At this, everyone exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
As masters of intrigue, they knew Fujimiya Makoto's future status all too well.
Yamamoto entrusting the academy to him meant what?
A secure position as successor, of course.
And scheming under Fujimiya Makoto's nose...
That's Fujimiya Makoto we're talking about!
"The Shihouin clan isn't interested."
Shihouin Yoruichi didn't bother with pleasantries, standing and walking out.
Kuchiki Ginrei hurriedly said, "Lady Shihouin, at least consider your clan's—"
"Slam."
The door closed with a dull thud.
Watching her leave, Kuchiki Ginrei felt a twinge of regret but accepted reality.
After all, she had been defeated by Fujimiya Makoto before—likely a bitter memory.
No matter.
There were still others among the Five Great Noble Clans.
"Well, Shiba—"
Before he could finish, Shiba Kaien stretched lazily, standing and smiling:
"I won't keep you either."
"Ginrei, next time, just send word. I'll make sure to 'fall ill.'"
"Hehe."
This is ridiculous.
He didn't want another beating from the three most fearsome women in Soul Society.
Bye-bye.
The dark-skinned man snapped his fingers, vanishing with a grin, leaving only a faint breeze.
Kuchiki Ginrei's expression froze.
You're leaving too?!
Your clan is noble too!
Heirs of Soul Society's highest bloodline!
"Uh, Lord Ginrei..."
Kanamito Mitsunobu raised a trembling hand.
Kuchiki Ginrei looked at him, slightly relieved, forcing a warm smile: "Mitsunobu, for the Kanamito clan's sake, you'll support me, right?"
"No, Lord Ginrei."
Kanamito Mitsunobu's expression turned awkward, whispering: "Fujimiya-dono may seem harmless, but when he fights... he's truly merciless."
"So, please don't provoke him."
"I'll, uh, take my leave."
With that, Kanamito Mitsunobu felt he'd done his duty.
Having been captured by Fujimiya Makoto once, he wouldn't give him another chance!
This mess was for someone else to deal with.
"Slam."
The door closed, leaving Kuchiki Ginrei standing alone, staring at the empty seats, bewildered.
Was this the power of Fujimiya Makoto's name?
After a long silence, he growled:
"Damn it."
"I refuse to believe this!"
...
"Achoo."
Fujimiya Makoto sat on the tatami mat, sneezing lightly.
A warm breeze brushed his face.
After class, he'd eaten a hearty meal at his usual spot, bathed, and arrived here as instructed.
With the academy's affairs handled, it was time for serious business.
He turned, gazing at the courtyard's lush greenery, feeling at peace.
Captain Unohana's home wasn't spacious—compared to the large compound assigned to Saito, it was even slightly cramped.
But Unohana Retsu, devoted solely to her sword, preferred simplicity; being served only made her uncomfortable.
Fujimiya Makoto sat quietly, pouring himself tea.
He'd promised to show his Shikai to his teacher after today's class.
Unfortunately, the timing was off.
Captain Unohana was still bathing.
Due to the cramped space, the bath was behind the wall beside him.
With his enhanced hearing, he could faintly hear the gentle flow of water.
Occasionally, his broken Zanpakuto's muffled, eager voice reached his ears.
[You're not moving yet?!]
[Move already!]
[Such a perfect opportunity—if you're not looking, I am!]
[Captain Unohana! Yukionna's playful master!]
[Makoto, please!]
The noisy voice irritated him, disrupting even his post-bath calm.
"Shut up!"
Fujimiya Makoto snapped.
What was there to see?
In such a small house, even he could hear the water next door—Captain Unohana would surely hear everything on this side.
If he pressed against the wall, wouldn't she slash him immediately?
That broken sword was trouble.
So annoying!
[Mumble mumble—]
Even with its mouth stuffed, the sword's chatter wouldn't stop.
Until... damp, slow footsteps echoed from behind the door.
"Patter, patter."
Unohana Retsu, still slightly damp, entered barefoot, closing the door.
Fujimiya Makoto turned.
Today, Captain Unohana wore only a loose linen bathrobe, holding a towel, her head tilted as she dried her wet black hair.
Perhaps from the steam, her usually pale cheeks had a rare post-bath flush, her gaze softer than usual.
"Teacher."
Fujimiya Makoto sat upright, eyes fixed ahead.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Makoto."
Unohana Retsu's gentle smile carried a hint of warmth: "You must have been looking forward to this, haven't you?"
If it were anyone else, alone with a beautiful woman fresh from her bath, in such an intimate setting, they'd likely imagine... something else.
But Fujimiya Makoto knew better.
Captain Unohana meant... battle.
"Not yet."
He nodded slightly, calm: "But at least I've earned the right to show you."
"Makoto, you're so confident."
Unohana Retsu's smile brightened, a rare hint of excitement in her eyes.
"But I am eager to see your performance."
"Let's move somewhere else first."
She gestured casually toward him.
[Forbidden Technique: Spatial Displacement]
In an instant, an orange cube of light enveloped them.
They vanished.
When Fujimiya Makoto opened his eyes, they stood in a familiar barren plain.
Unohana Retsu faced him silently, an asauchi in hand.
As she turned, her expression shifted to a fierce, crimson-tinted gaze, smiling:
"Let me see it, Makoto."
"Your Shikai."