The tea break continued in Unohana's office.
Unohana looked at Maki and asked softly, "Anata, what about a duel again?"
Maki glanced at her. "You mean like the sword fight we had?"
"Yes," Unohana replied, clearly invested in the topic.
Rangiku, who had no idea about Unohana's true identity, only knew that Unohana was an expert when it came to healing. After all, she was one of the top medical teachers at UA.
Then Rangiku heard the man's deep voice. "I'm actually not that good at sword duels."
Unohana raised an eyebrow. "Then why don't I teach you, Anata~?"
Her voice carried a seductive charm. She clearly wanted to enjoy herself while teaching him.
Before anything more could be said, Yoruichi's male cat voice interrupted them. "That's no good, Unohana. The meeting is about to start."
All three glanced at the clock hanging above the window. It was already 13:27. The meeting would start exactly at 14:00, and they were expected to arrive early.
"We can continue later, once you're officially enrolled here," Unohana said with a small smile.
Rangiku stared at the two of them. Using her elbow, she nudged Isane. Isane turned her head slightly.
"Why?" Isane whispered.
"Don't 'why' me," Rangiku whispered back. "Explain what's going on. Who is that man?"
Isane looked at her mother and the man who were casually discussing what sounded dangerously close to future marriage plans—no, duels. She could see clearly that her mother cared deeply for him. A soft smile formed on her lips.
"Well… it's a long story," Isane replied.
"Who cares about that?" Rangiku whispered urgently. "I need the information now."
Rangiku could see how close they were. Unohana-sensei was clearly into him. That alone was shocking. Many men had come to UA, bringing expensive gifts and trying to win Unohana's attention. Everyone knew that. But this? This was completely different.
Isane simply shook her head. What could she say? They had fought to the death once… and somehow ended up in love. That was the truth.
While Rangiku tried to piece everything together, Unohana listened intently as Maki explained how his sword worked. She smiled, occasionally asking thoughtful questions. Maki answered each one calmly.
Yoruichi finished the coffee in her bowl.
Time passed. It was now 13:48.
A knock sounded at Unohana's office door. As usual, Isane pressed the remote, and the sliding door opened.
Mabui stood there, holding a green folder.
She noticed the four people gathered around Unohana-sensei. Her eyes briefly landed on the hooded man speaking to Unohana.
She walked forward. "Unohana-sensei, the file is here."
Unohana turned to her. "Thank you, Mabui."
Mabui placed the folder on Unohana's computer desk.
"Should we go together?" Mabui asked. "The meeting is about to start."
Unohana looked at Maki. "What about you?"
"I'll stay. I'll wait for Nemuri."
The moment Nemuri's name left his lips.
In the sliding door that was still opened two ladies entered.
"Husband, we're here," Mei said.
"Honey, I'm here," Nemuri said at the same time.
They both froze, glaring at each other in irritation.
Before their usual catfight could erupt, Mabui stepped in. "We should head out. It's almost two."
They both scoffed but restrained themselves.
Unohana stood up from the sofa. Before leaving, she leaned down and pecked Maki's lips. Then, with deliberate boldness, she bit his lower lip lightly, leaving a faint scratch.
"You're getting tougher, Anata," she teased.
The gathered women paused and stared.
Nemuri and Mei immediately stopped glaring at each other and rushed to Maki's side. Not wanting to lose, they each kissed one of his cheeks.
"Wait for me, okay?" they said in unison—then glared at each other again.
Mabui shook her head at the indecent display. "Come on. We need to hurry."
Before leaving, Nemuri and Mei turned to Rangiku and Isane, who were watching with wide eyes.
"Take care of him while we're gone," they warned. "Don't let other women get close."
Then they followed Mabui out. Unohana and Yoruichi were already outside waiting.
The five teachers walked toward the elevator and headed to the meeting floor, leaving Rangiku and Isane stunned.
Maki simply tilted his head in confusion.
"Why do they always bite my lips?" he muttered to himself.
Isane understood more than she let on. She could process what had just happened.
But for Rangiku, it was different.
In her mind, questions spiraled.
It wasn't just Unohana-sensei. Even Midnight and Princess Mei. Just who the hell was this man?
This was high-class gossip inside UA, and she was fully invested now.
Her eyes landed on Maki, who was still sitting there, gazing toward the open sliding door.
Without wasting a moment, she coughed loudly to grab his attention.
Only Isane turned to look at her.
The man didn't react. He continued staring outside.
Rangiku's mouth twitched slightly. She was being ignored.
Finally, he slowly turned his head toward them.
She still couldn't see his full face under the hood, but his lips showed no reaction.
Rangiku had noticed something from the beginning.
This man had never once looked at her properly.
She knew her allure. She was proud of it. She had used it to distract opponents and tease others countless times. Naturally, most men would stare—from her face down to her curves.
But this man? He showed no interest at all.
He wasn't that type.
"Well," she thought to herself, "it's not like this is the first time I've met someone like that."
But still… it bothered her.
( *´д)/(´д｀､)AM N. NOT.