A Return to the Second Division

The speech for the new students was simple.

Seiya finished quickly, ending with a sincere wish for the incoming class.

"Six years is a very short time. For us spiritual beings, it's nothing more than the blink of an eye."

"Precisely because of that, I urge you all to cherish your time here."

"After all, once you start working… it'll be hard to come back."

It was true.

A Shinigami's lifespan was extraordinarily long—especially those with higher spiritual pressure. Unless met with an untimely death, they often lived well into the thousands of years.

Compared to such an overwhelming expanse of time, six years truly seemed trivial.

With his speech concluded, Seiya returned to the ranks.

A new generation of students entered the academy, while the previous one stepped into their duties.

Watching this seamless flow of life, Seiya felt a sense of reverence until the ceremony concluded.

"Seiya! Got some time recently? How about visiting the Second Division again?"

Ōmaeda Marechiyo immediately approached him, extending an invitation.

"Lady Shihōin is looking forward to chatting with you again."

Seiya paused, initially intending to decline, but then seemed to recall something and changed his mind.

"Alright, lead the way."

He had wanted to see Yoruichi Shihōin, and perhaps this visit could help him resolve some of the issues he was facing.

Although the new semester had started, Seiya's "privileges" remained intact.

He didn't enjoy standing out too much, but when necessary, Vice-Captain Sasakibe's written recommendation proved to be quite useful.

Even so, Seiya couldn't shake the feeling that he was like a delinquent loitering under the academy's banner.

This thought brought an awkward smile to his face.

Though he could graduate early due to his abilities, Seiya believed the opportunity to explore and learn was too valuable to pass up.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have gained so much during his time here.

"Seiya, we're here."

Ōmaeda led the way as Seiya followed behind. This was his second visit to the Second Division's lofty stronghold. Seeing it again brought a wave of nostalgia.

"Seiya! You're really here again!"

Before they even reached the gates, a figure leapt toward him.

It was the ever-enthusiastic Yūshirō Shihōin.

Tears glistened in the young boy's eyes as he threw himself at Seiya, hugging him tightly while babbling like a crying child.

Although Seiya wasn't keen on such close contact with another guy, he begrudgingly accepted it, knowing Yūshirō's situation was unique.

"Alright, alright, stop crying already."

"Seiya, how long are you staying this time?"

Seiya thought for a moment.

"Leaving by nightfall?"

"That's not proper at all! At least stay for a while!"

Wow, the kid was unusually firm about this.

Regardless, Seiya had no choice but to follow them up the mountain for now.

Yoruichi Shihōin, who happened to be on the mountain, greeted Seiya's arrival with a hearty laugh.

"Ah, you're finally back, kid! Let's throw a feast!"

While Seiya didn't want to make a big deal out of it, he had no say in the matter.

Thankfully, Marechiyo quietly explained.

"Actually, everyone's been under a lot of pressure lately. Lady Yoruichi uses occasions like this to let everyone relax. It's necessary."

That made sense.

Alright, I might as well enjoy myself too.

As drinks flowed and dishes were served, Seiya noticed Marechiyo introducing him to some of his children.

Marechiyo, having had a bit too much to drink, gleefully showed off his sons and daughters.

"This is Chiyo, my proudest son!"

Oh, that name certainly rang a bell.

After all, this was the future Marechiyo Ōmaeda, one of the strongest "phantom" figures in the entire series!

In the Battle of Karakura Town, even his captain Sui-Feng had to sever her own arm, but Marechiyo managed to escape unscathed—proof of his terrifying strength!

Even during the Thousand-Year Blood War, when Yamamoto himself fell in battle, Marechiyo was instead inspired to fight harder!

—A man who thrived in a world of constant peril, enduring through blood, tears, and adversity while still showing off his achievements.

He was beloved by Kubo and stood at the pinnacle of all Shinigami!

And now, standing before Seiya was a boy no older than ten.

Even so, the broad features and rugged appearance were already reminiscent of his father, Marechiyo.

Truly, they were cut from the same mold.

As these amusing thoughts filled his mind, Seiya gave a warm smile, genuinely wanting to greet the boy.

But Chiyo, picking his nose, looked him up and down with a disdainful expression.

"Who's this guy, Dad?"

"Let me introduce you—this is…"

"He looks like some broke loser."

"…???" x2

Marechiyo reacted instantly, kicking his son and chasing him around, scolding him all the while.

"You brat! When did I ever teach you to be so rude?!"

"But Dad, isn't that how you always treat people?! Stop hitting me!"

Meanwhile, Yoruichi, slightly tipsy, laughed heartily at the spectacle.

Honestly…

That kid was really unlikeable.

Even so, Seiya couldn't help but reflect on how quickly time seemed to pass.

Events he'd thought were still far away were already beginning to take shape, familiar faces gradually emerging.

This realization filled him with a subtle sense of urgency.

I need to step up my game.

After the feast ended, Seiya sought out Yoruichi for a private conversation.

"Come in."

Opening the door, he found Yoruichi sitting casually by the window, her expression relaxed.

The feast hadn't been enough for her; two warm bottles of sake sat on the table before her as she leisurely sipped.

Seeing him enter, she swirled her sake cup and gestured invitingly.

"Sit. No need to stand on ceremony."

"Thank you, Lady Yoruichi."

After carefully seating himself, Seiya watched as Yoruichi set down her cup and leaned forward.

"What's bothering you?"

Half-turning, she rested her left hand in front of her while leaning down, her posture casually provocative.

Her bare chest, pressed together, was prominently on display.

...A lot to take in.

The silver moonlight against her tanned skin gave it a soft, inviting glow.

Even catching a glimpse out of the corner of his eye made Seiya's face flush.

Don't stare. I have a girlfriend now. I can't do anything that would betray Isane!

Hearing Yoruichi chuckle, Seiya was jolted out of his thoughts.

"Don't even think about dodging the question. You've been distracted all night—you can't say you've just lost your appetite, right?"

"After all, you usually eat more than Marechiyo!"

Having no intention of hiding the truth, and with her words leaving him no room to dodge, Seiya let out an awkward laugh and replied softly.

"I did come with something in mind."

"Oh? Let's hear it."

"Lady Yoruichi, do you know what happens when Hakuda and Kido are combined?"

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Powerstones?

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