The day before the cultural festival, Shin was summoned to the principal's office.
"These are the names of the Captains attending tomorrow," Principal Shōzō Shakubaku said, handing Shin a document. "Make sure someone is there to welcome them."
Shin glanced at the list. The Captains of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 13th Divisions were all set to appear.
"That's quite a crowd," he muttered, mentally noting how impressive Kaien Shiba's connections must be.
"With so many high-ranking figures attending, we can't afford any mistakes," Shakubaku reminded him.
In addition to the Captains, many seated officers and unseated Shinigami from the Gotei 13 would also be present. The event was shaping up to be a big one.
"Principal, aren't you putting a little too much responsibility on a student?" Shin said. "Wouldn't it be better if the faculty handled this?"
But Shakubaku waved it off. "Teachers are here to teach. I think it's beneficial for students like you to take initiative in these things."
Shin sighed inwardly. The student council was already stretched thin, and tomorrow would be the busiest day of all. Now they had to spare members for reception duty?
After thinking for a moment, Shin handed the list back.
Shakubaku looked at him, puzzled.
"It's not that I'm unwilling," Shin said, "but we simply don't have enough people. Every student council member has a job tomorrow. Pulling them off their assignments would disrupt the festival."
Shakubaku frowned slightly.
Shin continued, "Besides, I doubt the Captains even want an entourage. They're here to enjoy themselves, not be inspected or worshipped. Treating them like visiting inspectors might just dampen their mood. After all, this is their alma mater."
Shakubaku paused, visibly caught off-guard.
"What do you think, Principal?" Shin asked.
The principal fell into thought. Technically, he and the other faculty could step in and handle things—but what Shin said made a surprising amount of sense.
These Captains had all once walked the halls of the Academy. In fact, some of them—like Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō—had more seniority than he did.
He studied Shin with renewed interest, then finally nodded. "You may be right. Still, we can't just ignore their presence. Alright, here's the deal—you greet them yourself. If they really prefer to explore on their own, fine. If not, it's your job to keep them properly entertained."
With no room left to argue, Shin nodded.
The Next Morning – Spirit Academy Main Gate
The sky was a pristine blue, scattered with drifting cherry blossoms like pink clouds. The scent of flowers lingered in the breeze.
Shin stood alone at the front gate, watching the trickle of arriving Shinigami and occasionally gazing up at the sky.
Rukia wasn't with him today—she was busy preparing for her performance.
Finally, from the edge of his vision, a group of figures emerged. The flash of white haori among the crowd was impossible to miss—especially when several were approaching at once.
Shin straightened his posture immediately, discarding his casual air and jogging up to meet them.
"The Spirit Academy and Student Council welcome the arrival of the Captains," he said, bowing respectfully.
Just as the list indicated, the arrivals included:
4th Division Captain Unohana Retsu
5th Division Captain Aizen Sōsuke
6th Division Captain Kuchiki Ginrei
8th Division Captain Kyōraku Shunsui
10th Division Captain Shiba Isshin
13th Division Captain Ukitake Jūshirō
Most were accompanied by their Lieutenants—save for the 6th Division Captain, who had come alone.
Some Shin had met before. The rest he only knew by reputation. But all of them were familiar faces to anyone who'd studied the history of the Gotei 13.
"We meet again, Tachikawa-kun," Aizen greeted with his usual gentle smile.
Captain Isshin Shiba glanced around. "You came alone?"
His tone was light, but his eyes scanned the area curiously. For so many Captains to arrive, and only a single student to greet them?
"I was instructed by Principal Shakubaku himself," Shin answered politely. "He emphasized that this is a celebration, not an inspection. The Captains are here as guests—alumni, even. No need for ceremony. In fact, too much formality might get in the way of your enjoyment."
Isshin raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "That doesn't sound like something the principal would say."
"It's been a while since I've visited the Academy," Ukitake said with a warm laugh.
The handsome, silver-haired 13th Division Captain stood beside Isshin, his demeanor calm and composed. He was among the most senior Captains in the Gotei 13—more experienced than even Kuchiki Ginrei, who, despite his white hair and austere face, still addressed Ukitake with respect.
Also present was the flamboyant Captain Kyōraku of the 8th Division, decked out in his signature pink haori atop the standard white one. He looked more like a wandering poet than a warrior. His brown, wavy hair was tied back, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his jaw.
"So you're the Student Council President?" Kyōraku said lazily, sizing Shin up. "Pretty good-looking, aren't you?"
"Thank you for the compliment, Captain Kyōraku," Shin answered with a polite nod.
"I've heard you've got quite a few Divisions fighting over you," the Captain said teasingly.
Shin looked surprised. "Really? This is the first I've heard of it."
Standing beside Isshin, Rangiku rolled her eyes dramatically.
Kaien, next to Ukitake, laughed and chimed in, "Don't let his innocent face fool you, Captains—this guy's got ambition. He didn't even blink at the offer of a Third Seat position!"
The revelation caught several present off-guard.
Kotetsu Isane blinked, suddenly recalling that odd moment when Shin had asked what seat he'd be given in the 4th Division. At the time, she had assumed he was just ignorant…
Now it made perfect sense.
Shin cursed inwardly. Damn Kaien—was he trying to blow up his chances with everyone?
"Vice-Captain Shiba's got it wrong," Shin protested with a sheepish grin. "I'd never look down on a Third Seat post."
"Is that so?" Isshin chuckled. "But as I recall, neither I nor Rangiku ever got a clear yes from you."
The weight of so many eyes made Shin's temples throb.
He opened his mouth to change the subject—only to be interrupted by a voice as smooth as flowing water.
"Perhaps that simply means his ideal Division lies elsewhere. In that case, there's no need to pressure him."
Shin looked up—and met the gaze of a breathtakingly serene and beautiful woman.
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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 !