The Unforgiven from Shinigami
September 2nd.
early morning.
The sky was overcast, with a sliver of dawn peeking through the east, like a newly formed rebel army, not yet at the point of sweeping across the land by six or seven in the morning.
He was fast asleep.
The sliding door was open, and the thumping sound of feet on the floor reached my ears, with a rhythmic, drum-like quality. " Shiraishi, wake up."
"Hmm, I'll sleep a little longer."
Shiraishi sensed the familiar Reiatsu, and not wanting to open his eyes, he turned to his side, wanting to continue sleeping.
The person next to me started shaking my shoulders again, "It's number two already."
"Sigh," he sighed. Once it's past midnight, it'll be the 2nd. Does that mean I have to wake up at midnight?
Despite his thoughts, Shiraishi didn't blame the other person. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the face that was close to his, which didn't look much different from when it was from a distance.
Her cheeks seemed to be wrapped in a thin layer of jade, crystal clear.
Her eyes were clear, without a trace of turbidity.
"You're awake. Hurry up and change your clothes, get ready in advance."
"Oh," Shiraishi responded, his mind a little fuzzy. Judging from the sky outside, it should be around four or five o'clock, right?
That's way too early.
He mentally grumbled, then decided to make up for lost sleep, reaching out his hand and saying, "Pull me up."
"Okay."
Isane Kotetsu, unsuspecting, grasped his hand and pulled it upwards, asking, "Are you really alright?"
Shiraishi leaned against her, his chest firm and elastic. His head rested on his left shoulder, and he said weakly, " Isane, how many hundreds of times have you asked that question?"
The sound around my ear was slightly itchy.
Isane Kotetsu blushed, not because he was too close, but because she realized she had indeed asked that many times. She said weakly, "It shouldn't have been that many times..."
Don't be shy, I will answer you no matter how many times you ask.
Don't worry, I will definitely keep my promise.
Shiraishi lifted his head, no longer pressing down on her—otherwise, he wouldn't be able to control the gun underneath. He reached out and stroked her cheek, his fingertips running through her soft hair. "You and Matsumoto have done everything you could. Now trust me, okay?"
"Yes." Isane Kotetsu nodded.
Shiraishi yawned, already awake, and instead of lying back down, said, "I'm going to change my clothes."
"I'll get it for you."
Isane Kotetsu was quite enthusiastic about this, and quickly took out the kimono that Rangiku had chosen and presented it to him with both hands.
Shiraishi took the clothes, looked at her still standing there, and said coquettishly, "You want to watch me change clothes? You're so annoying, you pervert."
"Eh, no, it's not." Isane Kotetsu hurriedly turned around, covering her face with her hands, feeling a little hot.
She really didn't have that thought; she was just too busy thinking about Captain Unohana to think straight.
Shiraishi took off his Captain's Haori, untied his obi, removed his Shihakushō), and put on the kimono that Rangiku had bought for him.
This kimono is blue and white, adorned with elegant plum blossom patterns. It was expensive, costing Isane Kotetsu three years' worth of savings.
It is expensive.
They're incredibly comfortable to wear; the fabric feels as smooth and comfortable as the skin of a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl.
The color scheme is a very natural sky blue and plum blossom white.
Retsu Unohana, who loves blue and white color combinations in summer, probably wouldn't find this blue and white combination distasteful.
Rangiku Matsumoto certainly had a keen eye for kimonos.
"Alright," Shiraishi called out.
Isane Kotetsu turned around, his face instantly flushed. In his line of sight, Shiraishi's belt was not fastened, his clothes were loose, and his abs were exposed. "Please fasten your belt!"
"Haha, your reaction is really funny."
Shiraishi smiled, finished putting on his clothes, and asked, "How does it look?"
She quietly moved her fingers away, making sure it was really dressed, before lowering her hand and nodding, "Hmm, very good, just that your hair is a bit short and your clothes are a little wrinkled. Let me straighten them for you."
"There was no other way with my hair. It was too hot at the Shiba Clan before, so I asked Kūkaku to shave it for me."
Shiraishi scratched his head, looking rather helpless.
His habits are somewhat different from those of Soul Society; it's fine in other seasons.
In the summer, all I want to do is shave my head and cool myself off.
Then in winter, the hair will grow back and keep you warm.
Isane Kotetsu circled around, helping to smooth out the kimono, then returned, still lacking confidence, "Is this really okay?"
Shiraishi flicked her forehead, saying helplessly, "How many times do you want me to ask? You just promised me, and you've already forgotten."
"I'm sorry..." Isane Kotetsu replied weakly, covering her forehead with her hand; she was genuinely worried.
If it doesn't work, Captain Unohana will have to leave this world forever.
The thought of this made her feel uneasy, no matter how much she prepared herself.
Shiraishi didn't continue the topic, instead talking about something light to ease her anxiety.
As they were chatting, Nemu Kurotsuchi appeared outside the door carrying a food box and saw Isane Kotetsu inside.
She blinked, silently deciding that she would come earlier next time.
This competitive spirit made her pause slightly at the door, wanting to understand why.
Shiraishi waved from inside and asked, " Nemu, did you bring the perfume over?"
"Got it," she replied, taking off her wooden clogs and stepping into the house. She pulled a perfume bottle from her bosom and handed it to him. " Hiyosu said one spray is enough. If you read too much, the scent will be too strong and people will notice something's wrong."
Shiraishi reached out and took the perfume. The bottle was crystal clear, made of a material similar to crystal, and the perfume inside was pink. "What's for breakfast today?"
"Porridge."
Nemu Kurotsuchi opened the food box and took out oatmeal porridge, a plate of grilled salmon, and a plate of pan-fried steak.
After placing the dishes on the table, she rolled up her sleeves and began cleaning the house.
This is her daily routine.
Isane Kotetsu stood up and said, " Nemu, I'll help too."
"Need not."
Nemu Kurotsuchi gripped the rag tightly, her deep green eyes showing a hint of wariness as she said, "This is my job. Please sit there properly."
"Alright." Isane Kotetsu sat back down at the table, inhaling the aroma of the meat.
Shiraishi took a sip of porridge and asked, "Would you like some?"
She quickly waved her hand and said, "I've already eaten."
"Really? Nemu's cooking is excellent; it would be a shame if you didn't try it."
Shiraishi didn't insist and continued eating breakfast.
Hearing his praise, Nemu Kurotsuchi wiped the cloth with extra effort.
After finishing breakfast, Shiraishi wiped his mouth, stood up, and said, "I can't keep the lady waiting, I'll go now."
"Remember to spray it when you arrive at the location; don't let the fragrance dissipate beforehand."
Isane Kotetsu wasn't quite sure how long the perfume's effects lasted, but she still reminded him not to spray it on the street.
This celebrity really wants to retire.
"Don't worry, just wait patiently for my good news."
Shiraishi Zanpakuto into his waistband. He could change his Captain's Haori and Shihakushō, but the sword absolutely could not leave his reach.
With a melancholy reminiscent of Lin Daiyu etched on her brow, Isane Kotetsu nodded and said, "Yes, I believe you."
"..." Shiraishi opened his mouth, deciding to prove himself with actions, and used the Steel Tempest to leave.