Chapter 333: Byakuya's Request
"Meow!"
Rangiku's body traced a parabolic arc before landing hard on the ground with a pained cry.
Satoru followed her into the room.
"Little girl, instead of proper training, what nonsense are you causing?"
"Causing trouble within our division is bad enough, but now you want to pick fights with other divisions?"
"The old man already has enough to deal with—don't add to his burdens."
Suì-Fēng entered behind him.
Hearing Satoru's words, her gaze turned icy.
In all of Soul Society, you're the least qualified person to say that.
The girl sharply critiqued in her heart.
Rangiku rubbed her sore bottom as she stood up.
Under Satoru's watchful eyes, she trotted over.
"Satoru, I'm the third seat now!"
"Oh?"
Satoru mentally reviewed his division's current personnel.
After having several talents poached by the old man, the Eleventh Division's quality had declined somewhat.
The main combat forces now were essentially Kenpachi Zaraki, Kaname Tōsen, and Ichimaru Gin.
That little fox Ichimaru Gin has some of Aizen's essence; he's never had much interest in rank competitions.
Tōsen's Shikai ability is quite weak—his real output relies entirely on his Bankai.
And his Bankai is the classic first-encounter-kill type; once opponents are prepared for it, its effectiveness drops significantly.
Therefore, for a mere seat competition, he would never bring out his Bankai.
As for how much substance lies behind Rangiku's third seat position, that would require practical investigation under real circumstances.
Though these thoughts crossed his mind, Satoru still gave Rangiku a thumbs-up.
"Well done!"
"Hehe~"
Receiving Satoru's approval, Rangiku broke into a delighted smile.
She looked at Satoru, about to say something, when a sudden shout came from outside:
"Big Bro Mikami! Bro! Are you there?!"
Following the voice, a figure Flash Stepped into view, poking his head inside.
Seeing the newcomer, Suì-Fēng showed a somewhat puzzled expression.
Shiba Isshin—what was he doing here?
Upon spotting Satoru, Shiba Isshin's face lit up with joy.
"I heard people say you'd returned, Bro, so I came looking for you right away!"
Noticing the two others in the room, he greeted them.
Then, stepping before Satoru, he gritted his teeth and said:
"Bro, give me a mission! Let me go to the World of the Living!"
"The World of the Living?"
"That's right, big brother, you just returned from the living world, right? If there's anything left unfinished there, just leave it to me!"
Satoru frowned as he looked at Shiba Isshin, thinking for a few seconds.
Then he exclaimed in surprise:
"You punk, did you rack up gambling debts?!"
"How could that be? I'm not Rangiku."
"?"
Rangiku, standing nearby, showed an angry expression.
"Oh, no... I mean, I'm actually quite reliable."
Realizing the person in question was right beside him, Isshin quickly corrected himself.
A vein bulged on Rangiku's forehead.
She leaped up and delivered a flying kick toward Shiba Isshin.
The latter instinctively tried to dodge but was surprised to find Rangiku was much faster than he expected.
In haste, Shiba Isshin could only raise his arm to block.
BAM!!
A flash of Reiatsu erupted between Rangiku's sole and his arm.
Rangiku flipped in mid-air, fingers pressed together like a blade, thrusting toward Shiba Isshin's neck.
Shiba Isshin also got serious, beginning to counter her moves.
Watching their fight, Suì-Fēng looked surprised.
When she heard earlier that Rangiku had become the third seat, she shared Satoru's initial thought—that Rangiku must have gotten lucky during internal squad battles.
But now it appeared Rangiku's level wasn't just worthy of being third seat—she could even challenge captains in some ordinary squads!
One had to remember that Shiba Isshin was no ordinary captain.
He had been Aizen's student for decades.
That resume alone was enough to prove his caliber.
Noticing Rangiku's improved skills, Shiba Isshin showed an approving expression.
This level was worthy of the Eleventh Division's reputation.
He found an opening, feinted to create an opportunity, then released a pre-prepared Six Rods Prison of Light, immobilizing Rangiku and ending the match.
Looking at Rangiku's dissatisfied expression, he triumphantly raised his hand and tapped his own head:
"Fighting isn't just about strength—you need this too."
Rangiku's blood pressure spiked.
Though she wanted a round two, Shiba Isshin was already talking with Satoru, so she had to let it go for now.
After hearing Shiba Isshin's story, Satoru shook his head with a smile.
This guy's reason for wanting to go to the living world was simple.
Shiba Kaien had found a wife named Shiba Miyako.
The couple was deeply in love after marriage, always inseparable.
Since Isshin was from the same Shiba Clan, the couple often visited him.
Every time he saw these two lovebirds showering affection everywhere, Shiba Isshin felt like he'd been Komamura'd.
However, directly refusing visits from these relatives wasn't really practical.
After much thought, he decided his best option was to find a mission to hide out in the living world.
Of course, going to Hueco Mundo would work too—for him, going there was like returning home, and many people in Las Noches knew him.
Coincidentally, he'd heard Ulquiorra was doing well working in the living world, and since he knew the living world better than Ulquiorra, he figured he'd do at least as well.
Looking at Shiba Isshin, Satoru thought for a moment, then curled his lips into a smile.
"You want to go to the living world, huh... Fine, I'll arrange it."
"Ohh! Thanks, big brother!" Shiba Isshin cheered happily.
Under his expectant gaze, Satoru picked up a pen and wrote an address for him.
"After you go to the living world, you'll live here."
"This is the residence of the Quincy family, the Ishidas."
"Give this paper to Ishida Ryūken—he'll make arrangements for you."
Shiba Isshin blinked slightly. "The Quincy family? Why go there?"
"Because the task I'm giving you is to observe the situation of the living world Quincy."
"Coincidentally, it's time to rotate the Shinigami previously stationed there. I'll leave this to you."
Hearing this, Shiba Isshin suddenly understood.
He nodded. This kind of mission was quite easy, perfectly suited for someone like him who wanted to relax in the living world.
Holding the note given by Satoru, Shiba Isshin left happily.
Watching his retreating figure, Satoru felt somewhat emotional.
He had done everything he could. Whether it succeeded or not now depended on Shiba Isshin himself.
He stretched lazily and turned to look at Suì-Fēng standing nearby with her usual calm expression.
"Rangiku, Suì-Fēng and I need to discuss some matters. Why don't you go find somewhere cool to... ahem, you should go do whatever you need to do."
Satoru waved his hand, making a shooing gesture.
Hearing this, Rangiku looked at him.
"Are you going to do naughty things?"
"Nonsense! What naughty things... We're going to discuss important matters!"
Satoru put on a righteous expression.
Rangiku looked at Suì-Fēng.
Suì-Fēng silently averted her gaze.
Seeing her reaction, Rangiku became even more convinced of her guess.
She placed a hand on her chest:
"Satoru, I can do those things with you too!"
Satoru chuckled. "Those are things only a wife can do. What are you trying to do?"
"Nonsense! Senior Suì-Fēng isn't your wife!"
"Suì-Fēng is a companion maid, that's different."
"Then I can be a companion maid too!"
Satoru was impressed.
These days, some people were really eager for everything.
He waved his hand. "When you grow up, we can talk about these things."
As if she had long anticipated Satoru would say this, Rangiku immediately puffed out her chest.
"I've long grown up! I'm much bigger than Senior Suì-Fēng. Yoruichi Shihōin is only about the same as me!"
Hearing this, Satoru glanced at a certain area.
Indeed, just as Rangiku said.
Although her appearance and height were still at JK level, her "ambition" already rivaled Yoruichi's.
Such natural talent would surely make Suì-Fēng envious and bring Rukia to tears.
However, big had its advantages, while small had its own charms.
Though Suì-Fēng was small, her shape was perfect, never tiresome no matter how many times.
If he had to choose, he might actually prefer... ahem, never mind.
He shook his head, dismissing the dangerous thoughts flashing through his mind.
"A kid less than a hundred years old dares to say she's grown up?" Satoru sneered.
"Satoru is only less than two hundred years old yourself!" Rangiku retorted decisively.
Hearing this, Satoru paused slightly.
If she hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten.
It had already been over a hundred years since he crossed over to the Soul Society.
For humans, this length of time would be enough to live two lifetimes.
Yet he didn't feel like it had been that long—it had passed in a blur.
Without realizing it, his sense of time had become very Shinigami-like.
Looking at Rangiku before him, he beckoned with his hand.
Rangiku walked over curiously.
Then Satoru suddenly grinned and flicked her forehead with a snap.
"Oww!"
Rangiku covered her forehead with her hand, showing an angry expression.
"Kekekeke!!"
Satoru laughed heartily as he jumped down from his chair, putting distance between himself and Rangiku.
"Foolish little girl, claiming to be grown up before me, Satoru-sama? You're still a thousand years too early!"
"In a thousand years I'll be an old granny!" Rangiku shouted angrily.
But Satoru had already disappeared from the room using Flash Step.
Watching the spot where he disappeared, Rangiku pursed her lips.
Observing the scene before her, Suì-Fēng let out a sigh.
"Matsumoto, although that scumbag... although Lord Mikami keeps shouting about some Paradise Project, he isn't actually the kind of man who can be easily won over."
"If you truly like him, you need to let him feel it through daily life, through all the little details."
"Without achieving this, you'll never be able to open his heart."
Hearing this, Rangiku looked at her with some surprise.
"Senior Suì-Fēng... aren't you Yoruichi Shihōin's friend? Why are you telling me this?"
"I just can't stand seeing Lord Mikami looking so pleased with himself."
Suì-Fēng said indifferently.
Looking at Suì-Fēng, Rangiku suddenly seemed to remember something.
She approached Suì-Fēng and asked curiously:
"Senior Suì-Fēng, how did you and Satoru build your relationship back then?"
Hearing Rangiku's question, Suì-Fēng slightly furrowed her brows as if recalling something.
Gradually, she narrowed her eyes, and her expression turned icy.
"Sorry, Matsumoto, my earlier words weren't precise enough."
"The one who's hard to win over is the current scumbag lord."
"The scumbag lord back then was just a simple scumbag."
Rangiku: "..."
...
Walking through the streets of Seireitei, Satoru sneezed.
He went to the Fifth Division hoping to chat with Aizen, but found the latter wasn't there.
Just as he was about to leave, he ran into another acquaintance.
Shinji Hirako, with his shiny bald head, immediately changed expression upon seeing Satoru and turned to leave.
Watching his retreating back, Satoru felt somewhat surprised.
He had thought that after Aizen captured Shinji Hirako, he would keep him for at least ten to fifteen days before releasing him.
He never expected him to be released after just a few days.
That Sōsuke guy is really becoming more and more merciful, huh.
With these contemplative feelings, he went to Shinji Hirako's study and casually took a box of snacks.
Carrying the snacks, Satoru headed to the Kuchiki residence.
Ginrei Kuchiki appeared to be in good condition. Despite looking like he could die at any moment just a few years ago, now that he was no longer a captain, he seemed to be getting more energetic.
Indeed, being a captain is a high-risk job. I should find time to ask the old man for a raise.
Satoru sat by the bedside, chatting with Ginrei Kuchiki while eating snacks. After finishing them all, he stood up to take his leave.
Watching the guy's retreating back, Ginrei suddenly felt suspicious.
Did this kid come to visit me, or just to find a place to eat snacks?
...
...
Walking through the Kuchiki family's courtyard, Satoru was suddenly stopped.
Blocking his way was Kuchiki Byakuya, who, though still young, already possessed remarkably handsome features.
"Heh heh... Stopping me in this deserted place, are you perhaps attempting an assassination?"
"Though foolish, I admire your courage enough to grant you three free moves!"
Seeing Satoru standing with his hands behind his back, putting on the airs of a master, Byakuya barely resisted the urge to retort.
But, considering why he had sought out Satoru, he held back.
"Satoru, I... I need to ask you for a favor."
"So it's not an assassination?" Satoru sounded disappointed.
"Aside from the Captain-Commander, who in Seireitei would challenge you alone..." Byakuya said helplessly.
After speaking, he took another deep breath, as if repeatedly steeling his resolve.
Under Satoru's gaze, he mustered his courage and said:
"Satoru, that Miss Hisana you brought to the Eleventh Division... does she have anyone she's interested in?"
"Hisana?"
Satoru was momentarily stunned before understanding.
He had been so focused on Hisana being Rukia's sister that he forgot about her other identity.
This kid Byakuya has sharp eyes.
Even though he hasn't visited the Eleventh Division much, he still keenly noticed the woman who would become his wife in the original timeline.
Thinking this, Satoru grinned.
"What, taken a liking to our Hisana?"
Byakuya's face immediately turned bright red.
He opened his mouth as if to refute this.
But, after a few seconds, as if thinking of something, he nodded firmly.
"Yes."
"Why so honest all of a sudden?"
Satoru found Byakuya's reaction somewhat strange.
Byakuya said proudly:
"Though I don't understand girls, I understand you very well, Satoru."
"You like people who are responsible and courageous. Acting this way gives me a better chance of getting your help."
Hearing this, Satoru couldn't help but laugh.
This kid... seems to have developed a somewhat twisted personality.
Seeing how serious Byakuya was, he warned:
"Kid, don't say I didn't warn you. Hisana is a commoner, while you're the young master of the Kuchiki Clan."
"Marrying her won't be easy for you."
No sooner had the words been spoken than Byakuya raised the corner of his mouth:
"I've already considered that."
"Satoru, if you grant Hisana the surname Mikami, there will be no issue!"