Inside the First Division Barracks, the expression on Mayuri Kurotsuchi's face was one of extreme impatience. Even his heavy makeup could not conceal the displeasure in his eyes.
He looked at the tardy Asano Kiyoshi, opened his mouth to reveal his gleaming yellow teeth, and said menacingly, "You rude little brat! How dare you make me wait here for so long!"
Hearing Mayuri Kurotsuchi's abrupt accusation, Asano Kiyoshi was somewhat bewildered, but he apologized instinctively. "Ah, my deepest apologies."
At that moment, a pleasant female voice rang out. "Lord Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the agreed time today was 8:30. It is now 8:16. Asano Kiyoshi is not late..."
As those words fell, a beautiful figure stepped out from the shadows. It was Nemu Kurotsuchi.
She looked at Asano Kiyoshi expressionlessly, with not a trace of human emotion visible in her eyes.
Hearing this, Mayuri Kurotsuchi tilted his head, then waved dismissively. He grabbed Asano Kiyoshi's arm, his tone impatient. "Fine! Fine! None of that matters. Hurry up and test my newest device! Your beloved Captain-Commander had me work overtime through the night to make this!"
As Mayuri Kurotsuchi finished speaking, a pale blue ring was slipped onto Asano Kiyoshi's hand.
The ring felt icy cold. The moment it was put on, Asano Kiyoshi felt a sharp pain shoot through his arm, but it faded quickly and vanished in an instant.
Meanwhile, Nemu Kurotsuchi scribbled furiously beside Asano Kiyoshi. At the same time, she pinched his arm, seemingly trying to test some sort of data.
Just then, Head Captain Yamamoto emerged from his office. He looked at Asano Kiyoshi with a faint smile, then said to Mayuri Kurotsuchi, "You have worked hard, Captain Mayuri."
"It was not particularly arduous. As for the research funds, I hope they can arrive as soon as possible."