Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

At this moment, looking at Makoto standing before him, Ayasegawa's eyes betrayed his excitement...

See? His earlier suspicion that Makoto might be treating the Eleventh Division like a field of leeks to be mercilessly harvested was, without a doubt, the gravest misunderstanding of his life.

Makoto was undoubtedly a kind-hearted and ethical healer, someone so compassionate that he would even consider the financial circumstances of a lower-ranked noble with utmost care.

How could such a person possibly be scheming against the Eleventh Division's medical budget?

"Makoto…"

Known for his vanity and general indifference towards men, Ayasegawa was showing an unusual warmth towards Makoto. Even the way he addressed him had changed imperceptibly. Taking Makoto's hand, Ayasegawa gave it a firm shake.

Makoto's face showed just the right amount of puzzlement. With his other hand, he gently patted Ayasegawa's arm, speaking soothingly.

"Yumichika, what's wrong? Take your time and tell me. Whatever it is, I'll do my best to help."

"I… I'm not unwell, but I have a lifelong request. Please, Makoto, you must help me," Ayasegawa said, both agitated and slightly embarrassed.

"Yumichika, given our relationship, you can speak freely. Whatever it is, just say it," Makoto replied with his characteristic straightforwardness.

Makoto's response only made Ayasegawa feel more moved, but also deeply ashamed.

Makoto regarded him as a friend, yet how many times had Ayasegawa tried to pry into the secrets of his Zanpakuto against his wishes? How often had he thoughtlessly made unreasonable demands?

Standing under Makoto's sincere and gentle gaze, Ayasegawa even began to feel the urge to retreat.

However, the weight of responsibility on his shoulders forced him to press on, despite his reluctance.

The truth was, Eleventh Division's budget could never cover a medical bill exceeding 100 million.

Perhaps Zaraki, Yachiru Kusajishi, and Ikkaku didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation, but Ayasegawa knew that the squad's finances were on the brink of collapse.

"Makoto, it's about the Eleventh Division's medical bill… There seems to be a problem…" Ayasegawa said, his voice filled with shame.

Makoto's brows furrowed immediately. He turned to Risa and spoke sternly.

"Risa, what's going on? Didn't I instruct you to carefully verify all medical expenses? It's better to undercharge than to overcharge. Not a single extra cent should be added to the Eleventh Division's bill."

"Makoto, I—"

Before Risa could explain, Makoto raised a hand to stop her.

"I don't need an explanation. Risa, recalculate everything immediately and get me a revised report as soon as possible. Understood?"

Hearing this, Risa puffed out her cheeks in frustration, glaring at Ayasegawa as if he were entirely to blame for her scolding.

Makoto noticed her reaction and frowned even more deeply.

"Risa, what kind of look is that? Are you implying that Yumichika falsely accused you? Apologize to him immediately, then correct your mistake."

At this, Ayasegawa's face turned bright red. He quickly waved his hands in embarrassment.

"Makoto, you've misunderstood. There's nothing wrong with the medical bill. It's not Risa's fault at all."

"Huh?"

Makoto was momentarily stunned. "Then what's the issue with the bill you mentioned?"

"It's… it's just that the Eleventh Division's budget is running low. I was wondering if the bill could be…"

"Ah…"

Makoto's expression turned into one of surprise.

Before the already flustered Ayasegawa could finish, Risa interjected angrily.

"You shameless scoundrel! You're deliberately putting Makoto in a tough spot! And besides, this bill was issued under the authority of the Fourth Division. Even if Makoto wanted to adjust it, Captain Unohana would never allow it."

"All right, Risa, calm down…"

Makoto quickly soothed the fiercely protective Risa. His expression softened, tinged with concern.

"Yumichika, I'm sorry. I haven't had the chance to review the exact figures for the bill myself. The Fourth Division operates under its own medical fee structure…"

After a pause, Makoto seemed to have an idea.

"How about this—if it's only a portion of the bill, I'll cover it myself. How does that sound?"

Ayasegawa was deeply moved by Makoto's offer but knew that his income couldn't possibly cover the exorbitant bill, which amounted to tens of millions.

"Makoto, thank you for your kindness, but the amount is… quite substantial."

"Substantial?"

Makoto's gaze fell on the stack of medical bills in Ayasegawa's hands. Taking them, he quickly flipped through the pages.

The next moment, his expression turned to one of shock.

"134,690,000?"

He skimmed through the signatures and confirmations from Eleventh Division members on the document, his surprise growing.

"This…"

Makoto's face showed a mix of determination and helplessness.

"Yumichika…"

He sighed.

"The bill is accurate. Risa calculated everything according to the Fourth Division's standard rates for critical injuries. This was my oversight; I didn't anticipate such a high frequency of treatments, which led to this massive bill."

"No, Makoto, you were simply following the Fourth Division's rules and standards…"

Before Ayasegawa could finish, Makoto slapped the stack of bills decisively.

"Yumichika, this bill is too large. It's likely already been reported to Captain Unohana. I don't have the authority to revoke it myself…"

Hearing this, Ayasegawa's face fell, realizing the immense burden he had placed on Makoto.

But Makoto's expression turned resolute.

"Yumichika, wait here. I'll personally request Captain Unohana to cancel this erroneous bill. No matter what, I'll make sure this issue is resolved."

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