amaotonovel Chapter 565 4th Division Barracks
Chapter 565 4th Division Barracks
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the paper sliding door, but it failed to dispel the gloom in Yuko's heart.
Yuko sat upright in front of the mirror, her golden eyes looking at Soi Fon behind her through the mirror: "Soi Fon, do you like tea?"
When going out, Yuko usually adjusts her appearance to avoid double pupils or other abnormalities.
"It's alright... I guess?" Soi Fon was meticulously tidying up Ikuko's outer clothes.
"How about I give you this opportunity? How about it? Having tea with the two captains, that's something many people dream of..."
Before Yuko could finish speaking, Soi Fon bluntly said, "I refuse."
"..."
Yu Zi turned around and pressed down her hand: "Alright, since we're going to our deaths anyway, don't bother with your hair or anything."
"Besides, what's the point of just grooming yourself if you don't even change your clothes?"
Soi Fon said with a straight face, "Lord Yoruichi said that in formal occasions, demeanor is very important."
Yu Zi casually replied, "I think the most important thing is not to be ugly."
Soi Fon paused for a moment, then inexplicably felt that it made a lot of sense.
Last night, Yuuko's comments about Yoruichi's head-slapping and her "good child" attitude, as well as her subsequent criticism of the nobility, did not affect Soi Fon's goodwill towards her. Or rather, Soi Fon's little brain automatically filtered out those rebellious parts, only remembering that Yuuko seemed to be very protective of Yoruichi. And, Yuuko herself seems to be quite special, being targeted even by that pervert Urahara.
"Besides, I think life is more important than appearance..." Yuko sighed, staring at the ceiling. The thought of the perverted nature that might be hidden beneath Unohana Retsu's gentle, smiling face sent chills down her spine.
Although there is no concrete evidence, her intuition is probably correct.
Compared to the scene on the experimental table that Yoruichi described last night, a scene of being unable to live or die, she felt that this place was more dangerous.
"Captain Unohana is a very powerful Shinigami. She has healed many Shinigami over the years and won't harm Yuuko-nee." Soi Fon corrected her earnestly, her tone filled with natural respect for her senior.
"Is that so?" Yu Zi forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.
The truth is not only cruel to the child, but also to her.
After combing Ikuko's hair, Soi Fon escorted Ikuko to the door.
"I can walk by myself."
Soi Fon remained silent, only staring intently at her.
When Yuuko was escorted by Soi Fon to the entrance of the Second Division barracks, Yoruichi was already waiting there, still wearing her white captain's haori over her black shihaka. However, her short purple hair was now meticulously combed, showing less of her usual flamboyant and carefree nature, and more of the elegance and majesty befitting the head of one of the four noble families.
She crossed her arms, glanced sideways at the dawdling Yuko, and a faint, ambiguous smile played on her lips.
"Oh, isn't this our Yuko-sama who only sells her art, not her body?" Yoruichi teased, her gaze sweeping over Yuko with a hint of scrutiny. "Why does she look so unhappy?"
Yuko rolled her eyes in annoyance and said quietly, "Lord Yoruichi~ I think it would be better to have Soi Fon accompany you for tea. After all, I don't understand your noble customs, and it wouldn't be good if I embarrassed you."
She tried to pull the bees out of the water.
Soi Fon's face immediately tightened, and she said seriously, "My duty is to protect Lord Yoruichi! Not... not to drink tea!"
Yuko's eye twitched slightly. Soi Fon was quite obedient when Yoruichi wasn't involved. But once Yoruichi was involved, Soi Fon didn't hesitate at all.
The snacks I bought for Yoruichi these past few days were a complete waste... Oh no, it seems like Soi Fon paid for them herself... Oh well, never mind.
"Alright, stop being so cheeky." Yoruichi put away her joking expression, stepped forward, and reached out to straighten Ikuko's slightly crooked collar. Her movements weren't exactly gentle, but they carried an undeniable force. "There's no need to deliberately hide anything from Captain Unohana, but those outrageous remarks of yours, keep them to yourself."
"Understand?"
Her sharp purple eyes stared directly at Yuko, carrying a warning, but also a hint of something less obvious... protectiveness?
No one understands better than her how steadfast those old fogies are in upholding the system.
Although she didn't have many opportunities to interact with Retsu Unohana, she believed that the number of people in the entire Seireitei who would agree with Ikuko's ideals was probably less than a handful.
The Captain-Commander might not target Yuko because of her identity, but he will definitely eliminate her because of her outrageous remarks.
Looking at Yoruichi's serious face so close to hers, Yuko felt too embarrassed to argue with the heavy sense of responsibility in his eyes.
Yuko nodded, saying helplessly, "I understand~"
"Heh, good to know." Yoruichi withdrew her hand, turned around, and said, "Let's go, don't keep Captain Unohana waiting."
What will happen if we wait too long?
Yoruichi was somewhat speechless: "What do you think? Don't you all think Captain Unohana is a scary person?"
Yuko shivered.
It seems so.
The journey to the Fourth Division barracks felt like an eternity to Yuuko. The morning air in Seireitei was fresh, the streets were clean, and occasionally a Shinigami would respectfully bow to Yoruichi.
Yu Zi clicked her tongue twice: "When can I borrow your white coat for a couple of days? It looks so impressive."
Yoruichi knew she was teasing her, so she couldn't help but smile: "Sure, I'll lend you my Zanpakuto's Bankai whenever you figure it out."
"Guess? You underestimate me far too much."
"hehe."
As the two chatted, they soon arrived at the Fourth Division's barracks.
The Fourth Division's barracks differed from those of the other combat divisions, lacking the grim atmosphere and possessing instead a more tranquil and peaceful ambiance. A faint herbal fragrance permeated the air, creating a serene and secluded environment with winding corridors.
"Captain Yoruichi, Miss Yuuko, Captain Unohana is waiting for you in the tea room." The two had just entered the barracks and hadn't even looked around when a member of the Fourth Division came forward.
Yoruichi nodded with a smile: "Yes, thank you for your help."
"Please follow me, both of you." The fourth squad member who led the way was respectful and gentle, and led them to a separate, well-maintained courtyard.
Yuko felt an invisible pressure emanating from the surrounding spirits. The closer she got to the courtyard, the more obvious the pressure seemed to become. It wasn't a malicious release, nor was it truly manifested on her face. It was simply a sense of foreboding rising in Yuko's heart.
Pushing open the elegant bamboo door, a warm aroma mingled with the delicate scent of tea and the subtle fragrance of sandalwood wafts out. The tea room is small, but decorated with extreme simplicity and elegance. A low table sits in the center of the tatami mats, upon which a complete tea set is displayed.
Unohana Retsu was kneeling in the main seat, her back to the door, intently tending to the iron kettle on the small red clay stove in front of her. She wore a haori for the fourth division captain, with an elegant light blue kimono underneath. Her long, dark blue hair flowed smoothly down her back, held up only partially with a simple hairpin. Her back view was serene and graceful, like a lady in a painting.
"Excuse me, Captain." After leading them in, the members of the Fourth Division bowed slightly towards the room and then withdrew.
Upon hearing the sound, Unohana Retsu slowly turned around.
"Excuse me, Captain Unohana," Yoruichi spoke first, her voice unusually serious.
"Captain Yoruichi, Miss Yuko, welcome. Please have a seat." Retsu Unohana's face remained beautiful and gentle, with a warm, spring-like smile on her lips and her eyes crinkling, as if they could melt hearts.
Her voice, like her personality, was gentle and peaceful, without a trace of aggression.
However, when her gaze fell on Yuko, a hint of madness inadvertently flashed in her eyes, making Yuko's heart tighten.
That crazed look vanished in an instant, as if it were just a fleeting illusion.
His gaze lingered on the exposed skin of her neck and wrists for an extremely brief moment, so fast that it was almost an illusion. Even Yoruichi didn't notice it, but Yuuko felt it clearly.
That look... it was the look of someone looking at prey, as if they wanted to see her clearly from the inside out... no, it should be stripping her naked, stripping her naked inside and out.
"Excuse me." Yoruichi gracefully took her seat, then quietly tugged at Ikuko's trouser leg.
"Thank you... thank you for the invitation, Captain Unohana." Yuko forced a smile and sat down, mimicking Yoruichi's posture.
Yoruichi didn't understand what had happened between the two, but instinctively began to cover for Ikuko. Looking at the tea leaves on the table, she said, "Captain Unohana has a refined taste. The aroma of this tea is so refreshing."
"They're just some superficial hobbies." Unohana Retsu smiled and began to warm the cup, place the tea, and pour water with smooth, effortless movements.
Every movement of hers carried a rhythmic elegance, pleasing to the eye, and full of tranquil Zen, as if the sense of danger that Yuko had just sensed was merely an illusion.
"Miss Yuko seems a little nervous?" Despite Yoruichi's presence, Retsu Unohana gently pushed the first cup of clear, emerald-green tea towards Yuko, her voice as soft as a feather.
Yuko was on the verge of tears. She was being watched! She was definitely being watched!
Seeing that Yuuko was not moving, Yoruichi patiently nudged her with his elbow.
"Thank you." Yu Zi quickly took the teacup.
Unohana Retsu asked with a somewhat puzzled look, "Miss Ikuko seems a little nervous?"
"No...no. It's just that it's my first time in the Fourth Division, and I'm a little...curious." Yuko picked up her teacup, using the act of drinking tea to cover up her true feelings.
Unohana Retsu smiled and said, "It should be the second time, right?"
Yuko: "...I forgot by accident."
Retsu Unohana smiled gently: "Miss Yuuko is so cute~"
Yuko's fingers trembled on the table, while her other hand frantically tugged at Yoruichi's clothes under the table.
Quick, help! This woman is trying to take advantage of me!
Yoruichi's face darkened, but she still chimed in, teasing, "Even if you're Captain Unohana, I won't give Yuuko to you."
Retsu Unohana smiled slightly and pushed the second cup of tea she had just brewed in front of Yoruichi.
"I wonder how Miss Yuko's progress in unleashing her Zanpakuto is?" Unohana Retsu's eyes sparkled, and her smile deepened. "I'm not particularly skilled in this area, but I do have some knowledge of it. I wonder if Miss Yuko needs my help?"
"Pfft—cough cough cough!" Yu Zi choked on a mouthful of tea and coughed violently, her face turning bright red.
She hadn't expected Retsu Unohana to be so direct; her thoughts were practically written all over her face!
Although she invited Yoruichi over, her mind was entirely on herself.
Retsu Unohana smiled gently as always, even considerately handing over a clean, plain white handkerchief.
"Thank you." Yuko took the handkerchief and wiped her mouth haphazardly. "But it's alright, I've already successfully released my Zanpakuto."
Unohana Retsu widened her eyes slightly: "Really? Miss Yuuko is indeed very talented."
"In less than a month, he has already mastered the Shikai of his Zanpakuto. His future potential might even surpass that of Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
"I still have a long way to go," Yuko forced a smile.
If it were Yoruichi who said this, Yuuko would probably be quite happy to accept it. But with Unohana Retsu... she seriously suspected that this woman had ulterior motives.
"From what I understand, Captain Yoruichi doesn't seem to be very skilled at using Zanpakuto. If Miss Yuuko needs to know more about this, she can come to me anytime."
Yoruichi! She's slandering you! Fight her back!
Yuko screamed inwardly, but Yoruichi seemed not to hear or see anything, sitting quietly to the side drinking tea from the very beginning.
At that moment, Yuko understood.
She was sold.
Yuko sweated profusely: "I appreciate Captain Unohana's kindness, but I won't trouble you with such a small matter."
“Hmm…” Unohana Retsu nodded slightly, stood up, the loose hem of her kimono cascading down, and slowly walked towards the sliding door on one side of the tea room. “We’ve had our tea, how about we stretch our muscles somewhere else? The Fourth Division’s training grounds may be simple, but they’re quiet.”
She reached out and opened the sliding door, revealing a spacious open area behind it.
No?! Didn't she just mean she didn't want to play with you?!
Training ground? Stretching up? You're kidding me!
You don’t even want to act anymore, right?
Unohana Retsu smiled gently: "Well then, Ikuko-san, let me see your Zanpakuto."
They were held hostage.
Refusing at this point seems like it would offend someone.
Yuko had no choice but to stand up, and smiled helplessly: "Then I'll have to trouble Captain Unohana for guidance."
Looks like I can't escape it today.
From the moment I saw Retsu Unohana's invitation and accepted Yoruichi's invitation, Ikuko had already guessed that this would happen.
After all, the murderous aura emanating from Retsu Unohana couldn't be hidden from this real demon.
Yuko wasn't afraid of her; she just felt they couldn't get along.
She's not some kind of murderer; dealing with someone like Retsu Unohana would be the death of her.
Unohana Retsu paused for a moment, seemingly surprised by Ikuko's decisiveness.
I thought they would have to make excuses again, but I didn't expect them to accept it so easily.
Could it be that you are also...?
"Then, please come with me, Miss Yuko." Retsu Unohana licked her lips, her gentle smile already faltering.
From beginning to end, the woman who invited Yoruichi to have tea never really looked at Yoruichi properly.