A Way to Save Face

Ah, this...

Chiba Makoto had never expected Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni to refuse treatment for such a reason.

Soon after, Chiba Makoto and Chōjirō Sasakibe entered the hospital room, only to find it rather lively inside.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, who had lost an arm, looked calm and peaceful. In contrast, Ukitake Jūshirō and Komamura Sajin wore heavy, somber expressions.

Besides them, Inoue Orihime stood at the edge of the room, looking rather at a loss.

The moment Chiba Makoto appeared, delight almost instinctively surfaced on Inoue Orihime's face. But remembering his instructions, she quickly lowered her head and hid it.

The main reason Chiba Makoto had come in person was to check on Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's injuries.

When he had sought to seize control of the Seireitei in the past, Chiba Makoto had certainly not shown Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni any unnecessary softness.

But that did not conflict in the slightest with the basic respect Chiba Makoto had always held for Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

Positions were positions; feelings were feelings.

Moreover, when it came to the retired former Captain-Commander, Chiba Makoto had never worried that Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni might regain influence in the Seireitei.

Even if such a thing happened, Chiba Makoto would only blame himself for being too incompetent to completely control the Seireitei after spending two whole years on it.

Now, aside from viewing Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni as a symbolic figure who stabilized the morale of the Thirteen Divisions, Chiba Makoto's attitude toward him was also rooted in genuine respect.

Thus, after greeting each of the former captains present, Chiba Makoto expressed concern for Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's condition as both a junior and a physician, urging him to accept Inoue Orihime's treatment.

Yet Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's pride and stubbornness still caught Chiba Makoto somewhat by surprise.

It was clearly his