As Captain Unohana's seemingly benign comnt ca to Shin's defense, Shiba Isshin couldn't help but chuckle. "Captain Unohana, already starting to protect your future subordinates?"
Unohana didn't deny it. She rely smiled gently and said, "From what I can see, this student is outstanding in both conduct and academics. I'm simply stating the obvious."
Outstanding conduct? Both Matsumoto Rangiku and Kaien Shiba stifled a snort at that.
Sure, Shin's grades were top-tier—he was first in his year. But "outstanding conduct"? That was stretching it.
Still, Shin inclined his head politely. "Thank you for your kind words, Captain Unohana."
He then turned to the assembled Captains and Lieutenants. "If any of you would like a guide around the Academy's Cultural Festival, I'd be happy to accompany you. But if you prefer to walk around at your leisure, please feel free."
Unohana stepped forward, smiling with soft confidence. "In that case, please walk with and Yamada-san."
Her tone left little room for debate. The others gave a few dry chuckles—Unohana, after all, was one of the oldest Captains in Soul Society, her seniority on par with the Captain-Commander himself. No one would argue.
"As you command," Shin said with a bow. "I apologize to the rest of you—Student Council manpower is thin, and I won't be able to assign more guides."
The other Captains weren't offended. They hadn't co expecting ceremony, and in fact, this informality suited them better.
So Shin departed with Captain Unohana and Lieutenant Kotetsu Isane in tow, leading them toward the central plaza where the crowd was thickest.
Rangiku took the opportunity to pull away as well. "Captain, I'm going to browse the festival on my own, alright?"
Isshin waved her off lazily. "Knock yourself out."
She quickly turned to Ise Nanao and called out, "Co on, Nanao, let's go!"
Nanao didn't even bother checking in with her own Captain and simply followed Rangiku.
Among the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, camaraderie was strong—especially between Captains and Lieutenants. Each Lieutenant was chosen directly by their Captain, after all, and their relationships were usually close.
Watching the crowd disperse, Kyōraku Shunsui muttered dryly, "Looks like we've been abandoned."
He'd visited the Academy several tis since graduating centuries ago, and every ti he'd been t with pomp and ceremony. This kind of casual welco was a first.
Aizen adjusted his glasses and chuckled. "This isn't so bad. Just like Tachikawa said—this is a student festival, not an official inspection."
Ukitake nodded. "Let's just enjoy ourselves."
The central plaza was bustling. Rows of small tents and makeshift stalls lined the space, each one manned by a class of students. Snacks, trinkets, simple gas—there was sothing for everyone. Laughter and chatter filled the air.
Hand-painted signs displayed every class's booth the. Alongside the red-and-white-uniford students were plenty of Shinigami, mingling freely.
"It's really lively," Isane murmured in awe.
It was rare to see anything like this in Soul Society. Seireitei was perpetually quiet. Even the higher-numbered districts of the Rukongai had markets, but nothing like this.
The students were enthusiastic, passionately calling out to passerby to visit their booths.
Unohana and Isane hadn't expected to find this kind of vibrancy in the Academy.
"Did you organize all this?" Unohana asked, glancing at Shin.
"It was a group effort," Shin replied modestly. "The Student Council and the Academy's leadership handled the infrastructure, but each class designed their own booths."
"But the idea for the festival—that was yours, wasn't it?" she pressed.
Shin smiled. "Just sothing that ca to mind. I didn't expect the faculty to be so supportive."
"Well done," she said softly. "No wonder the 10th and 13th Divisions have their eyes on you."
"You flatter . Vice-Captains Matsumoto and Shiba simply suggested I consider their squads after graduation. I haven't made any final decisions yet."
Unohana's smile deepened. "And now? Have you decided?"
Shin hesitated. "My horoom teacher, Nanada-sensei, said that because my Zanpakutō has a healing ability, I'd be best suited for the 4th Division. Lieutenant Kotetsu ntioned the sa when she gave a guest lecture."
"Do you want to join the 4th Division?" Unohana asked, eyes watching him carefully.
"Of course!" Shin said instantly.
This ti, he didn't deflect or dodge the question. He knew very well that Captain Unohana was nothing like Shiba Isshin. Behind that serene smile was soone whose reputation for power and ruthlessness was legendary.
Isane chid in, "Tachikawa-kun, the 4th Division would be a perfect fit. Your Zanpakutō's potential could be fully developed there."
Unohana added with a sly smile, "So if you do join the 4th Division, which seat are you hoping for? I hear Vice-Captain Shiba said even Third Seat didn't interest you."
Shin gave a wry smile. "Captain Unohana, you overestimate . I'd be happy just passing the final exams and getting in at all. My grasp of Kaidō is still beginner-level—I might not even be qualified for a regular squad mber yet."
Unohana's eyes crinkled. "No need for such modesty. You have talent. I'm sure you'll flourish with us."
"I appreciate your confidence."
As they strolled, Unohana naturally drew attention. A Captain wandering the festival? Students everywhere whispered and gawked.
Suddenly, she paused, gaze catching on sothing ahead. Shin followed her eyes and saw a familiar face.
They were near the area designated for First-Years. A-Class hadn't set up a tent—instead, they'd built a wooden platform. Beside it was a signboard:
"Zanjutsu Duel Challenge"
Win to earn a mystery prize! Consolation prizes available.
Shin rembered seeing the proposal in the planning docunts. Since it required more space, he'd approved them for a spot on the outskirts of the plaza.
On the platform, a red-haired student was locked in a high-energy duel.
Renji Abarai.
His opponent looked vaguely familiar—likely an upperclassman, possibly even one of Shin's yearmates.
To Shin's surprise, Renji was holding his own. His aggressive, fluid fighting style was almost srizing.
Renji might have zero talent in Kidō, but his skill in Zanjutsu, Shunpō, and Hakuda was top-notch.
Future "Strongest Lieutenant," indeed.
Unohana seed intrigued. "That child's fighting style... suits the 11th Division quite well."
It was a prophetic statent—Renji would, in the future, join the 11th Division before rising to beco Vice-Captain of the 6th.
Then she glanced back at Shin. "I've heard you're quite skilled in swordsmanship yourself?"
Shin flinched inwardly. Crap. I forgot all about that...
Unohana's smile turned slightly mischievous. "Why don't you go up and spar with him?"
At that exact mont, Renji's opponent stumbled—then tumbled off the platform with a heavy thud.
[Unohana Retsu]
[Affection Level: 1]
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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 !
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