Chapter 18: Homecoming

After the registration ceremony, Su Li decided not to head home immediately but instead make his way to the Second Division's quarters. He had to report before departing for the human world, and he figured it would save him another trip later.

Many of the other new recruits had the same idea, so as they walked along the path leading to each division's headquarters, a lively group of newcomers chatted and laughed together.

On this journey, Su Li received numerous warm greetings from fellow graduates. He had become quite the sensation in their eyes, and building connections and friendships was an essential part of the experience.

Su Li responded to everyone politely, but some girls went a step further, slipping him small notes with their contact numbers and even their height and measurements. It left Su Li bemused, as he hadn't expected to receive romantic advances before taking charge of the secret mobile team.

As he continued, the crowd around him gradually thinned out. Before long, he arrived at the Second Division's quarters. Pushing aside the curtain, he stepped inside the team building.

"Hello, I'm Su Li, a new member of this year's Second Division. I'm here to report," Su Li began, but before he could finish, a voice filled with astonishment interrupted him.

"Lord Vice-Captain! You're here!!"

A bald middle-aged man with an overly eager expression rushed over.

"Dear Vice-Captain, please take a seat! Have some tea! Enjoy a snack!"

"All of this is for you, Vice-Captain!"

Su Li found himself slightly uncomfortable as he looked at the table full of pastries and the overenthusiastic middle-aged man.

"Um... hello..."

Su Li extended his hand politely, and the middle-aged man, Kenjiro Shimizu, immediately clasped his hands with a humble attitude, bowing a full 90 degrees.

"Hello, Vice-Captain Su Li. I am Kenjiro Shimizu, currently holding the fifth seat in the Second Division. Please offer me your guidance!" Kenjiro spoke with utmost respect.

Su Li was momentarily taken aback but then shook his head with a wry smile. "I'm Su Li. Please, just call me Su Li. And yes, I remember you from this morning."

Kenjiro Shimizu looked at Su Li with admiration and respect. "Mr. Su Li, you may not recall, but I had the privilege of sitting in the spectator seats during the incredible battle between you and Captain Soi-Fon. Witnessing such a remarkable showdown is a highlight of my life."

He bowed deeply once again, expressing his profound admiration.

Su Li scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed that he couldn't remember. However, it was evident that the members of the Second Division held no ill feelings toward their new vice-captain. They seemed genuinely friendly.

This was somewhat unexpected for Su Li. But he also understood that, in the world of Shinigami, strength was paramount, and respect was earned through one's abilities. He had proven his strength by forcing Soi-Fon to use Bankai, which likely explained the warm reception he was receiving.

"Well, alright, Kenjiro, is Captain Soi-Fon available? I need to report to her," Su Li inquired.

Kenjiro Shimizu replied respectfully, "Captain Soi-Fon is not here at the moment. Before her departure, she instructed that if you came, you should put your name on the roster by yourself."

Su Li sighed inwardly, thinking, "She's probably still upset..."

He then thanked Kenjiro and followed him to the place where the roster was kept. Along the way, Kenjiro took the opportunity to provide Su Li with some insights into the Second Division's quarters.

"These quarters were funded by the former vice-captain, Lord Omaeda..."

As they strolled through the elegant and stylish courtyard, Kenjiro couldn't stop talking about the aesthetics of the Second Division's quarters.

"Look at this decoration, this carving, these curtains – truly stylish. It's no exaggeration to say that our Second Division's team building is the best among all divisions," Kenjiro boasted proudly. "Su Li, if you ever decide to stay here, you'll find it quite comfortable."

Su Li found himself somewhat speechless, thinking that Kenjiro's verbosity didn't quite match his bold reputation. However, as he walked through the charming and chic courtyard, Su Li couldn't deny feeling a sense of relaxation.

Regrettably, he had no plans to move into the team building. Moving in would mean leaving Aunt Inoue alone at home, which wasn't ideal for her safety.

Eventually, they reached the location of the roster. The vice-captain's position had been vacated.

Omaeda Marechiyo now occupied the third seat, and Shimizu Kenjiro was listed as the sixth seat. It seemed Kenjiro hadn't quite realized he'd been demoted yet, as he still referred to himself as the fifth seat. Su Li promptly added his name tag to the roster.

Vice-Captain of the Second Division, Su Li.

Suddenly, a voice exploded in Su Li's ears, followed by confetti filling the air.

"Congratulations! What a warm celebration!" Kenjiro Shimizu danced around, even setting off a miniature salute.

Su Li was left momentarily speechless.

...

In the twilight, Su Li walked home. Clad in the handsome death tyrant outfit and wearing the conspicuous vice-captain's armband, he attracted respectful and admiring glances from passersby.

Soul Society was indeed a pragmatic place, where strength represented everything.

Status and rank were indeed symbols of strength, and Su Li remained unfazed by it all. There was no turmoil in his heart, as he had grown accustomed to this reality during his previous life.

Arriving home, Su Li found that Aunt Inoue had yet to return. He wasted no time and started preparing a meal, well aware that even as a vice-captain, he couldn't afford to miss cooking a meal. Otherwise, he and Aunt Inoue would be left with nothing to eat.

Soon, the aroma of cooking filled the air.

When Aunt Inoue finally returned, she called out for Su Li to help with a large box of fruits.

"Ali, come and help me!!"

Su Li rushed over, assisting Aunt Inoue in placing the box of fruits down.

"Is all of this from today's unsold stock?" Su Li inquired as he examined the box.

Aunt Inoue, who had been running the fruit stand for years, relied on the income from her business to support both of them.

"Yes," she replied, wiping the sweat from her forehead. Her warm, wheat-colored skin and youthful appearance often led people to mistake her for someone in her twenties.

The fruit stand's business was consistently excellent, with rare instances of unsold items.

"Today was unusual; it seemed like everyone went to the pub, as if something extraordinary happened..."

She continued, "Specifically, it was said that the Spiritual Arts Academy produced an exceptional student..."

Then Aunt Inoue's eyes lit up as she remembered something.

"By the way, Li, didn't you participate in the graduation assessment today? How did it go?"

Her gaze shifted to Su Li's right arm, and she noticed the dazzling vice-captain's armband.

Her eyes widened in astonishment.