Chapter 233: Mayuri and Nemu

Chapter 233: Mayuri and Nemu

A frenzied clacking reverberated through the dimly lit chamber, coming from a man furiously typing across an array of high-tech equipment simultaneously. Surrounding him was an array of scientific equipment that only he could comprehend within Soul Society, and only he could use them to their peak performance.

This man’s face was painted in stark contrasts of black and white, while his body was shrouded entirely in white paint. Both his ears as well as his chin were seemingly replaced with stubbed golden cones.

In all of Soul Society, only one individual would adorn himself with such unsettling makeup. That man was none other than Mayuri Kurotsuchi — the crazy and controversial captain of the 12th Squad, an ex-criminal that Kisuke had taken out from the Maggot’s Nest.

Currently he was working on something important as one could see from his concentrated expression. The screens before him displayed strings of intricate data at a dizzying pace, yet Mayuri’s mind effortlessly kept up with the surge of information.

His fingers sped up as a maniacal grin crept across his painted face.

“The secret to Hollowification lies in its—”

At the most crucial moment of his research, a knock on the door interrupted him, followed by the meek voice of his daughter. “M-Master.”

Mayuri immediately teleported to the door with Shunpo and flung it open. Standing on the other side was a young woman with a slender figure and green eyes. Her black hair was tied back in a long braid with slightly parted bangs. Unlike other Shinigami, she wore a short black kimono that reached mid-thigh, and she carried no sword on her in person.

The young lady, Nemu, served the role of Vice-Captain within this squad.

“Master...” Her meek whisper matched the soft look in her eyes. “Vice—”

Before she could utter another syllable, Mayuri’s fist collided with her face, sending her crashing into the wall. Crumpling to the cold ground, coughing up blood, she gazed up at Mayuri with an absence of emotion.

It was as if she was used to such treatment from her creator.

“You fool. You wretched little being. I told you specifically to not disturb me today. Give me one reason to not self-destruct your soul.”

“I-I’m sorry, Master. We have an emergency...”

Mayuri slowly walked to her. “What is so important?”

“V-Vice-Captain Isane and an unknown Shinigami have breached the facility,” Nemu conveyed the events beyond Mayuri’s underground facility. “Akon and others went to intercept them but were defeated swiftly...”

Mayuri pointed Nemu out of the facility. “Bring them to me. I’ll deal with them personally.”

Nemu gave a convincing nod and made a dash for her objective at a speed comparable to first-class Shunpo without using an ounce of spiritual energy. Although the wound on her face stung, she didn’t stop for a second to apply any medicine on it.

Fulfilling her creator’s orders was always her utmost priority.

It wasn’t long before she intercepted the duo, who were making their way through the facility at a rapid pace.

‘Isane...’

As a member of Shinigami Women’s Association, Nemu was on good terms with Isane. But she had never seen the silver-haired man by Isane’s side. His Reiatsu was dangerous, she concluded with one glance, realizing that Mayuri had been right about the man’s capabilities.

“Oh, Nemu,” Isane said with a surprised look on her face. “What happened to your face?”

Nemu wasn’t least bit surprised to find concern on Isane’s face. Maintaining her doll-like expression, she said, “It’s surface wounds. They won’t hinder my vital functions.”

“Your face has literally swollen,” said the silver-haired man, his kind voice sending Nemu into an involuntary daze. “Let me treat it with Kaido.”

Nemu suddenly snapped out of her daydream, her eyes widening in shock as her pupils dilated. Despite her limited emotional range and lower emotional intelligence compared to others, she instinctively understood that the warm, pleasant sensations welling up inside her were caused by the mysterious man’s voice. She felt a sense of curiosity, wanting to know the precise name for this emotion, while also craving to experience more of it.

Like her creator, she could become utterly curious about certain topics in life, most of which pertained to her own evolution.

As these thoughts swirled through her mind, Kazuya had already begun to work his Kaido on her injured face.

Isane revealed a kind smile. “Thanks, Kazuya.”

Nemu inclined her head, giving him her best gesture of gratitude. “Thanks... Kazuya.”

Kazuya chuckled at the ladies’ gratitude. “In exchange for my help, how about you take us to your captain?”

Nemu nodded firmly. “I was sent here to bring you two to him. Please follow me closely.”