A series of knocks sounded. Asano Kiyoshi jerked his head up from his desk, his bloodshot eyes filled with helplessness as he spoke in a nearly hoarse voice:
"What is it? Did the Twelfth Division and Eleventh Division start fighting again? Or did the Sixth Division change the road signs without permission again? Or did the Second Division take another huge pile of lumber to make wooden stakes without authorization? Or did Captain-Commander accidentally use too much fire..."
Listening to Asano Kiyoshi's long string of complaints, Nel wore an exhausted expression as well. But seeing him like this, she still ran over to him with some concern, hugged him, and then said:
"None of that, Little Kiyoshi. Today is the Captain's Meeting, and this phase of the construction is nearly finished. I came to let you know you should attend."
Hearing Nel's words, Asano Kiyoshi nodded. Then he took a deep breath of her hair, and as Nel's temperature gradually rose, his mood slowly improved as well.
"I understand, Nel. You've worked hard lately too. Once all these projects are finished, let's go back to Hueco Mundo for a visit. I kind of miss Dondochakka and Pesche too."
Nel smiled in delight at his words. She had been away from those two for so long. Though she had briefly gone back a few times in between, they had never truly gotten together. Now that Asano Kiyoshi had brought it up, it was exactly what she wanted.
However, the faint warm breath by her ear still made Nel blush. She whispered to Asano Kiyoshi:
"It's fine, Little Kiyoshi. You... I... Move away first!"
Hearing Nel's words and seeing her reddened earlobes, Asano Kiyoshi suddenly grew bold. Feeling Nel's slightly shy, squirming body in his arms, he applied a little force and