https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-333-The-Night-City-Draws-the-Holy-Sword-/12944011/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-335-Tagawa-Ichinsei-s-Disappearance-/12944013/
Chapter 334: With Ranju, Heading to the Human World
Chapter 334: With Ranju, Heading to the Human World
"Rumors! It must be rumors! I'm just a student at the Mage Swordsman Academy; how could I possibly be as incredible as the rumors make me out to be?"
When Her Highness Alice, the 'Kingdom's Strongest Mage Swordsman', suddenly brought up her own affairs, Yecheng, who had been standing aside, trying his best to minimize his presence, couldn't help but show a troubled expression.
After the incident in the Holy Domain, he knew the subsequent impact it would bring, and it was undoubtedly going to be a huge hassle.
Although his final battle with Shadow was so powerful that even the ordinary people at the venue had to flee for safety, and the few witnesses, including Alexia and her group, had promised Yecheng to keep it a secret.
But Yecheng had summoned one of the Three Heroes, Olivier, during the 'Goddess's Trial', and this had happened right before everyone's eyes.
Being able to gain the recognition of the Holy Realm Gateway and summon an ancient warrior was already a symbol of strength, and to defeat the summoned ancient warrior was even rarer.
During this 'Goddess's Trial', Yecheng not only summoned Olivier but also successfully defeated him, making it hard for him to avoid becoming famous.
These were the Three Heroes! Not some random nobodies.
"Come to think of it, we haven't had a proper match yet, Yecheng. This is a rare opportunity; do you want to...?"
Seeing Alice's eager expression, she hadn't finished her sentence when Yecheng suddenly interrupted her, "Captain, you should just let me off the hook this time. The trip to the Holy Domain has already exhausted me.
You just gave me two days off, and now you want me to spar with you; isn't that more tiring than going on patrol?"
Hearing Yecheng's complaint, Alice realized that she had indeed gone too far.
Yecheng was already on vacation during the events in the Holy Land, and he had fought with Olivier during the trial and then clashed with Shadow. It had indeed been tough for him.
"Fine, then. Let's settle our score at the upcoming 'Heart's Festival'.
Don't even think about running away. Your strength is exceptional, and you're more than qualified to participate in this 'Heart's Festival'. I've already registered you in advance."
Yecheng, who had intended to brush her off, couldn't help but show a speechless expression upon hearing Alice's words.
Lord Shadow had actively put on a show, but Yecheng didn't want to show off. Yet, every time, he was forced to put on an act.
Kreaya had signed him up for the 'Academy Sword Tournament', Alpha had registered him for the 'Goddess's Trial', and now, Alice had signed him up for the 'Heart's Festival'...
---
In the Reaper World, the barracks of the Thirteenth Division.
Yecheng, who had just left the barracks, wore a troubled expression.
The reason was simple; he had just received a rather thorny task from his captain, Fukuzumi Juichiro.
The task was to investigate the Human World and, in case of danger, he was allowed to flee and seek assistance from the Soul Society.
Usually, missions to the Human World were not challenging, as the only potential danger there was Hueco Mundo beings that had not undergone 'Soul Burial' in time and had lost their selves.
These newly formed beings were not very strong, and even newly recruited Shinigami could easily defeat them.
However, the investigation mission Yecheng received from his captain was to go to the Human World with the vice-captain of the Tenth Division, Matsumoto Ranju, to conduct an investigation.
Vice-Captain-level Shinigami rarely venture to the Human World due to the potential impact of their powerful spiritual pressure on the fragile environment. The fact that a Vice-Captain and a Third Seat were assigned to a seemingly ordinary investigation mission in the Human World was already a peculiarity in itself.
Night City, now a Third Seat in the Thirteenth Division, had been promoted due to the retirement of the previous Third Seat, Reirokusa, who had chosen to step down after getting married.
Upon receiving the mission, Night City quickly arrived at the Border Gate, where a familiar figure had been waiting for quite some time.
With her orange hair cut to shoulder length, even the loose Death God robe couldn't hide the Rift Valley-like curves of Matsubara Ranju, the renowned 'First Chest of Soul Society,' as she stood by the Border Gate, awaiting Night City's arrival.
"You're late, Night City," Ranju said with a hint of displeasure. "Don't you know that it's rude to keep a lady waiting?"
As Night City descended using Shunpo, Ranju, who had been waiting, first showed a delighted expression but quickly followed with a complaint.
"Don't give me that look. I could have been lounging in the barracks, but because of you, I had to come out and work overtime. There are plenty of Vice-Captains to choose from, so why did you drag me here to do the heavy lifting?"
In response to Night City's grumbling, Ranju casually slung her arm around Night City's shoulder and said with a carefree tone, "Who else in the Thirteenth Division has a closer relationship than us? Besides, you're a big, strong man; protecting a fragile woman like me is only natural, right? Stop being so timid all the time."
Night City's expression turned disdainful as he replied, "Fragile woman? You? Have you ever seen a woman who drinks like a fish, goes on drunken rampages, and can easily toss around a few burly men? In my eyes, you're just a guy with some prominent female features; you don't even qualify as a woman in other aspects!"
Ranju didn't seem to mind Night City's teasing. They were well-acquainted drinking buddies, and their personalities were an open book to each other.
Originally, this investigation mission was assigned solely to Ranju, but after sensing a sense of unease, she requested the Captain-Commander for an additional teammate to assist her.
Considering the potential danger of the mission, the Captain-Commander eventually agreed to Ranju's request. However, due to the recent defection of several Vice-Captains, including Furukawa Kiyotsugu and Makoto Hihoko, there was a significant shortage of captains in the Gotei 13. Therefore, the Captain-Commander only permitted Ranju to bring a Vice-Captain-level Shinigami as assistance.
Without hesitation, Ranju chose her most trusted friend, Night City, as her partner. Although they both held the rank of Vice-Captain, there were varying degrees of strength among them, with over half of the current Vice-Captains lacking in both experience and ability compared to Ranju.
Rather than selecting a Vice-Captain of equal or slightly inferior ability, Ranju preferred Night City, who she was more familiar with and knew to be stronger.
Despite being only a Third Seat, Night City was an expert at concealing his true strength, as Ranju well knew from their close relationship. Twenty years ago, Night City already possessed the strength of a Captain, and he had been recommended for the position of Vice-Captain even before her. However, he declined the offer, preferring to lounge and slack off.
(End of Chapter)
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