After returning from Hueco Mundo, Uchiha Yato recuperated for several days before throwing himself back into work.
With more personnel joining, the workload of a Third Seat was no longer as heavy as it had been in previous years. Given Uchiha Yato's efficiency, he could finish work before nightfall.
That evening, as usual, Uchiha Yato made himself a cup of tea after finishing his work. He intended to rest for a while before entering the Kamui Dimension to train.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Rangiku?"
"Yes, it's me, Chief. May I come in?"
After receiving permission, the blonde girl pushed open the door and entered.
"Third Seat Yato, I'd like to take a day off tomorrow."
"Sure. Remember to close the door behind you when you leave."
Matsumoto Rangiku's eyes widened, her face full of shock that said, "My leader approved my leave so quickly? He actually has humanity?"
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Because you're especially handsome today, Chief."
Uchiha Yato shook his head. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed the small white flower on Saoriko's Soul Reaper uniform.
"You're taking leave to attend a funeral?"
The light in Matsumoto Rangiku's beautiful eyes dimmed. "Yes. One of my good friends passed away yesterday."
"My condolences. Sigh, being a Soul Reaper is such a dangerous job. Which division was she from?"
"You misunderstood, Chief." The girl spoke softly. "She was a good friend I met in Rukongai after you entered Shin'ō Academy. You might still remember her. She was the daughter of Group Head Nomura, Nomura Saoriko."
Nomura Yuji—
Uchiha Yato froze slightly as memories of the past surged through his mind like a tide.
Nomura Yuji had come as a representative of the Horiuchi family, bringing gifts to