Shin'ō's Vice Principal

"Huh?" Ye Yang exclaimed in surprise. He never expected that Yamamoto would make him the vice principal of Shin'ō! Although the position didn't have any real power, the prestige was there.

Although Yamamoto is the principal of the Shin'ō School of the Imperial College), he is so busy with his own squad every day that he has no time to teach at Shin'ō. He only goes to Shin'ō to speak when the first-year students enroll and when the sixth-year Yamamoto graduate each year. He doesn't care about the affairs of the school at all. The vice principal is the one who is in charge.

The fact that such an important position was given to Ye Yang left him somewhat bewildered. However, Ye Yang quickly realized that Yamamoto's move was tantamount to binding him firmly to Seireien. Thinking of this, Ye Yang asked with a wry smile, "Why me? I can be a guest lecturer, but as for vice principal, isn't that a bit... I'm afraid my qualifications aren't enough."

"Clan Head Ye Yang, I believe in your abilities. I am old and have many matters Shin'ō attend to, including those concerning Seireien. I am simply unable to manage the affairs of Shin'ō. Besides, you taught there for a period of time and have a good understanding of the situation there. Furthermore, your former students have either died in the line of duty or have secured positions. I may not even be able to match such achievements."

Yamamoto's gaze fell on Gin at another table. "I remember Captain Ichimaru was once your student, wasn't he? To be able to train Captain-level figure is enough to demonstrate the capabilities of the Clan Head Ye Yang. I have complete peace of mind entrusting Shin'ō to the Clan Head Ye Yang."

Ye Yang didn't speak. Indeed, teaching at the Shin'ō was very necessary for Ye Yang. After all, Rukia, would soon appear at the Shin'ō. Even if Yamamoto hadn't said anything, Ye Yang would have volunteered to go to the Shin'ō to provide guidance. However, being a lecturer and being a principal are two different things. Being a principal involves dealing with all sorts of things in the school, which is extremely troublesome.

Seeing that Ye Yang was thinking, Yamamoto didn't say anything more and quietly waited for Ye Yang's reply.

"Captain-Commander," Ye Yang suddenly spoke up, "You brought this up too suddenly, and I don't know how to answer it right away. How about this, please wait patiently for a few days, and I will definitely give you an answer within three days, okay?"

Yamamoto sighed softly, "That's for the best. I hope Clan Head Ye Yang will make a decision soon."

"Definitely. If there's nothing else, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, I'll take my leave now." Ye Yang glanced at the other tables, indicating that he was going to offer toasts at other tables.

"Please proceed, Clan Head Ye Yang."

Ye Yang went straight to the table where Byakuya was. In terms of status, besides Yamamoto, Byakuya was the highest. He was not only the captain of the Sixth Division, but also the head of the Kuchiki Clan, the head of the Four Great Noble Clans. His status was very prominent.

Ye Yang, the "Kuchiki Clan Head," approached Byakuya and greeted him. In private, they were friends and could call each other by name, but in this setting, they had to use this form of address—a consequence of being nobles.

Byakuya stood up and nodded slightly. "Congratulations, Shihoin Clan Head. I look forward to working with you in the future."

"Not at all. My Shihoin Clan has also received care from the Kuchiki Clan Head over the years."

"No, the Kuchiki Clan and Shihoin Clan have been on good terms for generations, so it's only natural. If there are any problems in the future, the Shihoin Clan Head can speak up at any time, and the Kuchiki Clan will definitely help." Byakuya's words immediately caused a huge uproar in the noble circles!

They only knew that Byakuya had a good relationship with the new head of the Shihoin Clan, and that the Kuchiki Clan would provide some assistance to the Shihoin Clan. Byakuya's words were tantamount to him saying that he was supporting the Shihoin Clan. Anyone who made any underhanded moves behind their backs would be making an enemy of the Kuchiki Clan! Only the Kuchiki Clan had the power to say such a thing!

With such a shrewd, powerful, and resourceful head of the family, coupled with the support of the Kuchiki Clan, the Shihoin Clan's impending decline was completely reversed. The rise of the Shihoin Clan is now unstoppable, and no one dares to challenge its might.

Ye Yang smiled slightly, "Then I thank Kuchiki Clan Head in advance. If you don't mind, I'll take my leave now."

"Please do as you wish"

Over the next period Ye Yang visited various high-ranking noble families. All the heads of these families treated him with utmost respect, and many even introduced their daughters to Ye Yang. The implication was clear, but Ye Yang was left speechless, both amused and exasperated. He politely declined each offer, knowing that it wouldn't be good if Soi Fon found out.

In reality, this banquet was just that—a way to let everyone in Seireien know that the Shihoin Clan had a new head of the family. As the host, Ye Yang only needed to remember the heads of the family present to facilitate future interactions between the families.

Afterwards Ye Yang toasted everyone. Then they drank and chatted on their own. Even though Ye Yang had a good tolerance for alcohol, he was still a little tipsy after the rounds. Soi Fon quickly stepped forward and asked, "Brother Ye Yang, how are you? Are you alright?"

"It's alright, it's just that I haven't drunk this much in a while. I'll be fine after a rest," Ye Yang said, slightly drunk. He figured he'd be fine after a short while, and he wouldn't care even if he didn't Ye Yang anymore.

"Let me help you inside," Soi Fon with worry.

It's been a long time since I've drunk this much. Ye Yang hasn't drunk like this since Ye Yang and Urahara left Soul Society. Even in the World of the Living Soul Society with the two of them, he can never find that feeling again.

Ye Yang didn't refuse. "Okay, let's go in and rest for a bit."

So Soi Fon helped Ye Yang into the lounge. Seeing their intimate actions, the noble family heads understood why Ye Yang had so decisively rejected their daughters.

Ye Yang simply told them that he already had someone he liked, but they never expected that this person was Captain Soi Fon. Those who thought they could win him over were immediately disappointed.

Even though the Fon Clan is a lower-ranking noble family, Soi Fon is the captain of the Second Division. This alone elevates the Fon Clan to the ranks of the upper-ranking nobles. Any captain of the Thirteenth Division wields considerable real power, and they are not so presumptuous as to compete with a captain.

Judging from their actions, it was clear that this wasn't something that had developed in a short time; they both sighed in resignation and gave up on the idea of a marriage alliance.

Only a limited number of people present knew that it was almost impossible to arrange a marriage with Ye Yang. Only Yamamoto and Shunsui knew about Soi Fon's desperate rescue of Ye Yang that day.

Yamamoto closed his eyes and stopped looking, while Shunsui complained to his friend Ukitake, "That kid Ye Yang is really lucky. Look how virtuous Captain Soi Fon is!"

Ukitake, unusually, teased Shunsui, "Your Little Nanao is quite nice too~"

Shunsui looked dejected, as if she had remembered something. Those who were lost could never come back... Thinking about it, Shunsui couldn't help but smile bitterly, "I still don't have their courage." Shunsui muttered something to herself, but no sound came out. She simply raised her wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.

Ukitake immediately knew what his friend was thinking. He clearly heard it in Shunsui's words. "Yadōmaru... are you alright now? If I had mustered up my courage back then, would things have turned out differently?"

The friendship between men needs no words. He raised his glass, and despite not being in good health, he still drank with his friend.

Ye Yang returned to his room, where Soi Fon brewed him a pot of tea and placed the Ye Yang in front of him, saying, "Drink this tea first. Honestly, drinking so much alcohol..."

She took the teacup and drank it. "You've worked hard, thank you, Shaoling."

Soi Fon said softly, "You must be tired today. Why don't you rest for a bit? I'll go out and keep an eye on things."

Ye Yang nodded. "Okay, let's wait a bit."

"Is there anything else?" Soi Fon asked, turning around.

Ye Yang walked up to Soi Fon, embraced Soi Fon, and gently kissed her forehead, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Go."

Soi Fon was a little stunned by Ye Yang's action, and then her face turned red instantly. Although they both understood each other's feelings, this was the first time they had ever acted so intimately.

The person she had longed for for fifty years kissed her, and Soi Fon didn't know whether her blush was from shyness or happiness. She hurriedly said, "I'll go out first," and then disappeared with Shunpo.

Ye Yang was also somewhat surprised. It seemed as if a voice inside him was telling him he had to do this, and everything happened as if it were natural. A smile appeared on his lips. This wasn't bad at all...

He fell asleep without realizing it while lying down. He didn't know how much time had passed, but when Ye Yang woke up, it was almost dusk. Ye Yang quickly got up, because he still wanted to watch the fireworks that Kūkaku He had prepared for him that night.

They found Soi Fon in the living room, chatting with her parents. "Father, Mother, are you well? I'm taking Shaoling away now~ Shaoling, let's go, I'll take you somewhere."

Although Soi Fon didn't know where Ye Yang was taking her, she still answered, "Okay."

Seigen and Tsukiyo were naturally pleased; their son had grown up quite a bit. "Be careful, it's okay if you come home a little late tonight."

Ye Yang took Soi Fon's hand and went out, while Ye Yang's mother was furious. "You've forgotten your mother now that you have a wife..."

Seigen stopped his wife, saying, "Ye Yang has grown up now, and isn't Little Soi Fon doing well? Let's not worry about them."

Ye Yang, of course, was unaware of his parents' thoughts. He led Soi Fon straight to the third district of West Rukongai. Soi Fon asked curiously, "Isn't this Rukongai? What are we doing here?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Ye Yang said mysteriously, walking unhurriedly with Soi Fon. Suddenly, he spotted several figures ahead. "We're here! Hey! Kaien, Kūkaku!"

There were more than just Kaien and Kūkaku ahead; Byakuya and Hisana were also there. However, there were a few people Ye Yang hadn't expected to see, such as Ukitake and Shunsui.

Ye Yang stepped forward to greet them, "Oh, Uncle Shunsui is here too, and Captain Ukitake is here as well." Ye Yang wasn't surprised that Byakuya and Hisana were here; after all, Kaien and Byakuya were friends, so why wouldn't the Shiba Clan invite them to their fireworks festival? But how did Ukitake and Shunsui know?