Kurotsuki Renya stared at Suì-Fēng's profile, her porcelain-white skin smooth as silk, making him want to reach out and touch it.
"Keep staring and I'll gouge your eyes out."
Her sharp golden eyes cut toward him, carrying that murderous edge she was known for.
Renya pulled back his gaze with a wry smile and said cheerfully, "Captain Suì-Fēng, once I'm discharged, let's go eat sushi together?"
Suì-Fēng shook her head. "I still have to handle official business. I've been here watching over you for days, and my paperwork has piled up. It needs to be done immediately."
Renya leaned forward, gently taking her hand. "Captain, just come with me this once. I want to thank you for taking care of me."
She met his eyes. She knew full well those words were just an excuse—he simply wanted to stay with her longer. But after that kiss a few days ago, Suì-Fēng found herself no longer pushing him away. His small acts of intimacy didn't feel as unwelcome anymore.
After a pause, she exhaled softly. "…Fine. Consider it a celebration for your release."
Renya's face lit up with joy.
At that moment, Captain Unohana Retsu entered the room. Suì-Fēng quickly withdrew her hand, taking a step back. "Captain Unohana," she greeted politely.
Unohana smiled knowingly. "Captain Suì-Fēng seems to care deeply for her subordinates. She hasn't left your side for a moment."
Suì-Fēng's cheeks reddened. "…Yes. Of course."
Unohana turned her calm gaze to Renya. "And how do you feel today?"
Renya made a small fist. "I feel great!"
"Let me confirm."
She stepped forward, her gentle reiatsu sweeping over him like a tide. After a moment, she nodded. "Your recovery is complete. You may leave."
Renya wasted no time, slipping on his sandals. "Let's go, Captain Suì-Fēng!"
The two bid Unohana farewell and left Fourth Division. It was nearly noon, perfect for a meal.
As they walked, Renya suddenly slipped his hand into Suì-Fēng's palm.
She didn't react at first—she didn't pull away either.
Renya grinned and tightened his grip. Suì-Fēng's face reddened slightly, but she let it be.
Just then, a tall woman with long wavy blonde hair rounded the corner—it was Matsumoto Rangiku, Vice-Captain of the Tenth Division.
Startled, Suì-Fēng yanked her hand free, but Renya held tighter.
Rangiku's eyes widened at the sight.
Flustered, Suì-Fēng threw Renya over her shoulder, slamming him into the ground.
"Captain Suì-Fēng! Why are you beating him?!" Rangiku rushed forward, concern etched on her face.
"…He made me angry," Suì-Fēng said coldly.
Renya, still sprawled out, forced a smile. "It's fine. My fault."
Rangiku helped him up, shaking her head. "Renya, you can't just go making your girlfriend mad like that."
At those words, Suì-Fēng's entire face turned red. "Nonsense! I'm not his girlfriend!"
Rangiku smirked knowingly. "Then why are you blushing, Captain?"
Suì-Fēng opened her mouth, but Rangiku waved her off. "Anyway, I've got business to handle. Have fun, you two."
She strolled away, leaving Suì-Fēng simmering with embarrassment.
Renya couldn't help but smile at her expression, but before he could laugh, her hand smacked his head. "Stop grinning and move."
They continued on, until Renya's eyes caught movement atop a distant roof. "An assignment?"
He pointed. A Senkaimon gate had opened, and academy students in uniforms were stepping out, accompanied by instructors.
Suì-Fēng followed his gaze. "It's just another field training exercise. Don't tell me you've forgotten—you've already done one yourself."
Renya nodded, remembering. It was during his own assignment that Sanada Ryōji had been killed by a Hollow. That was the first time he'd seen someone else die in the line of duty.
"What's the difference," Renya asked, "between this Senkaimon and the central one?"
Suì-Fēng explained, "The function is the same—it opens the boundary between the Soul Society and the Human World, through the Dangai. But the Dangai is dangerous. It's layered with unstable space-time currents. Without guidance, you can get trapped forever. That's why Hell Butterflies are essential; they guide you safely through the fixed paths."
Renya recalled Ichigo's return during the Soul Society arc, where lacking a guide forced him into the Kōryū currents of the Dangai.
Suì-Fēng continued, "The central Senkaimon can access any location in the Human World. Temporary gates like that one are preset—they only lead to one assigned area."
Renya tilted his head. "So our Onmitsukidō can also apply to use them?"
"Of course," she said. "If a target flees to the Human World, we may need to pursue for surveillance or assassination. In those cases, a request is submitted. Why do you ask?"
Renya smiled. "Because I want to take you there. I've heard from returning Shinigami about a place called the Maldives. Beautiful oceans, endless sky… I'd like to show it to you."
Suì-Fēng narrowed her eyes. "What's so great about the Human World?"
Renya's tone softened. "It's where I was born. No matter how long I live here, that world will always be my real home. I want to share it with you."
Her gaze flickered. She remembered: unlike her, Renya wasn't born in Soul Society. He had another world that was his origin, his anchor.
"…Then maybe one day," she said quietly, "I'll go with you."
"Thank you, Captain."
Renya slipped his hand into hers again.
This time, she glanced around, saw no familiar faces, and let her head dip slightly. She didn't pull away.
They walked together, hand in hand, under the glow of the setting sun. Each step shimmered golden, as if paving a road of light before them.
"Renya," she said softly, "didn't we just walk past our stop?"
Renya chuckled. "Then let's circle around again."
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/HACKDWORLD