I Really Know People!

"Is it soft?"

A playful voice, laced with a hint of familiarity, drifted from within the room.

Kisaragi Akira, caught between shock and a lingering sense of reluctance, slowly lifted his head—which had nearly been sealed away—from the fragrant, pillowy softness.

A pristine white captain's haori, a smile that blended gentleness with a touch of hidden malice, and a face of exquisite, flawless beauty.

It was none other than the Fourth Division captain, Unohana Retsu, who had come to visit Hikifune Tessai.

As for the one who had just teased Kisaragi Akira, it was not her, but someone else entirely.

Gazing at the dark-skinned girl who had suddenly appeared before him, Kisaragi Akira immediately recalled the arm she had nearly twisted off, and he couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Why is this person here?

The girl gave a cunning smile, revealing a sharp, bright white canine tooth, and spoke without the slightest reservation:

"That must be exactly what you're thinking, right?"

Kisaragi Akira grimaced and didn't admit it, glancing to the side in an attempt to avoid eye contact.

Unfortunately, he happened to lock eyes with Unohana Retsu's smiling gaze.

The woman didn't seem to mind Kisaragi Akira's rudeness, merely smiling gently:

"Although the way we met was a bit intrusive."

"But Kisaragi-kun and I are truly fated."

"How about it? Would you consider joining the Fourth Division after graduation?"

As she finished, an inexplicable, bone-chilling coldness washed over him. The slight upward curve of her lips resembled a blood-stained scimitar, sending a shiver of pure terror down his spine.

Hiss—

Sensing the malice radiating from the gentle woman before him, Kisaragi Akira began to regret not staying pressed against her for a little longer.

He had only been there for a few seconds, and to have already gambled away his future for it felt like a losing trade.

Given his current market value, he should have at least stayed for half a point.

And that's assuming he was naked!

"Actually, these things shouldn't be forced."

Kisaragi Akira's eye twitched as he explained, "Just a moment ago, Teacher Kaede gave me a major disciplinary mark. Whether I can even graduate is still up in the air."

The dark-skinned girl beside him wore an expression of total agreement, nodding from time to time:

"Exactly, that's right!"

"Young man, you must never let your eyes be blinded by feminine charms."

"Although Captain Unohana is beautiful, her suitors over the years could line up from Hakutomon all the way to Seiryumon. With your scrawny build, it would be very hard to compete with them."

As she said this, her tone shifted. Her golden eyes darted around, and she continued with a cunning glint:

"Why not come to our Second Division? You'd start as a seated officer, and later on, you could even be promoted to lieutenant."

"And most importantly, there are plenty of young, beautiful girls in the Second Division!"

"When the time comes, with your power and status, you'd only need to use a few little tricks, heh heh..."

Listening to the blueprint Shihoin Yoruichi was painting for him, Kisaragi Akira couldn't help but feel a surge of longing. His dazed eyes seemed to see a beautiful future unfolding before him.

However, he quickly snapped back to reality and turned his head away with disdain:

"I, Kisaragi Akira, am not such a shallow person. You underestimate me."

As soon as these words left his mouth, looks of astonishment appeared on both women's faces, and even Hikifune Tessai, who was wrapped up like a rice dumpling in the back, looked on in admiration.

He hadn't expected that beneath Kisaragi-kun's frivolous exterior, there lay such a firm and resolute heart. He had truly underestimated him.

Yoruichi pondered for a moment, priding herself on her excellent judgment of character, yet Kisaragi Akira was the type of guy who practically had the word "lecher" written on his face.

A normal person would have instinctively recoiled in such a situation.

This guy not only showed no intention of dodging but was actually quite reluctant to leave, which spoke volumes about his true nature.

"Then..."

Yoruichi rubbed her delicate chin, thoughtful. "Shall I introduce you to two?"

"I remember a girl who just joined the Omnitsukido, what was her name... Soifon? She's petite and cute, and her looks are top-tier..."

Before she could finish, Kisaragi Akira's eyes curved like hooks, and his mouth split into a grin:

"As expected of you, your eye for talent is spot on!"

"Time, place—I will definitely be there on time!"

Shihoin Yoruichi froze, unable to keep up with Kisaragi Akira's train of thought for a moment.

Even Unohana Retsu, standing to the side, was stunned.

As for Hikifune Tessai, he silently retracted his previous assessment of Kisaragi Akira.

After bickering for a while, the two of them tacitly moved on from the topic.

After all.

Even though the Spiritual Arts Academy has a provision for early graduation, Kisaragi Akira still needs to complete all the courses for this semester at the current stage.

A qualified Shinigami must not only meet the standards in strength but also pass the theoretical knowledge requirements.

Otherwise, the only path available to him in the future would be the 11th Division.

As for who will be able to recruit Kisaragi Akira into their division once he graduates, that will depend on their own capabilities.

Seeming to think of this at the same time, Shihoin Yoruichi and Unohana Retsu exchanged a tacit glance, as if they could see the sparks igniting in each other's eyes.

"By the way, student Kisaragi, why are you here today?"

The topic finally returned to the right track, and under the curious gaze of Hikifune Tessai, Kisaragi Akira took out the three boxes of premium eggs he had brought with him.

Hikifune Tessai looked surprised; he hadn't expected this unreliable student to actually have such thoughtfulness.

As expected, the essence of a person is not bad.

He is just a little bit lecherous.

"Thank you for your kindness."

As Hikifune Tessai accepted the gift, Kisaragi Akira's expression shifted slightly.

[Hikifune Tessai's trust level reached, check-in conditions met]
[Character check-in: Hikifune Tessai]
[Obtained Kido level +5, currently lv28]
[Obtained Reiatsu level +2, currently lv55]
[Obtained exclusive trait: Ingenious Craftsmanship]
[Ingenious Craftsmanship: A true master always keeps the heart of an apprentice; there is no end to learning in the path of Kido, Kido innovation efficiency increased by 100%!]

Kisaragi Akira's eyes lit up.

He didn't expect that three boxes of premium eggs would be enough to buy off Hikifune Tessai; this move was truly a shocking surprise.

Hikifune Tessai noticed the unusual expression on the boy's face, but he didn't ask any further questions.

Judging by this guy's behavior, with his relatively shallow moral bottom line, it is very difficult to guess what he is actually thinking.

"Since you are doing fine, Teacher Tessai, I won't disturb you any further."

After offering his condolences, Kisaragi Akira stood up, preparing to leave.

Unexpectedly, Hikifune Tessai spoke up:

"Please wait a moment, student Kisaragi."

"Although it might be a bit inappropriate, I feel it is necessary to bring this up."

As soon as these words were spoken, Unohana Retsu and Shihoin Yoruichi, who had been glaring at each other, suddenly felt a bad premonition in their hearts.

"Actually, given your talent..."

Hikifune Tessai reached out his bandage-wrapped right hand to scratch his head, smiling sheepishly:

"If you could join the Kido Corps, I can promise you the treatment and status equivalent to that of the Grand Kido Chief."

"Also, uh..."

"There are many pretty girls in the Kido Corps as well."

"And, if you could bring student Aizen along with you, that would be even better."

As soon as these words were spoken, the two women abandoned their current opponent and simultaneously looked at Hikifune Tessai, who was lying on the hospital bed, with stunned expressions.

To think...

You thick-browed, big-eyed guy, you actually defected to the other side?!