Join the Punishment Force?
Sui-Feng frowned, staring at Kurotsuki Renya with a trace of puzzlement. "Do you even know what kind of unit the Executive Militia is?"
Renya answered calmly: "The Executive Militia is the branch of the Onmitsukidō responsible for executions. They eliminate any enemy who threatens Seireitei."
Sui-Feng's eyes narrowed. "You are correct. But you must understand—the Punishment Force fights on the frontlines and executes without hesitation. You're only thirteen. Taking a life at your age…"
Thirteen was young, even in Soul Society where lifespans stretched into centuries. In her eyes, Renya was still a child, no matter his talent.
"If the one to kill is an enemy," Renya replied firmly, "then I will not hesitate."
Sui-Feng shook her head. "It's not simply about hesitation. The purpose of the Onmitsukidō is to protect Seireitei. We do this so others—children like you—won't be forced onto the battlefield. I won't allow you to join the Executive Militia."
Renya was surprised. Sui-Feng was known for her cold exterior, so why did she sound almost protective?
"Captain Sui-Feng," Renya asked, puzzled, "didn't you yourself join the Onmitsukidō when you were young? Didn't you enter the Punishment Force as well? Why stop me?"
At his words, Sui-Feng's eyes narrowed. Her face flickered with something more complicated than she liked to show.
It was true. She had joined the Onmitsukidō in her childhood, born from the traditions of her family, the Fon clan. With five older brothers lost to missions, she alone survived. From her earliest years she had followed Yoruichi Shihōin, served as her personal guard, and grown both loyal and dependent—only to be abandoned when Yoruichi left Soul Society.
"I am not the same as you," Sui-Feng answered coldly.
Renya fell silent. He understood her better now. The reason she resisted his choice was not weakness—it was memory. Her indifference was armor; beneath it was a wounded loyalty she still carried.
"If you are to enter the Onmitsukidō," Sui-Feng said at last, her tone hardening, "then you will begin in the Patrol Corps. Otherwise, I would rather you never enter at all."
The Patrol Corps oversaw Seireitei's watch, maintaining knowledge of every street and corner. It was the division most suited for one who valued intelligence and awareness.
"…Very well," Renya answered. "I agree to join the Patrol Corps."
Sui-Feng gave a small nod of approval. In past generations, geniuses rarely chose the Second Division. Most of its members came from families steeped in tradition—the Fon, the Hachibē, the Omaeda. For one such as Renya, to pledge himself willingly, was rare.
More importantly, his potential promised more than strength. If nurtured, he could carry the Onmitsukidō into the future… and perhaps even answer the questions Yoruichi had left behind.
"When your academic year ends," Sui-Feng instructed, "proceed directly to Sixth Year. Once you obtain your Asauchi, report to the Onmitsukidō."
In half a year, Renya would hold his own Zanpakutō. The thought filled him with anticipation—and questions about the spirit waiting inside it.
"I understand," he said, bowing.
"Then return on your own," Sui-Feng ordered curtly.
Renya pointed to himself. "Alone?"
"Don't be ridiculous. You know where you are. Find your way."
"…All right."
With a quick tap of his foot, Renya vanished in a flash step, reappearing ten meters ahead. Again and again he leapt forward, disappearing into the darkened streets.
Once he had gone, a massive figure emerged at Sui-Feng's side. "Captain," said Marechiyo Ōmaeda, "this child will be my adjutant in half a year? He still looks like a boy."
Sui-Feng's gaze remained on the distance. "Yes. See to his growth, Omaeda."
The plump lieutenant struck his chest with a hand. "Leave it to me. I'll train him well."
…
Beneath the cloak of night, Renya moved through Seireitei, his steps carrying him swiftly across rooftops and streets. Turning a corner, he shunpo'd again—
And collided headlong into someone.
Whump!
Softness enveloped him, bouncing him back onto the ground. Dazed, he looked up—straight into the eyes of a tall, striking woman with short blonde hair and a beauty mark near her lip. Her uniform hung loosely, revealing more than concealing, and a peach-colored scarf draped from her neck.
"Matsumoto…?" Renya whispered.
It was none other than Rangiku Matsumoto, then still a seated officer of the Tenth Division, not yet vice-captain.
She blinked down at him in surprise. A child in an Academy uniform, out at this hour? "What's this? What's a student doing outside so late?"
Renya rubbed his head. "Captain Sui-Feng brought me out… but she told me to return alone."
"Sui-Feng?" Rangiku asked curiously. "Why would she bring you out?"
"She wanted me to join the Second Division," Renya answered, "so she came to ask for my decision."
"Captain Sui-Feng would personally recruit a student?" Rangiku was startled. Then, narrowing her eyes, she looked closer. "Wait—you're only about eleven, aren't you? You can't be… Kurotsuki Renya?"
Renya nodded. "That's me. You know of me, senpai?"
"Of course," she said with a grin. "The prodigy of the Academy—thirteen years old, fifth-class Reiatsu, a genius at kidō, first in your year to master Shunpo. Our Tenth Division has an eye on you too. But I didn't think Captain Sui-Feng would move so fast."
Then she smirked knowingly. "But I bet you turned her down, right? The Second Division, the Onmitsukidō… that's the dark side of Seireitei. It's not a place for someone like you. You refused her, didn't you? That's why you're walking back alone?"
Renya answered quietly: "No. I agreed."
Rangiku's smile froze. "…Huh?"
"I said, I agreed to join the Second Division."
Her eyes widened in disbelief, lips parting. "…What!?"