Chapter 11: The True Fragrance Law
Drunken, slurred nonsense rang out without warning.
The single phrase "Spiritual King's Grand General" made everyone freeze, their facial muscles twitching uncontrollably.
Especially that casual "grandpa"—he had just called everyone here his grandchildren.
Sure enough: one sip of booze, and even the king of heaven wouldn't get any respect.
"Captain Zaraki, please don't misunderstand—Kuroha is just drunk," Rukia said, her own expression turning awkward.
But for Captain Ukitake's sake—and to repay Kaien Shiba's life debt—she gritted her teeth and tried to smooth things over.
"Haha, Rukia, relax. This guy really is interesting." Kenpachi laughed with savage delight. "Whether he's truly drunk or faking it, that slash just now scared you all—but the kid wasn't wrong either. There was no killing intent in it. I was just testing him.
Since I couldn't figure anything out, I'll save the real test for later. You and Renji take him to the Shin'ō Academy for the exam. Don't waste time. I don't want to lose a name from my 'worth cutting' list."
Watching Kenpachi sheath his blade with that gleam of predatory interest in his eyes, Renji stood dumbfounded.
Every member of the Eleventh Division knew that look. When Kenpachi Zaraki showed this kind of excitement, it meant he had given someone his full acknowledgment. Even Renji—as Sixth Seat—had never earned that treatment.
And now Kenpachi was fixated on a boy whose qualification for the Shin'ō Academy entrance exam was still in doubt.
Did that mean… Renji wasn't even worth as much as a drunkard?
"Thank you, Captain Zaraki. I'll take Kuroha to the exam right now. Once he sobers up, I'll make sure he comes to apologize to you personally." Rukia felt as if a huge weight had been lifted. She hurried forward to support Kuroha.
Right now, her only goal was to get him to the exam and fulfill Ukitake's guarantee. Whether he passed or not wasn't her concern at the moment.
"Wife… you still look so beautiful. Bring the sake with you—there's still a little left. Remember to prepare some foot-soaking water for me…"
A wave of boozy breath hit her face. Hearing him call her "wife" again, Rukia froze.
Her cheeks flushed slightly. Then—almost unconsciously—she twitched her nose and inhaled.
"True fragrance!"
The two simple words slipped out in a soft, almost moaning tone.
Especially when everyone saw Rukia's delicate nose flare, her expression showing faint intoxication…
Renji and the others were stunned speechless.
Was this her response to being called "wife"?
Wasn't the alcohol stench supposed to be foul? So why did Rukia just say "true fragrance"?
"Ah—I mean, the sake really is fragrant! Don't get the wrong idea!" Rukia snapped back to herself, face burning red as she hurried to explain.
But the memory of that moment—inhaling the rich aroma from Kuroha's breath, feeling every pore on her body suddenly open up in inexplicable pleasure—made her want to crawl into a hole.
She had never seen pigs run, but she had eaten pork. She knew exactly how strange that tone had sounded.
"Renji, we all heard you say 'true fragrance' too," Rukia said quickly.
"I wasn't blushing because he called me wife! It's just… his sake really is that good. The moment I smelled it, my whole body relaxed, pores opened, and I felt this strange, refreshing sensation. That's why my voice came out a little… unclear."
Remembering the tone of her own "true fragrance," Rukia wished she could disappear.
Ikkaku stepped forward curiously, leaned in close to Kuroha, and took a deep sniff.
"True fragrance!"
The same two words burst from his mouth.
In that instant, Kuroha seemed to embody the True Fragrance Law—an irresistible, subconscious judgment everyone couldn't help but utter.
It felt almost like the legendary flesh of Tang Sanzang—impossible to resist.
And it wasn't just the sake jug. Even Kuroha's body gave off that same special aroma. Especially when Rukia was supporting him so closely—the scent grew stronger with every passing second. Her pores opened wider; the spiritual energy inside her body circulated joyfully, as if long-parched earth had finally met sweet rain.
If she focused… it even felt like her reiatsu was subtly growing stronger.
"Rukia… you look completely intoxicated right now," Renji said, unable to believe what he was seeing. The last two words came out through gritted teeth.
"Intoxicated?" Rukia jolted back to awareness, face scarlet. "No—don't misunderstand! It's just… Kuroha feels really good to hold."
"No—I mean, holding Kuroha gives this special feeling, like your mood instantly improves. You guys should try it and you'll understand!"
Her panicked explanation tumbled out.
For a woman to say something like that—it was like a bolt from the blue.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Rukia realized she was only making it worse. She could only grit her teeth and try to explain again.
At the same time, she gestured for Renji to try holding Kuroha too—hoping action would dispel this bizarre "True Fragrance Law."
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