Inside the Second Division Captain's office, the scent of incense intertwined with the fresh fragrance of greenery wafting from the courtyard outside.
Shihoin Yoruichi reclined lazily in her oversized captain's chair. Her languid gaze occasionally drifted over Soi Fon, who stood perfectly upright while reporting on recent divisional affairs.
"That concludes the summary of mission completion statuses for each squad this month, along with the preliminary deployment suggestions for the next."
Soi Fon's voice was crisp and professional, as precise and efficient as ever.
However, as she finished her report and waited for Yoruichi's instructions, her eyes inadvertently drifted for a moment, as if she were lost in thought.
Yoruichi's gaze sharpened slightly, a flicker of amusement crossing her eyes.
This was the third time in the past few days she had caught Soi Fon in such a distracted state.
In Yoruichi's memory, Soi Fon had always been the subordinate who focused all her attention on her missions and duties, demanding nothing less than perfection from herself.
Such a subtle lapse in concentration was rare indeed.
"Soi Fon."
Yoruichi spoke, her voice carrying its usual magnetic quality.
At the sound of her name, Soi Fon snapped out of her daze, her eyes refocusing instantly.
"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."
Instead of giving an order, Yoruichi sat up slightly and studied Soi Fon with interest.
Her gaze swept from the other woman's immaculate short black hair down to her cheeks, which seemed a bit rosier than usual, and finally to her shoulders, which were held straight but with a hint of unnatural tension.
"Have you been feeling a bit tired lately?"
Yoruichi's tone sounded casual, but her eyes were full of insight.
Soi Fon's eyelashes fluttered slightly as her heart tightened.
'Did Lady Yoruichi notice something?'
For some reason, she didn't want Lady Yoruichi to find out about her private nighttime training sessions with Hasumi Ren.
"No, I am in excellent condition. It might just be..."
She paused, searching for a plausible excuse.
"Perhaps it is because I have been adjusting the training protocols recently. Some details require careful deliberation, which causes me to be momentarily distracted."
"I apologize for causing you concern, Lady Yoruichi."
As she bowed her head, her mind uncontrollably flashed back to the training ground—the warm sensation of his palm when he drew close with focus, and the ridiculous flutter her heart had felt in that moment.
"Oh...?"
Yoruichi took in every detail of Soi Fon's subtle expressions, her lips curving into an amused smile.
"Don't push yourself too hard. Take a break when you need one."
Yoruichi laughed heartily, her tone light as she naturally moved the conversation along.
"By the way, the reserve squad submitted an evaluation and a status report regarding Hasumi Ren."
Soi Fon's heart skipped a beat when she heard Hasumi Ren's name from Yoruichi's lips, but she let out a quiet sigh of relief as the sentence continued.
'That was close. I thought she was going to bring up something else...'
Yoruichi pulled a report from the desk.
"Given the combat ability, growth rate, and adaptability to the Punishment Force's fighting style that Hasumi Ren has displayed, there is no longer any need for him to remain in the reserves. The recommendation is to induct him into the regular ranks ahead of schedule and assign him to squad missions."
Soi Fon's gaze landed on the report in Yoruichi's hand.
Soi Fon knew full well that Hasumi Ren's strength had long since surpassed the level of the reserves—it even exceeded that of an average regular member of the Punishment Force.
Within any other division, Ren's current strength would be enough to earn him a high-ranking seated position.
Over the past few days of their shared training, his power had continued to climb steadily.
Setting aside his somewhat low spiritual pressure, the skill and power he displayed in Hakuda were already nearing the level of a lieutenant.
"So, what are your intentions?"
Soi Fon asked cautiously.
"I am still considering where exactly to assign him once he joins the regular ranks."
Yoruichi looked up, her golden eyes meeting Soi Fon's with a faint, inscrutable smile.
"You are the elite of the direct guard, and the squads under your command are top-tier. Given his potential, it might be a waste to throw him into an ordinary unit."
"What do you think about having him join your direct squad?"
Soi Fon was momentarily stunned.
Have Hasumi Ren join her direct squad?
This meant that he would no longer be a trainee she had to find time to visit in private; instead, he would officially become her subordinate, under her daily supervision and in her presence constantly.
They would go on missions together and train together. Their worlds would be consolidated into the same intimate circle.
The realization made her mind go blank for a split second.
"This..."
Soi Fon opened her mouth. Usually decisive in all things, she now found herself hesitating.
Logic told her this was the correct arrangement given Ren's potential and Lady Yoruichi's interest.
Yet, for some reason, the prospect left her feeling a strange sense of helplessness.
Yoruichi saw Soi Fon's momentary hesitation clearly, and the amusement in her eyes deepened.
"What is it? Is there a problem? Or do you think his abilities aren't up to the standard of your direct squad?"
"No, that's not it at all."
Soi Fon denied it immediately, her voice half a pitch higher than usual. Realizing her loss of composure, she forced herself to calm down.
Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her internal turmoil and regained the poise expected of a lieutenant.
"I will follow whatever orders you give, Lady Yoruichi. I... have no objections."
"Oh, really?"
Yoruichi drew out her words, then suddenly shifted the topic, her smile as sly as a cat that had just stolen a treat.
"You and that boy have been getting so close lately. I thought you'd be happy to hear this news."
"!!!"
It felt as if something had exploded in Soi Fon's head.
Her pale face flushed a deep crimson instantly, the color spreading all the way down to her neck.
She jerked her head up, her eyes filled with the panic and embarrassment of having her secrets laid bare.
"L-Lady Yoruichi, it's not like that!"
"I only conducted private training with him out of consideration for developing a subordinate's potential and to refine combat techniques! Beyond that, there is absolutely nothing else!"
She explained at breakneck speed, her hands waving around reflexively.
Seeing Soi Fon's red-faced desperation to explain herself, Yoruichi finally couldn't help but burst into a bright, cheerful laugh.
"Alright, alright, I get it. I didn't say anything else, did I?"
Yoruichi waved her hand dismissively, her eyes brimming with mischief.
"Just training. I understand completely."
Soi Fon knew that Yoruichi didn't believe her at all, but she couldn't explain further. She could only press her lips together in flustered annoyance and lower her head, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.
Simultaneously, she mentally interrogated that oblivious man over and over for getting her into this mess.
"Alright, Soi Fon, it's settled then."
Having teased her enough, Yoruichi finally pulled back her smile, though the mirth still lingered in her eyes.
She slapped her hand onto the report.
"Hasumi Ren is officially transferred to your direct squad. He will be registered within the Second Division and serve as a regular member of the Punishment Force. His specific tasks will be assigned directly by you."
Yoruichi resumed her captain's tone, her expression growing more serious.
"Coincidentally, a piece of intel just came in from the Tenth Division."
"There have been signs of Soul Reapers disappearing abnormally near District 32 of West Rukongai. The Second Division is requested to assist in scouting and assessing the threat level."
Yoruichi looked at Soi Fon.
"I'll have you take Hasumi Ren and two veteran members for this mission."
"Consider it his first official mission since joining the ranks. It'll also get him familiar with the Onmitsukido's scouting procedures and style."
Though her heart was in a whirl, Soi Fon immediately suppressed her emotions in the face of duty and straightened her back.
"Understood."
Yoruichi thought for a moment and added.
"The appointment notice will be issued today. Tomorrow morning, take Hasumi Ren through the internal mission protocols, and you'll head out in the afternoon."
"There are still uncertainties regarding this mission, so be cautious. The focus is on reconnaissance and assessment. If anything unusual happens, report back immediately. Do not act rashly."
"That is all. Dismissed."
Yoruichi waved her off.
Soi Fon gave a slight nod, performed a formal salute, and quickly exited the office.
##Discount##
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