REVIEWS AND POWERSTONES PLSSS!!!!!REVIEWS AND POWERSTONES PLSSS!!!!!REVIEWS AND POWERSTONES PLSSS!!!!!Chapter 124: Competition
However, workload far exceeded just that.
Time passed.
The three busily worked approximately another hour. After washing and preliminary cutting.
Finally medicinal herbs were placed in bamboo sieves, spread on bamboo racks to dry. Processing was finally complete.
Suoh arranged and adjusted lighting, glancing at time on the clock hanging nearby, clapping hands.
"Everyone worked hard. Time's getting late. Today we'll stop here."
"After soaking in the hot spring later, prepare to rest."
"Hm? What about training?"
Hearing this, Matsumoto Rangiku asked somewhat puzzled.
"Uh, today's field labor and subsequent rest also represent training components."
"What you wanted seeing probably requires tomorrow or the day after. Don't be fooled by how bright it is here—the hour's actually quite late."
Suoh understood her underlying meaning, pointing toward the clock indicating she should notice time, incidentally explaining this space's peculiarity.
"We usually proceed like this."
"Prioritize labor. After necessary work completes, remaining time then focuses on dedicated training."
"Just today matters proved slightly more numerous."
Hitsugaya patted debris from hands, calmly supplementing from the side.
"Alright."
Observing both before her with completely serious expressions, Matsumoto Rangiku understood today she wouldn't witness it.
However, today she'd also felt quite happy. Though somewhat tired, ultimately the trip proved worthwhile.
Suoh continued asking.
"Right, are you returning tonight? Or staying here to rest?"
"There's room here for me to stay?"
Matsumoto Rangiku froze briefly. Originally she'd planned soaking in hot spring before returning, asking with confusion.
Suoh pointed toward the smaller-sized hot spring cottage, saying.
"Yes. Hitsugaya can temporarily squeeze into one room with me."
"His room doesn't have much. Just need getting you a set of clean bedding."
Thinking briefly, he added.
"Of course, if you feel unaccustomed, I can escort you back."
"No need troubling. I'll just stay here one night."
Matsumoto Rangiku considered the distance when arriving, shaking head.
Currently she truly didn't want making a trip. After soaking in hot spring, entire body relaxed. Walking that far back to division barracks truly didn't represent a wise choice for her.
"Alright, then go soak in the hot spring. Relax properly—tomorrow you'll have energy."
Escorting her back, Suoh could also directly return to Thirteenth Division barracks resting. Impact on him proved minimal.
But he also needn't necessarily escort her back.
Anyway, not the first time sharing quarters with Hitsugaya. Managing temporarily would suffice.
Subsequently, three people walked toward respective hot spring areas.
Matsumoto Rangiku walked to the other side's bamboo-wall-enclosed separate spring, discovering inside indeed everything prepared appropriately.
Bamboo rack neatly stacked with clean towels. Corner also held a small bamboo stool for placing clothes.
Pool size modest yet sufficient accommodating three to five people.
Bamboo enclosure divided the underground space into inner and outer halves.
Next door transmitted faint water sounds. Suoh and Hitsugaya successively entered pools.
She removed outer garments, rinsing her body, slowly immersing into the pool.
Warm spring water enveloped her body. Heat penetrated every inch of skin.
She recalled tonight's interesting experiences. Relaxed smile floated onto lip corners.
Unknown how much time passed. She heard Suoh's voice transmitting from outside the wall.
"Later in the kitchen there's midnight snacks and sweets. You can rinse today's clothes with water, then hang them using kido flames to dry."
"I only have men's clothing here."
"Understood."
Matsumoto Rangiku opened eyes, discovering she'd unknowingly nearly closed them, responding in low voice.
Kido flames represented very low-numbered kido. Suoh saying this, she immediately understood Suoh's meaning.
She stood, wrapping herself with wide towel. Water droplets slid down.
At the nearby water basin, she simply rinsed changed clothing, hanging on bamboo rack.
Fingertip lightly touched. Weak kido flames enveloped clothing. Fine water vapor began steaming.
Before long.
She emerged from the separate spring wearing today's arrival shihakusho, only appearance looked somewhat different.
Face carried post-steaming alluring flush. Golden hair retained threads of moisture, glittering with gentle luster beneath illumination.
Seeing Suoh and Hitsugaya sitting beside the stone table, before them sat a game board with many black and white pieces placed upon it.
Both focused intently staring at the board before them. Hitsugaya's brow furrowed slightly, holding a piece seemingly contemplating next move.
Hearing footsteps, Suoh raised head. Gaze unconsciously lingered one extra moment on her features.
Recovering, he smiled toward her, saying.
"Kitchen has some sweets. If you're hungry, you can eat some."
"I'm not hungry. You two also play Go?"
Matsumoto Rangiku walked to table edge, curiously observing the board.
"Oh no, this is five-in-a-row."
Suoh explained.
"Oh, Renju."
Though Matsumoto Rangiku lacked many pre-guidance memories, some terminology she still remembered quite clearly.
"Uh, yes."
Recalling this represented five-in-a-row's ancient name, Suoh momentarily froze, nodding.
Hitsugaya placed a white stone, blocking black stones' connection.
He raised head, looking toward Matsumoto Rangiku asking.
"Want to play?"
He and Suoh played chess losing more, winning less. Games always required winning for enjoyment.
Seeing she apparently also knew how, jade-green eyes flashed imperceptibly shrewd brightness, extending invitation.
"You two continue. I'll watch first."
Matsumoto Rangiku sat down on a nearby stone stool, propping chin watching the board.
"Alright."
Suoh and Hitsugaya took turns playing several moves. Unsurprisingly, it concluded with Suoh's victory again.
"No problem. I remembered how to play. Let me try."
"Okay."
Suoh collected pieces, handing the black stone box to her, yielding position.
"I'm not very good. You'd better go easy on me."
Matsumoto Rangiku narrowed eyes looking toward Hitsugaya opposite who seemed full of fighting spirit, speaking gently.
"Okay."
Hitsugaya simply responded once. Emotion undetectable.
First game, Matsumoto Rangiku lacked experience and strategy. Quickly defeated.
Second game, for fairness, before starting Suoh briefly taught several key points. She sustained longer yet still lost.
Subsequently playing several more games, Matsumoto Rangiku gradually found her feel. After fierce battle, she successfully won.
"I—won—ha ha ha!"
Matsumoto Rangiku looked triumphantly toward Hitsugaya opposite, speaking proudly.
"One—more—time!"
Hitsugaya's hand pressed on board edge, speaking unwillingly.
"No. Time's about right. Should rest now."
Suoh glanced at the clock, saying.
"Tch."
Hitsugaya released an extremely quiet sound yet still obediently collected pieces.
He strictly observed sleep schedules, never delaying.
Sleep proved extremely important to him.
Since training together with Suoh, both consistently maintained regular orderly schedules.
Plus recently his height limit successfully broke through 1cm, making him more convinced—proper moderation represented the long-term path.
Naturally couldn't fret over temporary gains and losses.
"Alright!"
Matsumoto Rangiku felt completely satisfied having successfully won one game, also happily collecting pieces.
Game concluded.
Suoh escorted her to Hitsugaya's small cottage entrance.
Some matters only he could complete.
Inside the cottage held merely a simple small hall. Floor held newly changed bedding. Beyond that, only a small table and cabinet.
Hitsugaya's possessions weren't numerous. Most items resided in his main room.
Under his ability control, cottage interior sky gradually darkened until brightness adjusted to sleep-appropriate state.
"This brightness okay?"
"About right. It's fine."
Matsumoto Rangiku's eyes brightened, stepping inside.
Before her body was immersed in darkness, she waved smiling thanks.
"Tsukasa, tonight truly proved very happy. Thank you. Good night!"
"Good night!"
Suoh also smiled responding, subsequently gently closing the door.
***
40+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces