The Kind Onee-san

Shin was a little surprised by Kotetsu Isane's directness. After a moment of thought, he replied, "Anything I haven't learned yet, I'm more than happy to study."

Isane tilted her head slightly. That was probably a yes.

She chuckled softly. "I've looked at your records—your Zanpakutō is a Kaidō-type, right?"

Shin nodded. "I believe so. I only just awakened it recently, so I haven't figured out all of its abilities yet. But it definitely has healing properties."

"Then there's no doubt."

In the current Soul Society, the most well-known healing-type Zanpakutō was Retsu Unohana's Minazuki—a giant, single-eyed manta-like creature that healed by swallowing patients whole.

Isane continued, "I came to the Academy today not just to teach, but also to meet you in person. I'll get straight to the point: when Academy students are assigned to a squad upon graduation, the decision is based on their stated preferences and overall performance. But your Zanpakutō is a Kaidō-type—extremely rare—so to be honest, you're much better suited to Squad Four. When you graduate, we'll formally request that you be assigned to us. I'd like to know what your thoughts are."

Shin wasn't surprised. The moment he'd begun presenting his Zanpakutō as Kaidō-based, he knew this day would come.

"Which seat?"

Isane blinked. "Pardon?"

"I mean, what seat would I hold if I joined Squad Four?"

"…"

She froze for a moment, then asked in disbelief, "Are you saying… you want to join Squad Four directly as a seated officer?"

Shin nodded casually.

Isane stared.

She thought he was just naïve and began explaining patiently, "Academy graduates all start as unseated officers. They gain experience, learn the squad's duties, and prove themselves before earning a seated rank—if their abilities meet the standard."

Shin smiled. "I'm sorry, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. That may have been a bit forward of me."

Isane smiled warmly back. "It's fine."

The more she spoke with him, the more she found Shin likable. He was calm, polite, and carried himself well. A sweet little brother type. The kind of young soul who would likely become a very reliable comrade.

"Thank you for coming, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. When I graduate, I'll give serious thought to Squad Four."

"…Eh?"

She didn't quite follow. Looking at the boy—so much shorter than her—she gently repeated, "Maybe I didn't explain clearly. Because of your Zanpakutō, the Academy will assign you to Squad Four upon graduation. Of course, I hope you want to join us, too. I saw you paying close attention in class today, unlike many others. That means you're interested in Kaidō, right? If you come to Squad Four, you'll have access to deeper training, practical knowledge—our captain is the most skilled healer in all of Soul Society…"

Shin interrupted, "Is there no way to change that assignment?"

Isane blinked, lips pressed tight. "Tachikawa-kun… do you not want to join Squad Four?"

"It's not that. I just haven't made up my mind yet."

"That's perfectly normal. I understand—your performance in the Academy is stellar, and you're the Student Council President. I'm sure you have plans for the future. Many Squad Four recruits later apply for transfers. But with a Kaidō-type Zanpakutō, your path is naturally tied to healing. Squad Four offers excellent support and benefits. And healing Shinigami are deeply respected…"

As she spoke about Squad Four with such sincere passion, Shin couldn't help but smile.

What a kind, gentle soul.

If it had been Matsumoto Rangiku hearing him dodge so indirectly, she'd have already lost her temper.

But Isane didn't even seem to notice.

"Tachikawa-kun?" She looked confused when she saw him smile without reason.

Shin quickly clarified, "I'm sorry, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. It's just that having someone so beautiful, gentle, and knowledgeable personally talk to me like this… it made me a bit happy."

"Eh… Is… is that so…"

Isane's cheeks flushed faintly. She brushed a hand through her braid, flustered.

[Affinity: 18]

Wow, that went up fast.

"If possible, Tachikawa-kun, I just hope you'll be mentally prepared. Squad Four would gladly welcome you. Kaidō is a vast and fascinating field. The fulfillment of healing others—saving lives—that's something no other squad can offer."

"I understand, Vice-Captain. And thank you for coming. But I still have two years left until graduation."

"Two years?"

Isane tilted her head. "I remember your file before the school year began. You were assessed as eligible for early graduation. Why wait?"

Shin answered seriously, "I'm the Student Council President. The Council was only just established. It's still developing. It was my proposal that led to its approval, and I want to be responsible. I'll graduate once the Council is stable. I hope you understand."

Isane nodded, touched. "You're very dedicated, Tachikawa-kun. That's admirable. I believe you'll grow into a respected and excellent Shinigami."

Shin smiled. "I think Vice-Captain Kotetsu already fits that description. You gave a lecture, and then even came to talk to me… I'm very grateful."

Isane blushed a little. "You flatter me too much…"

[Affinity: 22]

Damn, it's going up fast!

If I do end up joining Squad Four after graduation, she'll definitely give me a bunch of rewards, Shin thought.

But their captain, Unohana Retsu… yeah, she wouldn't be quite so easy.

He'd have to tread carefully.

Isane soon took her leave, satisfied with the visit. Tachikawa Shin was even more promising than she expected. This had been a good day—she'd fulfilled the captain's mission and found potential new blood for Squad Four.

The captain would definitely be pleased.

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For this week I will do more release depending on the power stones !

100 Power Stones = 1 chapter (in addition to the daily update) 

So give stones if you want mooooar !