She wanted to help Shiraishi.
When she made this decision, the discomfort that had been lingering in Nemu Kurotsuchi's chest completely disappeared, as if she had gone from a 36A bra size back to a 36D, and her chest felt extremely comfortable.
Many problems were also solved. She discovered that the problem was not a choice between two options. As long as it was done discreetly, the operation went smoothly, and Shinigami did not find out, there was no problem.
If things don't go well, we'll see. (仟仟尛哾)
Nemu Kurotsuchi's eyes swept over everyone, and she bowed solemnly, saying, "Thank you for your suggestions. I've thought it through; I want to help!"
"Really? Be careful." "Don't be reckless in dangerous situations." "Think things through before you act."
Everyone chimed in with their concerns.
Nemu Kurotsuchi didn't find them annoying and patiently nodded in response.
She only let them disperse when customers urged her to buy groceries, and Nemu Kurotsuchi continued shopping and exchanging cooking tips with them.
She really enjoyed the lively atmosphere where everyone could talk about anything.
After wandering around for about two hours, she returned to the cave to prepare lunch.
Shiraishi was not inside.
He usually goes out to hunt monsters after breakfast and doesn't return until noon.
Today is no exception.
The midday sun was scorching hot. Shiraishi's figure appeared at the cave entrance, and the air that greeted him was filled with the aroma of roasted meat.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the summer heat in his heart, and then exhaled heavily, completely expelling those negative emotions.
So what if he's a nobody? So what if he couldn't find the Ōmaeda Gem Company's convoy?
Now that we're back here, let's happily enjoy the lunch that Nemu prepared.
Shiraishi disliked bringing his irritable mood back to the cave. He walked forward with light steps, where a sumptuous lunch was laid out on a round stone table.
The pan-fried sturgeon fillets are piled in the center of the plate, coated with a rich sauce, while chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and peeled cucumbers surround the edge of the plate.
He didn't touch his chopsticks; the dish wasn't finished yet.
The last steak was still being prepared.
Nemu Kurotsuchi tore off the ribs of the grilled steak, making a crisp sound like tearing paper. Then she shredded the whole steak into pieces and casually placed them next to the sturgeon meat. The surface was covered with plenty of oil, and the aroma in the air became even more intense.
With a gulp, Shiraishi swallowed hard, unable to resist the urge in his stomach any longer, and picked up his chopsticks to grab some food.
Nemu Kurotsuchi blocked him with one hand and shook her head, saying, "Wait a minute."
Shiraishi asked, looking puzzled, "What else?"
"Iced plum juice," she replied briefly, turning to wash the oil off her hands before picking up the brown teapot that was soaking in water, returning to the stone table, and pouring a full cup.
Shiraishi grabbed the teacup and drank most of it in one gulp. The slightly cool taste, mixed with a sweet and sour flavor, whetted his appetite and chased away the heat outside. "Why did you think of making chilled plum juice today?"
"My sister Yagura told me that drinking a glass of chilled plum juice before a meal can improve one's appetite when it's hot."
Nemu Kurotsuchi poured herself a glass, tasted it, and a look of satisfaction appeared in her eyes. She said, "Now we can start eating."
Shiraishi immediately skewered a large piece of beef with a chopstick, stuffed it into his mouth, and took a bite. The surface of the beef was crispy and tender, and the juices had a hint of alcohol, making one want to exclaim, "Delicious! Did you add alcohol to the beef?"
"That's a secret recipe that Yagura taught me. Pour a pot of sake into a pan, add a handful of salt, four chili peppers, a head of garlic, an onion, and six bay leaves. Simmer the sake until it boils, then you can coat it evenly on both sides of the steak."
When answering questions, Nemu Kurotsuchi often goes into great detail, which is unusual for her usually taciturn nature. "Doesn't it taste better this way?" she asks.
"Fantastic! Your cooking skills are getting better and better."
Shiraishi gave a thumbs-up, not holding back his praise, and continued to eat heartily.
Unlike usual, Nemu Kurotsuchi didn't fall silent and said, "I've thought it through. I want to act with you tomorrow."
"Hmm, um?!" Shiraishi initially tried to nod vaguely to avoid the question, but then realized something was wrong. He quickly swallowed the beef and glared at her, saying, "What did you just say?"
Nemu Kurotsuchi answered truthfully, "I will help you save Kūkaku Shiba."
Shiraishi took a sip of chilled plum juice to calm his nerves, then threatened, "If you're discovered, you'll never see Mayuri Kurotsuchi again. Are you sure?"
Nemu Kurotsuchi nodded emphatically, "As long as we act discreetly and rescue them quietly, there won't be any problems."
He persisted, "What if we hadn't been able to hide?"
Nemu Kurotsuchi said earnestly, "Then let's get captured together. I can't lose Mayuri- sama, but you're also my best friend, and I want to help you!"
"Well."
Having said all that, Shiraishi was at a loss for words. This infiltration of Seireitei was definitely not as simple as he had imagined.
He didn't really want to bring anyone along.
Nemu Kurotsuchi asked doubtfully, "Is it not allowed?"
"Well, how should I put it?"
Shiraishi initially wanted to refuse, but hesitated when the words were on the tip of his tongue. He could tell that Nemu Kurotsuchi had seriously considered it before saying such a thing.
He couldn't bring himself to refuse. After thinking for a moment, he said with a helpless expression, "I can let you join me, but you have to agree to one condition."
If you get caught, you absolutely must say that I threatened you, and you can't say anything about helping me, understand?
Shiraishi's face was serious. She felt that as long as she stuck to this point, Mayuri Kurotsuchi would have room to maneuver with the Central 46 Chambers.
Nemu Kurotsuchi was unaware of her importance to Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Shiraishi knew perfectly well that the guy would never give up his masterpiece.
"Yes, don't worry about me holding you back. Focus on your work, I'll support you wholeheartedly. Take good care of yourself."
Nemu Kurotsuchi has a clear understanding of her own position.
In terms of raw strength, she couldn't compare to those captains, and her involvement in combat was quite limited.
But when it comes to the Reishi traps of Seireitei, topographical maps, secret shortcuts, and hidden hideouts...
No one in the Seireitei dared to say they understood her better than she did, including Mayuri.
This is the source of her confidence to speak out about participating in the operation.
Without that confidence, her participation in the operation would only cause trouble.
"I'm sorry, I underestimated you, Nemu. This drink is my apology."
Shiraishi, having his thoughts read, didn't try to hide it. He decisively poured himself a glass of plum juice and drank it all in one gulp.
A strange, indescribable sourness appeared on his face as he quickly chewed large mouthfuls of beef to dispel the intense sourness.
"I accept your apology." Nemu Kurotsuchi nodded and began to savor the food she had made.
After filling his stomach, Shiraishi left the cave again. His recent mission was not only to hunt Hollows, but also to find out the whereabouts of the Ōmaeda Gem Company's convoy.
Only by understanding the situation of the convoy can one consider how to infiltrate it without being discovered by others, thus silently blending into Seireitei.