https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-140-Rukia-Joins-the-13th-Division/12932774/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-142-Are-the-New-Recruits-This-Bold-/12932776/
Chapter 141: The Core Members of the Male Shinigami Association
Chapter 141: The Core Members of the Male Shinigami Association
"Big Brother Haiyan, is Captain Fukutsuki attending the Captain's Conference with Yecheng?" Rukia asked, a new recruit to the 13th Division.
But before she could finish her question, Rukia realized it might have been inappropriate. After all, the person she was addressing was Kaede Shiba, the Vice-Captain of the 13th Division.
"Don't worry about it. My relationship with Yecheng is far better than you imagine, and such matters won't create a rift between us," Kaede assured her.
"If it's a Captain's Conference for the Gotei 13, unless it's an exceptionally important situation, I should be the only one attending. As for Captain Fukutsuki, he'll find various reasons to excuse himself, and I'll be the one to convey the information later."
Kaede continued, "As for this particular meeting that Captain Fukutsuki and Yecheng are attending... I think it's best if you don't know about it."
Upon hearing Kaede's explanation, Rukia's face immediately showed understanding.
Kaede's words were meant to convey something else, but Rukia interpreted them differently.
Captain Fukutsuki usually didn't attend regular Captain's Conferences, but he was treating this one with such seriousness that it seemed even more important than the Gotei 13's meetings. Rukia thought it was normal for Kaede not to disclose the nature of the meeting, as she was just a new recruit and didn't have the clearance to know about a conference that even Captain Fukutsuki took so seriously.
Seeing Rukia's thoughtful expression, Kaede knew she had misunderstood something.
However, Kaede didn't intend to correct her, as one of them was their own Captain, and the other was Rukia's idol. He didn't want to tarnish their perfect image in her eyes.
Yecheng, who had been dragged to a room by Captain Fukutsuki, reluctantly took out a pair of sunglasses from his pocket and put them on.
Beside him, Captain Fukutsuki also carefully retrieved a pair of sunglasses wrapped in a handkerchief from his pocket and put them on with great care.
After donning the sunglasses, Captain Fukutsuki surprisingly removed his Captain's Haori and went shirtless, eventually draping a black cloak over his shoulders.
With these changes, Captain Fukutsuki's entire demeanor shifted.
Fukutsuki Juzou, the previous Captain, was gentle and refined, but his weak constitution and frequent illnesses made him frail. However, his formidable power, noble status, and exceptional looks made him a true heartthrob in the Seireitei.
In contrast, the current Captain, with his sunglasses, bare chest, and black cloak, had transformed from a heartthrob into a comical figure.
Seeing this new version of Captain Fukutsuki, Yecheng felt like he was looking into a mirror. Ever since joining the association, his overall aura had taken a significant dip.
"Yecheng, what are you staring at? Everyone's probably already here. Hurry up and change your clothes; it's our association's motto," Captain Fukutsuki said, slightly annoyed that Yecheng hadn't started changing yet.
"The sunglasses are fine, but do we really need to go shirtless? It's quite cold, and that little shack doesn't have any heating. What if we catch a cold...?" Yecheng complained.
"Knock knock knock knock!"
With a rhythmic knock, the door marked "Male Shinigami Association" opened, and the person inside, seeing Yecheng and Captain Fukutsuki through the crack, cautiously opened the door.
When Yecheng and Fukuzaku entered the room, which was no larger than 30 square meters and sparsely decorated with only a shabby conference table and a few broken chairs, several people were already present.
"Chairman Fukuzaku and Senior Advisor Yecheng, you two are late," said the Shasou Elder Brother, seated at the head of the table. "As senior members of the Male Shinigami Association, your negligence towards this meeting is truly disappointing."
The other "senior members," seated on either side of the table, also directed their disappointed gazes at Yecheng and Fukuzaku.
"Our apologies, President Shasou," Yecheng replied. "Due to the recent unexpected Living Soul Burial incident, which falls under the responsibility of the Purification Squad, our squad has been extremely busy. We came as quickly as we could."
To be fair, if we were to consider the ranks within the Gotei 13, the highest-ranking person in the room should have been Captain Fukuzaku.
However, before joining the Male Shinigami Association, everyone had agreed to maintain their usual roles outside the association.
But within the association, they had to adhere to the hierarchy established within it.
The Male Shinigami Association was founded by Shasou Elder Brother, who, despite being only the Vice-Captain of the 7th Division, held the highest position as the President within the association.
Fukuzaku Juzou, upon joining the Male Shinigami Association, held the position of Chairman, ranking third in the association's hierarchy, only below the President and Vice-President.
The Male Shinigami Association came into existence primarily in response to the formation of the Female Shinigami Association within the Gotei 13.
The Female Shinigami Association was established to elevate the status of female Shinigami, which in itself wasn't a significant issue, as gender equality was generally respected.
However, Shasou Elder Brother, being a staunch advocate for male empowerment, felt that if female Shinigami had their association, male Shinigami couldn't be left behind. And thus, the Male Shinigami Association was born.
While both associations aimed to improve their respective members' positions, President Shasou's leadership skills seemed lacking, resulting in the Male Shinigami Association constantly being overshadowed by the Female Shinigami Association.
Not only were their event funds constantly withheld, but their membership was also dwindling.
Yecheng's invitation to join the Male Shinigami Association was extended personally by Shasou Elder Brother, as Yecheng's good looks could serve as a spokesperson for the association.
Yecheng eventually agreed to join due to the convenience it provided for his habit of slacking off.
After using this excuse a few times to request leave from Captain Fukuzaku, the latter eventually learned about the Male Shinigami Association and, driven by curiosity, was persuaded to join by Shasou Elder Brother.
Once he joined, Captain Fukuzaku became increasingly involved, quickly rising from a senior advisor like Yecheng to the position of Chairman.
He even seemed more dedicated to the Male Shinigami Association than to his own division, the 13th Division of the Gotei 13.
Captain Fukuzaku frequently requested leave from the Captain's meetings, but as an essential member of the Male Shinigami Association, he never missed a single gathering.
(End of Chapter)
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