"There's nothing much to say; it's just an extremely ordinary world."
"It's no different from the Living World or this world full of oceans. The only difference, perhaps, is the lack of all these chaotic and bizarre abilities."
Ren's quiet voice rang out.
Seeing Ren in this state, Yoruichi stuck out her tongue and licked his cheek, tactfully choosing not to press further.
She looked back at the military fortress and then forward at the endless sea, unable to help feeling deeply moved.
"So this is an alternate world."
"No wonder you were so cautious, being so careful even with me, your wife, and requiring a contract before bringing me over."
Ren reined in the emotions that had just surfaced. Hearing Yoruichi's exclamation, a hint of guilt rose in his heart, followed by a sense of helpless necessity.
"It couldn't be helped—the stakes are high, I had to be cautious."
"I understand."
Yoruichi was very understanding of Ren's careful measures.
After all, this involved other worlds; the scale was simply too grand. It wasn't just about the individuals involved, but about these different worlds and the billions of lives within them. A single mistake could cause immeasurable consequences.
In such a situation, no amount of vigilance was excessive.
If it were her, she would likely treat it with the same caution. Though, with her carefree personality, she probably couldn't achieve the same level of meticulousness as Ren.
Having just gained this insight, a flicker of worry surfaced on Yoruichi's face.
"Ren—does anyone else know about your situation?"
"Specifically, that you are a being from another world..."
Ren shook his head. "No one should know. People like the Uchiha wouldn't easily think of such a thing."
"What about Kisuke and Mayuri Kurotsuchi?"
Yoruichi's brow furrowed. The concern on her face deepened.
"They are both smart. Since I could figure it out, they'll realize it sooner or later."
"How will you explain it then?"
Seeing Yoruichi so worried on his behalf, Ren chuckled inwardly. He felt that his confession today had not been in vain.
He stroked Yoruichi's head, his gaze softening considerably.
"Don't worry."
"Whether it's Urahara Kisuke, Mayuri, or Suì-Fēng—I haven't told any of these Soul Society figures about the existence of the other world."
Yoruichi blinked, a look of confusion on her face. "Ma—Mayuri?"
While she was still wondering who this 'Mayuri' was, the image of a man with black-and-white face paint surfaced in her mind, and she suddenly realized.
Her eyes twitched involuntarily.
"I say, Mr. Serious, by 'Mayuri,' you don't mean that fellow Mayuri Kurotsuchi, do you?"
"Yes," Ren asked, puzzled. "Why such a big reaction? Is there a problem?"
Yoruichi opened her mouth, but eventually only a short word came out.
"No."
Mayuri's name was indeed pronounced that way, but taking the given name out and using it alone... why did it feel so full of 'girly' energy?
'That freak actually has such a cute name?'
As soon as the thought appeared, Yoruichi felt as disgusted as if she had swallowed a mouse. She quickly shook her head to cast out such a shocking idea.
She looked at Ren, her tone somewhat strange.
"Since when did your relationship with him get so good that you're calling him by his first name?"
"He is my contractor and a member of my community of fate," Ren said. "Moreover, his help to me and the Stealth Force has been significant enough that I have acknowledged him."
"So you didn't tell him about the other world?" Yoruichi gave him a side-glance.
Ren said softly, "Business is business. I won't lower my guard regarding matters like this."
He told Yoruichi now because he trusted her as his wife. As for Mayuri and the others, it wouldn't be too late to tell them once he stood at an absolute height of power.
Yoruichi suddenly asked again, "Even so, the difference in your attitude toward Kisuke and Mayuri is a bit too large, isn't it?"
"I can sense it. You seem very friendly toward that freak Mayuri, like you're treating him as a friend."
"But when facing Kisuke, you don't have that same friendliness. Your attitude drops several levels, treating him purely as a subordinate."
Yoruichi looked at Ren, a teasing smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
"My feeling isn't wrong, is it?"
Hearing this, Ren couldn't help but frown.
Yoruichi watched him closely; indeed, there was no friendliness like when mentioning Mayuri, only a clear sense of distance. The amusement on her face could no longer be suppressed, showing openly before Ren.
"Mr. Serious, could it be... that you're jealous?"
"No."
Ren said coldly, "You're overthinking it."
"Although Urahara Kisuke signed a contract with me, his mind is too deep and his ability is too strong. I don't feel at ease with him."
Yoruichi, currently in her cat form, wore a smirk that looked both knowing and cloying.
"Really?"
"It's not because he and I are friends, so you got jealous and treated him like that?"
"Young man, confess honestly. This old man won't laugh at you."
Ren's face remained stiff as he said, "Yoruichi, have you had enough fun?"
"Ah, you really are embarrassed! A tsundere?"
Yoruichi snickered. He really was a man with a tsundere personality.
"Heh heh, Mr. Serious, being a tsundere isn't popular these days."
"And for a big man like you, things like being shy or 'tsundere' don't suit you at all."
"You should just admit it honestly."
Ren knew that no matter what he said now, Yoruichi would only mock him further. He simply picked her up, cradled her in his arms, and walked toward the building behind them.
"Let's go. I'll take you on a tour of the interior of Marine G-1 Base."
"Mr. Serious, you're changing the subject!"
Yoruichi said indignantly, but her attention was soon caught by the magical things in this ocean world.
"Mr. Serious, look! There are giants! They're even taller than the guards of the Seireitei."
"Whoa, someone can actually turn into a dog? Is this the Devil Fruit ability you mentioned?"
"The humans here are generally way too tall. You're not even two meters tall, Ren; compared to the sailors here, you're practically a dwarf."
"But the food here is quite delicious, and the portions are huge."
Ren took her through the entire interior of the base, listening to Yoruichi's continuous exclamations along the way. Finally, while eating at the Marine canteen, Yoruichi ate nearly twenty portions of food by herself before she finally settled down.
The cat flipped over, exposing a belly that had more than doubled in size, lying sprawled in Ren's arms.
"Burp, I accidentally... ate too much," Yoruichi said with a satisfied belch.
Ren was speechless. "I told you to eat less, but you wouldn't listen."
"It's mainly because there are too many strange things I've never seen before—I'll digest it in a bit."
Yoruichi was so full she lacked energy.
"Where are we going next? The Underworld of this world?"
Ren pondered for a moment and nodded.
"That works."
"But it's a bit cold in there. While it won't kill a Soul Reaper, it's enough to be uncomfortable."
Yoruichi waved a paw, a confident look on her face.
"Heehee, don't worry. I have this thick coat of fur to keep me warm. I won't be afraid no matter how cold it gets."
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]