"This area is where we store information about the Rukongai. Due to the large population flow there and the frequent 'comings and goings,' the confidentiality level here is relatively low."
"Everything is updated on a weekly basis, and the procedures are all detailed in the manual. I won't go over them now, but take some time to read through it when you have a chance."
"If we go a bit further inside, that's where the information on Seireitei itself is stored…"
It was now the morning of the second day.
Following his conversation with Shunsui Kyōraku the previous evening, Seiya's training had been scheduled for today.
Since this was his first time dealing with this kind of work, Seiya couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of it all.
Classification and categorization.
Scheduled destruction of outdated documents.
Frequent password changes to ensure security…
Frankly, Seiya hadn't expected the Eighth Division's work to be this tedious.
Lost in thought, Seiya carefully sorted through the documents in his hands, making sure everything was in order.
He was still thinking about what tasks he had left to complete when a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Yo, still busy?"
Turning halfway, Seiya saw Shunsui peeking out from behind a bookshelf, his hat tilted down slightly and a mischievous grin on his face.
"Already clocking out time, and you're still working? You're really living up to that 'diligent newbie' reputation. Such energy… I'm jealous."
But wait… aren't the others still working?
We can just leave like that?
Before Seiya could finish that thought, he saw the very squad member who had been guiding him stretch lazily and wave to Shunsui with a smile.
"Captain, I'm heading out!"
"Alright, take it easy."
Wait… is the Eighth Division really this laid-back?
No wonder everyone tries so hard to get assigned here.
Look at the Fourth Division, where you have to crawl through Seireitei's sewer system…
And then there's the Fifth Division, where you're basically on 24/7 standby, like a brick that can be thrown anywhere at any time.
But here?
A strict 9-to-5 job with no overtime? You just put down your pen and leave when the clock strikes five?
Where's the confidentiality in that?
Shunsui seemed to pick up on Seiya's confusion. Chuckling, he tipped his hat down a little further.
"Don't worry, no important information ever ends up in the hands of interns."
That made sense.
"Actually, it's not just interns. Even new squad members have a relatively relaxed workload."
"After all, sharing secrets requires trust. And you can't expect people to trust you if you don't have a track record."
"Until you've built up enough experience, the work here is pretty light."
Perhaps that was why…
"People have all kinds of unrealistic fantasies about what it's like to work in the Eighth Division."
I see…
It wasn't a perspective Seiya had considered before, but hearing it from Shunsui was enlightening.
"Still, I have to say, even I don't have much to do most of the time. So once it's time to clock out… well, I clock out. The old man doesn't mind."
Seiya gave him a sidelong glance, feeling a bit exasperated.
Never mind. This guy really is just a chronic slacker.
"Alright, alright."
"I've got a reservation at an interesting spot tonight. You're free this evening, right? Why not come with me?"
As he spoke, Shunsui made a hand gesture that could only mean one thing.
"Let's go have a drink."
Seiya thought about it for a moment.
"Alright. But… Captain Kyōraku, are you really this free?"
Isn't there anything serious on your schedule?
Shunsui chuckled, the corners of his mouth lifting into a sly grin.
"What are you talking about, Seiya? This is work!"
"…Work?"
"Of course. Information gathering is part of the Eighth Division's duties, after all. Seireitei is a big place. You can't expect to gather useful intel just by sitting in an office all day."
"So…"
"You've got to learn to take the initiative and seek it out yourself, kid."
That's your excuse for going to a bar?
Seiya sighed, deciding it wasn't worth arguing with Shunsui's twisted logic.
He packed up his things and followed the captain out of the division headquarters.
As they walked, he couldn't help but ask,
"Captain Kyōraku… why does it feel like you're giving me special treatment?"
It wasn't just his imagination.
This whole situation felt off.
Surely Shunsui didn't invite every single intern out for drinks, right?
Even leaving aside the casual nature of it all… Yamamoto would have a heart attack if he found out.
Hearing Seiya's question, Shunsui paused for a moment before giving a somewhat cryptic smile.
"Well, you see… I've got a distant relative whose kid you've been looking after."
Wait… what?
Seiya racked his brain, trying to figure out who Shunsui could be referring to.
After a moment, the realization hit him.
"Are you talking about Nanao Ise?"
"Oh? You remember her name? Looks like you two get along pretty well."
"Well, I've asked her for advice on Kido a few times."
"Is that so? I imagine your Kido skills must far surpass hers by now."
Although the conversation sounded casual, there was something about Shunsui's words that made Seiya pause.
His proficiency in Kido was something he hadn't shown publicly.
Yet Shunsui spoke as if he knew it for a fact.
How does he know that?
Though curious, Seiya decided to hold off on asking.
"I wouldn't say I've taken care of her, though," Seiya admitted.
"We've only met a handful of times."
But Shunsui shook his head with a smile.
"That kid is a bit fragile on the inside. I've always worried about her."
"But lately, I've noticed she's become more cheerful… and that's thanks to you, Seiya."
Shunsui patted him on the shoulder.
"You've helped her more than you realize."
"…I have?"
"By the way…" Shunsui leaned in with a teasing grin.
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
Seiya blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question.
Before he could even respond, Shunsui chuckled.
"If you do, that might be a problem. The place we're going tonight…"
"…isn't exactly 'girlfriend-friendly.'"
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Powerstones?
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