After leaving the vast, empty hall, Yoriichi felt considerably less burdened.
Though the old monk's words had been weighty, some things were easier for Yoriichi to handle if he did not dwell on them.
For now, he would first check how his badly injured friends were recovering.
Inside the specially prepared hot spring at Kirinden.
Steam filled the air above the enormous bath, and a faint sheen of Reishi floated on the water's surface.
The moment Yoriichi walked in, he heard water splashing.
Following the sound, he saw Byakuya Kuchiki sitting perfectly upright in the water, motionless.
Though the Sixth Division captain was deathly pale, he still strove to maintain his aloof, aristocratic bearing, his back ramrod straight.
In another pool not far from Byakuya, Rukia Kuchiki lay against the edge, her whole body trembling slightly, seemingly from the heat of the spring.
Rukia's fair skin appeared and disappeared amid the rippling water.
In particular, with her back toward him and half her body floating on the surface, the contours of her two full, upturned, white-jade cheeks came straight into Yoriichi's view.
Yoriichi immediately looked away toward the ceiling, silently reminding himself, Do not look at anything improper.
Those big, white peaches certainly caught the eye, but Byakuya Kuchiki was sitting right there.
If this brother-in-law with his severe sister complex noticed anything amiss, Yoriichi would inevitably find himself chased down several streets by Senbonzakura again, even if the man was currently injured.
"Looks like you're recovering pretty well?" Yoriichi cleared his throat softly and chose a safe topic.
Byakuya Kuchiki slowly turned his head and looked at Yoriichi expressionlessly. "Thank you for your concern. I'm out of danger now," he said flatly.
Yet even his voice was trembling. Clearly, the medicinal effects of the spring water were too intense,