He watched as the sliding door slowly closed, and Shakky was gone. From the corner of his eye, he saw her—the woman. His mind seemed to awaken again. He stared at her. It was definitely her. Even though her hair was braided, he could still smell it—the same scent—but something about her was different now.
He approached her.
Unohana stared at him as he drew closer. He saw the man kneel before her; his knees hit the ground with a heavy thud. He stared at her, closed his eyes, then covered his lips with two fingers. Slowly, he lowered his head until he bowed.
This was a traditional act fishermen perform when seeking forgiveness.
Atonement and Forgiveness: In many cultures, the sea is viewed as a sacred—or even "sinister"—space. Fishermen may kneel to ask for forgiveness for any mistakes they—or their crew—have made, believing that "clearing their conscience" relieves them of the "fear of the unseen" and prevents misfortune at sea.
Acknowledgment of Mercy: The "Fisherman's Prayer" often reflects a humble attitude, asking that when their "last cast" comes, they be judged "big enough to keep" by a merciful God.
Before going to sea, he always performed this ritual, asking forgiveness from those he had wronged. Fishermen believe that those who leave without seeking forgiveness attract evil curses, misfortune, or even death. For him, kneeling to apologize was instinctual, a muscle memory of a life steeped in tradition. Even though he wasn't going to sea, he treated this new world as one equally prone to misfortune.
The sea does not tolerate a heavy heart. If a fisherman departs with "dirty hands" or unresolved anger, the sea punishes him through bad weather, poor catches, or even death.
Everyone watched as he knelt before Unohana, dumbfounded by his reaction. Of course, Unohana was the most curious and shocked of all.
Then his deep voice broke the silence.
"I leave the land, but I leave no hate behind. To those I have wronged: I bow my head. To those I owe: I pledge my catch. If the sea claims my body, let it not claim my sins. I go with a clean heart, so I may find a calm sea... Please forgive me for what I have sinned against you."
He spoke those words to seek forgiveness from the woman before him. Silence filled the room. At first, no one understood, but when he addressed Unohana, it became clear—he was seeking atonement for their earlier conflict. It was the first time they had seen a man kneel to apologize, and the fact that this very man—the monster who had defeated Unohana—was the one doing it shocked them even more.
Unohana looked at him kneeling.
"Do you know what you did to me?" she asked.
He kept his head lowered, fingers covering his mouth. "I'm aware," he replied.
"Then do you remember our bet?" she asked.
He bowed his head further. "Please forgive my imprudent and foul mouth," he said.
Unohana stepped closer. Her motherly tone vanished, replaced by a cold, commanding voice that echoed in the room. "Are you just making fun of me? I approved that bet with all my pride, my ego, and my heart. Are you telling me you're just mocking me?"
"No… I never did," he said.
Unohana studied him. Her cold voice sliced the air. "Then you should know what to do—and what I need."
"I—I understand," he stammered, finally lowering his hands from his mouth and slowly standing.
He looked at the woman before him. They were close now. "May I know your name?" he asked.
Her coldness faded, replaced by her motherly facade. "Yachiru Unohana. Or you can just call me Anata," she replied.
Everyone stared at the odd duo. After Shakuyaku, now even Unohana was acting… spicy.
He placed his right hand over his left chest, resting his palm, and bowed slightly. "Then please take care of me. My name is Maki."
Unohana smiled. "Then I'll expect you to treat me well," she said.
She turned and called, "Isane, come—we're going back."
Isane stepped out from behind the curtain with Nemu, staring at the bare-chested man. Their faces flushed as Isane took Nemu's hand, following her mother out.
He exhaled, unable to believe it. He'd arrived just two days ago, and now he had another wife. He couldn't believe what Nemu had told him. Turning to Nemuri, he asked, "Am I really that magnetic, as you say? Or do you have an ability to see my future?"
Nemuri remained calm, already expecting this.She smirked. "Fufufufu, told you—you're that kind of person. Just two days, and you already have another woman. Ugh, I'm hurt," she teased dramatically and sarcastically.
"You're not helping," he said.
He thought it was over. Nope. He felt a hug from behind. Turning, he saw the brown-haired woman pressing her head against his back.
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( =＾ω＾)
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Trivia
( ´・∀・｀)
The "Kneeling" Symbolism
When he kneels to a person he has sinned against, he is saying: "I am going where I have no power (the ocean). Do not keep your anger, or I will have no luck."
Restitution (The "Debt" Oath)
In many coastal communities, it is considered a curse to sail while owing a debt to another fisherman or a local vendor
The Vow: "If I return with a full net, you will be paid first."
The Philosophy: By acknowledging the debt before leaving, they believe they are making a contract with the Divine or the sea to grant them success so they can fulfill their word
Asking for a "Safe Wake"
If a fisherman has offended a rival, he might offer a ritual of peace, such as sharing a drink or a meal. This is to ensure the rival doesn't "wish ill" upon them while they are vulnerable at sea. In maritime lore, the "curse of a wronged man" is more dangerous than a hurricane
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( ・ω・)