"Oww... Old Man Yama doesn't know his own strength. If I weren't such a good person who respects the elderly, I'd show him why flowers are red today."
Kensei sucked in cold air while rubbing the spot where Old Man Yama had punched him, indignantly nursing his grievance.
That old geezer Yama was definitely jealous—jealous that he was both handsome and powerful.
"Serves you right." Yoruichi shot Kensei a look. "You just up and showed him your Hollowfication without a word of explanation. Count yourself lucky he didn't hang you up and beat you on the spot."
"You think there's a chance—getting Old Man Yama to join the Hollowfication club?"
"I'd advise you to drop that dangerous idea right now."
Yoruichi pinched Kensei's earlobe, her expression turning serious. "If Old Man Yama lost control during Hollowfication, who's going to stop him? You?"
"I think Brother Ukitake could put up a fight. And Uncle Kyōraku, as Old Man Yama's top disciple, would definitely have to contribute."
Kensei immediately volunteered his two senior fellow disciples. Surely when Old Man Yama saw how much his students cared about his power level, he'd be moved to tears.
Yoruichi wasn't about to entertain that line of thought. Old Man Yama would never accept such a thing—unless something happened that left him utterly powerless.
The two crossed several streets and soon arrived at Kirio Hikifune's residence, pushing open the door and stepping inside as naturally as if entering their own home.
"Sis Hikifune? You home?"
The moment Kensei's query left his lips, laughter emerged from the kitchen within.
The tall Kirio Hikifune strode out, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the long-absent Kensei. "Oh my! I just heard Soul Society's biggest celebrity announce his return! You stayed in Hueco Mundo so long, I thought you'd declared yourself king over there and decided not to come back!"
"Ah haha..."
Kensei laughed awkwardly. He hadn't expected his earlier proclamation to carry so far. And had everyone here read the script? How did they keep guessing everything he'd done in Hueco Mundo?
"And little Yoruichi's here too." Kirio Hikifune beamed, studying her appraisingly. "Stick with Kensei, and you've been raising quite a ruckus, haven't you?"
"I'm ashamed to say I barely contributed on this trip to Hueco Mundo."
Yoruichi felt somewhat embarrassed. Come to think of it, she hadn't played much part in dealing with those Hueco Mundo opponents.
"Enough of that—come in, come in. Senjumaru's still waiting for you to turn in your mission."
Hikifune led them inside, pointing in a direction. "She's in there. I've just developed some new dishes—Yoruichi, come give me your opinion."
Yoruichi nodded. If Hikifune was suggesting it, then that Royal Guard member probably wanted to speak with Kensei alone.
Kensei scratched his head, hefting the Zanpakutō Ikomikidomoe in his hand, sensing the preserved remains of Baraggan in his storage. Satisfied, he walked in.
"Kensei Kenzuru. It seems Soul Society's rumors about you aren't exaggerated after all. Though I didn't expect such an... unconventional arrival."
In the room, Senjumaru still wore that white robe adorned with rings and buckles, her hair ornaments lightly clicking with her movements. She glanced meaningfully at the red mark on Kensei's face.
"Sigh. All this—I do it to bring a different kind of vitality to Soul Society. I have no choice but to go against my naturally intelligent and calm nature."
Kensei's face was the picture of solemn sincerity—a man sacrificing himself for Soul Society, misunderstood and pained by others' accusations.
"Enough. Did you recover Ikomikidomoe?"
"Of course." Kensei handed over Ikomikidomoe. "With me on the case, there's nothing Brother Kensei can't handle."
Senjumaru extended one of her bone arms to accept it, her gaze carefully examining the troublesome Zanpakutō. After a moment, she nodded approvingly. "Excellent. You've done the Royal Guard a great service."
"Just doing what this true Captain-Commander should."
Kensei breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully Senjumaru hadn't asked what exactly he'd done in Hueco Mundo—that might have been difficult to explain.
Senjumaru securely stored the Zanpakutō, then turned back to Kensei. "Also, regarding the additional sets of Shihakushō I promised you—once I return to the Soul King's Palace and complete them, I'll deliver them to you."
Kensei nodded, then produced his preserved Baraggan specimen. "Actually, I have one more favor to ask. If it's not too much trouble."
Senjumaru studied the skeletal remains before her—lacing any life force, yet the black mist still roiling around them. Interest flickered in her eyes. "This is?"
"The former King of Hueco Mundo, Baraggan's remains." Kensei presented it like a salesman pitching a product. "It possesses the ability to age and corrode objects—even spiritual pressure itself. It seemed a waste to just throw away.
I thought it over and realized only the Royal Guard in all of Soul Society has the power to turn decay into wonder. What do you think?"
Senjumaru didn't answer immediately. One of her bone hands pinched a thread of spiritual pressure from Baraggan's bones, her eyes narrowing slightly as she analyzed its properties.
After a long moment, she finally spoke. "This material you've brought back is rather interesting. That fellow Ōetsu might be able to realize your wish."
Kensei's eyes lit up. Ōetsu was the founder of Zanpakutō—every Asauchi used in Soul Society was forged by him.
"However." Senjumaru's tone shifted. "Even if successfully forged, something already dead cannot fully manifest all its living abilities. I should tell you this now, least after-sales issues arise later. Moreover, such a Zanpakutō would lack growth potential. Are you certain you wish to use such precious materials for forging?"
"Absolutely."
Kensei nodded without hesitation. This was just to mess with the Quincies anyway. If he actually used it as his main Zanpakutō, Kūkon would probably throw a fit.
"Very well. This lady shall act as your intermediary."
A pleased smile spread across Senjumaru's face. She was curious herself what Ōetsu might forge from such materials.
With all his objectives met, Kensei took his leave, exiting the residence with Yoruichi—now thoroughly stuffed by Hikifune's hospitality.
"Everything's settled now."
Kensei stretched. Thinking it over, both Soul Society and Hueco Mundo were stable for the moment. The only troublemakers left were probably Yhwach's Quincies.
"Lost in thought? What is it?"
"Nothing."
Kensei shook his head and followed Yoruichi back to his own residence.
Soi Fon, who had been waiting at the gate, hurried forward the moment she spotted the two figures she'd been longing to see.
Soi Fon bowed respectfully, delight shining in her eyes. "Lady Yoruichi. Lord Kensei. Welcome home."