Chapter 165: Temptations

Chapter 165: Temptations

Despite having walked away from the Kuchiki Manor half an hour ago, the heartfelt words of gratitude from Byakuya and Hisana still echoed in Kazuya’s mind. The image of Hisana tearing up, embracing Byakuya, and repeatedly professing her love for him remained just as vivid; it was mostly because of the wetness on his shoulder — Rukia had held back her tears in front of Hisana but ended up crying on the way back.

By the time he neared the academy, Rukia had recovered from her storm of emotions and started making little talks.

“We’re almost there,” Rukia whispered and climbed off his back, curbing the possibility of spreading weird rumors. Messing with Momo was the last thing she wanted. “Can you hide this from Momo and Renji?”

“Sure,” he agreed without any resistance, eyes locked on his dormitory building. “Want me to accompany you all the way?”

“First you tell me why are you frowning like that again?”

Every time she saw him frown like that, some noble got the beating of their life. The fact that he bullied the bullies, the descendants of those sitting at the top of society, always made her laugh. His relationship with Shiba Clan and his own strength made him a force not even aristocrats wanted to mess with.

“Just a bit surprised. Wanna come hangout with some Vice Captains?”

“Some other day maybe.”

“Then see you tomorrow.”

As they parted ways, a whisper reached him. “Thanks for saving Hisana...”

Following that, he heard Rukia’s hurried footsteps gradually fading away. Unaware of his arrangement with Byakuya, she misunderstood his motives for saving Hisana, believing he had set aside his animosity towards Byakuya for her sake.

Yoruichi climbed on his shoulder and pawed his ears. “I didn’t think you had it in you to reveal your Shikai for someone else’s wife.”

Since Yoruichi was absent during his agreement with Byakuya, she also arrived at the same conclusion as Rukia, albeit with a hint of skepticism.

“Yoruichi, you’re old friends with Byakuya. Rukia’s blood sister is married to him. I’d be a douche to let her die when saving her takes no effort.”

“I sense something sinister from you,” Yoruichi whispered, gently tugging at his ear with her soft paws. “You gained something from helping Hisana. What was it?”

He cleared his throat. “A small promise. Think of it as a backup plan to my own backup plan in case things go south here.”

He clicked his tongue in mock annoyance. "One of these days, you’ll regret teasing me like this."

She shrugged off his playful threat with a giggle. “I'd love to see you try.”

{Do her. Give her the best hentai female lead treatment.}

‘...’

Teasing her and getting teased by her, he returned to his dorm. Outside his room, he found Momo waiting, her demeanor anxious as if she had been eagerly anticipating his arrival.

‘She must’ve sensed my Reiatsu.’

He had stopped concealing his Reiatsu, unless it was necessary to hide from someone. His fight with Soi Fon made his strength public knowledge.

{Wasn’t she with the Vice Captains? Did she make some excuse to meet you alone here?}

‘Probably.’

Momo suddenly rushed towards him, her movements creating a soft rustling sound, as she hugged him — a brief hug to reassure herself of his well-being. “You’re alright...”

“Do I not look alright?” he asked, smiling down at her while his hand gently patted her head in a comforting gesture. “Rukia is also fine.”

“What a relief...” she whispered. “What did they want from her?”

“Well, things are a bit complicated. I can’t reveal it without Rukia’s permission.”

Momo nodded in understanding, her eyes briefly darting behind her. “Your friends are waiting for you.”

She seemed reluctant to tell him about the Vice Captains, clearly desiring to spend more alone time with him, away from the watchful eyes of the Vice Captains.

“Let’s see what they have to say.”