263 A request

(3rd's pov)

Akio is the middle child of the Yuuki family. He may be called many things, heartless, traitor, naive, foolish even, but one thing was for certain, he loved his mother above all else. That's why even after he moved out and joined the 5th Division, he met up with her sometimes to check up on her. He did the same with his siblings, but more seldom for the sole reason that they were on their father's side, which would mean that he didn't reveal himself to them just yet.

They were safe for now, but that was one more reason to become stronger and fast at that. He was glad that he listened to Aizen and went along with the plan to blame Urahara for the Visard incident. That way, Yoruichi would help him and would be forced into the living world, away from his father. Akio would apologize to them at a later date when he would deal with Ryoto, but at the moment, he was content with them just being safe.

(E/D: Typical middle child that needs to be humbled.)

Right now, Akio was together with Isane, his mother.

"Are you eating well? You seem thinner." Isane asked, seeing her son first time in some time. Hearing her worry, Akio smiled. Knowing that she was concerned about his health somehow made him feel that what he does is worth it.

"Don't worry, mom. I was busy as of late and focused my all on the project I was working on, but I'm going to take care of myself."

Isane smiled softly.

"You remind me of Urahara-san when you bury yourself in your work like that. I wasn't that close with him, but Ryoto was."

Hearing his father's name, the mood became sour instantly, and it was very visible to his mother.

"Akio," She called softly. "I don't know what you think about your dad, but he worries about you too."

Akio didn't want to hear yet another person try to defend the man he hated, but for his mother's sake, he shoved his opinion and didn't say anything. He didn't wish to fight with her because of him.

But all in all, it was good to see his mother in good health...

(Ryoto's pov)

I was walking back and forth in my office. I was bored but not bored enough to start working. Soi Fon will sort these papers out later. She is a good girl and is getting stronger. Maybe that's why my thoughts were drifting to strange places inside my mind.

Right now, for example, I'm thinking if I'll ever grow a beard. Almost 200 years have passed, and no hair is to be found on my face. Will I always be a hairless monkey? Will I ever be able to rock the beard like Yama-jii? I certainly hope so.

(E/D: How about a mustache. India has the best mustache. You can't change my mind.)

Thankfully, there is still hope. My body is still of someone who is in his early 20s, so there is a possibility that I'll grow some hair in the future.

I wanted to rub my freshly shaved face on someone's other face, but this dream will have to wait if it will ever become a reality.

Changing my thoughts completely to something more serious. I'm glad that Akio is in great health. As much as I would like to grab and pull him away from Aizen, it would be difficult with Kyoka Suigetsu over my son's head, controlling his senses. For all I know, it's the reason for his resentment towards me.

I hate this 4D chess bullshit. I may have spies in the 5th Division, but I don't know how much I can trust their reports. I need to double-check everything myself. While I suspect that he can control my other senses, he can't do anything about my eyes.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose.

Little over half a century, and I will be able to finally take a break. I doubt anything that will come my way there will be worse than decades of stressing about my and my family's life. I also miss Rito, Mikan, Lala, Karen, and the others, but at the same time, I want to procrastinate that meeting for a long time for obvious reasons. I just know that Lala will know something is off the moment she sees me. Mikan, maybe, not Rito, though. Sorry Rito, but you aren't the sharpest cookie in the jar.

I can just picture how awkward the conversation will be. It's not something I look forward to.

On the other hand, should I get rid of the glasses? I mean, I have them only for two reasons. To mess with people and in spite of Aizen. He can't think that he is the only one with the fake glasses.

"Dad!"

I turned my head towards the source of the voice.

The door to my office opened suddenly, revealing my oldest son, Masaru. He stopped in his tracks to look at me.

"Dad... Why are you standing on the ceiling?"

I tilted my head in confusion, and then I remembered.

I jumped down.

"Sorry, Masaru. It helps me clear my head, and since I didn't have anything better to do, I went deep into my psyche."

Masaru took a look at the mountain of documents on my desk for a moment, and his eyes returned to me shortly after.

I didn't break eye contact.

"... I see. Then why is your upper body without any clothes?"

"It's more comfortable that way." I answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Masaru decided not to question me any further as he probably concluded that it wasn't worth it.

"Dad, can you spar with me?"

I raised my eyebrow.

I didn't expect Masaru to ask me that. We don't train together as much as before. Sometimes, I give out a pointer or two, but my children train on their own most of the time.

On the one hand, I'm proud of them for being independent, but on the other, it's sad to see them not needing me as much. I guess it's just a part of being a parent.

"Not that I mind, but can I ask what brought that up?"

"I want to see how far I am from my goal." My son answered with a look full of determination.

"I see." I smiled. "We can go to our usual training spot. I'll just call someone to oversee my work."

I snapped my fingers, awaiting my vice-captain. Instead of practically appearing out of thin air next to Masaru, already on one knee like a ninja, Soi Fon used the door like a normal person looking annoyed.

"Soi Fon, my dear! What were we talking about you arriving? We could even cut out the kneeling part."

I accused Soi Fon of not going along with my fun, and having a personal ninja is fun, at least in my opinion. At least showcasing said ninja to other people.

"Captain, I already said that I'm not doing something like that without any reason, and your entertainment isn't a good reason."

I would argue...

"Not to mention, I already told you to wear your uniform when you work in the office. No one in our Squad wants to see your figure without clothes. On behalf of all the members, I would like to humbly ask you to spare us this horror."

Soi Fon tried to sound as professional as possible, while in fact, she was insulting me. I was feeling almost proud. Her pride doesn't allow her to be outright rude to her supervisor, but she found a way around it. Although if I annoy her enough, she will revert to her usual self.

Before I could say why I called her, she turned to Masaru and bowed slightly.

"Good to see you in good health, Masaru-san."

"Same, Soi Fon. Although I would prefer it if you weren't so formal with me. We are no strangers."

Don't say 'to love', don't say 'to love'. Be strong, Ryoto. There will be better opportunities in the future.

"I must decline. Yoruichi-sama sees you as her own son, and as such, I can't show you any disrespect. Even if you are the son of my sorry excuse of a Captain."

At the sharp tongue of my lieutenant, Masaru smiled wryly.

I cleared my throat, catching the attention of the two younglings.

"I'm happy seeing both of you getting along, but I called you here, Soi Fon, for a reason. I need you to get all these documents done while I'm out."

"Why should I do it? That's your responsibility."

I pointed to myself. "I, Captain." Then I pointed to her. "You, lieutenant."

At my very highly intelligent rebuke, Soi Fon stared blankly at me and then slowly walked up to me until our bodies almost touched each other. She looked up to meet my face, and I stared back. This staredown lasted a few seconds until she drew her sword at me, which I easily blocked with mine.

I grinned.

"Nice speed, but it was too predictable. 6/10, better luck next time."

"Tsk. You don't need to tell me that. Just wanted to see if you had gotten rusty. It would be disappointing if it had worked. Now go, do whatever you want." Soi Fon growled at me but still went towards papers and started doing her/my job.

Just like that, I was able to free some time to spend it with my son.

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END

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