Seeing this, Makoto naturally didn't feel the need to put on airs in front of Byakuya, and gently said, "It's fine, this isn't your fault at all. It's entirely the fault of the Captain of the Second Division."
Upon hearing Makoto shift the blame to Yoruichi, Byakuya instinctively felt a greater sense of camaraderie with him.
As expected... great minds think alike! It's all that devilish cat's fault!
Had it not been for the presence of Soi Fon and Urahara Kisuke, Byakuya might have been unable to stop himself from joining Makoto in denouncing Yoruichi right then and there.
That cursed cat... it deserves to be stripped of its fur by a Hollow and die in utter humiliation.
Then, Byakuya handed over an exquisite long box to Makoto.
"What's this?" Makoto asked, confused.
"Since this is an apology to you, Makoto, if the gift doesn't match your worth, it would surely be an insult."
As he spoke, Byakuya opened the box, revealing a delicate piece of translucent, almost gossamer-like white fabric. Upon closer inspection, one could see intricate, exquisite patterns woven throughout it.
Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze!
Byakuya spoke with solemn respect.
"Makoto, this Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze is a rare work by the third-generation master weaver, Tsujishiro Kuroemon III. It represents the reputation and honor of the Kuchiki family."
This gift was completely unexpected for Makoto.
He knew that, in terms of commercial value alone, this piece of Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze was worth more than ten courtyards like the one Urahara lived in. Its rarity was clear.
"This... Byakuya, this is too precious. It's just a small matter; there's no need for something like this," Makoto said, reluctant to accept.
"No, Makoto..."
Byakuya insisted.
"This gift is the result of careful thought. I believe your resolve and talents are more than worthy of it. It symbolizes the friendship between the Kuchiki family and yourself. Please, do not refuse it."
At this point, Makoto realized that further rejection would likely lead to misunderstandings, so he allowed Byakuya to personally drape the valuable Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze around his shoulders.
In that moment... Makoto privately rejoiced that he had resolved the conflict with Byakuya the night before. Had the Silk been damaged due to a misunderstanding, given his salary, he would have had to work for Urahara for a hundred years to repay it.
Of course, even though he accepted the Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze, Makoto wasn't the type to flaunt it. He wouldn't wear such an extravagant piece casually, as that would make him look like a nouveau riche showing off.
The true significance of receiving the Silk was in recognizing the Kuchiki family's acknowledgment and friendship.
In a way, Makoto, now possessing the Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze, bore the Kuchiki family's emblem in the eyes of many noble families within the Soul Society. They began to see him as a close friend of the Kuchiki family's heir, Byakuya.
However, this moment was just a small ripple in Makoto's life.
Beyond the increased closeness between him and Byakuya, becoming one of the rare individuals acknowledged by him within the Soul Society, Makoto's life quickly returned to its usual calm, shuttling between the courtyard and the medical office.
It wasn't clear whether the sudden rise of the "Gynecology Noble" nickname for Makoto was a result of the battle with Byakuya or due to the increased attention brought by the Kuchiki family's recognition.
Of course, it might also be due to his growing reputation within the Fourth Division, with many more patients seeking his medical expertise. He quickly became one of the most popular physicians in the department.
If it weren't for Makoto being male, some of the shyer young female Shinigami might not have hesitated, but his increasing patient load was clear.
Even so, with the growing number of patients, Aoki Risa had to move to an adjacent office, leaving Makoto with a private space to work.
Upon hearing this news, Soi Fon nearly cheered with excitement, "Hooray!"
Risa, on the other hand, seemed to retreat into herself for several days before recovering.
What frustrated Makoto, however, was that most of his patients were experienced female Shinigami.
These women, despite their mature looks and seasoned experience, would often tease Makoto, who appeared innocent and gentle, with playful remarks. Their lack of respect for his professionalism as a doctor was often blatant.
Without Risa's restraint, these older women seemed to let loose entirely, even requesting unnecessary treatments just to get a rise out of him.
Makoto, always upholding his high ethical standards as a doctor, firmly rejected any inappropriate requests.
"Depraved women, you will not break my will!"
Yet, the more pure and innocent Makoto appeared, the more excited the women became. Some seemed to enjoy seeing him blush at their teasing.
There were even rumors circulating within the Soul Society about a newly formed organization named the "Special Communication Association for Capturing Doctor Senju."
When Makoto confirmed the matter, he discovered the president of the association was... Aoki Risa?!
Furthermore, Risa was apparently collecting photos of Makoto to hold strange meetings for the association.
Upon hearing this, Makoto couldn't help but retreat, questioning Risa's true intentions.
Could it be that Risa had seen his potential and had been ingratiating herself with him all along to set up this bizarre association?
And perhaps she had been trying to gather more experienced female Shinigami to further her own hidden goals?
Such deep scheming!
This explained why Risa had been so determined to keep Fon away from him, fearing that Fon might disrupt her plans.
As for whether Risa had feelings for him, Makoto instantly dismissed the idea. After all, Risa was a true lily, and it was as unlikely for her to develop feelings for a man as it was for something absurd like a relationship between him and Aizen to happen.
Was that even possible?
No, it wasn't!
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