Yuko could understand Rukia's excitement, but Rukia had only fought a fierce battle yesterday. Even though Yuko's blood had healed her injuries, it couldn't restore her exhausted body.
Besides...
"No, this time is different." Yuko refused her request for a simple reason. "Muramasa's ability has affected my Zanpakuto. If something goes wrong, I might not be able to protect you in time."
Yuko trusted the white-haired woman not to cause trouble, but she wasn't willing to take the risk.
Rukia was disappointed, but she knew she would only slow them down. She nodded dejectedly and took two steps back.
Yoruichi rubbed her arm. "Not in Seireitei?"
Yuko nodded slightly. "Yeah. I checked yesterday. It's quite possible."
"And since Zanpakuto have to be subdued by their own wielders, Sister Hana sent me out to find Old Man Yama."
Yoruichi rolled her eyes. "So you brought me along?"
Yuko rolled her eyes right back. "Come on. Why else would I call you over? To play?"
Yoruichi gave a dry laugh. "You say that like you're paying me."
"Since when did you get so mercenary?"
Yoruichi curled her fingers slightly. "It's not that I'm mercenary. It's just that, thanks to a certain someone, I feel like I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't get something out of this."
"..."
Yuko's mouth twitched. "Sushi and barbecue aren't enough?"
That set Yoruichi off. "Put it in writing, damn it! Don't let it turn into pork cutlet rice again!"
"...Would instant noodles work?"
"Do you want me to go home?"
Yuko raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. In front of everyone, I promise to treat you all to sushi and barbecue. Happy?"
Yoruichi folded her arms. "What do you mean, 'you all'? I'm the one you asked, aren't I? I'm the one doing