Wind's Calling

Kasumioji Manor

(Y/n) watched Jushiro outstretch a helping hand to the new captain of squad three, eyeing him closely. "Don't bore a hole into his skull," Soi Feng sniffed.
"He's an absolute stranger to them and I don't think it's going to pan out well," (Y/n) muttered.
"You refused," she shrugged. "It can't be helped." (Y/n) jumped when a hand patted her head, staring at Shunsui nervously.
"You refused a seat," he asked.
"I'm not in a position to take something like that," she replied. Soi Feng rose an eyebrow and leaned closer to her, (Y/n) shifting back a bit.
"If you say so," he hummed.
"(Y/n)," (Y/n) turned to Captain Yamamoto, bowing.
"Captain," she replied.
"How did your report go with Captain Mayuri," he motioned for her to follow, (Y/n) bowing to the other captains before following.
"It took a while but he has as much as I could give him," she replied.
"I see you've become friends with Captain Soi Feng," he nodded.
"She's proven to be a challenge to train with thanks to her experience," (Y/n) rested her hand on her hilt, glancing around a bit.
"Good, you won't be as sore," he chuckled. (Y/n) frowned a bit as she followed him into his office. "There's a family matter I would like you to attend to."
"Oh," (Y/n) blinked and let out a breath. "I forget there are those responsibilities as well."
"I'm suspicious of one of the merchant clan's movements," he nodded. "While it's disagreeable for the guard squads to get involved, nothing says we can't. I'd like you to go see what's really going on."
"You sure, gramps? You know I was never good at these political things," (Y/n) sighed.
"You don't have to say anything," he stated. "Just watching and listening is good enough." (Y/n) nodded and started to open the door, stopping short and closing it completely again.
"Grandfather, what do you think of Shunsui," she asked.
"He needs to start taking the lead more even though he's a good soul reaper. But that's not what you're asking is it," she felt her cheeks heat up as he stared at her back. "You two and Jushiro have been inseparable since you met. I couldn't see you happier with anyone else."
"Is that your permission," (Y/n) asked quietly.
"I didn't say no, did I," he sniffed. (Y/n) nodded and stepped outside, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

She was glad her body didn't forget how to wear one of the fancier kimonos as she stepped into the plaza of the palace. She could already feel that something strange was going on as the rows of men bowing to her kept their eyes in the ground. She fought the urge to touch her hair, the hairstyle making her wish she had just left the locks down but it would have made her look uninterested. "Yamamoto," an older man bowed to her, standing with his hand stretched out to her, "I didn't believe your house would have any interest in these affairs."
"We felt obligated to show," (Y/n) hid her cringe as she placed her hand in his. He looked like a monkey with missing teeth to her. "Forgive me, it's been ages since I've worn my family's colors."
"Lord Gyokaku Kumoi," he introduced himself, the pride leaking from every pore in his skin. "We have prepared a room for you within the manor. We hope you enjoy."
"I was under the impression the Kasumioji heir would greet me instead of a vassal," she watched him flinch and rose her eyebrow after kissing her hand.
"She is currently feeling ill and is in bed resting," he hummed the response and (Y/n) sniffed. She didn't like how his presence felt and couldn't help by subtly wipe her hand on her sleeve from his touch. Those around him seemed to keep their heads bowed in fear, the behavior a red flag.
"My condolences then," she walked past him, looking about the manor. It was too perfect, too orderly and she could see why her grandfather had sent her. "I'm afraid I won't be staying under the Kasumioji roof, however. I do have work, after all." Kumoi hurried to her side, his hands behind his back as he walked with her.
"Quite understandable, madam," he nodded. He studied her and her surroundings with a curious eye and she grit her teeth. She had refused servants and a palanquin, preferring to walk to the manor herself and he was obviously taking not of that. "You came alone?"
"A lack of etiquette, I know," she forced a smile to her face, "However, since I felt I was being rude refusing the shelter from such a gracious host, I wished to extend the opportunity for the Kasumioji clan to extend their generosity in other ways." He thought for a moment, looking ahead before nodding with an innocent smile.
"How thoughtful of you," he nodded. "I just expected such a distinguishable lady to have some form of security about her."
"Do I seem a fighter to you, Lord Kumoi," she hummed. "I didn't think I gave off such an unladylike presence." He wasn't going to win and she could see he knew that when his mouth twitched.
"Your family are distinguished soul reapers," he chuckled lightly. "Though we thank you for the opportunities you present." There was a presence near him, one that was subtle and it made (Y/n)'s skin crawl. "May I inquire about your work? It's intriguing information since you just returned not to long ago to the soul society."
It was her turn to give a small flinch. It was eerie just what information he had and he was letting her peek at his cards.
"It was a form of research I got too caught up in," she laughed quietly. "I wanted to assist my grandfather in his work even if it was indirect. I'm developing a more advanced technology to sense when hollows are traveling from their wretched home into the world of the living. It's nothing like the gates we use."
"A respectable goal," he hummed. He turned a bit as they approached a set of double sliders with a nod, "Please, visit with the other vassals. I must attend her the heiress for a time."
"I hope she gets better," (Y/n) gave a small bow, walking up through the opening sliders before turning. "And Lord Kumoi?"
"Yes madam," he turned a bit to (Y/n), his smile faltering the slightest bit as he met her eye.
"Tell that man he doesn't need to hide while I'm around. It's quite," she pretended to mull the words in her mind, watching his eyes widen and his body stiffen, "Distracting."