Cocktail Party
Squad 10, Squad Barracks
Shiraishi arrived at the barracks door, practically under Matsumoto Rangiku's wary gaze, as if escorting a prisoner. Though everyone had promised they wouldn't run, the trust between them had clearly eroded.
He sighed inwardly and stepped into the sunlit courtyard. Bluestones paved the ground, and a group of soldiers in black Shinigami uniforms stood side by side. There were more men than women, and some had sweat on their foreheads, evidence of exposure to the sun. No wonder Matsumoto Rangiku was so anxious for his return—everyone was waiting.
"Sorry I'm late. Let me introduce myself briefly. My name is Shiraishi. I'm not really interested in management. Everyone, don't be so reserved. Just do what you need to do, as usual."
He approached the group casually and turned to head back inside. This gesture, this tone, this air of ominous premonition, settled over Hitsugaya Toushirou's heart, chilling him.
"Third Captain Hitsugaya!" the people around called. "Can we go home now?"
"Yes, work as usual," Hitsugaya Toushirou ordered, quickening his pace to catch up.
---
Captain's Room
Shiraishi looked around. The room was unmistakably in Seireitei style, covering at least 180 square meters. The furnishings were simple: sofas and low tables for entertaining, desks and chairs for office work, and counters. The only decorations were two large vases of chrysanthemums.
Shiraishi walked to the main table where the captain's haori and Shinigami uniform had been prepared for him.
"Captain Shiraishi, I am Third Captain Hitsugaya Toushirou of the Tenth Division. These documents on the table are for you to handle," Hitsugaya said, still resisting the fate that had been thrust upon him.
Shiraishi turned with a smile. "Okay, no need to discuss that. I trust your abilities."
Matsumoto Rangiku, hands on her hips, remarked, "Hey, you're the captain—you should handle all matters of Squad 10."
"Then I'm issuing my first captain's order," Shiraishi said. "From now on, all female members must wear miniskirts. They must not cover the knees, but tops should remain covered."
Before he could continue, he was met with two icy glares. Hitsugaya clearly couldn't understand the supposed benefits, thinking the new captain even more reckless than the previous one. The thought that the world depended on adults like this filled him with sorrow.
"Don't talk nonsense. The Shinigami uniform is set by the captain-in-chief. You cannot change it!"
"Nonsense! Nemu wears a miniskirt."
"The vice-captain has privileges," Matsumoto Rangiku explained. Ordinary officers weren't allowed to alter the uniform. Only vice-captains and captains could make minor modifications, such as tying a scarf or wearing a necklace. Ordinary soldiers could only wear their standard uniform, Zanpakutō, and straw sandals.
Shiraishi had to give up his miniskirt plan. He picked up the documents on the table. "Hitsugaya Toushirou, as captain, I order you to handle these documents. That's within my authority."
"Why on earth do you want to be the acting captain?" Rangiku asked.
"My original plan was to be acting captain of the 13th Division," Shiraishi replied. "Ukitake begged me to take the position here, saying I could come and leave as I wished. I wouldn't have to worry about anything—just fight. Tell me, who wouldn't try that under such conditions?"
"I see," Rangiku said, instantly understanding his reasoning and why he used the word "acting" in his title.
"Hitsugaya, do your best and learn Bankai as soon as possible!" Rangiku added.
"That's right. If you don't work hard when you're young, you'll regret it when you're older. I'll train you well," Shiraishi agreed, folding his arms.
A vein pulsed faintly on Hitsugaya Toushirou's forehead. Working here would inevitably push him to his limits.
---
"Rangiku, do you have any wine?"
"Oh, of course, wait."
Matsumoto Rangiku skillfully produced eight bottles of wine from various corners of the captain's office. "Let's celebrate today! This plate of peanuts will go with it."
"No, it's your beautiful smile," Shiraishi teased.
"Hahaha, haven't heard such a corny thing in ages." Her laughter trembled and surged. Beneath her smile, her silver eyes gleamed faintly—the eyes of a hunter. She was known as the undefeated heroine of wine. Every year, countless Shinigami fell at her table, only to be sent to the Fourth Division for gastric lavages.
"Let's drink!"
"Cheers!"
Hitsugaya Toushirou felt exhausted. Destroy this filthy adult world, he thought. He had hoped the acting captain would help manage Rangiku, but it turned out to be a disaster. He remained buried in his old duties, now squeezed even harder. Quitting wasn't an option. His innate sense of responsibility kept him on the job; if the captain, vice-captain, and third officer were unreliable, Squad 10 couldn't function.
As they drank, conversation spiraled, culminating in them linking arms and shouting, "Work? Bah! To hell with work!"
"Yeah! Who wants to work?"
"You two drunkards, stop acting crazy! Get out!" Hitsugaya exploded. He worked tirelessly while these two mocked him.
"Hitsugaya, don't be angry."
"Yeah, we were just joking. Long live the working people! They're the brightest! Wow!"
Shiraishi couldn't help but spit on the ground.
Matsumoto Rangiku, mostly sober now, asked with concern, "Is his drinking behavior okay?"
"That's better; otherwise, all the damage he causes will be deducted from your salary," Hitsugaya replied expressionlessly.
"Why deduct my salary?"
"With his strength, if he gets drunk and causes damage, can the captain's salary cover it alone? Naturally, the vice-captain will have to pay too."
Rangiku clutched the silver ring on her chest, silently praying Shiraishi's drinking behavior would improve.
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