With the banishment of Urahara and Yoruichi-san, the Hollowfication incident involving Lisa and the others occurred.
It's disheartening...
No, I couldn't interfere because interfering poorly would definitely risk making the situation even worse... but knowing about it and being unable to do anything really weighs on the heart, doesn't it...?
I know my acquaintances are going to be in danger.
Yet, the frustration of not being able to interfere, and the danger of interfering...
Knowing mostly everything, yet only being able to continue waiting at the Coordinated Relief Station... how irritating it was...
Aah!! Geez!! I wanted to spill everything right there!!
"Yaaai, yaaai, your Shikai is Complete Hypnosis!! Is that an ability straight out of an erotic manga!!"
I wanted to say that!!
But if I did that, I wouldn't be able to meet Harribel-san, would I!!
I couldn't overlook those dark-skinned lewd breasts that are no less impressive than Yoruichi-san's...
Sorry, Lisa... Forgive the weak me who lost to worldly desires...
I'll buy you lots of erotic books later...
If I grope Harribel-san's breasts, I'll tell you my impressions...
In the first place, I have no right to say such things when I'm weighing these things on a scale...
I also wanted to give Urahara even a single memo saying, "Hollowfication can be managed if you make the Inner Hollow submit with guts, so do your best!!"!!
But if I did that and caught the eye of that Glasses Killer, what would happen...?
I suspect I already have one strike against me in his eyes.
'Has your evaluation finally become "Killer", I wonder...'
Yeah, well... or rather, you knew, didn't you, Nubatama? That the Glasses Killer was using a substitute.
'Indeed... For about a month now, seeing a bald squad member whose name I don't even know acting like "I am Aizen, I'm smart, I'm handsome" was a state of "terra-waros" no matter how many times I saw it!! This is at the level where grass grows on grass!!'
You were laughing loudly whenever we passed each other occasionally... When I first heard it, I thought you had finally broken.
'Broken, how rude! I am of sturdy, long-lasting, safe and secure design!! My durability is such that I won't break even if stepped on by a mammoth!!'
Yes, yes, I'll use you as a pencil case later.
In the first place, means to break you... throw you into the sun? Perhaps...
No, but even if I borrow the power of the sun, the purveyor of defeating too-strong opponents in tokusatsu, I'm afraid this child would survive...
'Even if I am thrown into the sun in the first episode, I shall revive magnificently as the last boss!!'
-----
So.
"The Soul Disappearance Incident was caused by Kisuke Urahara conducting evil experiments! We express our condolences to the Shinigami and Rukongai residents who became his victims!! And condemning the sins of the ringleader Urahara is the justice of the Soul Society!!"
Chanting a slogan like that, this incident reached a tentative conclusion.
It feels kind of... meh.
Still, since the Central 46—ah, the supreme judicial organ of the Soul Society, you know. A gathering of self-proclaimed sages with heads hard as stone despite having enough power that even Captains can't object—declared the end, this incident will neither be brought up nor become a problem.
On the surface, that is.
Behind the scenes, cover-up work for matters they were involved in or related to is being diligently carried out.
In short, erase the fact that criminals were involved and pretend it never happened. There is no fact that Shinigami, the apostles of justice, listened to the orders of such criminals.
Work is progressing to "make it so."
Aside from things with large influence or things judged better left as they are, other matters are being eliminated so as not to leave even a trace, or they are eager to erase the scent of the past.
For example, the home appliances and Denreishinki Urahara made remain because they are very useful.
However, even if you unravel history, his name will never appear publicly again.
This cover-up naturally extends to Yoruichi-san as well.
Therefore—
"It came to that, did it..."
Today is the first house call day since that incident ended.
When I arrived, I was told, "There is something to discuss before work," and there I was informed about the situation of the Second Division and the Onmitsukido.
"Yeah, I know it's bad on our end, but..."
Lieutenant Omaeda scratches his head, sounding apologetic.
"The end of the 'house call' system, and the replacement of the 'instructor'... is it..."
"The higher-ups want to erase the Captain's traces... Good grief, even so, they didn't have to go that far...!!"
"It's sudden news... I sympathize with you."
His spitting manner of speech shows that he himself is not convinced either. But that doesn't mean anything can be done about it.
Out of frustration, he gets irritated even knowing it's meaningless. I understand that, so I dare not interject.
Both the house call system and the instructor were decided by Yoruichi-san.
But now that the person in question has become a criminal, as mentioned before, the scalpel has been taken to them under the names of appearance, principle, and face.
Especially the instructor—meaning Tankaho-san—is in a quite miserable situation.
First, his role will end at the end of the year.
It was a position created as a result of Yoruichi-san's command. Since he was in that position, it can't be helped. It seems the wind is blowing fiercely against him.
However, the instructor role itself seems not to be considered that bad.
During the rest of this year, he has been ordered to create instruction manuals and train a successor instructor... ensure things run without problems even after he is gone next year.
Originally, he is from a family where "those who cannot join the Executive Militia and work are not family members!" Since he was fired from being an instructor too, his formal expulsion from the family has been decided.
Furthermore—this part is mixed with Lieutenant Omaeda's conjecture—if things go poorly, all the notoriety and responsibility might be pushed onto him.
He might be ordered to die to clear his name, including Yoruichi-san's share.
...If they do that, Soifon will cry.
Next is the house call system.
Although there is still time here, they are apparently trying to get out of the current situation of having people dispatched from other units by training a replacement doctor—naturally, a medical worker exclusively for the Onmitsukido—and putting them in charge, aiming for about ten years later.
Normally, the house call system could have been abolished immediately, but apparently voices like "We'll be in trouble if the doctor is changed suddenly!", "We can't trust the new doctor's skills!!", and "Why change it arbitrarily! Respect the opinions of the field!!" rose internally, and the higher-ups couldn't quite ignore them, so they put some time in between.
...I was told that behind those reasons, the raw true feeling of "Call a lewd female doctor who can replace Airi! Then we'll permit it!!" was transparent...
Give back my tears from when I almost got touched hearing the story.
'It is basically a male household... No one can blame them even if lewd thoughts appear!! Yoruichi-dono has a bad influence... no, too good an influence on the groins of healthy male Shinigami!!'
Anyway, in another ten years, I will be relieved of my duty.
"Dammit!! What face!! It's ridiculous!!"
Pretending Yoruichi-san didn't exist, but snatching her achievements as much as possible... Anyone would get angry at this.
I intended to know about the unreasonable orders of nobles, but this time, the target is a bit too close, so I feel indignation...
"Lieutenant Omaeda, what do you think about Yoruichi-san regarding this incident?"
"Hah!? That person skips work and plays around a lot, but she's not someone who would dirty her hands with evil deeds herself. I know that much."
"Yes, I share the same opinion. But such a Yoruichi-san took drastic measures..."
"...Meaning there's some hidden side she couldn't tell anyone... Ah geez, that person!! If she had at least left a note!!"
Scratching his head vigorously, he seems to be worrying about what to do.
"Anyway, I understand the situation. But given such a situation, is it better for me not to show my face too much?"
"Hmm... No, it shouldn't be that bad. A successor might contact you soon, but for the time being, please continue as usual."
"Understood."
The conversation ended there for the time being, but my mood was indescribably melancholy.
-----
"...They say it's better for doctors to be free, but..."
I entered the examination room, but as expected, today's patients were few enough to count on one hand.
With Yoruichi-san gone, both the Second Division and the Onmitsukido are in chaos. Just the head suddenly disappearing is a problem, but to be told "Actually, she was a criminal" on top of that is beyond adding insult to injury.
In addition, I am someone who came here through Yoruichi-san's introduction.
There is an air of self-restraint drifting about—let's avoid contact as much as possible for each other's sake.
"Yukawa-sama!"
"Soifon-san!?"
Just when I thought it might be over for today, Soifon flew in after the outside became noisy with a clatter.
She must have hurried quite a bit; she is breathing heavily, shoulders heaving.
"Thank goodness... I thought, I thought you might not come anymore..."
"Calm down, first sit there and rest. While you do, I'll brew some tea."
Showing a heartfelt relieved expression upon seeing my face means, no matter how you think about it, it's related to Yoruichi-san's disappearance.
I think she has a lot she wants to talk about regarding that. So, I'll take my time preparing tea so she can organize what she wants to say...
—I didn't know there was a tea set in this room. Even though I've been using it for quite a long time, I learned this for the first time today.
How fully booked was it usually...
"Here, I let it cool a little, but be careful not to burn yourself."
"Thank you, very much..."
Her figure drinking from the teacup with both hands is very cute.
Now, since the tea is ready, let's hear her story.
"So... you coming here means it's about Yoruichi-san, right?"
As soon as I broached the subject, her shoulders trembled with a start.
"...She disappeared suddenly, was framed for a crime, and you are worried... something like that?"
"...Yes."
She murmured in a small voice that seemed about to disappear.
"As you know, Yukawa-sama, Yoruichi-sama was a person to whom I owed a great debt of gratitude. But she disappeared suddenly... I believe in Yoruichi-sama... I believe in her, that person isn't someone who would commit such a crime!! And yet, and yet..."
"Suddenly, she disappeared without saying anything, didn't she..."
This time she nods feebly.
"Yoruichi-sama did nothing wrong! So why, as if Yoruichi-sama never existed...!! Far from that, even Brother is being treated like a nuisance...!! I know it's wrong, I know it!! But I end up thinking the current situation is because Yoruichi-sama is gone!! I, I..."
Oh my, this is a serious injury.
If I recall correctly, in the original story, as a result of her disappearing without saying anything, Soifon's feelings got twisted, didn't they?
If so, this is like the initial stage of that twisting.
The current her has a bond with Tankaho-san, so conversely, the damage is greater. She's thinking everything is bad because Yoruichi-san is gone.
If left like this, in the worst case, she might twist irreparably.
I can't overlook that.
In that case...
"Hey, Soifon-san. You believe in Yoruichi-san, don't you?"
"..."
With tears welling up in her eyes, after a little hesitation, she nodded silently.
Although she nodded, perhaps she loathes herself for hesitating? Her face remains downward.
"How did you feel about Yoruichi-san not taking you, not saying anything to you? Painful? Lonely? Or angry?"
"I don't really know... Just, if this continues, it feels like everything will disappear..."
"Then, let's become strong."
"...Eh!?"
As soon as she heard my words, she raised her face.
"Just become strong and grab everything precious in your hands. Become the Captain of the Second Division, become the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido, and take back everything that seems about to be lost."
"M-Me, become a Captain!? Can I do such a thing..."
"Of course!"
I lightly grab her shoulders as if to encourage her.
"Did you forget? On that day—throughout the night when Tankaho-san was seriously injured, you kept raising your voice in support. Believing in your intuition that danger was approaching your brother, you went out alone to search even though it was night. There is no way such a strong and kind you cannot become a Captain."
"Th... That was, well... in the past."
She denies it verbally, but her face has turned a little red.
Good trend.
"Become a Captain and prove Yoruichi-san's innocence. After proving her innocence, make Yoruichi-san your Lieutenant and work together! As for your brother, if you stand at the top of the Onmitsukido, no one can complain! Even your family won't be able to complain."
"Yoruichi-sama as Lieutenant!? That... might be a little good..."
Did she just hallucinate lilies blooming in profusion for a moment...? This girl gave off that kind of atmosphere.
Is this pairing a classic in any world after all?
"In that case, let's become strong. Of course, I will cooperate too. I'm still inexperienced, but training together shouldn't be a problem. Also, leave your brother to me."
"Eh!! L-Leave Brother... to you, means...? D-Don't tell me, Yukawa-sama and Brother will, e-e-e-e-e-en..."
"En...?"
"Engagement!?"
"Ahaha... not like that..."
Her thoughts are jumping too far...
"I am a Lieutenant too, after all, and I intend to have a reasonably wide circle of acquaintances. So, if it's just until Soifon-san becomes a Captain and welcomes Tankaho-san back again, I can prepare a place for him unrelated to your family or the Executive Militia."
"I-Is that true!!"
"Of course. Well, first I have to get Tankaho-san's consent—"
"Please!! My brother, please take care of my brother!!"
"—I got it! I got it already!!"
Soifon continues to bow her head desperately.
Because she knew the bond of family and was frightened by the fear of losing it.
If presented with a solution there, well, she'll bite, big or small.
Rather, she bit unexpectedly hard... She completely trusts me, doesn't she...
Is this girl a little okay...?
W-Well! She seems to have become positive, so it's fine... right, surely...
Now then... Ah, Tankaho-san.
I heard about the instructor matter too. I sympathize.
But Soifon-san was fired up saying, "I'll become great and pull Brother up once more." So please wait for her with anticipation.
So, I have a little talk about your conduct during that period.
Your experience in martial arts and the Executive Militia cannot be utilized at all, but if that's okay with you...
-----
"Yukawa-sama... is a wonderful person after all..."
The night of the day she met Airi.
Soifon was ruminating on the daytime conversation over and over again.
The person she worshipped, the person she thought she would bet everything on, suddenly disappeared one day without telling her anything.
From that day, a crack appeared in the feelings inside her.
From that day, the situation surrounding her began to break.
The world began to treat Yoruichi as if she never existed.
The bond with her brother, which was irreplaceable, which she never wanted to lose, which she thought she must not lose, was about to be severed right now.
What she relied on in her remaining heart was the existence of Airi.
She saved her brother's life and cared for Soifon many times as she continued her training as an Executive Militia apprentice. Even after her wish came true and she officially joined the Executive Militia, and even after her skills were recognized and she came under Yoruichi's direct command, Airi continued to care for her.
But, perhaps, she too would leave her side.
—As a result, that worry ended as a baseless fear.
As soon as she heard her colleague say, "The visiting doctor came today too," she ran out, unable to contain herself.
When she entered the room with enough force to break the door, Airi's figure was there.
She accepted her gently.
She listened to her story quietly and showed her a new path.
She even said she would protect her brother, whom she couldn't protect with her own hands yet because she lacked the strength, in her stead.
How great was that shock?
It shouldn't be an easy thing, yet she said it as if it were natural.
"I become Captain... Brother returns as instructor... Yoruichi-sama as Lieutenant..."
She dreams of the future Airi showed her.
If she tells Yoruichi to work under her, Yoruichi will surely complain. But if Soifon becomes stronger, she won't be able to say such complaints.
No, she won't let her say them.
Absolutely, absolutely.
"No, Yoruichi-sama is selfish, so Third Seat after all. And for Lieutenant... ehehe..."
In her delusion, she corrects the future just a little.
Just a little, the positions of only two people were swapped.
Without realizing that this was the moment she changed her evaluation of the person she had kept in an absolute position until now.
Without noticing that she unconsciously admitted it was okay to change.
The girl turns her thoughts to the future.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]