"Tachikawa, back at the Academy you had top marks in almost every subject—except Kaidō, where you weren't first, right?" Kyōraku Shunsui asked slowly.
Nobu was a little surprised, but nodded.
"The top in Kaidō in my year was Aoshika. He's also in Fourth Division now, a very hardworking member."
Kyōraku chuckled.
"Then why is it, that your Zanpakutō's ability happens to be Kaidō-based?"
Nobu hadn't expected someone to bring up this question again after so long.
After a brief pause, he answered,
"I don't know either. But Captain Aizen once told me—your Zanpakutō is a reflection of your own heart. Maybe it's just some strange affinity between me and Kaidō."
There was a teasing glint in Kyōraku's eyes that made Nobu distinctly uncomfortable.
He had the faint sense that Kyōraku knew something—but what, he couldn't say.
Ukitake spoke up.
"That's true enough. A Zanpakutō is mysterious to every shinigami—since ancient times, no one's ever claimed to fully understand them. I certainly never expected my own Zanpakutō to have the abilities it does."
Shiba Isshin added,
"Either way, I hope you can reach bankai soon."
"I'll work hard," Nobu replied simply.
The banquet ended, and everyone drifted off.
Nobu returned alone to his new place. He had only just moved in; the house wasn't decorated or furnished yet, but it was perfectly livable.
Having his own space made training much easier.
Even if most of his current power hadn't come from training, he'd never once allowed himself to slack off.
...
Another day.
Kotetsu Isane didn't find Captain Unohana in the office. After searching, she discovered her captain alone in the projection room.
Isane slipped the door open quietly—and saw the screen showing a battle scene.
The protagonist on screen was Nobu.
It was footage from long ago, when Nobu was doing his field internship in the living world and had been attacked by a mysterious cloaked figure. Isane had brought that recording back for Unohana to watch—but Unohana had responded calmly that she'd watch it "later."
"It's you, Isane. Is something the matter?"
The projection room was dim; Isane couldn't see her captain's expression clearly, only hear that same gentle voice as always.
She stepped forward.
"Just some matters from the medical team."
"Mm. Let's head back."
Leaving the projection room, Isane asked,
"Captain, why did you suddenly want to watch that recording from before?"
"Nothing—just had some free time."
Isane followed obediently, puzzled. Back then, she'd assumed her captain's interest in Nobu was because he wasn't yet officially in Fourth Division—he was a promising newcomer worth learning more about.
But now he was already Third Seat.
Back in the office, after looking over the documents Isane brought, Unohana suddenly asked,
"Where's Tachikawa?"
"On assignment in the living world right now."
"Mm. Give this to him when he returns."
"Yes, ma'am."
Not long after Isane left the office, a subordinate told her that Third Seat Madarame from Eleventh Division had arrived.
She guessed he was probably looking for Nobu again.
Sure enough, when she met him...
"That Tachikawa guy around?"
"He's out on assignment."
Madarame scratched his shiny bald head, looking annoyed.
"What bad luck. My captain's been hounding me every day—it's driving me nuts."
"Captain Zaraki wants to spar with Nobu?" Isane asked, unsurprised. Everyone in the Gotei 13 knew the Eleventh's captain was a battle maniac.
Eleventh Division was combat-oriented, but they weren't particularly busy. With Soul Society currently calm, Hollows in the living world were handled by the Thirteenth, while trouble in Rukongai was prioritized to the Tenth, with the Fifth and Third in special cases.
Eleventh was more like a special-ops unit—only deployed when other divisions faced enemies they couldn't handle.
Of course, they still had the occasional routine mission—part of why Nobu thought the divisions' functions were too blurred.
Isane figured even if Nobu were here, he'd refuse Madarame's invitation—he'd already turned him down more than once.
"No telling when he'll be back. Why don't you head back, and I'll let him know you came," she told Madarame.
He nodded helplessly and left.
That afternoon, Nobu returned with Aoshika.
Isane mentioned Madarame's visit.
"Not going," Nobu said flatly.
She wasn't surprised, but still said,
"He's come looking for you several times. Isn't it a bit rude to keep refusing?"
"What, you want me to go fight Captain Zaraki?" Nobu spread his hands. "Whether I win or lose, there's nothing in it for me. So why bother?"
Isane gave him a strange look—his tone made it sound like he had plenty of confidence against Zaraki.
Zaraki hadn't been captain long, but every Eleventh Division captain had held the title "Kenpachi"—Soul Society's strongest swordsman.
"Aren't you worried about offending him?"
"If he'd get mad over that, he's just being petty. Let him think what he likes—he wouldn't dare cause trouble in Fourth Division anyway."
Nobu looked completely unconcerned. Then his expression shifted suddenly.
"Oh—Isane-san, could I ask you for a favor?"
"What is it?"
"I moved to a new place, but I haven't done any decorating yet. I wanted to ask your opinion."
"Eh?"
Isane blinked. She knew about his move—she'd helped submit the housing application.
"What… what do you mean, opinion?"
"If you have time, come by my place."
"…"
Isane fell silent, lips pressed together, a faint blush rising.
Go… to Nobu's house…?
"Isane-san?"
His voice jolted her back—he was smiling at her.
"Isane-san, what were you thinking about?"
"N-nothing!" she said quickly. "When?"
Nobu thought for a moment.
"Tomorrow. It's the weekend. Are you free in the evening?"
"I am…"
Back in her office, door closed, Isane leaned against it and touched her cheek.
Nobu had suddenly invited her to his home.
What does that mean? It can't really just be about decoration… could he have… other intentions?
Her thoughts spun. Since his confession, time had passed with no further signals from him. She'd been uneasy, unsure of what he felt.
Now—finally—a change. And straight into an invitation to his home.
Would he… take the chance to…?
Her blush deepened.
That night, she told her sister Kiyone.
Kiyone was even more excited.
"Really?! That's great, sis—your chance has come!"
"Don't talk nonsense. What 'chance'…"
"It's obvious! Inviting you to his place—perfect time to make a move!"
"…"
Isane's face felt hotter.
Kiyone chattered on,
"Think about it—just the two of you, one man and one woman, alone together… feelings rising, going with the flow, sparks flying—"
The more she talked, the more outrageous it got.
Isane cut her off, flustered.
"Stop it! There's no way it would go that far!"
"Why not? Sis, your spring has come," Kiyone said with a grin.
"Even if… even if we were together, it wouldn't be that fast. We haven't even…"
"Sis, don't be stupid at the critical moment. If he wants to do something, you can be reserved—but not too reserved," Kiyone said seriously. "Though… going straight to bed after getting together is a bit fast—"
"Enough! Stop talking!"
Late at night, the sisters still whispered in bed.
"Sis, you like someone too, right?"
"Of course."
"Captain Ukitake?"
"Mm."
Isane sighed.
She wanted to tell Kiyone it was probably impossible—Ukitake had been a captain for centuries and likely only saw her as a junior. But saying so would hurt her.
"Sis, I know what you're thinking. I've never expected anything. Just being by his side is enough."
"Then… besides Captain Ukitake, is there anyone else you like? In that way, I mean."
"No."
"You and Sentarō seem close."
Kiyone's face twisted.
"Please. I'm sick of him!"
Isane laughed aloud.
"Don't think there's anything special there. He's just a friend, at most."
"I know. I wasn't thinking anything."
Kiyone turned on her side, eyes shining.
"Sis, I'm a little jealous. You have to be happy."
"…"
Isane pulled her into her arms.
...
She barely slept.
The next day was a rest day; neither went to their divisions. They spent it preparing for Isane's "date."
Choosing an outfit, applying careful makeup—
By the end, Isane was exhausted.
"Enough. This'll do."
"No way! This is about your future happiness. No slacking," Kiyone scolded.
Isane could only sigh. She looked at her reflection—brighter and more vivid than usual—and felt almost like she was seeing a stranger.
Will Nobu like me like this…?
She touched her cheek, uncertain. She'd always been self-conscious.
"Sis?"
"Kiyone… do you think Nobu and I suit each other?"
"Don't think like that. You're great—beautiful, gentle. Lots of people must like you."
Isane smiled faintly.
"Is that so…"
She'd met men she liked before—but with her height, she'd often caught a flicker of awkwardness in their eyes.
If only she were shorter—short enough to rest her head on Nobu's shoulder.
Would he mind this about me?
Kiyone took her hands.
"Sis, stop overthinking. Tachikawa definitely likes you. You two do suit each other."
That brought a smile to Isane's lips.
"Mm…"
By evening, dressed in a pale skirt, Isane went to Nobu's new home.
She knew the address by heart. Standing at the door, her heart thudded faster. She lingered there for a long moment, suddenly without the courage to knock.
What should she say when she saw him? What would he say to her…?
She'd been thinking about it all the way here, but no answer had come.
After several deep breaths, she finally raised her hand and knocked softly.
The door opened in moments—Nobu stood there smiling.
"Isane-san, you're here."
Her face warmed; she was just about to greet him when a clamor from inside made her freeze.
"Come in—we've been waiting for you," Nobu said.
Dazed, she stepped inside—only to see the room was not just Nobu alone.
The living room was scattered with people chatting in little groups—some she knew, some she didn't.
Shiba Kaien, Aoshika, Hisagi Shūhei, Kanisawa, Kuchiki Rukia, Hinamori Momo…
The smell of food drifted from somewhere.
"Isane-san?"
"Ah?"
At Nobu's voice, she looked at him blankly.
The chatter in the room had stilled; people were turning to look at her.
So many eyes left Kotetsu Isane feeling completely at a loss.
---
T/N: LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO