So those priceless resources in the eyes of ordinary Shinigami or even upper-ranking nobles had long since become a string of huge, boring numbers to him.
Money? What practical meaning did it still hold for him? Points in the system were the real currency.
The Kuchiki Clan's 'measly benefits' simply couldn't pique his interest.
The real headache was the trouble that came with sheltering Byakuya. Right now the Kuchiki Clan was a slab of bleeding crystal meat.
He might look down on it, but only because Hiroki could now be called the richest man in all of Seireitei.
Yet which of the upper-ranking clans—or even some powerful lower-ranking nobles—wasn't eyeing them like tigers ready to pounce and tear off a bite?
Within the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, apart from those who openly stood with Captain Commander Yamamoto, how many Captain-level officers with nimble minds wanted to use this chance to muscle into noble-circle power?
If Hiroki publicly declared he would shelter Byakuya, he would willingly draw every bit of fire and stand against every 'meat-sharer'.
Blocking so many forces—was relying only on those three openly Captain-level figures Uchiha Fugaku, Shisui, and Suì-Fēng enough?
Probably not. Push them hard enough and the other side might collude in secret and hire assassins.
He'd be forced to reveal more of his hidden cards.
He might even attract Captain Commander Yamamoto's special 'attention' far too early—completely opposite to his core strategy of 'steady growth, quietly hoarding points'.
If this were for Yoruichi, even facing Old Man Yama would be fine; but for a Byakuya he barely knew…
Spending huge effort, exposing his strength, to fight a pack of starving wolves in exchange for a kid's uncertain loyalty—or a pile of wealth that held limited appeal?
A losing deal… not worth it! Totally not worth it!
At that thought, Hiroki's calculations settled like sediment; every possibility was zeroed out.
He lifted his teacup and unhurriedly sipped the lukewarm tea, then delivered his final verdict in the crisp, decisive, unmistakably 'Hiroki' style:
"No." "Not familiar." "Not worth it." "Can't be bothered."
Yoruichi's shoulders slumped; disappointment flooded her face, ending in a long, helpless sigh. "Sigh…"
She knew Hiroki spoke the truth. Keeping the Shihōin Clan intact already required extraordinary skill; sheltering the Kuchiki target might cost far more than she imagined.
Hiroki wasn't a bodhisattva; he had no duty to pay for others' fates.
Perhaps she had asked too much.
Yet Yoruichi was still Yoruichi; after years with Hiroki she understood him.
She bit her lip, golden eyes locked on him in a last gamble. "Hiroki! I know it's hard… but… don't you always say no deal is impossible? Name your price!"
She kicked the ball back. If emotion wouldn't work, try profit! She believed that when he said 'not worth it', it only meant the offer wasn't big enough.
Hiroki's intention to send her away froze; his eyes suddenly gleamed.
Her words scratched his itch perfectly.
His languid look vanished, replaced by shrewd delight, like a butcher spotting a fat sheep.
He rubbed his chin, mouth curving into that trademark, calculating smile. "Oh? Lady Yoruichi… good, with that attitude we can talk!"
He straightened up like a cat scenting fish. "Hmm… let me think…" A brief pause while he calculated the maximum he could squeeze from this 'deal'.
Then he showed an extremely lewd, smug, almost vulgar grin and, in a low but crystal-clear voice, gave his first condition:
"Then… I want to be on top!!! From now on, I'm always on top!!!"
"Ahem! Cough, cough…" Yoruichi choked at the sudden, shameless demand; her face flamed to the roots of her hair, mortified.
She flustered, trying to regain composure while glaring at him and frantically signaling to the corner where Rin was pretending to be invisible: Your little sister—your own little sister—is right here! Can't you watch your mouth?!
Only then did Hiroki notice the innocent (at least on the surface) Lower-ranking noble girl listening in.
His own face reddened in rare embarrassment; he cleared his throat and called loudly toward the door, "Chizuru!"
"Young master." The maid Tamaki Chizuru, who had waited like a shadow outside, slid the paper door open and bowed.
"Mm," Hiroki tried to keep a straight face. "Take Rin for a stroll in the garden or to the tea room for some refreshments. I… uh… have private family business to discuss with Yoruichi."
"Yes, young master." Chizuru's voice stayed perfectly level, as if nothing odd had happened. She turned to the still-stunned Kuroki Rin. "Miss, please come with me."
"Ah? Oh! R-right!" Rin snapped awake, grabbed the lifeline, and almost fled the room that felt like it was strangling her with invisible reiatsu.
Before leaving, she couldn't help glancing back—just in time to catch Lady Yoruichi glaring at her brother in mortified fury while he struggled to keep a straight face. Only when Chizuru slid the paper door quietly shut, sealing out the world, did the room again thicken with that strange brew of awkwardness, indignation, and the tension of negotiations about to begin.
Yoruichi stared at Hiroki's face, now back to its shrewd-merchant mask, torn between laughter and rage. Through gritted teeth she hissed, "Fine!!! As you insist! From now on you can stay on top!!! Satisfied?!"
A lingering flush still tinted her fair skin; she'd agreed in one decisive, almost reckless breath. Yet deep in her golden eyes a feline cunning flickered—details of implementation… could be discussed later?
'Heh.' Hiroki was pleased by her readiness, but the real bargaining had only begun; he would not be content with mere victory in Hand-to-hand combat.
He rubbed his chin, the corner of his mouth curving into an even more cryptic, calculating smile as he studied her. 'Don't be impatient, Lady Yoruichi. Negotiations demand sincerity… and there's a second condition.'
'What more do you want?!' Yoruichi's brows shot up; the man was pushing his luck.
Hiroki's smile vanished. Grave as stone, he said, 'Urahara Kisuke is hiding a Hōgyoku. Lend it to me for a few days.'
He watched, unsurprised, as her pupils shrank in shock.
'Hōgyoku?!' Her voice cracked. 'How do you—!' Then she remembered his shadowy 'exchanges' with Aizen and understanding dawned.
A deeper unease followed. 'What do you want with it?! That thing… it's too dangerous!' She knew why Urahara Kisuke had sealed and hidden the orb—its power was beyond imagination.
'How I learned of it doesn't matter.' Hiroki waved a hand, looking inscrutable. 'What I plan to do… I have my own designs. Rest assured, I've no interest in ruling the world or destroying Soul Society.'
He paused, then added, 'I only need it for a few days—to study, to refine certain ideas. When I'm done, I'll return it intact.'
Yoruichi's brows knit tight, golden eyes flickering as she weighed his words, the risks, and Kisuke's likely reaction.
This second condition was far weightier than the first.
At last she clenched her teeth. 'I… can't decide for Kisuke. I'll have to discuss it with him myself.' That was the most she could promise.
'Very well. Let me know once you've talked.' Hiroki wasn't surprised; he'd expected to wear her down, and having Yoruichi approach Kisuke would make things simpler.
'Right,' she said, eyeing him as though tallying a bill. 'Two conditions so far. A third?' She braced herself for more extortion.
Hiroki tilted his head, thinking hard, fingers drumming on his knee as he reviewed every possibility… apparently finding none.
At length he swept a hand through the air, signaling the end of negotiations. 'Mm… nothing for now. Just those two.'
Yoruichi exhaled in vast relief, as if a thousand-pound stone had rolled from her back. With Hiroki's promise to look after Byakuya, one crushing worry had finally lifted.
Yet in its wake came long-suppressed desire and… an odd possessiveness born of the deal just struck?
Or perhaps the ease of knowing he truly could solve the problem now bred an impulse to 'reward' him?
Her gaze on Hiroki turned suddenly dangerous, raw and predatory.
She shot to her feet, closed the distance in one stride, leaning over him where he still sat on the cushioned dais. Violet locks fell about her face, wild and electric. 'Terms settled, then… let's get to business—right now!'
Startled by her sudden dominance, Hiroki blinked. 'Huh? B-business?' For a moment he wasn't sure whether she meant Byakuya or… Yoruichi's lips curved in a smile at once seductive and imperious, golden eyes pinning him. 'Don't be stupid! You think I came all this way and risked showing up just to talk about that brat's problems?!'
Long, powerful fingers shot out; with lightning speed she seized the front of his robe and hauled him bodily from the dais.
'Remember the first condition…' she purred by his ear, her breath hot, voice laced with devilish delight. 'You stay on top, remember?'
Caught off guard, Hiroki yelped, 'Hey! Yoruichi, you—!'
'Shut it! Tomorrow I'm running errands for you—going to Kisuke about the Hōgyoku!'
Yoruichi cut him off roughly, slung the taller man over her shoulder, and with a flash like Shunpo shot toward the bedroom. The inner door slammed open, then shut with a thunderous bang!
Only a muffled, futile protest from Hiroki seeped through before the heavy thud of the door swallowed it.
Behind that firmly closed bedroom door… (Hiroki's Hand-to-hand combat experience +1)
(Hiroki's Hand-to-hand combat experience +1)
(Hiroki's Hand-to-hand combat experience +1)
(Hiroki's Hand-to-hand combat experience +1)