Coming-of-Age Ceremony

The Second Division Barracks stood atop a mountain peak. At the foot of the mountain was a stone stele carved with the symbol for "Two."

At the summit, the Second Division Barracks sprawled across the mountaintop in a winding layout. Corridors leading to different places formed a maze, and every few steps, two Punishment Force members stood guard with their hands behind their backs. It could be said that the Second Division was the most strictly disciplined division in the Seireitei.

At that moment, outside one of the Second Division barracks, Shadow stood at the door like a javelin, a pitch-black Zanpakutō strapped to his back. His cold eyes held not the slightest trace of emotion, like ancient ice that never melted, radiating a chilling aura.

Several Punishment Force members stood opposite Shadow. Each of them stared straight ahead, looking utterly serious, but only they themselves knew what they were truly thinking.

Bang!

The door was pushed open, and Yoruichi Shihōin stepped out. She nodded at Shadow.

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi!"

Shadow dropped to one knee in salute, then vanished in a flash.

As afternoon neared evening, the ceremony finally began.

At the summit of the Second Division's mountain stood a long heavenly stairway, the only path leading to the core of the Second Division.

Above those stairs, a group of people carried a magnificent sunshade canopy and held feather fans made from peacock plumes. Through the transparent silk curtains hanging from the canopy, Yoruichi Shihōin could just be seen within.

Dressed in a golden kimono and wearing a gold hairpin beneath an elaborate crown, Yoruichi Shihōin no longer bore her usual mischievous air. She... would become the most beautiful princess of the Seireitei.

Under the setting sun, her wheat-colored skin shone like brilliant stars beneath a night sky—charming yet elegant, gentle yet noble.

On both sides beneath the bridge, nobles great and small affiliated with the Shihōin family, Punishment Force members, and Second Division members knelt. There were also several younger children, the offspring of various noble families. Since they were still too young, they were not required to kneel.

"You can see her, can't you, Shao Ling?"

A Punishment Force member kneeling on the ground spoke to the girl beside him, who had lifted her head to gaze at Yoruichi Shihōin slowly crossing the bridge.

"The one to whom we may entrust our future and our very lives is the princess of the Shihōin family, born to wield the Heavenly Bestowed Armament! One day, she will become the Commander-in-Chief of the Punishment Force!"

The Punishment Force member's low voice carried reverence and obedience.

"Our duty is to offer everything we have to that lady!"

"Everything..." the little girl murmured.

"That's right, everything!" The Punishment Force member nodded solemnly. "This is our duty, and yours as well. It is also our fate!"

There was no helplessness in them, only pride and honor. Their unwavering loyalty to the Shihōin family seemed to be their greatest glory.

The girl stared blankly at Yoruichi Shihōin walking across the bridge, as though her innocent eyes wanted to carve Yoruichi Shihōin's figure deeply into her heart.

"From today onward, your name will be... Soi Fon! And you will live only for that lady!"

Their first encounter was almost like standing before a god. The girl gazed at Yoruichi Shihōin with the adoration one would reserve for a deity. Even Shadow, concealed in a corner, could clearly feel that burning gaze.

"This child..."

Shadow slightly raised his brow, then appeared beneath the bridge in a flash step.

"Lord Shadow!"

The nobles and Punishment Force members on either side of the bridge all looked terrified as they saluted Shadow.

In truth, Shadow did not belong to the Shihōin family. Yet no one dared to underestimate him. Strength was what mattered most in the Soul Society, and someone as powerful as Shadow naturally commanded their respect. His fierce reputation had long spread throughout the Seireitei. Besides, Shadow was Yoruichi Shihōin's man; it was not their place to act presumptuously before him.

"I'm not a lord. Don't call me that!" Shadow frowned and said coldly.

"Yes..."

"You are... Kawasaki Dao!" A trembling male voice rang out.

Shadow's brows furrowed deeply. Looking over, he saw that it was indeed Kawasaki Jie—the so-called father he had nearly forgotten. Kawasaki Ming and several others stood beside him.

"I'm Shadow. Have you forgotten again?" His cold words carried bone-piercing chill.

Kawasaki Jie sighed and pulled forward a sturdy-looking little boy. "He was born after you left. His name is Kawasaki Shan."

Then he turned to Kawasaki Shan. "That is your third brother. Come, call him Third Brother!"

"No need!" Shadow interrupted Kawasaki Jie.

"I know I wronged your mother, but no matter what, I am still your father, so..."

"Do you want to die?" Killing intent flickered in Shadow's eyes.

Was one apology supposed to settle everything? Even if he did not care, that woman called Mother had given birth to him and raised him. You're pushing your luck. Do you really think I wouldn't dare kill you?

"Shadow!"

The crisp, familiar voice belonged to Yoruichi Shihōin.

"Lady Yoruichi!" Shadow froze slightly, then turned and dropped to one knee in salute.

"P-Princess Yoruichi!"

Little Soi Fon could not believe her eyes. Her mouth fell open as the god in her heart appeared before her. Her face instantly flushed red, and she lowered her head.

"Lady Yoruichi!"

That was the respectful greeting from all the nobles, Punishment Force members, and Second Division members, including Soi Fon's father, the Punishment Force member, as well as Kawasaki Jie and the others.

"Mm."

Yoruichi Shihōin responded faintly, every gesture radiating the dignity of a noble princess.

"The head of the Kawasaki Family?"

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi!" Kawasaki Jie answered.

"If I remember correctly, the position of Seventh Seat in the Second Division is still vacant, isn't it, Shadow?" Yoruichi Shihōin thought for a moment, then asked Shadow, who had risen to his feet beside her.

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi." Shadow nodded.

"Then, Head Kawasaki, beginning tomorrow, you will be appointed Seventh Seat!"

"Lady Yoruichi..." Shadow said in surprise.

"Shut up!"

Because of the difference in their height, Yoruichi Shihōin could no longer knock Shadow on the head as she had when they were children. However, that did not mean she had no other way.

Yoruichi Shihōin drove an elbow into Shadow's chest, then shot him a glance.

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi!"

Shadow opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed the objections he wanted to voice. He understood Yoruichi Shihōin, and naturally knew what she was thinking.

"That settles it. The appointment document will be delivered to you in two days," Yoruichi Shihōin said calmly.

"Thank you for your favor, Lady Yoruichi!" Kawasaki Jie said excitedly upon hearing her words.

"Ah, don't thank me." Yoruichi Shihōin waved her hand and smiled lightly. "Consider this 'Kawasaki Dao' being returned to you. You... understand what I mean, don't you?"

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi!"

Kawasaki Jie lowered his head. Of course he understood. Calling him Kawasaki Dao rather than Shadow meant that their relationship was truly severed, with no further ties between them.

"Lady Yoruichi! You don't need to do this!"

Shadow understood clearly that although Yoruichi Shihōin was the heir of the Shihōin family, she was not yet its head or master. Such a casual decision would surely make some people dissatisfied. It was not a major problem, but it was not worth it.

"It's nothing." Yoruichi Shihōin blinked her golden eyes as she looked at Shadow.