"I'm sorry!"

Madarame Ikkaku bowed deeply inside the recovery ward, flanked by his subordinates.

The one-sided nature of the battle had thoroughly convinced him—he had lost.

In the Eleventh Division, where martial virtue was paramount, only strength earned respect.

"I sincerely apologize for the reckless words I spoke earlier!"

Though often rough and abrasive, Ikkaku held fast to loyalty and honor. When it came to apologizing, he did so with genuine humility and no resentment.

That sincerity was enough for Shimo to let the matter go.

As for Kotetsu Isane, this was the first time someone had bowed to her like that. She became visibly flustered, unsure how to respond.

"Third Seat Madarame, there's no need for that…"

Since she hadn't seen the duel herself—having been focused on treating the wounded—she was unaware of what had occurred.

"Shimo-kun was right," Ikkaku said, clenching his fists. "Respect is something you earn."

His gaze burned with conviction.

"He proved with strength that I was the one in the wrong."

Isane turned to Shimo in confusion, not knowing what to say.

"I only beat him. That's all."

Shimo chuckled lightly, brushing it off as if it were nothing.

But Isane's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Y-You defeated Third Seat Madarame?!"

It was common knowledge that the Eleventh Division's overall strength far surpassed most others. Their members were seasoned warriors.

To think that Shimo—who had just joined the Fourth Division—had bested Ikkaku?

That was hard to believe.

Ikkaku frowned, annoyed.

"Yeah, I lost to him. No need to keep pointing it out, okay?"

His intimidating glare startled Isane, who quickly apologized.

"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to—!"

Just then, Shimo's calm voice interjected.

"Third Seat Madarame, intimidating the weak isn't something a true warrior does."

The words were soft, but they carried weight—and in that moment, Ikkaku froze.

He felt it clearly—Shimo's murderous intent.

It wasn't overwhelming, but it was sharp and real enough to immediately put him on edge.

But Shimo didn't pursue the matter further. He turned his attention back to the wounded.

"How's the treatment going?"

With the topic shifting to her area of expertise, Isane's confidence returned.

Even after Shimo's arrival, her proficiency in Kaidō remained among the top of the Fourth Division.

This was her domain.

"They're out of danger."

"But full recovery will take time. Without your large-scale Kaidō, Liutenant, several wouldn't have survived."

Shimo blinked, a little surprised.

Then he smiled.

"No need to be so formal. Just call me Shimo."

Ikkaku looked at him with astonishment.

He hadn't expected the survival of his men to be thanks to Shimo's Kidō. And now, having just fought him, that realization only deepened his guilt.

He found himself replaying the earlier duel—each detail flashing in his mind.

Zanjutsu, Shunpo, precision… but there was something missing.

Then it struck him.

Kidō.

Ikkaku wasn't skilled in Kidō, so it hadn't occurred to him until now.

Shimo hadn't used any Kidō at all during their fight. Nothing beyond sword and footwork.

Which could only mean one thing—Shimo was holding back.

The revelation hit him hard.

This man's true strength… was still unknown.

---

After a brief rest period, the Sixth Relief Unit transported all the wounded members of the Eleventh Division back to the Fourth Division barracks.

It was obvious that the high-energy, brawl-prone environment of the Fourth Division was not conducive to recovery.

Even though the patients had only received preliminary treatment, the calmer Fourth Division facilities were much more suitable.

Some of the injured insisted on returning to the frontlines right away.

But after Shimo patiently spoke with them, they eventually gave up that reckless notion.

Still, the follow-up treatment took a considerable amount of time.

By the time they were finished, evening had fallen.

---

Fourth Division – Captain's Office

After a full day of work, Shimo and Isane arrived to report everything to Unohana.

Isane cautiously explained the day's events, occasionally glancing at Shimo to see if he had any reaction.

Only after confirming that he was unbothered by anything did she begin to relax.

"You did very well, Shimo-kun."

Unohana smiled, her presence as warm as a spring breeze.

"Giving Third Seat Madarame a proper lesson may help him grow in the long run."

"And it seems you've adapted to your Liutenant duties quite quickly."

At those words, Shimo's heart skipped a beat.

He had a bad feeling.

"In that case," Unohana continued pleasantly, "I feel confident entrusting you with your next assignment…"

---------------------///

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