Hearing Kirio Hikifune's words, Kaelith Yurei instinctively displayed a look of reluctance.
It wasn't directed at Hikifune herself but rather at the title she had used—it was dangerous.
Kirio Hikifune was one of the most powerful Shinigami in the Soul Society. According to what Yoruichi had mentioned, Hikifune had already received an invitation to join the Royal Guard—the elite protectors of the Soul King.
In a few decades, or perhaps even just a handful of years, Hikifune would leave the Soul Society for the legendary Reiōkyū (Soul King Palace) to become a Ōken Shisetsu (Royal Special Agent).
If he dared to accept the role of her apprentice, it didn't take a genius to foresee the trouble it would bring.
Kaelith coughed lightly. "Captain Hikifune, let's skip the whole 'apprenticeship' thing. Why don't I just teach you your favorite recipes?"
"In exchange, I have a favor to ask of you."
Hikifune frowned slightly, looking conflicted. "Cooking isn't something to take so lightly… you need to treat it with reverence."
Kaelith decisively ignored her lecture and continued, "Captain Hikifune, I've heard from Yamamoto-sensei that your artificial soul systems can counteract illusion-based abilities."
"I'd like to ask for your help in designing a technique to combat illusions."
At the mention of artificial souls, Hikifune's interest was piqued.
"Illusion-based abilities? Tell me more."
Under her curious gaze, Kaelith shared a prepared description of the key traits of Kyōka Suigetsu—Aizen's Zanpakutō ability. He carefully omitted any information that could directly link Aizen to the technique, focusing only on the necessary details.
Perhaps someday, decades into the future, Hikifune might piece together Aizen's connection to the ability. But that was a problem for another time.
After hearing Kaelith's explanation, Hikifune stroked her chin thoughtfully, her brows furrowed.
"That sounds incredibly powerful… does the Soul Society really have someone with such an advanced illusion technique?"
Two figures flashed in her mind.
Haguro Tetsusai and Ajisai Dazen—the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of the Kidōshū (Kidō Corps) in Seireitei. If it were those two… no, even they probably couldn't pull off something like this.
Although she had no idea where Kaelith's description originated, she clapped her hands lightly and grinned.
"Whatever. If it's a request from Master Kaelith, I'll figure it out!"
"...Captain Hikifune, just call me by my name," Kaelith muttered, his eye twitching.
However, Hikifune was too absorbed to hear him anymore.
Under his watchful gaze, she suddenly stood up and walked over to a machine. With the press of a button, a large sheet of paper unfurled. Hikifune picked up a pen and began scribbling furiously. The machine adjusted the paper's position as if alive, organizing completed pages into neat stacks before binding them into booklets.
Watching this, Kaelith couldn't help but marvel. As the former head of the precursor to the Shinigami Kaihatsu Kyoku (Research and Development Bureau), Hikifune's ingenuity with gadgets rivaled that of her successors.
Initially, Kaelith thought she'd tinker briefly and then take a break. To his surprise, Hikifune worked non-stop for over four hours, her focus unbroken.
During this time, a Twelfth Division member came by with something to report. Kaelith opened the door, ready to fetch Hikifune, but the moment the members saw her absorbed in work, they simply waved dismissively at him and left.
Kaelith, however, was in no rush. He placed his Asauchi across his lap and meditated using techniques Yamamoto-sensei had taught him.
As dinnertime approached, Kaelith opened his eyes to find Hikifune still engrossed in her work. A neat stack of booklets had formed beside the machine.
Kaelith inhaled sharply. If even half the authors back in his previous life had this level of dedication, they wouldn't have been cursed daily by their readers.
Realizing Hikifune had no intention of stopping, Kaelith decided to cook dinner himself. Leaving the materials unguarded was not an option, so he stayed in the lab, selecting a few ingredients from Hikifune's stocked pantry.
Heating a pan with oil, he began cooking, occasionally glancing at Hikifune, who remained lost in her work.
Kaelith had always intended to address Kyōka Suigetsu eventually, but it wasn't his top priority. After all, as a minor figure in Aizen's eyes, he didn't consider himself a likely target.
However, recent events have changed his perspective. Delaying further risked exposing himself to Aizen prematurely, and Kaelith couldn't rely on the so-called "main character halo" to ensure events unfolded as expected.
With a flick of his wrist, Kaelith plated several dishes: stir-fried tomatoes and eggs, green peppers with sliced pork, pan-fried fish, braised meatballs, and beef soup.
Just as he turned to call Hikifune, he nearly jumped. She had silently appeared behind him, her face alight with excitement.
"Master Kaelith! Are these legendary dishes from the human world? I've heard of them but never had the chance to try them. You're truly worthy of the title Master!"
Pouring the soup into a bowl, Kaelith sighed. "If you really admire me, stop using that title that paints a target on my back."
The two sat down, eating in companionable silence. Kaelith had worried he'd overcooked, but Hikifune polished off everything with ease, still looking as if she wanted more.
Watching her cheerful expression, Kaelith glanced instinctively at her slim waist. How could someone who ate so much maintain such a figure? Was this some legendary natural talent? Or was all the nutrition going to… certain areas?
Suddenly, Hikifune leaned forward with a wide grin. "Master! Teach me these recipes too!"
"That can wait," Kaelith replied, his tone serious. "How's the research coming along?"
Hikifune snorted and gave a mischievous grin. "Don't worry, Master Kaelith. I've already got a solution!"
Kaelith's eyes lit up.
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T/N:
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2/2 of extra chapter today!
All of you are destroying our goals! We are top 10! IF we stay top 10 everyone gets 4 extra chapter at the end of the week!
OR you can get more if we get to top 5= 6 extra chapters!!
Also some bad news, I swear this is the last time I will change this but it is now 120 Powers stones = 1 extra chapter! we are now at 33/120! The 33 was from Sunday, I am not a monster I will count that to our power stones xd. '
Currently we are on 120 stones now just need 27 for that extra chapter!
Kwk I am running low on my stacks.