Yoruichi stopped what she was doing the moment she heard Ren's promise.
Ren let out a sigh of relief.
Fine, he thought, this matter is more or less settled.
Yoruichi rested her chin on her hands, which were folded atop Ren's head, and began to sway gently.
"Mr. Serious, what do you think of Suì-Fēng's ability?"
"Don't put your hands on my head right after eating snacks. You're getting crumbs all over my hair."
Ren complained, but he let her be. Then, his expression turned solemn.
"Her ability is powerful, but the current Suì-Fēng can't fully draw out its potential."
Suì-Fēng's ability could definitely be called powerful, but her Reiatsu was still a bit weak.
If Ren were to use it and go all out, the shockwave from the explosion alone would be enough to level the buildings of the entire Seireitei.
Yoruichi remained motionless, maintaining her posture.
"Then, can you guide her through Bankai training in the future?"
"Why?" Ren frowned. "I'm busy. Between the Onmitsukidō's workload and the burden of the entire Seireitei on my shoulders, when would I have the time?"
"Just guide her occasionally. it won't take up too much of your time."
Yoruichi shook Ren's body, her tone turning into a spoiled whine by the end.
"You're so powerful, and since you come from that technological world, you must be very familiar with missile-like combat styles. Pointing Suì-Fēng in the right direction will be easy for you."
"Besides, Suì-Fēng is your contractor. It's in your best interest if she gets stronger."
Seeing that Ren remained unmoved, Yoruichi shook his body even harder.
"Ren, please? Pretty please? Will you do it?"
"Sigh, alright, I'll do it."
Ren nodded helplessly.
Yoruichi had a point. Suì-Fēng had good talent, and her getting stronger wouldn't hurt him.
Beyond that, he really couldn't handle Yoruichi's mischievous attempts at acting cute.
If he didn't agree now, Yoruichi would likely pester him for the next few days, badgering him relentlessly until he finally gave in.
Rather than being annoyed for days, it was better to agree to her request now.
However, he wasn't going to give his services for free.
"Yoruichi, I'm doing you such a big favor. What do I get in return?"
"You still want something? We need to have a serious talk about you raising other cats behind my back!"
Ren was stunned by her words.
"I thought we moved past that? Why are you still bringing it up?"
"You think it's that easy to move on?"
Yoruichi leaned in close to Ren's ear, her voice dropping into a mock-dark tone with a hint of hidden playfulness.
"I'm going to hold this over your head for the rest of your life."
"You..." Ren muttered. "That's a separate issue. You're being unfair."
"I'm sticking to you no matter what. What are you going to do about it?"
Yoruichi opened her mouth and gave Ren's ear a sharp 'om' as she bit down.
Ren felt a slight sting of pain, followed by a soft, warm tugging sensation.
"Yoruichi, don't you think that's dirty?"
"Pah! I didn't hear you complaining when you were licking me. You were even burying your face in my belly and huffing; why didn't you say it was dirty then?"
"I was huffing a cat."
"Not when you were licking!" Yoruichi snapped. "And you weren't always huffing me in my cat form either."
Ren countered, "Why? Do you hate it?"
"Hehe, I don't."
Yoruichi giggled.
But that laughter...
To Ren's ears, it sounded far too cloying.
Yoruichi waved a hand. "Forget it. Considering how diligent you've been lately, I'll let you off this time."
"As for the payment for guiding Suì-Fēng, I won't make you work for nothing. I'll give you a thank-you gift tomorrow morning."
Ren asked curiously, "What kind of gift?"
"You'll find out tomorrow. Look forward to it."
That evening.
The crippled elder of the Fon family, whom Ren had recommended for Central 46, heard the news. He personally visited with heavy gifts to apologize to Ren for Suì-Fēng's challenge earlier that day.
Ren naturally wasn't angry over such a trivial matter. He reassured the old man until the elder's heart was completely at ease.
The next morning, Ren woke up early as usual.
He had shared several 'intimate' conversations with Yoruichi the previous night, and even with his stamina, he couldn't help but feel a bit fatigued upon waking.
However, when he woke up, he found that Yoruichi was missing.
In all the time they had been married, Ren rarely saw her wake up this early.
But when he opened the door, what he saw made his eye twitch.
Arranged neatly on the floor in front of the door was a row of dead rats and two large ornamental fish.
On the floor was a note with a line of messy handwriting.
[You worked hard last night, and I was quite satisfied. I caught these myself—make sure to nourish yourself.]
It was signed with a single paw print.
Ren's face went completely dark.
Caught them herself last night?
He thought back to their 'exercise' the previous night, looked at the handwriting on the note, and suddenly ripped the paper to shreds.
"Yoruichi!"
"Hahaha! Mr. Serious, you fell for it!"
Just as Ren was fuming, a wicked laugh echoed from nearby.
Ren turned to look and saw a black cat hiding around the corner of the corridor, with only her round head peeking out.
She was laughing shamelessly, her eyes brimming with tears of mirth.
Who else could it be but Yoruichi?
"Yoruichi, give me a proper explanation right now!"
Ren lunged toward her.
Seeing this, Yoruichi immediately turned and bolted, laughing as she ran.
"Mr. Serious, you're totally tilted!"
"Haha! I've always wanted to see you this flustered and unable to do anything about it!"
"Idiot, catch me if you can!"
Ren's pace quickened instantly at her words.
"What is all this? Explain yourself!"
Man and cat engaged in a frantic chase.
In the blink of an eye, Ren had chased Yoruichi halfway across the estate.
Before he knew it, he had lost sight of her.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi had quietly slipped back into their courtyard and climbed through the window into their room.
"Idiot, go ahead and search outside for all you're worth."
"Even if you flip the entire Shihoin estate upside down, you'd never guess I'd come back to the start."
Full of pride, Yoruichi gave a light leap and hopped onto the bed.
After that frantic run, she was exhausted.
"I was busy all night, I'd better catch up on some sleep."
Drowsiness washed over her cat face. She let out a yawn and was about to burrow into the blankets.
Suddenly, a large hand reached out and gripped her head.
Yoruichi was startled, her sleepiness vanishing instantly as her heart sank into her stomach.
The entire cat was hoisted up. As her vision spun, Ren's expressionless face appeared before her.
"What a coincidence, Yoruichi. So this is where you were."
There wasn't a trace of anger on Ren's face, but to Yoruichi, he looked more terrifying than a ghost.
She stiffly raised a forepaw and gave a slow, weak wave.
"Meow..."
"Give me a proper explanation. What were those things at the door?"
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]