Chapter 115: CHAPTER 123: Entangled Affairs
Kazuya hadn't anticipated waking up sandwiched between Momo and Yoruichi after his impromptu decision to sleep at the hot spring inn. But here he was, flanked by the two women, as if he was the object of their desire. Yoruichi's knee rested possessively over his stomach, her arm draped intimately across his chest, creating an unmistakable impression of a lover's embrace. To add to his surprise, while he and Yoruichi were scantily clad in mere towels, Momo's loosely worn kimono added a hint of charm to her cuteness.
'What the hell did I do last night?'
{Stay calm, Partner. Neither Yoruichi nor Momo laid a hand on you. I was watching you the entire night… Argh, if only I had a camera to capture your cute faces.}
His major concern had been the inadvertent possibility of crossing a line with Momo in his drowsy state. Assured that no such event occurred, he breathed a sigh of relief.
'Thanks, I guess.'
{Heh. How are you feeling now?}
'I feel... spirited. Energetic… Almost free. I'm back.'
{That's the spirit. You've a meeting with Unomama today. I hope she behaves, or I'll burn her to ashes.}
'Not on my watch, Partner.'
Dealing with Nami's craziness had bolstered his confidence. He hoped his encounter with Unohana wouldn't escalate into a skirmish. Given the capabilities of her Bankai and his Shikai, they had the potential to sustain an eternal cycle of regeneration — a wet dream for Unohana, but a nightmare for him.
Yoruichi shifted beside him, her eyes fluttering open. Momentarily disoriented, she gazed into his face, just inches away from hers. As her morning haze dissipated and last night's events replayed in her mind, a look of comprehension dawned. She let out a soft groan and gracefully sat up, stretching languidly even as her towel dropped to her lap.
"Good morning, Kazuya. Before you ask, I got you out of the bath and threw you here."
His brows knitted in confusion. He gently shifted Momo so she wouldn't wake up. "Why? What exactly did you do to me when I was sleeping?"
She smirked. "Nothing, idiot. I convinced Momo that I was one of your... girlfriends. Sleeping elsewhere would be suspicious so I stayed with you." She nonchalantly gestured towards Momo. "As for her, I believe you're already aware of her reasons."
Yoruichi had anticipated at least a flicker of surprise from him regarding the girlfriend ruse. Yet, his expression remained utterly unfazed. He was still furious at her.
'What did I do? Is it related to yesterday?'
Yoruichi realized her anxiousness over a trivial matter.
'I can't let him drift away from me. We've to finish this mission. Together.'
"On the topic of Momo, you crossed the line yesterday. Why did you lie to her?"
Yoruichi's eyes trembled at the question. "I did good by motivating her to seek strength. Think about it. She adores you. The thought of you being hurt will get her pumped up."
It became clear to him that Yoruichi wasn't toying with Momo frivolously. She had strategically utilized his duel with Soi Fon as a catalyst for Momo's growth. With the knowledge that both Kazuya and Toshiro were bound for early graduation, Yoruichi understood that Momo would need to stand her ground at the academy. Only by being strong will Momo be able to fend for herself.
He shook his head. "They aren't part of our plan. Why mess with their lives?"
Momo already had a bright future as a Kidō genius. Currently, she hadn't learned much about Kidō outside of theories since Kidō training would be part of the second semester — where she'd get a chance to showcase her talent.
"To make them survive the world or what else?" Yoruichi replied in a matter-of-course voice. "Did you forget the purpose of this academy? They're here to become Shinigami. And Shinigami's main job is to purify Hollows. They fight Hollows."
"And?"
She locked eyes with him, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "What if she crosses paths with some Arrancar like your companions. Her entire squad could be decimated. A few tears shed now to unlock her latent potential is a fair trade, in my opinion."
He couldn't refute the logic behind her approach, however cunning it was. Boosting Momo's strength could indeed be advantageous, whether within the ranks of the Gotei 13 or outside the Soul Society.
"You made Momo believe that I almost died, so she could fight this hypothetical Hollow," he said with a baffled look on his face. "Since when did you become so… manipulative."
Despite acting with the right intentions, she had made his relationship with Momo plenty awkward. He had to put her down a little or she'd be encouraged to create more chaotic situations in his life.
Yoruichi stared at him unblinkingly. "You of all people should know my principles. Manipulation isn't in my playbook. I acted in the best interest of that young girl."
Nami's fiery figure materialized by his side as she pointed at Yoruichi. "Face the consequences for your wrongdoings. Justice shall be delivered."
Then she retreated into the katana.
"Is that so? What punishment do you have in mind?" Yoruichi asked, amused. "Say it."
His lips slowly twisted in a grin, which was no less fiendish than an actual fiend. "No milk and afternoon naps for a week."
Her eyes widened in horror. "Noooo."
The punishments left her devastated. It was impossible to live without milk and naps in her cat form, which made it an appropriate punishment for her crime. She could always sneak away from him to escape her punishments but she knew better than to provoke him. He already had a bone to pick with her for some reason.
Transforming seamlessly into her cat form, she leaped onto his lap, nestling her face against him. "You can't do this… think about it again for me."
His response was a firm "No".
She waved her paw, a pleading look in her eyes. "Paw-retty please?"
A moment of awkward silence flowed as Yoruichi held her pose, her cat face immaculately hiding her cringe.
"Three days."
Yoruichi sighed. "Acceptable."
He affectionately skimmed his fingers under her chin, a gesture universally adored by cats. "Where were you yesterday?"
"Went to check up on Soi Fon. She seemed fine after destroying a dozen training dummies with her fists."
"You and I both know she isn't giving up," he whispered. "She is coming for your ass."
Yoruichi groaned. "What did I do to deserve it?"
Despite treating Soi Fon like any other member of her squad, she'd unwittingly secured the undying adoration of her successor.
"Being beautiful is a sin. Don't you agree?"
"With so many men chasing after me, I can't help but agree," she let out yet another sigh. "What happened at the academy?"
Kazuya caught her up to the events in the academy. When he was done, he found Momo gazing at him while lying in the same position.
Noticing his gaze, she smiled. "Good morning, Kazuya-kun and Yoruichi-san… where did Yor-san go?"
While he was confused at her question, Yoruichi replied, "She ran away when she saw me. She has a cat allergy, it seems."
"Ah, that is sad. Kazuya-kun, let's leave after breakfast. We have to—"
"I'll drop you at the academy. I've an important business elsewhere."
She revealed a gentle smile that was clearly meant to leave a good impression. "I'll see you later..."
***
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