Facing Shiba Isshin's confusion, Matsumoto Rangiku appeared quite calm.
She adjusted her scarf and casually replied, "Didn't I already tell you when I joined 10th Division?"
Matsumoto Rangiku joined 10th Division almost at the same time as Shiba Isshin became the Captain. However, at that time, Matsumoto Rangiku hadn't found the genius white-haired boy in Rukongai.
In other words, if she had chosen to transfer, Shiba Isshin's burden would have increased several times.
"Damn, what did that brat Tokikaze promise you?" Shiba Isshin complained, "I'll double whatever he promises you!"
Matsumoto Rangiku fidgeted as she replied embarrasedly, "It's nothing, he just offered me a higher salary."
"How much?" Shiba Isshin's tone lowered.
"Ten times my current salary."
"Ahem, well, since you've made your choice."
Shiba Isshin took a deep breath, looking serious. "Then I won't stop you."
"By the way..."
"If I remember correctly, the Third Seat of 9th Division Nine seems to be..."
Matsumoto Rangiku: "..."
Shiba Isshin's pride was lower than she had imagined.
"Don't stare at me with that rude look."
Shiba Isshin knocked on the table discontentedly, saying, "You don't understand the difficulties of being a man in the family."
"The whole family needs me to support them!"
"That brat Kaien just enrolled at the Shin'o Academy. No matter how much money I got is simply not enough."
"And just a few days ago, that damned Kukaku actually blew up the newly built mansion!"
A manly guy like Shiba Isshin had never showed such a sorrowful look.
It was to the point that Matsumoto Rangiku felt a bit sympathetic and said awkwardly, "Well, how about I ask him in your stead?"
As soon as the words fell, Shiba Isshin suddenly stood up and stopped crying before earnestly bowing, "Please, Miss Rangiku!"
...
9th Division, Captain's office.
Tokikaze listened to Matsumoto Rangiku's narration with a strange expression, remaining silent for a long time.
"So that's how it is."
Matsumoto Rangiku cautiously said, "Tokikaze-sama, is there anything inappropriate about Captain Isshin's request?"
"Inappropriate?"
Tokikaze leaned back in his chair, a smile of appreciation hidden in his expression.
From his angle, he could just see those deep and bottomless ravines.
"Don't bother considering this guy's request."
"Shiba Clan is one of the Four Noble Families of the Soul Society, the cream of the crop among the upper-class nobles."
"Even if their arrogance in the past led to the decline of the family, their foundation is still there."
Tokikaze casually revealed secrets of the Four Noble Families.
"Moreover, there aren't that many members of Shiba Clan at the moment."
"With Captain Isshin's salary, they can live a very comfortable life."
In the eyes of others, the Shiba Clan was despicable for mingling with lower-ranking nobles despite being a high-class noble.
But in Tokikaze's eyes, it wasn't that bad.
The founder of the Shiba Clan's choice cannot be judged as right or wrong, but undoubtedly, he did not change anything.
The Spirit King still became the cornerstone of maintaining stability in the three worlds.
Of course, the founding ancestor of Tsunayashiro Clan was undoubtedly the mastermind behind it.
Although all the developments at that time were just the manifestation of the Spirit King's will.
However, the actions of the Shiba Clan's founding ancestor undoubtedly influenced his descendants, leading to the continuous erosion of such a large Clan over the years, culminating in its current state.
This was the fundamental reason why Tokikaze's behaviour wasn't evaluated well.
When those in lower positions could not fathom the thoughts of those in higher positions, it might invite disasters beyond their own capabilities.
"As for his previous request..." Matsumoto Rangiku's delicate face showed a hint of hesitation.
Tokikaze shrugged helplessly and said, "That guy just felt that his Vice-Captain was taken away by me and wanted some compensation."
Matsumoto Rangiku blushed.
She felt that Tokikaze's explanation could easily be misinterpreted.
At this time, Matsumoto Rangiku, though still bold, had some differences compared to the future, especially when dealing with Tokikaze.
Although the two couldn't be considered childhood friends, they had spent a considerable amount of time together.
This was one of the reasons Matsumoto Rangiku's inherently lavish personality became even more severe.
Of course, for Tokikaze, these were minor issues.
Tsunayashiro Clan might not be as wealthy as Kuchiki Clan, but it was far wealthier than ordinary upper-class nobles.
Money was not an issue.
"Alright, since you've become a member of 9th Division."
Tokikaze snapped his fingers, drawing Matsumoto Rangiku's wandering thoughts back.
"The Vice-Captain seat belongs to you."
"From now on, you are my exclusive secretary..."
Matsumoto Rangiku chose to transfer not just for the high salary; it was just one of the insignificant reasons.
The main reason was the agreement between her and Tokikaze.
"And as for your job, let's start with sorting out paperwork."
Tokikaze pointed to the bookshelf on the right, piled high with folders.
"The other Division members have already sorted the files by time."
"As for where to start, I leave it to you..."
Looking at the shelves full of folders, Matsumoto Rangiku subconsciously widened her beautiful eyes:
"Three years... so many..."
Hearing this, Tokikaze showed a helpless expression, sighing:
"Not just three years."
"The previous Captain left quite a mess for us."
"He himself is not a noble, but because of the Central 46, most of the files about nobles have piled up."
At this point, he shook his head, "And this guy is quite selfish."
"A lot of his friends haven't been dealt with."
Tokikaze already expected this much, and deliberately set it aside.
In his opinion, if one didn't use power for personal gain, the significance of that power was not great.
Tokikaze didn't consider himself a saint. If anything, he believed that he was so similar to a human.
Just as Matsumoto Rangiku was shocked and puzzled, a sudden large hand reached out and pressed on her orange hair.
Tokikaze gently moved it, speaking in a soothing tone:
"I'll be counting on you from now on..."