Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Before Gin could finish speaking, Makoto scratched his head, irritated by Gin's constant fiddling with his hand rope. Then, without hesitation, he casually placed a hand on Gin's shoulder in a friendly manner.

Gin's usual half-lidded eyes snapped open in shock. His expression was so exaggerated that it was as if he had just witnessed a catastrophic explosion. But beneath the surprise, there was an undeniable hint of panic in his voice.

"What are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Makoto sighed, his tone laced with exasperation and urgency.

"Gin, I've already checked—Aizen isn't around. Just listen to me."

At those words, Gin immediately fell silent.

For a moment, he struggled to process what Makoto had just said. He had trusted him all along?

Still, despite the warmth that surged through him, Gin gritted his teeth and hesitated.

"Makoto… Have you really never doubted me? Not even once?"

Makoto met Gin's gaze head-on. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty. A soft, genuine smile appeared on his lips.

"If I can't trust you, Gin… then who else in the Soul Society would be worthy of my trust?"

Gin froze. He didn't know how to respond to that.

The truth was, Gin's speed and the deadly precision of his Zanpakutō made him the most suitable candidate for the Third Division Captaincy. The Third Division specialized in support and tactical operations, requiring a leader who could handle such responsibilities.

After hearing about the situation in Hueco Mundo from Unohana, Makoto had spent a long time analyzing the events. He could only come to one conclusion—Aizen had secretly taken control of Hueco Mundo without anyone in the Seireitei realizing it.

Gin's pupils contracted as realization struck him. A deep, unfamiliar warmth filled his chest.

Despite Yoruichi Shihōin's defection from the Seireitei, the Shihōin family still held power. Their young leader, Shihōin Yūshirō, represented their clan's influence, even if he was just a child.

Makoto himself had the skills and leadership qualities to be a captain, but he had already made his decision.

With a small chuckle, he said, "Gin, haven't you already prepared yourself for this?"

Gin hesitated.

To him, becoming a captain was nothing more than a means to an end—a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal. But at the same time, it was a position that held real weight in the Gotei 13.

Then, it hit him.

Makoto hadn't just been watching him—he had been watching Aizen's every move.

Gin clenched his fists, his voice quieter now.

"Compared to you, I'm not ready. Even if I fought Soi Fon, she might not have the chance to use her Bankai… but if she does, Captain-Commander Yamamoto would value her strength more."

Makoto shook his head slightly.

"It's not that complicated, Gin. Right now, the vacant captain positions are in the Second and Third Divisions."

Gin frowned, considering the implications.

But as he studied Makoto's expression, something dawned on him.

Makoto wasn't disappointed. There was no frustration, no resentment about missing out on the promotion. Instead, his voice carried nothing but sincerity.

"Gin. I'm thankful to you. I know you've been trying to protect me. I've felt it more than once."

Gin bit his lip but didn't reply. Before he could find the right words, Makoto continued.

"Listen, Gin. If Aizen is leading the expedition as the Fifth Division Captain, then as his Vice-captain, you'll be expected to stay behind in the division."

Gin's jaw tightened, but before he could argue, Makoto interrupted.

"To me, seeing you become a captain is far more important than taking the position myself."

Gin's throat tightened.

His voice was almost hoarse when he muttered, "But why wouldn't they choose you? With your strength, leadership, and the unanimous support of so many captains… what reason would Captain-Commander Yamamoto have to reject you?"

Makoto's expression darkened slightly.

"Because it's not up to Captain-Commander Yamamoto alone. The Central 46 has their own priorities, and the Second Division cannot remain without a captain for long. With Shihōin Yūshirō's young age, they will likely appoint Soi Fon instead."

Gin exhaled shakily. A thought echoed in his mind.

Makoto is the only one who truly understands me… the only one who trusts me completely.

He recalled his last encounter with Rangiku. Even though it had seemed like a casual meeting, there had been an unmistakable sadness in her eyes.

Gin clenched his fists.

Even Rangiku…

---

Logically speaking, the Second Division would always remain under the control of the Shihōin family. Without their approval, no one else could take the position.

Gin let out a bitter chuckle.

"Makoto, if I'm right, Aizen will definitely be part of this expedition."

Makoto nodded.

"You're not wrong about that. But you are wrong about something else."

Gin frowned. "What do you mean?"

Makoto's gaze was steady.

"Aizen Sōsuke… is far more dangerous than you think. The recent upheavals in Hueco Mundo? he's likely behind them."

"I see..." Gin muttered quietly.

For over fifty years, Makoto had trusted him unconditionally. Even now, nothing had changed.

...

A small sigh escaped Makoto's lips.

His power—Shinro Bansho—was not exactly suited for the Third Division Captaincy.

And...

The Second Division and the Onmitsukidō were practically one and the same. As a highly specialized squad, its captains had always come from the Shihōin family.

That meant there was only one possible choice.

Gin's heart pounded. An unfamiliar yet undeniable feeling swelled within him—an unshakable sense of loyalty, the kind a warrior feels toward the only person who truly understands them.

Makoto's voice was soft but firm.

"Gin, I never once doubted you. If you have a flaw, it's that you always throw yourself into danger for others without hesitation."

He patted Gin's shoulder, his tone warm.

"So, let me congratulate you in advance on your promotion."

Gin trembled slightly.

It was he who had received Makoto's kindness. It was he who had done so many things that could easily be misunderstood.

Even so…

Gin hesitated for a long time before bowing his head slightly. His voice was barely above a whisper.

"Makoto… Thank you."

Makoto simply smiled.

And at that moment, Gin finally understood... On just how much Makoto truly trust him.

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