"Captain Sui-Feng, if there's anything you'd like me to do, please tell me."
Kurotsuki Renya spoke quickly, understanding that this was his best chance to take part in her study of Shunkō. If he let the moment pass, she might never again extend such an invitation.
He knew that left on her own, even after fifty years of effort, her mastery of Shunkō would remain incomplete. In her future battle against Yoruichi Shihōin, Sui-Feng's advantage in raw speed and her mastery of Shunpo had given her the upper hand—until Yoruichi unveiled her perfected Shunkō. With that, Yoruichi overwhelmed her, remarking that the technique had come too early for Sui-Feng to truly wield it.
Renya's involvement, then, not only gave him the opportunity to learn Shunkō himself, but also a chance to help her refine it far earlier than history had recorded.
Sui-Feng's voice was calm and precise:
"As I said, the concept is to merge Kidō with Hakuda. For now, I only have the theory. I want you to research it with me, and we'll share what we discover together. Are you willing?"
Renya bowed his head without hesitation.
"I'm willing."
Sui-Feng gave a small nod.
"Good. Then every Saturday and Sunday, report to me. We'll dedicate that time to developing Shunkō."
Renya scratched his cheek nervously.
"But… I still have duties. I usually need at least six hours a day to handle work. That only leaves me half a day at most, and even then I'd be cutting into my regular training…"
Sui-Feng's expression darkened.
"I'll order Ōmaeda to cover the workload on those days. That's what a lieutenant is for."
Hearing this, Renya smiled faintly.
"Understood, Captain. I'll come find you every weekend."
Satisfied, Sui-Feng glanced at the darkening sky.
"It's getting late. Today's training ends here. You're dismissed."
Renya paused, then took something from inside his uniform—a neatly stacked bundle of coins.
"Captain Sui-Feng, I just received this month's pay. Please accept this."
Her brow furrowed.
"Didn't I tell you repayment wasn't necessary?"
Renya's tone grew firm.
"Debts must be repaid, Captain. Please, take it."
Though she disliked the gesture, Renya's earnestness left her no choice. She accepted the money in silence.
Then he added, with a small smile:
"And also… to thank you for training me every week, I'd like to invite you to dinner."
Sui-Feng waved her hand.
"That isn't necessary. I help you because you have the potential to justify my time, not for rewards."
"But your help has made a real difference for me," Renya insisted. "Please let me repay that kindness with a meal."
Sui-Feng's lips tightened as if to refuse again, but Renya was already moving ahead, hopping lightly past her. He called back with a grin:
"Captain, let's go."
She sighed, unable to fully suppress a trace of reluctant amusement. Though outwardly cold, Sui-Feng had never been good at interpersonal matters. Rejecting the boy's sincerity felt unnatural—and after all, Renya was only fourteen. His gesture was from the heart.
So she followed him, half-pushed into the decision, though as they walked out of the 2nd Division compound and into the streets of Seireitei, her discomfort grew. She could feel people staring.
Why are so many eyes on me?
Her impatience mounted, but before she could say anything, a familiar voice called out:
"Captain Sui-Feng!"
The speaker was a tall, voluptuous woman with blonde hair flowing past her shoulders.
Sui-Feng turned slightly.
"Vice-Captain Matsumoto."
Indeed, it was Matsumoto Rangiku of the 10th Division. She noticed Renya immediately and smiled knowingly.
"Renya's here too? And where are you two headed together?"
Renya answered innocently:
"To eat."
Rangiku arched an eyebrow, her smile turning mischievous.
"Just the two of you?"
Sui-Feng answered quickly, a little too quickly:
"Renya just received his salary. He insisted on treating me, and I… couldn't refuse."
Rangiku's grin widened.
"Got paid, hm? Perfect timing. Add me in."
Renya blinked.
"But Vice-Captain Matsumoto, don't you have patrol duty?"
Rangiku chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"That's for the seated officers. I only supervise. Besides," she added slyly, "don't forget you owe me—you were sneaking peeks at me last time."
Renya flushed crimson and scratched his head.
"O-Okay… then I'll treat you too, Vice-Captain Matsumoto."
Without warning, Rangiku slung an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close.
"That's the spirit!"
Renya's face turned scarlet as it was buried between her chest.
Sui-Feng's eyes narrowed.
"Let's move."
With Renya practically tucked under her arm, Rangiku led the way. They hadn't gone far when another cheerful voice rang out:
"Renya-chan! Captain Sui-Feng! Vice-Captain Matsumoto! What are you up to?"
They stopped, turning to see a small pink-haired girl skipping toward them, a paper bag in her hands as she nibbled on candy.
"Vice-Captain Kusajishi," Rangiku said warmly.
It was Kusajishi Yachiru of the 11th Division.
She tilted her head curiously at Renya.
"You know him too?"
Renya bowed politely.
"Yes. When I worked at the Shin'ō Academy, Vice-Captain Yachiru helped me find a position."
"Yup! That's me," Yachiru said proudly, still munching on sweets.
Rangiku smirked.
"Well then, Renya, shouldn't you invite her too?"
Renya nodded quickly.
"Vice-Captain Yachiru, would you like to join us?"
"Sure!" she chirped.
And so their group expanded again—now four strong—as they made their way toward the food district.
Rangiku leaned down with a sly smile.
"So, Renya, what's on the menu?"
"I was planning on taking everyone to the Chinese Food House," he replied.
The restaurant was one of the most famous in Seireitei's food street, renowned for its traditional dishes.
Rangiku's eyes sparkled.
"Perfect. It's been too long since I've had Chinese cuisine."
"I want mapo tofu!" Yachiru exclaimed.
Renya grinned.
"Then mapo tofu it is."
When they arrived, the owner greeted them warmly.
"Ah, the little brat again! Back so soon?"
Renya smiled sheepishly.
Just the previous week, after receiving his pay, he had treated Renji Abarai, Rukia Kuchiki, Hinamori Momo, Izuru Kira, and Ikkaku Madarame here as thanks for all their help since his arrival in Soul Society.
He nodded.
"Yes. Please find us a private room."
"Of course!"
The proprietor led them upstairs to the second floor, where a simple but elegant chamber awaited: a round table surrounded by tall chairs, ink-painted scrolls adorning the walls.
As they sat, the owner handed over the menu.
"So then, what will you be ordering tonight?"