Mirai stepped out of the office. In the corridor, Soi Fon's eyes immediately locked onto him.
He came to a halt and looked back at her. "Is there something you need?"
"Hmph!" A short, sharp sound escaped Soi Fon's nose. She lowered her voice to a whisper.
"I will always support Lady Yoruichi!" As she spoke, her small tiger teeth ground together slightly.
Mirai looked at the girl, someone who would also grow into a Captain-level figure in the future.
He realized this was an opportunity. Keeping his face a blank mask, he responded:
"Well said. I believe you can do it. However..."
Soi Fon had felt a small surge of happiness at his initial affirmation, but the "however" immediately hooked her attention.
She looked up at Mirai, a trace of tension in her eyes.
Mirai continued.
"Yoruichi is a genius. No, it would be more accurate to say that the word 'genius' is merely a ticket to stand before her and understand a fraction of who she is.
"If you truly want to support someone like her, you first need to understand what she is thinking and what she actually needs."
"What do you mean by that?" Soi Fon's brow furrowed.
Mirai fought down the urge to let the corners of his mouth twitch upward, keeping his face calm.
"I suggest you buy and carefully read my books, The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth and The Killer of Meteor City. They might be of help to you."
He paused and added, "The deluxe editions are best. The content is more complete, and they come with bonus illustrations."
Soi Fon's brow arched high. "You... after all that talking, you're just trying to sell your own books?!" She wasn't going to fall for it that easily!
Mirai shrugged nonchalantly, unbothered by her suspicion.
He took a step forward, closing the distance between them as he lowered his voice.
"Have you ever wondered why I have a good relationship with Yoruichi and can go in to chat with her?"
He didn't give Soi Fon time to think, delivering the answer directly.
"Because, in a sense, I am also a genius. Geniuses find it easier to understand each other's wavelength."
With that, he didn't stay. He simply turned around and waved a hand over his shoulder at the frozen Soi Fon.
"Farewell."
His figure quickly vanished at the end of the corridor.
Soi Fon remained where she stood, staring in the direction Mirai had disappeared before looking back at the closed office door.
Thinking of how Mirai could enter and chat freely with Lady Yoruichi, even helping her relax when she was in a terrible mood, while she could only stand guard outside, unable to do anything but remain vigilant...
Her small fists tightened.
"Hmph. It's just two books!"
The next day, Soi Fon actually ran to the bookstore in Junrinan and bought the deluxe editions of The Loneliness and Arrogance of a Genius Youth and The Killer of Meteor City.
She began to study them seriously, trying to figure out how to become a genius and earn her own ticket to talk to Lady Yoruichi.
A few days later, Mirai was in his room performing the final proofread of the printing samples.
He wrote quickly. The first draft of The Reversal of Kōga's Life was finished. The polishing based on real experiences had gone smoothly. He believed this publication would bring in significant spiritual power and royalty income.
A knock sounded at his door.
"5th Seat Mirai, 3rd Seat Kuchiki of the Sixth Division is here to see you," a soldier's voice called out.
Mirai set down his pen, feeling surprised. Kōga Kuchiki was coming to find him? Was it about the manuscript?
He adjusted his expression, returning to his cold "Soul Society's Most Beautiful Noble" mask. "Send him in."
The door opened and Kōga Kuchiki entered.
He was still in his Shihakusho, draped in the haori signifying his Kuchiki status. The red Kazahana scarf was neatly tied.
Compared to the banquet, however, his face looked even more gaunt and cold. A hidden fatigue and gloom lingered between his brows, likely due to the recent family tragedy.
"3rd Seat Kuchiki, please sit," Mirai gestured.
Kōga sat down, his back straight and his posture impeccable.
He got straight to the point. "5th Seat Mirai, how is the manuscript progressing? My father-in-law is very busy lately, but he has asked about this matter."
"The first draft is complete. I'm doing the final proofreading." Mirai picked up a stack of bound pages from his desk and handed them to Kōga.
"This is the first half. You can read it first. If there are things that need adjustment, we can discuss them."
Kōga took the pages and flipped through them rapidly.
His reading speed was impressive. A moment later, he set the pages down, a satisfied look appearing on his face.
"The writing is refined and the plot is gripping. You've described my early combat experiences quite brilliantly."
He paused and looked at Mirai. "The second half will go into detail regarding the internal family matters and the specific process of how I gained the Kuchiki name, correct?"
"Of course. That is the climax and heart of the story," Mirai nodded.
"Good." Kōga seemed to let out a breath of relief. Then, remembering something, his tone turned grave.
"Furthermore... have you heard of the unfortunate passing of my brother-in-law, Sōjun?"
Mirai's mind sharpened with caution, but his face remained still. "I've heard bits of it. My condolences."
"Thank you." Kōga nodded slightly, his fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the manuscript.
"Sōjun's death is a great misfortune for the Kuchiki family. Currently, there is much trouble both inside and outside the clan, and Father is in heavy mourning..."
He looked up at Mirai. "I hope this book can be published as soon as possible. It is not just my story; perhaps at a time like this, it can bring positive attention to the family and thin out the shadows."
Mirai understood his meaning.
Sōjun Kuchiki's death would inevitably spark various speculations and undercurrents.
The Kuchiki family needed to divert some of that attention while solidifying the image and reputation of Kōga, their newest core member.
This book was a perfect tool for that.
"I will do my best to speed up the process. Once the proofreading is done, I will contact the publisher immediately," Mirai promised.
After seeing Kōga off, Mirai closed the door and his gaze darkened.
He sat back at his desk, looking at the remaining half of the proofs. He took a deep breath and plunged back into the work.
The light outside shifted slowly until the only sound left in the room was the scratching of the pen against paper.
Mirai eventually titled Kōga's story Life Reversal.
The title was simple and direct, capturing the core selling point: the legend of a commoner genius whose fate was completely transformed.
For the majority of readers who yearned to change their own destinies, the title itself was full of appeal.
The Ōmaeda family's publishing house was unexpectedly very confident in this book. They set the first printing at a staggering 100,000 copies.
For a new, non-series book, this number was shocking. Clearly, the internal evaluation at the Ōmaeda house suggested the story had explosive potential.
Once the new book hit the market, sales were indeed excellent.
Mirai could clearly feel the speed of the incoming resonant spiritual power increasing. The total volume was also quite substantial.
This proved that many readers were moved by Kōga's story, generating a strong emotional resonance.
The timing was perfect.
Mirai immediately began preparing to raise his Spiritual Pressure.
Using the excuse that he needed to work in private to brainstorm the next series during the promotion period, he reduced his daily appearances in the Ninth Division. He spent most of his time in the secret base.
Inside the sealed cavern, Mirai sat cross-legged in the center. He focused his mind, guiding the newly gathered resonant spiritual power to merge into his own Spiritual Pressure cycle.
He could feel his total spiritual power growing steadily. His control over spirit particles became increasingly refined and fluid.
The bottleneck in his Spirit Power level seemed to be loosening, pushing slowly but firmly toward the next level.
Becoming stronger was the best way to deal with all uncertainty.
Writing stories and absorbing resonance was a unique path that belonged only to Mirai.
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Sorry, everyone I had the posting schedule set up incorrectly over the last four days, which is why the latest chapters didn't go up. I apologize for the mistake, and thank you for your patience. The uploads should be back on track now
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