“Did you hear? The King has a talking cat by his side!”
“A talking cat? That’s impossible.”
“It’s true! Many people have seen it with their own eyes!”
“The King’s charm is truly immense, even attracting such a spiritual being.”
“A talking cat must be a divine omen, a blessing for our King.”
Similar words spread throughout Inuzuri, gradually evolving into legends.
In front of the nearly completed palace in Kuro no Machi, Yoruichi Shihōin lay lazily on the armrest of Gilgamesh’s golden throne, yawning and flicking her tail. Nearby, Renji Abarai enthusiastically recounted the rumors and legends to her.
At first, Yoruichi was surprised to hear legends about herself. She hadn’t expected to become a divine omen or even the mascot of the new kingdom. Everyone who saw her would smile kindly, and some even respectfully called her “Mr. Black Cat.” This title first came from Renji’s mouth.
However, as the legends grew more exaggerated, Yoruichi became numb to them. Now, listening to Renji’s increasingly exaggerated stories, she couldn’t take it anymore, feeling a tingling sensation on her scalp. She quickly interrupted, “Stop, stop, no more.”
Renji, who had been speaking passionately, felt stifled by the abrupt interruption and didn’t understand Yoruichi’s reaction. Being praised was something to be proud of, after all.
At that moment, Rukia came running, slightly out of breath, “Renji, Gilgamesh plans to visit District 79, Takoemi. Do you want to come along?”
Renji, surprised for a moment, responded without hesitation, “Of course.”
Gilgamesh aimed to establish a kingdom encompassing the entire Rukongai, which naturally meant expanding territory. With Inuzuri stabilized, it made sense to scout nearby districts. Renji didn’t question why Gilgamesh chose District 79 instead of 77. As a King, Gilgamesh had his reasons. Renji’s role was to follow, regardless of the dangers ahead.
Before Renji and Rukia could speak, Yoruichi lightly jumped onto Rukia’s head, finding a comfortable spot to lie down. She then said, “Let’s go, don’t keep him waiting.”
Renji and Rukia, accustomed to this, headed straight for Gilgamesh’s location.
They soon saw Gilgamesh, standing with his back to them, gazing at the forest separating Districts 78 and 79. The forest, home to fierce beasts and hidden dangers like the criminals fleeing from District 79, was a perilous place.
During her time in Inuzuri, Yoruichi had learned about its dangers. She saw this as an opportunity to gauge Gilgamesh’s abilities, unaware that he had already subdued Ōmaeda Marechiyo. Even Ōmaeda Kenpachi was unaware, as Marechiyo felt too ashamed to share his defeat by failing to breach the Vimana’s defenses.
Confident in her presence, Yoruichi believed Gilgamesh wouldn’t be in mortal danger. Her thoughts, however, were already seen through by Gilgamesh, who had orchestrated everything to conquer her step by step.
As they approached, Yoruichi habitually leaped from Rukia’s head into Gilgamesh’s arms. Gilgamesh, skilled at holding her, began gently stroking her head, eliciting a contented purr.
Renji and Rukia, though used to this interaction, still felt envious. Renji longed to pet the cat, having attempted and failed multiple times, always ending up injured. He couldn’t understand how his flawless attempts always failed.
Rukia, on the other hand, envied Yoruichi. If she could become a cat and enjoy Gilgamesh’s touch daily, she would be overjoyed, her thoughts both expectant and bashful.
Gilgamesh then said, “Let’s go.”
Comfortably enjoying herself, Yoruichi tensed slightly, thinking, ‘Show me your abilities.’
After a moment, seeing no movement towards the forest, Yoruichi was puzzled. What were they waiting for?
Noticing Renji and Rukia looking behind Gilgamesh, and unable to see from her position, Yoruichi curiously jumped to Gilgamesh’s shoulder to look back.
Her feline face displayed shock and disbelief as she saw golden ripples in the air, revealing the Vimana, the King’s Aerial Throne, emerging gracefully. The perfect vessel of gold and emerald, Yoruichi was stunned, feeling like she was in a dream.
Coming from a high-ranking noble family, Yoruichi was accustomed to luxury, her tastes refined. Yet, she couldn’t describe the Vimana, feeling it belonged to myth, not reality.
‘What is this? A Zanpakutō? But why can’t I sense any spiritual pressure? Is it a divine artifact? Who could create such a flawless artifact?’
One question after another filled Yoruichi’s mind.
As the Vimana took off, she couldn’t help but think of her family’s unique artifact, the Tenchuren.
The comparison was disheartening. At that moment, she wanted to exclaim, “What garbage is the Tenchuren?”
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