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"This is the temporary entry permit."
Inside the Second Division barracks, Ōmaeda handed a palm-sized plaque to Ishikawa Katori: "This is a special entry permit belonging to the Onmitsukidō.
You can use it to freely enter and exit the Seireitei, but without an invitation, you cannot go to other Squad territories, the central area, or some special areas."
"Furthermore, you cannot buy a house or settle in the Seireitei; of course, if you are invited by a Squad and given permission, you can rest in that Squad's barracks."
Ōmaeda rattled off a long list of precautions, and Ishikawa Katori diligently committed them to memory.
It's always right to be careful; Ishikawa Katori didn't want the Onmitsukidō to catch him with anything that could get him thrown into the Maggot's Nest.
Thinking of this, Ishikawa Katori asked with some curiosity: "Then, can I not live in the Maggot's Nest?"
"Huh?"
Ōmaeda was slightly stunned, then looked at Ishikawa Katori with a somewhat blank expression.
Live where?
Good heavens, are you planning to surrender yourself?
And…
Ōmaeda recalled the cheering of the prisoners after Ishikawa Katori left earlier.
If Ishikawa Katori were to sleep in there, those prisoners would definitely not mind giving him some 'small' surprises while he slept!
However, this question truly stumped him.
According to the rules, Ishikawa Katori was not allowed to reside in the Seireitei; but Captain Soi Fon had said he was allowed to freely enter and exit the Maggot's Nest, and as long as he didn't kill prisoners, he could do anything he wanted inside.
"Yes, you can live however you want."
Hearing the answer he wanted, Ishikawa Katori's eyes immediately lit up, because if he was allowed to live in the Maggot's Nest, then if he worked too late in the Seireitei or couldn't finish a commissioned job in one day, he could spend the night in the Maggot's Nest.
After all, a round trip to the West 38th District, even at Ishikawa Katori's speed, would take nearly three hours.
And after the Maggot's Nest was cleaned up, it was fine except for being a bit damp.
If he didn't get used to the single cells, building a 'guard room' or something inside wouldn't take much effort.
Hmm?
Ishikawa Katori froze, suddenly realizing that the person who had just answered him wasn't Ōmaeda in front of him.
Ōmaeda also looked startled, glancing left and right.
Ishikawa Katori's gaze immediately locked onto Ōmaeda's back, and as Ōmaeda looked around, he discovered… a small figure had appeared behind Ōmaeda at some point, but because she was so small, her entire body was blocked by the bulky Ōmaeda.
This discovery made Ishikawa Katori's pupils slightly contract, and a mixture of surprise and joy flashed in the depths of his eyes.
The surprise was because Ishikawa Katori hadn't sensed the other person's presence at all before she spoke, and even when he saw her, he didn't feel any aura from her.
If the person had come to kill him, he might not even know how he died…
The joy was because of the other person's identity; this small figure was the person Ishikawa Katori most wanted to interact with after coming to the Second Division.
The Captain of the Gotei 13's Second Division, the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, and the Commander of the Onmitsukidō's First Team, the Execution Force—Soi Fon!
"Captain, why are you here?"
Ōmaeda also noticed Soi Fon behind him and quickly moved aside, fully revealing the small girl behind him to Ishikawa Katori.
Although he had known about such a person before, seeing her in person still made Ishikawa Katori inwardly sigh… she truly was short.
Soi Fon's figure was slender and frail.
Ishikawa Katori's height of 1.75 meters was significantly taller than her; she was roughly estimated to be only about 1.5 meters tall, and her face gave off an incredibly childish feeling.
If one disregarded her shinigami uniform and Captain's haori, no one would believe that such a girl, who looked like a middle school student, could actually be the Captain of the Second Division.
"As Ōmaeda conveyed in the commission, you can freely enter and exit the Maggot's Nest, and of course, you can reside there."
Soi Fon's tone was cold, but subtly laced with a hint of playfulness: "If you wish to live there forever, I would be very willing to grant your wish."
"...I'll pass on that." Ishikawa Katori chuckled nervously.
Although he really wanted to try acting like a warm, caring man, like in TV shows from his previous life, and use teasing to get closer to her, perhaps saying something like, 'If that makes you happy, then I'd be more than willing.'
But Ishikawa Katori felt that if he really said that, she might actually lock him up…
To be honest, although he had always wanted to get close to her, Ishikawa Katori truly didn't know how to increase her favorability…
No, it's not that he didn't know; if he were strong enough, catching a 'Kuroneko' for her in the Human World would definitely make her favorability towards him skyrocket.
However, with Ishikawa Katori's current strength, trying to catch that Kuroneko in the Human World was no different from seeking death.
Aside from that method, Ishikawa Katori truly didn't know how else to befriend this 'Boss' with obviously problematic 'preferences'.
But for Ishikawa Katori to just give up this opportunity to get close to her was absolutely impossible.
"Hello, Captain Soi Fon."
Ishikawa Katori showed his signature gentle smile.
After five and a half years of refinement, his mastery of this smile had reached a state of perfection; even Big Sister Kukaku said his smile looked more and more genuine.
"Big Sister Kukaku often tells me about you, saying you're her friend's…" Ishikawa Katori organized his words, searching for a topic that might interest Soi Fon, while observing her expression.
When he finished the words 'her friend's', Soi Fon's expression noticeably darkened.
Seeing this, Ishikawa Katori quickly swallowed the word 'Yoruichi' he had prepared, and instead quickly continued: "…
I wanted to visit you, Big Sister Soi Fon, but I never had the chance."
"…"
Ōmaeda, standing by, was stunned. Big Sister Soi Fon?!
No wonder the Onmitsukido members who monitored him said he loved making friends; this guy's ability to butter people up was off the charts.
But… he was really curious about Captain Soi Fon's reaction to that.
Ōmaeda secretly glanced at Soi Fon out of the corner of his eye and found that their Captain, who always wore an ice-cold expression, was also looking startled, clearly caught off guard by Ishikawa Katori's address of 'Big Sister.'
"You should still call me Captain Soi Fon!"
After a while, Soi Fon said in a cold tone.
"Ah, I apologize."
Ishikawa Katori glanced at the system interface, and seeing no reaction, he didn't try to push his luck further with the familiarity… after all, he had blurted out 'Big Sister' in a panic to avoid negative favorability, which made Ishikawa Katori wish he could perform a 'three rooms and one hall' technique with his toes.
Although considering Soi Fon's age, it wouldn't be a problem for Ishikawa Katori to call her 'Grandma', let alone 'Big Sister', but purely based on her appearance, calling her 'Big Sister' truly made Ishikawa Katori feel a bit guilty.
Indeed, at this level of strength, it's not that easy to increase favorability.
Ōmaeda, on the other hand, looked at Soi Fon with some surprise.
It must be a misconception, right? When the Captain spoke just now, that 'cold aura' that kept people away seemed to have lessened a bit?
"By the way, Captain Soi Fon."
The first wave of his 'getting close' strategy failed, so Ishikawa Katori decisively changed his approach, opting for his most familiar method: earning customer favor through a diligent work attitude!
Ishikawa Katori took out his ledger from his Pregnant and said earnestly: "I'd like to replace the bedding for the prisoners in the Maggot's Nest, and I was wondering if I could be allocated some funds."
"I've tallied the bedding that needs replacing, totaling 847 sets. I'm not sure about the price of finished bedding in Seireitei, but in Rukongai, one set costs about 2000 Kan."
"Buying finished products would cost at least 1.6 million Kan, which is truly not cost-effective. If you trust me, you can allocate me 400,000 Kan.
I have channels to buy good quality, low-priced fabric and cotton, and then I can borrow equipment from a familiar textile factory to make them."
"Any extra materials can also be used to make some replacement prisoner uniforms for the inmates."
Upon hearing this, Soi Fon and Ōmaeda couldn't help but show strange expressions.
Making bedding and prisoner uniforms…
Seriously, what can't this guy do?
Soi Fon looked at Ishikawa Katori with a strange gaze: "They're just a bunch of prisoners; you don't need to be too good to them."
Ishikawa Katori replied with a solemn expression: "Please forgive my intrusion, Vice-Captain Ōmaeda told me about those prisoners.
Since their freedom has already been stripped away, isn't it right to give them some compensation in other aspects? Although Shinigami physiques mean they'd be fine even without covers, making them more comfortable is a form of compensation!"
"…" Ōmaeda.
"…" Soi Fon.
If they hadn't personally witnessed Ishikawa Katori brutally beating the prisoners earlier, treating them as less than human, they might actually have believed him to be a kind-hearted person who sympathized with others.
But recalling the scene of widespread wailing, his words sounded incredibly hypocritical!
"…Alright."
Soi Fon finished speaking, then added, "From now on, you can discuss such matters with the Supervisory Team responsible for managing the Maggot's Nest; there's no need to report to me." With that, she turned to leave.
"Wait!"
Ishikawa Katori hurriedly took a few steps forward and continued, "Captain Soi Fon, I also plan to go to the mountains to cut some wood to make some beds, tables, and benches. I won't need funding for that, but I might need to transport a large batch of wood to the Second Division. Is that permissible?"
"Don't—"
Before Soi Fon could reply, Ōmaeda, who was standing nearby, quickly interjected, "Tell me an approximate number of how much wood you need, and I'll have someone deliver it directly."
What a joke!
It should be known that all goods entering the Seireitei from Rukongai are inspected by the Patrol Corps he leads. This would simply increase the burden on their Patrol Corps.
None of your business, you fatso!!
Ishikawa Katori cursed fiercely in his heart, but on his face, he smiled and nodded, "That works too. Also, can I engrave some moisture-proof Spiritual Crests inside the Maggot's Nest?"
"Spiritual Crests?"
Soi Fon, who had been somewhat impatient, turned to look at Ishikawa Katori. "Shiba's Spiritual Crests?"
"Mm."
Ishikawa Katori nodded. Although the Spiritual Crests passed down through generations of the Shiba family could only be learned by family members, Ganju had taught Ishikawa Katori some Low Level functional Spiritual Crests for moisture-proofing and sound insulation.
Big Sister Kukaku had no objections to this and even personally taught Ishikawa Katori a protective Spiritual Crest to engrave on objects. The amulet Uzuki wore was handmade by Ishikawa Katori and could provide defense and warning. If Uzuki were ever attacked, Ishikawa Katori would immediately sense it, no matter how far away he was.
A flicker of surprise crossed Soi Fon's eyes upon hearing this.
Spiritual Crests were different from Kido; they were a secret technique passed down through generations of the Shiba family. Even the most Low Level Spiritual Crests were rarely taught outside, and even the Spiritual Crests learned by the Shiba branch families were not the true core inheritance.
It seemed his relationship with the Shiba family was even closer than she had imagined.
"You may."
Soi Fon said, then seemed to remember something and added, "But it is limited to the moisture-proof Spiritual Crests you mentioned."
Although she had only seen them a few times, there were many rumors about the Shiba family's Spiritual Crests. Some even claimed that the Shiba family could establish a connection with the Soul King Palace using their inherited Spiritual Crests. Regardless of whether these rumors were true or false, the Spiritual Crests of the Shiba family, once one of the Five Great Noble Families, could not be underestimated.
"Please rest assured, when I arrange the Spiritual Crests, you can personally supervise my work. I merely saw that many prisoners had problems due to dampness, which is why I had the idea to improve the environment of the Maggot's Nest."
Every extra interaction was a bonus. Just as he used to frequent the Shiba family to get familiar, Ishikawa Katori felt that as long as he had the chance, he would talk to Soi Fon; he was sure to gain some favorability.
"Since I've accepted this commission, I will do my utmost to satisfy you, my customer."
Soi Fon nodded. She suddenly understood why Ishikawa Katori was so popular in Rukongai. Although these trivial matters bothered her somewhat, she didn't dislike his serious attitude towards work.
[Soi Fon Favorability +1, gained 320 experience points.]
Ishikawa Katori's eyes lit up. The experience gained from 1 point of favorability was actually 20 points more than from Big Sister Kukaku.
Title bonus?
Their strengths should be similar, but unlike Big Sister Kukaku, the Head of the Shiba family, Soi Fon had too many titles.
Captain of the Second Division, Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, Captain of the Onmitsukido, and also the head of the Low Level noble Hachi Family…
Although 20 experience points weren't much, the experience gained would double for every ten points of favorability.
Simply put, when Soi Fon's favorability towards him reached the same 30 points as Big Sister Kukaku, her 1 point of favorability could provide him with 2560 experience points, which was a full 160 experience points higher than Big Sister Kukaku at the same favorability.
And this was only at 30 favorability. If it reached 40, 50… or even 60, it would only become more and more!
At this thought, Ishikawa Katori couldn't help but shake his head.
How could 60 favorability be so simple? In these five and a half years, most of those with over 50 favorability towards him were Rukongai residents, and those who reached the full 60 friendship could be counted on one hand: only Uzuki, Himura, Granny Yuzu from the tobacco shop in West 3rd District, and Sake Lady who brewed wine in West 38th District—four people…
"From now on, you can directly discuss such matters with the Vice-Captain of the Supervisory Team," Soi Fon said.
Although he didn't have corresponding rights and treatment, Ishikawa Katori, who had an Onmitsukidō entry permit, was nominally a member of the Supervisory Team, and could even be said to be an unofficial temporary captain.
"I've already instructed the Supervisory Team that, regarding matters related to the Maggot's Nest, excluding the execution, release, and incarceration of prisoners, everything else can be decided by you, the manager." Soi Fon said, and without waiting for Ishikawa Katori to react, she directly used Shunpo and vanished from the spot.
This left Ishikawa Katori, who had originally wanted to go forward and continue to ingratiate himself, somewhat disappointed.
"Tsk tsk… You're really something," Ōmaeda suddenly said from the side.
Ishikawa Katori asked somewhat confused, "What is it?"
"Nothing."
Ōmaeda shook his head. He had been following Captain Soi Fon all along, and at that time, the Captain had never instructed that Ishikawa Katori could decide matters concerning the Maggot's Nest.
This was clearly a recent decision.
The fact that Captain Soi Fon could grant him such great authority clearly meant that her impression of this young man had changed, and she approved of his attitude towards work.
After all, their Captain was also someone whose eyes were only on missions and work. Anyone who hindered her work, even himself, she would never hesitate to kill.
Thinking of this, Ōmaeda patted Ishikawa Katori's shoulder, "Kid, you're also considered a member of our Second Division from now on. If you have any problems in the future…"
"Vice-Captain Ōmaeda."
Ishikawa Katori dodged Ōmaeda's large hand and interrupted, "If there's nothing else, I'll head back first. It's getting dark soon, after all."
"…Uh, alright."
Ōmaeda awkwardly withdrew his hand, and the corner of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.
He's not even pretending?
Although he had long known that this guy treated male Shinigami and female Shinigami completely differently, the speed of his face-changing was too fast, wasn't it?
Just now, he was gentle, but as soon as the Captain left, this guy immediately put on a cold demeanor; that's quite something.
Ishikawa Katori didn't know Ōmaeda's thoughts, nor did he care. And it was indeed getting dark. After a whole day of busyness, Ishikawa Katori felt a bit tired, and he still wanted to stroll around Seireitei before heading back.
He might as well spend time in the Commercial Street of Seireitei, handing out the small ads he had in his pocket, rather than trying to ingratiate himself with a male carbon-based life form who couldn't provide him with experience points. It would be even better if he could meet a female Vice-Captain.
After leaving the Second Division, Ishikawa Katori pulled out the palm-sized entry permit from his in my arms and examined it carefully.
The entry permit was rectangular, about a finger thick, and its material was somewhat similar to steel, giving off a faint coolness when held in hand.
However, these weren't what Ishikawa Katori wanted to see.
"There's indeed a tracking Spiritual Crest engraved inside."
Ishikawa Katori smiled slightly. In fact, the moment he received the entry permit, he felt something unusual about it. He had learned quite a few Spiritual Crests by following Big Sister Kukaku and Ganju, and these Spiritual Crests engraved on objects could be said to have all originated from the Shiba family.
Using the method Big Sister Kukaku taught, it was easy to identify the type of Spiritual Crest, and if Ishikawa Katori wanted to, he could easily mask the tracking Spiritual Crest within it.
That being said, Ishikawa Katori did not tamper with the Spiritual Crest inside.
Anyway, with or without this entry permit, his movements would be monitored by the Onmitsukidō. If this made them feel more at ease, Ishikawa Katori had no objections.
Tucking the entry permit into his pocket, Ishikawa Katori recalled the morning route and walked straight towards the Commercial Street.
But as he approached the corner, a strange glint flashed in his eyes, and he instinctively softened his footsteps.
Someone was there!
Ishikawa Katori lightly tapped his toes on the ground and silently jumped onto the nearby wall, looking into the corner. When he clearly saw what was in the corner, Ishikawa Katori couldn't help but be startled.
Looking ahead, he saw a short, silver-haired girl crouching in the corner, holding a wooden stick and drawing circles on the ground while muttering:
"Hello, I would like to see Vice-Captain Ōmaeda… No, I'm also a Vice-Captain now, so should I say I want to pay my respects? I feel like that's not right either…"
"I have something to discuss with Vice-Captain Ōmaeda?"
"Yes, that's how I'll say it, and then after meeting Vice-Captain Ōmaeda, I'll ask him about Mr. Ishikawa Katori."
Ishikawa Katori: "…"
This guy, he really is… utterly lacking the dignity of a Vice-Captain.
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