Officially Joining the Division

Inside the Second Division Captain's room, the scent of incense mingled with the fresh aroma of grass and trees wafting from the courtyard outside the window.

Yoruichi Shihōin leaned back in the large captain's chair, her gaze languid, occasionally glancing at Soi Fon, who stood ramrod straight in front of her, reporting on recent team affairs.

"This concludes the summary of each team's task completion status for this month, along with preliminary deployment suggestions for next month."

Soi Fon's voice was clear and crisp, as precise and efficient as ever.

However, as she finished her report and awaited Yoruichi's instructions, her gaze involuntarily drifted away, as if she were lost in thought.

Yoruichi's gaze sharpened slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.

This was the third time in the past few days that she had caught Soi Fon in this absent-minded state.

In Yoruichi's memory, Soi Fon was always the subordinate who focused all her attention on the mission and her own responsibilities, and who demanded perfection.

Such subtle lapses in concentration are quite rare.

"Soi Fon."

Yoruichi opened her mouth, her voice carried its usual magnetic quality.

Upon hearing Soi Fon, Soi Fon quickly snapped out of her daze and refocused her eyes.

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."

Yoruichi didn't give any orders, but instead sat up slightly and looked at Soi Fon with great interest.

His gaze swept from her meticulously styled short black hair, across her cheeks which seemed rosier than usual, and down to her ramrod straight shoulders, which hinted at an unnatural unease.

Have you been a little tired lately?

Yoruichi's tone sounded casual, but her eyes held a keen insight.

Soi Fon's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and her heart tightened a little.

Lady Yoruichi, you probably haven't noticed anything yet.

For some reason, she didn't want Lady Yoruichi to know about her and Wang Xun's private nighttime training.

"No, my subordinate is in good condition, it's probably..."

She paused, then offered a plausible excuse.

"It might be because we've been adjusting the training plan recently, and some details need to be refined, so I get distracted occasionally."

"I'm so sorry to have worried Lady Yoruichi."

She lowered her head, her mind uncontrollably flashing back to the warm touch of someone's palm as they focused on her as they approached in the training field, and the absurd confusion she had felt at that moment.

"Roar~?"

Yoruichi took in Soi Fon's subtle expressions, a playful smile curving her lips.

"Don't push yourself too hard; take a break when you need to."

Yoruichi laughed lightly, naturally changing the subject.

"By the way, the reserve team submitted an assessment and explanation regarding Wang Xun."

Soi Fon was startled when she heard Wang Xun's name come out of Yoruichi's mouth, but she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard what followed.

That was close! I thought Lady Yoruichi was going to say something...

Yoruichi pulled a report from the table.

"Given Wang Xun's current combat capabilities, growth rate, and adaptability to the Punishment Force's combat style, there's no need for him to remain in the reserve team. It's recommended that he be included in the regular membership and participate in squad missions."

Soi Fon's gaze fell on the report in Yoruichi's hand.

Soi Fon knew, of course, that Wang Xun's strength had already surpassed the level of the reserve team, and even exceeded that of ordinary regular members of the Punishment Force.

Wang Xun's strength at this time was enough among the other squads to qualify him as a senior Seated Officer.

Even during the few days the two of them were training together, his strength continued to improve.

Aside from his slightly lower total Reiatsu, his skills and strength displayed in Hakuda are already very close to the level of a vice-captain.

"So, what you mean is?"

Soi Fon asked cautiously.

"I'm still considering where he'll be assigned after he joins the official team."

Yoruichi raised her eyelids, her golden eyes looking at Soi Fon with a faint smile.

"You are an elite Executive Militia, and your squads are all top-notch. With his potential, it would be a waste to put him in an ordinary unit."

"What do you think about adding him to your direct team?"

Soi Fon was taken aback upon hearing this.

Should Wang Xun be added to her direct team?

This means that Wang Xun will no longer be a team member she needs to contact privately in her spare time, but will officially become her subordinate under her daily supervision and in close proximity.

They need to go on missions together and train together; their respective areas will be categorized into the same, smaller circle.

This realization caused her mind to go blank for a moment.

"This..."

Soi Fon opened her mouth, but for once, she hesitated, a rare occurrence for someone as decisive as her.

Reason told her that, given Wang Xun's potential and Lady Yoruichi's high regard for him, this was the right arrangement.

But for some reason, she felt a sense of helplessness because of this matter.

Yoruichi clearly saw Soi Fon's momentary hesitation, and the smile in her eyes deepened.

"What's wrong? Or do you think he's not capable enough to join your direct team?"

"No, that's not it."

Soi Fon immediately denied it, her voice slightly louder than usual. She then realized she had lost her composure and forced herself to calm down.

Soi Fon took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and regained the composure befitting a vice-captain.

"Everything is entirely at Lady Yoruichi's command. Your subordinate... has no objections."

"Oh, really?"

Yoruichi drew out her words, then suddenly changed the subject, her smile as cunning as a cat that had just stolen some fish.

"You and that kid have been getting so close lately, I thought you'd be happy to hear this."

A loud boom echoed in Soi Fon's head, as if something had exploded.

Her fair face flushed instantly, and even her neck turned pink.

She looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with panic and embarrassment at having her secret exposed.

"Lady Yoruichi, it's not like that!"

"I only conducted some training with him privately out of consideration for developing the team member's potential and to improve his combat skills. There was absolutely nothing else!"

She explained rapidly, her hands gesturing unconsciously.

Seeing Soi Fon's eagerness to defend herself, her face flushed red, Yoruichi finally couldn't help but chuckle, her laughter hearty and cheerful.

"Okay, okay, I got it. I didn't say anything else."

Yoruichi waved her hand, her eyes full of mischief.

"It's just training, I understand."

Soi Fon knew that Yoruichi hadn't believed her at all, but she couldn't explain any further. She could only purse her lips in embarrassment and anger, lower her head, and wish she could disappear into a crack in the ground.

At the same time, she mentally tortured the guy who was so oblivious and had put her in this situation over and over again.

"Alright, Soi Fon, it's settled then."

After teasing her enough, Yoruichi stopped smiling, but a hint of amusement still lingered in her eyes and brows.

Her hand slammed down on the report.

"Wang Xun has been officially transferred to your direct squad, temporarily assigned to the Second Division, and will also serve as a full-fledged member of the Punishment Force. You will be responsible for assigning him specific tasks."

Yoruichi resumed her captain's tone, and her expression became much more serious.

"Perfect timing, we just received some intelligence from the Tenth Division."

"There are signs of Soul Reaper) mysteriously disappearing near the West Rukongai District 32. The Second Division is needed to assist in the investigation and assess the threat level."

Yoruichi looked at Soi Fon.

"You'll be in charge of this mission, leading Wang Xun along with two veteran team members."

"This was his first official mission since joining the team, and it also allowed him to familiarize himself with the procedures and style of the Punishment Force Investigation Department's reconnaissance operations."

Although Soi Fon had mixed feelings, with the mission at hand, she immediately suppressed all her chaotic emotions and straightened her back.

"Yes, I understand."

Yoruichi and added.

"The appointment notice will be issued today. Tomorrow, you will show Wang Xun the team's mission procedures. We'll depart this afternoon."

"There are still uncertainties surrounding this mission, so be cautious. The focus should be on reconnaissance and assessment. Report any unusual activity promptly and avoid rash actions."

"Alright, go ahead."

Yoruichi goodbye.

Soi Fon nodded slightly, bowed, and quickly left the captain's room.