Bleach: Sea of butterflies

A few years had passed, and the Seireitei had seen its fair share of change. Urahara Kisuke, ever the prodigy, had graduated early from the academy, while Yoruichi Shihōin had taken command of her noble house and assumed the role of captain of the 2nd Division. Meanwhile, Musashi and Arasaka, now recognized as rising stars among the shinigami, had built a reputation as powerful and skilled warriors.

On this particular day, Musashi sat across from Kuchiki Sōjun, lieutenant of the 6th Division, in the quiet elegance of the Kuchiki family residence. The two were engrossed in a game of shogi, their silent rivalry playing out over the checkered board.

Sōjun broke the silence. "So, what did you discuss with my father earlier?"

Musashi moved a piece forward, his eyes focused. "Arasaka and I have been assigned to the Living World."

Sōjun nodded thoughtfully. "I see."

Musashi looked up, studying his friend's reaction. "You don't seem bothered. Do you understand what that means?"

Sōjun made his move with calm precision. "Of course. When you return, you'll take my place as lieutenant." He smiled faintly. "And to be honest, I'm glad it's you. I'm not jealous—if anything, I'm relieved."

Musashi tilted his head slightly. "Relieved?"

Sōjun sighed. "You already know about my illness. It's only getting worse. It's time for someone stronger and more capable to step up, and that's you."

Musashi pondered this for a moment before making his move. "Then I'm happy for you, too."

The conversation was interrupted by the gentle voice of Sōjun's wife from the next room. "Darling, Musashi-san, lunch is ready."

Sōjun smiled. "Looks like I win," he said, pointing to the board where Musashi's king was cornered. Musashi, always composed, raised an eyebrow but didn't argue.

They moved to the dining table, where Sōjun's wife served them with quiet grace. The two men clasped their hands in gratitude before digging into the meal.

"When do you leave?" Sōjun asked as they ate.

"Tomorrow," Musashi replied simply.

Sōjun sighed. At first, he had thought of Musashi as cold and distant, but over time, he had come to see the warmth beneath his reserved demeanor. The two finished their meal, and Musashi excused himself, leaving the Kuchiki residence.

---

As Musashi walked back toward his quarters, his sharp instincts flared. He turned, immediately bowing upon seeing Captain Yoruichi standing behind him.

"Good evening, Captain Yoruichi."

Yoruichi sighed. "Aah, come on, Musashi. How many times do I have to tell you? Just call me Yoruichi."

"I can't do that, Captain," Musashi replied, his tone firm but respectful.

Yoruichi rolled her eyes in mock exasperation before grinning mischievously. "Fine, fine. Oh, that reminds me—I brought someone along." She stepped aside, revealing a young girl standing nervously behind her. "This is Suì-Fēng, my protégé."

Musashi recognized the girl instantly. "It seems Lady Suì-Fēng's dream has come true," he remarked calmly.

Yoruichi's eyes lit up. "Wait, you two know each other?"

Suì-Fēng stiffened, glancing at Musashi with pleading eyes. Musashi caught the look and decided to play along. "We ran into each other once. Nothing more."

Yoruichi hummed, unconvinced. "Hmm… well, okay. Anyway, Musashi, I'm hosting a banquet tonight at the 2nd Division barracks. And before you even try to say no, the answer is still yes."

Musashi nodded. "Understood, Captain."

Yoruichi's grin widened as she turned to Suì-Fēng. "Heh, so you two do know each other. I wonder what you were talking about back then."

Suì-Fēng's face turned red as she protested, "It was nothing, Lady Yoruichi!"

Yoruichi's teasing smile only grew. "Hoo boy, this is gonna be fun," she said under her breath.

---

That evening, Musashi and Arasaka arrived at the 2nd Division barracks, where the banquet was already in full swing.

"Ah, it's Yuuji and Masaharu-senpai!" a cheerful voice called. The two turned to see Hirako Shinji and his group of new recruits approaching.

"Shinji-kun! How's life as a shinigami treating you?" Arasaka asked.

"Boring," Shinji replied flatly, just before being drop-kicked by a petite girl with a scowl.

"Shut up, you baldy!" Hiyori Sarugaki snapped, crossing her arms.

Arasaka laughed. "Hey there, Hiyori."

"Don't 'hey there' me, you idiot!" Hiyori shot back.

Musashi watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and irritation before leading the group into the banquet hall.

Inside, the atmosphere was lively and chaotic, filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. Captain Yoruichi greeted them enthusiastically. "Musashi! Arasaka! Glad you could make it! Grab a drink and have fun."

Musashi gave a polite bow before moving to a quieter corner, away from the noise. He picked up a small plate of food and slipped outside.

Yoruichi noticed his departure and nudged Arasaka. "You should hear this…" she said, her grin devious.

Outside the barracks, Suì-Fēng stood at her post, vigilant as ever. She stiffened when Musashi approached.

"Lady Suì-Fēng," Musashi greeted her formally.

Suì-Fēng quickly recovered and nodded. "Sir Masaharu. Shouldn't you be inside?"

"I needed some fresh air," Musashi replied, tossing her a small fruit.

"What's this?" Suì-Fēng asked, catching it.

"You should eat," Musashi said simply before sitting down.

Hesitant at first, Suì-Fēng took a bite, and the two sat in silence for a moment.

"Captain Yoruichi really is something else," Musashi remarked, breaking the quiet.

"Of course!" Suì-Fēng replied enthusiastically, her voice filled with childlike admiration. "Lady Yoruichi is the best captain in the Gotei 13!"

Musashi raised an eyebrow. "I think Captain Kuchiki might be stronger."

Suì-Fēng gasped. "How can you say that?! Lady Yoruichi is way stronger!"

Musashi smiled faintly. "How about we settle it with a duel?"

Suì-Fēng's competitive spirit flared. "Fine! If I win, you'll admit Lady Yoruichi is better than Captain Kuchiki!"

"And if I win," Musashi countered, "you'll owe me a favor."

"What kind of favor?" Suì-Fēng asked warily.

"Nothing ridiculous," Musashi assured her.

They unsheathed their swords, and the duel began. Despite her speed and precision, Suì-Fēng found herself outmatched. Musashi's blade stopped just shy of her neck, and she sighed in defeat.

"I lost…" she muttered, her pride wounded.

Musashi sheathed his sword. "Then here's my favor: have another duel with me when I return from the Living World."

Suì-Fēng blinked, surprised. For the first time, she noticed the faint smile on his face—a rare sight.

As Musashi turned to leave, Suì-Fēng stood frozen, her thoughts racing.

"I knew it!" Yoruichi's voice broke through her reverie, and Suì-Fēng spun around in alarm.

"Lady Yoruichi!"

Yoruichi's mischievous grin widened. "Looks like someone's got a crush~."

"It's not like that!" Suì-Fēng protested, her cheeks burning.

Yoruichi laughed, thoroughly enjoying herself. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

(End of Chapter)