Teacher, I'm Still Here

When Chiba Makoto brought Inoue Orihime to find Unohana Retsu in the Fourth Division, Unohana Retsu had just finished her final critical operation.

From an objective standpoint, both Kotetsu Isane and Aoki Risa were outstanding physicians, fully capable of keeping the Fourth Division running.

Yet some invisible talent, some unseen fate, ensured that an insurmountable gulf always remained between Kotetsu Isane and Aoki Risa's abilities and Unohana Retsu's.

After Unohana Retsu returned with Chiba Makoto and Inoue Orihime to the top floor of the First Division's Tenshukaku, she asked with concern.

"Makoto, how is it?"

"For now, everything is proceeding according to plan. Captain-Commander Yamamoto has agreed to remain in the Seireitei when the time comes."

Chiba Makoto answered.

Unohana Retsu's beautiful eyes flickered slightly at that, and she said.

"Makoto, you're leaving a way out for the Thirteen Divisions and the Seireitei, aren't you? If we fail in the coming brutal struggle, with Captain-Commander Yamamoto still holding the Seireitei, there will be no need to worry about the Thirteen Divisions being completely erased from the Seireitei as well."

Chiba Makoto shook his head and denied it.

"I won't lose! Captain-Commander Yamamoto's reputation still holds considerable deterrent power over the Wandenreich. Only with Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni stationed there can we ensure that the Wandenreich won't choose to 'trade bases' with us!"

Trade bases?

Unohana Retsu nodded upon hearing that, finding the description quite fitting.

After all, Yhwach was no honorable enemy. His actions were filled instead with ruthless schemes and cruelty.

Therefore, if the Seireitei did not retain enough strength to briefly hold back Yhwach, there was no telling whether he might truly choose to "trade bases" with the Thirteen Divisions.

"Makoto, but will Yhwach really choose to attack the Soul King Palace directly as you planned?" Unohana Retsu asked,