章節 107: Chapter 108: Birthday Banquet
As of now, Makoto is facing a dilemma.
How could it be… such a coincidence?!
What should I do?
Which one should I attend?
For a moment, Makoto stood frozen in place, his mind caught in an intense internal debate.
Makoto, holding onto Soi Fon:
"The ceremony for passing down the Feng family head title is undoubtedly of immense importance to Soi Fon—an event that happens only once in a lifetime. Meanwhile, Unohana-sensei's birthday happens every year..."
Makoto, clinging to Unohana:
"But this is Unohana, the teacher I hold dear!"
Makoto, holding onto Soi Fon:
"I already promised Fon. Breaking that promise would be unbecoming of a man. Besides, Unohana-sensei hasn't formally invited me to her birthday banquet yet..."
Makoto, sticking with Unohana:
"But still, this is the beautiful and elegant Unohana-sensei!"
Makoto, loyal to Soi Fon:
"Fon personally wrote this invitation for me. How could I turn down such a heartfelt request from a pure and innocent girl? Surely, the gentle Unohana-sensei would understand."
Makoto, defending Unohana:
"Don't forget, she's also the fearsome Unohana-sensei!"
Makoto, stubborn for Soi Fon:
"A true man cannot yield to Unohana's domineering aura!"
Makoto, logical for Unohana:
"To bend and adapt is the mark of a true gentleman!"
...
For Makoto, this was an agonizingly difficult decision. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he endlessly weighed his options, unable to find a solution.
At that moment, Makoto lamented that he didn't have a shadow clone technique.
If he had it, he wouldn't just handle Soi Fon and Unohana Retsu—he'd confidently attend to every woman in an entire village without breaking a sweat!
Finally, as Makoto returned to Unohana's courtyard, his face still conflicted, he cautiously broached the subject.
"Sensei, I heard your birthday is coming up soon. Will there be a big celebration?"
"Of course..."
Unohana smiled warmly and said, "Makoto, you've been my disciple for almost a year now. It'll be the perfect occasion to formally introduce you to everyone."
Makoto instinctively leaned back in a tactical recoil upon hearing this.
"What's wrong, Makoto? You're not willing?" Unohana asked, slightly surprised.
"N-not at all. I'm just worried I might embarrass you," Makoto replied nervously.
"Don't worry, Makoto. I trust you won't do anything to disappoint me," Unohana said with gentle encouragement.
However, what Makoto heard sounded less like reassurance and more like a veiled threat.
Still, Makoto knew that as Fon's only peer and friend, his absence on such an important day might leave her with an irreparable regret for the rest of her life.
Should he test Unohana-sensei's patience? Maybe skipping out just this once wouldn't be fatal...
But as Makoto looked at Unohana's kind demeanor, he ultimately couldn't summon the courage to ask for permission to skip her birthday banquet for Fon's ceremony.
...
As Makoto continued to wrestle with his dilemma, time flew by, and before he knew it, April 21st arrived.
When night fell, the entire Fourth Division wrapped up their work early and began gathering at a plaza within the division's barracks.
Because the number of attendees was too large for Unohana's private courtyard to accommodate, the celebration had been moved to the plaza.
The atmosphere was vibrant and festive.
As the Fourth Division's vice-captain, Yamada Seinosuke, and Unohana's disciple, Senju Makoto, both bustled about making final preparations, everything—from food and drinks to entertainment—was meticulously organized. With many squad members and guests from other divisions joining, the scene was truly lively.
Although the Fourth Division members were often looked down upon by other divisions, Unohana's prestige and popularity were unparalleled within the Gotei 13.
On this rare occasion, Unohana had set aside her usual, somewhat bulky shihakusho and donned a resplendent, elegant outfit that accentuated her figure and added to her graceful charm.
Numerous captain-level guests had arrived, and Unohana personally introduced Makoto to each of them.
"This is *Rose Otoribashi, the captain of the Third Division. This is Shinji Hirako, the captain of the Fifth Division..."
*(TL/N - Rojuro Otoribashi, A.K.A Rose Otoribashi)
"Haha, Makoto, the healer! We met in Rukongai last time. With your talent, you'll surely surpass your teacher someday. Unohana-sensei has found herself an outstanding disciple," said Hirako, laughing.
Makoto played the role of a dutiful disciple, nodding politely, though his gaze lingered briefly on Aizen Sōsuke, who stood behind Hirako.
Aizen adjusted his glasses and gave Makoto a friendly wave, which Makoto returned with a courteous nod before hurrying to follow Unohana to meet the next guest.
"This is Kensei Muguruma, the captain of the Ninth Division..."
"No need for introductions, Captain Unohana. Makoto here saved my life not long ago!"
Muguruma gave Makoto a hearty slap on the shoulder, then hesitated and added with an awkward expression, "Your treatment last time was effective, but... maybe go easier on the rough methods in the future?"
Makoto confidently replied, "Oh, that was just a lack of proper medical tools at the time. Next time, it'll be done as by the book!"
...!!
Muguruma froze, not quite sure how to respond.
As the night progressed, other captains Ginrei Kuchiki of the Sixth Division, Love Aikawa of the Seventh Division, and Shunsui Kyōraku of the Eighth Division—also arrived.
When it was Shunsui's turn, he handed Unohana three gifts and remarked with a grin, "Captain Unohana, you look absolutely stunning tonight—worthy of your title as one of the most beautiful women in the Soul Society..."
But as Unohana's warm gaze subtly turned sharper, Shunsui quickly straightened up and said solemnly, "A small token of appreciation, please accept it. One gift is from me, one from Captain-Commander Yamamoto, and the last from Ukitake, who wanted to attend but unfortunately fell ill again."
Unohana graciously accepted the gifts and thanked Shunsui.
Ginrei Kuchiki also presented three gifts, explaining formally, "Today coincides with the Feng family's headship ceremony under the Shihōin Clan, so Captain Shihōin and Captain Urahara could not attend. They entrusted me to deliver these gifts on their behalf."
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