"You really haven't changed a bit."
Yoruichi leaned against the side, having laughed enough. She caught her breath and teased him.
She still remembered their first meeting. Out of a bit of wicked amusement and some unforeseen circumstances, she had secretly gone to Shino Prison to "assassinate" Naraku Sora.
She had thought it would be an effortless task, but due to a moment of carelessness, she ended up being subdued by him instead.
His suicidal method of releasing Kidō back then had completely exceeded Yoruichi's expectations. She never imagined that Sora would act so decisively in such an extreme situation.
Originally, she was just curious about what kind of person would ignore the hierarchy of status and secretly attack a noble.
But after that battle, Yoruichi became thoroughly fascinated by Naraku Sora.
They had a few more interactions afterward, but mostly regarding the escort of prisoners, without any deliberate attempts to get to know each other deeply.
She only knew that Sora's performance was becoming increasingly dazzling, faintly showing signs of replacing Kuchiki Kōga as the Soul Society's newest rising star.
Because of this, Yoruichi paid more and more attention to him. However, due to internal family matters, she couldn't spare the time. She was forced to stay in the Squad Two barracks all day, busy with various squad duties and dealing with the schemes of certain elders.
That was until one day, when Naraku Sora looked at her with a serious expression and said:
"I need a legitimate status, one that allows me to take action against those old fools."
That very night, the complex issues that had plagued the Shihōin Clan for over a hundred years were completely resolved, leaving no hidden dangers behind.
And the only price she had to pay was a verbal, non-binding marriage agreement.
After accomplishing all of this, Sora never even brought it up again, as if his sole purpose for doing it was simply to get revenge.
Thinking of this, Yoruichi stared blankly at the young man gazing up at the sky, falling into a momentary daze.
"Setting aside that master's words, do you think the Soul Society has changed?"
Naraku Sora raised an eyebrow and answered without looking back.
"Of course it has. Not to mention the change in Captains within the Gotei 13, the annihilation of the Tsunayashiro Clan alone has allowed countless other noble families to rise again."
"Even the environment in the Rukongai has improved a bit."
"During my time as an academy student, I thought there were no good people among the nobles. But after meeting you, I realized that view was biased. No matter the group, there are always relatively extreme individuals."
"There are good people among those in power, and there are bad people among the masses."
"Change isn't something that happens overnight. It's a subtle transformation that takes place over years and months."
Hearing these words, the corners of Yoruichi's mouth curled up slightly.
"I'm glad you think that way, but you've forgotten one thing."
"What?"
"Ever since we entered into our marriage agreement, you've actually become one of those so-called people in power. Not to mention, you are now the Prison Warden of Shino Prison."
Yoruichi revealed a sly smile.
"To use your own words, a pitifully thick barrier now separates you from your past self."
Naraku Sora froze, pondering her words carefully.
He suddenly realized that she was actually right.
He was also from the Rukongai, a genuine commoner. Yet, not long after graduating, he had leaped into the ranks of the nobility-in-waiting, directly crossing class lines.
It was just that he had never thought about it from that perspective.
As for his marriage agreement with Yoruichi, the internal strife within the Soul Society was temporarily resolved, but there were still plenty of external threats. That would have to wait for the future.
Seemingly sensing his thoughts, Yoruichi narrowed her eyes, a dangerous expression appearing on her face.
"You... you aren't thinking of breaking our agreement, are you?"
"How could I?!" Sora retorted loudly. "Do I look like someone who goes back on his word?"
"Yes."
"..."
Seeing Yoruichi answer without a second of hesitation, Sora suddenly felt utterly speechless.
Seeing him fall silent, Yoruichi chuckled smugly.
"I hit the nail on the head, didn't I? Nothing to say for yourself?"
"I know my strength is far inferior to yours, so starting today, I'm going to work twice as hard. Sooner or later, I'll train until I surpass you."
"When that time comes, you won't have a say in the matter."
Turning his head, Sora saw the determination beneath the girl's smile and seemed to understand something.
Just as he was about to offer some words of comfort, he suddenly heard Yoruichi continue.
"But before that, it's best to collect a little interest."
As soon as she finished speaking, a small, dark-skinned hand suddenly reached out, grabbed Sora by the collar, and yanked him forward.
Then, without any room for argument, she kissed him.
Sora's eyes widened. Before he could even process the sensation, the soft touch vanished, leaving only a lingering trace of sweetness on his lips.
Looking at his stunned expression, Yoruichi blinked. Her heartbeat quickened slightly, and her cheeks felt a bit hot.
Fortunately, her darker complexion and the cover of night prevented him from noticing.
Immediately after, Yoruichi revealed a triumphant smile, looking exactly like a cat that had successfully stolen a fish.
"Hehe, the mark has been set. From today on, you are mine!"
In the courtyard, under the beautiful moonlight, Sora looked at the boasting girl, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
Ever since taking on the role of Prison Warden, Sora found that his life remained exactly the same as before, without any changes whatsoever.
After all, Senjumaru rarely managed affairs, and Kurotsuchi Mayuri was completely engrossed in his research, unable to extricate himself.
In their words, administrative work was nowhere near as fun as scientific experiments.
Moreover, due to the changes in the management system, along with the diligent efforts of Kuchiki Kōga and Kakyo, Sora didn't have to worry about any tedious official duties at all.
He was so idle he was practically bored out of his mind.
In stark contrast to a certain someone's slacking lifestyle, Urahara Kisuke recently found himself on the verge of losing all his hair.
As the client, Naraku Sora only cared about setting goals and throwing money at them, completely ignoring how grueling the actual work would be.
Initially, when conducting research in the Maggot's Nest, he had been fully immersed in it, enjoying the joy that scientific discovery brought.
But when research turned into a mandatory quota, that joy vanished without a trace.
Urahara Kisuke had to fulfill the infinite demands of a certain unscrupulous boss within a limited scope.
The most terrifying part was yet to come.
In order to speed up the progress, Sora had recruited another Soul Reaper from the Gotei 13 who claimed to know a little about science.
The Third Seat of Squad Five, Aizen Sōsuke.
Although with his help, the progress of renovating the barracks advanced at a flying pace, as if it had grown wings.
However, the man's boundless energy was simply despair-inducing.
Aside from his daily scientific research, he even managed to find the time and energy to discuss Zanpakutō modification plans with Mayuri.
He even selflessly brought out his own Zanpakutō to demonstrate for the two of them.
It had to be said, water-type Zanpakutō were indeed rare, and its abilities were relatively simple.
It used mist and the chaotic reflection of water currents to confuse the enemy's vision, causing them to slaughter each other.
Since even the newcomer was being so open, Urahara Kisuke couldn't very well keep hiding his own secrets. He had no choice but to share his Benihime, demonstrating its various different Shikai abilities.
Mayuri's eyes lit up as if he had seen some precious treasure, bluntly stating that their selfless contributions would advance his modification plans by a massive leap.
After that, he threw himself into his research, completely forgetting to eat or drink.
Seeing this, Urahara Kisuke wanted to cry but had no tears left, forced to join in the madness.
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one—let alone when three brilliant minds are gathered together.
With more people, it was easy to brainstorm a flood of new ideas.
One day, looking at Ashisogi Jizō, which had been materialized once again, Urahara Kisuke looked thoughtfully at the other two.
"Mr. Kurotsuchi, Mr. Aizen."
"Do you think we could use this method as a reference to shorten the training time required to achieve Bankai?"
Aizen looked over in surprise, a hint of intrigue appearing in his eyes.
Mayuri, on the other hand, grinned and said frankly, "Science is inherently a process of infinite trial and error. Merely proposing hypotheses will never lead you to the truth."
One dared to suggest it, and the other two dared to follow through.
And so, the barracks renovation project was temporarily shelved as the trio threw themselves into a brand-new scientific endeavor.
Meanwhile, on the other side of things, Naraku Sora was having a miserable time.
"What? I refuse! Old man—Teacher, don't push me too far!"
Inside the Squad One dojo, Yamamoto held a bamboo sword, demonstrating the exquisite swordsmanship of the Genryū style to a certain someone, while solemnly employing a tactic that was called persuasion but was actually pure manipulation.
"Brat, do you understand what it means to build momentum?"
"No matter how you look at it, Shino Prison is nothing more than an internal affairs unit of the Inner Court. In terms of power and influence, it doesn't hold a candle to the Gotei 13."
"Besides, you slack off all day anyway, dumping all your work onto that little girl from the Tsunayashiro Clan."
"It just so happens that Gosuke died by your hands. If you take over Squad Eleven, no one will say a word, whether it's regarding procedure or anything else."
Hearing this, Sora's eyes widened.
"What do you mean 'slack off all day'? This Prison Warden is busy to death! I have to renovate the barracks, drill the squad members, and occasionally help out with scientific research!"
Yamamoto shot him an exasperated glare and delivered a backhand slash. The air erupted with a sharp, piercing whistle, as if it had been torn apart.
Even though it was merely a bamboo sword, it still gave off the illusion of an unstoppable, ferocious force.
Sora raised his sword to parry. The moment the bamboo blades clashed, he instantly felt a majestic power surge forth like a bursting dam, threatening to drown him completely.
A deep, resonant thud suddenly erupted.
Although Sora was already incredibly strong, there was still a significant gap between him and the true pinnacle of Soul Reapers.
"Hmph. Chōjirō has reported your daily itinerary to me on more than one occasion."
Yamamoto snorted coldly, a fiery light seemingly igniting within his half-closed eyes.
"Don't think I don't know about your little schemes. Trying to slack off?"
"Not a chance!"
With an explosive shout, Yamamoto delivered a devastating overhead strike with the speed of lightning.
Caught completely off guard, Sora didn't even have time to deflect the force before he was smashed straight into the floorboards.
"If I don't see anyone else taking up the position by next week, you will obediently become the Captain."
Calmly tossing aside the bamboo sword that had splintered into pieces, Yamamoto looked at the defiant Sora and grinned.
'Where am I supposed to find a Captain-level Soul Reaper so easily? Looking across the entire Soul Society, hasn't it taken all these years just to produce a little monster like you?'
'Just obediently take the Captain's seat and guard the Seireitei.'
'You're still too green to try and outsmart me, brat.'
Watching Yamamoto's departing back, Sora crossed his arms over his chest and scoffed dismissively.
'If he wants a Captain, can't I just go dig one up from the Rukongai?'
'A mere Yamamoto is no match for my brilliance!'