Chapter 3: What I Hope For...

As for Ikkaku Madarame, he didn't overthink it. The reason he was so intent on pulling Makoto into the Eleventh Division wasn't just because he considered him a dear friend, but also because he had grown accustomed to the constant "healing" Makoto provided, which allowed him to fully indulge in the thrill of battle.

After all, Makoto's "healing"… was truly abundant!

"Makoto, don't worry. I'll always protect you. As long as I draw breath, I will stand in front of you. If the enemy wants to touch you, they'll have to step over my corpse!"

Ikkaku thumped his chest, speaking with absolute certainty, his bald head gleaming as though radiating light.

Yet, Makoto had no idea what had given Ikkaku such audacious courage. Was it the "healing" he could constantly provide in battle?

Step over Ikkaku's corpse…

Truth be told, Makoto honestly didn't think that would be much of a challenge.

After all, despite Ikkaku's bald, tough-guy appearance, his strength still hadn't reached the level that matched his image.

A Seat Officer!

From Makoto's estimation, Ikkaku might be in the top tier among the graduating class, but within a division, he could barely be considered a Seat Officer.

Just this?

And you dare get a dedicated "healer"?

Makoto mused silently, his lips twitching slightly as he reminded, "Ikkaku, don't set such a flag. We're friends, and I've never thought of taking your seat…"

At this point, Makoto paused, realizing he almost let his true feelings slip.

"Ahem…"

Shifting his tone, Makoto spoke sincerely, "Ikkaku, everyone has different aspirations. I understand you long for exhilarating and fulfilling battles, and as your friend, I'll always support you…"

"However, what I hope for is not battle, but healing. My dream is to save lives, to pull those lost in suffering out of the pain they face. But that's something I cannot achieve in the Eleventh Division, where combat is the focus."

"Do you… understand?"

At that moment, Makoto spoke as if advising a patient with no cure, his tone gentle and sincere.

Ikkaku blinked, nodded, and said, "That's right, Makoto. I often feel lost because I can't find an opponent, and I'm always aching from battles… Hmm, maybe the entire Eleventh Division is full of people with injuries you can treat, helping you realize your dream…"

He paused, then grabbed Makoto's hand and gave it a firm squeeze. "Makoto, your muscles contain so much power, and sometimes I can feel your burning desire for battle. I'm sure you're just lacking the opportunity to unlock that potential. Come to the Eleventh Division. It'll open a whole new world for you, believe me!"

Hearing this, Makoto's expression froze.

Although he had known Ikkaku for several years, Makoto, who sometimes found his own thoughts a little… unusual, couldn't help but feel that Ikkaku's unique way of thinking was rather strange.

Is this… normal?

Can anyone even come up with an answer like that?

Could you be a bit more restrained with your palm? What do you mean by "lack of opportunity for development"? What's this "new world door" you speak of?

Just as Makoto was about to give up on trying to correct Ikkaku's thought process and find a way to escape this verbal trap, a shadow loomed behind him. The towering, muscular figure of Kenpachi Zaraki appeared suddenly at his back.

Zaraki looked down from his imposing height at the three men squeezed together like a sandwich. His eyes scanned their faces, and as if recalling something, he spoke.

"Oh? You're Ikkaku Madarame? And Ayasegawa Yumichika?"

At that moment, Ikkaku and Ayasegawa quickly released their hold on Makoto, their bodies tensing as they bent slightly at the waist, their faces full of excitement and eager response.

"Kenpachi! We've come as promised. From now on, please allow us to serve as your subordinates and follow you."

Zaraki crossed his arms, his expression indifferent, as he responded with a casual tone, "Do what you want. But if you start interfering with my enjoyment of battle, I'll cut you down, too."

Ikkaku and Ayasegawa beamed with joy, as if they had been given some great reward, their voices full of excitement. "Yes!"

Meanwhile, Yachiru, perched on Zaraki's shoulder, blinked her eyes, seemingly recognizing something. With a cheerful smile, she waved her hand.

"Ah, it's you guys! Baldie, princess…"

In an instant, Ikkaku and Ayasegawa's smiles froze.

A vein bulged on Ikkaku's forehead, but he didn't dare to snap back. He explained awkwardly, "That nickname wasn't the one from last time…"

Yachiru poked her chin thoughtfully, as if deep in contemplation, murmuring, "Hmm? Not 'Baldie'? Is it 'Baldhead'?"

"..." Ikkaku.

Just as Makoto was about to quietly slip away to avoid ruining the moment, his back retreating slightly, Ikkaku grabbed his arm once more, immediately shifting the conversation back to Zaraki.

"Kenpachi, this is my friend Senju Makoto whom I met at the Shin'o Academy. Can you let him join the Eleventh Division?"

In an instant, Makoto's expression completely froze.

What?!

Who would want to join the Eleventh Division, a place where 99% of the members are either muscle-bound or… well, very close with each other?

Moreover, considering the entire Eleventh Division's collective intelligence could probably fit into the mind of the big boss Aizen Sosuke who lurks in the Soul Society, what would happen if he unknowingly got assimilated once he joined?

Zaraki looked at Ikkaku's serious face, and finally his curiosity turned toward Makoto.

A boy with black hair and eyes, his build and appearance similar to the pretty-boy Ayasegawa, he didn't seem like someone who would enjoy combat or fighting. As for his spiritual pressure…

Zaraki's eyes betrayed some disappointment.

With spiritual pressure like that, not only did he not stand out compared to Ikkaku and Ayasegawa, but even among the graduating students, he wouldn't be considered exceptional.

In the battles between Shinigami, in a certain sense, spiritual pressure was everything. Weak spiritual pressure didn't hold much value.

But considering Ikkaku's request, Zaraki still asked, "Does this guy have any special combat abilities?"

Ikkaku patted his shiny bald head, giving a vague and unclear response. "Senju doesn't have much of a combat ability for now, but his healing and medical skills are top-notch. His Zanpakuto can heal injuries."

At this point, Zaraki lost interest entirely. Nervous, Makoto couldn't help but secretly give Ikkaku a thumbs-up.

As expected of you, Ikkaku!

Seeing that Zaraki seemed to have lost interest in Makoto, Ayasegawa, who had subconsciously aligned himself with the Eleventh Division and understood Makoto's value, quickly added in a precise, urgent tone.

"Kenpachi, Makoto's Zanpakuto ability is large-scale healing, and it continuously provides healing during combat. He can even keep replenishing the spiritual energy of others!"

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