Chapter 45 ⥤ You've Switched Sides Too?!
Akira raised his head slowly and reluctantly from the sweet-smelling softness that had nearly enveloped him, with surprise and a hint of regret. His desire to shout "Incredibly, now let me stay here a bit longer" almost consumed his soul.
A white captain's haori, a gentle smile tinged with mischief, and an immaculate, delicate face. It was Captain Unohana of the 4th Division, who had come to visit Tessai.
The teasing voice, however, hadn't come from her, but from someone else.
Looking at the dark-skinned girl who suddenly appeared before him, he remembered how she had nearly twisted his arm off, and couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
"What's she doing here?" The girl gave a crafty smile, revealing a sharp, bright fang, and said without hesitation, "That's what you're thinking, right?"
Akira grimaced without admitting it, glancing aside to avoid eye contact.
Unfortunately, he ended up meeting Unohana's smiling gaze instead. She didn't seem to mind his rudeness, merely smiling gently.
"Though our encounter was somewhat inappropriate, Kisaragi-kun and I seem to have quite a connection. How about considering joining Fourth Division after graduation?"
As she finished speaking, an inexplicable bone-chilling sensation crept in, her upturned lips resembling a blood-stained curved blade, giving one a hair-raising sense of dread.
Hiss—
Sensing the malice from the gentle woman before him, Akira regretted not staying pressed against that softness longer. Those few seconds had cost him his future — quite a losing deal.
At his current worth, he should have stayed for at least half a day… or a month… a year would be better! And it should have been without clothes!
"Well, these things can't be forced." His eye twitched as he explained, "Just now, Kaoru-sensei gave me a major demerit. Graduation itself is still up in the air."
The dark-skinned girl beside him nodded matter-of-factly from time to time.
"That's right, that's right! Young man, you mustn't let feminine charms cloud your judgment. Captain Unohana may be beautiful, but her suitors could line up from the Hakutōmon to the Shōryūmon. With your small frame, you'd hardly be able to compete with them."
{T/N: This essentially means there's a line stretching from east to west waiting for her. The names of all Seireitei gates will be explained at the end.}
At this point, she changed her tone, her golden eyes glinting craftily as she continued.
"Why not join my Second Division instead? You'd start as a Seated Officer, with the potential to advance to Lieutenant. Most importantly, my Division has lots of young, pretty girls! With your power and position then, just a few little tricks, hehe..."
Akira listened to Yoruichi's blueprint for his future, finding himself involuntarily drawn in, his dazed eyes seeming to envision the wonderful future ahead.
But he quickly came to his senses and turned away disdainfully.
"How could I, Akira, be such a shallow person? You underestimate me."
At his words, both women's faces showed surprise, and even Tessai, wrapped up like a dumpling behind them, looked on admiringly.
Who would have thought that beneath this priest's frivolous exterior lay such a firm and resolute heart? They had truly underestimated him.
Yoruichi pondered for a moment. Despite priding herself on her ability to read people, this Akira fellow might as well have had "lecherous" written on his face.
A normal person would have instinctively jumped back in that earlier situation. This guy not only showed no sign of avoiding it but seemed quite reluctant to leave — which said enough about his character.
"Well then..." Yoruichi stroked her delicate chin thoughtfully, "How about I introduce you to a couple of girls? I remember there's this girl who just joined the Executive Militia, Suì-Fēng or something — petite and cute, with quite the looks..."
Before she could finish, Akira's eyes curved like hooks and his lips curled upward.
"As expected of you, what an eye for people! Just tell me the time and place — I'll definitely be there on time!"
Yoruichi's expression froze, momentarily unable to follow his train of thought. Even Unohana beside her was taken aback.
As for Tessai, he silently withdrew his previous assessment of this guy.
After bantering for a while, both women tacitly agreed to drop the topic.
After all, even if the Shin'ō Academy had early graduation provisions, Akira still needed to complete all this semester's courses. A qualified Shinigami needed not only to meet strength requirements but also pass theoretical knowledge.
Otherwise, his only future path would be 11th Division.
As for who could recruit him into their Division after graduation, that would depend on their own abilities.
Seemingly thinking of this simultaneously, Yoruichi and Unohana exchanged knowing glances, sparks practically flying between their eyes.
"By the way, Kisaragi-kun, why did you come today?"
The conversation finally returned to track, and under Tessai's curious gaze, Akira took out three boxes of premium eggs he had brought. The big man looked surprised, not expecting this unreliable student to show such thoughtfulness.
Indeed, this female-obsessed priest is fundamentally good — just a bit lecherous, that's all.
"Thank you for your kindness."
As Tessai accepted the gift, Akira's expression subtly changed.
〈 Tessai Tsukabishi's trust level has reached the threshold. Check-in condition achieved! 〉
〈 Character Check-in: Tessai Tsukabishi! 〉
〈 Obtained Kidō Level +5! 〉
〈 Kidō Level increased! Currently at Level 28! 〉
〈 Obtained Reiatsu Level +2! 〉
〈 Reiatsu Level increased! Currently at Level 55! 〉
〈 Obtained Exclusive Trait: Unique Insight! 〉
〈 Unique Insight: A true master always maintains an apprentice's heart. The path of Kidō is endless. Kidō innovation efficiency increased by 100%! 〉
His eyes lit up.
To think three boxes of premium eggs would buy off his Sensei — talk about hitting the jackpot without even trying!
Tessai noticed the young man's unusual expression but didn't comment. Given this guy's questionable moral compass, it was hard to guess what schemes were running through his mind.
"Since you're doing well, Tessai-sensei, I won't disturb you any longer." After expressing his concerns, Akira stood up to leave.
{T/N: Again, he's using the first name to seem more close now. Like he did with Uruoi.}
Unexpectedly, Tessai spoke up.
"Please wait a moment, Kisaragi-kun. Though it might be somewhat inappropriate, there's something I need to mention."
At these words, Unohana and Yoruichi, who were exchanging glances, suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Actually, with your talent..." He scratched his bandaged head with his right hand and said with an embarrassed smile, "If you could join the Kidō Corps, I could promise you treatment and status equal to a Grand Kidō Chief. Also, um... The Kidō Corps has many pretty girls too. And if you could bring Aizen-kun along, that would be even better."
At these words, both women abandoned their previous rivalry and turned to stare at Tessai lying in the hospital bed, completely astonished.
Who would have thought... You straight-faced fellow, you've switched sides too?!
⤫⤬⤫
Seireitei — Court of Pure Souls; is a large city in the center of Soul Society and serves as the home of the Shinigami and the Noble Houses. This also includes the Shin'ō Academy.
The Four Great Pure Soul Gates (Shidai Seireimon) — Consist of four gates: the Northern Black Ridge Gate (Kokuryōmon), the Eastern Blue Stream Gate (Shōryūmon), the Southern Red Hollow Gate (Shuwaimon), and the Western White Way Gate (Hakutōmon).
Executive Militia — Or Keigun, the first and highest-ranking branch of the Onmitsukidō's five divisions. The Executive Militia specializes in combat missions.
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