Chapter 45

Seeing Kaelith stop in his tracks, Ōmaeda Marenoshin followed his gaze.

"Kaelith, interested in the training of the Correction Corps?"

Kaelith looked at the boys and girls who were training. "Not so much interested, just feeling a bit reflective."

"These people haven't even reached the age to enroll in the Shin'ō Academy, yet they're already undergoing training."

Hearing this, Marenoshin shook his head with a sigh. "Kaelith, there's one thing you're mistaken about."

"These children aren't just starting their training."

"The ones you're seeing now are the elites of the Correction Corps General Unit."

"Most of them have been part of the Correction Corps for over ten years."

"Which means they started this kind of training when they were even younger."

Hearing Marenoshin's words, Kaelith couldn't help but show a look of surprise.

They began training ten years ago... Ten years ago, how old could these kids have been?

Even though Shinigami have long lifespans and extended timelines, it's still a bit hard for him to accept.

Kaelith gently shook his head.

As expected of the Soul Society, which closely mirrors ancient times—when it comes to inhumanity, it rarely disappoints.

As he was pondering these thoughts, Marenoshin suddenly seemed to notice something.

He grinned. "Kaelith, didn't I just say that most here have been with the General Unit for about ten years?"

"Actually, not all of them have been here for ten terms... See that kid over there? The shorter one."

"She's a super genius. Although not quite at your level, she gave us old folks quite a surprise."

"That child has only been with the Correction Corps for six years, yet she's already mastered all the knowledge and techniques."

"If nothing unexpected happens, starting next year, she'll be promoted to the Captain's Personal Guard."

"Before her, no one with less than ten terms has ever been admitted!"

As he spoke, Marenoshin walked a few steps toward the training squad.

"Shaolin! Come over here!"

Hearing Marenoshin's call, the petite member of the Correction Corps paused slightly during her training.

Seeing Ōmaeda Marenoshin, she flashed directly in front of him and knelt on one knee.

"Vice-Captain!" (t/n lieutenant is the official name, but people also call them Vice-Captain since it is the 2nd rank with Captain being the 1st rank) 

Marenoshin nodded, his expression steady and serious, completely different from his earlier jovial demeanor.

"Shaolin, how is the progress on the training subjects for the Captain's Personal Guard?"

Upon hearing this, the girl responded without hesitation, "Reporting to Vice-Captain, all have been completed!"

Marenoshin turned his head and, from an angle the girl couldn't see, gave Kaelith a smug smile.

Kaelith: "..."

He didn't even know what the Personal Guard had to train for; what's the point of showing off?

As if guessing Kaelith's thoughts, Marenoshin smiled and was about to say something.

Suddenly, a person dressed in black and wearing a mask appeared beside him using Shunpo.

The masked individual knelt on one knee. "Vice-Captain Ōmaeda! The patrol team has discovered traces of suspected rebel activity in the Sixth District of South Rukongai. Requesting support!"

Marenoshin's expression became serious.

"Dispatch Team One to check it out... No, I'll go myself!"

If it were in the 50th or 60th districts, he wouldn't mind sending subordinates directly.

But the Sixth District is a prosperous area; many nobles have shops there. If something happens, he doesn't want to bear that responsibility.

After the masked individual left, Kaelith asked, "Need any help?"

"No need," Marenoshin shook his head. "You're not officially part of the Second Division yet. Matters of the Second Division must be resolved internally."

As he said this, Marenoshin uncharacteristically shed his usual laid-back attitude. Observing him, Kaelith subtly nodded.

Although he's often carefree, whenever it comes to serious matters, Ōmaeda Marenoshin is reliable.

Future Ōmaeda Marechiyo, take a good look at your father's work ethic!

After stating he would go personally, Marenoshin suddenly remembered he was still acting as Kaelith's "guide."

Leaving at this time felt a bit awkward.

After a moment of thought, inspiration struck him.

"Shaolin, I need to step out for a bit. From now on, you'll take over and show Kaelith around the division."

"Apart from the Maggot's Nest, you can show him anywhere else."

"This gentleman will soon be joining the Second Division in an important position. Make sure you don't neglect him!"

After saying that, he looked at Kaelith.

"Kaelith, this is Shaolin. She's very familiar with the inner workings of the division. Follow her around, and when I get back, I'll host a banquet for you as an early welcome!"

After exchanging a few words with Kaelith, Ōmaeda Marenoshin hurriedly headed toward Rukongai.

Once Marenoshin left, the girl dressed in black with a mask stood at attention and saluted Kaelith without hesitation.

"Correction Corps General Unit member Shaolin, awaiting your orders!"

Kaelith looked at the girl.

At first glance, he felt she looked familiar.

Hearing the name "Shaolin," he immediately confirmed. 

The somewhat reserved girl in front of him was the future Captain of the Second Division, Soifon. (t/n: Her actual name is Shaolin Fēng, Soifon is her codename) 

Although her features still held youthful innocence and her demeanor was a bit shy, he could already see hints of her future self.

If it were an ordinary girl, being stared at silently like this, she'd probably have gotten annoyed by now.

But Shaolin didn't mind at all.

Seeing that Kaelith hadn't said anything, she continued, "May I ask where you would like to go first?"

Kaelith snapped back to reality. (t/n oops there goes gravity...Ille shut up now) 

He shook his head. "I don't mind. Just pick some places you like and show me around."

The girl blinked, revealing a slightly puzzled look.

Places she likes... As a member of the Correction Corps, all she needs to do is train and become stronger. What places would she like?

After thinking for a moment, she nodded and led Kaelith forward.

In less than two minutes, they arrived at their destination.

Looking at the training ground in front of him, Kaelith couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Isn't this still the training ground? What's the difference from the previous one?"

The girl earnestly explained, "This is Training Ground No.1. The equipment here is the newest, and the grounds are repaired daily, making training most efficient."

"Moreover, those training here are the Captain's Personal Guard—the highest-level members in the Correction Corps. Training here, you can always find excellent opponents!"

Kaelith: "..."

After two seconds of silence, he nodded. "Alright, then besides the training ground, what's your favorite place?"

The girl was slightly taken aback but quickly showed a determined expression and led Kaelith onward.

Before long, they arrived in front of a building.

"This is the Captain's office. I hope that in the future, I can contribute my strength here for the Captain."

As she said this, the girl's eyes were full of longing.

Kaelith applauded internally.

If he didn't know who Shaolin was, he'd definitely think this kid was management material.

The way she spoke showed incredibly high emotional intelligence...

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t/n: I forgot to mention but Correction Corps is just a different name for onmitsukidō or stealth force