That night, in Yoruichi Shihōin's room.
Perhaps feeling that meeting each other with such 'sincerity' on the floor of the shop was a bit too untoward, at Yoruichi's suggestion, Soifon carried her back to her room.
Urahara Shop didn't have any spare space, so Soifon could only 'reluctantly' squeeze into one room with Yoruichi Shihōin.
"Yoruichi-sama, you should still call me Soifon,"
Soifon said as she watched Yoruichi squeeze into her bedroll.
"Then how about you stop calling me Yoruichi-sama?"
Yoruichi Shihōin wrapped her arms around Soifon's waist, seemingly treating her like a body pillow.
"Understood, Yoruichi-sama."
"Tsk, what made you like this? My Soifon isn't cute at all anymore..."
"I think Yoruichi-sama should know the reason better than I do."
"Speaking of which, how did you learn Bankai?"
"I learned it while thinking of Yoruichi-sama."
"That sounds a bit terrifying."
...
During the first half of the night, while the two were engaged in a deep, knee-to-knee conversation, Yoruichi Shihōin's behavior was still relatively normal.
However, once the latter half of the night arrived and they truly fell asleep, this woman's true nature was exposed...
Soifon opened her eyes. This time, what she saw wasn't an unfamiliar ceiling, but the open collar of Yoruichi Shihōin's sleepwear.
As expected, Yoruichi Shihōin was using her as a body pillow.
Feeling the limbs wrapped around her body, Soifon treated it as if she were wearing weighted training gear. She sat up noncommittally, lifting the covers.
Slap—
While Yoruichi was still asleep, Soifon gave those long-yearned-for black cat 'drums' a smack. The texture was excellent, sending ripples through the air.
"Mmh..."
The circulating air snuck into the gaps of Yoruichi Shihōin's sleepwear, causing her to frown involuntarily. She opened her eyes along with Soifon.
"Good morning, little Soifon."
"...Good morning, Yoruichi-sama."
[If I knew you wouldn't notice, I would have been more daring.]
Soifon felt a hint of regret.
Carrying Yoruichi on her back with ease, Soifon pushed open the wooden door and stepped out of the room.
Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi were already in the living area of the general store eating breakfast. Two untouched portions were clearly left for the two of them.
Seeing Yoruichi hanging off Soifon's back, they didn't find it strange at all. Kisuke Urahara raised his hand in greeting.
"Good morning, Miss Yoruichi, Miss Soifon." Kisuke Urahara put down his chopsticks. "Hungry?"
Soifon shook her head, letting Yoruichi down from her back. She had been so distracted by the other woman last night that she almost neglected her major business!
[I have been wounded by horny thoughts, to have become so haggard! From this day forward...]
Seeing her serious expression, Kisuke Urahara also put down his chopsticks and tapped his palm gently with his folding fan.
"I need three cloaks that can shield Spiritual Pressure and hide one's form." Soifon slapped a stack of World of the Living banknotes onto the table. "It's best if they can also conceal the face."
Kisuke Urahara looked up, his gaze lingering on Soifon's face for a few seconds before glancing thoughtfully at Yoruichi beside her.
"Speaking of which... Miss Soifon, it seems you don't have a 'Gentei Reiin' on you during this visit to the World of the Living."
Opening his folding fan to hide the lower half of his face, Kisuke Urahara spoke with a smile.
Soifon's pupils contracted slightly.
—Had she been discovered, or was he bluffing?
After two seconds of silence, Soifon picked up the tea cup in front of her without changing her expression. "You wouldn't understand the matters of the Seireitei even if I told you."
Letting out a "pfft" of laughter, Yoruichi Shihōin leaned against Soifon's shoulder, her warm breath tickling her. "Not bad, Soifon. You've learned how to do bad things too. You've finally grown up..."
After the shopping talk concluded, the living room fell silent for a moment.
Kisuke Urahara tucked away his smile, and after deliberating for a while, he spoke slowly:
"Regarding that incident back then... Miss Soifon should have investigated it thoroughly by now, right?"
"Otherwise, you wouldn't be sitting here so calmly, eating breakfast with us."
The air suddenly became heavy.
At the same time, Yoruichi Shihōin's hand quietly covered the back of Soifon's hand beneath the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Yes." Soifon looked up to meet Kisuke Urahara's eyes. "I've investigated it. It was the work of the Tsunayashiro clan, wasn't it?"
As expected, the expression on Kisuke Urahara's face across from her became even more awkward, showing none of the joy of having his name cleared.
[Where on earth did you find this unofficial history?!]
The three people other than Soifon almost spat out their tea.
"This matter..."
"Has Miss Soifon told anyone else?"
Kisuke Urahara maintained his nearly crumbling expression.
Soifon replied instantly: "Only I know. I haven't even reported it to the Captain-Commander."
In reality, she had already said it at the Captains' Council.
Upon hearing this, Kisuke Urahara let out a long, heavy sigh of relief.
He took off his hat, scratched his hair, and put it back on. "It's a good thing you didn't say anything. The power of the Tsunayashiro clan is quite terrifying."
Kisuke Urahara did not deny Soifon's guess. He even followed her lead and continued the conversation, which confused Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi.
They had thought... Kisuke Urahara was going to tell her the truth.
"However, since Miss Soifon has snuck out in secret, it wouldn't be right for me to keep you for too long."
Kisuke Urahara stood up, bracing his hands on his knees. He walked slowly toward the shop's warehouse and brought back three identical black cloaks, packing them in front of Soifon.
"The Three Worlds haven't been very peaceful lately. Miss Soifon should return to her post quickly."
"Leaving one's post without permission is a minor matter, but if the fact that you've smuggled yourself into the World of the Living is discovered, it will be quite troublesome..."
He was clearly showing her the door.
Soifon also understood the underlying meaning in his words.
Taking the three cloaks meant for 'doing bad things,' Soifon's gaze fell on Yoruichi Shihōin's face. She opened her mouth but said nothing, heading toward the shop entrance.
"Hey! Kisuke, why are you chasing her away?!"
Yoruichi Shihōin grumbled in a low voice and quickly chased after the departing Soifon.
"Mr. Kisuke, why didn't you tell Captain Soifon the truth?"
Tessai Tsukabishi stood beside Kisuke Urahara, not quite understanding.
"If she knew the truth, she would act unnaturally in front of Aizen." Kisuke Urahara opened his folding fan. "Unnaturalness leads to flaws."
For Soifon's safety and the stability of the situation, Kisuke Urahara chose to hide the truth.
After all, he didn't know that Soifon actually understood everything perfectly.
...
"Soifon, wait!"
Yoruichi Shihōin hugged Soifon's petite body from behind.
"What is it, Yoruichi-sama?"
Soifon didn't turn around, simply letting the other woman hold her, enjoying the mature charm of an adult body.
"Don't be angry, okay?" Yoruichi Shihōin held the young woman in her arms. "We..."
Soifon turned her face, looking at Yoruichi who was inches away. "I'm not angry, Yoruichi-sama."
With Yoruichi hugging Soifon from behind, her head rested on Soifon's shoulder. As long as Soifon tilted her head slightly, she could feel the friction of their skin and their hair hanging by their ears.
Because of Soifon's movement, their lips were almost pressed together, with only a few stray strands of hair separating them.
Being face-to-face with someone so intimately for the first time, even an older sister figure like Yoruichi Shihōin, who was usually so passionate, felt a bit embarrassed and froze in place.
"Yoruichi-sama, can I have a kiss?"
For some reason, Soifon found herself saying those words.
"..."
Yoruichi Shihōin's golden eyes widened instantly, but she forgot how to answer Soifon's question.
Letting Soifon have a kiss... it seemed like it wasn't impossible?
Without waiting for an answer, Soifon closed her eyes and slowly pressed her lips against the other's.
—The sensation was softer than she had imagined.
After a long while, the two separated. There were no strings of saliva, just a gentle, lingering taste.
"That was my first kiss, Yoruichi-sama."
Catching Yoruichi Shihōin's dodging gaze, Soifon said with a smile.
"..."
Suddenly, Yoruichi Shihōin felt her composure crumbling.
—It was her first kiss too, and she had been the passive one.
"Are you really... not staying a bit longer?" Yoruichi Shihōin attempted to regain some face. "There are many fun places in the World of the Living that you won't see in the Soul Society~"
"But Mr. Urahara just said that I snuck out, and it would be bad if I were caught."
Soifon broke free from Yoruichi Shihōin's embrace.
Fortunately, Soifon's secret escape to the World of the Living went undiscovered, and a long period of peaceful, leisurely daily life passed by.
After the routine year-end Captains' Council concluded, Shunsui Kyōraku sneakily sidled up to Sōsuke Aizen.
"Um, Captain Aizen..."
"What can I do for you, Captain Kyōraku?"
"You see, about this year's performance report..."
"Ah! I understand."
Aizen pushed up his thick glasses, the lenses reflecting a light of scholarly wisdom. "Come with me, Captain Kyōraku. I'll write one for you right now."
"Excellent! As expected of the man they call the 'Dragon of Paperwork,' Captain Aizen. I'll treat you to dinner later."
"Then I shall impose upon your generosity, Captain Kyōraku."
With her ears perked, Soifon walked past the two at a steady pace. She noted that Aizen was actually being tied down by Shunsui Kyōraku today.
What a stroke of luck!
"Oh? If it isn't Captain Soifon," Aizen spoke up with his usual elegant and gentle demeanor. "Do you need any help with your performance report, Captain Soifon?"
Since the two had once been colleagues at the Shin'ō Academy, it was perfectly normal for Aizen to strike up a conversation.
"Thanks, but I don't need it."
Soifon spoke to Aizen with a hint of boastfulness. "I have Momo Hinamori. Her clerical work is also quite impressive."
"Aah, I'm so jealous of Captain Soifon..."
Shunsui Kyōraku rubbed his chin, looking like he had a massive headache. "Nanao just refuses to help me write mine. Sigh."
Aizen nodded a smiling farewell to Soifon, but a strange sensation lingered in his heart.
—Why did Soifon look like she was showing off to him?
...
The incident Soifon had caused in Hueco Mundo last time had been smoothed over by the passage of time. Once again, Soifon summoned her two prized students.
"Teacher... do we really have to wear these?"
"Yeah, I feel like these aren't the kind of clothes 'good people' wear."
Faced with the black concealment cloaks Soifon had handed them, Momo Hinamori and Rukia expressed some resistance. They were upright and honorable; why did they need to hide their faces like this?
Besides, there wasn't a soul in Hueco Mundo anyway.
"Fine, then don't go hunting Menos Grande anymore."
Soifon made a move as if to take the cloaks back. "I don't want to be greeted by the Ceros of a hundred Gillians again."
As expected, the moment Soifon's hand showed signs of retreating, the two black cloaks were instantly draped over Momo Hinamori and Rukia.
It was all just a little game between them.
There was no helping it; fighting Menos in Hueco Mundo was simply too rewarding. Moreover, with a powerful Captain like Soifon protecting them, they didn't have to worry about their lives—at most, they'd take a Cero and end up horizontal for a bit.
The improvement brought by actual combat was far better than training themselves to death in a practice hall.
Kisuke Urahara's updated concealment cloaks were truly ingenious. Once put on, the user's body was encased in a field that interfered with perception, blurring their appearance and silhouette.
If Soifon's Reiatsu hadn't been powerful enough to penetrate the field, she probably wouldn't have been able to tell which of the two was Momo and which was Rukia.
She didn't know where Kisuke Urahara had managed to get Seki-Seki Stone powder to use as a manufacturing material, but it was incredibly devious.
—Upper Hueco Mundo, Desert Region.
"Soifon-sensei, can we really find Hollows by just running around like this?"
After just killing a wild Gillian, the two girls felt it wasn't enough to satisfy their cravings, so they pestered Soifon to lead them everywhere in search of Menos.
Hollows at the Gillian level were only so-so; as long as you could break their defense and adapt to their speed, the fight became purely formulaic.
"Solitary Hollows aren't that easy to find. Don't be impatient..."
Soifon was about to answer her students' questions when a peculiar white speck appeared in her vision across the endless desert.
To think that just wandering around Hueco Mundo would actually lead her to Las Noches?
"Stop!"
Following Soifon's command, the three of them skidded across the white sand, kicking up a long trail of dust.
"Soifon-sensei...?"
Momo Hinamori and Rukia hadn't finished their sentence before Soifon raised her hand to cut them off. She then pulled out a Kikaigai and sliced through the air.
"Change of plans. You two go back first. The Garganta will stay open for three minutes."
Soifon turned around and removed her hood, revealing a serious and stern expression.
The new map they were about to open was not something two seated officers could participate in.
"Understood..."
"Soifon-sensei, please be careful..."
Seeing their teacher's grave expression, they didn't say anything more and charged into the Garganta Soifon had opened without hesitation.
Soifon maintained the Garganta's opening until she sensed that Rukia and Momo had both safely reached their destination. Only then did she close the black cavity and put her hood back on.
Now that Aizen was being stalled by Shunsui Kyōraku, he likely wouldn't dare use Kyōka Suigetsu to sneak off to Las Noches. This was her golden opportunity to infiltrate the enemy camp!
Thump—
Soifon bent her knees and leaped, leaving a massive circular crater where she stood. She shot toward Las Noches like a bullet.
Soon, the white speck in her vision grew larger.
A towering white palace stood upon the endless desert. Once close, the boundaries of the palace walls were almost invisible to the naked eye.
Rather than a palace, it was more like a city of Arrancar.
"Hmm? An intruder?"
Szayelaporro was currently in the monitor room, enjoying the battle between Nnoitra and Nelliel. He was curious to see if the tools he had made could help Nnoitra pull off a successful sneak attack.
When he noticed a white streak of air flashing across the screen, he immediately ordered the Las Noches gatekeeper, Runuganga, to intercept.
A giant of sand rose from the ground, blocking Soifon's flight path. In the next second, it was smashed into a pile of scattered sand by the force of Soifon's charge.
She didn't even look back at the remains.
...
At the entrance of Las Noches.
Soifon landed silently before the palace gates. Surveillance cameras created by Szayelaporro lined the walls of Las Noches, detecting her existence instantly and locking onto the target in unison.
The movement of the cameras told Soifon that her presence had been exposed.
Therefore, she decided to give up on stealth.
Indeed, standing in the center of the entrance wearing a black cloak against a pure white palace was a very conspicuous thing to do.
Soifon casually cut down a few Arrancars who came to capture her. Finally, Ulquiorra Cifer, acting as the steward of Las Noches, walked out with his hands in his pockets.
"You..."
Soifon spoke, imitating Gin Ichimaru's way of addressing others: "I was sent by Captain Aizen."
Ulquiorra couldn't see through the person in the black cloak. He opened his mouth to question her, but was interrupted. He immediately lost any desire for further conversation.
Don—
The sound of Sonído appeared behind Soifon as a pair of pale arms reached for her right shoulder.
"Hiding your face... how do you intend to prove..."
Because Soifon's way of addressing him was so ambiguous and reminded him of a certain annoying individual, Ulquiorra decided to take her down first.
Soifon didn't even turn her head. She simply tilted her body, grabbed Ulquiorra's wrist with her left hand, and formed a blade with her right palm. Infused with the Kidō Reiatsu of Shunkō, she slashed toward his shoulder.
Schlick—
It was the sound of flesh and bone being severed at the root.
Ulquiorra's eyes widened in disbelief at the scene before him.
[I couldn't see it. When did this happen?]
His right arm had been severed from the shoulder. The wound was clean, and blood sprayed onto the ground like a fountain.
"I am a new collaborator found by Captain Aizen. My specific identity is not convenient to disclose."
Soifon picked up the severed arm from the ground and handed it over. "Don't you have High-Speed Regeneration? Reattach it. Save your strength."
"..."
Ulquiorra blankly took his severed arm and pressed it against the smooth stump. The growing flesh instantly reconnected the limb.
The opponent had held back just now, not even drawing her Zanpakutō. Her strength was greater than both Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen.
Furthermore, she knew his information and referred to Lord Aizen as 'Captain.' She was likely a Shinigami from the Seireitei.
Based on these three points alone, Ulquiorra somewhat believed Soifon was on their side, but he wasn't entirely convinced.
Ultimately, it was because he didn't think anyone would have the audacity to impersonate Aizen's subordinate and walk into Las Noches so brazenly.
Ulquiorra did not stop Soifon, but he remained vigilant, following closely behind her as they entered Las Noches together.
The environment inside Las Noches was completely different from the rest of Hueco Mundo. Here, there was actually a deep blue sky and brilliant sunshine. Although the light didn't feel particularly warm against the skin, it was still far better than the eternally oppressive night of the outside world.
"So this is the virtual canopy invented by Captain Aizen," Soifon remarked with a relaxed, teasing tone. "It truly looks just like the sky in the World of the Living. Quite impressive."
"Indeed. Lord Aizen's talents are far beyond the reach of people like you or me."
Hearing her praise Aizen, Ulquiorra felt a sense of shared pride, his posture even straightening involuntarily.
"Excellency, I wonder if your visit to Las Noches today means Lord Aizen has issued new orders?"
Ulquiorra was even beginning to treat Soifon as one of their own, asking if there was a mission Aizen wanted him to handle.
Walking in front, Soifon rolled her eyes. If she had known this line of dialogue was so effective...
"Yes. Take me to Szayelaporro," Soifon said, coming to a halt. "Captain Aizen sent me to periodically inspect the development progress of the 'Extinguishing Prince'."
Soifon wasn't flustered at all, casually making up a story about the Extinguishing Prince—who would eventually appear during the Great Battle of Karakura Town.
If Ulquiorra knew about it, it would prove Soifon's information was correct and that she was an insider. If he didn't know, it would prove Soifon's clearance was higher than his. Of course, this was all underpinned by the overwhelmingly powerful strength Soifon had just displayed.
[She even knows about the special Arrancar currently in the design phase?]
After staring deeply at the cloaked Soifon for a long moment, Ulquiorra turned and walked into a side path.
"Please, follow me."
The footsteps of the two echoed through the long corridors of Las Noches. Ulquiorra tilted his head slightly, trying to keep Soifon within his peripheral vision as much as possible.
"You don't need to be so wary of me, Ulquiorra."
Soifon felt it was necessary to show off her strength again; being stared at constantly was making her uncomfortable.
"Even if you keep your eyes on me..." Soifon suddenly flashed to his right side, pressing down on the hand he was using to reach for his blade. "The result is the same."
"..."
The two locked in a brief struggle. Ulquiorra tried to force his sword from its sheath, but it wouldn't budge an inch.
Furthermore, this black-clad figure was not only fast and possessed powerful Reiatsu, but their physical strength also completely crushed his own. Such formidable power—truly worthy of a subordinate recruited by Lord Aizen.
The moment he thought of Aizen, he reconciled with Soifon's presence once more.
*
Inside Szayelaporro's monitor room.
Since Ulquiorra stopped staring at Soifon while leading the way, their pace increased significantly.
"Szayelaporro, this Excellency has something to ask you."
Pushing the door open, Ulquiorra got straight to the point, showing absolutely no professional courtesy.
Szayelaporro turned his head and found that he couldn't see the face beneath Soifon's hood, nor could he perceive her Reiatsu. He immediately approached her, his interest piqued. He didn't even bother looking at the battle on the monitors anymore.
Step, step.
Soifon ignored the approaching Szayelaporro, brushing past him to stand before the console, watching the battle on the screen.
Nelliel vs. Nnoitra.
[She's ignoring me?!]
The expression on Szayelaporro's face twisted slightly—this black-clad person actually dared to ignore him!
"Is this how you show your loyalty to Captain Aizen?"
Before the other could lose his temper, Soifon struck first.
"Allowing two Espada to engage in infighting? Which of you is going to replace the lost combat power?"
Soifon slowly turned around. Reiatsu equivalent to a 1st Spiritual Rank poured out toward Szayelaporro, making him feel as if he were standing beneath a thundering waterfall, nearly crushed by the weight.
The terrifying pressure caused Ulquiorra to take two steps back as well. His gaze toward Soifon now carried even more approval.
Stopping internal strife, looking out for Lord Aizen's military strength... this black-clad Excellency is a loyal servant! I truly regret not meeting her sooner!
Soifon withdrew her Reiatsu.
The pressure in the monitor room vanished instantly. Szayelaporro supported himself with both hands on the floor, sweat dripping from his forehead onto the white tiles. He gritted his teeth, his pink hair hanging disheveled by his face, but he didn't dare voice any objection.
"Location," Soifon asked mercilessly. "Tell us the location of their battle."
Szayelaporro quickly recited a string of coordinates.
Soifon turned and walked out, gesturing for Ulquiorra to lead the way immediately.
Soon, they arrived at a desolate area on the outskirts of Las Noches. Even before getting close, they could hear the clashing of weapons and the tremors caused by clashing Reiatsu.
Through the drifting dust, they could see Nnoitra's massive scythe and Nelliel's graceful figure.
Just as Soifon and Ulquiorra landed, the battle reached its critical turning point.
Nnoitra, knowing he was outmatched, used a secret tool given to him by Szayelaporro, leaving an illusion in the opponent's blind spot.
By the time Nelliel shattered the enemy in front of her and realized it was a fake, it was too late to defend. The bone-chilling wind of the swinging scythe was already closing in behind her.
Clang—!
Soifon had cut into the battlefield at some unknown moment, her gleaming Zanpakutō firmly blocking the massive scythe without the slightest tremble.
Nnoitra froze, his gaze darting past Soifon to glare at Nelliel. [You had a backup plan too?!]
Giving him no time to react, Soifon's blade suddenly parried outward. The heavy scythe was forced aside by Soifon's sheer strength; Nnoitra couldn't maintain his balance and stumbled backward.
Squelch—!
In that opening, Soifon appeared behind his falling form, gripping her sword with both hands. The Zanpakutō carved an arc through the air, sweeping across Nnoitra's neck.
With a flourish of her blade to flick the blood onto the ground, Soifon sheathed her sword.
Nnoitra only felt a cold sensation at his throat before his vision began to spin and fall. Then, he felt his face hit someone's shoe.
"Did you know?" Soifon said, looking down at the head rolling on the ground. "Gripping a sword with both hands deals more damage than using one."
The moment the words left her mouth, the headless body swayed twice before crashing to the ground.
Everything had happened too fast. Before Ulquiorra and Nelliel could even react, an Espada was gone.
Wait... didn't you just say you wanted to preserve combat power for Lord Aizen?
"Why did you kill him...?"
Ulquiorra felt as though Soifon had backstabbed him. It was rare to hear such an emotional fluctuation in his voice.
"I thought they were just sparring. I didn't expect this guy to use underhanded tricks to ambush a comrade. Leaving him alive would only lead to more trouble."
No matter what, Soifon always had an explanation ready.
Why does it... actually sound somewhat logical?
After a moment of silence, Ulquiorra slowly nodded.
In the next instant, the long-absent mission panel popped up once more.
[Mission Triggered: The Way of Balance lies within.]
[Mission Completed.]
[Reward Obtained: Quincy Power (Because you saved a kind Arrancar and avoided unnecessary slaughter, the balance of the Three Worlds has become more stable.)]
What does this mean? Giving her the power of a Quincy while hinting that she should maintain the balance of the Three Worlds?
*
After catching her breath, Nelliel looked gratefully at Soifon, who had saved her life. She was just as stunned as Ulquiorra. She couldn't see the person clearly, couldn't sense them, and couldn't even tell if they were a man or a woman.
Nelliel looked at her colleague beside her. "This person is..."
"This is Lord Aizen's business," Ulquiorra replied, having subconsciously accepted Soifon's identity. "We shouldn't ask questions that aren't meant for us."
The awakening of her Quincy power felt as natural as eating or drinking. Soifon didn't sense any violent surge in her Spiritual Pressure, nor did she feel even a hint of discomfort; it was simply that her body's instincts had gained a few new tricks.
Of course, while her Spiritual Pressure remained unchanged, Soifon's overall combat strength had increased significantly.
For instance, she had mastered new techniques: Blut Arterie and Blut Vene.
These were the innate abilities of pure-blood Quincies, where spirit particles are infused into the blood vessels to drastically enhance the destructive power of physical attacks or the strength of one's defense, though they could not be used simultaneously.
Despite being a hybrid Quincy converted after birth, she had managed to master the power of Blut at the moment of awakening—truly a product of the System.
Seeing Soifon standing still on the spot, Nelliel and Ulquiorra did not step forward to disturb her, silently waiting by her side.
Once she had a basic grasp of her body's current condition, Soifon turned to look at the two of them.
"Nelliel will follow me for now. You, go about your business," Soifon said, waving a hand at Ulquiorra. "No one is to know about my visit today, except for Captain Aizen."
"Understood." The two Arrancars nodded in unison, and only Nelliel remained to accompany Soifon.
Ulquiorra turned and departed without doubting Soifon's motives.
After all, the Nelliel that Soifon had kept by her side was the stronger one; if the intruder intended to cause trouble, there would be no need for such a convoluted ruse.
The time that had passed was more than enough for Nelliel to recover her strength.
"Excellency..."
"Let's go. First, we'll rescue your kidnapped adjutant."
"You even know about that?"
...
Inside Las Noches, the laboratory.
When Szayelaporro saw Nelliel following Soifon, he adjusted his glasses with a hint of guilt.
"I need the progress report on the development of the 'Extinguishing Prince'."
Ignoring his awkward expression, Soifon barked orders at Szayelaporro without the slightest hesitation. She was growing quite accustomed to this persona.
"...I can give you the report on the Extinguishing Prince."
Szayelaporro hadn't fully bought into Soifon's identity yet. He handed over a progress report he had fabricated just moments ago.
If Soifon truly understood Captain Aizen's intent behind designing the 'Extinguishing Prince,' she would be able to spot the errors in his report at a glance. If not...
Szayelaporro hid his hands behind his back, clutching an emergency communication button as he silently waited for Soifon to read the document.
Soifon took the stack of papers. The moment her gaze fell upon the first page, her brow furrowed involuntarily.
The 'Extinguishing Prince' described in this report wasn't just different from the one in her memories; it wasn't even in the same ballpark.
Wonderweiss was meant to seal flames within his body. Why on earth was this report talking about an ice-attribute Arrancar?
She looked up, pinning Szayelaporro with a strange, piercing gaze.
Then, Soifon raised both hands and slowly tore the report in half right down the middle...
"Is this what you intend to show Captain Aizen?" Soifon's Spiritual Pressure began to climb steadily. "In that case, I don't think there's any need for you to exist..."
Oh no, the intel is real! This person in black really is one of us!
Szayelaporro immediately raised his hands above his head, frantically trying to defend himself. "That just now was merely a test! I can give you the correct one right now!"
The rising Spiritual Pressure came to a halt. Szayelaporro seized the opportunity to continue explaining: "Excellency, I was merely acting in Lord Aizen's best interest. Please understand..."
The air, which had grown thick and stagnant under the weight of her pressure, suddenly felt light again. Soifon nodded slowly, acknowledging his excuse.
Once Soifon received the report containing the detailed development data, she realized one thing: she really wasn't suited for scientific research.
With this document, even if the Captain-Commander didn't believe her word, he couldn't ignore the evidence in black and white.
Of course, if her future negotiations with Aizen went smoothly, that would be a different matter entirely.
Tucking the report into her cloak, Soifon checked the time on her Soul Pager. She had already been in Hueco Mundo for half a day.
Calculating the time Shunsui Kyōraku would need to drag Aizen out for drinks, Soifon decided it was time to retreat.
Thus, she opened a Garganta right in front of the two of them.
"Regarding today's events, except for Captain Aizen..."
"I understand, it's a secret. A complete secret."
Before Soifon could emphasize it again, Szayelaporro quickly finished her sentence.
"Good. Then I'm leaving." Soifon stepped into the Garganta and glanced back at the two. "Goodbye, Szayelaporro. And... Nelliel."
Opening a Garganta so casually... but judging by that Spiritual Pressure, this is another Shinigami...
Szayelaporro's eyes narrowed, and he quickly lowered his head to adjust his glasses.
He recalled the surveillance footage he had seen from the Forest of Menos. Could this mysterious person today be the same one...?
However, Aizen didn't seem to know who had caused the disturbance in the Forest of Menos. If they were the same person, then today's identity was a complete fabrication.
But if it were a fake identity, how could they know so much classified information...?
Szayelaporro felt a headache coming on. He shook his head vigorously, casting his suspicions aside.
Forget it. He couldn't afford to offend either side. He would just play the ostrich.
As long as it didn't interfere with his research, he was fine. If Aizen didn't ask when he returned, then he wouldn't tell.
"Szayelaporro, what's wrong with you? Did the Spiritual Pressure rattle your brain?"
Nelliel looked at her colleague shaking his head, offering a basic level of concern.
As of now, she still didn't know that Nnoitra's backstabbing tool had been crafted by this man.
"I just had a sudden burst of research inspiration. You wouldn't understand even if I told you."
Szayelaporro snapped back and turned to walk straight toward his lab bench.
I'm out. I can't communicate with these illiterate Arrancars who can't even read a research report.
...
The Seki-Seki Stone chamber of the Second Division.
Soifon, clad in her black cloak, stepped out of the Garganta. The Seki-Seki Stone material successfully insulated the spiritual energy fluctuations produced by the cavity.
After hiding her black cloak, Soifon sat cross-legged on the stone floor. She drew her Zanpakutō and thrust it quickly toward her left hand...
Hum—
The moment the tip of the blade touched the back of her hand, a layer of deep blue spirit-particle patterns instantly surfaced on her skin. They spread along the paths of her blood vessels, emitting a faint spiritual glow.
Using ten percent of her strength, Soifon felt an unprecedented resistance from the tip of the blade.
It wasn't until she adjusted her output to fifty percent that Soifon's Blut Vene failed to withstand the overwhelming force, and the area in contact with the blade tip began to crumble.
Csh.
A nearly inaudible sound of breaking.
The tip of the Zanpakutō finally broke through that layer of blue light.
Soifon immediately stopped her movements and withdrew her Blut Vene. The cold tip of the Zanpakutō rested gently against her skin, sending a slight stinging sensation through her.
At the same time, waves of Spiritual Pressure rippled from her Zanpakutō.
[You don't use my Bankai, and now you don't even use my Shikai!]
[Fine, ignore the Shikai, but now you're using me for self-harm?!]
[Soifon, what is the meaning of this! I'm angry!]
This was the sentiment conveyed by Suzumebachi's Spiritual Pressure.
"Sigh..."
Soifon walked to a nearby shelf, picked up a clean cloth, and began to gently wipe Suzumebachi's blade.
"Suzumebachi, you've misunderstood me."
"If I had released my Zanpakutō in Hueco Mundo earlier, Aizen would have been able to lock onto my identity the moment he discovered the person in black."
"As for just now, I was testing my defensive capabilities."
"Suzumebachi, you know..."
"No other Zanpakutō possesses power as great as yours. Naturally, you are the most suitable one to use for a test."
The Spiritual Pressure fluctuations from the blade gradually leveled out. It seemed the comfort was effective.
[I'll let it slide this time. Remember to use my powers more in the future...]
After a long while, another wave of Spiritual Pressure came from the blade.
"I know. I will rely on your strength much more from now on, Suzumebachi."
Blinking, Soifon wiped Suzumebachi's blade until it shone brilliantly.
[That's more like it.]
...
Upon leaving the Seki-Seki Stone chamber, Soifon's unmasked Spiritual Pressure was immediately sensed by the two girls dozing in the office.
"Soifon-sensei!"
"Are you alright?"
They circled Soifon several times, and only after confirming she had no wounds did they finally relax.
"I'm fine," Soifon said with a smile. "Did anything special happen today?"
"Special? Not really," Rukia recalled. "However, Vice-Captain Isane came by to find you, Sensei. She invited you to a banquet on the last day of the year."
"A banquet? Where's the invitation?"
Soifon leaned forward, noticing that Rukia and Momo Hinamori didn't have anything in their hands.
"Vice-Captain Isane said 'the usual place.' She said you'd know once you heard it, Sensei," Momo Hinamori added.
The usual place... I see. So it's the Kuchiki manor.
"Alright. I'll take both of you with me when the time comes."
"Eh? Really...? Mmph?! @#$%&"
Rukia instinctively tried to offer a polite refusal, but Momo Hinamori was quick to cover her mouth.
"Soifon-sensei's word is her bond; how could she lie to us?!" Momo Hinamori lectured her friend with righteous indignation. "Rukia, why have you started being all formal and polite like those other nobles!"
What if Soifon-sensei really decides not to take us?!
Several days passed, bringing the final day of the year.
At the side gate of the Kuchiki manor.
Rukia tilted her head in confusion. "Soifon-sensei, this is the Kuchiki manor, right...?"
The side gate was desolate and quiet. Her sister and brother-in-law hadn't mentioned any banquet being held here today. Had her teacher taken the wrong path?
Soifon extended her hand, pressing her palm gently against a specific spot on the wall.
Reiatsu was released slowly at a specific frequency. After a few moments, ripples began to spread across the surface of the wall like waves in a pond.
In the next second, a door of the same color as the wall silently emerged.
"...What?!"
Rukia and Momo Hinamori's eyes widened in unison.
Momo Hinamori tugged on Rukia's sleeve. "Aren't you a member of the Kuchiki Clan? How do you not even know your own home has a secret door?"
"Mind your own business..." Rukia shot her a look. "Let me ask you then: do you know how many secret doors the Second Division has?"
Momo Hinamori was rendered speechless.
Following in Soifon's footsteps, they traversed a winding path until an exquisite courtyard revealed itself before the three of them.
A round table stood in the center of the courtyard, holding a primitive stove. An iron kettle sat atop the burner, wisps of white steam curling into the air.
It seemed this gathering wasn't a hot spring trip this time, but had been changed to 'brewing tea around the hearth.'
"Oh, you've arrived..." Retsu Unohana was the first to look up, her gentle gaze landing on the trio. "Captain Soifon, and two lovely little guests."
"Eh? Where are Nanao and Yachiru?"
Looking at the three people present, Soifon was somewhat surprised. The group wasn't at full capacity this time.
"They all have their own matters to attend to. Only us few are free."
"You two, come over and have some tea as well."
Retsu Unohana took a sip of tea and warmly invited Rukia and Momo Hinamori to join them.
At her words, Momo Hinamori and Rukia snapped out of it. As the juniors with the least seniority and lowest rank present, they hurriedly bowed and greeted their three seniors.
After taking their seats, the two were clearly stiff and reserved. It was only under Retsu Unohana's breeze-like, comforting presence that they gradually began to open up.
At some point, Rangiku Matsumoto pulled out some sake from nowhere. After downing several cups, it clearly went to her head, and she wrapped her arm around Soifon's, starting to babble nonsense.
"Speaking of which, your Soifon-sensei and I were roommates... we shared a bed as fellow patients..."
Momo Hinamori and Rukia's heads bumped together as they turned to stare at Rangiku Matsumoto simultaneously. "What?!"
Being 'fellow patients' was one thing, but what did she mean by 'sharing a bed'!
This was far too enviable... no, wait, it was far too improper!
"Rangiku Matsumoto, are you even sober?!"
Unable to stand the other woman's rumors, Soifon grabbed the sake bottle from her hand and tossed it away.
It seemed Vice-Captain Rangiku was just talking nonsense; the two girls breathed a sigh of relief.
Isane Kotetsu smiled and added fuel to the fire. "Though, that is actually the truth..."
"Eh?!"
"But they are actually two separate matters." Isane seemed to enjoy watching their hearts fluctuate like a rollercoaster. "Actually, Rangiku and Captain Soifon became fellow patients first..."
And so the story went...
"There's no need to talk about that stuff!"
"It's actually quite necessary to mention it. Consider it a warning for future generations."
Just as Soifon was about to interrupt Isane Kotetsu, Retsu Unohana stuffed a pastry into her mouth, 'interrupting her interruption.'
"So Soifon-sensei actually has such a dark history."
"I never imagined Soifon-sensei would take care of a drunk Vice-Captain Rangiku..."
Momo Hinamori's exclamation was like a sudden realization, causing the two girls to lock eyes for a moment.
"Captain Unohana, I want to drink too!" both girls cried at once.
Consequently, Rangiku Matsumoto produced yet another bottle of sake from her cleavage.
...
As the banquet drew to a close, Soifon carried Momo Hinamori and Rukia under each arm, bringing them back to the dormitory.
She laid them side by side on the bed. Just as Soifon was about to stand up to get some hangover medicine, her hem was suddenly grabbed by two hands at the same time.
"Soifon... sensei..." Momo Hinamori's eyes were half-open, her voice soft and sweet. "Don't go..."
Hic. Rukia let out a drunken hiccup. "If you leave, our drinking will have been for nothing..."
Soifon tried to gently tug her clothes away, but there was no response.
"Let go." She was a bit helpless. "I'm going to get hangover medicine."
"No, not letting go."
Momo Hinamori tugged Soifon's sleeve, leaning her head bit by bit against her shoulder.
Rukia was too drunk to have much strength, so she simply rested her head on Soifon's lap and hugged her waist.
Only by relying on the liquid courage of alcohol did they dare to commit such overstepping acts toward Soifon.
Left with no choice, Soifon could only wait until they were fast asleep before quietly extracting herself and adjusting their bodies so they lay properly.
As she tucked them both in, the two girls let out soft murmurs in their sleep.
"Soifon-sensei..."
Soifon gave a soft, amused reply. "Hmm?"
"I like you."
...
At the same time, it was once again time for Aizen's routine inspection of Las Noches.
On one side, Soifon was leading her two students at the New Year's banquet hosted by Retsu Unohana.
On the other side, Aizen was engaged in a battle of wits with a Kisuke Urahara of his own imagination.
"Has there been any abnormality lately?"
On the way to Szayelaporro's laboratory, Aizen casually asked the Ulquiorra walking beside him.
"..."
A new 'superior' had arrived, but Ulquiorra wasn't sure if that counted as an abnormality. If he accidentally said the wrong thing, wouldn't he ruin Lord Aizen's grand design?
"Reporting to Lord Aizen, there are no abnormalities."
"However..."
Ulquiorra's figure paused for a moment, and he hesitated briefly.
"Oh? However?"
This was quite a novel sensation for Aizen. This Espada, who usually acted like a machine, was actually showing signs of hesitation?
He offered gentle encouragement. "Speak freely. I shall make my own judgment."
"Yes, Lord Aizen..."
Since he had put it that way, Ulquiorra didn't beat around the bush and truthfully reported the circumstances of the black-clad person's visit.
Formidable strength, a black cloak that hid their true form, detailed knowledge of his personal information, and the ability to open a Garganta despite being a Shinigami...
Hiss—
Isn't that just Kisuke Urahara?!
Of course, Aizen didn't take the Espada's definition of 'formidable strength' to heart. After all, strength and weakness were relative terms.
All these Espada added together weren't as useful as him alone; they were purely pawns meant to wear down the enemy's combat power.
Interesting. Has Kisuke Urahara found his headquarters?
Just as well, it saved him the trouble of going to find the Hōgyoku in the other man's possession.
However, what truly gave Aizen a sense of pleasure was that Kisuke Urahara had sneaked in using the identity of his subordinate.
Doesn't that make him one rank lower?
Could it be that Kisuke Urahara has finally seen the light and wants to join him in overthrowing the rotten old world?
After Ulquiorra finished speaking, he saw a faint smile on Aizen's lips, yet the man said nothing. His heart couldn't help but waver with uncertainty.
—That Excellency in the black cloak should be one of our own, right? Otherwise, Lord Aizen would be angry.
Tap.
Stopping at the entrance of the laboratory, Aizen gave Ulquiorra a rare, encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"Mmm, well done."
"The next time he comes, receive him just as you did before. All data within the authority of the Espada can be opened to him."
"Especially the Soul Society historical records I left behind."
"However, please be sure to notify me immediately. I appreciate the trouble."
Aizen was as humble and polite as ever, leaving 'Ulquiorra-kun' standing there alone, deeply moved.
With the undisguised footsteps and conversation outside the door, Szayelaporro had long known what Aizen wanted to discuss with him. Thus, he had pulled up the surveillance footage of that day onto his computer screen.
"Lord Aizen..."
"Show me. What exactly did my [subordinate] do when he came to find you the other day?"
"As you wish."
Whether it was his imagination or not, it seemed Aizen had emphasized the word 'subordinate.'
Looking at the black-clad figure appearing on the screen, Aizen raised an eyebrow—this silhouette didn't seem to match Kisuke Urahara.
But soon, he reconciled the thought.
Perhaps that cloak has the function of altering one's body shape. He could manage a design of that level himself, so Kisuke Urahara had almost fooled him.
Truly worthy of being the scientific genius he acknowledged!
As for Kisuke Urahara taking the development report for the 'Extinguishing Prince,' Sōsuke Aizen didn't particularly care. Even if the man gave it to the Seireitei to look at, it wouldn't matter.
Truly effective methods weren't about catching someone off guard; they were about the enemy being unable to do anything even if they knew what was coming—just like his Kyōka Suigetsu.
"Next time, omit these useless tests," Aizen said, tapping his finger on the desk. "This is no way to treat a comrade
Sōsuke Aizen waited with a heart full of anticipation for a long time, yet the Kisuke Urahara he expected never arrived again.
He felt that since Kisuke Urahara had not graced Las Noches with his presence for so long, there was only one answer—war.
However…
The Seireitei remained as still as stagnant water, as if they hadn't received any intel from that man at all.
Aizen had even used Kyōka Suigetsu to probe several high-ranking officers from other divisions, and indeed, nothing was happening.
From that day forward, he became even more cautious in his dealings within the Seireitei, gradually shifting the focus of his experiments to the World of the Living…
Seireitei, First Division Barracks.
The atmosphere in the meeting hall was heavy. The Captain-Commander sat in the seat of honor with his eyes closed, hands resting atop his wooden staff, while several Captains stood in rows on either side.
"This is the report for the third attack in Naruki City this month. Most of the squad members attacked were seriously injured and lost their combat capability."
"All victims were Shinigami stationed in the World of the Living. According to survivors, the attacker is humanoid in shape but has its face covered by a white, bone-like mask, and it feeds on Shinigami…"
Chōjirō Sasakibe finished his report and stepped back to stand at the side.
Isshin Shiba, standing in the Tenth Division's spot, took a step forward from the line with a grim expression.
"Captain-Commander, sir." Isshin Shiba's voice echoed through the hall. "The injured are all members of my Tenth Division. Please, let me go and investigate the truth."
The Captain-Commander opened his eyes slightly, his gaze resting on Isshin Shiba for a few seconds.
"Granted." He tapped his cane on the floor. "Tenth Division Captain Isshin Shiba, you are to head to the World of the Living immediately to investigate the attacks."
"If necessary, eliminate the threat."
The corrective force of destiny was still too strong; the Hollow 'White' created by Sōsuke Aizen finally encountered Isshin Shiba on that rainy night.
…
World of the Living, Naruki City, a rainy night.
"Burn, Engetsu!"
A burst of fire exploded above the skyscrapers. Isshin Shiba slashed through one of White's arms.
However, because Aizen had struck him in the back, Isshin Shiba didn't dare use his Bankai. In the end, he was saved by Masaki Kurosaki, who risked her life.
"Why did you save me… Quincy?"
"You're a Shinigami Captain, aren't you?"
"How did you know…"
"It's nothing."
Masaki Kurosaki bandaged Isshin Shiba's wounds and then, clutching the spot where White had injured her, vanished into the rainy night.
After returning to the Seireitei and submitting the investigation report to the Captain-Commander, Isshin Shiba omitted the fact that he had encountered a Quincy named Masaki Kurosaki.
Upon hearing news of his return, Soifon also visited the Tenth Division under the pretext of checking on Rangiku and Tōshirō, wanting to see Isshin Shiba one "last time."
"Rangiku, where is Tōshirō?"
Following the other woman into the seated officers' office area, Soifon couldn't find any sign of Tōshirō. Wasn't it said he was the most diligent when it came to office work?
"I'm right here… Soifon-sensei."
A head of hair that had blended in with a stack of white documents on the desk moved. Tōshirō looked at Rangiku beside her with a face full of annoyance.
It wasn't that work was being slacked off on; it was just that someone else was carrying the burden.
In the beginning, he really thought Matsumoto Rangiku giving him so many documents was actually for his own good, as she claimed—to cultivate his clerical and administrative skills.
He eventually realized that wasn't the case at all. She was just plain lazy.
Tōshirō even suspected that Matsumoto Rangiku's habit of slacking off had been learned from Soifon.
Matsumoto Rangiku twirled a strand of hair from her chest around her finger, guiltily turning away to avoid Tōshirō's gaze.
"Ahem…" Soifon cleared her throat, walked over, and patted Tōshirō's shoulder. "So… when will you learn Bankai?"
In her memory, after Isshin Shiba left, the Tenth Division would face a period of vacancy before Tōshirō became the Captain.
"Huh? Bankai?"
Tōshirō was stunned, then gave a serious answer after a moment of thought.
"It's not that fast… Soifon-sensei. Give me at least a few more years."
Conversations between geniuses were sometimes quite abstract, sounding like the kind of banter students at the Shin'ō Academy would use with each other.
Bang—!
Matsumoto Rangiku slammed her hand on the desk, making the mountain of documents tremble. "What? A few years? Bankai?!"
"What… on earth are you two talking about?!"
Although she didn't say it, watching the rookie she had brought in grow stronger step by step while she remained stagnant actually made Matsumoto Rangiku a bit sad.
"…Someone like you, who slacks off every day and doesn't train, wouldn't understand."
Tōshirō lowered his head and continued his clerical work.
"By the way, where is Captain Shiba?"
Soifon didn't perceive the other's Reiatsu within the barracks.
"The Captain… he went out again after handing in the report. I'm not sure where he went, though."
"I feel like since he's been back these past few days, the Captain has been constantly distracted."
Matsumoto Rangiku tapped her chin, shrugging slightly.
Soifon nodded. "I see… so he's not here?"
Has he already gone to the World of the Living to find Masaki Kurosaki? It seemed their next meeting would have to be postponed for a while.
"The Captain is always mysterious like that, no need to worry." Matsumoto Rangiku grabbed Soifon's arm and led her out. "Want to go for a drink, Captain Soifon?"
Soifon was a bit tempted, but remembering Tōshirō was still listening nearby, she felt she had to maintain her dignity as a teacher.
"It's the middle of the day; it wouldn't look good."
Matsumoto Rangiku tugged at her haori. "Oh, come on~ Just take off your Captain's Haori and it'll be fine."
"I really can't this time, maybe next time?" Soifon tapped Rangiku's forehead with her finger. "Sorry, Rangiku, I have some things to do at the Department of Research and Development."
…
After picking up the custom items she had ordered from the Department of Research and Development, Soifon first doubled back to the Tenth Division to deliver a Reiatsu-shielding device intended for Tōshirō's grandmother.
"Once Grandma is wearing this, you'll be able to bring her to live in the Seireitei."
"Soifon-sensei…"
Tōshirō took the device in a daze.
Soifon knocked the boy on the head. "What are you staring at me for? Aren't you going to Junrinan to pick her up?"
"Yes!"
Holding his head, Tōshirō gave Soifon a deep bow.
Leaving the Tenth Division, Soifon turned and headed toward the Kuchiki manor once again.
Ever since Hisana Kuchiki married into the Kuchiki family, her body had grown weaker by the day, and she was now bedridden.
Although Rukia and Byakuya were anxious, they were powerless. They had sought out many seated officers from the Fourth Division, but to no avail.
Hearing that Soifon had come specifically for Hisana Kuchiki, Byakuya Kuchiki personally came out of the manor to greet her.
Soifon skipped the pleasantries. Upon entering the room, she walked straight to the bedside and took out a small, exquisite device from a box.
"This is a Reiatsu-shielding device I had custom-made by the Department of Research and Development." Soifon handed over the brooch. "Have her wear this; it can filter out the Reiatsu from the environment."
"I don't understand…"
Byakuya took the brooch and pinned it on Hisana Kuchiki, looking at Soifon in hopes of an explanation.
"Are you an idiot?"
Unexpectedly, Soifon used a long-absent insult on Byakuya.
"Uh…"
"Please, Captain Soifon, enlighten me…"
Byakuya was taken aback. Ever since becoming a Captain and the Head of the Clan, no one had dared speak to him like that for a long time.
The last time was Soifon, and this time was Soifon too.
"Sigh…"
"Hisana is just an ordinary spirit body. How can she withstand the Reiatsu that you guys inadvertently leak from your bodies?"
Soifon sighed. This was the reason many people couldn't find the cause of the illness; they simply hadn't considered it from this angle.
Almost simultaneously, Hisana Kuchiki's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and her somewhat ragged breathing gradually leveled out.
She raised her hand, pressing it gently against her chest, feeling the invisible weight that had been pressing down on her for so long rapidly receding.
"Really…" Hisana Kuchiki sat up, her voice filled with unbelievable joy. "I feel much lighter…"
Seeing the long-absent relaxation on his wife's face, Byakuya Kuchiki nodded to Soifon in gratitude. "The Kuchiki Clan owes you a favor, Captain Soifon.
Second Division.
Soifon had just stepped into her office when a black blur charged straight at her. Before she could react, she was enveloped by a familiar scent and the warmth of a small body.
"Soifon-sensei—!" Rukia's arms tightened around Soifon's waist. "Thank you for saving my sister..."
Her hands hanging awkwardly in the air, Soifon glanced down at Rukia, who was burying her face in her chest. She reached down and gently stroked the girl's head.
"Saving her life is a bit of an exaggeration," Soifon said, ruffling Rukia's hair. "It was just a small favor."
"Uuuh..." Rukia let out a soft, kitten-like whimper. "Regardless, please, you must let me repay you!"
Repay her?
"And how do you plan on doing that?" Soifon asked. She cupped Rukia's face in both hands and gently pried the girl away from her chest.
Rukia's cheeks flushed a visible shade of crimson. She took a deep breath. "Please... let me give myself to you in marriage!"
She spoke with such volume that the snow on the branches outside the courtyard was shaken loose.
Soifon blinked. If it were one of the older women like Rangiku, Isane, or Yoruichi saying this, she might have taken it as a genuine confession. But coming from Rukia...
Soifon looked her in the eye. "Just how much resolve are you putting behind those words?"
"Eh?!"
"You are merely a seated officer. Can you really say something like 'giving yourself to me' so lightly?"
"I..."
Overwhelmed by Soifon's powerful aura, Rukia felt a pang of intimidation. She began to doubt if her own heart was truly as steadfast as she thought.
Slap—
Soifon placed her hands on Rukia's shoulders, bringing their faces closer and closer until their noses almost touched. Rukia shrank back in shy embarrassment.
"Giving yourself to someone... those are words of immense weight."
Seeing Rukia's bashfulness, Soifon assumed the girl had taken the lesson to heart and turned to leave the office...
"That's not it!" In the next second, Rukia took a frantic step forward, grabbing Soifon's sleeve again. "Soifon-sensei, you don't understand! I meant—"
Bang—!
The office door was kicked open with brute force.
"—Rukia!!"
Momo Hinamori stood in the doorway, clutching a large stack of documents. Her eyes were wide, and her face was flushed red with anger.
"How dare you try to get a head start! That is so underhanded!"
Momo stomped into the room, slammed the documents onto the desk, and placed her hands on her hips. "You truly are a devious noble!"
"What do you mean 'head start'?! I am simply repaying Soifon-sensei for saving a life in a perfectly honorable way!" Rukia insisted stubbornly.
"Hah—? Repaying her?" Momo laughed in disbelief. "You're just trying to have your cake and eat it too!"
"Please do not insult my sincerity!"
"Hmph!"
While the two were busy bickering, Soifon silently retreated to the door and vanished in a flash.
*
In the World of the Living, another person was also on a path to repay a debt of gratitude.
As is well known, Hollow power is poisonous to Quincies. Masaki Kurosaki, who had been wounded by the Hollow 'White,' was hovering on the brink of death.
Isshin Shiba had been willing to sacrifice his Shinigami powers to establish a soul link with the Hollow power inside Masaki, successfully saving her life from the encroaching Hollowfication.
With the assistance of Kisuke Urahara, Isshin Shiba opened a small clinic in Karakura Town called the 'Kurosaki Clinic' to make a living.
Meanwhile, before her scheduled meeting with Aizen, Soifon intended to deliver the device she had specifically asked Mayuri Kurotsuchi to develop for Masaki Kurosaki.
—Karakura Town.
Soifon visited the Ishida household first.
"My father is away on a trip. For now, the family affairs are handled by me and my mother."
Ryūken Ishida had matured into a steady young man. He faced Soifon with a touch more reverence than before, while the maid, Kanae Katagiri, stood quietly by his side as always.
Soifon asked knowingly, "I recall you had a fiancée? Where is she?"
"..."
Ryūken caught the teasing look on Soifon's face. He guessed that she might be here to look for Isshin Shiba, the man who had abandoned his Shinigami powers.
He remained silent; he had no intention of betraying that Shinigami.
"Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble," Soifon said, taking a sip of tea. "This time, I've come to borrow a few Quincy archives."
"The archives..."
Feeling a sense of relief, Ryūken didn't particularly mind lending out the books. After all, he had no love for being a Quincy.
"Yes." Soifon nodded, looking at him. "Are you familiar with the Kaiser Gesang?"
The hand Ryūken used to lift his teacup froze.
The Kaiser Gesang, the 'Hymn of the Emperor,' was a legend—a nursery rhyme—passed down among the Quincies. Though he didn't believe in it, he knew it by heart.
'The sealed King of the Quincy will regain his heart after 900 years, his intellect after 90 years, his power after 9 years, and the world after 9 days.'
Could it be... that the war from a thousand years ago was about to repeat itself?
"I can lend you the books." Ryūken stood up, pausing as he stepped onto the stairs to the second floor. "However, the Ishida family will not participate in any battle between Shinigami and Quincies..."
"Fine. I promise you."
"Unless you choose to get involved yourself, I will not drag your family into this mess."
Only after Soifon nodded her promise did Ryūken continue up the stairs.
He simply found Soifon's phrasing odd; he couldn't imagine himself ever choosing to wade into those muddy waters.
*
After photographing the Quincy history, Soifon used the address provided by Ryūken to find the clinic opened by Isshin Shiba.
As expected, Masaki Kurosaki and Isshin Shiba were inside on a date.
Taking advantage of their distraction, Soifon pulled out the protective device Mayuri had given her and flicked it with her finger.
A flash of almost invisible silver light streaked through the air and instantly vanished into the back of Masaki Kurosaki's neck.
Masaki felt a tiny prickle, like a mosquito bite. She reached up to touch the spot, but there was nothing there.
"What's wrong?"
"I think a mosquito bit me."
"Don't be silly. There are no mosquitoes in this weather."
Simultaneously, Masaki Kurosaki's location appeared with pinpoint accuracy on the map of Soifon's Soul Pager.
*
Carrying the photos containing the Quincy historical data, Soifon found a secluded spot in the outskirts and opened a Garganta. The other side of the passage led directly to the main entrance of Las Noches.
After so much time, Soifon didn't hold much hope that her identity remained hidden. She assumed Aizen had likely given orders to kill her on sight.
Activating her Blut Vene, Soifon stepped onto the white floor of Las Noches. The familiar cameras immediately swiveled and locked onto her.
Creak—
The gates of the grand palace slowly opened. Ulquiorra walked out with slow, deliberate steps toward her. He glanced at the figure hidden beneath the cloak and stepped aside, making a gesture to invite her in.
"Excellency, please enter," Ulquiorra said with a respectful attitude. "Lord Aizen has already informed us of your identity."
Oh?
Soifon's eyebrows arched slightly. It seemed Aizen had indeed accepted this persona she had crafted. Did this mean they truly could sit down and have a proper talk?