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Byakuya Kuchiki and Abarai Renji appeared at the office door.
Byakuya's face was composed, calm as still water. Renji, by contrast, carried visible unease.
Omaeda had already stationed himself behind Su Li, puffing up with false bravado as if the presence of his captain gave him fangs. His expression practically spelled out: a dog leaning on its master.
"Ah, Captain Kuchiki. A rare visitor. Please, come in."
Su Li rose with a mild smile.
Byakuya stepped forward with unhurried grace. Every movement carried the weight of centuries of noble etiquette, refined and flawless. Renji followed in silence, posture upright but restless. They stopped before the desk, neither speaking.
Byakuya fixed his cool gaze on Su Li, wordless but unwavering. Renji fidgeted, caught between speaking and biting his tongue. If his captain offered no words, he dared not move.
Su Li chuckled softly and shook his head. "Captain Kuchiki, please, sit. Omaedaâprepare tea."
Byakuya lowered himself into a seat, posture composed, while Renji stood dutifully at his back. Su Li, watching, noted inwardly how ingrained that nobility ran; had he not extended the offer, Byakuya would have stood indefinitely.
Omaeda rummaged clumsily through the shelves and produced the lowest grade of tea leaves. Su Li stifled a sigh.
"Captain Kuchiki," Su Li began politely, "I trust you're well?"
"I was discharged from the Fourth Division today." Byakuya's tone was level, clipped.
Su Li hesitated only a moment before cutting directly to the point. "Then tell meâwhat business brings you here? Is it concerning Lieutenant Abarai?"
Renji blinked, startled. But Byakuya's answer was immediate, his voice flat. "It has nothing to do with him."
Renji froze, stunned, while Su Li arched a brow. If not Renji, then why?
"What is it, then?" Su Li asked.
"Do you still remember our agreement?" Byakuya's voice, though calm, carried a faint undercurrent.
Su Li tilted his head. "Agreement�"
"The matter of training."
At that, Su Li recalledâbut confusion followed. "Did we not cross blades atop SĆkyoku Hill?"
"That does not count," Byakuya said quietly. His eyes sharpened. "I want a true sparring session. Swordsmanship alone."
Renji stiffened. Even Omaeda's face twitched.
So that was it. From that day on SĆkyoku Hill, Byakuya had held this thoughtâwaiting, even through his convalescence, to stand here and demand it.
Su Li exhaled. "Unfortunately, Captain Kuchiki, today is not convenient."
Byakuya's brows knit slightly. "Why not?"
Su Li's thoughts flickered: Eggy has not awakened yet. But that truth he would never voice.
"My ZanpakutĆ cannot be used at the moment," he said with feigned regret.
Byakuya's frown deepened. "Still? I heard it could be wielded once a day."
"Yes, and I already used itâ" Su Li gestured toward the plate of sliced oranges on the table, sliding it forward with a straight face. "âfor that."
Renji blinked. Omaeda choked back a gasp. Oranges? With a ZanpakutĆ?
Su Li's expression never wavered, as if this absurdity were absolute truth. Omaeda, despite himself, felt an odd surge of admiration for his captain's sheer audacity.
The room fell silent. Anyone could see through the excuse, yet Byakuya's face remained impassive, unreadable. At length, he exhaled slowly. "Then I will return tomorrow."
He rose with measured grace.
"Not even a slice of orange?" Su Li teased.
Byakuya's gaze lingered, cool yet glimmering with some inner spark. "If you truly value them so much, I can have a basket sent to you daily. Provided you agree to face me."
Without another word, he turned and left, Renji following.
Su Li leaned back, chewing an orange segment thoughtfully. Compete⊠or consult? The phrasing had carried weight, as if layered with intent. His request sounded more than simple practice.
Still, until Eggy woke, his blade remained untouched. Let the noble wait.
"Come on, Renji. Take one," Su Li offered, pushing the plate forward.
But Renji was too unsettled. "Captain Su LiâI already told Captain Kuchiki everything about training under you. He doesn't seem to mind at allâŠ" His voice rushed with urgency.
Su Li smiled faintly. "Yes, I noticed."
"Then can you⊠start teaching me? Please?" Renji's eyes gleamed, eager and unsteady.
"Renji," Su Li said lightly, "you've forgotten something."
Renji blinked. Then it hit him. "The Code! I'll bring it right away!" He bolted from the room in a fluster, vanishing down the corridor.
Su Li sighed, setting aside the orange peel. "No one appreciates these. Essential for sailors, vital for swordsmen too⊠They'll regret it one day." He rose and stretched lazily.
"Omaeda, when Renji returns, tell him to find me in the Fourth Division."
"The Fourth?" Omaeda echoed, but quickly bowed. "Understood."
With that, Su Li stepped out, unhurried.
Before long, his silhouette entered the Fourth Division barracks.
The female-dominated squad reacted at once. Excited whispers rippled, cheeks flushed, eyes brightened. A few even froze in place, overwhelmed.
Su Li had never tried for such attention, yet it followed him effortlesslyâan unknowing thief of hearts.
At last, he reached the person he sought.
"Captain Unohana. It has been some time."
His voice was calm, a quiet smile on his face.
Retsu Unohana turned, surprised for a breath before her serene expression softened into warmth. Her lips curved into the gentle crescent smile that could disarm any tension.
"Indeed. Long time no see, Captain Su Li."
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