As The Mizukage, Having a Zanpakuto Is Reasonable, Right?

Although everyone wanted Sora as their guest, he wasn't blind or stupid. He could see their ulterior motives.

So, he declined them all.

After all, while humans might have perpetual mating seasons, that didn't mean he was indiscriminate.

Without special status like Unohana or Rukia, he wasn't interested.

Besides, Sora had a sense of responsibility. He wouldn't just have an encounter and forget it the next day.

What would be the difference between that and a fling?

Ultimately, Sora chose the Kuchiki Residence.

Rukia, dressed in a kimono, greeted him.

Though she was still the same, her hairstyle and the minor enhancements from the Hogyoku made her look quite different.

"Welcome, Soul King-sama!"

Rukia greeted him with a formal bow.

"Why so formal? Seeing you like this, I'd forget how you snatched my soda in the Living World."

"Alright, get up!" Sora helped Rukia up.

Rukia's personality made her more of a 'bro' than a girlfriend or wife. And her 'bro' didn't have any distracting features.

A relatively safe 'bro'.

When he gamed with Rukia, he enjoyed the experience of gaming with a 'bro'.

Sometimes she was even more aggressive than him.

"..."

Seeing this, Rukia gave a small, prideful hum and glanced at Byakuya.

Her message was clear: 'See? I told you this formality wasn't necessary.'

Byakuya: "..."

'Fine, the favored could be willful. I understood now.'

'But being favored was an advantage. If Rukia could leverage it, that would be even better.'

Thus, Sora settled into the Kuchiki Residence.

He visited the 12th Division, discussing artificial souls with Mayuri. He visited the 11th Division to see Yachiru.

Kyoraku tried to invite him to experience the 'establishments', but Sora declined. He had no need for that.

Mostly, Sora spent time in the 12th Division, occasionally the 2nd Division.

Not for any particular reason, but because Sui-Feng was amusing.

He ignored Aizen. If Aizen didn't seek him out, Sora wouldn't bother.

Apparently, Aizen's relationship with Momo was progressing rapidly, nearing marriage. Sora even saw a glum Toshiro drowning his sorrows at a Captains' gathering.

Sora found this amusing but couldn't comment.

Some women naturally preferred mature, sophisticated men.

Younger men had their appeal, but often weren't chosen.

Toshiro was in that boat.

But Sora wasn't worried. Toshiro was handsome now and would be a handsome, tall adult later.

He wouldn't lack for romantic interest. Momo was simply a lesson.

Finally, after Sora had grown quite familiar with the Gotei 13, the Zero Division arrived.

Boom—

A cannon from the Soul King Palace landed.

Creak!

The cannon's doors opened, and a large monk led the way out.

"Yo, everyone! Long time no see, Yama. Isn't it about time you retired and joined our Zero Division?"

Hyosube Ichibe'e greeted everyone.

"Hmph, I'm still a thousand years from retirement. Why would I join the Zero Division now?" Yamamoto snorted.

But their words shocked the others.

"Join the Zero Division!!?" Toshiro asked in shock. "I thought entering the Zero Division required..."

"Requires a contribution to the Soul Society, right!!?" Ichibe'e interrupted with a smile.

"Actually, that's not entirely true. If someone is exceptionally strong, we also invite them. Like the 11th Division's Captain two hundred years ago. His Bankai was very special!"

"Unfortunately, he died in a battle, refusing to use his Bankai. We lost a great asset!"

"But if Yama joined, it would be different. Our front-line strength would significantly increase!"

Ichibe'e explained, then looked at Yamamoto: "So, what do you say, Yama brat? You're already old. Consider it!"