After talking for a bit with the girls, Yoruichi barged into the men's bath without any shame, "Tenjirou! Leave these guys alone. I need you to work on something for me..." However, her voice slowly trailed off in shock. Naturally, it is not because of the naked men as she didn't care in the slightest about that. It is the sheer number that is currently dipping themselves, "They said it's cramp here, but I seriously underestimated that statement."
With just a single glance, Yoruichi could tell that there are at least 20 people right now in the White Bone Hell and a quick scan of what's beyond the wall told her that there are at least 10 people in the Blood Pond Hell.
Not just that, Tenjirou is dragging Loup Garou and Balberith to the side where Riser Phenex, Hercules, Ouryuu Nakiri, Bova Tannin, Bikou and Genshirou are already lying unconscious with their skin burnt. The only silver lining to their shameful appearance is that their genitals are covered with a small towel.
"Yoruichi? You're back." Tenjirou carelessly throws the two people at his hand while also tossing them some towels, "What do you need?"
Yoruichi didn't immediately reply and looked around further. He ignored those who were chilling within the water and focused her attention on those who were obviously struggling to shield their souls, "These bastards..." She realized something, "So it wasn't just some dumb contest."
"You can say that again." Tenjirou sighed in exasperation, "These crazy bastards are using the hot spring to train against spiritual attacks even if they are risking their lives for it. Is this normal here?"
Yoruichi kept her mouth shut. She didn't want to admit that this culture of training until you're about to die, propagated from their group, 'It was effective though. Also made everyone resistant to mental attacks.'
The men also noticed Yoruichi's presence and although they wanted to greet her, they didn't bother her when she started talking to Tenjirou and only perked up their ears.
Tenjirou naturally knew what these guys were here for so he gestured to Yoruichi to get out while yelling back, "You guys should already know what it looks like when one is about to die. Handle it yourselves." Then followed Yoruichi outside.
Yoruichi went outside of the ryokan and put up a small barrier the moment Tenjirou approached, "You know why those guys are here, right? The kids are probably training and testing themselves but those old geezers are here to observe you."
"You don't have to remind me and they aren't really hiding their intention. I only allowed it because I can study them up close. Kurotsuchi would have a field day if he's here." Yoruichi answered, "But enough about that. What do you need?"
"White Bone Hell and Blood Pond Hell on the go."
Tenjirou's jaw almost slacked, "...Are you mistaking this a restaurant?"
"I'll give you the information about another race that can use Spiritual Power effectively and rival those at home."
Tenjirou stopped for a moment before scratching his head while sighing, "When do you need it?"
"As soon as possible."
"It'll take about two days to complete and you'll have to provide the container."
"That's long."
"Making it portable adds various complexities to the balance and effectiveness."
"I see. I'll wait for it."
"And I want the treatment data."
Yoruichi thought about it for a moment before saying her own condition, "I don't want it leaving your hand. Spare me from Kurotsuchi having it."
"That's what I intended to do from the start."
.
.
.
Yoruichi settled a few more details with Tenjirou before she made her way towards Koneko's room. Unlike before there are no more barriers impeding anyone from entering. As soon as she knocked on the door, it opened with Kuroka happily greeting her, "Yoruichi! Where did you go, nya?"
"Just a short trip. How's Koneko?"
"She just went back to sleep but she already woke up the other day, nya. Tenjirou guy said that she just needs plenty of rest because she's very drained stamina-wise."
It was then that Yoruichi recalled that it was Kirio who restored everyone's energy after Tenjirou's treatment. Without her here, it's going to take some time for Koneko to naturally recover, "That's great. But remember, you're also very drained. Now that Koneko is safe, take care of yourself more."
"Medusa and the others told me that... But I'd like to stay up for a bit more until I'm sure that Shirone's recovering well."
Yoruichi sighed and smiled wryly. She knew that there was no point in telling more of it to this worried cat, "I'd like to say eat well, but it's hard to find food that directly recovers your spiritual strength. Maybe I'll get something when I come back."
"You're leaving again?"
Yoruichi nodded, "I commissioned Tenjirou to make something for me so I'll be waiting for that. But once that's done, I'm leaving immediately."
"It's not dangerous, is it?"
"I won't lie to you. It's quite dangerous but it's still within the acceptable risk."
Kuroka frowned, "The acceptable risk is still proportional to the reward. That still doesn't tell me how dangerous that is."
"You don't have to worry about it... That is what I'd like to say, but that won't reassure you or the others."
"Then take somebody with you, nya. Do you really have to do it alone?"
Yoruichi nodded, "The risk is way less when I move alone and I'm not saying that because I don't trust your abilities."
"Is it because we're much more needed here?" Kuroka asked, "But it's not even that hectic here. Surely, you can take someone, nyaa."
"That's right. You guys are much more needed here. You've seen what happened to Koneko when you guys let your guard down. And if you think it's not hectic, it's because the heat hasn't reached the surface yet. Even with my limited ability to gather information on the other side, I could see so many people eyeing this world for multiple reasons."
"...Multiple reasons, is it?"
"The existence of beings that are on the same level as the Gods of Evies and Etouldes and the fact that this world is connected to many others are two of those." Yoruichi started walking towards the door after peeking at the sleeping Koneko for one last time, "You should rest too. Now that the others know that Kisuke is about to return, things are about to turn up another notch. You know the guy, he'd mess with them as soon as it's convenient for him."
Yoruichi was about to close the door when she remembered something and added, "By the way, I'm not alone. How do you think I'm gathering information?"