Unfortunately, he was too weak—otherwise...
Retsu Unohana smiled and said, "If you're willing to attend the ikebana gathering, I'll teach you flower arrangement."
"Alright, alright..."
Masatsuki Aozaki was just being polite, trying to strengthen his rapport with Unohana. He really didn't want to keep discussing flower arranging, so he chuckled and changed the subject.
"Now I know some things are fair game to ask... So, Captain, when will you teach me Zanjutsu?"
Unohana was momentarily taken aback before laughing softly. This kid really never misses a chance to get stronger. She had just shown him a bit of warmth, and he was already bringing up swordsmanship.
She wasn't annoyed, though. Instead, she responded naturally, "You can start anytime. What do you want to ask? Or do you need to spar with me to pinpoint any issues?"
Masatsuki felt his heart melt a little. As expected, a gentle and understanding older woman was something else.
This kind of grace and composure was something younger women like Yoruichi and Rangiku couldn't compare to. It even made his heart race a little—if only she weren't such a battle maniac.
...
A cold snort came from a nearby rooftop.
"That bastard… I'm here observing enemy movements, and he's just sitting there chatting?"
Masatsuki stiffened and instinctively turned his head. A chill ran down his spine, creeping all the way to the top of his skull.
If his eyesight had been just a little sharper, he would have spotted Yoruichi crouching on the roof, staring at him and Unohana with utter disdain.
Straightening his expression, he said, "Captain Unohana, no need for a spar. I just have a few questions..."
Unohana glanced toward the darkened sky, then casually lifted a hand to cut him off. "No rush. Close the doors and windows first—we wouldn't want any unwanted spectators."
Given her strength and years of battle experience, it was impossible for Unohana not to have noticed Yoruichi eavesdropping nearby. But she simply chose to ignore it, focusing entirely on her "student" and their discussion.
Seeing the doors and windows shut, Yoruichi lost interest in further spying and vanished with a swift movement.
...
Unohana led Masatsuki further inside, and the two sat down on the floor without any formalities.
Masatsuki presented the questions he had prepared in advance, and Unohana answered each one without hesitation, sharing everything she knew.
The moon climbed higher, time stretched on, and the night grew ever more serene.
Masatsuki was completely absorbed, as if he had entirely forgotten the reason he had come.
Not that it was his fault—since he was already here, he wasn't about to let the opportunity go to waste.
Before coming, he had carefully sorted out his questions about Zanjutsu, genuinely seeking Unohana's guidance.
Unohana was a true master of the sword, an expert who embraced all schools of thought. As the first Kenpachi, she held the highest rank in Seireitei's Zanjutsu—10th Dan.
No matter how talented Masatsuki was, he still had a long way to go compared to her.
Her understanding of Zanjutsu even surpassed old man Yamamoto's, so consulting her was the most logical choice.
Completely immersed in their discussion, the two transcended the barrier of Reiatsu, engaging in a fierce exchange of ideas about the way of the sword.
...
By the time he snapped out of it, the sky had turned completely dark.
"Damn!"
Catching a glimpse of the night sky through the window's gap, Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly remembered a certain little cat.
"Captain Unohana, thank you for your guidance."
With all his questions answered, he knew it was time to leave.
That little cat was probably furious by now. He could already picture Yoruichi puffing up her cheeks in annoyance.
"This is nothing. If you have more questions about Zanjutsu, feel free to come to me anytime," Unohana said lightly.
Masatsuki clasped his hands together in thanks. "Then I'll take my leave. It's getting late—you should rest as well."
Stepping outside, he found the corridor lanterns dimly glowing, casting a faint light. The sky above was heavy with clouds, as if ready to weep at any moment.
And sure enough, the weather did not disappoint. As he walked down the path, the sound of rain suddenly filled the air.
A clap of thunder shattered the stillness of the night, echoing like a mournful symphony played by wandering spirits on an endless expanse of land. It was as if countless blades were clashing, sparks flying as life flickered away—tragic, inevitable, and utterly helpless.
Listening to the steady patter of rain, Masatsuki remained silent for a long time, feeling something stir deep within him, though he said nothing.
When he reached the barracks' gate, the same guard was still on duty. He borrowed an umbrella and continued down the road at a leisurely pace.
A cold voice came from ahead.
"Took you long enough."
Masatsuki looked up and spotted a small courtyard at the end of the street. Yoruichi Shihōin stood under the eaves, her cheeks puffed out in irritation as she stared at him.
Just as he expected… Masatsuki chuckled. "It wasn't on purpose. You know how I get—I lose track of time when I start training."
"Besides, it's not like I knew how long it'd take you to steal hot spring water. Naturally, I figured I should stall for as long as possible."
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes, clearly seeing through his excuse. She rolled her eyes but didn't bother arguing—because, after all, this was Masatsuki Aozaki. A man notorious for his obsessive training habits.
Not wanting to dwell on the topic, she waved a hand impatiently. "Well? Aren't you going to come pick up your captain?"
Masatsuki smirked and strode forward, holding the umbrella high.
"At once, Captain." He immediately slipped into the role of an eager underling, grinning. "Captain, you've worked so hard. Are you tired? Do you need me to carry you?"
"Hmph. At least you have some sense."
Without hesitation, Yoruichi hopped onto his back.
Feeling the warmth of her body pressed against him, Masatsuki figured there were worse fates than being her ride. Though… something about this didn't seem quite right.
Adjusting his grip to support her, he held the umbrella with one hand and shifted her weight slightly with the other. "I doubt my conscience is as good as yours."
"Pretty words…" Yoruichi sneered, then reached up and pinched his ear.
"Ah! Ow, ow, ow—what was that for?"
Masatsuki yelped in mock pain, making Yoruichi finally release him.
"That's for running your mouth. I was saying things like that to little girls before you were even born."
She leaned in, exhaling softly against his freshly-pinched ear. The unexpected sensation sent a shiver down his spine.
"I wasn't even thinking that way," Masatsuki muttered.
"I don't care. I'm annoyed, so I'm going to bully you." Yoruichi's voice carried a hint of playfulness as she tightened her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder.
Masatsuki glanced back. Her small face was pressed against him, her embrace firm and comfortable.
"Fine, fine. Bully me all you want," he sighed. "What else can a commoner like me do against a noble?"
Yoruichi blinked. "You don't like being bullied by me?"
"Who likes being bullied?"
"Hmph."
She huffed, her breath warm against the cool night air, sending another chill down Masatsuki's spine.
"Alright, alright. I like being bullied by you, happy?" Masatsuki sighed, while silently swearing to himself—one day, he'd get his revenge.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake