almost paranoid whenever they crossed paths.
Meanwhile, his newly bestowed "Mid-tier noble rank" status in the Seireitei was fully formalized.
In addition to being granted land and a residence for the newly recognized Senju Clan, he received numerous emblems and symbols befitting his rank.
The Seireitei even consulted him when designing the Senju Clan's noble crest, which bore a striking resemblance to his ikebana "Forest and the Spiraea."
With this, Makoto could now choose to have his clan's crest embroidered on his Shinigami uniform as a mark of his noble status.
However, he found such practices pointless and continued wearing a standard uniform, maintaining the same treatment towards his subordinates.
Only during the formal ceremony for his nobility did he reluctantly follow Seireitei's traditions. The event became the liveliest occasion since the Hollowfication incident.
The grand houses of the Seireitei, including the Shihoin, Kuchiki, and Omaeda families, all sent lavish gifts. Many divisions also extended their congratulations, ensuring that Makoto's status was celebrated in grandeur.
Notably, a group known as the "Special Communication Association for Capturing Doctor Senju." sent hundreds of female Shinigami, making Makoto feel like he was opening a beauty salon rather than becoming a noble.
Even after the ceremony, Makoto didn't move into his designated estate but continued living in the Kuchiki residence.
Byakuya had arranged an impeccable living environment for him, even assigning two maids to take care of his daily needs.
At times, Makoto found himself thinking, "This life is so pleasant that I'm starting to forget about the Unohana quarters altogether."
The Kuchiki Clan's wealth and attention to detail in lifestyle were, without question, impeccable.
---
One night, as Makoto lay asleep, he was startled by uncharacteristic noises in the normally tranquil Kuchiki estate.
Sitting up, he instinctively sensed the spiritual pressures around him and asked, "What's going on?"
His query was directed at Urozakuro, whose spiritual form lounged beside him with one hand propped under her chin. Her tone carried an unusual lilt as she replied.
"Kuchiki Koga has been framed by his comrades during a mission. Normally, given the Kuchiki Clan's influence, this wouldn't be a big deal. A bit of cold treatment would smooth things over, even if the truth couldn't be clarified."
"However, Koga seems to have taken things too far. While detained in the First Division's holding area, he used his Zanpakuto to break out, killing three Shinigami in the process. He's now fled back to the Kuchiki estate, hoping to use their Senkaimon to escape the Seireitei…"
Urozakuro paused briefly before continuing.
"Well, well, it seems the fighting has already started."
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