The next day, at the gates of the 12th Division barracks.
Akon stood with his arms crossed, gazing into the distance as if waiting for something, his expression faintly distracted.
A few minutes later, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Akon-san! Long time no see!"
The voice was distinct, instantly recognizable, and unmistakably cheerful.
But... wasn't it a bit louder than usual?
Turning around, Akon saw Seiya Arima jogging over, carrying several large bags in both hands. Judging by the beads of sweat forming on his forehead, it was clear that he had expended a fair amount of energy just to get there.
Akon calmly took the bags from Seiya and asked in a neutral tone:
"Seiya-kun, what made you suddenly apply to intern with the 12th Division?"
Seiya grinned sheepishly, chuckling as he scratched the back of his head.
"Well, I've already earned enough credits for this term, but I figured just sitting around would be a waste of time. I wanted to learn something new instead."
"I see," Akon replied, his usually stoic expression softening slightly as he offered a faint smile.
"So, you decided to treat the 12th Division as your hobby workshop?"
"Uh... no, that's not quite what I meant."
"It was a joke, Seiya-kun."
"Wait, since when do you make jokes, Akon-san?"
"Was it that bad? I'll stop if you didn't like it..."
The two walked side by side, first heading toward the barracks to let Seiya put down his belongings.
"Ah... actually, I'll keep this one bag with me," Seiya said, holding up a smaller sack. "I was planning to take it straight to the Research Bureau."
"Is it something important?"
"Just a little gift I brought along, a token of goodwill for everyone. It's been a while since I've been here."
"Thoughtful as always, Seiya-kun."
"Well, it's just polite, isn't it?"
"Haha, you may find that normal etiquette is in short supply around here."
"Can't argue with that one."
Because of their familiarity, the two chatted easily as they walked. The gift Seiya had brought was well-received by the members of the 12th Division.
After all, Seiya had helped them a lot on his first visit, and given the scarcity of "normal" people in the division, his return was welcomed warmly.
"How long do you plan on staying this time?"
The question came in a somewhat stiff tone, one that carried a vague familiarity. For a moment, Seiya couldn't immediately recall who it was.
But politeness dictated he respond.
With an arm slung over his shoulder by someone unseen, Seiya turned partially around and answered with his usual bright demeanor:
"I think I'll stay until spring of next year—"
"What? My presence shocks you that much? Or are you just so awestruck by my magnificence that your simple mind can't keep up?"
He turned fully to see Mayuri Kurotsuchi standing at a nearby table, decked out in his signature garish makeup and clothing, stuffing his mouth with one of the sweets Seiya had brought.
"Green bean cakes, hmm? A suitable choice for maintaining energy. Unlike those gaudy cream pastries, this refined treat brings genuine satisfaction to the body."
Mayuri chewed thoughtfully, licking his fingers.
"Ah, yes, this will do. Although I've yet to forgive your many flaws, this effort does soften my judgment. Feel honored, mortal—once again, you've earned the right to speak to me as an equal."
...Is this his way of making peace?
Given how poorly things ended the last time Seiya crossed paths with Mayuri, he had braced himself for hostility.
But perhaps even someone like Mayuri could recognize sincerity.
Still...
"Um, could you maybe save some for the others? I don't think everyone's had a chance to try it yet."
Mayuri casually grabbed the entire tray and plucked another piece without missing a beat.
"They'll survive. The cakes are best consumed fresh."
"Well, at least save some for Urahara-taichō?"
"Pfft. You truly have a talent for comedy."
Wait...
Why is he eating faster now?!
Akon, seeing the growing tension, discreetly gestured for the other members to disperse.
Understanding immediately, the gathered scientists quietly retreated to their respective workstations.
In moments, the once-bustling break room became eerily quiet, save for the sound of Mayuri's chewing.
"Next time, bring grilled mackerel. Salted, of course. Thank you in advance."
What?!
"Why the confused look? Sweet followed by savory is the natural progression, is it not?"
Seiya was too baffled to even retort. His attention shifted instead to the smaller figure standing silently beside Mayuri.
A child.
Long black hair, a round face, and dark, doll-like eyes.
Her tailored kimono fit perfectly, making her resemble a meticulously crafted figurine.
"Mayuri-san... who is this?" Seiya asked, intrigued.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot to introduce her."
Mayuri clapped his hands, a grotesque grin spreading across his face.
"This is my latest creation, Nemuri Nanagō."
"Unlike Nemuri Rokugō, she's equipped with an enhanced cellular division mechanism. Her cells will never stop dividing, ensuring she'll grow just like a normal human."
Proud of his work, Mayuri's enthusiasm was evident.
Seiya crouched slightly to get a closer look at the child.
Nemuri Nanagō, huh?
She was unmistakably Nemu Kurotsuchi, the future vice-captain of the 12th Division.
Feeling a twinge of nostalgia, Seiya smiled gently. He reached out to greet her, but her blank expression didn't change.
Mayuri's voice cut through the moment.
"Don't bother trying to interact. While her data mirrors that of Rokugō, her awareness is underdeveloped. Based on my analysis, it will take at least six months before she reacts to external stimuli."
Noted.
Still, Seiya couldn't help but test the waters.
As he crouched lower, Nemuri Nanagō suddenly turned her head, locking eyes with him.
"...?"
She let go of Mayuri's hand, wobbling forward unsteadily.
Seiya watched in surprise as she stood directly before him.
"Guh... pah."
From her mouth, she pulled a saliva-covered hand and reached toward Seiya's head.
She grabbed a handful of his hair, tugging hard enough to make him wince.
"Ow..."
Reeling slightly, Seiya stumbled back. Nemuri Nanagō stared at the strands of hair in her tiny hand, her expression shifting faintly.
Her once-dull eyes began to brighten, as if awakening.
Then, she murmured softly, her voice barely audible:
"...Flower."
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Powerstones?
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