MTL NOVEL Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Senpai
Masatsuki Aozaki and Yoruichi Shihōin entered Seireitei through the eastern Shōryūmon Gate.
The moment they stepped inside, Masatsuki noticed several people casting surprised glances their way.
Wasn't that the princess of the Shihōin Clan? The newly appointed captain of the 2nd Division?
Normally, she was known for her mischief, yet today, she was strolling quietly beside a handsome man.
The most striking part? They appeared to be the same age and seemed… rather close.
...
Upon entering the 1st Division barracks, the squad members barely reacted. They had long since grown accustomed to this sight.
Before Yoruichi had become both the head of the Shihōin Clan and the 2nd Division's captain, some of them had even covered for the two. But now, there was no need.
The Shihōin Clan wasn't like the Tsunayashiro Clan.
The Tsunayashiro operated under a council of elders, riddled with factions and internal power struggles.
The Shihōin, on the other hand, were ruled solely by their head. If Yoruichi wanted something, not even the elders could stop her.
If she wanted to openly flirt in broad daylight? No one would bat an eye.
If she wanted to marry Masatsuki and bring him home? No one could say a word.
The senior squad members watching them walk by felt a mix of emotions. Seeing the younger generation flourish, avoiding the detours they themselves had taken over centuries, filled them with both relief… and just a tinge of envy.
...
Following the familiar stone path, Masatsuki and Yoruichi made their way to the 1st Division dojo.
As soon as they arrived, Masatsuki noticed something—someone had beaten them there.
Three pairs of straw sandals sat neatly on the wooden floor outside the dojo entrance.
After nearly a year of training under Yamamoto, he was quite sure of one thing—the old man wasn't some mutated alien with three legs.
From inside, muffled voices could be heard, their tone suggesting a rather pleasant conversation.
"Looks like we picked the wrong time," Masatsuki muttered, stopping by the dojo's paper doors with Yoruichi beside him.
A little ways off, two Ritei-tai members, their wide-brimmed straw hats casting shadows over their eyes, remained motionless, their sharp gazes fixed on the corridor.
More and more squad members gathered nearby, drawn by curiosity, yet the Ritei-tai guards paid them no mind.
Some squad members pressed close together, practically glued to their team leader, all eyes locked on the two figures sitting side by side.
The position was uncomfortable, but no one dared move—they were too busy absorbing the sight in front of them.
Internally, the squad members were reeling.
"So… the captain can actually be this quiet?"
"Our young lady has finally grown up."
"Wait, hold on—Captain Yoruichi actually likes men?!"
"..."
All eyes turned to the female squad member who had blurted that last part. Flustered, she scratched her head sheepishly.
The two figures sitting together were undeniably striking.
The man had a dangerously handsome face, lips curled into a smirk with an unmistakable hint of mischief.
The woman, beautiful with soft, expressive eyes, had tucked her short hair neatly behind her ears, giving her an unexpectedly sweet and approachable air.
For the squad members, it was almost unbelievable.
Their captain—the bold, carefree, larger-than-life Yoruichi—was sitting there looking… delicate? Girlish, even?
How was this possible?
...
"Want to go for a walk?" Yoruichi suddenly suggested, glancing toward the courtyard. "If we stick around and overhear something we shouldn't, that'd be trouble."
"Good idea," Masatsuki agreed. "That old man never bothers setting a schedule anyway."
"That wasn't my fault," Yoruichi Shihōin said with a habitual shrug. "That was the time they set."
Masatsuki Aozaki nodded slightly. "I never blamed you. The lesson was over anyway, and you showed up at just the right time."
"There was no avoiding it. Even though it was a simple matter, it involved the succession of both the 2nd Division captaincy and the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō," Yoruichi said, shrugging again. "There was no way around the Captain-Commander—we had to discuss it with him."
"I'm just wondering why you've changed so much," Masatsuki mused, studying her face. "Captain and Commander-in-Chief don't exactly seem like jobs that suit you."
"You look exhausted."
"Maybe you're right," Yoruichi glanced at him, then smirked faintly. "But it's my responsibility."
She wouldn't deny it—her clan had given her a carefree, privileged life for years. Now, it was simply time to repay that debt.
...
"Are you and Yūshiro twins?" Masatsuki asked after a moment.
That kid looked just like her, but the more time he spent with the two of them, the more he noticed Yoruichi's unique charm.
"Of course not! We're decades apart. If we were twins, he wouldn't be such a clueless brat—he's nothing like me."
Yoruichi spoke as if it were nothing, but she pursed her lips slightly, as if she didn't appreciate being compared to her younger brother.
Did she really seem that clueless?
A hint of dissatisfaction flickered across her face, making her embarrassed expression look even more genuine.
The surrounding Ritei-tai members, who had been quietly watching, suddenly felt awkward.
...
"Well, it's not like you two look completely different," Masatsuki remarked.
He wasn't sure how she acted around others, but in front of him, she was occasionally pretty silly.
Just as the two were about to get up for a walk, Yamamoto's voice rang out from inside the dojo.
"Are you two done chatting out there? If so, get in here already."
"Looks like our walk will have to wait. I'm heading in." Masatsuki scratched his head and gave Yoruichi an apologetic smile.
"Go on." Yoruichi nodded, then paused for a moment before setting her paper umbrella aside and silently watching the rain fall.
...
As soon as Masatsuki stepped into the dojo, he saw Yamamoto seated with two younger men, sipping tea as if they were having a casual tea gathering.
One of them had a roguish glint in his eyes, long brown hair tied into a ponytail with two ornate hairpins, a pink haori embroidered with floral patterns draped over his shoulders, and a hint of stubble on his chin.
The other had a far gentler gaze, white hair pulled into a neat ponytail, strikingly handsome features, and a white haori draped over his shoulders.
Judging by their appearance and attire, Masatsuki immediately recognized them—
Shunsui Kyōraku, Captain of the 8th Division.
Jūshirō Ukitake, Captain of the 13th Division.
Through the gap in the paper door, Yamamoto caught sight of Yoruichi's silhouette outside and let out a displeased snort.
"So, you're the so-called 'genius student' the old man won't stop talking about?"
Shunsui Kyōraku set down his teacup and turned to Masatsuki with a grin.
"I'm Shunsui Kyōraku. I guess that makes me your senpai."
Yamamoto shot him a glance, about to say something—
But before he could, Masatsuki spoke without hesitation.
"Kyōraku-senpai, it's an honor. I'm Masatsuki Aozaki, your junior. Pleased to meet you."
Jūshirō Ukitake blinked in surprise.
For a moment, he saw a familiar shadow in this young man—one that stirred unpleasant memories.
Was this really the type of student their teacher preferred?
Meanwhile, Shunsui's interest was piqued.
The moment he had heard Yamamoto had taken a personal interest in a student, he had been curious to see what kind of talent had managed to catch the old man's eye.
Unfortunately, with all the recent turmoil caused by the rebel factions, he hadn't found the time to drop by.
Today's meeting, however, was turning out to be quite the surprise.
Yamamoto hadn't even officially taken Masatsuki as his disciple yet, and here he was, boldly calling Shunsui "senpai" right in front of him—without a hint of hesitation.
And that talent of his... It really was something else.
From what he had heard, Masatsuki had only reached fifth-rank Reiatsu half a year ago.
But judging by what he was sensing now... It wouldn't be long before he ascended to the next level.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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