Soi Fon didn't know why, but when she saw the black cat, she felt an immediate fondness for it.
Her eyes widened as she muttered, "So cute!"
She reached out and tried to grab the cat, but it lightly leapt from Yuta's shoulder to the ground, where it sat elegantly and began to lick its paw.
"Just let me touch it for a moment!" Soi Fon pleaded.
"Let me hold it!"
She kept trying to catch the cat, but its movements were too fast. No matter how she reached for it, she failed each time.
"Bankai-Jakuhō Raikōben!" she shouted suddenly.
The Zanpakutō in her hands disintegrated and took the form of a massive golden missile. The surge of spiritual pressure shook the glass panels of the research room. Thankfully, they had been reinforced under Yuta's supervision and did not break, but everyone inside still felt the suffocating weight of captain-level reiatsu.
"What's going on?"
"Captain Soi Fon used her Bankai… just to catch a cat?"
"Is that really necessary?"
"This is insane…"
"Who uses Bankai to catch a cat?"
At that moment, Soi Fon looked possessed, her eyes glowing red as she muttered, "Let me hold it-just once."
The black cat darted out of the window, and Soi Fon immediately chased after it. Explosions from her Bankai echoed through the 12th Division barracks, shaking the ground as she tried to land a blow, but no matter how fast her attack, the cat was always too agile to be struck.
Finally, Soi Fon's knees gave out, and she slumped to the ground. She stared at the floor hopelessly.
At that moment, Yuta walked over casually and extended his hand. The black cat jumped into his arms without hesitation. He stroked its fur gently as it nestled against him.
Seeing the scene, Soi Fon staggered back to her feet and asked eagerly, "Can I touch it, just once?"
Yuta gave a small nod.
She reached out carefully and touched the cat's soft fur. For an instant, her expression softened completely, and she felt something warm spread through her chest.
---
Meanwhile, in the World of the Living-
Inoue Orihime sat in her classroom seat, listening to the teacher at the front. Around her were rows of desks and chairs, the blackboard filled with writing in chalk. Yet her gaze drifted to the window.
"Neither Kurosaki-kun nor Ishida-kun came to class today," she thought. "They must be training. After all, there are only twenty days before the war begins. They can't afford to waste time."
The bell rang, ending the period. After offering the usual farewell to the teacher with the rest of the class, the room quickly filled with chatter.
Her friend Chizuru approached her enthusiastically. "Class is finally over! Orihime, let's eat on the rooftop together. What will you have for lunch? Oh-I bet you brought a bento again. You always cook so well."
Orihime had indeed made lunch as usual that morning, but the weight of reality pressed against her thoughts. The world itself could be destroyed in less than three weeks. Still, she forced a quiet smile and replied, "Yeah… I'll eat my bento."
Arisawa Tatsuki frowned slightly as she watched Orihime. She stepped closer and pulled her gently toward the door.
"Hey-where are you going with her?" Chizuru asked, surprised.
Tatsuki answered bluntly, "I need to talk with Orihime in private."
"Private? Then I want to hear it too," Chizuru grinned, leaning forward.
But Tatsuki cut her off firmly. "You should calm down. Can't you see Orihime isn't herself today?"
Her words left Chizuru silent. With her usual playfulness gone, she grew serious when she noticed Orihime lowering her head with a distant look in her eyes. For a moment, Chizuru clenched her fists and said, "If something happened to you, just tell me, Orihime. I won't forgive anyone who hurts you."
Orihime shook her head and whispered, "I'm sorry…" before hurrying out of the classroom.
Tatsuki followed and caught up with her on the rooftop. Orihime stood by the fence as the wind tugged at her hair and skirt. Tatsuki stayed a short distance behind, watching quietly. They had grown up together, but today Orihime looked fragile, as though a strong breeze could carry her away.
Tatsuki finally spoke. "Orihime… are you worried?"
Orihime quickly wiped at her eyes and forced a smile. "No… it's nothing. Just some dust in my eyes."
---
In Kisuke Urahara's underground training facility-
Kurosaki Ichigo faced Zangetsu, striking again and again with borrowed blades scattered across the rocky floor. Each strike ended the same: another sword breaking against Zangetsu's calm defense.
Zangetsu stood tall in his black coat and glasses, holding his blade with minimal effort. His voice carried no emotion when he said, "Ichigo, among the hundreds of blades here, only one is the true Zangetsu. If you can defeat me with that blade, only then will you achieve Bankai."
Ichigo did not answer-his breathing ragged, his injuries mounting-but his eyes stayed sharp as he picked up another sword and pressed forward again.
His stamina was nearly gone, each movement heavier than the last. Even so, he did not retreat. His body shook as if it might collapse at any moment, but he continued to swing with all his strength.
Zangetsu remained still, his glasses reflecting the dim light, eyes calm despite the determination before him. Still, there was a faint flicker behind the lenses-a small ripple of acknowledgment at Ichigo's resolve.
Then, without warning, someone unexpected entered the chamber.
PS GOALS: 150 PS= 5-10 extra chapter on an update.
💕💕
READ 45+ ADVANCED CHAPTER AT MY P@TREON! FOR ONLY 10$
at [email protected] /Zaneninjacat
💕💕
💀💀 gimme powerstones!💀💀