After the registration ceremony, Su Li didn't return home immediately. Instead, he went to the Second Division quarters. Before heading to the world of the living, he needed to report in. Better to get it done now than run around later.
Many new recruits had the same thought. So along the paths leading to the division barracks, groups of new members chatted excitedly, walking together in high spirits.
Along the way, many greeted Su Li warmly. As the most talked-about graduate, everyone wanted to connect with him. Climbing social ladders was second nature to the Gotei 13. Su Li returned every greeting with polite warmth.
Some girls even handed him small notes, some with just contact numbers, others bolder, listing their height and measurements. Su Li was left speechless. He hadn't even assumed command of the Onmitsukidō yet, but he'd already gained first priority in the mate-selection battlefield.
As he continued deeper, the crowd thinned. Soon, he arrived at the Second Division barracks. Pushing aside the noren curtain, Su Li entered.
"Hello, I'm Su Li, newly assigned to the Second Division. I'm here to—"
Before he finished, a surprised voice interrupted.
"Vice-Captain! You're here!"
A bald, middle-aged man ran over with a beaming face. "Sir Vice-Captain, please, sit down! Have some tea! Try the snacks! All of it's for you!"
He gestured to a table piled high with pastries. Su Li blinked.
"Uh... hello..."
He offered his hand. The man grabbed it, bowing deeply.
"Kenjiro Shimizu, currently Fifth Seat of the Second Division. Please guide us, Vice-Captain!"
Su Li gave a wry smile. "Su Li. I look forward to working with you."
Kenjiro straightened, face full of awe. "Sir Su Li, I saw you this morning during the battle with Captain Sui-Feng. I was in the audience. You probably don't remember me, but witnessing that duel—no regrets in this life!"
He bowed again.
Su Li scratched his head awkwardly. He had no memory of this guy, but from his tone and attitude, the Second Division didn't seem to resent its new Vice-Captain. In fact, they were quite welcoming.
This surprised Su Li. But then again, in the world of the Shinigami, everything revolved around strength. He had forced Captain Sui-Feng to use Bankai in public. His strength was unquestionable.
"By the way, Kenjiro, is Captain Sui-Feng in? I need to report directly."
"As per Captain's orders, if you come by and she's absent, you may place your name on the official register yourself."
"I see. She's still holding a grudge, huh..." Su Li sighed inwardly.
He followed Kenjiro to the records hall. Along the way, Kenjiro gave a lively tour of the barracks.
"All of this was funded by former Vice-Captain Omaeda. See that carving? Imported wood. That curtain? Silk weave. Honestly, our team barracks are the best in Gotei 13."
Kenjiro's pride oozed from every word. Su Li nodded along silently. For a so-called brave warrior, this guy sure talked a lot.
Still, walking through the refined and airy compound, Su Li couldn't help feeling pleased. The aesthetics were on point. But he didn't plan to move in. If he did, Aunt Inoue would be left alone at home. That wouldn't be safe, and Su Li wasn't the kind to leave her in an empty house.
Soon, they reached the roster board. The vice-captain's spot was vacant. Omaeda Marechiyo had been moved down to Third Seat. Kenjiro, formerly Fifth Seat, was now listed in Sixth—apparently unaware of his demotion.
Su Li pressed his name tag into the vice-captain slot.
Second Division, Vice-Captain: Su Li.
Snap!
A loud pop echoed as confetti rained down. Kenjiro had fired off a party cracker.
"Congratulations! Warmest celebration!"
Su Li stared at him, speechless.
---
As the sun set, Su Li walked home in his crisp shihakushō and newly affixed vice-captain's armband. Passersby turned heads. Respect lit their eyes—men, women, even children. In Soul Society, strength dictated status, and status commanded reverence.
Su Li accepted it with calm indifference. He had seen this all before in his past life. Recognition meant nothing without action.
At home, Aunt Inoue hadn't returned yet. Su Li tied an apron and started preparing rice. Even as a vice-captain, missing meals wasn't an option. Otherwise, he and Aunt Inoue would be left sipping cold wind for dinner.
Before long, the fragrance of cooked rice filled the home. Just then, the front door opened.
"Ali, come help me!" Aunt Inoue called as she struggled with a large fruit box.
Su Li rushed to her side and helped her carry it in.
"Didn't sell today?"
"Yeah... barely anything," Aunt Inoue wiped her brow. Her warm, tanned skin glowed in the evening light.
Though in her thirties, she still looked like a young woman in her twenties. Her figure was graceful and her face untouched by time. Unsurprisingly, her fruit stall always did well—except today.
"Everyone rushed off to the pub. Some said something amazing happened..."
She squinted, trying to remember. "Something about a top student at the Spiritual Arts Academy?"
Su Li smiled faintly.
"By the way, didn't you take the graduation assessment today? How'd it go?" she asked excitedly.
Then she noticed it—the shimmering vice-captain's badge on his arm.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.