An Invitation That Could Not Be Refused

"Alright, I understand."

As Chiba Makoto put away the invitation, he casually asked, "Yoruichi, after meeting Captain Amagai, what kind of person do you think he is?"

Yoruichi Shihoin folded her arms across her chest, utterly unconcerned with the visual impact that posture had on Chiba Makoto. Recalling the details of her encounter with "Amagai Shūsuke," she replied, "Unlike his honest and straightforward appearance, he's actually the sort of person who makes you instinctively relax and trust him once you speak with him."

After a pause, Yoruichi Shihoin added her conclusion. "Based on my experience and instincts as the former Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, Captain Amagai should be a highly trustworthy captain. Under his leadership, the Fifth Division should be able to recover smoothly."

Chiba Makoto.

All he could say was that it was worthy of Aizen Sōsuke.

Harvesting other people's trust was like wielding a sickle through a field of chives.

Yoruichi Shihoin had even confidently offered a final assessment based on her former position as Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō.

At that moment, Chiba Makoto was even a little curious about what exactly Aizen Sōsuke had said to Yoruichi Shihoin. In just a few sentences, he had earned both her trust and admiration.

Judging others by himself...

Chiba Makoto knew that, when it came to simply winning over strangers' trust, he might not actually surpass Aizen Sōsuke.

With Aizen Sōsuke hosting such a banquet, Chiba Makoto truly had no choice but to attend. Otherwise, Aizen Sōsuke might quietly win over all of his foundation while he remained completely in the dark.

So this is an invitation I can't refuse. He even deliberately had Yoruichi Shihoin deliver it to me instead of coming himself, giving me no chance to probe him beforehand.

Thinking that somewhat helplessly, Chiba Makoto returned