The Shiba estate.
With Ganju away studying at the Shin'ō Academy and no housekeeper around, the chore of cooking had fallen—grudgingly—onto the shoulders of Shiba Kukaku.
In the living room, Shin was chatting with Shiba Kaien about the matter of purchasing training equipnt.
"Depends how far you want to go with it. So specialized gear can only be made by the Departnt of Research and Developnt, and that would require the Captain-Commander's direct approval. For more basic stuff, there are plenty of rchants inside Seireitei. The biggest supplier is the Kasumiōji family."
"Kasumiōji..." Shin echoed thoughtfully. "And the cost?"
"Prices are standardized, but if your Fourth Division wants to outfit itself on par with the others, it won't be cheap. Don't expect to get full funding from above—you'd better be prepared for that."
Kaien gave him a sideways look.
"Let guess, this whole idea was yours?"
Shin feigned offense.
"You make it sound like I've done sothing terrible."
Kaien laughed.
"The Fourth's never cared about combat capability, then out of nowhere they want to build a training facility? Had to be a rookie pushing it—and who else but you."
Shin grinned.
"So, do you think I'm wrong?"
"Hard to say if it's right or wrong. But I'll say this—it's going to stir things up. Glad you didn't end up in the Thirteenth. Our Captain Ukitake wouldn't survive your nonsense."
Shin sighed.
"My, how fast you change your tune. Didn't sound that way back when you were trying to recruit into your squad."
Kaien choked on his tea.
"You sound like a jilted lover."
Before long, Kukaku ca out with dinner—her expression sour. And the food... well, it didn't exactly look appetizing. Shin's appetite plumted the mont it hit the table.
Kaien, however, was clearly used to it.
Shin took one look at Kukaku's face and wisely said nothing. He snuck a glance at her [Affection ter].
[Affection: -1]
It had dropped.
Mid-al, Shin pondered sothing and suddenly spoke up.
"Miss Kukaku, since you're running a fireworks business, would you be interested in partnering with the Shin'ō Academy?"
Kukaku looked up mid-bite, confused.
"Say what now?"
Shin smiled.
"You've heard of the Academy's Cultural Festival, right?"
Kukaku nodded. Ganju had told her about it more than once. Every ti he ca ho, it was all he ever talked about.
"If you're willing," Shin said, "we could coordinate with the Academy to add a fireworks display on the night of the festival. You'd be the sole supplier."
Kukaku blinked. Then her eyes lit up.
Shin continued:
"If fireworks are your passion, I imagine it's not just about money. You want people to enjoy them. The Academy could give you that stage. What do you think?"
Kaien coughed.
"Money is important."
Kukaku ignored him, staring hard at Shin.
"You're serious? This can really happen?"
She'd struggled to sell fireworks in Seireitei—nobles considered her business beneath them. Were it not for her brother, uncle, and future sister-in-law all being Shinigami—and Ganju enrolled in the Academy—she wouldn't have stayed.
"I am," Shin said. "I'm no longer the Student Council President, but I used to be. And the students would love it."
Kukaku sat up straighter, energy returning to her voice.
"How much will you need? What kinds?"
"That'll depend on the new Council President. They'll coordinate with you."
"Then let's go now!" Kukaku declared.
Kaien groaned.
"Kukaku, he's a Third Seat now. He's got responsibilities."
"It's fine," Shin said. "I'll take her this afternoon."
"Hell yes."
Kukaku practically bead, not even noticing Shin's subtle change in how he addressed her.
But Kaien noticed. His eyes narrowed.
[Affection: 18]
Up by a full ten points.
Shin's smile deepened.
Kukaku scarfed down the rest of her al, then sat silently, staring at Shin. He felt... awkward.
He wasn't that hungry to begin with and gladly put down his chopsticks.
"Kukaku, this is rude," Kaien muttered.
"Aren't you supposed to be heading back to your squad?" she replied dryly.
Kaien choked again.
"Shall we go?" Shin offered.
Kukaku jumped to her feet.
"Kaien, you're on dish duty!"
Kaien: "..."
And so Shin and Kukaku set off for the Shin'ō Academy.
Thanks to Shin's position, they were allowed in without any trouble. It was Kukaku's first ti there, and her eyes road curiously across the campus.
"What do you think of the place?"
"Not bad."
She replied casually, but her gaze didn't stop moving. She'd heard so many stories from Ganju, she already had an idea of what to expect.
It was still lunch hour, so the grounds were bustling. Their clothing drew attention—especially Shin's.
So students recognized him and began whispering.
Kukaku, for her part, seed totally unfazed.
They reached the Student Council office. Shin hesitated briefly, then knocked.
"Co in."
A familiar voice answered.
Shin smiled and pushed open the door.
"President?"
"Sis?!"
Ganju's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw Kukaku walk in behind Shin.
What the hell?! Was this because of that ti he accidentally ruined her favorite coat while doing laundry? Had she co all the way to beat him up?!
Neither Rukia nor Hinamori were present—sothing Shin was quietly thankful for.
Kira Izuru stood up in surprise when he saw Shin.
"No need for formalities. I'm not the President anymore."
"Tachikawa-senpai," Kira corrected himself.
He then turned to Kukaku, having caught Ganju's greeting.
"This is Shiba Kukaku, Ganju's elder sister," Shin introduced. "We're here to discuss a fireworks partnership for this year's Cultural Festival. Where's Rukia?"
"She's probably in class. I'll go fetch her."
"Thanks."
Once Kira left, only the three of them remained. Kukaku didn't stand on ceremony, plopping into a chair.
Ganju quickly got her so water.
"Sis... why are you here?"
"Didn't he just say? It's about the Cultural Festival."
"But that's an Academy event. What does it have to do with you?"
Kukaku's foot shot out. Ganju barely dodged.
"You've been here for years and still haven't done anything to benefit the family!"
Ganju looked dazed.
Shin chuckled.
"You'll understand in a minute."
Before long, Rukia and Hinamori arrived.
"President!"
Shin sighed internally. But thankfully, both girls maintained a formal, reserved air. They understood he was here on business.
Shin laid out the proposal: a fireworks show for the Cultural Festival, with Kukaku as the exclusive provider.
"Miss Kukaku is the finest fireworks artisan in all of Soul Society," he concluded.
Rukia found the idea agreeable.
"Sounds great. I'll just need to get approval from the Academy directors."
"If they hesitate, I'll talk to them."
Rukia then began discussing details with Kukaku—how many people would attend, the campus size, what types of effects were feasible. Kukaku took the lead, excitedly throwing out ideas.
The agreent ca together quickly. Once Rukia had approval, she'd bring the contract to Kukaku for signing.
Hinamori stood nearby, looking like she wanted to say sothing, but Shin cut her off.
"I've got other things this afternoon. Let's go, Miss Kukaku."
As they walked through campus, Kukaku kept glancing around.
"There'll be captains, vice-captains, squad mbers. Your fireworks will light up the night and steal the show."
"Damn right they will."
She stopped walking and stared at Shin.
He expected a thank-you. Instead:
"Did you really an what you said earlier? That I'm the best fireworks maker in Soul Society?"
"Aren't you?"
Truth be told, he'd never seen her work—only one failed demo. It had clearly been flattery.
But Kukaku's face lit up with a brilliant grin.
"You've got a sharp eye, brat!"
She turned back toward the gate and tossed a final line over her shoulder.
"I'll overlook how you address —for now."
Shin blinked. So, she'd noticed after all.
He smiled to himself and followed after her.
[Affection: 30]
[Reiatsu Level: 39]
[Zanpakutō Release Progress: 37%]
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