Developmental Delay

So... Shaolin Fon really was sent by the Second Division to investigate me?

Chiba Makoto stroked his chin, nearly certain of that conclusion. Otherwise, he could not think of any reason Shaolin Fon would suddenly appear here.

Looking across the entire Seireitei, I'm merely an unremarkable member of the Fourth Division. But as Captain Unohana's disciple—a position with a sensitive identity—it seems reasonable that I would draw some attention from the Seireitei's upper ranks...

But the Second Division isn't secretly monitoring or investigating me. They probably don't consider me dangerous, so this should just be a routine inquiry?

It seems necessary to cooperate with Shaolin Fon. If she fails to uncover anything, she could become a minor but troublesome hidden danger instead, possibly drawing other Onmitsukidō members into a covert investigation...

Just as Chiba Makoto fell into deep thought, Shaolin Fon—whom he had ordered to lie facedown on the bed in what she considered a "shameful" position under the pretext of an examination—had eyes filled with utter despair and indignation.

Lord Yoruichi, I'm no longer clean...

At that moment, Shaolin Fon bit down hard on her lip, doing her utmost not to let out any weak sound.

Once this mission is over, I'll definitely... definitely kill this bastard...

At a time like this, endure! I have to endure!!!

It's all for Lord Yoruichi, to complete Lord Yoruichi's mission, to approach Chiba Makoto as a patient and obtain as much information as possible...

Shaolin Fon's chest, pressed so tightly against the bed that not even a sliver of space remained, rose and fell gently. Lord Yoruichi's figure kept appearing in her mind, strengthening her resolve.

As an idea gradually took shape in Chiba Makoto's mind, his gaze swept over the girl before him once more before finally settling on Shaolin Fon's slender, petite feet.

Her ten toes were neatly gathered and fair, and perhaps from nervousness, her feet remained slightly arched. Most adorable of all, whether from her tension or from being tense for too long, they seemed faintly covered in a rosy hue.

It had to be said that they were the most beautiful feet Chiba Makoto had seen in the entire Soul Society, like works of art. Even the respected Captain Unohana was slightly inferior in that regard.

If some perverted foot fetishist saw them, they might have the insane thought that being trampled to death by those feet would be a blessing, right?

However, Chiba Makoto was not the sort of Soul Reaper who became hopelessly obsessed with such lowbrow interests. Moreover, he understood that, as Teacher Unohana's disciple, he had to maintain integrity and boundaries. Otherwise... he would die.

"Ahem, that will be all. Please get up."

Chiba Makoto spoke in a gentle, calm tone, as though the examination just now had merely been an ordinary procedure.

Then, Chiba Makoto returned to his desk. After taking a sip of clear tea meant to soothe the liver, brighten the eyes, reduce internal heat, and calm the mind, he spoke to Shaolin Fon, who sat before him with a somewhat expressionless face.

"I've given you a simple examination. There's no major problem. Aside from some hidden injuries that may have resulted from excessive training, there's also a slight issue of delayed development."

When it came to genuine medical issues, Chiba Makoto had no intention of falsifying anything. This was the most basic respect he had for the Kaido and Medical Skills he had learned.

Even though... falsifying an illness would often make it easy to achieve the outcome Chiba Makoto wanted.

After a pause, Chiba Makoto looked at Shaolin Fon and continued.

"As for the pain you mentioned, I can't confirm its cause for the time being. You could try asking Fifth Seat Aoki for a diagnosis, or perhaps return to me for a follow-up when it flares up again later?"

Shaolin Fon answered almost without hesitation. "No need. I'll come to you for my next follow-up. I have considerable trust in Captain Unohana's disciple."

Without betraying anything, Chiba Makoto agreed. Having indirectly confirmed Shaolin Fon's purpose, he lowered his head and began recording her medical file.

Unlike the group Madarame Ikkaku had brought in to cause trouble earlier, Shaolin Fon was, at least on the surface, here for a proper consultation. Therefore, according to Fourth Division departmental regulations, a medical record had to be made for her.

This was not only to facilitate patients' future follow-ups and treatment, but also to preserve records of Soul Reapers' conditions in the Seireitei over the long term.

Yet when Shaolin Fon watched Chiba Makoto write the four words "delayed development" neatly into her medical file, she maintained a blank expression while nearly grinding her teeth to pieces inside.

You damned bastard, &￥#...%@#!!*

At that moment, Shaolin Fon, who had received strict Punishment Force and aristocratic education since childhood, was unusually cursing up a storm in her heart.

However, once Chiba Makoto finished writing and looked up at Shaolin Fon, she forced a somewhat stiff smile and said, "Thank you very much, Physician Chiba."

"You're welcome. Providing patients with the most appropriate treatment is the responsibility of us in the Fourth Division," Chiba Makoto answered gently and kindly before continuing.

"Also, the minor hidden injuries on your body are very easy to treat. Later, I can ease them through acupuncture and Kaido. But the root cause is likely excessive training or excessive combat, so my recommendation is that you rest for a while."

Hearing that gentle, caring tone, the grief and indignation filling Shaolin Fon's heart toward Chiba Makoto unexpectedly softened, and she froze for a moment.

Having joined the Punishment Force from a young age and entered Yoruichi Shihoin's guard at such a young age, Shaolin Fon had clearly put in far more effort than ordinary members of the Punishment Force.

And amid a past filled with harshness and reprimands, aside from Lord Yoruichi, this was the first time Shaolin Fon had heard such warm words.

"Hmm? Are you listening, Miss Fon? If you're concerned about pressure from within your division, I can issue a medical certificate in the Fourth Division's name, stating that you need a period of rest..."

Coming back to herself, Shaolin Fon met Chiba Makoto's gaze, which seemed full of concern and gentleness. She almost instinctively lowered her head, then hurriedly refused.

"That won't be necessary."

"Is that so?"

There was a touch more helplessness and regret in Chiba Makoto's voice as he said, "No matter what, Miss Fon, you still need to take care of your health. Especially since your body is still developing—excessive fighting and training can have harmful effects. That is also the reason for your slightly delayed development."

At that moment, Shaolin Fon seemed to have had her heart touched by this unexpected concern. With a trace of genuine emotion, she answered, "I can't stop. If I stop, then even if I slack off for a moment, even if I fall behind for a moment, I'll never be able to catch up to Lord Yoruichi again, and I won't be able to protect Lord Yoruichi either!"