"Are you all interested in joining the Executive Department?"
Renji Takahashi had just picked up his chopsticks again when his father, Ryoji, dropped a question that stunned the table into silence.
"Join the Executive Department?"
"We're not even qualified, right? Don't we have to be at least Tier Three?"
Everyone looked confused.
After all, the basic requirement to join the Executive Department was to reach Tier Three. That wasn't something first-years like them could just walk into.
"I know," Ryoji said with a chuckle. "I'm just telling you ahead of time. The department is going through some changes, and the bar's being lowered. As long as you reach mid-Tier Two within six months, you can apply."
"That's still a bit steep…" Shun Hayashi and Honoka exchanged looks.
"Haha, of course it won't be easy. I'm just letting you know. If you don't make it, you can still apply after reaching Tier Three."
"Alright, alright, enough work talk." Renji shot his father a look. "Can we just eat in peace?"
"What? I'm just trying to help—fine, let's eat." Ryoji raised his hands in surrender and returned to his meal, grinning.
After dinner, Shun and Honoka got up to leave.
"Renji, we've got a mission tomorrow, so we'll head out first."
"Oh? Where's the mission this time?" Renji asked casually.
Ever since real fieldwork started, their group had split into smaller teams for different assignments.
"We're supposed to scout for abnormal beast activity nearby. Nothing too intense," Shun replied.
"Alright then. Be safe."
"Thanks, see you soon!" Honoka waved, then smiled at Ryoji. "Bye, Uncle Ryoji!"
"Come by again soon," Ryoji replied warmly.
After they left, Yuna stood up too. "Renji, Mr. Takahashi… It's getting late. I should head back."
Renji nodded. "Sure, be careful out there. See you at the next mission."
"Mm, see you."
Just as she turned toward the door, Ryoji kicked Renji lightly and whispered, "What are you doing? Letting a girl walk home alone at this hour?"
Then louder, "Yuna ! Renji says it's too late for you to walk home alone, so he's taking you!"
"Huh?! I never—" Renji tried to protest, but Yuna had already stopped and turned around, waiting.
With no choice, Renji glared at his father and followed her out.
Ryoji grinned and raised a silent thumbs-up from behind.
It was early summer. The daytime heat faded into a cool, breezy night.
Yuna 's home was in the opposite direction of Renji's, and he'd never actually been there before. So even though he was "walking her home," he was really just tagging along.
Azura Dragon City was quiet after dark, and the roads were nearly empty.
The moon above cast soft silver light on the path ahead as they walked side by side in silence. The breeze carried a faint, floral scent.
"Are you going to join the Executive Department?" Yuna asked softly, breaking the calm.
"Hm? I haven't thought about it yet. Why?"
"What your dad said tonight was mostly aimed at you," she replied. "You're the only one here who already qualifies."
Renji raised an eyebrow. "How would you know that?"
"You've already reached advanced Tier Two, haven't you?"
"What? How'd you know that?!"
He hadn't even told his dad yet.
Yuna smiled, a bit mischievously. "Secret."
"What kind of secret…"
"But seriously, will you join?"
"I'm not sure. It's too sudden."
Renji genuinely hadn't considered it. Ryoji's offer had caught him off guard.
"I'm definitely going to join," Yuna said quietly.
Renji turned toward her. "Why?"
She didn't respond right away.
Instead, she stopped walking and looked up at the moon. Moonlight brushed her figure like a silver veil—elegant and ethereal.
He stared at her, and she stared at the sky.
Then, she lowered her gaze to meet his.
Her voice was firm: "Because it's the only way I can help change the world."
Renji blinked.
If anyone else had said that, he'd have burst out laughing.
But when Yuna said it—with that serious look—he didn't doubt her for a second.
He remembered what she had said at the Awakening Ceremony: that the support system needed to change.
It wasn't just a belief. It was her goal.
"…So I hope you'll join too. That way, when I make it in later, I'll have someone to watch my back."
Her tone lightened, a playful glint flashing in her eyes.
"Oh, starting to build connections already?" Renji teased.
"Of course."
"Well, since you asked so nicely, I'll think about it."
"Excuse me? Nicely?!"
"Close enough."
"Close?! There's a world of difference!"
They kept bickering and teasing as they walked until they arrived at her house—a modest, standard residence.
Yuna lived alone. She wasn't from Azura Dragon City; she'd been transferred here as a teen. The school had arranged this place for her, though Renji didn't know the full story.
"Well, I'm home. Thanks for walking with me." She smiled sweetly.
"Get some rest."
"You too. Good night."
"Good night."
When Renji got back home, he found Ryoji standing at the door with a knowing smirk.
"Well?" he asked.
"Well what?"
"You and Yuna . I like that girl. She'd make a fine daughter-in-law."
"Daaaad—can you not?"
Ryoji chuckled. "Alright, alright, back to serious business."
He stepped closer. "You're reporting to the Executive Department with me tomorrow."
"…Wait, what?!"
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