Chapter 123: Entangled Affairs

Chapter 123: Entangled Affairs

Kazuya hadn't anticipated waking up sandwiched between Momo and Yoruichi after his impromptu decision to sleep at hot spring inn. But here he was, flanked by the two women, as if he was the object of their desire. Yoruichi’s knee rested possessively over his stomach, her arm draped intimately across his chest, creating an unmistakable impression of a lover’s embrace. To add to his surprise, while he and Yoruichi were scantily clad in mere towels, Momo’s loosely worn kimono added a hint of charm to her cuteness.

‘What the hell did I do last night?’

{Stay calm, Partner. Neither Yoruichi nor Momo laid a hand on you. I was watching you the entire night... Argh, if only I had a camera to capture your cute faces.}

His major concern had been the inadvertent possibility of crossing a line with Momo in his drowsy state. Assured that no such event occurred, he breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Thanks, I guess.’

{Heh. How are you feeling now?}

‘I feel... spirited. Energetic... Almost free. I’m back.’

{That’s the spirit. You’ve a meeting with Unomama today. I hope she behaves, or I’ll burn her to ashes.}

‘Not on my watch, Partner.’

Dealing with Nami’s craziness had bolstered his confidence. He hoped his encounter with Unohana wouldn't escalate into a skirmish. Given the capabilities of her Bankai and his Shikai, they had the potential to sustain an eternal cycle of regeneration — a wet dream for Unohana, but a nightmare for him.

Yoruichi shifted beside him, her eyes fluttering open. Momentarily disoriented, she gazed into his face, just inches away from hers. As her morning haze dissipated and last night’s events replayed in her mind, a look of comprehension dawned. She let out a soft groan and gracefully sat up, stretching languidly even as her towel dropped to her lap.

“Good morning, Kazuya. Before you ask, I got you out of the bath and threw you here.”

His brows knitted in confusion. He gently shifted Momo so she wouldn’t wake up. “Why? What exactly did you do to me when I was sleeping?”

She smirked. “Nothing, idiot. I convinced Momo that I was one of your... girlfriends. Sleeping elsewhere would be suspicious so I stayed with you.” She nonchalantly gestured towards Momo. “As for her, I believe you're already aware of her reasons.”

Yoruichi had anticipated at least a flicker of surprise from him regarding the girlfriend ruse. Yet, his expression remained utterly unfazed. He was still furious at her.

‘What did I do? Is it related to yesterday?’

Yoruichi realized her anxiousness over a trivial matter.

‘I can’t let him drift away from me. We’ve to finish this mission. Together.’

Transforming seamlessly into her cat form, she leaped onto his lap, nestling her face against him. “You can’t do this... think about it again for me.”

His response was a firm “No”.

She waved her paw, a pleading look in her eyes. “Paw-retty please?”

A moment of awkward silence flowed as Yoruichi held her pose, her cat face immaculately hiding her cringe.

“Three days.”

Yoruichi sighed. “Acceptable.”

He affectionately skimmed his fingers under her chin, a gesture universally adored by cats. “Where were you yesterday?”

“Went to check up on Soi Fon. She seemed fine after destroying a dozen training dummies with her fists.”

“You and I both know she isn’t giving up,” he whispered. “She is coming for your ass.”

Yoruichi groaned. “What did I do to deserve it?”

Despite treating Soi Fon like any other member of her squad, she'd unwittingly secured the undying adoration of her successor.

“Being beautiful is a sin. Don’t you agree?”

“With so many men chasing after me, I can’t help but agree,” she let out yet another sigh. “What happened at the academy?”

Kazuya caught her up to the events in the academy. When he was done, he found Momo gazing at him while lying in the same position.

Noticing his gaze, she smiled. “Good morning, Kazuya-kun and Yoruichi-san... where did Yor-san go?”

While he was confused at her question, Yoruichi replied, “She ran away when she saw me. She has a cat allergy, it seems.”

“Ah, that is sad. Kazuya-kun, let’s leave after breakfast. We have to—”

“I’ll drop you at the academy. I’ve an important business elsewhere.”