Although he had already mentally prepared for this,
upon seeing the young man's appearance before him, Arima Shinya still couldn't contain the impression —
that dark skin really seemed like a family trait passed down through generations.
The resemblance between the two brothers was something that didn't even need to be mentioned.
In fact, seeing Yushirō's manner — whining and dissolving into tears at every harsh word — he even seemed more like a traditional-style girl than a man.
Did you two accidentally swap personalities…?
Of course, all of this remained just a thought.
When Shihōin Yoruichi turned her gaze toward him, Arima Shinya's expression immediately grew serious.
The memory of being choked by her until he nearly passed out resurfaced,
and his neck started to hurt just thinking about it…
— Yo! Arima Shinya! I've been waiting for you! —
In a situation like this, the minimum expected was a respectful reply,
after all, he was on her territory — and, on top of that, he was merely an intern.
But before he could speak,
a cold voice rang out beside him:
— Why don't you kneel before Lady Yoruichi?! —
…What a total suck-up line was that?
It caught Arima Shinya completely off guard.
When he turned his face, he saw a slim figure kneeling in the corridor beside him, giving him a piercing glare.
It was a short-haired woman with straight bangs, wearing the tight covert-ops uniform of the Second Division.
Her body was small and delicate, with well-defined features — if she matured a bit more, she would certainly become a classic beauty.
But her furrowed, intense expression broke that image entirely, as if she wore her feelings on her face.
What she radiated at that moment was pure — disdain.
Did I… do something to upset her?
I think this is the first time I've seen her… so why all this hostility?
Arima Shinya reflected for a moment and, as if seeking help, glanced at Ōmaeda Marechiyo beside him.
The vice-captain merely let out an awkward laugh and leaned in to whisper:
— She's one of the execution squad officers who reveres Lady Yoruichi. Don't pay too much attention to it. —
Upon hearing that, Arima Shinya slightly widened his eyes.
Huh? So this girl is… Soi Fon?!
But Yoruichi's voice soon shattered that illusion:
— Tomomi, there's no need to be so tense. Arima Shinya came here to learn from us.
Don't let personal feelings make you judge others so easily. —
— Understood! —
Ah… so it's not Soi Fon.
Still, the reverence and devotion in the way she bowed to Yoruichi strongly reminded him of the future captain.
Arima Shinya then recalled something.
The Soul Society is full of noble families —
and among them, there are clan divisions and hierarchical levels.
Just as the Ōmaeda Clan served the Shihōin,
lower-class nobles, despite not receiving the same resources,
maintained traditions passed down through generations, taking on specific duties and responsibilities.
Like the Fong Clan, from which Soi Fon would come in the future —
a minor noble family whose lineage always dedicated itself to execution and assassination.
For them, serving in the execution forces was an honor.
This woman before him was probably the same.
By birth, upbringing, and environment,
she was destined to swear loyalty to certain masters —
even if it meant putting the other's feelings above her own life.
A reality that made Arima Shinya reflect.
The meaning of life… perhaps for these people, it is something completely different.
Ultimately, relying on another human being is indeed one of the inevitable bonds of a feudal society…
Intentionally ignoring the lingering hostility,
Arima Shinya partially turned and bowed respectfully to Yoruichi.
— Lady Shihōin, it's been a while since we last met. —
— Gahahaha! Such formality! — Yoruichi laughed. —
You've even touched my chest before, and now you come acting all proper?! —
Please… don't say things like that that leave room for misunderstanding!
The eyes around me are piercing… I feel like I'll be dismembered at any moment!
Not caring at all about his embarrassment,
Yoruichi pulled him close and hugged him naturally.
— Ōmaeda! Prepare the reception hall. We have a guest today; we can't be rude! —
— Yes, ma'am! —
Among everyone here, the most reliable must really be Kinjirō…
When the vice-captain hurried off, Yoruichi shook Shinya's stiff body and laughed mischievously:
— Relax. I'm not some man-eating monster.
I won't do anything excessive to you. —
— You came here to learn, didn't you?
Don't worry, I'll teach you properly.
Even if it's just out of consideration for Aizen, I won't treat you carelessly. —
Well… that's comforting to hear.
— So, about today's training, I ask that— —
— No formalities! — Yoruichi interrupted. —
Let's start by meeting the staff. —
Grabbing him by the neck, she dragged him back to the courtyard,
raised her hand, and pointed to the young man washing his face nearby.
— That's my brother. Strong, but a bit… too soft.
When I retire, he'll be the next head of the Shihōin Family.
Shihōin Yushirō Saimune — that's his name. —
Arima Shinya saw the young man shiver all over, hastily raising his head.
— Sis, please don't say things like that that cause misunderstandings! —
The succession of a noble family was a serious matter —
quite different from Yoruichi's relaxed personality,
Yushirō seemed much more traditional and reserved.
— Ahahaha, I was just telling the truth! Relax, relax.
Being the head of the family seems heavy, but once you get used to it, it's fine. —
The resigned and powerless glances around said it all.
It was clear that, within the Second Division,
Yoruichi was the absolute leader — a true "sole voice."
What a strong and spontaneous woman… I wonder how Urahara deals with her daily.
While thinking that, Yoruichi leaned her face close to his.
— Hey, what do you think of Yushirō's appearance? —
— …?! —
What? Why this question out of nowhere?
I'm not interested in "handsome boys," okay?!
— What's that look? — said Yoruichi, narrowing her eyes. —
Don't get any silly ideas!
— I meant that if Yushirō looks like that,
it means our Shihōin family has good genetics. —
— If you become part of the family, I guarantee you won't regret it…
I can even arrange the marriage myself — it'll be the event of the century in the Seireitei! —
Ah… so that's what she was talking about.
Arima Shinya let out a sigh of relief.
— Thank you, Lady Yoruichi… but I'm sorry. I have no such intentions. —
By the way… why does she insist so much on this marriage story?
Is there really something about me that catches her attention?
Instinctively, he sniffed his clothes.
Nothing strange… I didn't even wear anything with catnip scent…
As if reading his thoughts, Yoruichi gently pulled him aside, eyes narrowing with a playful glint.
— You've learned it, haven't you? —
— Huh…? Learned what exactly? —
— Still pretending, huh? You're giving me too much trouble. —
Yoruichi pressed his neck a little harder.
— The Third Step of the Shihōin Style of Stealth Movement — Utsusemi…
You've understood it, haven't you? —
(End of Chapter)
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