Kazuya approached step by step. "I forgot you? No, that's not possible. Who would dare to mess with my memories?"
Soi Fon drew her Zanpakutō and assumed a fighting stance as she glared menacingly at Harribel. "Return his memories, or I'll kill you. I swore it'll be the last thing I do before my death."
Fury burned in her eyes. No matter how reckless, no matter how whimsical, he was her dear comrade who had fought side by side with her. She'd be left with no honor or pride if she turned her back on him without trying to save him.
Kazuya grabbed her Zanpakutō with his bare hands, placing himself between Soi Fon and Harribel, completely shielding the latter from view. "Don't threaten my wife."
Soi Fon's expression darkened, a monstrous killing intent seeping out of her. "She turned you into a Hollow and brainwashed you into believing a lie. I'll kill her."
Yoruichi appeared behind her in a blink, gently pinching and pulling her cheeks as if comforting her. "Stop playing around. Just tell her."
Soi Fon stared at him with wide eyes. "What the hell is this? Yoruichi-sama knew he'd become a Hollow? Why didn't you help him?"
She was gripping a handful of Yoruichi's shirt, eyes full of blame. The only thought in her mind was to bring Kazuya back to his usual self.
"It's his fault. Why am I being punished?" Yoruichi forced a bitter smile, took Soi Fon's hand and gestured toward Kazuya. "Look at that before you draw conclusions."
Kazuya shifted to his Shinigami form. The literal shift in his Reiatsu made Soi Fon feel like meeting an old friend again.
He cleared his throat. "I got a bit carried away. I'm sorry."
Despite the apology, a smile lingered on his lips. Yoruichi knew the reason—seeing Soi Fon so worked up that she'd threaten even her mistress on his behalf was enough to make him giddy. What's more, she was ready to fight to death to save him.
Soi Fon, the clueless one, looked at him with an astonished expression. "He is back… How?"
Yoruichi wrapped an arm around Soi Fon's shoulder. "Here's the thing, kid. He's always been a Hollow."
She explained how she met Kazuya in Living World, Aizen's betrayal of Visored, and his ambitions. Of course, she also firmly enunciated their goal of exposing Aizen's lies and killing him.
Soi Fon fell silent, lost in thought for long minutes. Then she spoke in a heavy voice, "The war here was between you and… the Espada under Captain Sosuke's command?"
"Pretty much. Now, we've cut off his forces in Hueco Mundo," he said with a thoughtful nod. "Harribel also got her wish fulfilled. She is sincere about creating a safe haven for Hollows. I hope you can support her."
Soi Fon slowly turned her gaze to Harribel, who nodded back at her with a soft smile. The look of adoration in those soft eyes ticked her off, though what bothered her even more was Kazuya himself.
She scowled at him. "Hmph. Why should I help a Hollow?"
He had played with her heart to test the lengths she'd go for him. It was only justified for her to mess with him as payback.
Yoruichi put Soi Fon in a headlock and ruffled her hair. "Kid, you're getting full of yourself. Do you remember the promise?"
Soi Fon's eyes shook. She finally realized why Yoruichi had her swear such a promise—it was all for him. "I'm sorry…"
Yoruichi released Soi Fon and crossed her arms, her golden eyes seemingly judging the petite Shinigami. "Tell me: what was your mistake?"
"I must prioritize… over my duty."
Not even Kazuya, with his sharp senses, could hear Soi Fon's muttering. It only meant that she had conveniently omitted a few words that hurt her pride.
Yoruichi cupped her hand to her ear. "I can't hear you."
"I must prioritize Kazuya before my duty!" Soi Fon shouted, her face bright red. "Is that what you wanted?!"
Yoruichi laughed. "Exactly. He is your master before he is a Hollow. Don't ever forget that."
Soi Fon looked sullen. In the first place, she should be upset with them for hiding such a huge secret. Yet, somehow she was on the receiving end of scolding.
"I understand why you snuck into Gotei 13. But who fought Captain Sosuke?"
"Heh~." Yoruichi's barely suppressed snicker broke the tension. She pressed her hand to her mouth, shoulders shaking. But Kazuya's perfectly deadpan expression made her lose it completely. "Hahaha—!"
She held her stomach as tears welled up in her eyes. But, her laughter was unstoppable and infectious.
Soi Fon stood confused. What was so funny about her question?
Kazuya helplessly shook his head. "She's finally lost it. Let's just leave her."
Taking Soi Fon's wrist, he tried to leave.
"My god… Soi Fon, wait," Yoruichi said, pulling Soi Fon's other hand. She took a moment to steady herself after the most joyful laughter of her life. "He is the girl who fought Aizen."
Soi Fon blinked a few times, unable to understand Yoruichi. "What do you mean?"
"Idiot, he can TURN into a girl."
"Wait… what?" Soi Fon whispered, as if saying it out loud would help her understand. "How is that even possible?"
Kazuya let out a groan. "I wish I knew..."
Thankfully, Soi Fon chose not to ask further questions about his abilities.
"Hmm, Kazuya! What should I report to Captain Yamamoto and how do I… help you?"
There was some hesitation in her, but it was torn apart by Yoruichi's smile. Duty to two people she admired the most or loyalty to Gotei 13—the choice was an impossible one, but she didn't have to choose for the time being. They were working to root out the traitors in Gotei 13. Helping them was the same as helping Gotei 13. As for what to choose afterwards… she'd decide at that time.
Kazuya rubbed his chin. "Nothing for now. I'll contact you if I need you."
"Okay. One more thing. Who else knows about your secret?"
There was a glimmer in her eyes that even she didn't know about.
Kazuya gave her a strange look. "Captain Shunsui, Unohana, Nanao as well."
"What about Vice-Captain Kotetsu and your girls?" Soi Fon asked, her voice carrying an unintentional edge. "Do they know?"
"No, they don't need to stress over it. They're too weak to help in any case."
Soi Fon's expression softened. At least she could be of more use than his own lovers.
"Anyway, come with me. I'll introduce you to my wives."
"What—why would I want to meet your wives?!"
"Just come." He swept her up in his arms and dashed out of the room.
Yoruichi, who was watching from the sidelines, nudged Harribel. "Don't you just hate it when that happens?"
"More supporters means more people to carry his burden." Harribel's reply was perfectly selfless.
"Eh, wouldn't they add to his burden? You know, he'd have to protect more people, keep them happy, and do stuff for them. It'll split his attention in even more directions."
Yoruichi already knew her importance in his heart, so she wasn't worried. Still, reining in his tendency to attract more women couldn't hurt. Teaming up with Harribel, the most important person in his heart, would be the most straightforward way to achieve that.
Harribel stared at Yoruichi's face with wide eyes.
Yoruichi raised her brows. "Don't tell me you've never thought about it that way before…"
A slow, heavy nod was Harribel's response. "I was too focused on Hollows… I never considered his Shinigami lovers."
She had expected he might have one or two in Soul Society to ease his loneliness. But at this rate, he'd have more women there than in the Living World.
"You better start doing it now. The women of Soul Society can be quite cruel… maybe he's too good at attracting the bad apples."
She still remembered the dark side of "most gentle Shinigami" of Gotei 13, the obsessed young maiden, and the tomboy assassin. Although Soi Fon wasn't as extreme as the other two, she had a spot in "women one shouldn't mess with" in Gotei 13.
"Should I ask him to stop?"
Though she disliked limiting Kazuya's freedom, she'd play the villain if it were for his sake.
Yoruichi shook her head. "It's too late. He has already tasted freedom. If you tried to stop him now, it'd just strain your relationship."
Harribel contemplated for a second before a strange smile surfaced on her face. "Actually, I have a solution. It'll require your cooperation."
"Say it."
Yoruichi listened closely as Harribel outlined her idea, her cat ears twitching rhythmically the lower her chin dipped. The plan was utterly diabolical, but she couldn't deny its effectiveness.
Harribel placed her hands firmly on Yoruichi's shoulders. "I can trust only you with this, Yoruichi."
Yoruichi gave a small nod, refusing to meet Harribel's eyes. "Mm. Leave it to me."
"Thank you."
After transforming back into a Hollow, Kazuya led Soi Fon to the room where his people had gathered. Only Nelliel and Sung-Sun were present. Nelliel, who was back in a stylish jacket and jeans, occasionally replied to Sung-Sun's cheerful chatter. Even though Sung-Sun had a twisted side, she made people feel welcomed. Lisa, meanwhile, was fast asleep on a brand new sofa.
{She yoinked those from Japan. Your wife is a thief!}
'She learned it from the best.'
{Wow…}
Sung-Sun's attention shifted to Kazuya and then Soi Fon. The predatory glint in her eyes made Soi Fon stiffen.
"YOU DARE!" Soi Fon snarled and pulled out her Zanpakutō. "Look at me like that again, and I'll cut you down, purify—"
Kazuya hit the back of her head. "Say that again."
"I-I'll purify—"
Another fist landed on her head. Soi Fon dropped her Zanpakutō and clutched her head with a pained expression. "Why does it hurt so much?"
He looked at his fist. It was an attack without Reiatsu. Even so, it managed to breach Soi Fon's Reiryoku defenses and hurt her. His raw strength alone could probably defeat the weaker Adjuchas.
'Can I destroy Earth with one punch?'
{Probably half of it if you go all out.}
He lowered his fist with a gentle smile. "Soi Fon, we're all allies here. No need to pull out your sword."
Nelliel's heels clinked as she approached Soi Fon, extending a friendly handshake. The Shinigami felt intimidated by the cold expression but still shook hands with her.
"Nelliel," she introduced herself, smiling faintly. "I admire Shinigami for your commitment to purifying Hollows. It's a noble cause."
Soi Fon made an odd face. "You don't have to lie to get close to me."
Nelliel tilted her head. "Why would I want to be close to you?"
Soi Fon looked down and blushed. She had no answer. Even with Kazuya's mediation, a Vasto Lorde wouldn't be interested in forming a friendly relationship with a Shinigami. Only then she realized Nelliel was being sincere in admiration.
Sung-Sun leaned closer to Nelliel, whispering in her ear, "How else will you become his woman?"
Nelliel's cheeks reddened. "When did I say I will?!"
Kazuya pretended not to notice them and introduced Soi Fon to the two. When the three had gotten to know each other on a basic level, he pulled Sung-Sun aside and instructed her to look after Soi Fon, so he could return to Soul Society with a peaceful mind. Tosen was dead and the Espada finished—Aizen was bound to make a move soon. Kazuya needed to be present in case things went too south. He couldn't take Soi Fon since he'd be sneaking in.
Although Yoruichi would be a fine partner for the mission, he'd rather her bond with Harribel and others. She could also help in case Aizen returned to Hueco Mundo.
With a gleam in her eyes, Sung-Sun giggled. "I'll take proper care of your little lover."
"If you don't tease her, I'll let you tease me later."
She licked her lips, showing a carnivorous smile, which she quickly hid behind her sleeve. "I'll savor every moment of it."
Her seduction nearly burned a hole in his resolve.
...
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