"Soft?"
A familiar voice tinged with amusement came from the room.
Kisaragi Akira slowly lifted his head from the fragrant softness, looking startled and more than a little reluctant. He'd nearly gotten himself sealed in there.
A pristine Captain Haori, a gentle smile with a hint of slyness, and a flawless, delicate face.
It was Unohana Retsu, the Fourth Division Captain, who had come to visit Hikifune Tessai.
As for who had teased Kisaragi Akira, it wasn't her. There was someone else.
Looking at the dark-skinned girl who had suddenly appeared before him, Kisaragi Akira recalled how she'd nearly twisted his arm clean off. He couldn't help wondering:
"What's she doing here?"
The girl gave him a sly smile, revealing a bright, sharp canine, and said without the slightest hesitation:
"That's exactly what you're thinking, isn't it?"
Kisaragi Akira bared his teeth but didn't admit it. He glanced aside, trying to avoid meeting her gaze.
Unfortunately, he happened to meet Unohana Retsu's smiling eyes instead.
She didn't seem particularly bothered by Kisaragi Akira's offense. She simply smiled gently and said:
"Though our meeting was a little... impolite."
"Still, Kisaragi, you and I really do seem fated to meet."
"What do you think? Would you consider joining the Fourth Division after graduation?"
At the end of her question, an inexplicable chill crept over him. Her slightly upturned lips looked like a bloodstained curved blade, making his scalp prickle with dread.
Brr—
Sensing malice from the gentle woman before him, Kisaragi Akira began to regret not pressing against her for a little longer.
He'd only been there for a few seconds, yet he'd put his future on the line. It was a bit of a losing bargain.
At his current market value, he should've gotten at least half a point.
And without any clothes on!
"Actually, you can't force this sort of thing."
Kisaragi Akira's eye twitched as he explained, "Teacher Kaede just gave me a major demerit. Whether I'll even graduate is still up in the air."
Beside him, the dark-skinned girl nodded repeatedly, wearing an expression that said it was only natural:
"Exactly!"
"Kid, don't let a pretty face cloud your judgment."
"Captain Unohana is beautiful, sure, but she's had so many suitors over the years that they could line up from Hakutomon to Seiryumon. With a little body like yours, you'd have a hard time competing."
Then she abruptly changed tack. Her golden eyes darted about as she continued slyly:
"Why not join the Second Division instead? You'd start as a Seated Officer, and eventually you could even become the lieutenant."
"Most importantly, the Second Division has plenty of young, pretty girls!"
"Once you're there, with your authority and status, you'd only need to use a few little tricks. Heh..."
Listening to Shihoin Yoruichi paint him such a rosy picture, Kisaragi Akira couldn't help yearning for it. His dazed eyes seemed to glimpse a beautiful future.
But he quickly came to his senses and turned away in disdain.
"Do you really think I'm that shallow? You're underestimating me."
At that, both women looked surprised. Even Hikifune Tessai, wrapped up like a dumpling behind them, wore an admiring expression.
Who would've thought that beneath Kisaragi's frivolous exterior lay such a resolute and decisive heart? They really had underestimated him.
Yoruichi pondered for a moment. She prided herself on being an excellent judge of character, and Kisaragi Akira practically had the words "womanizer" written across his face.
A normal person would've instinctively sprung backward in a situation like that.
Not only had he made no effort to avoid it, but he'd seemed quite reluctant to pull away. That said it all.
"Then..."
Yoruichi rubbed her dainty chin, lost in thought. "Should I introduce you to a couple of girls first?"
"I remember one girl who joined the Omnitsukido not long ago. What was her name again? Soifon, I think. She's petite and cute, and she's got a great face..."
Before she could finish, Kisaragi Akira's eyes curved into hooks and he grinned:
"That's why you're the best—you really know how to read people!"
"Name the time and place. I'll be there!"
Shihoin Yoruichi froze, unable to keep up with Kisaragi Akira's train of thought.
Even Unohana Retsu, standing nearby, was taken aback.
As for Hikifune Tessai, he silently withdrew his earlier assessment of Kisaragi Akira.
After some more banter, the two of them tacitly moved on from the subject.
After all,
even if the Spiritual Arts Academy allowed early graduation, Kisaragi Akira still had to finish all his courses for the current term.
A qualified Shinigami needed more than adequate strength; his theoretical knowledge had to measure up, too.
Otherwise, the only division he'd be able to choose in the future was the 11th Division.
As for who would manage to recruit Kisaragi Akira after he graduated, that would come down to each of their own abilities.
Shihoin Yoruichi and Unohana Retsu seemed to arrive at the same thought. They exchanged a knowing glance, as if they could see sparks flaring in each other's eyes.
"By the way, Kisaragi, what brings you here today?"
At last, the conversation returned to the point. Under Hikifune Tessai's curious gaze, Kisaragi Akira took out three boxes of premium eggs he'd brought along.
Hikifune Tessai looked surprised. He hadn't expected this unreliable student to be so thoughtful.
Sure enough, deep down, people were good.
They were just a little lustful.
"Thank you for your kindness."
As Hikifune Tessai accepted the gift, Kisaragi Akira's expression shifted.
[Hikifune Tessai's trust has reached the required level. Sign-in condition met]
[Character Sign-In: Hikifune Tessai]
[Kido level +5. Current level: lv28]
[Reiatsu level +2. Current level: lv55]
[Exclusive Entry acquired: Ingenious Craftsmanship]
[Ingenious Craftsmanship: A true master always keeps the heart of an apprentice. There is no end to learning Kido. Kido innovation efficiency increased by 100%!]
Kisaragi Akira's eyes lit up.
He couldn't believe three boxes of premium eggs had bought Hikifune Tessai's loyalty. This had truly been a win for the ages.
Hikifune Tessai noticed the boy's strange expression but didn't ask about it.
Judging by his behavior, with his relatively shallow moral standards, it would be hard to guess what was going through his mind.
"Since you're not seriously hurt, Teacher Tessai, I won't keep you any longer."
After checking in on him, Kisaragi Akira stood up to leave.
To his surprise, Hikifune Tessai spoke up:
"Please wait a moment, Kisaragi."
"This may not be the best time, but I think I should mention it."
At this, Unohana Retsu and Shihoin Yoruichi exchanged glances, suddenly sensing that something was wrong.
"Actually, with your talent..."
Hikifune Tessai scratched his head with his bandage-wrapped right hand and gave an awkward chuckle.
"If you joined the Kido Corps, I could promise you the same treatment and status as the Grand Kido Chief."
"Also, um..."
"The Kido Corps has plenty of pretty girls, too."
"And if you could bring Aizen along with you, that'd be even better."
The two women gave up on their rivalry and stared in astonishment at Hikifune Tessai, who was lying in his hospital bed.
Who would've thought...
You, with those thick eyebrows and big eyes, had defected to the other side, too?!
Before you continue