"If you marry into the Shihōin Clan, you'll beco a noble."
Yoruichi Shihōin winked at Masatsuki Aozaki, looking rather excited.
"Our Shihōin Clan isn't just any noble family—we're one of the Four Great Noble Clans. In Soul Society, our status is second only to the royal family. How does that sound? Tempting, isn't it?"
Masatsuki mulled it over for a mont and murmured, "So I could rise to the top in one step?"
"Exactly. You'd just have to change your surna. Masatsuki Shihōin—it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"It does sound good." Masatsuki winked back with a grin. "I wouldn't mind changing my surna, but I have two questions first."
Yoruichi eyed him for a few seconds before saying, "Go ahead."
She had only been joking at first, but hearing Masatsuki's response, she found herself wanting to continue the conversation.
"First, if I marry into the Shihōin Clan, does that an I'm marrying you?"
"T-That's obvious."
For so reason, Yoruichi suddenly felt a little flustered, her words stumbling as she tried to explain.
"Don't underestimate yourself. You may not be a noble, but you're the disciple of the Captain-Commander."
"Other than , who else in the Shihōin Clan would be qualified to marry the disciple of Captain-Commander Yamamoto?"
"That makes sense. Well, that works out—I do like you, after all." Masatsuki thought for a mont before nodding.
Yoruichi looked up at the sky, saying nothing.
Masatsuki continued, "Second question: After I marry you, can I still pursue my personal goals and strive for a bright and happy future?"
"You really are persistent," Yoruichi muttered, dumbfounded.
She knew exactly what kind of "goals" he was referring to—not the most respectable ambitions—but now was definitely not the ti to bring that up.
"I'm asking you seriously. Yes or no?" Masatsuki pressed.
"Of course not! How could I ever agree to that?!"
Yoruichi's face turned red as she clenched her fists and shouted, drawing the attention of nearby servants. However, fearing trouble, they quickly averted their gazes.
Masatsuki let out a disappointed sigh, shaking his head. "Then forget it. My ties to this world are too deep to be severed just yet."
Yoruichi: "..."
She knew he was just joking, but she still couldn't help rolling her eyes.
...
The two of them walked up to an old, elegant estate. The clamor of the city gradually faded behind them, replaced by an air of quiet solitude.
Masatsuki and Yoruichi both remained silent, making the atmosphere even more distant and complex.
"Yoruichi-sama."
The doorn bowed as they approached, breaking the strange mood.
Yoruichi glanced at Masatsuki before turning to the guards. "Thanks for your hard work. Has anyone co looking for ?"
Perhaps sensing the unusual tension, one of the guards hesitated for a mont before lowering his voice.
"Lieutenant Ōmaeda stopped by once. He left so docunts in the study."
Yoruichi: "..."
The guard added in an even quieter voice, "Lieutenant Ōmaeda said he has already handled the paperwork. You just need to review and sign it."
Yoruichi's expression relaxed slightly as she stepped inside.
Masatsuki peeked inside, and when she gestured for him to follow, he did.
They passed through a long corridor, winding through the mansion's interior, until they finally arrived at a modest room.
Seeing Masatsuki enter alongside Yoruichi, the guards, servants, and even the Shinigami stationed nearby exchanged curious glances.
This was the first ti their young mistress had allowed a man other than Yūshirō into her personal quarters.
Even Kisuke Urahara, her childhood friend of many years, had never received such treatnt.
And the man following her inside wasn't just anyone—he was strikingly handso, almost otherworldly, looking every bit like a noble from a distinguished family.
More importantly, the two of them seed incredibly close...
Just as the maids were about to let their imaginations run wild, the door suddenly swung open from the inside.
"Bring so tea and sweets," Yoruichi called out to the maids, poking her head out. "Oh, and don't let Yūshirō know I'm back."
One of the maids quickly responded, and Yoruichi nodded before closing the door.
Masatsuki Aozaki sat casually on the tatami mat, glancing around the room.
The decor was simple—fresh and elegant. There wasn't much furniture, but every piece was handcrafted with exquisite skill. It didn't appear overly luxurious, yet it was undoubtedly expensive.
Masatsuki clicked his tongue. "Bringing into your boudoir... What, are you trying to show off the extravagant life of noble families, seduce , and then sche against ?"
Yoruichi suddenly chuckled, leaned in close, and blew a soft breath against his ear before murmuring, "If you regret it now, there's still ti. I'll even give you another chance."
Masatsuki sighed. "How about this—you don't have to marry . Once I beco Captain-Commander, you can marry instead."
Yoruichi raised a brow. "You've only just beco the Captain-Commander's apprentice, and you're already thinking about a coup?"
"You're really sothing. You don't want to take a loss, not even a little."
"But if I marry outside the clan, the head position will go to Yūshirō. Sorry to tell you, but your plan is dood."
Masatsuki shrugged. "The Shihōin family head position ans nothing to . It never had anything to do with in the first place."
"Then what does?"
"..." Masatsuki simply looked at her without answering.
Yoruichi turned away, letting out a small "hmph" that was difficult to interpret.
After a mont, a clear voice ca from outside the door. "Yoruichi-sama, your order has arrived."
Yoruichi seed relieved and responded in a low voice, "Leave it outside. I'll take it myself."
She stood up, stretched, and carried the tea into the room. Taking a deep breath, she said lightly, "Do you know Tenjirō Kirinji?"
Masatsuki raised a brow, pointing toward the ceiling—or perhaps sowhere even higher.
Yoruichi nodded. "That's right."
Masatsuki chuckled. "My master told about him. He was the forr captain of the 4th Division and joined the Royal Guard centuries ago, serving as a royal envoy."
"The healing thod you ntioned... it's not his hot spring, is it?"
"You know about that too?" Yoruichi looked a bit surprised.
Masatsuki smirked. "You do realize who my master is, right? The Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13." He took a sip of tea and nodded in approval. "Not bad."
"Of course. This is the finest tea in all of Soul Society," Yoruichi said with a grin. Then, flashing a mischievous smile, she added, "Masatsuki, let's go steal his hot spring."
Masatsuki froze. "You're joking, right? He lives in the Soul King's Palace, separated from Seireitei by seventy-two layers of barriers. How exactly do you plan on stealing it?"
"Don't tell you're thinking of using the Kakaku Taihō? If so, I'd advise against it."
"That thing might be useful for bombing Seireitei, but sneaking into the Soul King's Palace? No chance."
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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