Vouching with One’s Character

It was more than an hour later when Seiya finally left the Kuchiki estate.

Considering that he had successfully resolved a troublesome matter today, his expression was noticeably relaxed.

This sentiment even seemed to affect the two men beside him.

Kyōraku Shunsui, gazing at Seiya's profile, chuckled.

"Judging by that look, I'd say things went well?"

Before Seiya could respond, Ukitake Jūshirō smoothly followed up.

"And even if they didn't, there must have been some progress, right?"

—How do you two always know?

"Because, Seiya, your emotions are written all over your face~ It's as clear as day."

"Hmm… Yamamoto-sensei used to say the same thing."

Seiya rubbed his cheek thoughtfully before sighing in resignation.

So that's the reason? How dull.

"Is it really that obvious?"

His self-doubt only made the other two smile.

"Well~ it's not a bad thing, you know? No one dislikes you for it."

"I'd say it's one of your charming traits. Besides, your Fifth Division has been quite popular lately."

After forty years of dedicated leadership—

Seiya's affable and charismatic reputation had made him a well-known figure at the Shin'ō Academy.

Every year, the number of applicants had steadily increased, pushing the Fifth Division into the ranks of the most sought-after squads.

Of course, the old, prestigious divisions—those with high status and minimal duties—remained as untouchable as ever.

As the trio departed from the Kuchiki estate, Seiya was about to take his leave when Kyōraku called out.

"Since everything's settled, why don't we go have a few drinks?"

As he spoke, he raised his right hand, gesturing as if tipping a bottle to his lips.

"Tomorrow's a rest day, after all. Even if we drink until we pass out, it won't matter~ And there's a new performance from the most popular courtesan—Seiya, you really shouldn't miss it."

A blatant attempt at persuasion.

It even made Ukitake frown slightly in disapproval.

"Shunsui, you should really be more mindful of what you say."

But Kyōraku simply waved his hand without looking back, his expression completely carefree.

"Relax~ Seiya's lieutenant is a highly capable newcomer. And my own isn't just some ordinary officer, either. After all…"

"Kyō·ra·ku·Taichō!"

The name was enunciated with deliberate emphasis.

There was a heavy mix of frustration and strictness in that voice.

Even the ever-flippant Kyōraku hesitated, his expression turning sheepish.

That voice…

All three captains turned to see a figure stepping out from the shadows of a nearby alley.

Dark hair, glasses.

A refined face, slender frame.

At this moment, she raised her right hand and adjusted her glasses with her fingertips.

Ise Nanao.

Compared to forty years ago, she now exuded an even greater air of intelligence and composure.

The very image of a proper lady—such was the immediate impression she gave.

But her expression was too severe.

Like an executioner preparing for a beheading—so much so that all three men instinctively held their tongues.

"Kyōraku-taichō! Please repeat what you just said!"

"…Ahaha! Nanao-chan, what are you doing here at this hour? A young lady shouldn't be wandering around at dusk~"

"Are you seriously about to abandon all your squad duties just to go drinking again?!"

"No, that's not—"

"As a captain, where is your sense of responsibility?"

"Uh…"

"Or do you simply not care about your duties?"

"I'm sorry…"

Like a wilted plant under a heavy frost, Kyōraku shrank as he took two weak steps forward, finally stopping just behind Ise Nanao.

Despite being a lieutenant, she had completely overpowered her captain in presence.

—Ise Nanao, right now…

How formidable!

Kyōraku's surrender seemed to ease her frustration slightly.

Her expression visibly softened as she turned to Ukitake, looking apologetic.

She clasped her hands in front of her and straightened her posture before giving a slight bow.

"My apologies, Kyōraku-taichō was being inconsiderate."

Ukitake, never one to hold grudges—especially over something so trivial—simply laughed.

"It's fine, really. In fact, I'd say you handled it quite well, Ise-san!"

There was a clear sense of mutual understanding between the two.

But when it came to Seiya…

Ise Nanao did not turn to face him.

Instead, she remained slightly angled away, speaking in a calm voice.

"Seiya-taichō… You as well. Please excuse this display."

…Huh?

Why was she treating him differently?

The oddity of her behavior was glaringly obvious—even Ukitake seemed to notice.

Seiya and Ukitake exchanged a look, both puzzled.

Before Seiya could say anything, Kyōraku chuckled.

"Ahh, how embarrassing. To be scolded by one's own lieutenant in the middle of the street… I might just cry into my pillow tonight."

"So, if we keep standing here any longer, it'll just get worse. Better to head back and get to work."

"Ukitake, Seiya—sorry, looks like we'll have to reschedule~"

Tipping his straw hat lower, he gently patted Nanao's shoulder.

"Nanao-chan, say your goodbyes to the captains. We're heading off."

The intelligent young woman hesitated briefly before lowering her head.

"Ukitake-taichō, Seiya-taichō… We'll be taking our leave now."

And just like that, the two of them vanished into the distance.

Ukitake and Seiya also parted ways, as they had different routes to return.

Before leaving, however, Ukitake shot Seiya a rather curious look—

So much so that it made him feel oddly on edge.

"Uh… Ukitake-taichō? What is it?"

"Haha, nothing. But Seiya, do you remember something Yamamoto-sensei once told you?"

The old man had said many things over the years, so it was hard to recall any single statement.

"You, my boy, are fated for trouble with women."

…

As Seiya walked back to his division, Nanao's expression remained stiff.

She did not carry a sword—

But her exceptional skills in Kidō had earned her recognition, securing her position as vice-captain.

Intelligent and decisive.

That was how many described her.

—As a leader, working under Ise-fukutaichō felt incredibly reassuring.

After all, their captain was notoriously unreliable…

Yet, at this moment, this highly respected lieutenant seemed deeply troubled.

Kyōraku watched her carefully, his stubbled face carrying an unusual seriousness.

"Nanao-chan?"

"..."

"You seem out of it. Hungry?"

"..."

"There's a good unagi place nearby. A bit pricey, but worth it—"

He didn't get to finish.

Because Nanao suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Kyōraku-taichō! What exactly are you trying to say?!"

Her frustration was clear.

But more than that, it felt… defensive.

Like a hedgehog curling up, raising its spines not to attack, but to protect itself.

Kyōraku let out a small sigh.

"Now, now, Nanao-chan~ No need to be so tense. Haven't we always had a good relationship?"

Her brows eased—just slightly.

"Then get to the point."

Adults often avoid blunt truths, opting for roundabout discussions.

But if it's family… sometimes, directness is best.

Kyōraku's lips curved into a smirk.

"You still have feelings for Seiya, don't you?"

"…?!!!"

Nanao's breath caught in her throat for a moment.

She instinctively took half a step back.

Her hands clenched near her chest, fingers tightening into fists.

The panic in her expression was evident—though it didn't last long.

As if regaining her composure, she quickly retorted, her voice sharp and firm.

"That's ridiculous!"

"Is it?"

Kyōraku looked away, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Maybe. But the way you reacted just now says otherwise."

They were both adults.

Words alone wouldn't change anything.

"Back in the academy, you had some interactions with him, right? And later, because of Kidō, you stayed in touch quite a bit."

"If I recall correctly, Nanao-chan, you were technically his senior when it came to Kidō. Using that as a reason to meet up with him wouldn't even seem suspicious."

"So why not just be straightforward for once?"

Nonsense!

That was the first thought in Nanao's mind.

Yet, despite wanting to refute him, she found herself unable to say a word.

There was no point in arguing—Kyōraku wouldn't listen.

Her best option was to remain silent, feign indifference…

So she simply closed her eyes, furrowing her brows as she shook her head.

"This kind of thing… It's best if you treat it as nothing more than idle gossip."

It was insignificant.

Not worth mentioning.

Yes—her feelings were something so trivial.

"Ahh, that won't do, Nanao-chan."

Self-denial wasn't the answer.

More importantly—

"There are people who have worked hard, in ways you've never seen, just so you could have a chance at happiness."

Things visible and unseen.

Like an iceberg, only a fraction of the truth floated above the surface.

The deeper, hidden truths—those were what mattered.

But, unfortunately…

At this moment, Nanao didn't seem to understand that.

She bit her lip, instinctively trying to step away, her voice carrying stubborn resistance.

"This kind of—"

But she stopped mid-sentence.

Because Kyōraku's face—

For the first time in a long while—

Bore an expression she had never seen before.

Sadness? Pain?

Helplessness? Pity?

An indescribable look…

Kyōraku, who always seemed carefree and unbothered, suddenly looked so somber.

Nanao was at a loss.

She wanted to speak—to refute, to deny—

But a gut feeling told her that doing so would only wound the man in front of her.

She didn't want that.

That was all.

So instead, she averted her gaze, taking a slow breath as she softened her tone.

"…I understand. Sorry, Kyōraku-taichō."

"Oh~ Very obedient. Good, good, that's the Nanao-chan I know—graceful and adaptable."

Kyōraku returned to his usual teasing, his easygoing grin back in place.

Nanao, however, found herself momentarily dazed.

It was hard to believe.

This man—usually so carefree and indulgent—

Had just shown such a fragile expression.

So which one was the real Kyōraku?

Or perhaps, like his mismatched dual swords—

Was he meant to exist as two sides of the same whole?

She didn't know.

And, honestly, she didn't feel the need to pry.

Her experiences in the Eighth Division, combined with her own observations, had shaped her into someone who valued rationality.

If something was unknown, then so be it.

Time would eventually strip away the excess, revealing the truth beneath.

There was no need to rush.

Secrecy and curiosity weren't mutually exclusive—Nanao could afford to be patient.

"Let's go, Kyōraku-taichō."

Kyōraku glanced at her, his expression shifting slightly.

—Just a little.

But it was noticeable.

Compared to before, she had grown—just a bit.

It was a strange feeling.

Watching over someone as they matured, realizing how much they had changed—

It was enough to make his heart swell with emotion.

Of course, compared to that one person, Nanao's growth wasn't as dazzling.

But that was fine.

Because their paths were different.

For him, secrets buried beneath the cherry blossoms were far more important than personal strength.

Still… speaking of which—

Brother, Sister…

Did I… really make the right choice?

But no answer came.

Because, in the end, being an adult meant living with uncertainty.

Doubt and self-reflection—those were burdens everyone carried.

And once a path had been chosen, all one could do was convince themselves it was the right one.

Searching for answers through trial and error—there was no other way.

Lost in thought, Kyōraku was snapped back to reality by a familiar voice.

"Food…"

The disheveled captain blinked.

"Hmm?"

Nanao had stopped walking.

She turned halfway, her expression oddly hesitant.

"That unagi place… Is it really good?"

Was that even a question?

Kyōraku grinned, his usual playfulness returning.

"I swear on my character—it'll definitely satisfy you~"

"…That's not very reassuring, Kyōraku-taichō."

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Powerstones?

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