Two Years

Chiba Makoto's warm words, like those of a family patriarch, and his seemingly heartfelt sincerity brought a warmth to the hearts of Kurosaki Isshin and Kurosaki Ichigo. They hurriedly said—

"No, no, this is clearly..."

However, Chiba Makoto still did not wait for Kurosaki Isshin to finish. He reached out and patted Kurosaki Isshin on the shoulder, interrupting him.

"Isshin, I know what you want to say."

"But whether it is the Seireitei or the Thirteen Divisions, they are already completely different from what they once were. As the current First Division Lieutenant, protecting all of you is my responsibility."

"Moreover, if I chose to abandon Masaki today for the sake of the greater good, I would undoubtedly be completely crossing the bottom line I upheld as a physician. Tomorrow, I might abandon other lives for other reasons."

"If I cannot even save Masaki, then what right do I have to speak of shouldering the responsibility of protecting Soul Society?"

For a moment, both Kurosaki Isshin and Kurosaki Ichigo were moved by Chiba Makoto's resolute yet gentle words.

This man... truly...

Kurosaki Isshin struggled to open his mouth, but tears kept streaming down his face without warning.

For a moment, Kurosaki Isshin felt that the Seireitei and Thirteen Divisions he had once secretly despised and loathed had truly undergone earth-shaking changes.

As an acting Soul Reaper, Kurosaki Ichigo also unconsciously developed a powerful sense of belonging toward the Seireitei and the Thirteen Divisions.

The feeling of being protected and valued brought reassurance to Kurosaki Ichigo's heart, which had just endured something akin to a roller coaster ride. His recognition of Chiba Makoto was especially strong.

"So, don't overthink things, and don't burden yourselves with guilt. This was all a choice I made based on my own will..."

Chiba Makoto continued