The azure sky was dotted with clusters of white clouds.
Under the bright sunlight, the white sand of the coast shimmered with a brilliant glow. Beneath a parasol, Ren lay on a soft cushion, facing the vast, emerald sea. From a distance, the colors of the water shifted in a beautiful gradient.
"Mr. Serious, do you think this swimsuit looks good on me?"
Yoruichi's voice came from behind him. Ren sat up, took off his sunglasses, and turned to look.
His wife's purple hair fell loosely around her shoulders. She wore a dark swimsuit that revealed a generous amount of her bronze skin, perfectly accentuating her curvaceous figure. A light purple gauze draped over her shoulders, adding an extra touch of charm to her appearance.
A flash of admiration gleamed in Ren's eyes as he nodded. "It looks good."
"That's it?" Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, her expression flickering with a hint of dissatisfaction. "I went through so much trouble to pick this out, and that's all the reaction I get?"
Suddenly, Yoruichi dashed to Ren's side, her quick footsteps kicking up a trail of sand.
"Hmm?" Ren looked confused by her sudden movement.
Yoruichi sat down behind Ren, reaching her arms around his waist to grip his sword hilt.
"Hehe, Mr. Serious," Yoruichi whispered, her lips curling into a teasing smirk. "You clearly had a reaction, and quite a big one at that."
Feeling Yoruichi's slightly cool hands moving with just the right amount of pressure, Ren quickly turned his head to look at her as she rested her chin on his shoulder.
"Yoruichi, what are you... doing?"
"It's the middle of the day—and we're on a beach."
Yoruichi glanced around. No other soul could be seen on the massive stretch of sand. An evocative smile played on her lips.
"What does it matter? We rented out the entire beach anyway. No one is going to see us. Why, are you shy?"
As she spoke, Yoruichi shifted and climbed on top of Ren, taking the dominant position. Ren looked at her and sighed inwardly.
The world they were currently in was the new world they had arrived in after their crossing. After a few days of observation, Ren had discovered that this world was a standard modern society. At least, it was for Ren. It was just a bit earlier than the time period of his original world—the late 20th century, right on the cusp of the new millennium.
The internet was just beginning to rise, and technological products were naturally not as advanced as those in Ren's original world. To Ren, the technology felt a bit dated, but for Yoruichi, it was a completely different story.
Concrete jungles, gasoline-powered cars racing everywhere, and extremely convenient household appliances—these things were a massive culture shock to Yoruichi, whose lifestyle had been more akin to that of an ancient person. Even with her naturally curious personality, seeing so many novelties in a modern society made her stop in her tracks.
For several days, Yoruichi had dragged Ren along to help her adapt to and enjoy this strange, new world. Although she was lively and active, she was incredibly intelligent. She quickly adapted to modern life and integrated herself into it, having the time of her life.
Seeing Yoruichi so excited, Ren had spent the last few days playing along with her. Since their time in this world was nearing its end, Yoruichi had heard about beach vacations somewhere and wanted to spend their final moments enjoying one together. Finding that they had plenty of time to spare, Ren agreed and brought her to the Society Islands in the Southeast Pacific, where they rented a private beach to enjoy some time alone.
Once her breathing returned to normal, Yoruichi slowly stood up, a satisfied smile on her face. "Not bad. Truly not bad at all."
The flush on Ren's face faded as he asked, "What exactly is 'not bad'?"
Yoruichi reached down and gave him a playful squeeze, feeling the "steel" return. She laughed, "Naturally, this part right here."
She sat back down and hooked her finger under her husband's chin. "Mr. Serious, you really are a exquisite specimen of a man."
Ren was speechless. "I'm a man. Who describes a man like that?"
"Hehe, well, I just did," Yoruichi laughed. "One more time. Then I'll go wash up. You find the sunscreen and put it on me in a bit. Make sure to rub it in evenly; the sun here is quite vicious."
Ren looked Yoruichi up and down. Crystal-like beads of sweat clung to her bronze skin, shimmering under the sunlight with a translucent glow.
"With your skin tone, I doubt the sunscreen will even do anything."
"What did you say? This is the skin tone the Shihoin family is proud of!" Yoruichi feigned a look of ferocity.
The two spent the better part of the day playing and enjoying the sun. As evening approached, they returned to their vacation cottage by the beach. Ren began packing their things, preparing for their return to the Soul Society. Yoruichi, feeling bored, turned on the television and flipped through the channels.
Suddenly, a breaking news report cut through every station.
"Emergency broadcast. A major incident has occurred at the White House."
"The President of the United States was suddenly attacked by the Vice President while presiding over a meeting. We are now bringing you the first footage obtained."
Ren's attention was instantly caught by the news, and he hurried over to the screen.
The television played a horrifying scene. The Vice President and several aides standing next to the white-haired President suddenly lashed out, baring their fangs at the leader of the world's most powerful nation.
They literally bared fangs.
The Vice President and the aides lunged at the man known for the zipper-gate scandal and began tearing into him. Blood and flesh flew everywhere; the scene was exceptionally brutal. In just a few moments, the high-spirited President was dismembered, his flesh and blood devoured by those around him.
"This is—" Ren's brow furrowed, a look of astonishment crossing his face.
Yoruichi's expression turned solemn as she watched the screen. "Mr. Serious, it seems this world isn't as simple as we thought these past few days."
"I see it," Ren nodded heavily.
His gaze fell on the individuals feasting on the screen. Their eyes were blood-red, their faces distorted, and their mouths filled with fangs. They were clearly not human!
'Ghouls? Vampires? Or perhaps Parasites?'
As Ren pondered, the broadcast shifted to news from other countries. It wasn't just the United States. Japan, France, Germany, Italy—every major power in the world was the same. Their top leaders were being slaughtered by their own subordinates.
Ren's eyes sharpened as his expression became increasingly grim.
"What is happening? For the leaders of so many countries to be targeted simultaneously... there must be a powerful organization behind this conspiracy!"
Suddenly, the screen flickered again.
A reporter stood trembling on one side of the frame, leaving the rest of the screen to show a city engulfed in war and scorched earth. The ruins of Big Ben were visible, and the faint, agonizing screams of people could be heard in the background.
"This is the BBC—this is the BBC! Calling the entire world! I am currently in London. London has been hit by a terrorist attack from an unknown force. The entire city is currently a battlefield—"
Before the reporter could finish, a burst of gunfire rang out. The reporter vanished from the screen, replaced by a blood-curdling scream.
A figure in a military uniform and a steel helmet marched into the camera's view. The man wore a gas mask and held a firearm. Upon seeing the camera, he smashed the lens with the butt of his rifle, cutting the feed.
Ren stared blankly at the now-static screen. He thought back to the soldier who had stormed into the frame, specifically the red armband on his sleeve. On it was a black symbol of an inverted swastika.
Ren snapped back to reality, his heart heavy. He finally knew exactly what kind of world he was standing in. He turned to Yoruichi on the sofa, his voice dropping low.
"Yoruichi, we aren't going back to the Soul Society yet."
"We're going to London."
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]