"I should have thought of it earlier..."
Tokikaze sat cross-legged across from Unohana, flexing his slightly swollen wrist and sighed, "It's rumoured to be more influential than the Central 46 Chambers, a fearsome organization in the Soul Society."
"Compared to that, Male Soul Reaper Association was completely boring and unattractive."
"Well, it's not that bad," reassured Unohana. "At least, if you join the Male Association, it can improve the organization's status."
"I'd rather not." Tokikaze shook his head. "I don't want to attend meetings in the bathroom with Captain Ukitake and the others."
Unohana pondered, "Let me think, the next association meeting seems to be today."
"If the president comes, it seems we can assign your Zanjutsu level on the agenda."
Tokikaze nodded, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you, Captain Unohana. I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave!"
Before he could stand up, Unohana suddenly reached out with a pair of hands and firmly pressed him back.
"For such matters, relying on me alone is somewhat difficult!"
Unohana smiled, looking directly at Tokikaze, "If Captain Tokikaze doesn't mind, please accompany me to the association's office."
Although the voice and smile were gentle, they inexplicably gave off a chilling feeling, as if being targeted by some ominous presence.
Tokikaze coughed lightly to cover his unease and explained, "Nanao-san is still waiting for me at the barracks, and there's something else today..."
"It's okay!" Unohana pulled Tokikaze's arm, suddenly narrowing the distance between them. "Nanao Ise has already joined the Female Soul Reaper Association, and she will also attend the meeting today."
Perhaps due to long-term contact with various herbs or perhaps due to his constitution, even after an intense swordsmanship exchange, Unohana's sweat-soaked fair skin still gave off a good smell.
Tokikaze had full confidence that this fragrance was identical to the scent on his current Kendo attire.
The only drawback was Unohana's faintly chilling demeanor at this moment.
It was as if saying that if you don't agree, I'd just kill you.
Unohana Retsu was definitely the scariest person in the Soul Society.
"You'll agree, won't you?"
...
Behind the Sixth Division barracks, in the Noble District, on the edge of the busiest street.
The large and luxurious Noble House was situated here, and the ancient plaque on the huge gate highlighted its exorbitant price.
Kuchiki.
Seeing this scene, Tokikaze suddenly remembered something. The office of the Female Soul Reaper Association was in Kuchiki Clan's mansion.
To be precise, it was in the leftmost end of the second row of corridors in the first building.
As the dignified representative of the nobles, Kuchiki Clan's mansion was not much inferior to those of the Tsunayashiro Clan.
"At this rate, things might be a bit tricky."
Tokikaze glanced sideways, looking at Unohana, who was like a Yamato Nadeshiko, and explained, "The rebellion has just been quelled. If I go in without notice, it might be seen as provocation."
Unohana smiled gently, comforting, "I have considered this, so I informed Captain Kuchiki in advance."
"If nothing goes wrong, he should come out to receive us."
As they spoke, a tall figure, surrounded by several people, walked out of the mansion.
White long hair, thick beard, a dignified face full of wrinkles, and a scarf draped around the neck, flowing down the front and back, giving a meticulous feeling.
Kuchiki Clan head, current Captain of the Sixth Division, Kuchiki Ginrei.
"Captain Unohana, Captain Tokikaze."
As usual, Kuchiki Ginrei, though not showing much expression, was actually humble and had the demeanor of a respected noble. "Welcome, it's quite unexpected for the two of you to come."
As the current head of the Kuchiki Clan, he was also aware of the impact of the rebellion.
If Tokikaze only visited as a Captain, it would be fine, but if he came as Tsunayashiro Clan's representative, things would be a bit tricky.
If not handled carefully, it could escalate the tensions between the two major Noble Clans.
However, Kuchiki Ginrei was a discerning person. Since receiving the notification from Unohana Retsu, he had been waiting in the mansion and didn't mind the identity issues.
He believed he had a keen eye for people and rarely made mistakes.
In Kuchiki Ginrei's opinion, although Tokikaze was the heir of the Tsunayashiro Clan, he was fundamentally different from the elders of the Tsunayashiro Clan.
Perhaps in the near future, Kuchiki Tokikaze would become an important bridge to improve the relationship between the two major Noble Clans.
"Captain Kuchiki." Unohana Retsu nodded, indicating their gratitude. "Sorry for the trouble."
"Regarding the upcoming association meeting, I will propose an adjustment in Zanjutsu level. If you are interested, you can come and participate."
Kuchiki Ginrei, as one of the veteran Captains, had commendable skills, especially in fundamental techniques like Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Shunpo, and Kido. He was among the few standing at the pinnacle.
With his level of Zanjutsu, he was fully qualified to participate in the Zanjutsu level reallocation.
"Haha, I won't participate." Kuchiki Ginrei laughed. "Byakuya has recently gained insights into Zanjutsu. It might be better to let him represent me."
Hearing these words, Tokikaze was intrigued. It seemed like a clear sign of abdication. It appeared that Kuchiki Ginrei was preparing to retire.
If everything went smoothly, the next head of the Kuchiki Clan and the next captain of the Sixth Division would likely be his grandson, Kuchiki Byakuya.
Strictly speaking, he and Kuchiki Byakuya were of the same generation. They had studied together more than once during their childhood and had some exchanges.
However, due to the longevity of Soul Reaper, the age hierarchy was often confusing. For example, the Tsunayashiro Clan was currently in its 22nd generation, but the Kuchiki Clan had already reached its 27th generation.
Everyone had their own way of determining age hierarchy, and it was generally not a simple matter.
"Of course."
Unohana Retsu didn't mind much, and with a slight smile, she agreed.
Before long, Tokikaze once again met the 28th generation head of the Kuchiki Clan, Kuchiki Byakuya.
In terms of looks and aura alone, it could almost be described as impeccable.
The only drawback was that due to the teaching style of Kuchiki Ginrei, Kuchiki Byakuya appeared more serious, and not a hint of a smile could be seen on his handsome face.
"Captain Unohana, Captain Tokikaze."
Clad in a white aristocratic attire, adorned with a black Shihakusho undergarment, hair tied neatly, a cold and stern expression resembling an icy mountain.
Kuchiki Byakuya maintained proper etiquette, leaving no room for criticism.
After watching Kuchiki Ginrei leave, he walked ahead to guide the two.
Although it was unclear why the Female Soul Reaper Association chose to hold their meeting in their mansion, since the Clan head, Kuchiki Ginrei, allowed it, there must be a reason behind it.
Now, all they needed to do was follow and attend the association meeting.
"Vice-Captain Byakuya, we just passed the meeting room."
Unohana Retsu kindly reminded from behind, "The entrance to the meeting room is through a hidden door here!"
Kuchiki Byakuya turned expressionless and walked back to join the two.
Unohana Retsu had a gentle smile on his face, providing a sense of reassurance. On the other hand, Tokikaze burst into laughter:
"Why pretend to be cool? Can't you be like you were when we were kids?"
"Good cards in hand yet played poorly!"
Kuchiki Byakuya's face grew colder, as if he had turned into an iceberg.
The scene reminded him of the days when he trained with Tokikaze. Despite Tokikaze being less talented at the time, he frequently used underhanded tactics in early sparring, causing him to lose several times.
However, when Kuchiki Byakuya's talents shone, and his strength increased dramatically, Tokikaze refused any further challenges and even denied him the chance for friendly bouts.
This left Kuchiki Byakuya unable to overcome this mental barrier for a long time.
So, Tokikaze became the second person, who irked him the most, after Yoruichi.
Now, Tokikaze had become the Captain before him. This allowed Kuchiki Byakuya to see the possibility of washing away past humiliations.
In this confident moment, he was too focused on strategizing for the upcoming battle, overlooking an essential detail.
Kuchiki Byakuya, who rarely cared about the state of the Kuchiki Clan mansion, had no idea about the location of the Female Soul Reaper Association's office.
He planned to ask a servant for directions, but before he could do so, his cool persona collapsed, and there was no turning back.
"Your attitude is truly annoying."
Kuchiki Byakuya broke the silence, "You've discarded all the manners a noble should have."
"Tch, that's still better than someone pretending to be cool!"
Tokikaze was much more shameless than Kuchiki Byakuya had imagined.
Unohana Retsu observed with interest, glancing back and forth between the two.
Women, too, had a curious heart, and even someone as strong as Unohana Retsu was no exception.
Compared to the Zanjutsu levels, she was now more interested in the relationship between Tokikaze and Kuchiki Byakuya.
Swish!
The hidden door opened, and Nanao Ise emerged from within.
"Chairman, the meeting is about to..."
Noticing Tokikaze, Nanao Ise's expression showed a slight surprise, "Captain?"
"Long time no see, Nanao-chan." Tokikaze smiled, "We're here to attend the association meeting."
As he spoke, he pointed to the grumpy Kuchiki Byakuya, indicating, "This guy is here to listen, so just find him a random seat on the corner."
"Oh, this..."
Unohana Retsu smiled gently, explaining, "I have a proposal that requires Captain Tokikaze's cooperation, so I invited him to attend this meeting."
Nanao Ise nodded in a hurry, and at the same time, she stepped aside, inviting Tokikaze and Kuchiki Byakuya to enter.
As the two entered the room, looking around, Nanao Ise curiously approached Unohana Retsu.
After glancing around cautiously, she whispered to Unohana Retsu, "Is there any conflict between Captain and Vice-Captain Kuchiki? Why do they seem... strange?"
She had a similar look as Unohana Retsu on her face, and her gossiping desire was unconcealable behind the lenses.
"Well, maybe it's because birds of a feather flock together?" Unohana Retsu recalled their conversation.
Nanao Ise pondered, and when she looked at the backs of the two in the room again, her gaze was filled with strong curiosity.
The 237th meeting of the Female Soul Reaper Association officially began.
Due to the absence of the president, Yachiru Kusajishi, this meeting was fully managed by Unohana Retsu and Nanao Ise.
The familiar faces attending the meeting showed no particular surprise at Tokikaze's presence.
Even Matsumoto Rangiku, enthusiastically inviting Tokikaze to sit next to her, said, "Well, Captain, can I ask for next month's salary in advance?"
Tokikaze remained unperturbed. "You can consult Nanao about this; she's in charge of the Ninth Division's finances now."
What surprised him most about the Female Soul Reaper Association was that Nanao Ise, who had joined only two years ago, had already taken on the role of vice-chairman.
This showcased her remarkable organizing abilities.
Unohana Retsu sat at the front, explaining the details and pros and cons of the change in Zanjutsu levels, while Nanao Ise diligently recorded everything.
"Do any of you have objections?"