Ye Yang's Departure

"However..." Ye Yang asked again, "What do you intend for me to do? The charge of failing to report something isn't exactly light, but it's not heavy either. What are you planning to do?"

Yamamoto had already decided. "Exile them to the Expeditionary Force!"

"Expeditionary Force? To the Hueco Mundo?" Ye Yang asked in surprise.

Yamamoto squinted. "Yes, go to Hueco Mundo! This is definitely a severe punishment for concealing information and covering up a crime. I doubt the Central 46 can say anything. Besides, once you go to Hueco Mundo and join the Expeditionary Force, you'll be a soldier fighting on the front lines. The Central 46 won't be able to investigate this matter anymore. Moreover, the mortality rate in Hueco Mundo is extremely high. They might even think you'll die Hueco Mundo. What's the point of investigating then? I believe that with your strength, you shouldn't have any problem surviving in Hueco Mundo."

Ye Yang pondered for a moment and asked, "But what will happen to my family if I go to Hueco Mundo?"

"Hmph! If these things are discovered here, your Shihoin Clan will face a devastating blow. Trading decades for future peace, isn't that a worthwhile trade?" Yamamoto remained calm and patiently awaited Ye Yang's reply.

Actually, Ye Yang n't too worried about going to Hueco Mundo. With his Hueco Mundo, he believed he would be safe as long as he didn't encounter the Vasto Lordes ' attack. Besides, his Ye Yang was a spatial Zanpakuto, making escape easy. However, Ye Yang 'Ye Yang only worry was Soi Fon. Soi Fon hadn't yet recovered from the trauma of Yoruichi's departure. What would happen to her if he left too? Would she hate him?

At this moment, Yamamoto spoke again, "I can assure you that during the time you are away, no one will be able to harm the Shihoin Clan." After saying this, he began to drink his tea again.

"But..." Ye Yang hesitated, then Yamamoto said, "But what? Tell me, and I can solve it for you."

Ye Yang thought for a moment and then brought up Soi Fon's matter, but Yamamoto just snorted coldly, "If a fledgling is not released, it will always be a fledgling. Can you protect her under your wings forever?"

Ye Yang was jolted. Yes, could he protect her under his wing forever? He had always pampered her, caring for her when she was hurt, and always being the first to help her when she encountered trouble on missions. This had almost made Soi Fon develop a habit of depending on Ye Yang, and he feared that this would bury Soi Fon's potential in the long run. Yamamoto immediately pointed out the crux of the problem. It wasn't that he was particularly shrewd, but rather that Ye Yang was blinded by his own involvement.

Having thought all this through, Ye Yang agreed without hesitation, "When do we set off? How long will it take?"

"If possible, let's do it tomorrow. After all, things can change overnight. If they find out something, it'll be troublesome. The timeframe is fifty years! I hope you return as scheduled."

Ye Yang was surprised. "Fifty years? Isn't that too long?"

"No, the timing is just right. Fifty years is enough time for everyone to forget," Yamamoto said slowly.

Finally, Ye Yang nodded. "Alright, fifty years it is! I'll leave tomorrow. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Um"

On his way back, Ye Yang was thinking about how to explain things to Soi Fon. After all, this matter was beyond Ye Yang's expectations. He didn't know how to tell Ye Yang Soi Fon after leaving Soul Society without hurting her Soi Fon.

In the end, he decided to talk to her when he got back that night. He went to say goodbye to the others first. He went to the Shiba Clan mansion to say goodbye to Kūkaku and Kaien. Kūkaku's caring words warmed Ye Yang's heart, while Kaien just smiled and said, "Don't hang up! When you come back, come find me first, and I'll give you a welcome-back dinner." Ye Yang agreed verbally but thought to himself, "Of course I'll go find my Little Shaoling first when I get back. Why would I go find you, a grown man?" (PS: When it comes to women, he has no humanity!)

I went to the Kuchiki Clan and saw Byakuya practicing his slashing techniques. I gave him some pointers. I have to say that Byakuya has now truly mastered Ye Yang's skills. You can see Ye Yang's influence in every move. But this is not good. If he just blindly imitates, he will never be able to forge his own path. Ye Yang only gave me a reminder and didn't say much. It's better to figure this out for yourself.

When Ye Yang announced his departure, Byakuya frowned. Among the few people in the Seireien who could speak with Byakuya, only Ye Yang, Yoruichi, and his family remained. Ye Yang and Yoruichi were practically Byakuya only two companions. Yoruichi had just left, and now Ye Yang was leaving too—it must have been a significant blow. However, he didn't try to stop him. He knew that once Ye Yang made a choice, it would never change. He simply said coolly, "Don't die there."

Ye Yang could only accept this awkward concern with a smile.

After saying goodbye to his friends, it was already dark. Ye Yang was on his way back to the Second Division when he still hadn't figured out how to tell Soi Fon about this. He could only take it one step at a time.

Back at the Second Division, Soi Fon was already waiting. She asked, "What did Captain-Commander Brother Ye Yang want with you?"

Ye Yang's lips moved, but the words wouldn't come out. "Nothing, just everyday things, and he asked where my older sister went."

"Do you know?" Soi Fon asked eagerly, also wanting to know Yoruichi's whereabouts and when she would go to the World of the Living on a mission so she could visit Lady Yoruichi.

Ye Yang smiled wryly, "How would I know? I only know they went to the World of the Living, but I don't know exactly where."

The "Oh" in her voice carried a hint of disappointment, which made Ye Yang feel a pang of sympathy.

"Brother Ye Yang"

"Um?"

Soi Fon asked, "If Lady Yoruichi leaves, will you become the captain of the Second Division, Brother Ye Yang? You're the only one in the entire Second Division qualified to be the captain."

Ye Yang shook his head. "Who knows? Maybe they'll recommend an outstanding person from another squad to be the captain?" I'm leaving tomorrow, Ye Yang wanted to say, but the words just wouldn't come out.

"How could that be?" Soi Fon said, "The captain of the Second Division has always been the head of the Shihoin Clan. If it were anyone else, I, Soi Fon, would be the first to deny it!"

"Soi Fon, you should work hard too, and try to become a captain someday," Ye Yang said with a smile.

Soi Fon shook her head. "No, I'll stay in the Second Division and wait for Lady Yoruichi to return. I definitely will!"

Hearing these words, he felt an indescribable sadness, but he skillfully masked it with a forced smile. "Yes, yes, she will definitely come back, I promise!"

"Um!"

"It's late, Soi Fon, don't go back. Just sleep in the captain's bedroom tonight," Ye Yang said.

"But this is Lady Yoruichi's room, I..."

Ye Yang patted her head. "It's nothing. I'm worried about going back now, so just sleep here."

Soi Fon finally nodded. "Okay."

After taking her to Yoruichi's room, Ye Yang didn't leave. Instead, he waited outside for something. Finally, Soi Fon's breathing became even. Exhausted from the day, she began to snore softly. Ye Yang quietly entered her room, came to her bedside, and looked at her. The sleeping Soi Fon was even more adorable. He covered Soi Fon with the blanket, found a piece of white paper and a pen, and lit a candle on the table.

He laid the white paper flat on the table, and the pen began to move swiftly in his right hand.

Shaoling:

By the time you read this letter, I should have already left Soul Society for Hueco Mundo. I've already agreed to join the Expeditionary Force as promised to the Captain-Commander. I'm sorry to say goodbye to you in this way, but looking into your eyes, I can't say these words.

Actually, when the Captain-Commander me this, I was thinking of you too. But do you know what he said? He said that if a fledgling is not released, it will always remain a fledgling. I can't protect you every moment. As a Grim Reaper, a high-risk profession, you must learn to be independent! So I agreed to the Captain-Commander's request.

I used to spoil you too much and care for you too much, to the point that I forgot about your potential. I know it would be cruel for you if Yoruichi left and I left too, but I have to do it because reality is always cruel! I hope you can learn to be independent and strong!

Shaoling, I hope that when I come back, I will see a mature and composed you who hasn't lost your true self. You must work hard to become the captain of the Second Division. If you become the captain, I will be your vice-captain, okay?

If I could, I wouldn't want to leave. I long to be happy with you, sad with you, laugh with you, and Shaoling with you. That kind of life sounds so leisurely, but it would wear down one's fighting spirit. In this dog-eat-dog world, those without fighting spirit will be eliminated. I chose to go to Hueco Mundo to hone myself, so please become stronger, Aya!

Take good care of yourself while I'm gone. You have to be happy now that Yoruichi and I are no longer here. I've already told Kaien Byakuya that we'll look after you.

I've made a promise here~ I will definitely come back in fifty years, believe me!

And then there's the question you asked me today: what would I do if the Soul Society wanted to kill you? My answer is simple: I would protect you. Anyone who wants to kill you will have to step over my dead body first. Even if it's the entire Soul Society, I will turn the world upside down for you! So Shaoling, when I return, I hope to hear your answer, okay?

Okay, that's all for now. Take good care of yourself and stay healthy! And I'm sorry! See you in fifty years!

--Ye Yang Shihoin

After finishing the letter, Ye Yang carefully placed it on the table. He glanced one last time at the sleeping Soi Fon, a gentle smile appearing on his face. With that smile, Ye Yang left...

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