Chapter 143

Ayaka smiled cheekily.

It's clear she got up even earlier than Haruto today, and even put on light, natural makeup beforehand.

Ayaka had only recently been promoted, so the effects of the drinks weren't very good for her.

"... morning."

Haruto rolled his eyes at Ayaka.

How did you sleep last night?

Faced with Ayaka's obvious question, Haruto practically threw the soap pod at her:

"... You think I don't remember who did this last night?"

"Oh dear, are you unhappy A-Qing? Don't tell me you're thinking of playing T·P? You should have said so earlier!"

"..."

Haruto did not answer.

Ayaka is always full of energy early in the morning, and arguing with her at that time will only lead to you constantly losing ground.

Haruto decisively chose to change the topic:

"Once Isane comes to her senses, it's hard to imagine how she'll be in the next few days. I'm afraid Aunt Kotetsu will bring people over to attack me."

"Nanako- neechan can't beat you."

The Ayaka are still being produced.

"But Captain Unohana could cut me in half even with her sword sheath."

But Haruto just wouldn't take the bait.

"... It seems so."

"Alright, alright, I need to get ready to wash up. You didn't get up so early just to watch me make a fool of myself, did you?"

"Of course not."

Ayaka slipped through the crack in the door and locked it behind her.

"... what?"

"Dry!"

Ayaka answered crisply and clearly.

"Be serious!"

Ayaka saw through Haruto's disguise at a glance and grinned as she moved closer to him.

I'm serious!

――――

Half an hour later.

Why is it taking so long today?

I'm slightly dissatisfied with the Ayaka.

While Byakuya's sake certainly provided a powerful restorative effect, physical fatigue was not so easily relieved.

Isn't it normal for second playthrough dungeons to take a long time to complete?

Haruto explained very seriously.

"You didn't say that before... Could it be that you got used to Isane's outfit yesterday and have lost interest in me now?"

"... possible."

"Ha!?"

Ayaka's voice instantly rose eight octaves, no less loud than the ringing of an old-fashioned alarm clock, reminiscent of the Haruto style Haruto had when he first met her.

No, I mean...

Haruto's words came from the heart.

When it comes to yukatas, the most attractive parts are the chest and legs; Ayaka's legs are certainly no less Isane's, but the difference lies in the upper body—

That would be a huge disparity.

"... After reaching the Fifth-Class Reii, my physical condition improved."

"You're smart to know what's good for you."

Ayaka glared at Haruto forcefully.

The two talked as they returned to the living room.

Ayaka was the last to leave last night, and she cleaned and tidied up the entire place, except for Byakuya's.

Only...

The glass of wine that had been sitting in the center of the table all night.

"Ayaka."

"Um?"

"Isn't it a bit inappropriate for us to do this, considering this gathering..."

Hmm.

Haruto was silenced by Ayaka before he could finish speaking.

"A-Qing, this is Soul Reaper."

"Our Kurumadani Clan has been the cemetery keepers for nobles for generations, and our family history records a lot... about things related to life and death."

Ayaka rarely showed a serious expression.

"Neither mourn the dead nor rejoice for the living."

"This is the concept that Soul Reaper have had to follow throughout the countless years of history in Soul Society."

Ayaka said, waving her index finger.

"Although our generation has Quincy, it's still a very peaceful era in my opinion."

That was the unique charm Haruto discovered in Ayaka: no matter the situation, she always enjoyed life to the fullest according to her own will.

Being carefree is one thing, becoming stronger is another.

"Since that's the case..."

Why not enjoy and celebrate the benefits of youth?

Ayaka took a small step, turned around, and pushed Haruto from behind, towards the long table.

"And what we're doing is for the future of Soul Society that our teacher envisions!"

Ayaka reverted to her previous unruly behavior.

"You're talking nonsense again."

Haruto turned to the side and nudged Ayaka's forehead.

"This isn't something I said, you don't know? The declining birth rate is a serious problem these World of the Living!"

"It's quite possible that in a few hundred years, the balance of souls in the three realms will be broken because of this."

Ayaka returned the smile with a smile.

"Isn't it our responsibility to ensure that our excellent bloodline is passed down?"

The two stopped in front of the long table.

Pick up the porcelain cup and pour in the remaining liquid.

"..."

"For the teacher."

"To the present."

Seriousness and humor gently collided.

"Clang!"

――――

The Thirteenth Division, Council Hall.

Haruto wore a light, long-sleeved Shihakushō.

This Soul Reaper summer uniform was hand-sewn by Isane; she brought it specifically for Haruto at last night's gathering...

A total of twenty pieces were made.

By the way...

The special fabric used to make the Shinigami armor was invented by Shutara Senjumaru, a current member of the Zero Division. It has extremely strong spiritual particle conductivity and can increase its defense in sync with the Shinigami's spiritual pressure.

While not as robust as the Hierro and Blut Vene, it still adds a little bit of defense to the Soul Reaper's fragile body.

With the Zanpakuto at his waist, he has indeed changed quite a bit compared to his student days.

But...

There were only three people in the huge council hall.

If Haruto remembers correctly, this level of team meeting should require all senior staff to attend.

All the officials should be present.

This shows just how scarce the Thirteenth Division was.

Haruto looked around the spotless room. Based on Captain Ukitake's explanation, he roughly understood the cause and effect:

The vice-captain is currently in solitary confinement, Third Seat Shiba Miyako is simultaneously responsible for handling team documents, visiting her husband who is in solitary confinement, and taking care of the frail Captain Ukitake.

The original Fourth Seats died in Hueco Mundo while with the Expeditionary Force; the Fifth Seat was killed by Giant Hollow while on a rescue mission in Soul Society; the seventh Seat, Daitenta, died in the Konsō incident six months ago; the eighth Seat is still with the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force and has not yet returned; and the ninth Seat is currently assisting the 11th Division on a mission in the World of the Living.

This ninth seat of the Thirteenth Division is none other than Ayaka's older brother: Zennosuke Kurumadani.

The somewhat familiar sixth seat Kajōmaru Hideasa, was the only high-ranking Seated Officer present besides Haruto and Ukitake.

"Captain Ukitake."

Haruto looked at Jūshirō Ukitake, who was coughing incessantly above him.

"Has our Thirteenth Division been reduced to this extent?"

"Cough!"

Jūshirō Ukitake's cough grew louder.

Haruto was actually hoping that the familiar scenario of someone showing off and getting slapped in the face would occur, such as someone being dissatisfied with his Fourth Seat position.

Now it seems...

The Thirteenth Division is practically finished; where would they find someone with such free time?

"Haruto."

Ukitake seemed to have noticed Haruto's "slander."

"The team's internal affairs are currently being handled by Third Seat Shiba. For now, you should familiarize yourself with the environment of the Thirteenth Division."

"Besides what I gave you before, the team's library is also completely open to you. It contains a lot of experience and insights left by our predecessors. Although it's not as secret as the best knowledge, it can still be of some use."

Senior?

If it were truly valuable, Ukitake would have already used it as leverage, instead of just making empty promises now.

And...

Ukitake itself is already quite old.

He has served as captain for over two hundred years; Haruto couldn't think of anyone he could call a senior.

He bears a striking resemblance to Insect Lord and is the Thirteenth Division, Sakahone Saizō?

No, no, no.