"Be that as it may, the results of talent training in the Western Bureau truly shocked us."
An hour later, Arata stood in front of a red telephone booth, still immersed in the astonishing scenes of the exercise. "That method of combat using magic completely overturned our, from the Eastern Bureau, understanding of the use of spiritual particles."
Arata wasn't just returning the compliment out of formality. Although those numbered magics looked similar to kidō techniques in the Soul Society, the Western Bureau was far ahead in developing the forms and functions of those spells.
Because just during that one training session, he personally saw the magic team use spells numbered over two hundred.
Perhaps the effects of some numbered spells were very weak, even almost redundant, but one had to admit that they truly researched and developed these techniques and that couldn't be faked.
Arata sighed inwardly: The Eastern Bureau of the Soul Society was theoretically stronger than the Western Bureau, but in this regard, it was seriously lagging behind.
As for the reason?
Haha... when in doubt, it's always safe to blame Central 46.
Wolfgang laughed heartily when he heard that, rhythmically tapping his cane against the floor. "I'm truly honored that we received such praise from the elites of the Eastern Bureau!"
The old man suddenly lowered his voice, and the eyes behind his sunglasses gleamed slyly: "Actually, those kids have even stronger moves they didn't show. Still, everyone has to keep a few aces up their sleeve."
Unohana Retsu smiled slightly, her braid gently swaying in the night breeze. "Director Wolfgang is truly farsighted. But don't worry, we in the Eastern Bureau look forward to your next visit – we hope for even greater surprises."
"Agreed then!" Wolfgang shook their hands firmly, the warmth of his palms perfectly reflecting his generous nature. "Next time, bring Captain Yamamoto along. I'd love to share a drink with him!"
Manokil stepped in at the right moment, offering a gilded wooden box. "This is Moonlight Black Tea, a specialty of London. Please deliver it to Captain Yamamoto on my behalf."
Arata accepted it solemnly. On the finely carved box was a relief of two dragons playing with a pearl, and the wood felt warm under his fingers.
He was just about to express thanks when the telephone booth suddenly rang "ding-ling-ling," and ripples appeared on the glass surface.
"Looks like the teleportation circle will activate soon." Wolfgang took two steps back and waved them off. "Send my regards to Captain Yamamoto!"
The moment the blinding white light swallowed their vision, Arata felt someone lightly tugging on the edge of his coat.
When the dizziness receded like a tide, he realized he was standing on the rooftop of the hotel from which they had departed, but Yamamoto, Sasakibe, and the others were nowhere in sight. They had probably already gone to bed?
At that moment, Unohana Retsu's fingers suddenly caught the hem of his blazer.
"Teacher?" Arata turned around in confusion, but saw that she had already let go and was gazing into the nightscape of distant London.
Neon lights dyed the Thames into flowing silky ribbons, and the silhouette of Big Ben towered high into the night.
The night wind passed through the loose strands on Unohana Retsu's forehead, adding a touch of gentleness to her appearance.
"Arata-kun." She suddenly spoke, her voice softer than usual. "Come with me somewhere."
Before Arata could respond, Unohana Retsu was already walking toward the stairs.
The sound of her heels was especially clear on the quiet rooftop. Her waist, wrapped in a black skirt suit, swayed slightly to the rhythm of her steps, exuding an indescribable mature allure.
Arata hurried after her. "Now? Shouldn't we report to the captain first?"
"The diplomatic document says the visit lasts three days." Unohana Retsu pulled an envelope from his chest and lightly ran her fingertips over the wax seal. "We've been away less than four hours."
"So theoretically, we still have 68 hours of private time left…" a gentle smile played on her lips, with a hint of challenge in her voice.
Arata was momentarily speechless.
Only then did he remember that Chojiro Sasakibe really had said something like "you don't have to return immediately," but at the time he was completely preoccupied with how to deal with Unohana Retsu's invitation and hadn't paid attention to the details.
As the elevator descended, the atmosphere in the cramped space became subtle and humid.
Unohana Retsu stood facing the mirror, adjusting her collar, while Arata stared at the floor numbers, pretending to be fully focused on them.
When the display jumped to "1", the woman suddenly turned.
"Tie your tie." She straightened his loosened knot, and her fingernail brushed against his Adam's apple. "Even in the world of the living, we must mind our appearance."
Arata's throat moved sharply. He didn't know when it started, but Unohana Retsu's body exuded a light herbal aroma, mixed with the base note of an expensive perfume; in that small space, it all blended into a complex scent that quickened one's pulse.
Isane herself doesn't have that scent… did she buy it specially?
Only when the elevator doors opened did he snap out of his daze and follow her.
Although the clock already showed eleven at night, London's nightlife was just beginning.
Arata followed Unohana Retsu through the illuminated Ueno Square. When they passed the street with the red telephone booth, both smiled gently at the same time.
"I heard the shop windows along this street are very beautiful." Unohana Retsu stopped in front of the traffic light at the corner. The neon lights tinted the contours of her profile with a shade of rose red. "Besides… I want to buy a few souvenirs to bring back for that kid, Isane."
The arched streetlights hung like a galaxy, and the displays of luxury shops showcased the latest seasonal collections.
Unohana Retsu stopped in front of a jewelry store. In the window was a Victorian sapphire necklace.
"This necklace would suit Vice-Captain Matsumoto perfectly." She looked meaningfully at Arata. "Arata-kun, don't you plan to buy her one?"
Her voice was soft and lovely; to any bystander, it would sound like a gentle spring breeze. But to Arata, cold sweat broke out on his forehead. "Teacher, I…"
It's not that he couldn't afford it. The card given to him by Omaeda was more than enough to buy the entire jewelry store.
But Arata couldn't do it. For him to personally buy a necklace in front of Unohana Retsu, and for the owner of that necklace not to be her…
That image was so beautiful that Arata didn't even dare to imagine it.
"Ah, just teasing." Unohana Retsu suddenly laughed and turned toward the nearby perfume shop. "Vice-Captain Matsumoto is probably more excited by other 'gifts' than jewelry."
With confident steps, Unohana Retsu approached one of the counters, picked up a tester, and lightly sprayed the air.
"Try this." She brought the scented paper to Arata's nose.
Arata sniffed it, and his eyes immediately lit up. The fresh and slightly sweet scent reminded him of the courtyard in Seireitei during the rainy season.
Yes, it really smelled wonderful, not that heavy, suffocating perfume one might expect from stereotypes.
However, before he could comment, Unohana Retsu had already told the shop assistant to wrap up three bottles.
"One is for Isane." She shoved two small bags into Arata's hands. "And the other is for Vice-Captain Matsumoto."
The fingers gripping the paper bag unconsciously tightened, and just as he was about to pull out his card, Unohana Retsu caught his hand.
"Consider it a teacher's gift to her student." She handed a black card to the shop assistant, her fingernail lightly grazing Arata's palm. "After all… I have other expenses tonight."
That sentence turned Arata's ears red to his neck.
After the perfume shop, Unohana Retsu took him to a handmade chocolate store, then to an antique pocket watch shop, and finally they stopped in front of a hidden wine boutique.
"I heard this place crafts wines with extremely rich layers of flavor." She turned and smiled as she pushed the carved wooden door. "A good opportunity for us to have a drink together tonight when we return."
"By the way, I've already booked a room at another hotel."
Arata almost tripped over the doorstep.
Not good, this night won't end quietly!