Chapter 84
The scene grew somewhat awkward.
Suoh could clearly sense something not quite right in Zaraki Kenpachi's smile.
Facing this kind of battle demon who existed for combat, ordinary greetings held no meaning. The only means of socializing was to have an intense, genuine sword fight with him.
Just as he contemplated how to deal with the battle-hungry Zaraki Kenpachi, Kusajishi Yachiru beside them suddenly spoke.
"See, I told you he was interesting!"
Kusajishi Yachiru straightened on the wall ledge, proudly placing hands on her hips as she shook her head. Her pink hair was especially dazzling in the sunlight, her smile very cute.
She felt quite proud of finding this interesting guy Suoh for Zaraki Kenpachi.
Hearing this, Suoh instantly understood the reason for being sought out.
Kusajishi Yachiru wasn't merely Zaraki Kenpachi's lieutenant, but his exclusive opponent-finding machine.
Unique intuition plus keen spiritual perception always found those interesting people who might pique the battle-craving Zaraki Kenpachi's interest.
Honestly, Suoh felt he still fell far short.
Even so, he actually wasn't particularly nervous inside.
Though Zaraki Kenpachi appeared wild externally, as a division captain he ultimately maintained basic boundaries. Rashly attacking wouldn't be possible.
Moreover, he understood that even if truly targeted by Zaraki Kenpachi, the most threatening outcome would merely be suffering serious injuries and staying in the Fourth Division hospital ward for a period.
Death was impossible. At most, some physical suffering, and he might even gain something.
Actually, Suoh was somewhat curious to experience what abilities the pattern changing into a sun would bring his body.
However, this was currently on the way to work. The timing and location weren't quite right, and the gains likely wouldn't compensate for the delayed training.
Thud—
Before Suoh could respond.
Kusajishi Yachiru's figure tumbled from the wall ledge, bouncing to Suoh's front in two or three steps, her nose twitching slightly as her eyes brightened, asking.
"Tsuka, what do you have? It smells so good!"
"Oh, fruit candies. Want to try some?"
This sudden intimacy brought Suoh back to his senses. He then retrieved a tightly wrapped oil-paper package from his clothes.
Having previously endured unforgettable hunger, plus naturally enjoying this indulgence, Suoh always carried some snacks on his person.
Undoing the tie, he unfolded the oil-paper package before her.
Revealing crystalline fruit candies inside—candies Suoh had made by hand mixing concentrated fruit juice with honey and white syrup.
"Thank you!"
The colorful candy surfaces dusted with fine white frost firmly captured Kusajishi Yachiru's gaze, her eyes emitting tangible brilliance.
After thanking him, she impatiently grabbed one and stuffed it in her mouth.
"Mm, even better than konpeito!"
Sweet taste mixed with rich fruit fragrance blossomed in her mouth, eliciting sincere praise.
For a moment, the scene contained only the slurping sounds of her savoring candy.
At this time, Madarame Ikkaku—most socially adept among them—coughed lightly.
He strode to Suoh's side, his smooth scalp reflecting bright radiance in the morning light.
"Ahem."
"Suoh, let me introduce myself. I'm Eleventh Division 3rd Seat Madarame Ikkaku."
"That guy behind is—"
Madarame Ikkaku finished introducing himself, then gave a thumbs-up gesture behind him, saying.
"I have a mouth. I can speak for myself."
"Eleventh Division 5th Seat, Ayasegawa Yumichika. Pleased to meet you~."
At this moment, Ayasegawa Yumichika's words cut off his introduction, perfectly taking over.
Elegantly stepping forward, two fingers forming a sword as his fingertips lightly swept across smooth hair at his forehead, he smiled slightly. His speech and manner revealed obvious friendliness.
"Hello, both of you. Please take care of me."
Facing these two Shinigami with such vastly different styles, Suoh nodded in response.
From the corner of his eye, Madarame Ikkaku glanced at Zaraki Kenpachi standing not far behind him, his whole body radiating dangerous aura.
That single eye flickered with undisguised interest, still focused on Suoh, weighing his value for cleaving.
He rubbed his bright scalp, his tone carrying some helpless awkwardness.
"That—Suoh."
"My captain is just interested in formidable people. Just looking, that's all."
Madarame Ikkaku stepped sideways, his figure perfectly blocking between Suoh and Zaraki Kenpachi.
"We didn't come find you with any ill intent. Purely because when the lieutenant led the way, she detected unfamiliar spiritual pressure, so she brought us over to look."
"Didn't scare you, did we?"
Early morning, being surrounded by people from another division—anyone would feel some tension and fear, especially them—the Eleventh Division with their notorious reputation.
Considering Suoh's possible worries and doubts, Madarame Ikkaku appropriately offered some explanation for their rash behavior.
Couldn't be helped. The captain and lieutenant weren't normal people.
As the division's 3rd Seat and also among the few who still cared about social etiquette, this smoothing-things-over job naturally fell to him.
"It's fine."
Suoh unconcernedly shook his head.
Despite being continuously stared at, his expression showed not half a trace of strain or fear.
Seeing he truly didn't mind, Madarame Ikkaku's heart relaxed. That casualness between warriors emerged.
He cheerfully raised his hand to clap Suoh's shoulder, producing a solid sound.
"That's good then!"
"Seeing you moving so fast earlier, you must be hurrying back to the division. Won't delay you."
"Now that we've met today, if there's opportunity, let's spar."
The closer he got, the more Madarame Ikkaku could smell the combat-loving martial faction aura carrying similar battle-seeking factors on Suoh.
Someone who didn't show cowardice under his captain Zaraki Kenpachi's pressure naturally wouldn't be an ordinary 3rd Seat. Similarly feeling the thrill of the hunt, he extended an invitation.
"Alright."
Suoh's answer was crisp and decisive. Then he didn't immediately leave.
Instead, he turned toward Kusajishi Yachiru beside him, staring fixedly at the candy package in his hands.
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. He efficiently retied the oil-paper package and tossed it over.
"Yachiru, since you like them, they're all yours. Everyone, I'm off."
"Thanks, Tsuka! Bye-bye, bye-bye—!"
Kusajishi Yachiru's eyes instantly brightened. Her small hand raised to catch it steadily. Without even looking, she stuffed it in her clothes, her other hand enthusiastically waving farewell.
The entire sequence flowed seamlessly, incredibly smooth.
Suoh raised his hand in response, stepped forward, and instantly disappeared from the spot.
Watching the direction he left, Madarame Ikkaku crossed his arms, grinning with undisguised appreciation.
"Suoh Tsukasa, huh—truly a great guy!"
Rubbing his bald head, in excellent spirits, he looked toward his lieutenant and sighed.
"Rare for the lieutenant's pathfinding to be so accurate this time. Really wasn't a wasted trip."
"Shut up, baldy! My pathfinding is always accurate!"
Hearing this, Kusajishi Yachiru immediately shouted in dissatisfaction.
Before her words finished, she leaped in a bound. Her small sandals stepped on his shoulder for a second jump, landing steadily on Zaraki Kenpachi's back, patting it.
"Tsuka left too. Ken-chan, let's go back!"
Madarame Ikkaku turned his head sideways, wordlessly looking at the clear mud-stained sandal print on his shoulder's clothing. A vein seemed faintly throbbing at his temple.
"Ikkaku, you only have yourself to blame for speaking inappropriately."
Ayasegawa Yumichika disdainfully stepped away from him, as if distancing from something unclean.
His voice carried a cutting edge as he added a reminder.
"When speaking to the lieutenant, remember to always maintain proper respect."
He raised his foot to follow Zaraki Kenpachi, who'd started moving again.
The wall area that had just been lively suddenly returned to tranquility.