8mi Chapter 40: Unworthy of a Mentor
Chapter 40: Unworthy of a Mentor
Chapter 40 - 40: Unworthy of a MentorThe Shihōin and Kuchiki Clans have a good relationship. Yoruichi and Sōjun Kuchiki's son, Byakuya Kuchiki, are close friends and playmates, so it's only natural for her to be concerned about their family affairs.
However, Masatsuki Aozaki had no interest in the emotional entanglements between a stubborn old man and a wronged young man, nor did he want to dwell on the topic.
Under the protection of the Onmitsukidō, the two quickly returned to the Shihōin estate.
Once inside, Yoruichi Shihōin retrieved her spoils—two special containers filled with red and white liquids, along with a set of documents.
She didn't keep them to herself and opened the scroll, going over it with Masatsuki Aozaki.
Though he had mentally prepared himself, after reading the information on the hot springs, Masatsuki Aozaki couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.
White Bone Hell extracts the Reiatsu and blood of the one soaking in it, expelling injuries and ailments in the process.
The way it functioned felt almost conceptual in nature.
Of course, both hot springs had powerful effects, but their drawbacks were just as severe.
Soaking in White Bone Hell for too long led to exhaustion and death, leaving behind nothing but bare bones.
On the other hand, if someone with sufficient Reiatsu and blood soaked in Blood Pond Hell, their body would regenerate excessively, leading to flesh decomposition.
Both hot springs had astonishing benefits and equally terrifying risks.
After some discussion, the two decided to hand the springs and the documents over to Kisuke Urahara immediately so he could start working on replicating them.
Without Kirinji Tenjirō's Reiatsu, creating an exact copy of the original hot springs was nearly impossible.
But a simplified version would suffice.
With their plan set, the two slipped away from the Shihōin estate under the cover of night, making their way to the "playground" beneath Sōkyoku Hill.
As they stepped into the training ground, they spotted Kisuke Urahara sitting by an empty pool, deep in thought.
"Kisuke, still up this late? We're here!"
Masatsuki Aozaki walked up, patted his shoulder, and called out cheerfully.
Kisuke Urahara looked up, let out a long sigh, then leaned back.
The more time he spent around Masatsuki, the more he realized how difficult he was to deal with.
Compared to the overly familiar "Kisuke," he still preferred being called "Urahara-san."
With a tone full of exasperation, Kisuke Urahara asked, "What happened to you two? Did Captain Unohana fight you?"
"No..." Masatsuki Aozaki scratched his head, glanced at the bloodstains all over himself, and muttered, "We ran into an ambush on the way—rebels targeting my sensei."
"But it wasn't a big deal. Captain Yoruichi barely had to lift a finger to take down a Captain-level Shinigami, and we got the sensei out safely."
Yoruichi Shihōin crossed her arms and lifted her chin with pride, her expression practically inviting them to heap praise on her.
Kisuke Urahara gave her a glance but, ignoring her expectant look, turned back to Masatsuki. "A Captain-level Shinigami... You're both unscathed, right?"
Yoruichi nearly exploded on the spot, raising her fist to knock some sense into him for brushing her off. Fortunately, Masatsuki stepped in just in time to hold her back.
With his arms wrapped around her waist, her legs still kicking in protest, Masatsuki forced a strained smile. "Relax, we're fine. The blood's all from the rebels."
Finally calming down, Yoruichi huffed. "Those rebels are weaklings. They can push around Sōjun Kuchiki, but running into me? That's just bad luck for them."
Masatsuki released Yoruichi, remembering why they had come, and handed the hot springs and documents to Kisuke Urahara.
Kisuke unfolded the papers and studied them carefully, his brows furrowing before gradually relaxing.
After a while, he clapped his hands and said, "This lines up pretty well with my re
Yoruichi immediately caught on that Masatsuki was joking, but she still knelt beside him like a guilty child and whispered, "Why don't you move in with me? With me and the Onmitsukidō at the Shihōin estate, you'd be completely safe."
"You saved Sōjun-sensei, yet you act like you did something wrong," Masatsuki teased. "But there's no need for that—I'll just go find Old Man Yamamoto."
"If a disciple's in trouble, how could a master not step in?"
"No, this isn't even a favor. I'm always so good to him—if he just stands by and does nothing, he's unfit to be a master!"
"He actually let his disciple—me—end up in such a dangerous mess. What an incompetent master. I have to go have a serious talk with him."
Yoruichi and Urahara exchanged glances, helpless smiles forming at the corners of their lips.
They had a feeling he was about to get himself into more trouble.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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