Soul Society, the underground training ground jointly owned by Masatsuki Aozaki and Yoruichi Shihōin.
Soaking in the hot spring, Masatsuki Aozaki couldn't help but squint his eyes in relaxation.
Two figures slowly approached the edge of the spring, and as they neared, one of them—a tanned figure—began removing her outer robe.
Both were familiar faces. Yoruichi Shihōin, his long-time partner, and her ever-loyal bodyguard, Suì-Fēng.
The young girl's face had matured slightly, hinting at the future formidable Captain of the 2nd Division she would become.
Standing at the shore, Suì-Fēng clenched her small hands, nervously scanning her surroundings.
She hadn't seen Masatsuki Aozaki in this state many times before.
And whenever she had to face both of them together, it didn't take much to turn her face bright red.
"So, you're my personal bodyguards now?"
Masatsuki Aozaki rested his arms casually on the edge of the spring, leaning back as he looked at them with an amused expression.
"That's right! This is a direct order from the Captain of the 2nd Division himself. As mere Seated Officers, we had no choice but to obey!"
Yoruichi chuckled, glancing at Suì-Fēng, who was fidgeting anxiously.
Her well-toned figure was now fully visible in Suì-Fēng's line of sight, making the younger girl flush even deeper.
"You should be thrilled—two beautiful women protecting you!" Yoruichi teased with a playful wink.
"And we're supposed to be providing close protection. Don't you think we're a little too far apart right now?"
Masatsuki Aozaki knew exactly what his wife was implying.
Without hesitation, he swam over and pulled her into an embrace from behind.
The distance between them was now practically nonexistent.
"You tricked Yūshirō into this, didn't you? There's no way he'd give such a ridiculous order otherwise!"
Yoruichi smirked in satisfaction as she looked at Masatsuki Aozaki, who clearly knew what he was doing.
They understood each other all too well—one glance, one gesture, and they could tell exactly what the other was thinking.
Honestly, all that teasing just now had been unnecessary.
Feeling his presence, Yoruichi let her body relax, slowly sinking into his arms.
Right now, she felt completely at ease.
She wasn't a clan leader, nor a captain. There was no family or division demanding her attention.
Of course, if something came up, she'd still step in. But the chances of that happening were slim.
She should have realized it sooner—how carefree life could be when she had nothing to worry about.
"Why would I need to trick him? As his big sister, do you think he'd dare disobey me?"
Yoruichi Shihōin rested her hand on Masatsuki Aozaki's chest, pouting as she spoke.
"If he dares not listen, I'll just discipline him myself."
"Yes, yes, who would dare defy Yoruichi-sama?"
The two lingered in the hot spring for a while before looking up at Suì-Fēng, who was standing bashfully on the shore.
Masatsuki Aozaki found himself momentarily lost in thought.
Decades ago, the three of them had also been in this very hot spring.
Back then, Suì-Fēng was still young, easily flustered in his presence.
There had been plenty of chances, but none had ever gone anywhere.
As for now… Masatsuki cast a knowing glance at Suì-Fēng, who stood with her head lowered in silence.
From the looks of it, there was no reason to wait any longer.
"This feels like a dream…"
Listening to the rippling water and watching the two people she had longed for, Suì-Fēng murmured to herself, a trace of melancholy in her voice.
"How could this be a dream?"
With a swift movement, Yoruichi flipped onto the shore, then reached out and playfully tapped Suì-Fēng's delicate nose.
"Yoruichi-sama…"
Suì-Fēng lowered her head, her face burning red, unable to meet Yoruichi's gaze.
Masatsuki Aozaki shot Yoruichi a look.
"If you're both my personal bodyguards, then what's going on with that one over there?"
"My apologies, Captain Masatsuki. That bodyguard is being disobedient. I'll bring her over right away."
Yoruichi immediately straightened up, standing at attention and even giving a mock salute.
"W-Wait… Yoruichi-sama!"
Only then did Suì-Fēng snap out of her wistful daydream, suddenly flustered.
"I'm still inexperienced... Maybe I should wait a few more years and serve you two when I'm more prepared."
"That's an order, Suì-Fēng!"
Yoruichi Shihōin whispered into her ear.
"Just try it. If you do, you won't be a child anymore."
"T-This... Yes..."
Her voice was barely audible, but with the terrifying hearing of the two adults, they caught every word.
...
"It's done! Finally done! This is a groundbreaking invention that will change history!"
Kisuke Urahara walked out of the laboratory, his excitement barely contained.
The task Masatsuki Aozaki had given him was finally complete.
More importantly, this meant he might never have to stress over the constant shortage of research funds again.
Ever since taking over the 12th Division, every research project of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute had fallen on his shoulders. The workload was overwhelming.
This was nothing like what he had envisioned.
He had just wanted to focus on research, yet somehow, he ended up responsible for an entire division.
And Captain Hikifune's punches hurt like hell—refusing wasn't even an option.
This was just bullying...
There was nowhere to complain about this injustice!
"What have you come up with?"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi walked over, tilting his head as he eyed Urahara.
Lately, Urahara had been disappearing often, acting all secretive. Could it be that he had actually invented something revolutionary?
"Final Fantasy," Kisuke Urahara pronounced each word slowly.
Mayuri's face fell in disappointment. "That game? Boring!"
Urahara shook his head.
"This is a completely original creation. I guarantee you'll love it."
After all, he had poured countless sleepless hours into developing and testing it nonstop for an entire day!
A game like this had never existed before. If released in Seireitei, it would definitely be a hit.
"You think everyone is like you, only interested in playing around?"
"Just give it a try!"
"No."
"It's really fun."
"I said no! You're so annoying!"
With that, Mayuri turned and walked off, leaving behind an impatient silhouette.
Urahara sighed dramatically. "That guy has no respect for me as the director. I'm furious! No way am I letting him use the funding I earn from this."
With his sales pitch rejected, a dejected Urahara trudged out of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.
Still, this was his ultimate masterpiece, the result of countless sleepless nights.
He decided he deserved a big meal at the cafeteria to reward himself.
"...Wait, didn't Masatsuki ask me to make this? Shouldn't I tell him?"
Clapping his hands, Urahara realized he should share the good news with his friend.
After stuffing himself in the cafeteria, he found a quiet spot, crouched down, and traced a formation on the ground.
As the array lit up, he began searching for his friend's Reiatsu within Seireitei.
"Bakudō 58: Kakushitsuijaku!"
A moment later, he frowned, his tone filled with indignation.
"Can't find him? Did he hide his Reiatsu, or is he off playing somewhere without me again!?"
Knowing Masatsuki Aozaki as well as he did, Urahara was certain he wasn't up to anything productive.
Most likely, he was holed up in the training ground Urahara had built.
Just thinking about it made him irritated.
He had put in all that effort to construct the place, only to have it taken over by two shameless freeloaders who didn't pay him a single coin.
And they had the nerve to call it "joint marital property."
Unbelievable!
To make matters worse, those two freeloaders were high-ranking nobles in Seireitei.
The elite of the elite!
Meanwhile, he—just a minor noble—had nowhere to even voice his complaints.
Seireitei was so unfair!
For a while, Urahara cursed the heavens in his heart.
But being someone skilled in bouncing back, he quickly shook off his frustration.
With a spring in his step, he returned to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute and called a meeting with his senior officers.
Inside the office, the Seated Officers of the 12th Division stared at their captain, who was always a little eccentric.
Under their skeptical gazes, Urahara grinned and waved his hand.
"Alright, everyone, get ready to make money."
With high spirits, Urahara transformed into an enthusiastic young entrepreneur, laying out his grand business plan.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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