After breakfast, Kaelith Yurei changed into casual clothes and climbed over the academy wall to leave.
Although his First Division badge allowed him to leave the school whenever he pleased, Kaelith felt it would be improper to abuse such privileges.
Reflecting on his virtuous behavior, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
If Yamamoto knew how incorruptible he was, resisting the sweet allure of power, surely the old man would feel deeply gratified.
Using his exceptional Shunpo, Kaelith effortlessly infiltrated Seireitei.
Dressed in casual attire instead of his academy uniform, he passed by several Shinigami without drawing any special attention.
Walking along the clean, orderly streets, he quickly arrived at his destination:
The Twelfth Division barracks.
Due to a recent attack, there were more patrolling Shinigami around the Twelfth Division's vicinity.
But for a true expert, numbers were aningless.
Kaelith's figure flickered as he skillfully avoided every patrol team.
Stopping in front of a sliding door, he reached out and knocked lightly.
A few seconds later, the door slid open.
Inside, Kirio Hikifune sat cross-legged on the floor with a book resting on her lap, accompanied by a teacup and so snacks.
Seeing Kaelith, she looked surprised.
"I was wondering who could have snuck in—turns out it's you, boy," she said with a smile, patting the tatami mat beside her. "Co, sit!"
Kaelith gave a polite nod before stepping inside and sitting cross-legged across from her.
As he settled, his eyes casually glanced at the book on her lap—it appeared to be a cookbook.
So, this strong and commanding Captain of the Twelfth Division had a passion for food?
Noticing his gaze, Hikifune's interest was piqued.
She held up the book for him to see.
"Look, boy! This is a cookbook from the World of the Living, all about making different desserts~"
"I had it specially retrieved and converted into a spirit particle form so I could read it here in Seireitei."
"This is the only copy in the entire Soul Society—an absolute rarity!"
Kaelith's curiosity was instantly sparked.
"Let take a look," he said, reaching out to take the book.
Flipping through its pages, a subtle expression crossed his face.
The book mostly featured simple, classic desserts.
Likely due to the ti period, the recipes were basic and didn't include advanced techniques or equipnt-dependent pastries.
To Hikifune, these desserts might already seem extraordinary.
But to Kaelith, who had spent countless hours as a self-proclaid "culinary master" in his past life, these recipes were child's play.
Detecting the faint disdain in his gaze, Hikifune assud he didn't like desserts.
"Don't underestimate these pastries—they're absolutely delicious when made properly!" she insisted, a bit flustered.
Seeing her reaction, Kaelith suddenly had an idea.
Holding up the cookbook, he asked, "Captain Hikifune, do you have the tools to make these recipes?"
Hikifune blinked in surprise before nodding. "I had a batch custom-made and delivered recently."
"And the ingredients?" Kaelith continued.
"I've prepared so as well. I was actually planning to try making sothing today," she replied.
Satisfied, Kaelith nodded.
"Good. In that case, no ti like the present. Let's get started!"
"Captain Hikifune, let show you what real baking is all about!"
Hikifune stared at him, puzzled.
This boy could bake desserts?
In this era, The World of the Living, Japan was just beginning to adopt Western influences, where deserts were more common.
Most people, let alone making these recipes, had never even seen them before.
But Kaelith didn't seem like he was bluffing.
After so thought, Hikifune nodded and led him to her secret kitchen.
Recently, she'd been developing a new passion—if Kaelith could create better recipes, it would be a significant breakthrough for her.
Standing in front of the pristine kitchen, Kaelith couldn't help but marvel.
As expected of the Twelfth Division Captain, the setup was truly impressive.
These tools and appliances, appearing in what should be an Edo-period setting, felt like treasures from a museum.
But to Kaelith, who ca from the modern era, they were nothing special.
Under Hikifune's watchful eyes, he began working with practiced ease.
"Guide of the culinary arts, grant strength!" he joked internally as he expertly handled the equipnt.
Seeing Kaelith's proficiency, Hikifune started to believe he genuinely knew what he was doing.
Initially, Kaelith had been a little apprehensive, worried that his skills might falter without the aid of modern technology.
But as he worked, he realized that with his precise Kido and Spirit Pressure control, using Kido to heat ingredients was even more reliable than an oven.
Before long, the desserts began to take shape:
Cream chiffon cake, soft European bread, garlic baguettes, soufflés, macarons...
Watching the finished pastries pile up, Hikifune's excitent grew uncontrollable.
Taking a warm soufflé in her hands, she took a bite. Her eyes instantly lit up.
Under Kaelith's amused gaze, Hikifune initially maintained a graceful pace, savoring the flavors.
But as she ate, her speed increased noticeably.
Soon, Kaelith's expression turned slightly strange.
He had made enough pastries to feed two or three people comfortably, maybe even five or six considering the richness of the flavors.
Yet, within re minutes, Hikifune had devoured everything by herself.
Patting her stomach in satisfaction, Hikifune leaned back with a blissful expression.
Watching this scene, Kaelith couldn't help but have a slightly malicious thought.
At this rate, wasn't she bound to gain weight?
Before he could dwell on it, Hikifune suddenly disappeared from his view.
Kaelith instinctively tensed, readying himself for an attack.
But in the next mont, Hikifune reappeared right in front of him.
To his astonishnt, she bent down deeply, her voice filled with sincerity:
"Boy… no, Master! Please take as your apprentice!!"
"This is the lifelong request of Kirio Hikifune!"
Kaelith: "???"
Staring at the Twelfth Division Captain, one of the strongest Shinigami in the Soul Society, bowing so earnestly just to learn baking, Kaelith felt like he was in a surreal dream.
Shaking his head with a chuckle, he replied, "Captain Hikifune, it's just baking. There's no need to go this far. If you're interested, I can teach you more recipes. But in exchange..."
"No, this isn't just cooking!"
Hikifune raised her head, her gaze unwavering.
"This is a pivotal decision for my next several centuries of training!"
"For , the ability to create truly delicious food defines my future—my very life!"
"Master Kaelith! Please accept as your student!!"
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(t/n haha co on Kaelith take here as your disciple)
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