Chapter Sixty-Four: What’s Going On?

The next day, at the Yasuda residence.

“Please have some tea.”

Kazumoto Anba placed the tray on the tatami, serving tea to the four of them.

If the rest of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads could see this, their eyes would undoubtedly pop out in shock. The esteemed Captain of Squad Twelve, behaving like a servant, pouring tea for others—if the squad members saw this, they would be moved to tears. How humiliating!

“Ah, it’s been a while, Anba.”

“You as well, Sakube.”

A month ago, just after the battle with the Quincy had concluded, Kazumoto Anba had requested to leave the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Yet, since Chojiro was only serving as acting Head Captain at the time, and there were no established procedures for resignation, and Central Forty-Six was unmoved by Chojiro’s efforts, Anba and Chojiro discussed matters and simply appointed a new acting Lieutenant for Squad Twelve. The new Lieutenant took over the burdens of the departing Valkyrie, while Anba and the Valkyrie both left, returning to the Yasuda residence.

In other words, he washed his hands of all responsibility.

A sharp clap sounded.

As a steward, Kazumoto Anba performed his duties impeccably. Knowing the guests were here at his master’s invitation, even if they were old colleagues, Anba quietly withdrew from the receiving room.

“Shall we begin, Lord Yasuda?”

“Of course, I’ve been waiting.”

“Wait a moment!”

Suddenly interjecting in the odd exchange between Shigekuni Yamamoto and Motshizuka Yasuda, Chojiro interrupted.

“What’s going on here? You two are saying things that make no sense to us. Isn’t that right, Captain Unohana?”

Seated quietly beside Motshizuka Yasuda, Yachiru Unohana glanced at Chojiro, then closed her eyes without a word.

Ignoring me?

A wave of indescribable sorrow washed over Chojiro’s heart.

After more than a month of effort, had he still failed to win the beauty’s heart?

A crushing defeat…

“You’re being very rude, Chojiro. This is Lord Yasuda’s home,” Yamamoto scolded, a hint of displeasure in his voice.

“Haha, it’s fine, Yamamoto. If he’s too formal, it’ll just make things awkward,” Motshizuka Yasuda laughed heartily, waving off the matter.

“By the way, did you ask about it, Lord Yasuda?”

“Of course, we discussed it last night. He has no objections.”

“I haven’t said a word on my side…” Yamamoto replied with a wry smile.

“What? I thought we agreed yesterday…”

“How was I supposed to bring it up, Lord Yasuda?”

“Well… that’s true…”

Listening to this baffling conversation, Chojiro felt a sharp headache.

“If there’s nothing for me here, I’ll take my leave…”

Please, just let me go! If I stay any longer, I’ll start doubting whether I’ve crossed into another world! Why can’t I understand a single word of this Japanese?

“Wait, wait!” This time, Motshizuka Yasuda seemed a bit flustered, quickly stopping Chojiro.

“Ahem, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Chojiro cocked his head and listened attentively. Having the former Head Captain consult him was something he could brag about for years.

“What do you think of Yachiru?”

“Mm, quite cute—delicate and gentle, a classic little loli… Huh?”

His answer had flowed naturally, but suddenly something felt very wrong.

“…Which Yachiru are you talking about?”

“Which? Is there a second Yachiru in front of you?”

“Let me see…”

Chojiro carefully studied the people before him.

As for Yachiru—there was the current first Kenpachi, Captain of Squad Four, and—

Hmm? No one else?

Right, come to think of it, Yachiru Kusajishi only appears several thousand years later. So it was just my mistake. Haha… ha… Ha?

Wait, hold on!

What exactly did Lord Yasuda just ask?

Did I just hear something odd?

“Sorry… what was your first question again?”

“What do you think of Yachiru, boy?”

…Is this a joke? What’s with this melodramatic, cliché romance plot twist? Are you calling my life soap opera fodder? Or am I about to be caught up in one myself?

‘Of course you are! And your ability to snark has improved, Chojiro.’

Shut up, Inner Me! This is not the time to butt in! Wait, I haven’t even broken your seal yet—how do you know what’s happening outside?

‘It’s just a feeling.’

Feeling, my foot! The whole lot of you are just figments of my imagination!

Wait, calm down.

So, “what do you think” probably means “do you like her,” right? Does this mean I have a chance to marry Unohana? Does this mean I can win the cool beauty without any effort and then… all kinds of scenarios…

“Hey, Chojiro, that’s very rude—are you drooling?” Yamamoto smacked Chojiro on the back of his head, snapping him out of his daydream.

“Ahem…”

Chojiro tried to cover up his embarrassment with a cough, failing to hide his self-satisfaction.

“Yes, I’m very satisfied, Lord Yasuda.”

“…”
“…”
“…”

What was with that smug look just now? And what kind of bizarre answer was that? All I asked was how you felt, and you went straight to agreeing? Even if you can predict the future, there should be a limit! At least let others finish their sentences!

“Ahem.” Motshizuka Yasuda, a seasoned veteran of political intrigue, quickly recovered and coughed to ease the awkwardness in the room.

“Good, since you’re satisfied, let’s settle it. Yachiru agrees as well.”

Thud.

He felt his heart skip a heavy beat.

Captain Unohana agreed? What kind of joke was this? How could that be? Was he just saying that to comfort me?

“Chojiro, are you willing to take Yachiru as your wife?”

Th-thump, th-thump!

Even though he’d prepared himself, hearing those words made his heart pound uncontrollably, as if it would leap from his chest.

“I…”

Chojiro opened his mouth, glancing at Unohana, who sat serenely with eyes closed, as if none of this concerned her.

“I…”

Say it! Just a few words, and the woman you’ve been chasing after will be yours!

Chojiro’s mouth went dry.

Just a few simple words, yet he couldn’t force them out.

Motshizuka Yasuda and Shigekuni Yamamoto both fixed their gazes on Chojiro, awaiting the answer they hoped for.

“I…”