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The streets east of District 6 are Nobility Street, lined with noble residences, high-end restaurants, and facilities exclusive to nobles.
At the center of Nobility Street lies an area that commoners and nobles alike cannot enter without an invitation.
—The Four Great Noble Clans' Residential Area!
The outermost residence in the residential area belongs to the Kuchiki family, who were the first to integrate into the Seireitei, while next to the Kuchiki family is the Shihōin Family.
Unlike the other two Great Noble Clans, members of these two families have historically joined the Gotei 13 and have always been active on the front lines of combat.
If one includes the Shiba family, once one of the Five Great Noble Families, then three of the Five Great Noble Families, as ancestral families, have already integrated into the Seireitei.
Due to their close ties, both the Kuchiki family and the Shihōin Family are located between Nobility Street and the residential area, and people from various Squads frequently travel back and forth.
Most of those who come to the Kuchiki family are Sixth Division Squad Members, while those who come to the Shihōin Family are primarily Onmitsukidō Squad Members.
Although the commander-in-chief of the Onmitsukidō is no longer a member of the Shihōin Family, the Hachi Family, a lower-ranking noble family to which Soi Fon belongs, still considers it their duty to follow and protect the Shihōin Family.
It can be said that, apart from the change in the legion commander, the relationship between the Shihōin Family and the Onmitsukidō has not changed. The Shihōin Family, known as the 'Heavenly Garment Brigade,' has continuously provided support to the Onmitsukidō.
Getting back to the main topic!
Because both families are located on the boundary line where entry without permission is forbidden, the regulation prohibiting entry does not apply to these two families… at least not to their main entrances.
Although not explicitly stated, this was intentionally arranged by both families.
Of course, generally speaking, no one would dare to enter the two family residences without prior notification.
That's right, generally speaking…
Because the basement of the extremely noble Kuchiki family, long ago, with the tacit approval of the previous head of the family… had countless secret rooms and passages excavated.
Even the empty rooms of the Kuchiki family were privately occupied. At the end of the hallway in the building where the head of the Kuchiki family resides, there is a secret door, and inside the secret door is the office of an association.
Many initiatives that influenced the future of the Gotei 13 were born here!
The name of this association is…
—The Shinigami Women's Association!
It is an organization recognized by the Soul Society, existing to protect the rights of female Shinigami. It is said that its decisions are more influential than those of Central 46, making it a god-like power organization!
…Although most of the time, it's just a tea party venue for female Shinigami to relax.
Passing through the secret door, which blended seamlessly with the wall, an incredibly spacious meeting hall came into view.
Various snacks were arranged on the decision platform at the front, and a blackboard with various items written on it hung on the wall; in the middle of the meeting hall, there was a long table with numerous chairs, on which sat figures that would make Ishikawa Katori beam with joy.
"The regular meeting of the Shinigami Women's Association will now begin."
Standing on the decision platform was a refined woman wearing glasses, none other than Ise Nanao, whom Ishikawa Katori had met once before. She was also the Vice-President of the Shinigami Women's Association.
Since Yachiru was the President, she was always responsible for organizing the meetings.
"During the last meeting, our proposal to rename Gikon to 'SOUL' CANDY' was successfully passed."
Ise Nanao recounted the information from the document in her hand one by one: "...This means that the Gikon produced in a few days will not only have a changed name, but the Gikon specifically for female Shinigami will also be created according to the personalities you prefer."
"Yay!"
As soon as Ise Nanao finished speaking, Yachiru excitedly jumped up.
The rest of the people did not react much. After all, 'changing Gikon' was only proposed by the female Squad Members of the Gotei 13 who frequently stationed in the Human World. Most of the people present... including the extremely excited Yachiru, basically did not use such things.
Besides Yachiru, Soi Fon's face clearly showed 'no interest,' Unohana Retsu had a gentle smile on her face, Matsumoto Rangiku was sprawled on the table snoring, and Isane Kotetsu was spaced out, thinking about who knows what... In any case, they were all uninterested in this topic.
Of course, there were also people who were interested. Sitting at the end of the table, two people were beaming with joy.
One was a young girl with short, deep golden hair and gray eyes; the other was a petite, black-haired young girl.
However, the black-haired young girl quickly hid the joy on her face, because most of the people present were Captains and Vice-Captains, and even Kiyone Kotetsu next to her was a Seated Officer of the Thirteenth Division.
She was the only one invited to the decision-making level of the association due to her status as an adopted daughter of the Kuchiki family and her residence here.
"...So, that concludes the recent status of the association. Next, we will vote on the submitted proposals."
Ise Nanao pushed up her glasses and turned to the next document.
"The matters to be resolved are: measures to prevent the President from embezzling association funds to buy snacks... uh... proposals regarding improving the status of female Shinigami... and finally, the resolution regarding Everything Store · Ishikawa Katori's application to become an Glory member of the Shinigami Women's Association..."
"Hmm?"
As soon as she finished reading, Ise Nanao was stunned: "Where did this item come from? I didn't find it when I organized the documents beforehand."
Ise Nanao looked down at the audience and found that most of the people at the long table, who had previously shown no interest, had now looked up at her, their previous apathy gone.
This made her momentarily confused, thinking she had said something wrong.
"Wait, why is that guy's name here?" Soi Fon said with a strange expression.
Isane Kotetsu blinked, muttering, "Mr. Ishikawa applied to become an Glory member of the Shinigami Women's Association?"
"Ishikawa Katori of Everything Store!?"
Matsumoto Rangiku, who had been sleeping, raised her head. First, she blinked sleepily, then suddenly stood up, causing her shinigami uniform to sway like waves.
"I agree! I agree!"
Kiyone Kotetsu looked at everyone's reactions with a bewildered expression: "Who is Everything Store · Ishikawa Katori? Is he a Squad Member from some Squad?" She then looked at the black-haired young girl beside her:
"Rukia, do you know this person?"
The young girl called Rukia shook her head: "I haven't heard of him, but looking at Captain Soi Fon and the others' reactions, he must be a female Squad Member from some Squad, right?"
"Who is this person named Ishikawa Katori?"
A young girl with her hair tied in a bun was the first to stand up and ask.
"Uh…"
Ise Nanao on the decision platform hesitated for a moment and said, "Well... regarding Vice-Captain Hinamori's question... I'm not very familiar with him either. I only met him once at 'Silver Dragonfly of Glasses.'"
"He is said to be a kind, helpful, and very capable person."
"That's right! That's right! Mr. Ishikawa is a very kind and extremely responsible person who never gives up on any patient," Isane Kotetsu immediately added from below the stage.
"Is he a Squad Member of the Fourth Division?"
Hinamori Momo nodded: "Since Vice-Captain Kotetsu said so, I have no objection."
"Wait…"
Ise Nanao pushed up her glasses: "Leaving aside his character for now, he's a man!"
"Huh? A man?" Hinamori Momo was stunned.
Kiyone Kotetsu immediately exclaimed, "How can a man join the Shinigami Women's Association!"
"A man??"
Kuchiki Rukia looked at the reactions of the others with some curiosity. Compared to the fact that 'Everything Store · Ishikawa Katori' was a man, she was more curious as to why so many Captains and Vice-Captains present knew him.
Was this person very famous in the Gotei 13?
But she had never heard of any Vice-Captain having such a strange surname as 'Everything Store.'
"By the way, was this proposal submitted by Vice-Captain Isane?" Ise Nanao looked at Isane Kotetsu with some confusion.
As far as she knew, among the members present, Isane Kotetsu was undoubtedly the most familiar with Ishikawa Katori.
"Uh, it wasn't me?"
"It was me! It was me!" Yachiru stood on her chair, raising her hand: "Nanao, I wrote it down."
"President?"
Ise Nanao was surprised, not understanding why Yachiru, as the Vice-Captain of the Eleventh Division, would know Ishikawa Katori, who only operated in the outer districts, since even she had only met him once in the outer districts.
But then she noticed that Soi Fon and Isane both had a look of realization on their faces, as if they weren't surprised at all that Yachiru knew Ishikawa Katori.
Wait a minute…
Ise Nanao's gaze was a bit strange.
Why do so many people know that Mr. Ishikawa?
Captain Unohana and Captain Soi Fon were understandable; besides running the Everything Store, Mr. Ishikawa also worked at the Comprehensive Relief Station. As for Captain Soi Fon… Ishikawa Katori's communication permit was issued by Captain Soi Fon, so it was normal for them to know him.
But what was going on with Vice-Captain Matsumoto and Vice-Captain Yachiru?
"Since it's the president's suggestion."
Just then, Unohana Retsu, who had remained silent, smiled slightly: "Then let's put it to a vote. After all, he's just an 'Glory member who has obligations but no benefits,' which doesn't violate the Shinigami Women's Association's membership requirements."
"This…"
A hint of hesitation flashed in Ise Nanao's eyes. Although she had no ill will towards Ishikawa Katori herself, she found it hard to agree with the idea of him, a man, joining the Shinigami Women's Association.
However, since the president had proposed it and the director also said it would be decided by vote, her disagreement was useless.
Sighing slightly, Ise Nanao wrote down "Agree" and "Disagree" on the blackboard.
"Now we will vote on whether Everything Store's Ishikawa Katori can become an Glory member of the Shinigami Women's Association." With that, she drew a line next to "Disagree."
"Although he's a very good person, I really can't agree to a man joining the Shinigami Women's Association."
"If it's Mr. Ishikawa, then I agree!"
Matsumoto Rangiku was the first to stand up. She had been in Seireitei for so many years, and this was the first time she had met someone she could drink to her heart's content with. Moreover… he was especially generous. It was just a pity that she didn't know what he had been busy with lately, as she could never find him when she went looking for him to drink.
If Ishikawa Katori could join, then there would be someone to drink with her in the association in the future.
"I agree." Vice-Captain Kotetsu continued: "Since Mr. Ishikawa applied to be an Glory member, he must have his reasons. I trust Mr. Ishikawa."
"And me, I also agree to Katori-chan joining," Yachiru said.
"…"
Ise Nanao sighed slightly, drawing three strokes of the character 'just' (meaning 'correct' or 'agree') next to "Agree," then looked at the remaining members with hopeful eyes.
"Disagree."
"I also disagree."
Two more people spoke up, these two being Hinamori Momo and another expressionless girl who hadn't spoken at all the entire time.
The girl had deep green eyes and straight bangs, giving off a feeling as if she had no emotional fluctuations whatsoever.
"Vice-Captain Hinamori and Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi, two votes against."
Ise Nanao breathed a sigh of relief at this, taking her pen and adding two votes next to "Disagree."
"Since big sister agrees, then he must be a very good person." Kotetsu Kiyone hesitated for a moment, then continued: "If he's an Glory member, then I have no objection. I'll vote the same as big sister: agree!"
Sure enough…
Ise Nanao was not surprised by this and directly wrote one vote next to "Agree."
Then, she looked at the three people remaining in the room who had not yet voted.
These three were Unohana Retsu, Soi Fon, and Kuchiki Rukia.
Ise Nanao's gaze swept across their faces one by one, thinking to herself:
Captain Unohana probably just wants to end the debate and cooperate with the president; she'll most likely vote against it.
As for Captain Soi Fon…
Although she didn't know why she issued Ishikawa Katori his communication permit, such an important item wouldn't be issued casually, so she must trust him greatly. The possibility of her agreeing is very high.
In that case, it would be 5:4 for agree versus disagree.
And according to the association's rules, a tie means failure, so Kuchiki Rukia's single vote would become extremely important.
There's hope!!
"He's a very interesting child. I agree."
However…
The next second, Ise Nanao's expression froze, and she looked incredulously at Unohana Retsu, who had a gentle smile: "Huh? Captain Unohana, did you make a mistake?"
"No, I didn't."
"…" Ise Nanao.
It's over.
Even if Rukia voted against it now, it would be useless.
Unless something unexpected happened.
What Ise Nanao didn't expect was that…
The next second, the unexpected happened.
"Disagree."
Soi Fon said in a cold tone. Lately, she had been helping Ishikawa Katori calm disputes almost every day, and she came here today to relax. But Soi Fon never expected that even hiding here, she would still hear that bastard's name.
"Uh…"
Ise Nanao was stunned for a moment, and hope burst forth in her eyes again. Although the process was somewhat different from what she had imagined, the result was the same as she had envisioned.
5:4
As long as Rukia voted "Disagree," they could use the "tie means failure" rule to keep Ishikawa Katori out.
"…"
Suddenly being watched by a room full of Captains and Vice-Captains, Rukia's expression immediately became tense.
Was such an important matter something she could decide?
Although she didn't know who Everything Store's Ishikawa Katori was, judging by everyone's reactions, he must be a person of extremely noble status. If she voted "Disagree"… would it be bad if it became known?
"Rukia, don't be nervous."
Ise Nanao seemed to have read Rukia's thoughts and said with a smile: "Mr. Ishikawa, who runs the Everything Store, is from Rukongai and is not a Shinigami. He only obtained a communication permit issued by the Onmitsukidō, which gave him the right to move freely in the outer areas of Seireitei."
"A communication permit issued by the Onmitsukidō?"
Kotetsu Kiyone, Hinamori Momo, Nemu Kurotsuchi, and Rukia all looked towards Soi Fon.
Soi Fon just replied coldly, "Don't mind me," and said no more, showing no intention of explaining.
Seeing this, everyone vaguely realized something and didn't ask further questions.
"Rukia-chan, Katori-chan is very good," Yachiru said, blinking her big eyes.
Kotetsu Isane interjected: "He is a member of the Comprehensive Relief Station, and can be considered a Squad Member of our Fourth Division. He is highly respected by our Fourth Division Squad Members, and also holds great prestige in West Rukongai, being given honorable titles such as 'A Great Philanthropist Rarely Seen in a Thousand Years,' 'Great Hero of Rukongai,' and 'Light of the West.'"
"Not only that, he often teaches Spiritual Arts Academy students techniques like Zankensoki, and many students and Squad Members who joined the Gotei 13 in the past two years are his students."
"…"
Everyone's persuasion, one after another, did not calm Kuchiki Rukia's nervousness; instead, it made it even harder for her to decide.
"C-can I abstain?"
Ise Nanao frowned and advised, "Do you want to reconsider?"
"This…"
Rukia eased her tension and shook her head: "I'll still choose to abstain."
Although she didn't understand who the other party truly was, since so many people said he was a good person, and those who opposed didn't deny this point, what Vice-Captain Kotetsu said should be true.
So, after hesitating for a moment, Rukia still chose to abstain, which could be considered a tacit agreement.
"Yay—"
"Haha, I'm really looking forward to it."
"…"
Watching the cheering people, Ise Nanao could only nod and say:
"Then I announce that from this moment on, Mr. Ishikawa will become an Glory member of the Shinigami Women's Association!"
…
Eleventh Division, Squad barracks ruins.
"I'll go to the Onmitsukidō and get your Zanpakuto back for you."
"No need."
"Then let's fight with wooden swords."
"My injuries haven't healed yet."
Ishikawa Katori felt the needle-like gaze on his back, his nerves couldn't help but tense up, fearing that he would be inexplicably cut down if he wasn't careful…
"When will you fully recover?"
Ishikawa Katori said without raising his head: "It will take at least five years of recuperation."
However…
"Boss Kenpachi, he's lying." Ikkaku Madarame chuckled: "Half a month, in half a month, he'll be fully recovered."
"Oh?"
"…" Ishikawa Katori.
Hmm, it's decided.
Even if I don't rest at night, I must complete the construction within half a month!
join p atreon.com/KeyofStars and become a Sequence 9: Reader for dozens of advance chapters for over a dozen fics | Every 100 powerstones = 1 extra chapter