Soul Society's Empty-Nest Elder

Rukia was speechless. That wasn't entirely wrong. After all, Modified Souls were mass-produced combat souls, so they certainly couldn't be as powerful as Soul Reapers. Still, dealing with ordinary Hollows was no problem.

Compared to humans, they were practically superheroes.

Yuko put down her soup bowl and reached her right hand toward empty space. "Although I don't consider myself a Soul Reaper, I suppose I'm at least using a Soul Reaper's combat methods."

A slender Zanpakuto, completely dark violet and radiating a faint orchid-like glow, appeared in Yuko's reversed grip and was placed on the table.

A hint of surprise appeared on Rukia's face.

What a beautiful Zanpakuto...

For some reason, the first thing it brought to mind was a butterfly's wings.

"Zanpakuto... Teacher Yuko, are you a Soul Reaper?" After a moment, Rukia shot to her feet, leaned forward slightly, and brought her face close to Yuko's.

Her excited expression lasted for about a second before she began muttering again. "No, I should be the only one assigned to this area..."

"Besides, Teacher Yuko has been in the Human World for over a decade. A Soul Reaper couldn't possibly remain in the Human World for so long without a mission."

Yuko continued eating, ignoring Rukia, who was resting her chin on her hand and thinking hard in her seat.

"But besides Soul Reapers, can humans really fight Hollows head-on?"

When Yuko came out of the kitchen carrying a lunch box, Rukia was still muttering. She didn't even notice that the food in her bowl had gone cold.

"Soul Reapers aren't the only beings who can control reishi." Yuko brought the lunch box to Rukia and interrupted her. "You seem to be having a rather miserable time at Ichigo's house, so this is tomorrow's lunch."

Since Rukia was hiding in