https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-95-The-Easily-Slain-Grand-Hollow/12932276/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-97-Yecheng-Let-Me-Become-the-Guardian-Shinigami-in-the-Mortal-World-/12932278/
Chapter 96: Returning to Soul Society
Chapter 96: Returning to Soul Society
Held tightly by Kaede Shiba, Yecheng could feel her genuine concern, but he stubbornly retorted, "Compared to your concern, Vice-Captain Kaede, I'd rather be cared for by Reikaku Sanzai over there."
"I know I'm handsome, but don't get any ideas."
"Even if you hug me like this, I will absolutely not be swayed by you!"
Yecheng, now free from Kaede's embrace, pushed her away with a disgusted expression, only to open his arms with a mischievous smile, intending to hug the cool and collected Reikaku Sanzai, who stood beside him.
Unfortunately, the aloof and elegant Shinigami, Reikaku, avoided Yecheng's blatant attempt to flirt with her, maintaining a faint smile.
"Yecheng, you're still as spirited as ever, which puts my mind at ease."
"Damn it, I'd rather have the care of a beautiful woman like Reikaku than a hug from Vice-Captain Kaede."
Hearing Yecheng's words, Kaede, standing nearby, couldn't help but show a helpless expression, "You're still as unpredictable as ever.
But if you're here, it means that special individual, the Great Hollow Keilien, has been eliminated by you, right?"
Kaede had never doubted Yecheng's abilities. Although he was officially only a Fifth Seat, she was well aware that when Yecheng got serious, even she might not be able to hold her own against him.
"Yes, I've eliminated that special Keilien. As for how it was born and what happened before, I know nothing about it. After all, I only fought it."
Yecheng had originally planned to take advantage of his position to boost his favorability in Kusajishi Town, but Kaede's arrival forced him to temporarily abandon this idea.
"Reikaku Sanzai, could I trouble you to temporarily look after Akira Asagaya in Floating Town? Regarding this matter, I need to bring her and Yecheng back to report to Captain Fukutsuki."
The appearance of a Great Hollow in the World of the Living was already a rare occurrence, let alone the death of a Sixth Seat. Clearly, this couldn't be treated as a regular incident.
When Yecheng and his group returned to the 13th Division barracks, they happened to encounter Captain Fukutsuki and the 8th Division Captain, Jing Yue Chun Shui, conversing outside the barracks.
The 8th Division was the Intelligence Division, and Jing Yue Chun Shui was a close friend of Captain Fukutsuki. This time, Captain Fukutsuki had invited Jing Yue Chun Shui to help him search for Yecheng in the Limbo once again.
Joining the Gotei 13 often came with an extremely high mortality rate. Usually, a Division Captain wouldn't pay such close attention to the death of a mere squad member, even if that member held a seat.
However, after Yecheng's disappearance, Captain Fukutsuki not only personally ventured into the Limbo once but also, after an unsuccessful search, decided to involve his friend in another attempt.
Captain Fukutsuki's deep concern for Yecheng's well-being stemmed from his inherently good-natured personality and a sense of responsibility for Yecheng's predicament.
If not for him, Yecheng wouldn't have gone on a mission to the World of the Living and encountered danger in the Limbo.
Although Yecheng was only a Fifth Seat, Captain Fukutsuki, like Kaede, was well aware that Yecheng's strength and potential went beyond that.
As someone with the potential to become a Vice-Captain or even a Captain, Captain Fukutsuki naturally paid extra attention to Yecheng.
He had initially planned to retire and let Kaede take over as Captain while Yecheng became the Vice-Captain in a few hundred years.
But he never imagined that on Night City's first mission to the World of the Living, they would encounter such a situation.
Based on Captain Fukutsuki's understanding of Night City, with his strength, even if he encountered danger in the Limbo, he should have had some self-preservation abilities.
He had been to the Limbo before, and from the lingering spirit pressure traces, it was evident that Night City was unlucky enough to encounter a Kyoto and engage in combat.
However, from the traces left at the scene, it was also clear that Night City did not directly encounter danger but went missing in the Limbo.
Finding someone in the Limbo was no easy task, and it was a dangerous place, so even sending an ordinary Shinigami would be pointless. That's why Captain Fukutsuki sought out his old friend, Kyoraku Shunsui, who was not only powerful but also had free time on his hands.
But even Captain Fukutsuki didn't anticipate that just as he and his friend were about to set out for the Limbo, Night City returned on his own, accompanied by Kaede Shiba.
"Shunsui, it looks like I can go back to drinking. That little brat from your squad is back safe and sound, isn't he?"
"Now I'm starting to get curious about this little guy. A few years ago, when he just graduated from the Zenny Academy of Spirit Arts, he caused quite a stir because of the competition between Captain Moe no Hana (Captain Flower of the Fourth Month) from the Fourth Squad and Captain Saraki (or possibly "More Wood" as a direct translation, though "Saraki" might be a proper noun) from the Eleventh Squad."
"After joining the Thirteenth Squad, you've been paying close attention to him. It seems he's even more outstanding than I imagined."
"To thank me for giving you such an excellent squad member back then, and also to celebrate the safe return of this little guy from your squad, you're treating me to drinks tonight!"
As Kyoraku Shunsui casually hooked his arm around his friend's neck, Captain Fukutsuki could only smile wryly.
After knowing each other for so many years, he was well aware of his friend's personality. When Kyoraku Shunsui said this, he was probably just looking for an opportunity to fleece him and make him foot the bill.
However, Captain Fukutsuki didn't mind too much. After all, when they went drinking together, more often than not, he was the one picking up the tab.
Moreover, although Kyoraku Shunsui hadn't been able to help this time, he had been concerned and willing to accompany him to the Limbo. Captain Fukutsuki, being the Good Samaritan that he was, naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Then I'll wait for you at our usual place, the izakaya. Remember to come as soon as you're done with squad matters."
When Kyoraku Shunsui saw the dusty Night City and Kaede Shiba, he realized that Captain Fukutsuki had other matters to attend to, so he didn't linger and left promptly.
"Alright, you two follow me to the Urakandou. Regarding this matter, you were going to report to me, right?"
"Night City, you just returned from the Limbo. Do you need to rest first? You can come to me after Kaede Shiba finishes reporting his task."
Among all the captains of the Gotei Thirteen, Captain Fukutsuki was undoubtedly one of the kindest. While he could be ruthless and merciless towards enemies and potential threats, he was genuinely good to those he considered friends.
The title of the first Good Samaritan of the Soul Society wasn't just for show. Despite his noble background, he carried no airs, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that almost every Shinigami in the Soul Society gave Captain Fukutsuki some face.
Those who knew his "true identity" and were stronger or of equal strength also respected and admired his character, giving him the same respect.
(End of Chapter)
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