(T/N: Hello!! This is the first chapter of the day! If you like the novel, don't forget dropping Power Stones!! That will be greatly appreciated!!)
After experiencing the pressure of true Reiatsu, the white-robed priest became utterly compliant and quickly called over one of the nursing women from among his followers.
At long last, the starving Sarugaki Hiyori was able to have her fill.
"This isn't sustainable, though… We can't bring a baby along for the rest of our trip. She has Reishi potential—she's going to get hungry fast," said Kyōraku, clearly troubled.
"Agreed. And there's no guarantee we'll run into another nursing woman along the way," added Ukitake with a nod.
"For now, let's take her back and find someone to foster her," said Yamamoto, making a decision.
Although it had taken them several days to reach the Withered Bloom District, that was only because they hadn't been traveling at full speed. If Yamamoto used his Reiatsu to accelerate, they could reach Seireitei and return in no time at all.
"We could entrust her to Miss Kirio," suggested Nanatsuki.
"She was born two or three months early. Her constitution's weak. Without proper care, she might not survive. But I believe Miss Kirio can help stabilize her condition."
In recent years, Nanatsuki had occasionally visited Squad 12 to exchange culinary techniques with Hikifune Kirio. By now, he knew her well, and was familiar with her cutting-edge research on spiritual anatomy. A case like Hiyori's was practically tailor-made for her expertise.
"Miss… Kirio's squad…" Kyōraku glanced at Komamura Sajin, and chose not to mention Squad 12 outright. Stroking his chin, he changed his wording: "Miss Kirio really does know how to treat delicate spiritual conditions. Seems like a good choice."
"Then let's go with that," Yamamoto agreed with a nod. He'd never raised a child. If this one stayed in his care, she'd almost certainly die.
"I'll head out now," Nanatsuki said with a smile. "You can wait here at the shrine."
While Hiyori was still feeding, Nanatsuki explained the situation to the maid.
"You've arranged a place for Miss Hiyori?" she asked, fidgeting with her fingers and wrists. The sudden shift in circumstances had left her uncertain about what decision to make.
"Hiyori's still small—she needs constant care. You should go with her. Once she's older, you can choose to settle in a higher-ranked district in Rukongai," Nanatsuki said.
Her former household was gone. She had nowhere else to go.
However, the maid had a slight level of Reishi sensitivity, meaning she could live in Seireitei for extended periods. Nanatsuki had decided to bring her along as well to ensure Hiyori received proper care.
If she had no Reishi at all, she wouldn't be able to stay near Shinigami for long—she'd be crushed by the ambient Reiatsu alone.
From the way she held the baby, Nanatsuki could tell: she had experience raising children. Sending her to Seireitei with Hiyori was clearly the right call.
"Alright… thank you, sir…" the maid said, visibly relieved to be included.
Once Hiyori had her fill, she fell asleep again.
Nanatsuki picked her up in one arm and hoisted the maid over his shoulder with the other, then took off from the shrine.
Soaring through the air, he used Reishi to form a wind barrier that shielded them from the rushing air. His speed was terrifying—and far too fast for either the maid or Hiyori to endure unprotected.
Even so, the maid couldn't stop herself from screaming the entire flight.
Her cries ended up waking the just-asleep Sarugaki Hiyori.
What surprised Nanatsuki was that Hiyori wasn't frightened at all. On the contrary, she laughed joyfully and waved her tiny hands around.
She even reached out, trying to grab Nanatsuki's chin.
A system message flickered across the Status Interface:
[Sarugaki Hiyori Reputation Level increased: Current Level – Friendly]
[Sarugaki Hiyori Reputation Level increased: Current Level – Close]
Once they arrived at Seireitei, Nanatsuki slowed down. The upper airspace was protected by a Shakonmaku, and with two passengers, he would have to enter through the main gate.
He made his way to the Blue Dragon Gate on Seireitei's eastern side.
As his speed decreased, Hiyori—who had been happily enjoying the ride—suddenly started crying.
She burst into loud wails in his arms.
Another system message popped up:
[Sarugaki Hiyori Reputation Level decreased: Current Level – Friendly]
Babies really are fickle… Nanatsuki thought.
She'd just been close with him, and now she wasn't.
Having no experience comforting children, Nanatsuki passed Hiyori back to the maid.
She gently rocked the baby in her arms and patted her back softly.
Then she began to hum a quiet lullaby.
Hiyori gradually calmed down.
"Stop right there! This is Seireitei!" barked the guards stationed at the Blue Dragon Gate.
Nanatsuki removed his bamboo hat, revealing his face.
The guards instantly recognized him and stepped aside with respectful smiles.
"Ah, it's Katori-sensei! Didn't recognize you without your dojo haori."
Nanatsuki often entered Seireitei, and he was well-known to the guards.
"Just taking advantage of the Academy's break to go on a little trip," he said casually.
The maid, seeing how respectfully the guards treated Nanatsuki, suddenly realized—the person she'd been traveling with was far from ordinary.
Wasting no time, Nanatsuki took Hiyori and the maid directly to Squad 12.
"Katori-sensei! You're here again?" the receptionist greeted him warmly.
"Is Miss Kirio around?"
"She should be in the squad hall. You can go straight in."
Nanatsuki, familiar with the layout, led the two of them toward the squad hall.
Compared to other divisions, Squad 12's barracks were more minimalistic. The entrance was a simple arched gate—lacking ornate carvings, just clean lines outlining its frame.
Inside, the lobby was wide and bright. The floor was paved with neat white stone tiles, giving off a cool and pristine atmosphere.
A long wooden table sat at the center, scattered with documents and writing tools—clearly used for daily admin or meetings.
And there, Nanatsuki ran into an old acquaintance.
"Yo~ Katori-kun. Back again to mooch a meal off Squad 12?"
Urahara Kisuke didn't even look up from his desk as he teased him in a lazy drawl.
"You guessed wrong this time," Nanatsuki replied with a shake of his head. "I've got actual business with Miss Kirio today."
Urahara's hands paused mid-turn through a manuscript. He looked up—and spotted the maid standing behind Nanatsuki, with the baby in her arms.
"Ah! My bad! I've been so busy lately... I'll make it up to you later, I promise!" Urahara quickly set his papers aside and stood up. "So… when did you get married, Katori-kun?"