REVIEWS AND POWERSTONES PLSSS!!!!!REVIEWS AND POWERSTONES PLSSS!!!!!REVIEWS AND POWERSTONES PLSSS!!!!!Chapter 120: Solicitation
Twenty days later.
The restraint period concluded. Today Suoh regained his freedom.
His existence had influenced some original story characters, yet hadn't brought him major trouble.
He was merely a somewhat special seated officer. His strength within Seireitei's massive system didn't prove particularly conspicuous.
He'd smoothly passed through an extremely calm month.
Good news didn't stop there.
Recently, casualty rates in reports from three divisions showed clear decline.
As though validating Nemu's original conclusion about periodic phenomena.
After a normal peak passed, decline finally arrived.
Suoh sat in the office, gaze falling on statistical data on paper pages.
"Whoa, the data dropped considerably."
"Tsukasa, you can relax somewhat now, right?"
Shiba Kaien leaned over glancing once, tone relaxed.
"Yes, though I still feel maintaining vigilance never proves a bad thing."
Suoh nodded, filing the document.
"That's true."
Shiba Kaien smiled, then as though suddenly remembering something, lowered his voice.
"Right, about what Uncle mentioned previously—have you considered? He asked me to check with you again."
"You should know your pills have become almost legendary medicine in Tenth Division. Price is negotiable."
"We're all family. We won't let you take a loss."
Speaking thus, his tone carried a thread of mischief, rubbing his fingers together.
Influenced by Suoh and the previous incident, Tenth Division recently formally adjusted tactics and medicinal supplies.
Regarding pharmaceutical provisions, Suoh's refined pills showed significant effects. Plus familiar endorsement and support naturally made them Tenth Division's priority procurement target.
"I don't have many Triple Pills. Qi-Restoring Pills shouldn't be a problem though."
"Just can only respond tomorrow. I need confirming the situation."
Not that Suoh deliberately played coy. The previous batch of Qi-Restoring Pills' raw materials for Thirteenth Division still required Ukitake Jushiro personally approaching Unohana Retsu for negotiation.
While he'd planted medicinal herbs in the underground space, after one month without tending, he didn't know current conditions.
"I understand, I understand!"
Shiba Kaien knowingly nodded.
He and Shiba Miyako had long guessed Suoh possessed a secret base.
After all, disappearing every evening after work, afterward wanting to find him proved impossible.
Only other team members remained oblivious with their thick nerves.
"What are you two secretly whispering about? So mysterious!"
Kotetsu Kiyone's voice suddenly interrupted, face full of suspicion staring at the two conferring heads, calling loudly.
"Secret—not telling you!"
Shiba Kaien straightened, grinning proudly.
"Damn it!"
"Tsukasa, you tell me."
Kotetsu Kiyone's displeased expression stiffened, turning to look toward Suoh huffily.
"Kiyone-neesan, secret!"
Under Shiba Kaien's warning gaze beside him, Suoh mischievously winked, finger blocking before mouth, lowering voice.
"Damn it—!"
"Miyako-neesan, they're bullying me!"
Kotetsu Kiyone stamped feet angrily, turning to throw herself into Shiba Miyako's embrace as she approached, acting spoiled.
"Alright, alright."
"Ignore them."
Shiba Miyako's body swayed slightly from impact.
Subsequently laughing helplessly, she gently patted her back, comforting.
At this moment, a figure by the door entered Suoh's vision. He raised hand greeting.
"Ah, Rukia. Come in!"
"Yes!"
Entering the doorway, Kuchiki Rukia somewhat enviously watched Kotetsu Kiyone embracing Shiba Miyako.
Observing this familiar, peaceful office scene before her, gaze slightly moved.
After Shiba Miyako's instruction concluded, she rarely appeared in the office anymore.
As an ordinary squad member, daily tasks on her weren't few. She could no longer frequently stay in the office listening to teachings like when first joining.
Recently she'd been dispatched supporting the Living World, just returning. Currently she was submitting mission reports.
"Rukia, truly long time no see."
"How have recent missions been?"
Suoh also spotted her, smiling while making small talk.
"Suoh-sanseki, long time no see. Thanks to you, everything's going smoothly."
She stepped forward several paces, properly bowing in greeting.
"That's good."
Suoh smiled faintly.
Keenly detecting her emotions seemed slightly off.
This emotion proved too familiar—self-doubt breeding under pressure.
Gaze sweeping across the Asauchi at her waist, sensing it already approached Shikai release state, he casually encouraged.
"Seems training hasn't fallen behind. Work hard this period."
"Year-end division evaluations—I feel given your current situation, obtaining a seat position shows great possibility. Make effort!"
"Oh, really? Thank you!"
Hearing this, Kuchiki Rukia's spirits rallied, eyes full of hopeful light.
Voice carrying uncontrollable surprise and uncertainty.
"You should trust Tsukasa's judgment. I also think prospects are excellent."
Shiba Miyako brought Kotetsu Kiyone near, gently encouraging.
"Yes!"
Receiving two consecutive confidence-boosting shots, Kuchiki Rukia's eyes ignited with blazing fighting spirit.
Recognition and encouragement like invisible force supporting her from within, immediately straightening her posture.
Suoh stood aside stroking chin, watching this scene with interest.
Feeling if he and Shiba Miyako encouraged her like this daily.
Given her qualifications, in several years Thirteenth Division might gain another lieutenant-level figure.
Though Kuchiki family rules proved strict, usual deserved treatment didn't shortchange her whatsoever.
Among young squad members under Suoh, none could progress this rapidly like her.
"Yes, yes."
Kotetsu Kiyone picked up the conversation, immediately shifting topics, drawling teasingly.
"Kai~en~fuku~tai~chou, look at Tsukasa—so good at caring for and encouraging subordinates."
"Unlike someone who only thinks about bullying people all day. If you ask me, Tsukasa seems far more like a lieutenant!"
Speaking while winking toward Suoh, appearing completely willing to immediately support him as lieutenant.
Shiba Kaien felt stunned by this sudden accusation, exaggeratedly covering chest, speaking with bitter grief.
"Kiyone, you damn woman! Your words hurt too much! Haven't I treated you all well enough usually?"
Then widening eyes, finger trembling pointing toward Kotetsu Kiyone, tone growing increasingly indignant.
"Ungrateful wretch! Wanting to rebel—first spit out everything I've treated you to eat these years before talking!"
Finishing speaking, he spread both hands, making gestures to pounce and pry open her mouth.
"Kyaa—! Miyako-neesan, save me! Your husband's so fierce!"
"See, see! I was right! Embarrassed into anger!"
Kotetsu Kiyone shrieked once, laughing while hiding behind Shiba Miyako, only poking out half her head, continuing to fearlessly provoke.
"Kaien-niisan, you know me—I've always supported you most!"
"Such divisive words cannot be believed. Treacherous rebels should be beheaded on the spot."
Beside them, Suoh spoke leisurely, casually making throat-slitting gesture, smiling.
Hearing this, Kotetsu Kiyone, having just escaped Shiba Kaien's capture, glared toward Suoh with disdain.
"Tsukasa, you ungrateful brat! You're no good thing either! Forgotten how well I treated you before!"
"Bah!"
Shiba Miyako ignored the group's playful chaos, turning toward Kuchiki Rukia beside her, asking.
"Rukia, division duties aren't too busy recently. I happen to have free time. If you have any training doubts, you're welcome to find me anytime."
Not temporary whim—she also detected the girl's heart desiring guidance.
"Miyako-sama, I will!"
Hearing this, Kuchiki Rukia momentarily froze, speaking emotionally.
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