A Long-Awaited Rest

"Mm, that's more like it~"

At those words, Yoruichi's gloomy expression instantly cleared up. Smiling brightly, she nodded at Yuko and left the room.

Yuko stared speechlessly at her departing back, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly.

After Yoruichi left, Yuko tried once more to repair the injury on her chest, but she still couldn't complete the regeneration.

She silently picked up her Zanpakuto and said, as though complaining or talking to herself, "Can an ordinary Zanpakuto really do something like this?"

"This is the master's will."

Shinobu gave no response.

Yuko sighed. It seemed she would have to enjoy the pain for the first time in a long while.

A short while later...

Yoruichi brought over some food, placed it in front of Yuko on a low table, and set down a steaming bowl of white porridge. It was very fitting for an injured patient like Yuko.

Seeing this, Yuko seemed to understand the reason for Yoruichi's strange behavior earlier. She helplessly waved her hand. "What? ...So Yoruichi made it herself."

"No wonder you wanted me to try it..."

"Shut up, idiot!" Yoruichi's wheat-colored cheeks flushed slightly. With a coquettish scold, she picked up the spoon and jabbed it toward Yuko's face.

"...I'm not so helpless that I need someone to feed me." Yuko broke into a nervous sweat and raised her hand to politely refuse Yoruichi's kindness.

Yoruichi's hand paused, and she stared blankly at her. "Is that so? I hope you won't regret it."

"It's just a little thing. I can handle—ngh~"

As soon as Yuko picked up the spoon and moved her arm, the motion tugged at the injury in her chest, sending another burst of pain through her. It hurt so badly that she nearly threw away the spoon.

"It didn't feel this painful