Kirio Hikifune ate heartily, her chest rising and falling with each bite. Meanwhile, Masatsuki Aozaki sipped his tea, pretending not to notice the captivating scene before him.
At this point, his interest in the food had completely vanished.
He couldn't help it—the sight of a beautiful woman enjoying a meal so enthusiastically had stolen his attention.
At first, under his gaze, Kirio maintained a refined demeanor.
But as time went on, her chewing sped up, and soon, she was devouring the food without restraint.
Masatsuki Aozaki watched with amusement, a smile playing on his lips as he considered what to teach her next time.
Fried foods were easy to make, but they also became tiring to eat quickly… Well, that was part of the plan.
Knowing Kirio's appetite, he had intentionally prepared enough food for five people.
Yet in just over ten minutes, she had polished off everything on her own.
Wiping her glossy, well-fed lips, Kirio patted her still-flat stomach, signaling that it was time to get down to business.
The real reason she had invited Masatsuki over wasn't just to eat—it was to learn how to cook.
She returned to the kitchen, with Masatsuki following closely behind, giving her a hands-on, one-on-one lesson.
By the time the sun began to set, both of them had achieved their goals, parting ways fully satisfied.
...
Masatsuki Aozaki left the 12th Division and returned to his mansion in Noble Street, where he and Rangiku Matsumoto delved into the profound academic discussion of creating little Shinigami.
...
The next morning, Masatsuki and Gin Ichimaru went to the 2nd Division cafeteria for breakfast.
Though Masatsuki was a noble, the 2nd Division was managed by both the highest-ranking and wealthiest noble clans.
The food served here was no worse than what noble chefs could prepare.
Neither of them had any complaints about the cafeteria—when they were too lazy to cook, this was the best option.
After breakfast, Masatsuki left all the work to Gin and headed toward the Nest of Maggots.
He was planning to meet its newest resident.
If the newcomer was suitable, he might even recruit them to help with his training.
However, just as he stepped out of the 2nd Division barracks, a loud voice called out behind him.
"Masatsuki-san, please wait!"
Masatsuki raised an eyebrow. If it's about work, just go to Gin… why are they looking for me?
The voice was familiar, so he turned to see a broad-shouldered, stocky man with a brown pompadour, a thick gold chain around his neck, and an unmistakable presence.
An old acquaintance—Marenoshin Ōmaeda.
"What's up?" Masatsuki asked, puzzled.
As the Lieutenant of the 2nd Division, Ōmaeda rarely sought him out unless it was to pass down official orders.
After spending so much time here, Masatsuki had long established that all of his duties were Gin's responsibility.
"The Captain wants to see you," Ōmaeda said.
Masatsuki frowned in suspicion.
Yoruichi wants to see me? What for? Is she trying to drag me into another game of "Cat vs. Dragon" again?
...
Led by Ōmaeda, Masatsuki arrived at the Captain's office.
After announcing his arrival and receiving permission to enter, Ōmaeda bowed and took his leave.
Masatsuki slid open the door and immediately spotted Yoruichi Shihōin lounging comfortably on a seat that resembled a legless sofa.
Her small, delicate feet were bare, carelessly resting on a soft cushion in a way that was undeniably enticing.
Masatsuki hesitated, battling with himself internally, before reluctantly tearing his gaze away.
However, Yoruichi, as if sensing his thoughts, deliberately stretched her body.
Her smooth, petite feet curled slightly, her toes flexing like the sculpted details of a masterwork. It was almost as if they were inviting him to reach out and admire them up close.
Masatsuki nearly stepped forward, ready to offer his Captain a foot massage…
That was when he noticed someone else standing beside her.
The figure was small and slender, with short black hair and dressed in a black Onmitsukidō combat uniform.
A cute, petite girl.
From her rosy cheeks and the slightly nervous look on her face, Masatsuki could tell she was shy.
However, what surprised him was that her flustered expression wasn't directed at him—it was because of Yoruichi.
…
Wait.
Is this… a love rival?!
Masatsuki's eyes widened in alarm.
"Masatsuki, this is Shāolíng Fēng, from the Fēng family. Starting today, she will officially serve as my personal guard, code name Suì-Fēng," Yoruichi Shihōin said. "Fēng, this is Masatsuki Aozaki, 3rd Seat. Introduce yourself."
"Yes, Yoruichi-sama." Suì-Fēng bowed and said to Aozaki Masatsuki, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Aozaki 3rd Seat. I look forward to working with you."
She's surprisingly formal...
Masatsuki Aozaki raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding what Yoruichi meant.
Suì-Fēng must be the girl she had once described as her "favorite type"—the future captain of the 2nd Division.
At this moment, she still looked young, her features carrying the innocence of a girl who had yet to mature. But beneath that, traces of her future self could already be seen.
Masatsuki estimated she couldn't be older than fifty.
To be personally assigned as a bodyguard to the Commander-in-Chief at this age was already an impressive achievement.
Still, Masatsuki wasn't foolish enough to ask Yoruichi if this meeting was simply to fulfill some past promise.
After all, no one would be happy about being presented as a gift.
Even if that "gift" was just a simple introduction.
"Likewise," Masatsuki responded seriously before turning to Yoruichi. "So, did you call me here just to show off your new, capable subordinate?"
Hearing Masatsuki's disrespectful tone, Suì-Fēng instinctively straightened, ready to reprimand him, but Yoruichi casually waved her hand, stopping her.
"Of course not. Suì-Fēng is now part of my personal guard, and today is her first day with the 2nd Division," Yoruichi explained. "So, I'm asking you to show her around. No objections, right?"
Masatsuki was a bit surprised.
Making a rookie who had just joined the Onmitsukidō a personal guard seemed... bold.
Still, he led Suì-Fēng out of the office and turned to ask, "Fēng, where do you want to go first?"
Suì-Fēng didn't answer right away. Instead, she glanced back at the paper door behind her.
Is Yoruichi really that charming...? Masatsuki wondered, then suddenly remembered—wasn't he the one who had spent a whole month entangled with Yoruichi in the underground training hall?
"You want to stay in the captain's office?"
Suì-Fēng shook her head. "I want to stay by Lady Yoruichi's side, but I will follow her orders and take the tour."
"You really like Yoruichi, huh?" Masatsuki remarked.
Suì-Fēng's face immediately turned red. "That's not it! I just..."
"I just come from the Fēng family. Our lineage has always taken pride in serving and protecting the Shihōin Clan."
"I have no right to like Lady Yoruichi. Just being able to stay by her side is enough!"
Masatsuki was at a loss for words.
For a moment, he couldn't tell whether this girl was just stubborn, easily embarrassed, or simply too bold.
Was she denying it or confessing? It was hard to tell.
The passing squad members seemed to have overheard their conversation, casting Suì-Fēng some rather curious glances.
Noticing the attention, Suì-Fēng immediately shrank back, lowering her head. "Did I embarrass Lady Yoruichi...?"
Masatsuki covered his face.
Is this what they call being love-struck?
You should be worrying about yourself, little sister!
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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