41 Chapter 41: Shinigami Women's Association

"Vice-Captain Yachiru, what are you doing here?" Yamahiko asked, curious as he looked at Yachiru Kusajishi perched on the wall.

Yachiru Kusajishi wore a self-assured expression and said, "This is the headquarters of the Shinigami Women's Association. Do you want to come in and take a look?"

Shinigami Women's Association?

Yamahiko recalled that within the Seireitei, there was a powerful organization known as the Shinigami Women's Association. It was established to elevate the status of female Shinigami, and its authority surpassed that of any other association.

During the "Annual Budget Meeting" of various associations within the Seireitei, the meeting was consistently presided over by Vice-President Nanao Ise. The attendees included representatives like Retsu Unohana from the Ikebana Club, Byakuya Kuchiki from the Calligraphy Club, and Jushiro Ukitake from the Shinigami Men's Association. This demonstrated the significant influence of the Association.

As for the Shinigami Women's Association's headquarters, it was located in the Kuchiki clan's residence. Despite Byakuya Kuchiki's multiple attempts to drive them away, the Association had constructed numerous secret passages within the clan's compound.

Furthermore, they not only occupied the Kuchiki clan's territory but also claimed the last available room that the Shinigami Men's Association could use as their meeting place. This left the members of the Association with no choice but to hold their meetings in the male restroom.

This was the Shinigami Women's Association, an organization with tremendous power and an existence that left everyone helpless.

The President of this Association was Yachiru Kusajishi herself, who possessed the authority to command the entire association. In the original story, the Association was responsible for designing the Female Shinigami Communication Device, effectively rendering all other designs obsolete. Yachiru Kusajishi was indeed the most powerful woman in the entire Soul Society.

Yamahiko was very curious to see the legendary headquarters of the Shinigami Women's Association. He assumed there wouldn't be anyone around now, so he decided to jump onto the wall and said, "Vice-Captain Yachiru, I'll trouble you to lead the way."

"Follow me," Yachiru Kusajishi said.

She leaped down from the courtyard wall, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Yamahiko followed her closely.

The Kuchiki clan's estate was vast, with two separate corridors and features like artificial hills, streams, and gardens. Yachiru Kusajishi led Yamahiko into a room, opened the door, and, to his surprise, it turned out to be a storage room.

"Close the door," Yachiru instructed, pointing to the door. Yamahiko immediately closed it, being extra cautious.

Yachiru then walked over to a closet near the wall and twisted a censer on top of it. In the next moment, the closet silently swung open, revealing a long corridor.

"You go in first."

Yachiru Kusajishi let Yamahiko enter first. After he had advanced a bit, she followed into the passage, twisted a switch on the wall, and closed the closet.

Yamahiko couldn't see what was in front of him, so he extended his fingers, ignited some reishi, and illuminated the way ahead.

Guided by the light of his spiritual fire, Yamahiko slowly proceeded until he reached a point where the passage split into two paths, one to the left and one to the right.

Uncertain which way to go, Yamahiko paused, and Yachiru Kusajishi, following behind, said, "Let's go left. Although the right path also leads inside, it's longer and filled with numerous traps."

Traps? Seriously? This is not your own home.

Yamahiko nodded and entered the left path. After crawling for a while, they reached a pit.

"Jump down."

Both of them leaped into the pit, and they were now underground. Ahead, another tunnel stretched before them.

Yamahiko continued forward, passing through the tunnel until he encountered a door. Upon entering, he found himself in a bright, spacious room.

Inside the room were several people.

Rangiku Matsumoto was in the middle of applying makeup, Kiyone Kotetsu was munching on a rice cracker, Nemu Kurotsuchi was silently reading a book,  Suì-Fēng was sipping honey, and Isane Kotetsu was diligently handling paperwork.

Yamahiko's sudden appearance drew the attention of everyone in the room. Suì-Fēng, with honey-coated fingers near her mouth, froze and asked in astonishment, "Yamahiko, how did you get here?"

Rangiku Matsumoto's eyes lit up, and she inquired, "Yamahiko!?"

Yamahiko greeted them seriously, saying, "Captain Suì-Fēng, Lieutenant Kotetsu, Lieutenant Matsumoto, Vice-Captain Ise, Vice-Captain Isane."

The others in the room did not recognize Yamahiko and stared at him blankly. Nanao Ise asked, "Who is this?"

Yachiru Kusajishi walked over to the table, hopped onto a chair, and sat down. She then explained, "This is Little Yamahiko. I found him outside the main gate of the Kuchiki clan's estate and brought him in."

Nanao Ise raised a finger to push up her glasses and said, "But, President, this is the Shinigami Women's Association. Men aren't allowed..."

Yachiru Kusajishi waved her hand and said, "Yamahiko is fine. I permit him to be here in our association base."

"But..." Nanao Ise frowned.

Yachiru Kusajishi suddenly turned her head, glaring at Nanao Ise.

Nanao Ise coughed and said, "Since the President brought him here, let's allow him to participate in our meeting. But, who exactly are you?"

Suì-Fēng had already put her honey jar aside and cleared her throat before saying, "He is the Vice-Captain's aide and also the Chief Adjutant of the Onmitsukidō's Patrol Corps."

Nanao Ise nodded and remarked, "I see."

Suì-Fēng looked at Yamahiko with curiosity and asked, "Yachiru said she found you outside, so what brings you to the Kuchiki estate?"

Yamahiko explained Rukia's situation; there was no need to hide anything. He revealed the whole story.

Suì-Fēng, upon hearing this, was somewhat surprised and furrowed her brow as she said, "The Kuchiki family is one of the higher noble families. His actions might be seen as a breach of protocol."

It was more than a breach of protocol; it was a violation of family tradition. That's why Byakuya Kuchiki had sworn at the family's grave that this would be his last transgression.

This was also why he later brought Rukia Kuchiki back and continuously obstructed Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai's rescue efforts.

Nanao Ise concurred, "Indeed, it does seem rash."

The Kuchiki family was a noble family, and Nanao Ise was a descendant of the Ise clan, which made her place great importance on family traditions.

Rangiku Matsumoto, with a smile, commented, "The person who adopted you in Zaraki District is now adopted by the Kuchiki family. That's an interesting turn of events."

Rangiku Matsumoto was born in Rukongai's District, one of the poorest areas. Her journey to becoming a third-seated officer had required immense effort. She believed in the concept of good deeds bringing good fortune and was quite supportive.

Although Suì-Fēng found it inappropriate, she said, "Regardless, this is a good opportunity. Let's hope she doesn't squander it."

Yamahiko replied with a smile, "I believe she won't."

Yachiru Kusajishi waved her hand and said, "Enough of this discussion. Yamahiko, come have some candy."

Yamahiko walked over to Yachiru Kusajishi, picked up a piece of gold candy, and put it in his mouth.

However, before he could finish chewing and swallowing, Yachiru Kusajishi announced, "I declare this meeting of the Shinigami Women's Association over."

Huh? That's it?

The others did not object and began packing up, preparing to leave.

But then Yachiru Kusajishi added, "Next, Yamahiko will treat us to a meal. Everyone is welcome."

Everyone froze for a moment, and Yamahiko looked particularly incredulous. Why do I have to treat you all to a meal?

Rangiku Matsumoto was the first to react. She draped her arm around Yamahiko's shoulder and said, "Yamahiko, let's go to that BBQ restaurant we went to last time."

Captain Suì-Fēng nodded and said, "Indeed, their food is delicious."

Nanao Ise, wearing a smile, added, "Well, this is unexpected. Yamahiko, it's very kind of you to invite us."

Nemu Kurotsuchi bowed to Yamahiko and said, "Then we shall rely on you, Yamahiko-sama."

Vice-Captain Isane Kotetsu raised her hand and said, "Count me in."

Yachiru Kusajishi stared at Yamahiko intently, as if she would get angry if he refused.

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Yamahiko sighed and said, "It would be my honor to treat you all to a meal."

Yachiru Kusajishi immediately jumped down from her chair and shouted, "Let's go, it's time to eat!"

The group left one by one, and Yamahiko patted his pocket, hoping that the money he had with him would be enough.