Chapter 94: Satoru, Indifferent to Pleasures
Recognizing the elder's visage, the group bowed their heads in respect.
Setting the hat aside, the old man emitted a low chuckle.
"Rennosuke, there's no need for concern."
"Remember what we seek."
"The Gotei 13 are merely obstacles on our path—challenges to overcome, never our true objective."
"As for Yamamoto... powerful though he may be, he's but a tiger who feared his own strength and pulled out his own fangs."
"So long as the Central 46 remains in my grasp, there's nothing to fear from him."
Nods of agreement spread through the room.
Indeed, Yamamoto's obedience to the Central 46 had been proven time and again. No matter how unreasonable their decrees, Yamamoto would enforce them without question.
Such a compliant figure, regardless of strength, wouldn't dare overturn the board.
With this realization, the group's initial panic gradually subsided.
Under their collective gaze, the robed elder pondered briefly before continuing:
"However, this Satoru does warrant serious attention."
"Though merely Rukongai-born, his status as Genryūsai's disciple carries influence rivaling minor nobility."
"Add to that his... preposterous rate of advancement..."
At this, expressions grew complicated throughout the room.
Unbidden, memories surfaced of Satoru's performance during the captaincy examinations.
For Rennosuke Kamikawa and Yasushi Takada particularly, the impact was profound.
During the prison assault incident, Satoru had been vice-captain level when fighting them desperately. Yet in this short span, he'd broken through to third-level spiritual pressure—officially entering captain-class!
This rate of progress is simply monstrous.
Even the word "monster" might not fully capture the terror of this young man...
But more frightening than his strength is the label of "Genryūsai" attached to Satoru.
Yamamoto's two most accomplished students, Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, are both nobles of the Soul Society.
Their actions are bound by the rules of nobility.
For the sake of their families, neither would ever dare to cross certain lines.
Satoru is different.
Born in Rukongai, he has no such ties.
Rumors say that even during his school days, he dared to publicly assault a teacher.
After becoming Yamamoto's disciple, he frequently provoked the old man's wrath, his spiritual pressure shaking the surroundings.
With Yamamoto's backing, what outrageous things might such a reckless individual do? It's almost unthinkable!
But beyond these concerns, the robed elder harbored an even deeper worry.
Satoru had grown far too close to that little girl from the Shihōin family.
If those two caused any trouble, the Shihōin family's influence could skyrocket.
Should that happen, the balance of power within the Central 46 might shift.
Such a scenario was absolutely unacceptable to him.
After careful consideration, the elder spoke:
"Rennosuke, Takeda."
"Both of you have fought Satoru and are familiar with him."
"Find a way to make contact with him... attempt to win him over."
"Even if it requires some sacrifice, it will be worth it to sway him!"
At these words, Rennosuke's expression darkened.
One of his greatest goals now was to eliminate Satoru.
If Satoru joined their side, how could he ever get his chance?
Just as he was about to speak, Yasushi Takada beside him subtly tugged at his sleeve.
Under Rennosuke's bewildered gaze, Yasushi shook his head slightly.
After a few seconds of silence, Rennosuke bowed in acceptance of the order.
As the meeting adjourned, the participants vanished with swift steps.
Yasushi and Rennosuke found themselves alone in a secluded spot.
Rennosuke tore off his straw hat in frustration. "Takada, have you forgotten the looks people gave us after Satoru beat you up?"
Yasushi sighed.
"Trust me, Kamikawa. In that situation earlier, if you had defied that lord's will, the consequences would have been far worse than mere ridicule."
Rennosuke froze at his words.
Yasushi continued, "Relax, think about it… At his age, with such strength, do you really think Satoru is the type to be swayed by material things?"
"To him, wealth, women, entertainment, status—they're probably no different from dirt."
"Only power is what he seeks…"
"A man like that can't be bought."
Rennosuke's eyes lit up.
Yasushi was right. As much as he despised Satoru, he had to admit—that brat didn't seem like the type to chase after pleasure!
...
...
"Another bottle!"
West Rukongai, District 1.
The high-class pleasure house, "Kyōgokuya."
Yoruichi raised an empty sake flask and grinned as she shouted.
Soon, a beautiful woman in a kimono arrived with a fresh bottle.
Yoruichi poured for herself, Satoru, and Suì-Fēng, who sat stiffly upright beside them.
Watching the sake ripple gently in his small cup, Satoru felt a pang of nostalgia.
Back then, whenever he saw Shunsui's desperate craving for alcohol, he could never understand it.
Baijiu was as revolting as it got.
Compared to that, sake was much smoother—but still just the lesser of two evils.
In his opinion, even the finest liquor couldn't hold a candle to an ice-cold soda.
But after being dragged here by Yoruichi and taking his first sip of Soul Society's sake, he was stunned.
The liquor here had none of the usual harshness.
Infused with reishi, it carried a unique, refreshing aroma.
As it spread across his tongue, the spiritual particles dissolved, creating an indescribably delightful flavor.
Swallowing it didn't burn his throat—just a faint, pleasant warmth.
It was less like alcohol and more like a strangely satisfying drink.
Seeing his reaction, Yoruichi smirked.
"See? Didn't lie to you, did I? This is a taste you'd never find in the living world!"
After taking a sip from her own cup, she narrowed her eyes like a contented cat.
"Though, I gotta say, this place is impressive. For a pleasure house in Rukongai, the sake's quality rivals noble-grade stuff."
She glanced around curiously.
This was her first time visiting a place like this.
In the past, she'd either come alone—which was boring—or with Onmitsukidō members, who'd never accompany her to such establishments.
At that thought, she couldn't help but smile warmly at Satoru.
Meeting him really was the best.
Watching Satoru and Yoruichi relax so casually, Suì-Fēng finally snapped.
"Lady Yoruichi! As the head of the Shihōin family and commander of the Onmitsukidō, how could you come to a place like this—?!"
"And you, Lord Satoru! How could you agree to this?!"
Satoru and Yoruichi exchanged glances.
Reading each other's expressions, they grinned in unison.
Then, they both turned to Suì-Fēng.
Seeing the expressions in their eyes, Suì-Fēng suddenly felt a strong sense of crisis rising within her...