Chapter 74 - Promoted to Zero Division

“Captain, it’s about time. Let’s go!” Suzuki Kusu walked in after knocking on the Captain Office’s door.

“Alright, alright. Sigh, what a hassle. Does a Captain’s Meeting really have to be held so early in the morning?” Muyang complained while rubbing his sleepy eyes.

“Don’t complain. You are always the last one.” Suzuki Kusu reached out and took Captain Haori hanging on the room and handed it to Muyang with a smile: “Captain-Commander is gonna stare at you if you’re late again, you know.”

“Why?” Muyang straightened his clothes and said, “I’m still earlier than Captain Kyōraku, just so you know.”

“Hehe ~” Suzuki Kusu chuckled. Sometimes Muyang did arrive before Kyōraku sometimes, but most of the time, they arrived at t same time.

“Anyway, you should leave early today, Captain. Today is Rose’s inauguration as a Captain. It’d be rude if you’re late.”

“I know. Alright, let’s go!” Muyang walked out of the Captain’s Office and said while glancing at the sun on the horizon, “I’ll be having dinner at the 12th Division every day starting today, Kusu.”

“E.. every day?” Suzuki Kusu looked at Muyang in confusion. He did visit the 12th Division from time to time and joined their feast, but this time he suddenly said that he’d be going there every day.

“Yeah, every day.” Muyang nodded affirmed.

“Well, you are the Captain, so you have the final say.” Although Suzuki Kusu didn’t know why Muyang suddenly came up with such an idea, she wasn’t really against the idea.

Rose was promoted as 3rd Division Captain today, which meant that Sister Kirio would be promoted to Zero Division in another 2 years. Once she was promoted to Zero Division, Muyang wouldn’t be able to see her whenever he pleased as he used to unless he was also Promoted to Zero Division, but he didn’t really like the atmosphere there. Well, he’d just visit Hikifune Kirio until the very last moment before she was promoted.

“Good morning, Captain, Lieutenant!”

“Good morning.” Muyang greeted everyone with a smile, “I see you’re working hard today too!”

“Yes, Captain!”

Seeing his subordinates in high spirit, Muyang was slightly energized.

“Kimura! Are you up? Hurry up. I come all the way here to wake you up!”

“Captain, you shouldn’t raise your voice in other Division’s barrack.”

“You’re such a party pooper, Sōusuke. I used to be Lieutenant of the 10th Division, so it’s okay. ——Kimura! Where are you? I’m here!”

“Huh—Kimura, you actually got up early for once. I thought you are going to be the last one again, so I came all the way here to pick you up. You must’ve dragged him out of bed, right, Kusu? “

“No, Captain was already up when I knock on his door.” Suzuki Kusu said with a faint smile.

“That’s really weird. I don’t recall ever seeing you get up early before I left.”

“Shinji….”

“Hm?”

“Can you stop running your mouth so early in the morning? You’re being so annoying!” Muyang felt better after yelling at Shinji but frowned again after one look at Shinji’s face, “Shinji, seeing your face early in the morning makes me lose my drive-it must be tough having such a Captain, Sōusuke.”

“Oh, by all means, no,” Aizen said with a charming smile. “Captain is an excellent Captain.”

“Sōusuke, it’s embarrassing when you praise me like that.” Shinji said with a triumphant smile.

“Really?” Muyang smiled and said knowingly: “Perhaps he really is a good superior for you.”

“Hm?” The faint light flashed in Aizen’s eyes. What was Captain Kimura implying here? Was it possible that he found out? Impossible! No one would realize anything with my Kyōka Suigetsu.

“Let’s go! I don’t wanna be the last one again.” Muyang beckoned the rest as he took the lead towards the 1st Division.

“I never expect Rose is going to become a Captain.”

“It’s not that surprising, really. Rose is talented, but he lacks confidence, that’s all. The 3rd Division’s Captain happens to retire, so the decision to appoint Rose as the 3rd Division’s Captain actually makes sense.”

“That’s not it. I’m just a little bit emotional, that’s all. Everyone has already reached such a respectable position now. Even Hiyori has become a Lieutenant — ah! What the!”

“Even I? are you looking down on me, Baldy Shinji?” Hiyori blew her fist after punching Shinji.

“Hiyori, you little…”

“What? Do you want me to apologize? Stop dreaming!” Hiyori said mockingly.

“Okay, Hiyori, that should be enough.”

“Kirio-san.”

“Captain Hikifune.”

“Kirio-san.” Hirako Shinji greeted Hikifune Kirio and slightly bowed.

“You don’t have to, Li’l Shinji.” Hikifune Kirio said after glancing at Shinji. She then turned her face to Muyang. “Li’l Yangyang, it’s been a while since you last visit me.”

“Li’l Shinji? Li’l Yangyang?” Muyang and Shinji were speechless. Hikifune Kirio indeed enjoyed teasing them. She just couldn’t help herself to call them with that nickname in front of others. Everyone else already knew about their nickname at this point. Nevertheless, it was embarrassing when Hikifune Kirio called them with such nicknames!

“Sorry, Kirio-san, I had my hands full with some stuff, but I’m planning to eat at your place every day from now on, so sorry for the trouble, hehe.”

“Every day?” Hiyori gave Muyang a disgusted look. “Aren’t Captain supposed to be busy? What do you mean coming every day?”

Muyang just shrugged in response, “It’s not that far from the 10th Division to 12th Division, at least for me.”

“Well, suit yourself. I won’t stop you whenever you wanna come.” Hikifune Kirio said and slightly smiled. She was wondering whether Muyang did this because he realized something.

“Then it’s settled.” Muyang slightly smiled. “Oh, the gate is opened. Let’s go in. I really have to say that the 1st Division’s security is really strict. I have to wait until the door is opened before I can enter.”

“It can’t be helped. 1st Division. is where Captain-Commander resides. It must be different from our Divisions.” Hikifune Kirio smiled and took the lead.

“The newly appointed Captain this time is also your friend, right, Li’l Yangyang.” Hikifune Kirio suddenly asked Muyang.

“Yeah, I got to know him when he was still in Shin’ō. I remember he was still a 1st Grade Student when I first saw him. Seeing him used to be so meek, It’s hard to believe that he’s going to become Captain.”

“Your prediction almost always hits the mark. All Captains promoted over these last few decades are close with you. Shihōin Yoruichi from the 2nd Division is also your friend. Now Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō, who’ll be 3rd Division’s Captain, Li’l Shinji from the 5th Division, Love Aikawa from 7th Division, Muguruma Kensei from 9th Division, they’re all your close friends for many years.”

“Hehe, now that you mention it, several Captains are indeed pretty close with me even before they become a Captain, but they’re not the only ones. Captain Kyōraku and Captain Ukitake are also my good friends.” Muyang said as he counted with his fingers, “and of course, Kirio-san as well.”

“But this is a good sign for Soul Society. If the Captains are familiar with each other, Soul Society can exert its maximum ability.”

“Well, you have learned a lot as a Captain these years.” Hikifune Kirio gave Muyang a glance of approval.

“Well, setting aside whether I’ve learned a lot or not, I’m actually just saying what comes to mind, that’s all. After seeing so many things, I’ll eventually learn a thing or two whether I like it or not.”

“Alright, you don’t have to be modest with me, Li’l Yangyang.” Hikifune Kirio laughed.

“Seems like you guys are having a good time over there!” Kyōraku said with Ukitake right beside him.

“Ah, Kyōraku, what happened? It’s unusual for you to come so early today.” Muyang asked teasingly because Kyōraku usually showed up last.

“I always show up early. You’re the one who shows up early for once.”

“Hahaha.” Muyang responded with a laugh and then tilted his head, looking at Lisa, who stood behind Kyōraku, “Did you drag Kyōraku out of bed today, Lisa?”

“Of course, I kicked his ass until he wakes up.” Lisa said while pushing back her glasses frame. She never considered Kyōraku’s feelings at all when it came to whipping him up to shape, even in front of others.

“Good grief, didn’t I tell you so many times not to embarrass me in front of other Captain, Lisa-chan?” Kyōraku Shunsui said as he habitually pressed down his straw hat.

“If you are already here, get in the line already!” An elderly voice coming from behind startled them.

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