Kirio Hikifune's Gikon technique was something Mayuri Kurotsuchi had only heard of—never witnessed firsthand. But he knew all too well that this technique wasn't just "helpful" to him; it was the key to the success of the Artificial Soul project.
"What do you intend to do?"
Mayuri took a deep breath, steadying himself before asking.
"I've discussed it with Kisuke. The research data related to Gikon can be made available to you, and we will grant you the necessary access rights."
As he spoke, Masatsuki Aozaki placed his hands on the cold, hard metal lab bench and leaned forward slightly, as if applying more pressure through sheer presence.
"However, keep in mind—this data is for your eyes only. You are strictly forbidden from disclosing even a single word of it to anyone else."
His tone grew serious as he emphasized the warning.
"What do you want from me in return?" Mayuri frowned, his gaze sharp.
He knew full well that nothing in this world came for free. No one handed out favors without expecting something in exchange. If fate had ever been so generous to him, he wouldn't have ended up imprisoned all those years ago.
"Kisuke wants you to master all the necessary techniques. In addition, he's conducting an important experiment and needs your assistance."
Masatsuki propped his chin on his fist, pausing briefly before continuing.
"As for me... I want the results of your research. I want the final product of this experiment to be mine."
"No problem." Mayuri agreed without hesitation, nodding decisively.
The true core of scientific achievement was technology. As long as he controlled the technology, the finished product could be reproduced indefinitely. Compared to a single product, the knowledge and methodology behind it were far more valuable.
Besides, it didn't matter if the other party was after the Gikon technology. His only goal was to uncover its secrets—what happened to it afterward was of little concern to him.
"Then..." Masatsuki extended a hand, a faint but genuine smile playing on his lips. "Pleasure doing business with you."
Mayuri studied the bright, confident face in front of him for a moment before lowering his gaze to the outstretched, pale hand. After a brief pause, he reached out and shook it.
Accompanied by the flirtatious glances of a group of female Shinigami, Masatsuki Aozaki left the 12th Division barracks in high spirits and made his way back to the 11th Division, which wasn't far away.
The 11th Division barracks.
Under the blazing sun, squad members trained tirelessly, their sweat never ceasing to fall.
At this moment, inside the dojo, Mashiro Kuna was facing the greatest challenge of her life.
Standing before her was Gin Ichimaru, challenging her for the position of 11th Division Lieutenant. Since both of them held lieutenant-level strength, their battle was bound to be fierce.
"Third Seat Ichimaru defeated Lieutenant Mashiro! I guess we should start calling him Lieutenant Ichimaru now."
"That means Mashiro got knocked back to Third Seat. She'll definitely run to Masatsuki-sama for comfort."
"I feel like she lost on purpose... Damn, I'm jealous!"
"Yeah, but who would've thought we'd go through three different lieutenants in just five years?"
"Three? Who was Mashiro's predecessor?"
"If I remember right, it was Ittora Yamazaki."
"Ugh, don't even bring up that old guy. He actually went off to work in the Central District—what a disgrace to our squad!"
Amid the cheers of the squad members, Gin Ichimaru emerged victorious.
According to the 11th Division's rules, if a lower-seated officer defeated a higher-seated officer in an official match witnessed by the squad, they would automatically take over the higher-ranking position.
In other words, Gin Ichimaru had officially become the 11th Division's Lieutenant.
Back in the office, Masatsuki Aozaki casually signed an appointment letter and handed it to Gin.
"Congratulations, Gin. The 11th Division is yours now."
"You say that like you were actually managing it. We both know I've been the one handling squad affairs this whole time."
Gin took the letter with an exasperated roll of his eyes.
Masatsuki Aozaki had a great relationship with the squad members—he even personally interviewed new recruits every year.
But when it came to actual squad duties, Gin Ichimaru was the one doing all the work.
It had been the same during Mashiro Kuna's time as Lieutenant.
A playful, whining voice called out just as the office door burst open.
A green-haired figure in a black Shihakushō lunged forward, tackling Masatsuki Aozaki.
"Gin bullied me! I'm upset!"
Mashiro Kuna wrapped her arms around Masatsuki's neck, her teary eyes brimming with exaggerated sorrow.
This woman was born to be an actress—after all, wasn't she the one who had complained about being Lieutenant in the first place?
Gin Ichimaru shook his head, knowing this was his cue to leave. Without a word, he turned and exited the office, making sure to close the door behind him.
These days, the 1st Division was enforcing strict oversight on all squads, installing surveillance devices throughout the barracks.
Fortunately, private areas like the Captain's quarters and rest lounges were exempt from monitoring—Masatsuki's favorite places to relax.
After greeting the two female squad members standing guard, Gin headed off toward the Lieutenant's office.
Inside the Captain's office, Masatsuki Aozaki and Mashiro Kuna spent an unforgettable afternoon together.
As night fell, Masatsuki Aozaki returned to his quarters.
With two female squad members attending to him, he enjoyed a comfortable bath.
After changing into a fresh yukata, he stepped into the courtyard, stretching lazily.
The moonlight was mesmerizing. It would have been perfect to view with family.
As if sensing his thoughts, a small figure suddenly darted out from the darkness.
A black cat, adorned with a delicate collar, approached him.
"Yoruichi, when did you get here? Why didn't you at least say hello?"
"While you were bathing."
The small cat leaped into Masatsuki's arms, rubbing its nose against him.
"Mmm... You smell like Mashiro. You really never take a break, do you?"
Masatsuki thought for a moment.
He vaguely recalled seeing her clothes on the bed earlier. At the time, he had assumed they were left behind from a previous visit—after all, his quarters contained quite a collection of clothing from his various "wives."
Now, it seemed they had been removed only recently.
Smirking, he pulled Yoruichi closer, rubbing his cheek against her soft fur.
She was warm and fluffy, and since she wasn't resisting, he took full advantage of the moment.
After playing with her for a while, he let out a satisfied sigh.
Then, Yoruichi transformed back into her human form, slipping into a yukata as she settled into his lap.
"Hey, Masatsuki, what do you think of Yūshirō?"
Masatsuki fell silent for a moment before answering with complete seriousness.
"He does look a lot like you... and he's definitely cute. But I have absolutely no interest in men."
p@treon com / PinkSnake