Chapter 203: Meeting with Quinces
(Ryoto's pov)
We decided to have a meeting in one of the buildings. Inside only four people were allowed. Jushiro-senpai, I and two Quincies. The rest would be outside. It is also worth mentioning that besides the seen Shinigami, we also had some of the Stealth Corps members. You know, just in case. I doubt that Yama-jii has a good opinion of Quincies after his last encounter with them.
The old Quincy, that seemed to be a leader and acted like one was accompanied by someone who looked pretty young. The young man was nervous being there and probably felt out of place.
There was an awkward silence as we sat at the table and waited for the other side to start talking but seeing that the Quincies didn't plan to do it, Jushiro-senpai decided to open the conversation.
"Well, how about we introduce ourselves before we start talking about business? I'll start. My name is Jushiro Ukitake, and I hold the position of Captain of the 13th Division."
"And I am Ryoto Yuuki, Vice-Captain of the same Division."
Following our example, the younger of the two introduces himself as well.
"M-my name is Isamu Ishida, the next village chef."
He didn't sound like a future leader. Did he lack... confidence? I'm not sure. He somehow reminded me of Rito from the manga. Someone who didn't want to be part of this world, but the situation was forced upon him.
The name also reminds me of someone, but I wasn't surprised. I already read the report about who we will be meeting, but the first time I read this name, I was surprised. It could be a coincidence, but a Quincy named Ishida shouldn't be too common.
As Isamu tried to be social and respectful, he got a glare from the old man.
I see. I'm not going to like him.
"Hideo Ishida."
To not look like a man without manners, he spoke his name, but he wasn't happy about it. Not that most Quinces liked Shinigami, but he seemed to despise them.
"I don't understand why we need this meeting in the first place."
Yep, I'm going to hate his guts.
"As it was explained in the messages we sent you, according to our research, the way Quincies kill Hollows is dangerous for the world's balance..."
Jushiro-senpai proceeded to explain everything they needed to know to understand the situation. Ukitake, while being from a low-class aristocratic family, was still a noble of some kind, and he knew his ways with words. He tried to sound respectful but also meant to convey the seriousness of the situation.
It worked on Isamu, who listened carefully to everything Jushiro-senpai was saying, but the old man was not moved by my Captain's words.
"And you don't seem like a nerve bundle like you were before."
He was noticeably less tense, which is good.
"Yeah, it was my first time being in such an important meeting. I know that grandpa allowed me to be part of it because he doesn't see this as something important, but I know that he is blinded by his pride and anger."
So he also can think for himself.
"Shinigami-San-."
"Ryoto." I interrupted him. "My name is Ryoto Yuuki, so just call me Ryoto."
"Then you can call me Isamu."
There was silence, but I could see that Isamu wanted to ask me something.
"What do you want to ask?"
He scratched his cheek in embarrassment while smiling awkwardly.
"Was it that obvious?"
"Crystal clear, but I'm just used to people looking at me that way. I'm full of mysteries, and no one knows them all."
Except for Zangetsu, but he doesn't count.
Isamu then proceeded to ask me about my life as a Shinigami and the afterlife, and I answered them all to the beat of my ability. He was very curious, and I didn't mind answering his questions. He genuinely seemed like a good person without any hidden motives.
I didn't reveal any secrets. He didn't even ask for any, but soon after, we were forced to return to the meeting.
(E/D: Ah! Yes! Good old politics. Take an unreasonable amount of time for no reason at all.)
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END
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