During the next period, Yamahiko took on the responsibility of handling the contract dealings with Kūkaku Shiba and assisting her in setting up the factory. The newly established factory operated using an assembly line approach, divided into several departments. The explosion(gunpowder) formula was retained by Kūkaku Shiba, who personally produced it.
The factory's scale was not considered large; it was designed to meet the training consumption of the Onmitsukidō, as they rarely engaged in proactive missions at this time.
Nevertheless, the factory provided employment opportunities for some residents of Rukongai. While the workforce was small, about twenty people, Kūkaku Shiba made an effort to recruit individuals from impoverished families. The income from these jobs could support an entire household, indirectly helping more people.
Yamahiko considered this a good deed. He had experienced the hardships of living in the chaotic districts of Rukongai, so being able to help those in need brought him great satisfaction.
"The bombs are officially deployed, and even Thirteenth Division is showing interest. You've done an excellent job," said Sui-Feng one day, after a training session. She was covered in sweat, as the weather had become quite hot during the summer.
Yamahiko grinned and asked, "So, Captain Sui-Feng, any rewards for me?"
Sui-Feng picked up a towel to wipe away the sweat, curiously inquiring, "What reward do you want?"
Looking at Sui-Feng, Yamahiko replied with a hint of shyness, "I'd like to invite Captain to the Summer Festival."
Sui-Feng inquired, "The Summer Festival, huh? It's a newly established holiday this year, and I've heard that it's quite popular among the living world. Many rotating Shinigami visit the Summer Festival there."
Yamahiko nodded and said, "That's right, it's just a month away. I'd like Captain to attend with me."
Sui-Feng frowned, "But the Shinigami Women's Association has already planned to go to the Summer Festival together."
Upon hearing this, Yamahiko's expression darkened, and he said, "Well, in that case, forget it."
Seeing Yamahiko looking disheartened, Sui-Feng felt a bit reluctant. Considering the hard work he had put in during this time, she sighed and said, "You've indeed done a lot during this time, and you've been training with me every day. If you want, I can accompany you to the festival."
Yamahiko smiled and said, "That's great! I've already ordered a yukata set for Captain. It will be delivered in a little while."
Sui-Feng furrowed her brow and asked, "Yukata? Is that the clothing you wear after taking a bath? Why do I need to wear that? And do I need a custom-made one?"
Yamahiko explained, "A yukata is similar to a kimono but more casual, with a rich variety of colors, and it looks very beautiful. It's also a must-have for the Summer Festival."
Sui-Feng cast a sidelong glance at Yamahiko and asked, "You've already ordered it for me, can I refuse?"
With a laugh, Yamahiko responded, "I knew Captain wouldn't refuse me."
Sui-Feng huffed and said, "Do you even know my body measurements?"
Yamahiko replied, "Of course, Captain Sui-Feng, you are 1.5 meters tall and weigh 108 lbs(49 kg)."
"Is that so?"
Sui-Feng raised her hand and smacked Yamahiko on the head.
Quickly, Yamahiko apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, Captain, but we've been training together for a long time, so I know your height, weight, shoulder width, waist, bust, and hip measurements."
Upon hearing this, a smile crept onto Sui-Feng's lips. Yamahiko had been a member of the Onmitsukidō for over a decade, and the two of them had trained together extensively, becoming quite familiar with each other.
Wait, what do bust and hip measurements mean?
Sui-Feng gave Yamahiko a wry look, somewhat exasperated, and said, "Fine, I'll wear a yukata."
Yamahiko continued, "Can I make one more request?"
Sui-Feng shot him a sideways glance and grumbled, "Don't push your luck."
Yamahiko immediately put his hands together and said, "Just one request."
Sui-Feng, somewhat impatiently, said, "Go on, then."
Yamahiko quickly requested, "Change your hairstyle."
"Hairstyle?"
Yamahiko grinned mischievously and said, "This hairstyle doesn't suit Captain Sui-Feng at all. It makes Captain look quite unattractive."
Sui-Feng's bobbed hairstyle completely covered her forehead, making her look quite awkward.
Sui-Feng touched her bangs and said, "I don't want to look pretty."
Yamahiko continued, "But this style isn't practical for battle. Your two little braids often get in the way, not to mention the bangs that can fall in your face when you're on the move. Isn't it uncomfortable?"
Thinking about her past battles, Sui-Feng realized that it was indeed uncomfortable, but she had worn this hairstyle for decades. She was used to it, and changing it didn't seem all that important.
Yamahiko pressed on, saying, "Captain Sui-Feng, other team members mentioned that you've had this hairstyle for a very long time, several decades even. Why not consider a change, a farewell to your past self?"
The past?
Sui-Feng thought about her past, the years she had dedicated, and the betrayal she had experienced. Many years had passed, and she couldn't forget. It wasn't that she didn't want to forget; it was that she couldn't.
Maybe changing her habits from her past could be a good thing. Sui-Feng looked at Yamahiko and said, "Alright, I'll do it."
Yamahiko smiled and replied, "I've designed a hairstyle for you, and we'll have a hairstylist come over to help you with it. I'm sure it will suit you well."
Sui-Feng nodded and said, "Alright."
"That's great," Yamahiko exclaimed, tightly clenching his fist. This meant that he had successfully executed two parts of his plan: taking Sui-Feng to the summer festival and giving her a new hairstyle, with the final part of his plan in sight.
Yamahiko chuckled, and suddenly Sui-Feng's hand smacked his forehead.
"Why are you grinning like an idiot?"
...
A month passed quickly, and the summer festival was approaching. On the afternoon of that day, Yamahiko stood outside Sui-Feng's door and softly asked, "Captain, are you ready?"
"Ready."
A faint voice came from inside, with a tone that was completely different from Sui-Feng's usual firmness. It was very gentle and carried a hint of shyness.
As the voice faded, the door opened, revealing a figure in front of Yamahiko.
"Captain!"
Seeing Sui-Feng, Yamahiko was instantly shocked by what he saw.
First, Sui-Feng's hairstyle, which he had requested a hairstylist to change, but he hadn't seen the finished product, only the design. However, when he saw Sui-Feng with her new hairstyle, Yamahiko was truly surprised.
Her current hairstyle was exactly the one from the original work when she fought with Yoruichi. After Yoruichi released a lightning strike, her hair was blown back behind her head.
[Sui-Feng Hairstyle - img]
The short hair gives her a more professional appearance, exposing most of her face and allowing her eyes to open wide, creating a perfect image. It's like the last panel from the 158th chapter, which was from the early days of Bleach when the art style hadn't changed. In that style, with the characters having very angular features, Sui-Feng's beauty is truly stunning.
Apart from the hairstyle, the yukata is also beautiful. It has a white base with pale purple patterns, emphasizing her professionalism while still retaining a soft and gentle touch. She looks absolutely stunning.
Yamahiko looked at Sui-Feng in front of him and said with a smile, "Captain, you look really beautiful."
Sui-Feng blushed and glared at Yamahiko, saying, "I'm not going, I'll embarrass myself."
Yamahiko immediately folded his hands and pleaded, "Captain, please go. I've prepared for this for a long time."
Sui-Feng glanced at her outfit and recalled her own beautiful face in the mirror. She knew Yamahiko had spent a lot of time preparing, and she was going just to reward him. Yes, that must be it.
"Let's go."
Sui-Feng took a slow step forward, but accidentally stumbled over the threshold and tilted forward. A yukata couldn't accommodate large strides, and although the lower part had overlapping layers, which could be slightly spread apart, the upper part only encased the thighs. Therefore, the range of movement wasn't very broad.
It was her first time wearing one, so she felt a bit uncomfortable. But her reaction was quick. She wanted to flip herself up and jump to her feet.
"Stay still."
However, a voice interrupted her. Sui-Feng forcibly stopped and was then caught by Yamahiko, who held her hand, preventing her from falling. Yamahiko slowly helped her stand upright and said, "Captain, today, consider yourself an ordinary soul. Don't use any of your abilities and just enjoy the summer festival."
Sui-Feng nodded gently and said, "I've got it."
Yamahiko smiled and said, "Let's go, Captain. Why don't you go ahead?"
Sui-Feng's face darkened, and she replied, "Let go of my hand."
Yamahiko blushed and said, "Can't I hold your hand? I'm afraid you'll fall."
Sui-Feng, unamused, stated, "I can walk. If you keep holding my hand, I'm not going."
"Alright."
Yamahiko had no choice but to release her hand, thinking to himself that it wasn't the right time for that. However, he hoped that after the summer festival, her hand would still be his.
Sui-Feng took small steps forward and after a while, she shouted, "Hurry up!"
"Okay."
Yamahiko immediately ran over and stood beside Sui-Feng as they continued walking together into the distance.
The first-ever Summer Festival of the Seireitei had officially begun!
~End of the chapter~
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