The next morning, Seiya Arima woke up on time. After washing up and getting ready, he opened his door to begin the day. Though he knew Aizen wouldn't sleep in, he still knocked on the door next to his, out of habit.
"Sakaki-san, are you there?"
After a moment of silence with no response, Seiya felt relieved. Smiling faintly, he turned and made his way toward the Technology Development Bureau.
Following last night's festivities, the researchers had all returned to their respective workstations. A series of flashing screens illuminated the darkened inner chambers, creating a sharp contrast in the dimly lit space.
Taking a deep breath, Seiya marveled inwardly.
This place just screams high-tech... and secrets.
Thanks to the badge that Kisuke had provided during their chat the previous evening, Seiya didn't need anyone to escort him or announce his presence. He navigated the corridors on his own, heading toward Kisuke's lab.
But before he got there, curiosity pulled him in another direction.
Taking a detour, he passed through several halls and research zones, finally arriving at a secluded corner of the bureau. There, nestled in the shadows, was a laboratory bearing Mayuri Kurotsuchi's name.
Though officially just a squad leader, Mayuri's obsessive passion for experimentation and his unmatched skill had made him a standout even in a place brimming with eccentrics.
Seiya knocked lightly on the door.
It wasn't long before Nemuri Nanagō stumbled out from behind the transparent panel, her movements unsteady but full of curiosity.
Squatting down slightly, Seiya gave her a warm smile and waved hello.
Her initially blank expression transformed into a bright smile, and her pace quickened as she hurried to the door.
When the seal finally opened, Seiya greeted her gently.
"Good morning, Nanagō."
The little one craned her neck, as if trying to respond, but her tongue seemed tied in knots. After several failed attempts that left her face flushed, she finally managed to squeeze out two choppy syllables.
"Good… morning!"
Before Seiya could respond, a sharp, crackling voice filled the room. The ceiling-mounted display flickered to life, and Mayuri's face appeared, his lips twisted in a derisive sneer.
"That's it? All you can manage is a simple greeting? How disappointing."
Mayuri's tone was equal parts condescending and irritated.
"I went to all the trouble of activating your speech capabilities, and this is the best you can do? You're supposed to be my masterpiece—my finest work. A little more perfection wouldn't hurt."
The scientist rambled on, his voice buzzing with the static of an intercom.
"Breathe correctly. Close your lips. Tighten your throat just enough, and use your tongue and mouth to enunciate properly…"
"Try again. Say something else—show that brainless monkey what you're capable of."
There it was again.
Seiya's smile twitched slightly.
Did he just call me a monkey?
Meanwhile, Nanagō obediently nodded at Mayuri's instructions, though her nervousness was evident. She struggled to form words, her small face scrunching with effort.
Ultimately, her gaze landed on Seiya's hair, and her eyes lit up.
"Flower!" she exclaimed with delight.
"..."
"..."
Mayuri's digital avatar let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Hopeless. I shouldn't have expected so much from you in the first place. Keep observing her, monkey."
Mayuri then turned his attention back to Seiya.
"Take her out for a stroll. Let her see the world—it might stimulate her limited development."
"Oh, and don't forget: she needs to eat on time. Here's a list of her supplements—fish oil, anthocyanin extract, DHA…"
Seiya stared blankly at the absurd number of items Mayuri rattled off.
You call this "not caring"? Who's going to believe that?
As if sensing Seiya's thoughts, Nanagō reached for his pants leg, her small hand tugging lightly as she looked up with a wide, innocent grin.
"Go, go!"
With a final huff, Mayuri's screen flickered off.
Now alone with Nanagō, Seiya gave her a gentle pat on the head.
"Alright, let's go."
However, they hadn't walked far before Seiya noticed something amiss.
Nanagō's tiny strides were slow and unsteady. She stumbled frequently, her balance seemingly undeveloped.
No wonder she'd bumped into Mayuri's legs the day before—she simply couldn't keep up.
Perhaps it was due to her incomplete development, or maybe she was just too young.
It wasn't long before she tripped, falling flat onto the ground.
"..."
Watching her struggle to get back up, Seiya couldn't help but feel a pang of pity.
Though she was an artificial being, constructed rather than born, she was still so fragile.
Most of the researchers likely didn't see her this way. They wouldn't understand, much less appreciate, any emotional attachment.
But Seiya couldn't help himself.
"Nanagō, hold out your hands," he said.
She tilted her head in confusion before mimicking his gesture.
"Good. Now stay still…"
Seiya walked behind her and crouched down, placing his hands under her arms.
With a gentle lift, he hoisted her off the ground.
She was incredibly light—no more than ten pounds, if even that.
Balancing her weight, he carefully placed her onto his shoulders.
It was the classic "riding high" position—a playful pose often used by adults carrying small children.
"Keep your legs together. No, don't squeeze so hard—you're cutting off my air…"
"Relax. There's nothing to be nervous about."
"Are you afraid of heights? Don't worry, you'll get used to it soon enough."
"If you're really scared, you can hold onto my head—but, uh, please don't cover my eyes… or my nose!"
"Hey! Who taught you to poke ears?!"
Though the process was bumpy, they eventually found a rhythm.
As Nanagō adjusted to her perch, her initial tension gave way to excitement. Her small body relaxed, and her wide eyes sparkled with delight as she gazed around.
"I'm going to start walking now," Seiya announced.
Nanagō's lips moved silently for a moment before she managed to shout with unmistakable joy.
"Yes!"
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Powerstones?
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