"Yoruichi."
A graceful figure kicked the door open and marched in. Her brown arms were bare, crossed over her chest, and her white captain's haori fluttered behind her.
Her refined face was etched with displeasure. Her lips were pressed thin and the corners of her mouth were turned down, making her foul mood obvious. Looking into those clear gold eyes, one could see a flash of irritation in her gaze.
A petite figure stood behind her. Suì-Fēng, dressed in her shihakusho, followed like a little shadow, wearing an identical expression.
Ren closed the documents in his hand and handed them to Shisui.
He stood up slowly, his fingers grazing the smooth, white surface of the desk. He walked to the side of the table, his finger lifting and falling gently to create a faint, crisp tapping sound.
"Instead of staying with your division, what are you doing here in such a rage?"
"Skipping work again?"
At Ren's words, a cross-shaped vein throbbed on Yoruichi's forehead. Her brows furrowed, and the pressure around her dropped instantly.
Her voice was forceful, yet it carried a hint of guilt.
"Ren, why are you nagging me so much? Are you my mother?"
"And you! You disappear for days and then don't even tell me when you get back. I had to come looking for you!"
"If I hadn't stationed people here to keep an eye on things, I still wouldn't know you were back!"
Ren understood. Yoruichi had indeed skipped work again.
As for Yoruichi stationing personnel here, it was actually a normal procedure.
According to the regulations of Central 46, after the Second Division and the Stealth Force were separated, the Gotei 13 and the Stealth Force were required to monitor each other.
For such clandestine missions, the Gotei 13 naturally sent experts in the field.
Exactly: the Second Division.
Although the two organizations were essentially one and both belonged to the Shihoin family—and he and Yoruichi were husband and wife—the surveillance was mostly just for show.
However, thanks to this arrangement, Ren could comfortably assign people to monitor the movements of the Gotei 13.
"Yoruichi, it is not right to use the Second Division for your personal affairs. Misusing public resources like this is unacceptable."
"Stop acting so high and mighty! You're just a son-in-law, yet you dare lecture me? I'm the head of the Shihoin family!"
Yoruichi was full of indignation, her tone becoming increasingly hostile.
Ren gestured to Guernica, who had not yet stood up, and instructed, "Go slam the door."
"?"
Guernica didn't know why Ren would give such an order, but he stood up in confusion. His figure flickered as he reached the entrance, holding the door frame and bumping it against the wall.
Bang!
"Mm, that's better... No, wait, one more line."
Ren turned his head, rapping his knuckles against the desk. He looked at Yoruichi by the door and spoke in a low voice.
"Yoruichi, you will regret this."
Having said that, Ren nodded slightly.
"Now that feels right."
"...Mr. Serious, have you lost your mind?"
Watching Ren's strange actions, the displeasure on Yoruichi's face vanished instantly, replaced by a look of utter bewilderment.
Swoosh!
Yoruichi's figure flickered, appearing right in front of Ren. Standing on her tiptoes, she reached out and pressed the back of her hand against Ren's forehead.
Her heroic brows furrowed slightly, her face full of confusion.
"Temperature is normal. No fever."
"It's nothing. I was just recreating a famous scene."
Ren grabbed Yoruichi's wrist and lowered her hand.
Looking at the dark-skinned beauty in front of him, he noticed her phoenix-like eyes darting around. Realizing his behavior had been a bit abstract, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Just assume I had a momentary lapse in judgment. Don't worry about it."
Seeing this familiar sight, Shisui seemed to realize something. He pressed his lips together tightly, maintaining a calm expression to keep himself from laughing out loud.
Others might not know, but as a shinobi of Konoha in his past life, how could he not recognize that scene?
He hadn't expected his usually stern master to have such... well... 'creativity.'
"Mr. Serious, you really do have a problem with your head..."
After Ren's antics, Yoruichi's cold facade crumbled. The irritation she had felt moments ago vanished in an instant.
She looked up, her eyes reflecting the dull, old-fashioned face of her husband, and a smile tugged at her heart.
Ren's actions were clearly an attempt to distract her from her anger.
Fine...
She had to admit, she wasn't that angry anymore.
Yoruichi turned around and waved her hand dismissively at the others in the room.
"The rest of you out. I have something to say to Ren."
"Suì-Fēng, you too."
Suì-Fēng looked at Yoruichi with a complicated expression, then at the tall figure behind her, and nodded slightly.
"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."
Shisui and Guernica looked at Ren together. Seeing Ren wave them out, they retreated with Suì-Fēng.
Yoruichi shouted, "Close the door! And remember to stay far away! No eavesdropping!"
The three of them walked out. Guernica closed the door. Just as he was about to leave, he saw Suì-Fēng leaning sideways with her ear pressed against the door, looking very serious.
Shisui frowned, a hint of displeasure on his face. He whispered, "Suì-Fēng, Lady Yoruichi said to stay away and not eavesdrop."
Suì-Fēng's face darkened as she looked at Shisui speechlessly.
Guernica rubbed the bridge of his nose. His expression was hidden by his white mask, but his voice was full of helplessness.
"Lord Shisui, you have a lot of nerve criticizing others when you're eavesdropping too."
"We should leave quickly. If we make those two angry, we won't be able to handle the consequences."
"Guernica, we are the Master's subordinates. We respect Lady Yoruichi, but we don't necessarily have to obey her."
Shisui's posture was identical to Suì-Fēng's. His ear was pressed against the door, occupying the other side of the double doors, listening intently to the movement inside.
"The Master only told us to withdraw; he didn't say we couldn't pay attention to what's happening inside. As the Master's personal assistant, I have a duty to protect him at all times."
Shisui looked at Suì-Fēng and hissed, "Suì-Fēng, Lady Yoruichi told you to stay away! Obey your orders!"
"I... I am Lady Yoruichi's subordinate. Naturally, I must ensure her safety as well."
Suì-Fēng's expression weakened, her voice sounding a bit hollow.
Click!
The door opened slightly, creating a gap about two fingers wide. A golden eye glared fiercely at the two outside.
At the same time, Yoruichi's mock-vicious voice drifted through the crack.
"Ho, so that's how it is?"
"L-Lady Yoruichi!"
Suì-Fēng panicked instantly. Her face turned bright red, and she didn't know where to put her hands or feet.
Her eyes darted around. When she glanced to the side, she saw Shisui and Guernica already running away, even using Shunpo to vanish around the corner in the blink of an eye.
Those two! They didn't even warn her before fleeing. So much for loyalty.
"Um... Lady Yoruichi, I can explain."
"Explanations are useless!"
Yoruichi's eye widened as she glared at Suì-Fēng.
"Scram! I'll deal with you when I get back!"
"Y-Yes, Lady Yoruichi!"
Suì-Fēng felt like she'd been granted a reprieve. She bolted away, disappearing around the corner in an instant.
Bang!
Yoruichi slammed the door shut, looking annoyed. When she turned back to the tall figure by the desk, her stiff expression shattered, and a mischievous, cloying smile spread across her face.
"Hehe, now it's just the two of us."
"I knew it."
How could Ren not understand Yoruichi's current state? He had guessed it the moment she sent the others out.
Just as his hand moved to his waist, Yoruichi used Shunpo. Her figure appeared in mid-air in front of him. With a glint in her eyes, she spread her arms and legs wide, pouncing on him like an octopus.
Yoruichi wrapped her arms around Ren's neck and her legs around his waist, pinning his hand in the process.
Ren struggled to pull his hand free, then supported Yoruichi's thighs.
"Yoruichi, why the rush?"
"This is my office, after all. Why don't we go to the secret room? There's a bed there."
Yoruichi was still sniffing vigorously, like a wild beast catching Ren's scent.
Hearing Ren's words, she stopped her movements and leaned back. She stared intently into Ren's eyes, her face filled with displeasure.
"I say, Mr. Serious, what kind of person do you take me for? Am I the type of woman who gets so thirsty she forgets everything else?"
"Aren't you?"
Ren's eyelid twitched. Looking at Yoruichi clinging to him, his brow was etched with doubt.
"You're not being very convincing in your current state."
"Nonsense! You were gone for so long. Poor me, left all alone in an empty house. How could a heartless man like you understand my loneliness?"
As she spoke, Yoruichi lowered her head. It looked as if tears were about to well up in the corners of her eyes.
Ren remained unmoved, looking speechlessly at Yoruichi's theatrical performance.
"Yoruichi, has anyone ever told you that your acting is terrible?"
"I was only gone for a few days. It wasn't that long."
From planning the invasion of the Ninja World to the actual execution, only a few days had passed.
Moreover, he had returned several times in between. He was only away from the Seireitei for the actual expedition and the follow-up arrangements in the Underworld City. All in all, it hadn't been more than five days.
"I don't care, I don't care! It was a long time!"
Holding Ren, Yoruichi began to throw a tantrum, but her legs remained tightly locked around his waist, refusing to let go.
As she swayed violently, she felt the hard hilt of his blade against her. She slowly stopped moving, a teasing smile appearing on her face.
"Oh? So you want it too."
Yoruichi shifted her body, feeling the sensation even through her clothes. It was indeed like red-hot iron, both hot and hard.
Ren lowered his head, resting his forehead against Yoruichi's and giving it a gentle bump.
"It's hard not to when you're acting like this."
"Unfortunately, I can't stay with you today. You'll just have to endure it."
Yoruichi chuckled.
"It's not just today. I won't be able to give it to you for quite a long time."
Ren frowned and asked, "Why? That doesn't sound like you. You're going celibate? You have that much patience?"
"I don't want to, but I have no choice."
Yoruichi leaned close to Ren's ear. As she whispered, her warm breath brushed against his skin, causing a slight tickle.
"I went to the Fourth Division a few days ago. Captain Unohana said I shouldn't engage in sexual activity for a while."
After she finished, Yoruichi leaned back and watched her husband, her face beaming with joy.
The tickle on his ear remained, but hearing her words, Ren's heart tightened. His brow furrowed deeper, and his voice involuntarily dropped into a bone-chilling coldness.
"You went to the Fourth Division?"
"Are you hurt? Who did it?"
Aizen? Tokinada Tsunayashiro? Or the Quincies hiding in the shadows?
Or perhaps Shigekuni Yamamoto had sensed his danger and decided to strike at the Shihoin family?
Suspicious candidates flashed through Ren's mind one by one, and his killing intent flared up.
Fortunately, out of consideration for Yoruichi, he forced himself to endure it, maintaining a calm facade.
Suddenly, Yoruichi burst out laughing, her voice full of mockery.
"You serious blockhead! Haven't you realized what I'm talking about yet?"
Ren shook his head and looked Yoruichi up and down. He felt slightly relieved; seeing how energetic she was, she didn't look injured.
Then what was it?
"You idiot! Dummy! Blockhead!"
Yoruichi laughed and scolded him. She tried to look stern, but her resolve broke in a second as she burst into laughter again.
Suppressing the joy in her heart, a blush crept onto Yoruichi's cheeks, visible even through her dark skin, making her look exceptionally alluring.
Looking at her husband just inches away, Yoruichi's expression turned solemn. She took a deep breath.
Ren could feel Yoruichi's thighs tightening against his abdomen. Her hands, wrapped around his neck, dug in slightly, her fingertips almost piercing the skin of his nape.
It didn't hurt; it just tickled.
Yoruichi parted her lips, her crisp voice carrying an indescribable tension.
"Um... Ren, listen to me."
"Then say it."
"I... I'm pregnant."
"Oh."
Ren blinked, expressionless.
He wondered what Yoruichi was going to say, so it was just pregnancy...
Preg—Pregnant?!!
Ren was stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Yoruichi hanging off him.
Seeing the flush on her face, Ren suppressed his shock. He narrowed his eyes and asked tentatively.
"Are you really not joking... or playing some trick on me again?"
"Mr. Serious, do you really think I love playing tricks that much?"
Yoruichi's eyes went wide. She opened her mouth and gave Ren a playful bite on the cheek.
She spoke through the bite, her voice muffled.
"Mmph... I'm serious this time... no joking!"
Ren felt the slight sting on his cheek, along with the soft warmth of her lips against his skin. A ripple of emotion stirred in his heart.
Could it be true? She wasn't teasing him?
He held Yoruichi and gently placed her on the desk. Yoruichi let go and watched her husband's serious expression.
"Yoruichi, are you really pregnant?"
"Absolutely!"
Yoruichi watched as various thoughts flashed across Ren's face. His usually hidden emotions were laid bare as he began to pace back and forth around the desk.
Her clear gold eyes reflected his figure, following him as he moved.
Ren stopped in front of Yoruichi and asked again, "Really?"
"For real! Captain Unohana confirmed it!"
Seeing Yoruichi confirm it repeatedly with a sincere expression, Ren walked over and sank into the chair behind his desk.
Yoruichi wiggled her body to lie flat on the desk, resting her head on her arms. She looked at Ren, her feet kicking up behind her.
Ren turned to look at Yoruichi. Before he could speak, she gave a heavy nod.
"It's true!"
"Ren, you're going to be a father!"
"Oh..."
Ren didn't open his mouth; his jaw just moved as the sound squeezed out of his throat. His expression was a complex mess.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk and rubbing his forehead with his fingers.
Based on Yoruichi's attitude, he finally believed she was telling the truth.
He was going to have a child!
His own bloodline!
Yet for some reason, he felt a sense of bewilderment.
Aside from the initial shock, he didn't feel the excitement that most people would have when becoming parents.
Logically, this was a joyful event, yet he felt as calm as if he were hearing about someone else's happiness.
It was like if his neighbor, Auntie Wang, said to him, 'Hey, I've got good news. My daughter-in-law is pregnant. Come over for a drink later.' Ren felt very little emotional impact.
It felt... unrealistic.
Was this really happening?
It wasn't like he was under the influence of KyŇka Suigetsu.
Seeing Ren like this, Yoruichi reached out and pinched his cheek, shaking it.
"Mr. Serious, what are you thinking? Why aren't you reacting?"
"No..."
Ren paused and shook his head gently. He took Yoruichi's hand and rubbed it against his face, wiping away the saliva she had left there earlier.
"I'm just... a bit lost..."
Yoruichi smiled, her feet swinging back and forth.
"I know. Hearing this news all of a sudden, your mind is probably blank. You don't know what to think."
"I was the same when I first heard it. It took a long time for it to sink in."
"That's just how it is for first-time parents."
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]