The Cultural Festival

"Kazedarou-kun, this is the very first event our Student Council is organizing. You wouldn't want it to look too shabby, right? I mean, this is about our reputation! Even the Academy's faculty is supporting us. If we pull it off well, it'll reflect so well on everyone involved!"

As Vice-President of the Student Council, Kazedarou Mitsugorou stared blankly at the impassioned Tachikawa Shin, who was currently playing the role of a desperate beggar.

"If the Academy supports you, why not get them to fund it better?"

"I tried," Shin replied with a pained face. "But they kept going on about how tight the budget is. I'm just a regular student—I don't have any sway with them. What else could I do?"

Kazedarou frowned, clearly deep in thought. "This... 'Cultural Festival' you keep talking about—what exactly is it?"

Shin took the opportunity to explain again, "Put simply, it's a school-wide celebration of culture and fun. The Student Council will organize everything. It won't just involve teachers and students from the Shin'ō Academy—we'll even invite Shinigami from the Gotei 13 and the Kido Corps. If it goes well, it could become a lasting tradition. And if Kazedarou-kun sponsors it, you'd be the founding benefactor. Your name would go down in the history of the Academy!"

That pitch clearly worked. Mitsugorou's interest was piqued. "How much are you asking?"

Shin held up his fingers to show an amount.

"Five million?"

Shin nearly choked—he'd meant five hundred thousand. But clearly, this noble heir was more generous than expected.

"…Would that be okay?" Shin asked carefully.

Kazedarou didn't answer right away. Instead, he said, "Do you have a proposal?"

"Of course!" Shin dashed to his desk and pulled out a thick folder. He handed it over respectfully. "It's all ready. Please take a look."

Kazedarou began to flip through the documents—detailed plans, procedures, budgets. Everything was laid out clearly and meticulously.

"The Academy leadership has seen this?"

"Yes! Principal Shakubō himself promised full support. This is something the Academy has never done before—he believes it'll enrich campus culture."

After reviewing it for a while longer, Kazedarou finally said, "I'll bring the money tomorrow."

Shin lit up with joy and, without thinking, threw his arms around him. "Kazedarou, you're amazing! A true savior of the Student Council!"

Kazedarou instantly pushed him away with disdain. "You've never been this friendly before. And we're not nearly close enough for you to just call me by name, Tachikawa-kun."

Shin grinned. "Then what should I call you? Kazedarou-kun? Kazedarou-sama? Kazedarou-dono?"

"..."

Kazedarou shuddered. "Normal is fine. I'm leaving."

He needed to inform his family anyway. But honestly, five million wasn't much for someone from the Kazedarou clan. Though the head of the family was a woman, many men played critical roles, and his position within the family was solid.

Shin waved cheerfully. "Safe trip back!"

He'd known Kazedarou was rich, but this generous? The Academy had only allocated 500,000 kan—barely ten thousand yen by his past-life standards. Kazedarou had just increased that tenfold.

He probably wouldn't even need all that money. But now he could plan freely—and the leftover funds could go toward future Student Council expenses.

Who says nobles are the worst? Some of them are incredible!

In truth, Kazedarou hadn't agreed just for the supposed "glory." He also admired Tachikawa Shin himself.

When his clan had first informed him about the Council project, he'd been surprised to learn it had been proposed by an ordinary student. But Shin was undeniably gifted. His future was limitless.

That very day, flush with funding, Shin convened a full Student Council meeting and assigned responsibilities to every member.

Then he went around informing teachers and class reps from every year and every section.

By the next day, the entire Academy knew: a cultural festival was coming in two weeks. Huge announcement boards went up around campus.

Academy life was normally a dull grind—lectures and training. There was hardly room for fun.

So this event sparked genuine excitement.

Just as everyone began preparing for the festival, someone unexpected arrived—Lieutenant Shiba Kaien of Squad 13.

At the Student Council office, Shin entered with Rukia in tow—only to find Shiba Kaien lounging in his chair, casually flipping through paperwork.

"Lieutenant Shiba," Shin greeted, "what a surprise."

Kaien chuckled. "You say that like I'm a stranger. I'm the Honorary President of this Student Council, remember?"

He looked past Shin. "And this young lady?"

"Rukia. She's my assistant. Rukia, this is Lieutenant Shiba Kaien of Squad 13."

"An honor!" Rukia quickly bowed, amazed. The President works with people like this all the time…

Kaien teased, "Wow, not bad. You've got a cute girl as your assistant now. Your Student Council sure has a lot of pretty members, huh?"

Rukia blushed, self-conscious. She didn't think she was anything special—unlike Hinamori, who really was beautiful.

"You barely show up, Honorary President. You might as well be a guest. Actually, I was just about to look for you."

"Oh? What for?"

Shin raised an eyebrow. "But what brings you here today?"

"Got assigned to teach a class for the First Years. Also, I heard about this big event you're planning. Wanted to see for myself."

"Ah, the cultural festival," Shin explained. "We're inviting Shinigami from the Gotei 13. Would be great if you could help promote it—maybe even convince a few captains to come. That'd really liven things up."

Kaien burst out laughing. "You think captains will come to a school party? You think your name carries that much weight?"

Shin grinned. "I don't, but yours definitely does. Everyone in the Gotei 13 knows Lieutenant Shiba Kaien. You're basically the captain of Squad 13 in all but name!"

Kaien smirked, clearly pleased. But he didn't promise anything. "Captains are busy, you know."

"True. But Principal Shakubō already said he'd welcome Gotei members back to their alma mater. As Honorary President, I'm sure you'd be happy to help us out, right?"

Kaien considered. It wasn't a difficult favor. A lighthearted event like this would probably appeal to a lot of people—including his own captain.

"I'll see what I can do."

Then his gaze narrowed at Shin. "So. About your Zanpakutō…"

"You've heard?" Shin said innocently. "It was pure luck. I just suddenly awakened it."

Kaien gave a dry laugh. "Suddenly, huh? You forget what you promised me, kid?"

Shin blinked. "Did I?"

"My uncle already agreed to grant you the Third Seat in Squad 13. And now you're telling me your Zanpakutō's Kaidō-type? That's put me in a tough spot."

Rukia, listening nearby, froze. Her eyes went wide.

Third Seat? The President?!

Shin looked genuinely apologetic. "I really did want to join Squad 10. But Zanpakutō aren't something you get to choose."

Kaien's eyes narrowed. "Tell me honestly. Is your Zanpakutō really Kaidō-type?"

Shin blinked. "Can someone even fake that?"

"There've been cases," Kaien said coolly. "Plenty of Gotei members don't reveal their Zanpakutō's true abilities."

Shin looked thoughtful. "I didn't know that."

Then he drew the plain asauchi at his hip. "Want to verify it yourself?"

Kaien stared at the utterly ordinary blade.

Then he sighed. "Forget it. If it's Kaidō-type, then I guess you and Squad 10 weren't meant to be."

Shin sighed too. "I appreciate the understanding, Lieutenant Shiba. Believe me, I really did want to join Squad 10."

After all, who wouldn't want to see Miss Rangiku every day?

Kaien narrowed his eyes at him.

This kid was full of crap, and charming as hell.

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

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