At the funeral of the former Head Captain, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Makoto arrived with the Ten Crown Guards to pay his respects.
He did not say much, merely completing the necessary formalities before departing.
After Kyoraku officially took over as the Captain of the First Division, he submitted a request to the Central 46 to appoint the former Vice-Captain of the First Division, Sasakibe Chojiro, as the Captain of the Eighth Division.
Meanwhile, the Sixth Division Captain, Kuchiki Byakuya, was placed under strict watch.
This catastrophe had inflicted immense damage upon the Soul Society—every one of those monsters had once been residents of the Soul Society, many of them nobles.
But what pained everyone the most was the loss of the Head Captain.
A week passed quickly.
During this time, the Seireitei worked tirelessly to repair the destruction caused by the chaos and to investigate its origins.
On this day, the Seireitei prepared a grand banquet and invited the Emperor of the Empire to attend, as a gesture of gratitude for saving the Soul Society.
Makoto did not bring all ten of the Crown Guards, only Shisui and Hakumen accompanied him.
The banquet still had two main seats, but this time, Kyoraku sat beside Makoto.
He no longer carried his usual carefree demeanor—instead, he had become much more composed and dignified.
Upon seeing Hakumen, he merely greeted him with a polite smile, no longer placing an arm around his shoulder in his usual playful manner.
He had begun to embody the demeanor of a true leader.
Though Kyoraku was now the Head Captain, his attitude toward the Emperor remained extremely respectful.
It wasn't just him—everyone present looked at Makoto with deep reverence in their eyes.
He was not only their benefactor but also an immensely powerful figure, far surpassing all of them in strength.
Makoto spoke, "There's no need for such formality. The Empire and the Seireitei are friends, and we should always support each other. You're currently working on reconstruction, correct? Konoha happens to have an excellent architect. If you're interested, I can have him come over to assist. If you lack any materials or resources, just let us know, and we'll send them over at any time."
His words moved many in the room once again, inspiring admiration for the Emperor's righteousness and generosity.
Makoto then voiced his concerns: "This upheaval has caused significant casualties among the Shinigami. Will it make the guidance of souls in the Living World more difficult in the future?"
Kyoraku replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. We will not neglect our duties."
Makoto said, "I'm not here to criticize you. I simply want to ensure the cycle of reincarnation remains stable. For the time being, I can have my ninja take over the task of purifying Hollows in the Living World. As long as you provide intelligence and information, we can help share the burden. However, since the Nichirin have not yet been widely adopted in the Empire, we won't be able to assist with the Konso (soul burial) process."
Hearing this, Kyoraku felt a warm gratitude in his heart.
The Emperor was truly a good man!
As for the ideology of "the separation of life and death" that former Head Captain Yamamoto had once upheld, Kyoraku had long since cast it aside.
The Emperor of the Empire had come to help the Soul Society through its crisis, with no ill intentions whatsoever.
Every action he took was for the benefit of the Seireitei.
To the Shinigami, the Emperor of the Living World was now seen through the lens of a "savior."
No matter what he did, they instinctively viewed it in a positive light.
When the banquet concluded, all the Captains once again gathered at the Senkaimon to see the Emperor off, showing him the utmost respect.
...............
Nighttime in Konoha.
In the new residential district, at Terumi Mei's home, three women—Mei, Pakura, and Konan—were drinking together.
As neighbors who lived close to one another, they had quickly become familiar.
Several empty bottles were scattered across the table, and Mei's face was flushed with drunkenness.
"Did you just say you like His Majesty the Emperor?" Konan asked, looking at Mei in shock.
Mei, intoxicated, rested her chin on her hand, appearing lost in thought.
"What, are you that surprised?" Pakura chuckled from the side.
She had a better tolerance for alcohol and was only slightly tipsy.
Konan nodded. "Yes, it is quite surprising."
Pakura sighed softly. "With someone like His Majesty, it's not unusual for people to admire him."
Konan swirled the wine in her cup, deep in thought. "You have a point."
She had learned a fair amount about the Emperor from past events involving Jiraiya, Namikaze Minato, and Amegakure.
To her, the Emperor was a dangerous and formidable figure.
Konoha had helped Amegakure greatly and had supported the Akatsuki in the past—it was fair to call them benefactors.
The situation with Jiraiya had been the result of their own decision to stand against the Emperor.
Because of that, Konan didn't hold resentment toward him.
In fact, she even felt a hint of gratitude.
Because back then, after the battle, the Emperor didn't go on a rampage against them but instead gave them a chance to start over.
Konan looked at Mei, thought for a moment, and said, "I was actually planning to introduce you to Nagato."
Mei instantly perked up. "Sure! Bring all the handsome guys over!"
Konan couldn't help but laugh. "Didn't you just say you liked His Majesty the Emperor? You're moving on that fast?"
Mei sighed. "Just because I like him doesn't mean he likes me. I can't stay single forever, can I?"
Then, she turned the question back on Konan. "Why are you only introducing me to Nagato? What about Yahiko? Are you keeping Yahiko for yourself?"
Konan's face turned slightly red, and she muttered under her breath, "Of course, Yahiko isn't for you."
Mei, having drunk too much, didn't hear clearly and leaned in. "What did you say?"
Konan straightened her expression and said matter-of-factly, "I said, Yahiko is obviously not for you!"
Mei giggled and said, "I wouldn't actually steal him from you. It's pretty obvious what's going on between you two."
She had frequently seen Yahiko and Nagato whenever she visited Konan's home.
Mei then asked, "Since you both clearly have feelings for each other, why don't you just get married already?"
Konan took a sip of her drink and muttered, "How would I know what he's thinking?"
Pakura, who had been listening with a smile, reassured her, "Don't worry, that day isn't far off."
Yahiko held an important position in Konoha, and Pakura had met him before.
She couldn't deny that he was an outstanding person—well-liked and easy to get along with.
"I don't think Yahiko is the slow-witted type. He's probably just planning to surprise you."
Mei tilted her head back and sighed. "Mutual love, childhood sweethearts... how nice!"
If childhood friends were the topic, then she and Kisame also technically fit that description.
Kisame was a reliable person, trustworthy, though a bit dull.
The only problem?
He was nowhere near her type in terms of looks.
Because of that, Mei only ever saw Kisame as the purest of friends—nothing more.
Konan chuckled. "Why the sighs? Didn't I just say I'd introduce you to Nagato?"
Mei simply grinned and didn't respond.
Nagato, huh?
That quiet, reserved man... He did have an oddly delicate, handsome face.
But no matter what, her mind was still full of His Majesty the Emperor.
Seeing this, Pakura smirked and said, "This woman is probably still thinking about the Emperor."
Konan let out an exasperated laugh. "So Nagato is just a backup plan for you?"
Pakura looked at Mei with a glint in her eyes before suddenly speaking.
"Mei."
"Hmm?"
"Since you like him so much, why not just confess your feelings to His Majesty?"
Mei froze on the spot. "M-Me?!"
Pakura laughed. "Who else would I be talking about?"
Mei hesitated, stumbling over her words. "I... I..."
Pakura spoke slowly. "Haven't you noticed? His Majesty is always surrounded by beautiful women."
Thinking about it carefully, Mei had to admit it was true.
She didn't often see the women in the Emperor's household, but his secretary, Samui, Lady Tsunade, and even that pirate girl, Hancock, had all become part of his inner circle.
Mei often felt secretly frustrated about it.
Samui and Tsunade were understandable, but why on earth was that pirate girl allowed to be so close to His Majesty?!
Pakura continued, "It's no secret that His Majesty appreciates beauty. And honestly, for a man like him, that's only natural. You're gorgeous, young, and have an amazing figure. When His Majesty recruited you into the Ten Crown Guards, I'm sure he had some interest in you."
Mei thought about it carefully and realized that Pakura's words made a lot of sense.
But to actually go and confess her feelings to His Majesty...
She wasn't sure if she had the courage.
Pakura smiled teasingly. "What's wrong? Are you scared?"
Mei remained silent, lost in thought.
Seeing this, Pakura smirked and added, "Well then, you'll just have to sit back and watch as more and more women appear at His Majesty's side. One by one, they'll climb into his bed and bask in his favor."
Mei silently clenched her fists.
Konan quietly observed the exchange from the side, choosing not to intervene.
Seeing that Mei still hadn't reacted, Pakura continued with a teasing smile, "Who knows? Maybe one day in the future, you'll see me by His Majesty's side too."
Mei froze for a moment, even Konan was caught off guard.
Pakura chuckled, "Why are you so surprised? Didn't I already say it? It's not unusual for anyone to admire a man like His Majesty. Besides…"
She took a slow sip of her drink and said in a soft, thoughtful tone, "I'm a bit older than you two. I have to consider my own future as well. I was once the Kazekage, so ordinary men don't catch my interest. The members of the Ten Crown Guards all have their own circles, and none of them would ever see me as a potential partner. When I think about it, my best chance is actually with His Majesty. While I'm still young enough, of course I should take my shot."
Mei stared at her blankly, expression unreadable.
Konan, sensing the tension, forced a laugh and tried to smooth things over.
"Mei, Pakura is just joking! Don't get worked up, don't get worked up. She's had too much to drink."
Pakura smiled slyly, "I'm completely serious. Mei, if you keep hesitating like this, I just might beat you to it and earn His Majesty's favor first."
Konan: "..."
At this moment, Konan was secretly feeling distressed, worrying whether these two women would start fighting.
They were both members of the Ten Crown Guards—she definitely wouldn't be able to stop them if it came to that.
After a long silence, a bright smile suddenly bloomed on Mei's face.
She raised her glass and said to Pakura, "You're right. Let's see who earns His Majesty's favor first."
Pakura also picked up her glass, clinking it against Mei's without losing her smile. "Alright."
These two beautiful and alluring women, who had once been inseparable sisters, now carried a subtle sense of rivalry in their toast.
Konan let out a silent sigh and simply picked up her own glass, drinking alone.
............
The feeling of a hangover was terrible.
When Mei woke up in the morning, her head was pounding.
The mess from last night in the living room was still untouched—everyone had drunk too much and gone straight home.
After washing her face in the bathroom, Mei vaguely recalled what had happened the previous night and irritably rubbed her forehead.
Pakura wasn't wrong.
His Majesty was always surrounded by women, and in the future, more and more of them would undoubtedly appear by his side.
She wasn't so conceited as to think that His Majesty would give up all others just for her.
Just look at Lady Samui, who made countless people feel inferior by comparison.
And she wasn't just a pretty ornament—she could handle many government affairs for His Majesty and was truly one of his most trusted aides.
Yet even such an exceptional woman was only His Majesty's secretary.
Then what about herself…?
Even if she really managed to stand by His Majesty's side, what kind of place would she hold in his heart?
Mei let out a long sigh and stayed in the bathroom for a long time before coming out.
After tidying up the living room and changing into fresh clothes, she carefully groomed herself and then stepped out.
There wasn't much work for her today, but still, she made her way toward the palace.
However, when she arrived at His Majesty's pavilion, she saw that Pakura was already there—standing quite close to him, engaged in conversation.
Today, that woman was dressed in an extremely revealing outfit—a halter deep-V mini dress with an open back, paired with sexy black fishnet stockings.
Any man who saw her like this would find it hard to resist.
Shameless woman!
Mei cursed inwardly as she noticed that, although His Majesty was speaking with Pakura, his eyes kept drifting toward her figure.
The two quickly finished their conversation, and Mei didn't catch what they were talking about.
She only saw Pakura sway her slender waist as she walked away.
As she passed by, she even shot Mei a subtle, knowing smile.
"Do you need something?" Makoto, seated on the sofa, spoke up.
Mei quickly snapped back to her senses and stepped forward toward him.
"Your Majesty…"
She hesitated for a moment before finally voicing the excuse she had prepared in advance.
"It's nothing important. It's just that staying at home these past few days has been terribly boring. Does Your Majesty have any tasks for me?"
Makoto couldn't help but chuckle at that, then lifted his gaze to look at her.
"Have a seat," he said casually, motioning to the sofa beside him.
Mei felt slightly embarrassed.
Sitting before His Majesty, she couldn't help but feel a bit shy—because deep down, she knew her real reason for coming here was simply to see him.
Samui arrived and served tea.
Mei expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Lady Samui."
Makoto smiled faintly and looked at her. "Do you know what Pakura just said to me?"
Mei blinked in confusion, staring at Makoto with a bewildered expression.
Wait… what Pakura said… did it have something to do with her?
Could it be that Pakura had spoken ill of her just now?
Mei suddenly recalled the conversation from last night—she had even suggested a little competition to see who could win His Majesty's favor first…
The more she thought about it, the more possible it seemed.
That woman had deliberately dressed so seductively this morning just to come and seduce His Majesty.
Who knew what kind of things she might have said about her in front of him?
Her expression shifted unpredictably as she clenched her fists in frustration.
Just then, Makoto spoke with a playful smile, "Pakura just told me that you were drinking together last night."
"Ah?" Mei was momentarily stunned.
"And she also said that when you were drunk… you mentioned how much you admire me."
"…Eh?"
"EH?!?!"
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