Chapter 137 – 137 ⥤ Petting Cats is Such a Beautiful Thing

“Kōga Kuchiki has betrayed us?!” Akira stared wide-eyed in shock at Yoruichi in his arms.

She often made him transform into a manul to satisfy her cat-petting desires, and in return, he demanded the same from her.

Indeed, stroking cat fur felt wonderfully soothing, like caressing an incredibly soft blanket that brought peace to both body and soul. Nuzzling a cat was truly a delightful way to pass time.

Of course, one had to respect boundaries — otherwise, blood might be drawn.

“I don’t think it’s worth being so surprised about.”

The black cat lazily reclined in Akira’s arms, purring contentedly while kneading with her small black paws.

When Yoruichi transformed into a black cat, her deep fondness for felines showed through in her behavior.

In comfortable surroundings with pleasant temperatures, her paws would instinctively begin their gentle kneading.

“The Third Division Captain Takeda Chishi and Seventh Division Captain Okama Shinji both betrayed us — Kōga Kuchiki is merely a Third Seat of the Sixth Division. Isn’t betrayal quite common?”

Though Kisuke Urahara handled most paperwork, Yoruichi carefully reviewed everything and added detailed annotations. This kept her well-informed about the Seireitei’s current state.

As head of the Shihōin clan, she knew all the nobles’ secrets like the back of her hand.

In her eyes, the Soul Society maintained only surface-level peace. In the shadows lurked countless matters that could never see daylight.

“Normal, yes, it’s normal.” Akira scratched his head, “But the issue isn’t about betrayal itself — it’s about his motives and the danger he poses. I warned old man Yamamoto to watch this guy, but I never expected things would come to this.”

The black cat nodded, her expression growing serious, “Indeed, when news of Kōga’s desertion reached us, Captain-Commander Yamamoto immediately called a Captains’ Council and raised a Level One alert. The last Level One alert was during the rōnin uprising from Rukongai. It took seven Captains working together to suppress that rebellion. That shows how seriously they’re taking this Kuchiki.”

Akira blinked.

Were these rōnin truly so bold? Attacking the Seireitei from all four directions?

Didn’t they know old man Yamamoto possessed weapons far more fearsome than guns?

“By the way, Captain-Commander Yamamoto has ordered all Lieutenant-rank and above Shinigami to master Occlumency. Would you like to learn it?” The black cat lifted her head, looking up at Akira.

{T/N: While Occlumency comes from Harry Potter, it’s used here to describe the mind-closing technique. I did a research and this isn’t a Bakudō or Kidō, but rather a mental technique.}

“Yes!” He agreed without hesitation.

From what he knew of Kōga, his Zanpakutō Muramasa had powerful abilities but crucial weaknesses — particularly against opponents with closed minds.

In its Shikai form, Muramasa couldn’t turn Zanpakutō against their wielders before being drawn. Even in Bankai, neither its mental attacks nor memory reading worked on those who had mastered mind-closing techniques.

“The first thing to master in Occlumency is…”

Yoruichi began her lesson methodically, breaking down each step to help Akira learn this vital skill as quickly as possible.

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Rukongai.

A squad of Shinigami moved forward with caution, periodically using spirit-sensing devices to measure the Reishi in the air for potential clues.

They wore the badges of the 8th and 13th Divisions on their arms. At the squad’s front walked two distinctive figures.

“What a hassle…” Shunsui, wearing a pink flowered haori, adjusted his straw hat and sighed, “Jūshirō, why would old man Yama be so cruel as to send us both to hunt down that Kuchiki guy? This is worse than punishment!”

Beside him, Jūshirō concentrated intently, scanning their surroundings with his Reiatsu.

His complexion had improved significantly from before — though not entirely normal, his severe coughing fits had ceased.

According to Unohana, Jūshirō could now live like a normal person, which was precisely why he had volunteered for this arrest mission.

Genryūsai, concerned for his well-being, had assigned Shunsui to accompany him.

As their teacher, he had long observed the friendship between these two disciples, and no one was better suited than Shunsui to watch over him.

Besides, both were exceptional among the Captains — even without their Zanpakutō, they could match Kōga with their superior skills.

“Sorry about this, Shunsui, I’ve dragged you into it.” Jūshirō said with an apologetic smile, “If I hadn’t volunteered, Sensei might have sent other Captains to Rukongai.”

Shunsui grinned, still adjusting to seeing his brother without his coughing fits.

But this was certainly an improvement.

As Intelligence Division Captain, he’d noticed many recent changes in the Gotei 13.

First was Genryūsai, who showed more vigor than he had in the past two centuries — hardly resembling a thousand-year-old man anymore.

His temperament had mellowed in both Captains’ Council and private conversations. Even his habit of stripping for battle increasingly matched Shunsui’s earliest memories of the old man.

Perhaps he was going through another midlife crisis.

Then came the changes in various Divisions.

Most striking was the 4th Division, responsible for medical care and logistics. Word had it that bone-chilling beast howls now echoed from behind the General Coordinated Relief Station. Yet when anyone questioned Captain Unohana about these sounds, she’d give vague responses and shut down further discussion with a murderous glare.

Shunsui had discovered this the hard way.

Even with his vast experience, he couldn’t fathom what had brought about such changes in her.

Then there were the changes in Jūshirō.

These mattered most to him. The bond between friends, fellow disciples, and colleagues wasn’t mere words — his relationship with Jūshirō had deepened from friendship to family. In his eyes, this newly-healed man was truly his kin.

Seeing Jūshirō freed from his centuries-old illness brought joy not only to Jūshirō himself but perhaps even more so to Shunsui and Genryūsai.

For this miracle, he really ought to properly thank their recently joined junior disciple.

Shunsui stroked his stubbled chin, pondering seriously. How best to show his gratitude?

From what his intelligence gathering revealed, Akira was exceptionally talented and devoted to training — exactly the model student Old Man Yama always praised. Surely someone so dedicated hadn’t yet experienced life’s true pleasures.

{T/N: Oh, he’s experiencing, be sure of that. That hot springs have a lot to say about this matter.}

Hmm, when the chance arose, he’d take his junior brother out drinking in the entertainment district. He’d heard the Magic Mouth Tavern had a new courtesan with a beautiful voice.

His junior brother would certainly appreciate having such a thoughtful senior.

While Shunsui indulged in these idle musings, a division member nearby suddenly snapped to attention.

“Captain, we’ve detected Kōga Kuchiki’s residual Reiatsu!”

Shunsui and Jūshirō exchanged glances before vanishing from their spots, reappearing instantly beside the Officer to examine the tracking device’s readings.

This was the 12th Division’s latest innovation, created by Kirio Hikifune. It featured an integrated Bakudō barrier for tracking footsteps — requiring only Reiatsu input to activate — and could trace a specific person’s Reiatsu. It resembled a modern world pager.

“My, my. Kōga Kuchiki isn’t even trying to hide his Reiatsu. Is he attempting to intimidate the Thirteenth Division, or is this his declaration of war as a traitor?”

Shunsui checked the coordinates on the tracking device — their target wasn’t far.

“Alright, let’s move out!” Jūshirō, energized by his newfound health, was eager to confront the enemy.

“Hey now, Jūshirō, don’t get carried away like some fresh recruit.” Shunsui said as he flash-stepped alongside his friend, “Remember, you’re several centuries old…”

The Shinigami Officers exchanged uncertain glances as they watched their Captains vanish into the distance.

Shunsui’s voice floated back to them on the breeze.

“Stay where you are. This enemy is far beyond your capabilities.”

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The two hadn’t gone far when Kōga’s Reiatsu appeared within their spiritual sensing range.

In a dense forest surrounded by mountains, a figure stood silently in the shade of the trees, as if waiting for them.

His once handsome and elegant face was now distorted, half of it bound by restraints, his lake-green eyes filled with hatred for everything. The red windflower silk swayed in the breeze, his black Soul Reaper uniform stained with permanent spots of blood.

“Well, well, so you were waiting for us?” Shunsui chuckled, “You’re quite confident, Kōga Kuchiki.”

“Surrender yourself!” Jūshirō sternly commanded, “You have nowhere to run!”

Upon seeing the two approach, Kōga’s expression grew calm, and a muffled voice emerged from beneath the restraints.

“I have a question.”

“Please, speak.”

Perhaps surprised by Shunsui’s attitude, Kōga paused before finally speaking.

“If I said I was falsely accused, would you believe me?”

Shunsui nodded without hesitation, “I would. Why wouldn’t I? When I first arrested you, your lack of resistance already proved something.”

Kōga’s eyes widened as he shouted, “Then why, as a Captain, didn’t you explain my innocence to Genryūsai Yamamoto and the Central 46?!”

Hearing this, Shunsui looked puzzled, “How do you know I didn’t? But there was no evidence to prove your innocence, and slaughtering so many comrades should have meant execution. It was precisely because of this that you were sentenced to the Mugen. Didn’t Captain Kuchiki explain this to you?”

Kōga’s eyes turned crimson as he breathed heavily.

“But what’s the point of discussing this now?” Shunsui sighed, “Attacking the guards, escaping prison — either crime alone is enough to send you to Sōkyoku Hill.”

As he spoke, perhaps Kōga had been wronged, but from the moment he escaped prison, he was no longer an innocent man. Whether he was used as a tool or deceived, the fact that he killed his comrades was undeniable.

“I understand.” Kōga slowly lowered his head, placing his left hand on the scabbard while his right hand gripped the sword handle tightly.

Seeing this stance, both men instantly became alert.

In that instant, a cold blade flashed across the distance between them, indigo Reiatsu erupting and pressing downward.

Clang—

Metal clashed against metal, sending sparks flying and startling birds into flight. Their wing beats and sharp calls shattered the forest’s silence.

“Jūshirō Ukitake?” Kōga stared in surprise at the one who had blocked his sword draw.

He had expected Shunsui to lead this arrest, but instead, the typically sickly Jūshirō had displayed such formidable strength.

“Surprised?” Shunsui chuckled, “Captain Ukitake is terrifyingly strong now! Even I’m no match for him.”

Wariness flickered in Kōga’s eyes.

“By the way, how long are you going to keep looking over there?”

The sudden voice from behind made Kōga’s pupils contract as an intense chill surged from his core through his entire body.

He swung his sword backward without hesitation, a sharp flash of blade light cutting through the dense trees.

Clang, Clang — Boom!

Blades collided in a shower of sparks. The tremendous force exploded along the blade, sending Kōga flying several meters back!

He cautiously watched as the two men regrouped.

Only now did he truly grasp how frightening the combination of Shunsui and Jūshirō was. Neither could be taken lightly.

Without further hesitation, he held his Zanpakutō horizontally and spoke in a low voice.

“Whisper…”

⤫ Shikai: Muramasa ⥤ Initial Release: Village-Just! ⤬

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