After feeling the intimidating pressure, the white-robed priest became extremely obedient, quickly summoning the nursing mothers from among his followers.
Hiyori Sarugaki, who had been hungry for a long time, was finally able to have a full meal.
"This can't go on. We can't just take this child on the road with us. She has spiritual aptitude and will get hungry very quickly!" Kyōraku Shunsui said, feeling troubled.
"Indeed. We might not necessarily find nursing mothers on the rest of our journey," Jūshirō Ukitake nodded.
"Let's take this child back first and find a place for her to be fostered," Yamamoto made the decision.
Although it had taken them many days to walk to the Hanakare district, that was only because they hadn't been using their full speed. A round trip to send Hiyori to the Seireitei wouldn't take much time.
"Why don't we leave her in Miss Kirio's care? The child was born two or three months premature and is constitutionally weak. If she's not properly cared for, she might not survive," Sora suggested. "I believe Miss Kirio can help nurse her back to health."
Over the past few years, Sora had occasionally gone to the 12th Division to exchange cooking tips with Kirio Hikifune.
He was now quite familiar with her and had a clear understanding of her level of research into spiritual bodies. Hiyori's condition was perfect for her to handle.
"Captain Hiki—" Kyōraku glanced at Komamura and didn't say the full name. He stroked his chin and corrected himself, "Miss Kirio does seem to be very good at handling issues with spiritual bodies. That is indeed an excellent choice."
"Then let's foster her there for now," Yamamoto also nodded. He had never raised a child, and one with such a weak constitution would most likely die in his hands.
"Then I'll make a trip. You all can wait for me at this shrine," Sora said with a smile.
While Hiyori was still eating, Sora explained the situation to the handmaiden.
"You've found a place for Lady Hiyori?" The handmaiden nervously wrung her hands.
The situation was so sudden that it was difficult for her to make a decision.
"Hiyori is still young and needs someone to take care of her. You should go with her. When she's older, you can choose to live in one of the higher-numbered districts of the Rukongai," Sora said.
The handmaiden's master's family had been destroyed; she had nowhere else to go.
However, she also possessed some spiritual aptitude and could stay in the Seireitei long-term. Sora decided to take her there as well to care for Hiyori.
If she were a spiritual body without aptitude, she wouldn't be able to stay near a Shinigami with high spiritual pressure for long, as her own body would be crushed by the unconsciously emitted Spiritual Pressure.
Sora had seen from the way she held the baby that this handmaiden had experience with children. Having her accompany Hiyori was the best choice.
"Alright... thank you for your help, sir..." Hearing that she could go with them, the handmaiden had no further objections.
After drinking her fill, Hiyori fell asleep again.
Sora held the baby in one arm and carried the handmaiden on his shoulder, then left the shrine.
He flew through the air, deliberately creating a reishi barrier to block the wind pressure. His speed was too fast, and the handmaiden and Hiyori were too weak to withstand the strong wind.
But even so, the handmaiden was so frightened by Sora's terrifying speed that she screamed continuously.
Her screams in the air woke the sleeping Hiyori.
To Sora's surprise, not only was Hiyori not afraid, she even began to wave her little hands happily.
She even reached out a tiny hand, trying to grab his chin.
Sora saw two messages flash across his panel:
[Hiyori Sarugaki's Affinity Level has increased. Current Affinity Level is Friendly.]
[Hiyori Sarugaki's Affinity Level has increased. Current Affinity Level is Close.]
After reaching the Seireitei, Sora slowed down. The Shakonmaku barrier was above, and with two people, he had to enter through the main gate.
He brought Hiyori and the handmaiden to the eastern gate, the Seiryūmon.
After he slowed down, Hiyori, in his arms, began to fuss.
She suddenly started wailing.
Sora saw another message flash across his panel:
[Hiyori Sarugaki's Affinity Level has decreased. Current Affinity Level is Friendly.]
"The minds of infants are truly hard to fathom..." Sora thought to himself.
Just a moment ago it was 'Close,' and now it wasn't.
Sora had no experience in coaxing children and handed Hiyori to the handmaiden.
The handmaiden held Hiyori in her arms, gently swaying and patting her back.
Then, she began to hum a soft song, and the baby in her arms gradually quieted down.
"Halt! This is the Seireitei!" The guards at the gate stopped the two of them.
Sora took off his straw hat, revealing his face.
The guard was slightly taken aback and quickly made way, smiling. "So it's Professor Katori! Why aren't you wearing your dojo haori today?"
Sora frequently entered and exited the Seireitei and was very familiar with the guards.
He said casually, "Taking advantage of the academy's vacation to travel for a bit."
The handmaiden had not expected Sora to bring her to the Seireitei, and the friendly attitude of the guards made her realize that the people she had met were of no simple status.
Sora did not delay and directly brought them to the 12th Division.
"Professor Katori is here."
"Is Miss Kirio in?"
"The Captain should be in the barracks. You can go straight there, Professor."
Sora knew the way and led the two of them towards the 12th Division barracks.
Compared to other divisions, the barracks of the 12th were more minimalist. The entrance was a simple arched gate with no ornate carvings, just clean lines.
Inside, the hall was spacious and bright, the floor paved with neat white stone slabs, giving a cool and clean feeling.
A long wooden table stood in the center, with some simple stationery and documents on it. It was clearly used as a place for daily work or meetings.
Sora ran into an acquaintance here.
"Yo—Lord Katori. Back to the 12th to mooch another meal?"
Kisuke Urahara spoke in a nonchalant tone without looking up.
"You guessed wrong, Urahara," Sora shook his head. "I've come to see Miss Kirio on business today."
The motion of Urahara flipping through his manuscript paused slightly. He looked up and saw the handmaiden and the baby in her arms behind Sora.
"Ah! My deepest apologies, I've been so busy lately... I'll be sure to send a gift later..." Urahara quickly put down his documents and stood up. "So... when did you get married, Lord Katori?"
---
Special Announcement: Tomorrow, a free file with chapters 141 to 300 of Naruto: Saving the Uchiha will be uploaded, along with another file for I Have Caught a Pokémon from chapter 300 to 450!
-------------------------------------
Featured projects:
Bleach Getting Stronger, Starting from Teaching 300 chapters
Naruto: Saving the Uchiha 300 chapters
The Crime Value System 120 chapters
I Have Caught a Pokémon — 350 chapters
Goddess Training Manual — 800 chapters
Second Generation Villain (Revised Version) — 90 chapters
Detective Conan Fanfic — 380 chapters
The Heroine Wants to Join My Harem — 1050 chapters
I Am the Villain's Father — 400 chapters
----------------------------------------------------------------
👉 Join and support these projects at: patreon.com/LEYI396
— Don't miss a single chapter or any manga translation done on demand!