"Why should I listen to you?"
The Two-Tails Matatabi was clearly unwilling.
"Because I defeated you. But I generally don't like forcing orders on others, so let me explain things clearly first."
Byakuya spoke calmly. "This is my pocket dimension. Without my permission, you can't leave. At your current size, going out would cause panic. So as long as you're willing to shrink, I can take you outside."
"...Fine, I'll reluctantly agree."
Despite clearly having no choice in the matter, the Two-Tails still had to save face.
Byakuya didn't mind, quietly waiting for Matatabi to shrink.
Subsequently, the Two-Tails Matatabi shrank to roughly the same size as Shukaku—in terms of size alone, it looked like an ordinary cat now.
Shukaku knew it was time to leave and hopped onto Byakuya's shoulder as before.
Matatabi hesitated for a moment, then followed Shukaku's example with a light leap, landing on the opposite shoulder.
Its movement was as graceful as a cat's—though Matatabi was originally a cat anyway...
Next, Byakuya took Shukaku and Matatabi out of the Kamui dimension and headed straight home.
Since there would definitely be at least another 24-hour cooldown, he needed to wait for it to end first.
Besides, Byakuya had only taken two days off. It was about time to return to work.
Not feeling comfortable leaving Shukaku and Matatabi somewhere else, Byakuya brought the two little creatures with him to CCG Headquarters.
Walking through the busy streets, the Two-Tails Matatabi on Byakuya's shoulder looked around curiously at all the unfamiliar things.
"What country is this? Why are there so many strange things?"
Matatabi couldn't help but ask.
It seemed to have not yet realized it was no longer in the Naruto world.
"This is Japan. But for you, this is already another world—which is why you're seeing so many things you never saw in your original world."
Byakuya answered.
"This is another world...?"
Matatabi's reaction was similar to Shukaku's initial response—both were greatly surprised.
"That's right. You were sealed inside a jinchūriki before, weren't you? Haven't you noticed that you can no longer sense the jinchūriki's existence at all?"
Shukaku added.
"That's true..."
Matatabi nodded slightly.
Though it found this hard to believe, it had no choice but to accept the reality.
"I heard from Shukaku that you summoned us to this world. How did you do that?"
Matatabi couldn't help but continue asking.
Even the Sage of Six Paths they knew couldn't accomplish such a thing.
The Sage probably didn't even know that another world existed.
Yet this man before it could summon both it and Shukaku to this completely different world. It was simply unbelievable...
"I can't explain it. I can only say I have that kind of ability, but if you ask me to explain how, I can't do that."
Byakuya said frankly.
"I see..."
Matatabi naturally couldn't force Byakuya to explain clearly.
"Then what's your purpose? You specifically summoned us to this world and then attacked us, turning us into these so-called summoning beasts..."
Matatabi continued asking.
"Merge the Ten-Tails—that is, the Divine Tree—and then activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi. It's that simple."
Byakuya's answer was direct and concise.
Hearing the name "Ten-Tails," Matatabi reacted just like Shukaku had.
Byakuya had to explain once again that he wouldn't do anything against humanity or destroy this world.
"I don't know if what you're saying is true or false, but Shukaku and I can't resist you now. I just hope you're not some kind of war-crazed maniac."
The Two-Tails Matatabi sighed.
"Don't worry. I'll help you gradually understand this world. Once you know enough, you'll understand why I'm doing this."
Byakuya smiled.
"..."
Matatabi said nothing more, too tired to stand, and simply lay down on Byakuya's shoulder.
...
Soon, Byakuya arrived at CCG Headquarters in Ward 1 for work.
Quite a few colleagues' gazes were drawn to the two little creatures on his shoulders.
When Byakuya walked into his office, he found not only Akira but also Eto Yoshimura inside.
Akira was fine—she was working normally at her desk.
Eto, on the other hand, was sitting on the reception sofa, helping herself to the snacks on the table without any reservation. She was also chatting with Akira while she worked, which undoubtedly affected Akira's efficiency.
"Byakuya, I heard you took two days off. Finally back?"
Eto had smelled Byakuya through the door. She was already speaking by the time he opened it.
As soon as she finished, she noticed the two little creatures on Byakuya's shoulders.
"Hm? What are those two unusual-looking little things? They definitely don't look like plush toys."
Eto immediately became curious.
Shukaku standing on his shoulder looked like a plush toy, but its eyes kept blinking, which ruined the illusion.
Though Matatabi was napping there, the blue flame-like chakra constantly flowing across its body wasn't something a plush toy would have.
"Eto-san, it's fine if you want to snack, but please don't disturb Akira while she's working."
Byakuya reminded her.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll be careful from now on. But never mind that—what are those two little guys on you?"
At that moment, Eto bounced off the sofa, casually slipped on her shoes, and quickly walked over to Byakuya.
"They're definitely not plush toys. They're Tailed Beasts."
Byakuya shrugged slightly. "Shukaku, Matatabi—say hello to my friend."
"..."
Eto's brow furrowed slightly.
Not only had he called Akira simply "Akira" earlier while addressing her formally as "Eto-san"—that differential treatment...
And now he was using the word "friend"...
"That's not fair!"
Before Shukaku or Matatabi could introduce themselves, Eto had already begun complaining to Byakuya.
"What's not fair?"
Byakuya was somewhat bewildered.
Shukaku, which had just opened its mouth, closed it again. Matatabi had just woken up and gotten to its feet.
"What's your relationship with Akira-san?"
Eto didn't answer directly, instead questioning Byakuya.
"Akira and I... we're lovers."
Byakuya answered.
"Here we go again! More unfairness!"
Eto's expression turned indignant as she protested.
...
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