Yuichi offered a small smile. "It's not just about protection, young master Byakuya. It's about making sure nothing interferes with your family's important work today. We're here to make sure things run smoothly."
Byakuya gave a small nod of acknowledgment, his expression still cold. "Very well."
Sojun Kuchiki, standing quietly beside his son, exchanged a glance with Ginrei before turning to Yuichi and Mei. "The Kuchiki family is grateful for your assistance. We trust you will handle this matter with the same care Lady Yoruichi has shown our house."
Yuichi bowed again. "We won't let you down."
With formalities complete, Ginrei and Sojun began making their way toward the mansion, leaving Byakuya in the hands of Yuichi and Mei. Yuichi could feel the young lord's eyes on him as they walked, though Byakuya said nothing. His composed demeanor reminded Yuichi of the noble upbringing that shaped him—always reserved, always in control.
As they led Byakuya into the mansion grounds, Yuichi allowed himself a brief moment of reflection. Despite Byakuya's age, there was something about him that commanded respect. It wasn't arrogance, nor was it the haughtiness one might expect from the nobles he always saw in the television shows of his old world. Instead, it was a quiet confidence that came from knowing exactly who he was and what was expected of him.
"I don't think we'll have much to worry about with him," Yuichi said quietly to Mei as they walked, keeping his tone casual.
Mei glanced at Byakuya, then back to Yuichi. "He's more capable than most adults. The way he carries himself and the fact I can't sense his reiatsu means he's perfectly in control of it. I'd surmise he's stronger than us. Even so, our job remains the same."
Despite Byakuya's abilities, their mission was to ensure his safety during a politically charged time. The mere fact that they had been assigned to this task indicated how volatile the situation could become.
They walked in silence for a moment longer before Byakuya finally spoke again. "This mission my gra…—no, the Kuchiki head has been assigned. What do you know of it?"
Yuichi exchanged a glance with Mei before replying. "We know that the 2nd and 6th Divisions have been tasked with handling a delicate matter. Beyond that, we know nothing. It's classified and we are not privy to such information, young master."
Byakuya's expression didn't change, though Yuichi could tell he was processing the information. "A purge, then," he said quietly, more to himself than to them. "I see."
Yuichi raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. It seemed Byakuya had already pieced together the situation. For someone so young, his insight was impressive, though unsurprising for the young man who would one day be Captain of the 6th Division.
"Don't worry, young master Byakuya," Yuichi said, his tone calm and reassuring. "We'll keep you safe no matter what happens."
Byakuya nodded but said nothing more, his attention already shifting back to the task at hand.
Yuichi and Mei led Byakuya through the quiet halls of Yoruichi's estate, the polished wooden floors reflecting their soft footsteps. The young Kuchiki heir walked beside them with his usual grace and composure, his expression stoic as ever. Though Byakuya carried himself with confidence, the light luggage he brought along did little to break the formal atmosphere.
Stopping at the door to Byakuya's temporary quarters, Yuichi slid it open, revealing a spacious and elegantly furnished room. The morning sunlight filtered through the delicate paper screens, casting a warm glow over the tatami mats and minimalist décor. The room had everything the young noble would need for his brief stay—a low table, cushions, and a comfortable futon already laid out.
"This will be your room during your stay, young master Byakuya," Yuichi said, stepping inside and setting down the light luggage they had carried. "If you require anything, Mei and I will be staying in the room just across the hall. You may call on us at any time."
Byakuya gave a small nod, his gaze sweeping over the room with quiet approval. He remained as composed as ever, though there was a sense of calm authority in the way he stood. "Thank you," he said simply.
Yuichi bowed slightly before continuing, "Breakfast will be ready in about an hour. We'll return to escort you when it's time. Until then, please feel free to rest or prepare as you see fit."
"Understood," Byakuya replied, his tone neutral.
With that, Yuichi and Mei bowed again and stepped out of the room, sliding the door shut behind them. They stood in the hallway for a moment, exchanging a glance before heading to the room directly opposite Byakuya's. Now all that was left was to ensure his safety while he stayed at the estate until his family came to pick him up.
The room they entered was much simpler than Byakuya's, with just a low table, a couple of cushions, and a futon in the corner. It wasn't much, but it would suffice for their short assignment. Mei walked over to a cushion, calmly settling into a seiza position with her back straight and her eyes closed.
Yuichi watched her for a moment. Mei was always like this—disciplined, unwavering, and vigilant, even when things seemed calm. Her senses would remain finely tuned, ready to detect any hint of trouble that might arise. She was, without a doubt, a model protector.
Yuichi, on the other hand, was not quite as strict with himself. Letting out a quiet sigh, he moved toward the futon, glancing at the door once more. Earlier, he had discreetly placed a Kido spell on the door—a simple detection spell that would emit a small sound if the door opened. He figured Byakuya wouldn't call for them unless it was absolutely necessary, and the likelihood of anyone trying anything foolish while Lady Yoruichi and the heads of the Kuchiki family were still present was slim.
As he lay down on the futon, the exhaustion from waking up so early started to catch up with him. His body felt heavy, and the temptation to catch up on the sleep he had missed was hard to resist. Yuichi stretched out, folding his arms behind his head as he settled into a comfortable position.
"It should be fine," he muttered to himself. "Only an idiot would try something now, of all times…"
With Lady Yoruichi and Lord Ginrei still in the estate, any potential threat would be suicidal to act upon. They would be leaving after breakfast, which meant this was the only time he could afford to slack off a bit. His eyes began to droop as the futon's softness invited him to rest, and he allowed himself to relax. Mei would keep watch, as she always did, and his Kido spell would alert him if anything unusual happened.
As he lay there, the quiet hum of the estate and the faint breeze outside lulled him further into drowsiness. The morning sunlight streamed in through the thin paper walls, casting a gentle warmth over him. It wasn't long before his thoughts began to blur, and sleep began to overtake him.
While Yuichi dozed off, Mei remained still on the cushion, her focus unwavering. Even with her eyes closed, her senses extended through the room and beyond, attuned to every subtle reishi shift in the air.