The next morning, at the 12th Division barracks...
"Here's what you asked for," Kisuke Urahara said, handing Masatsuki Aozaki a protective suit and an accessory.
"Got it. Then give this to Kirio-san." Masatsuki Aozaki extended his hand, offering a lunchbox. "Today's special recipe."
Kisuke Urahara took the lunchbox, weighing it in his hands to check its contents.
"Is your cooking really that good? Good enough to have a captain completely hooked?"
Kisuke had to admit—though his friend wasn't as intelligent as he was, he had unexpected talents in many areas. Cooking, for instance, was sothing Kisuke couldn't compete with at all.
After tasting his food once, Kirio Hikifune had arranged, through the channels of the Urahara Shop, for him to provide a takeout service. When Masatsuki Aozaki was training in Shunkō and disappeared for a month, Kirio Hikifune was practically losing her appetite.
The temptation was terrifying.
"Of course. Haven't you noticed how plump and healthy Rangiku and Gin have gotten?" Masatsuki Aozaki lowered his voice. "If you want to sneak a bite, I'll pretend I didn't see anything."
"No need. Captain Hikifune is extrely sensitive to numbers and weight—she'd know if even a single portion was missing."
Kisuke Urahara shuddered, as if recalling an unpleasant mory. Then, shifting the topic, he said, "Let tell you about the gift you're giving. The protective suit is a good choice—Kūkaku can wear it while experinting."
"As for the choker, see that tal ornant in the center? Pull it out, and it turns into a chain sword."
"But since you insisted on this design, how you present it is up to you."
Masatsuki Aozaki examined the necklace in his hands. It looked more like a choker, with a rhombus-shaped silver tal piece at the center, its hollowed-out section suspending a teardrop-shaped clear crystal.
He had no idea how such a small accessory could conceal an entire chain sword, but considering that Mayuri Kurotsuchi could hide a scythe in his ear, he decided not to dwell on it.
Tucking the items away, Masatsuki Aozaki asked, "Kisuke, can you make a Senkaimon?"
Kisuke Urahara scoffed. "No."
He already knew Masatsuki Aozaki had beco a noble and was now looking for a personal Senkaimon. But no ant no—he wasn't about to lie about it.
"Can the Shinigami Research and Developnt Institute make one?"
Masatsuki Aozaki frowned. He hadn't expected it to be this difficult to obtain a Senkaimon.
He had searched all over the noble district this morning and still couldn't find a place that could make or sell one, which was why he had co to Kisuke for help. Yet even Kisuke, a noble himself, had no way of making one. It seed these things were quite rare.
"As far as I know, the Shinigami Research and Developnt Institute doesn't have any information on that for now. You might want to ask Captain Hikifune—she might know how to make one," Kisuke suggested, glancing off into the distance.
Masatsuki Aozaki turned to look. A beautiful woman with purple hair was approaching.
"Masatsuki, I'd love to help you, but I'm sorry—I don't know how to make a Senkaimon either," Kirio Hikifune said, scratching her head.
Masatsuki Aozaki rubbed his chin. "I see..."
Kirio Hikifune sighed. "It's an extrely ancient technique—older than the Gotei 13 itself."
"Right now, only the oldest noble clans still retain this knowledge."
"If you really need one, you might want to ask Captain Shihōin for help."
"The Shihōin Clan, being one of the most ancient noble families in Soul Society, should have the technology to create a Senkaimon."
Masatsuki Aozaki nodded.
I get it now. I've just escaped the tiger's den, only to step into the lion's den.
"Thank you very much, Kirio-san!"
"No need to thank ."
Kirio Hikifune waved a hand dismissively. "If you really want to show your appreciation, let's have a cooking exchange soti. I've almost mastered the dishes you taught last ti, but I still struggle with controlling the heat."
"Of course, I'll definitely drop by when I have ti," Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled.
With Kirio Hikifune taking the initiative, there was no way he'd refuse.
...
That afternoon, in the 2nd Division captain's office...
"You either don't show up for work and sleep at ho, or you co straight to asking for favors. You're enjoying being 3rd Seat way more than I enjoy being captain," Yoruichi Shihōin huffed, crossing her arms. Her expression and movents had an undeniable charm to them.
"And whose fault do you think that is? Being 3rd Seat is way too tough—work all day and still get bossed around by my superior..." Masatsuki Aozaki sighed dramatically. "Ugh, just talking about it is embarrassing. Let's not even go there."
Yoruichi's face flushed slightly, knowing full well that he was talking about her.
Seeing her irritation fade, Masatsuki Aozaki grinned. "Actually, I didn't just co here to ask for help—I brought you a gift."
"A gift?"
Masatsuki Aozaki pulled out the accessory Kisuke Urahara had given him. "Here, take a look."
"You... You actually put so thought into this!" Yoruichi's face lit up with a smile.
She didn't sense anything unusual about it; instead, she was just pleased that Masatsuki knew her tastes. She had worn plenty of chokers like this before—she was even wearing a bow-shaped one at that very mont.
Masatsuki Aozaki took a seat beside her and personally fastened the necklace around her neck.
"I had Kisuke custom-make it. I designed the look myself. Pull the ornant at the front, and it triggers a chanism that turns it into a chain sword. So? Do you like it?"
"Not bad. I like it," Yoruichi tilted her head back slightly, like a proud swan.
"Since you've given your captain such a valuable gift, I can't be rude either. Leave the Senkaimon to ."
"That doesn't seem right..." Masatsuki hesitated.
"What's wrong with it? As the head of the Shihōin Clan, do you really think I'd be stingy about sothing like a Senkaimon?" Yoruichi waved a hand grandly. "Just sit back and wait."
"...Alright then." Masatsuki Aozaki seed conflicted but eventually muttered in agreent.
The Fullbringers better be prepared. Ti to clean up the Soul King fragnts...
I wonder how Aizen's investigation is going. He's been in the World of the Living for so long now.
Masatsuki glanced up at Yoruichi, who was standing in front of the mirror, admiring the necklace around her neck. His eyes suddenly glead with an idea.
He walked up beside her, leaned in close, and whispered sothing in her ear.
"Are you out of your mind?" Yoruichi's eyes widened in shock.
"Don't forget—you still owe two favors. Or are you saying that the great Captain of the 2nd Division, Head of the Shihōin Clan, Lady Yoruichi, doesn't keep her word?"
Masatsuki Aozaki shook his head in disappointnt.
"If you can't do it, then I've got nothing more to say. But I guess Yoruichi-sama's promises don't an much after all."
"Tch... You really have so nerve saying that," Yoruichi gritted her teeth, then locked the doors and windows of her office.
She took a seat, her body gradually shrinking. In re monts, only a pile of clothes remained where she had been.
"What are you waiting for, you idiot..." A sleek black cat crawled out from the garnts.
Before she could finish speaking, Masatsuki Aozaki had already transford into a large black-and-white cat and pounced.
The two feline shadows intertwined, and soon, strange cat-like sounds echoed through the office.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake
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