Hiyori Sarugaki's face visibly fell, and the grilled meat in her mouth plopped onto the table.
"Captain..." The blonde girl looked as though she were about to cry. "You're going to the Tenth Division? That's good too. Once I finish my work, I can go visit you."
"Hiyori, I'm afraid that won't be possible." Kirio Hikifune's voice was full of pity and apology. "I'm going to Squad Zero. From now on, I'll be living in the Soul King Palace. Unless absolutely necessary, I won't come back to the Seireitei."
"Captain, do you really have to go?"
The purple-haired captain of the 12th Division gently shook her head.
Hiyori Sarugaki pursed her lips, her eyes reddening. She said nothing more, merely stuffing herself with grilled meat as tears pattered down.
Uchiha Yato sighed inwardly. Hiyori Sarugaki regarded Kirio Hikifune as a mother; being promoted to Squad Zero was practically a separation between the living and the dead. Of course she was devastated.
The boy lightly cleared his throat, raised his cup, and said, "Captain Hikifune... congratulations on your promotion. May your martial fortunes flourish."
"Thank you, little Yato." Kirio Hikifune gulped down her drink. "Tomorrow, the First Division will begin the process of selecting a new captain. Within half a month, a new captain will take over my duties." She paused, then continued, "Normally, in a situation like this, it would be best for the Lieutenant or third seat of the division to be promoted. But neither you nor Hiyori has reached the level of Bankai..."
"It's all right, Captain Hikifune. I still need time to temper myself."
"Very good, little Yato. There's no need to rush."
"Captain Hikifune, I promise you, I really am not in a hurry."
—That was indeed the truth. After all, nine years from now, plenty