Toshiro wordlessly returned the blade to its scabbard on his back.
His movements were crisp and clean, a clear indication that he had accepted the gift.
However, he was beginning to feel a pang of regret; the very thing he had been worried about was coming to pass.
Looking at the seemingly unreliable Vice-Captain and Captain before him, he began to harbor a slight doubt as to whether his decision to choose the Tenth Division had been correct.
Yet, his youthful face maintained a perfect poker face, making it impossible for anyone to read his true emotions at that moment.
"By the way, Toshiro, this is my contact info for the Denreishinki."
"You should get one yourself eventually. It can't just receive messages; it can send them in real-time. It'll make contacting each other much easier in the future."
Suō Tsukasa broke the subtle silence at the right moment, pulling a slip of paper with a number on it from his sleeve and handing it over.
The technological prowess of the Department of Research and Development far exceeded that of the World of the Living. The first generation of the Denreishinki was improved based on the pagers of the human world, adding a more advanced two-way paging system capable of transmitting short text messages.
"Denreishinki? What's that?"
Shiba Isshin leaned in curiously, asking with an expression of confusion.
Toshiro took the slip of paper, wearing a similar look.
Seeing this, Suō Tsukasa pulled a small, metallic device from his robes.
As his fingers flew over the keys in a practiced manner, the small screen clearly displayed a scrolling log of recent text messages sent and received.
"It's for receiving and sending messages. Its function is similar to a Hell Butterfly."
"Except Hell Butterflies are for official business, whereas this is for both work and personal use. Furthermore, it can currently only be used within the Seireitei."
The high-tech little gadget in Tsukasa's hand immediately captured the attention of the two males.
Matsumoto Rangiku, on the other hand, was already aware of the device. Her focus was entirely elsewhere as she asked in surprise.
"Aren't you just the third seat? And you only joined the division half a year before Toshiro—where did you get so much money!"
"Mission bonuses," Tsukasa answered calmly.
"That's terrifying!"
Rangiku couldn't help but roll her eyes at the composed Tsukasa, muttering under her breath.
From Tsukasa's nonchalant demeanor, she sensed the aura of a total overachiever.
Everyone knew that hollow-hunting missions paid well, but whether one was willing to do them was one thing; whether one could do them well was an entirely different matter.
The slightest oversight during a mission could result not only in the bonus vanishing but also in facing accountability hearings or deductions in merit.
Of course, the results were undeniable. In just half a year, Suō Tsukasa had received two salary increases based on his outstanding record.
This was also one of the reasons why division members fought tooth and nail for mission assignments; the salary of unseated members was barely enough to support a family given the exorbitant cost of living in the Seireitei.
While one person found Tsukasa's words terrifying, another saw them in a completely different light.
"Tsukasa, how about I transfer you here to be my Vice-Captain?"
"Think about it. Not only would it be a promotion, but you'd also be in the same division as Toshiro."
"Give it some consideration, eh?"
Isshin had somehow maneuvered himself right in front of Tsukasa. He lowered his voice, his face full of sincerity as he whispered his pitch.
He spoke with genuine earnestness.
He was in desperate need of a capable Vice-Captain to share the burden of division duties!
According to the rules of the Gotei 13, a Captain has the direct authority to appoint a Vice-Captain. As long as the seated officer in question agrees, the transfer can be made directly without the need for additional internal elections or assessments.
Generally, a Captain of an original division wouldn't block a subordinate's path to promotion. Isshin felt his chances were good—very good!
Suddenly.
A figure emerged from thin air behind the two of them.
Accompanied by a waft of fragrance, a fair arm pressed down on one of Shiba Isshin's shoulders.
It was the current Vice-Captain of the Tenth Division, Matsumoto Rangiku.
Her expression was somewhat strained. Her rank within the division was a secondary concern.
But if she were demoted from Vice-Captain to a seated officer, her income would take a hit far more severe than just being cut in half.
At the thought of her shrinking purse, she immediately became frantic.
Her voice carried a hint of a sob, and her eyes reddened slightly.
"Captain, are you really that dissatisfied with me?"
Those eyes, usually full of mirth, were now veiled with a layer of watery mist. The sight of a beautiful woman on the verge of tears would move anyone to pity.
Shiba Isshin completely ignored her "damsel in distress" act. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's as he gave a cold laugh and crossed his arms.
"Do you think I haven't noticed that you've been secretly increasing my workload bit by bit while you hide away to slack off?"
"You can't stop me from pursuing a better Vice-Captain than you."
"I was found out—!"
Hearing this, Rangiku's face stiffened. She hadn't expected her usual little tricks to be discovered, and her tears froze instantly.
She opened her mouth, but found herself momentarily unable to find a suitable defense.
"Captain—!"
"Over these years, even if I haven't earned glory, I've certainly earned the right to complain about my hard work. Do you really have the heart to treat me like this?"
"Waaaah—!"
Rangiku immediately switched strategies, rubbing her eyes and acting aggrieved, playing the emotional card.
Isshin's expression visibly wavered. He hesitated for a moment before finally gritting his teeth and making a promise.
"Don't worry, Rangiku. Even if your salary drops, at worst, I'll make up the difference from my own pay!"
Though his heart bled as he said those words, for the sake of recruiting Suō Tsukasa, this price was worth it!
"Alright then, I agree!"
Rangiku nodded in agreement immediately, without a trace of hesitation.
Her expression became radiant, and a glint of cunning flashed in her eyes.
She'd get the same salary, wouldn't have to attend those endless Vice-Captain meetings, and wouldn't have to write tedious paperwork reports. Where else could she find such a deal?
At the thought, the corners of her lips curled up in an "all according to plan" smirk, making the beauty mark at the corner of her mouth appear particularly lively.
"You—!"
Isshin realized too late that he had fallen into a trap once again.
He opened his mouth, his mood becoming a bit complicated.
He looked back to see that Rangiku had already lightheartedly stepped aside, casually twirling a lock of hair around her finger, looking for all the world like she had just offloaded a heavy burden.
Beside them, Toshiro silently turned his face away. The Tenth Division seemed to be even more... colorful than he had imagined.
At the same time, he felt an even deeper worry about his future days in the Tenth Division.
"I don't agree."
Suō Tsukasa shook his head slightly, his tone gentle yet firm.
"I am honored by Captain Isshin's high regard, but I still have unfinished duties in the Thirteenth Division, as well as friends and family I cannot leave behind."
The person who had actually received the invitation finally found a chance to speak, instantly shattering the consensus that Isshin and Rangiku had just reached.
Relative to a Captain's right to appoint a Vice-Captain, a seated officer also possesses the right to refuse an appointment.
As long as the individual is unwilling, they can decline a high-ranking post, though this right is limited to appointments below the rank of Captain.
"—"
Isshin's shoulders immediately slumped, his face written with disappointment.
"Suō, won't you reconsider?"
"The Tenth and Thirteenth Divisions aren't that far apart. I really think you're suited to be the Vice-Captain of the Tenth Division."
Rangiku, who was the one about to be replaced, ironically began to try and persuade him.
She paused, putting aside her joking manner, and added with a touch of genuine regret.
"Plus, Toshiro is here, isn't he?"
Suō Tsukasa gave a mysterious smile and gestured for the two of them to look to the side.
Hearing this, Rangiku's eyes lit up, and her gaze fell upon the quiet-faced Toshiro standing nearby.
"That makes sense—!"
Shiba Isshin's gaze moved back and forth between Matsumoto Rangiku and Toshiro, finally settling on the serious and earnest-faced Toshiro. He rubbed his chin, lost in thought.
The muscles on Toshiro's body tightened involuntarily, and his regret deepened by another degree.
Looking at the boy who appeared to be facing a great enemy, a faint smile quirked at the corners of Suō Tsukasa's lips.
He could no longer change this established destiny. Enjoy it, young man. I'll make some delicious food to comfort you when I have the time.