Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Makoto awoke with a start, his previously relaxed posture against the edge of the hot spring instantly stiffening. His head whipped toward the source of the sound.

What greeted his eyes was Isane, arms full of squad documents. Her cheeks were so flushed they seemed about to drip blood, her head bowed as if glued to the ground. Her eyes refused to meet Makoto's, fixating instead on her toes as though they held the secrets of the universe.

"Ah? Isane?" Makoto called out, his voice carrying a mix of relief and surprise.

Realizing it was her, the heart that had nearly leapt out of his chest settled back in place. He grabbed the white towel resting on his head and wiped away the sweat, once again leaning lazily against the spring's edge.

Not Unohana-sensei—so nothing to worry about.

Isane was someone he could trust. There was no need to fear she'd report him to Unohana.

Makoto stretched his arms along the hot spring's edge, settling into a more comfortable position with his eyes closed. His tone was casual as he asked, "What's the matter, Isane?"

"Y-yes, Vice-captain Senju. I… I have some squad paperwork that needs your signature," Isane stammered, her voice trembling. Her cheeks, already red, seemed to deepen in color, and her legs wobbled slightly.

For members of the Fourth Division, dealing with corpses and studying spiritual bodies were rudimentary skills. Isane had worked on countless male shinigami corpses during her time in the mortuary. She had also assisted Makoto in treating numerous injured male shinigami, seeing every variety of spiritual body imaginable.

Yet, when her peripheral vision caught sight of Makoto's streamlined muscles, she found herself unable to lift her head. Her eyes betrayed her, irresistibly drawn toward him despite her best efforts.

"Paperwork?" Makoto tilted his head towards the sunset-streaked sky, his back still facing Isane. "Is it urgent? Does it have to be done today?"

"Not… not really," Isane replied softly.

"In that case, let's handle it tomorrow," Makoto said after a pause. "Isane, squad duties never truly end. Once it's rest time, you should rest properly. Work and life need to be separate; otherwise, exhaustion will catch up to you. Got it?"

"Yes… yes…" Isane mumbled, trying to keep her gaze averted. She stared determinedly at her toes—only to realize she couldn't even see them over her chest.

Makoto chuckled softly. Despite her agreement, he knew workaholics like Isane rarely heeded such advice. She'd likely return to her tasks shortly, striving to handle squad duties impeccably.

"Isane," Makoto suddenly asked, "do you have a moment?"

"Huh? What?"

"Let's chat for a bit. I've been relying on you to assist me with squad duties, but I've never really gotten to know you. That's my failing as a Vice-captain," Makoto said gently.

"I… I'm not remarkable like you, Vice-captain Senju. I don't have any special qualities," Isane stammered, her voice laden with nervousness.

"How could that be? I've seen with my own eyes how exceptional you are. Are you doubting my judgment?" Makoto teased lightly.

"No, no, I wouldn't dare! I would never question you!" Isane denied hastily, panic lacing her voice.

"That's more like it. So, Isane, have a little more confidence in yourself."

Makoto paused briefly before continuing. "And, during non-work hours, drop the 'Vice-captain Senju.'"

"Yes… M-Makoto-san…" Isane's hesitant voice carried a timid warmth.

Makoto shook his head with a faint smile at her shy response. Just as he reached for his teacup, he noticed it was empty. Before he could say anything, Isane knelt behind him, carefully refilling it.

"Thanks, Isane," Makoto said with a warm smile as he accepted the tea. After taking a sip, he asked, "By the way, do you have any hobbies?"

"H-hobbies?" Isane blinked, taken aback. After some thought, she replied, "I… I like eating porridge."

"Porridge?" Makoto froze for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected answer.

"It's true!" Isane said quickly, misinterpreting his reaction. "Porridge is delicious, and it helps keep me from growing any taller."

Makoto chuckled at her endearingly self-conscious response. "Besides porridge, is there anything else? Any interests or pastimes?"

"Well… I like sewing. And… and ikebana. Though I'm not good at it…" Isane admitted shyly.

"Ikebana? If you're interested, I can teach you sometime. Consider it my way of thanking you for helping me with squad duties. How about it?" Makoto offered.

"That… that wouldn't be right! I can't take up your time like that, Makoto-san."

"It's decided," Makoto said firmly. "You can't just focus on work all the time; you need a life of your own."

"Thank you… Makoto-san…"

As the steam rose around them, the two fell into a relaxed rhythm of idle conversation. They discussed everything from hobbies and life goals to childhood memories and family anecdotes.

Unwittingly, their chat turned the moment into a cozy little hot spring tea party. Through their conversation, Makoto gained a deeper understanding of Isane, the usually timid and reserved shinigami.

Gradually, lulled by the warmth of the water and the comfort of the moment, Makoto felt himself drifting off.

But the faint sound of approaching footsteps brought him back to consciousness. He rubbed his face with the hot spring water to clear his head. It was time to leave.

Just as he reached for the towel he'd left by the spring's edge, a fresh one was handed to him. Makoto took it reflexively and murmured, "Thanks, Isane."

The towel's white fabric brought him to an abrupt halt.

Wait… The sleeve wasn't black like a shihakusho—it was white. A captain's haori.

Makoto snapped his head around, his heart sinking. Standing behind him was none other than Unohana, her face adorned with a serene smile. Her soft, crimson lips parted as she asked, "Isane?"

=========================

Consider joining me on P@treon For 50+ Advance Chapters:

P@treon: [email protected]/JustaPasserby