“Just the Two of Us”

"Back at the Shin'ō Academy, Tachikawa, you excelled across the board, didn't you? Except in Kaidō, where you weren't ranked first." Kyōraku Shunsui's voice was smooth and slow, almost playful.

Shin blinked, a little surprised, but nodded. "The top scorer in Kaidō that year was Aoka. She's with Fourth Division now. Hardworking type."

Kyōraku gave a soft laugh. "Then how come… your Zanpakutō's ability is Kaidō-based?"

Shin hadn't expected to be asked this again, especially after so long. He paused for a moment before replying, "I'm not sure myself. But Captain Aizen once said that a Zanpakutō is the mirror of a soul. Maybe there's something in me that naturally resonates with healing."

Kyōraku's gaze twinkled with a touch of teasing—subtle, but unmistakable. It made Shin feel a little uneasy, as though Kyōraku knew something more than he let on.

Ukitake chimed in, "That's true enough. Zanpakutō are deeply mysterious. No one in history has ever truly claimed to understand them completely. I never imagined mine would have the abilities it does either."

Isshin Shiba nodded. "Whatever the reason, I hope you attain Bankai soon."

"I'll do my best," Shin said simply.

The banquet eventually came to an end, and the gathered officers and guests began to scatter.

Shin returned alone to his new quarters—he'd only just moved in. The place hadn't been fully furnished or decorated yet, but it was livable. And having his own space made it easier to train.

Though much of his power hadn't come from pure effort, Shin had never used that as an excuse to slack off.

Another day.

Kotetsu Isane noticed that Captain Unohana was absent from her office. After some searching, she found her alone in the projection room.

She gently pushed the door open and saw footage playing across the screen—an old recording of a combat exercise.

Starring: Tachikawa Shin.

It was taken from long ago, during Shin's field training in the Human World, during a sudden ambush by a cloaked enemy. Isane had brought the footage back, but at the time, Unohana had barely glanced at it, saying she'd "watch it later."

"Isane. Something the matter?"

The projection room was dim, and Isane couldn't quite make out her captain's expression—only the same gentle tone as always.

She walked over. "It's about the medical rotation schedule."

"Mmh. Let's head back."

As they left, Isane couldn't help but ask, "Captain… what made you want to watch the footage now?"

"Oh… nothing. Just some idle time."

Isane followed behind, puzzled. Before, it made sense for the Captain to take an interest in Shin—he was new, talented, and not yet part of the Fourth Division. But now he was already their Third Seat.

Back in the office, Unohana reviewed the files Isane handed over, then asked, "Where's Tachikawa?"

"He's on assignment in the Human World."

"I see." Unohana handed back the documents. "Pass these to him when he returns."

"Yes, ma'am."

Just after leaving the office, Isane was stopped again—this time by a subordinate, informing her that Ikkaku Madarame, Third Seat of Eleventh Division, had come by.

She sighed. He's probably here for the same reason again.

When she met with Ikkaku, he confirmed it: "Tachikawa ain't around?"

"He's on a field mission."

Ikkaku scratched his head, bald dome gleaming. "Tch. What a pain. My Captain's been on my ass nonstop."

"Captain Zaraki wants to spar with him again?" Isane asked, curious.

Everyone in the Gotei 13 knew Zaraki's temperament—lived for battle, bled for it.

The Eleventh wasn't exactly overworked. Things were peaceful lately. Hollows in the Human World were mainly handled by the Thirteenth. If something broke loose in Rukongai, the Tenth took point. Other squads like the Third or Fifth would only intervene in special cases.

Eleventh was more like a special ops strike force—called in only when other Divisions hit a wall.

Even so, some missions still came their way. That's part of what Shin had once critiqued—vague functional boundaries between squads.

Still, Isane figured Shin would refuse Ikkaku again. He'd turned him down before—more than once.

"I don't know when he'll return," Isane said gently. "But I'll let him know."

Ikkaku clicked his tongue and left.

Later that afternoon, Shin returned with Aoka at his side.

Isane passed along the message. "Ikkaku came by again."

"Not going," Shin said flatly.

Isane had expected it, but still said, "He's come looking for you more than a few times. Isn't it a bit rude to keep refusing?"

"What would you have me do? March into Eleventh and duel Zaraki?" Shin held out his hands. "No benefit in winning. No upside to losing. So what's the point?"

Isane's expression twitched. The way he said it… he actually thought he had a shot at beating Zaraki.

Zaraki Kenpachi hadn't held his position long—but every generation of Eleventh Division captain had held the title Kenpachi, meaning the strongest swordfighter in the Soul Society.

"You're not afraid of making an enemy out of him?"

"If he's the kind of guy to get pissed about that, then he's petty and overbearing. He won't cause a scene in Fourth Division anyway."

Shin shrugged, utterly unconcerned.

Then, casually, he shifted the topic.

"By the way, Isane, can I ask you for a favor?"

"What is it?"

"I just moved. The place still hasn't been decorated. I could use your opinion."

"Eh?"

Isane blinked, caught off-guard. She had helped process the paperwork for his new residence.

"How… how do you want me to help?"

"If you're free, come by my place. You'll see."

"…"

She didn't respond. Lips pressed tight. A flush rising to her cheeks.

Go… to his house…?

"Isane?"

His voice snapped her back to reality. He was smiling warmly.

"What were you thinking about, Isane?"

"N-nothing!" she stammered, then asked, "When?"

Shin considered. "Tomorrow's the weekend. How about tomorrow night?"

"…Okay."

Back in her office, Isane shut the door and leaned against it, hand to her cheek.

He invited me to his house.

There's no way it's just about interior decorating, right?

Could this mean…

Her mind spun in every direction at once.

Since his confession some time ago, Shin hadn't made any more moves. She'd spent every day walking on glass, unsure of his intentions.

And now—this.

Would he… make a move tonight?

The thought alone turned her face crimson.

That night, she told her sister Kiyone.

The reaction was explosive.

"For real?!" Kiyone shrieked. "That's amazing, sis! This is your chance!"

"W-what chance…"

"Oh come on." Kiyone rolled her eyes. "He invited you to his place. Obviously he's planning to make a move."

"…"

Isane felt her temperature spike.

Kiyone launched into a wild, scandalous monologue. "Just imagine—one guy, one girl, alone together… things getting steamy… bam! Clothes flying! Passion! Fireworks! Sweaty bodies—"

"KIYONE!"

Isane shoved her pillow over her sister's mouth, furious and blushing. "Don't say another word!"

"I'm just saying!" Kiyone grinned. "Sis, your springtime is here."

"I-it's not like that," Isane muttered. "Even if something… happened… we're not even officially together."

"Oh please." Kiyone looked scandalized. "If it happens, don't freeze up. Be reserved—but not too reserved."

Then, contemplatively, "Though sleeping together before you're official is a bit fast…"

"Just STOP already!"

Late into the night, the sisters whispered beneath their blankets.

"Kiyone… do you like anyone?"

"Of course."

Isane hesitated. "Captain Ukitake?"

"Yup."

Isane sighed. "But…"

She didn't say it. Ukitake was hundreds of years old. He probably saw Kiyone as a junior, nothing more.

But she didn't want to crush her sister's hopes.

"I know what you're thinking," Kiyone said softly. "I don't expect anything. Just being near him is enough."

"…Besides him, is there anyone else?"

"Not in that way."

"What about Sentarō? You two seem close."

Kiyone looked disgusted. "Ugh. Don't even joke. He drives me nuts."

Isane burst out laughing.

"Hey! Don't act like we've got something special. He's just a friend, tops."

"I know, I know. I didn't mean anything."

Kiyone leaned in, grabbing her hand. "Sis… I'm really rooting for you. You deserve happiness."

"…"

Isane pulled her close, holding her tight.

She didn't sleep well that night.

The next day was their day off. Neither went into the Division. They stayed home, preparing for Isane's "appointment."

They picked outfits. Applied light makeup. Debated accessories.

After hours, Isane slumped. "That's enough. I'm exhausted."

"You can't get lazy now!" Kiyone protested. "This is your future!"

Isane stared at her reflection. The makeup, the soft blush, the carefully chosen dress—she barely recognized herself.

Would Shin like this version of her?

She touched her cheek, uneasy.

She'd always been self-conscious.

"Kiyone… do you think Shin and I… look right together?"

Kiyone frowned. "Sis, don't think like that. You're beautiful. Kind. Smart. Of course you're good enough."

Isane gave a weak smile. "You think so…"

She'd had admirers before. But their smiles always flickered when they stood beside her. She was tall. Too tall. It made them feel small.

If only she were shorter. Just enough to lean on his shoulder.

Would Shin… be turned off by that?

Kiyone grabbed her hands.

"Sis. Stop it. Tachikawa likes you. You two fit perfectly."

"…Mm."

Evening came.

Isane walked to Shin's new home, wearing a light, pale-colored dress. Her heart thundered with each step.

The address was memorized. But standing before the door, she hesitated.

What do I say? What will he say?

She tried to imagine the flow of conversation, but came up empty.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked softly.

The door opened almost instantly.

"Isane! You made it."

Shin greeted her with a grin.

She blushed, ready to return his greeting—only to freeze at the loud voices from inside.

"Come on in. We were waiting on you."

Stiffly, confused, she stepped in—and stopped short.

The living room was packed.

Voices. Laughter. Familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Shiba Kaien. Aoka. Hisagi. Kanisawa. Kuchiki Rukia. Hinamori.

Even the smell of food filled the air.

"Isane?"

"Ah…"

She turned to Shin, dazed.

The room had gone quiet. Everyone turned to look.

A hundred eyes.

Isane stood there, utterly, painfully out of place.