The Captain-Commander's Air of Decline

"Captain-Commander, you're awake?!"

Chiba Makoto's face filled with intense delight, before he hurriedly asked with concern, "Captain-Commander, please don't move yet. Your injuries are quite severe. Although your external wounds have mostly healed, your internal organs and more have endured immense pressure and shock. You still need a considerable period of recuperation."

A trace of confusion surfaced in Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's imposing eyes...

For that brief instant just now, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had even believed that his soul had reached Hell, allowing him to meet this junior whom he had once greatly admired again.

However, the information revealed by Chiba Makoto's words, combined with what he had gathered from the surroundings, made Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni suddenly think of a possibility. He asked, "Vice-Captain Chiba, have you truly awakened?"

"Yes, thanks to Teacher Unohana, Kuchiki, and Shūhei's efforts." As Chiba Makoto answered, Kaido light emerged from both his hands as he attempted to further treat Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

Yet Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni abruptly gripped Chiba Makoto's wrist and pressed, "Where is Aizen? What is the situation?"

Chiba Makoto answered gently, "Captain-Commander, there is no need to worry. Aizen Sōsuke has already been driven back."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's brow remained furrowed. "Who drove Aizen Sōsuke back?"

A hint of awkwardness appeared on Chiba Makoto's face as he answered, "Well... with the assistance of numerous captains, I was fortunate enough to drive Aizen Sōsuke back by borrowing part of the King's Seal's power."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's expression froze as he stared blankly at Chiba Makoto before him.

After several breaths, Chiba Makoto looked at the still-stunned Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni and cautiously asked, "Captain-Commander? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"

Coming back to his senses, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni released Chiba Makoto's hand and patted him on the shoulder instead. "No, this old man is fine."