The only player in the world of Bleach.

The next day, after finishing his exams, Matsushita Yusuke rushed to the Second Division.

After all, today is the day the leaders are being sent down to inspect the area, so we have to take it seriously... In addition, it's the end of the year, so the atmosphere is harmonious, and there's a sense of joy among everyone.

but.

Although that's what she said, Soi Fon always showed an extremely disgusted expression whenever she looked at him.

"Lord Yoruichi is here..."

Yoruichi Shihouin was as cheerful as ever. Soi Fon, who was in charge, greeted her warmly and began to explain the work and tasks that had been going on recently.

Nozomi followed behind, met Matsushita Yusuke's gaze, and waved to him with a smile.

"How have you been lately?"

"It's so-so... Uncle Xizhi, how about your end?"

"The end of the year is a whirlwind of things to do, and each one is more troublesome than the last..."

I definitely have more in common with older men.

Compared to Soi Fon, who is obsessed with Yoruichi, it's much easier to talk to an older man like Nozomi Susumu, who is more career-oriented.

At least they can understand what I'm saying.

How are your grades at school?

"It's alright, I got this year's Outstanding Student Award."

"Wow! Isn't that pretty capable? Uh... I remember there were some kind of bonuses associated with this award?"

"Yes, yes, next year all cafeteria fees will be 50% off."

This is absolutely a great benefit and a great policy!

"Haha, no wonder the students were working so hard the other day... so that's why."

"Is there a big difference between your situation and that of Senior hope Zhijin when you were a student?"

"Yeah, back then we got discounts on venue rental fees. It seems like this kind of thing was organized internally by the First Division..."

Similar elements did not appear in the original work, but as the two deepened their communication, they gradually filled in various gaps in the original work.

For the Seireitei, a place inhabited by hundreds of thousands of people and operating for countless years, rules and order are essential to maintaining.

After exchanging a few words, Nozomi looked thoughtfully at Matsushita Yusuke.

"Speaking of which... Mr. Matsushita, do you have any special plans for the New Year?"

"No, not at the moment. Why?"

"I'm planning to organize an annual meeting, um... specifically for those people I'm close to."

Heiji smiled and looked to his side, then whispered to Matsushita Yusuke.

"Would you be interested in joining us?"

Annual meeting...

In this kind of workplace environment, it's not exactly uncommon.

After all, Aizen Sousuke was also making arrangements, but he didn't expect... that Nozomi would actually invite him?

"Um...am I really suitable?"

The statement was somewhat vague, so the person involved emphasized it again.

"I'm not from a noble family, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to attend your annual meeting, would it?"

The saying "birds of a feather flock together" perfectly describes this situation.

Although life is not very long, Yusuke Matsushita has already "witnessed" many similar situations.

The social circles of nobles and commoners were separate.

This is not only a hierarchical distinction, but also an "unwritten rule" in the Soul Society in some sense.

If it's just verbal communication and contact, like what's happening now, that's normal. But if it involves drinking and making merry with commoners, it's bound to cause gossip.

hope Zhijin's expression, however, was somewhat dismissive.

"Don't worry about that... To be honest, this is a private gathering, not a public one. Everyone who's coming is a good friend of mine... None of us are people of high status."

A private party?

Yusuke Matsushita realized what was happening.

This was likely just a small cocktail party held for people whom hope Zhijin himself intended to befriend.

Even nobles have people they need to win over.

Clearly, Yusuke Matsushita should be in this "queue".

"It may sound unbelievable, but Soi Fon has actually agreed to come..."

Huh? You even invited this guy?

But honestly, it would be strange if Soi Fon agreed.

It's surprising that she has her own 'life' besides Yoruichi; it's truly touching.

At the same time, a familiar message appeared before Yusuke Matsushita's eyes.

[Mission: Omaeda Kinosuke's Small Cocktail Party]

[Synopsis: Even nobles have people they need to win over, especially lower-ranking nobles... To maintain their status, they need to continuously invest and recruit qualified and talented individuals into their families.]

[Rewards: Interpersonal Skills +4, Eloquence +5, Noble Knowledge +3]

Compared to the recent rewards, this is practically a scrap.

But Matsushita Yusuke had no reason to refuse.

After all, even a small mosquito bite is still meat, and more importantly, it can broaden the person's social circle, which can be very helpful for their future development.

Of course, there are corresponding "prerequisites" before participating.

"Senior Hiki no Susumu, I might have other plans at that time, so perhaps..."

We can't be too certain, since the most important thing right now seems to be the arrangements with Aizen.

But after thinking about it this way, Matsushita Yusuke quickly became a little strange again.

"There's a notification here for Xi Zhijin, but why isn't the 'Aizen' quest popping up?"

After thinking for a while, he could only come up with a reason like, "Because the time hasn't been set yet, there are no specific details."

The task system itself seems quite rigorous; a similar prompt should appear on the day of the drinking session, right?

While his thoughts were racing, Nozomi heard Matsushita Yusuke's words and immediately burst into laughter twice.

"Wow, you're actually quite popular?! Haha, don't worry too much. Just don't come if something comes up, I won't be that demanding!"

The matter is settled for now; all that remains is to make minor adjustments.

After chatting for a while, Yoruichi Shihouin's inspection work was basically completed.

"Soi Fon, you're doing a great job! But it seems like there are fewer and fewer people here? Are you bullying the newbies again?"

Sosei Bee shook its head like a rattle-drum.

"How could I possibly do such a thing?! Those people were simply ashamed, feeling unworthy of their positions, so they took their leave!"

This girl looks so honest, how come she's so good at talking nonsense...?

As Nozomi watched Yoruichi leave, he stood up.

"I've seen enough... I'll take my leave now. Good luck, Matsushita-kun, and... well, see you next year!"

Matsushita Yusuke got up to see them off, until Yoruichi and the others had disappeared.

Soi Fon turned her head again, and the expression on her face clearly showed her disgust.

"Yusuke Matsushita, come here!"

—Why does this homeroom teacher seem to be calling me to the office to give me a private lecture?