"Vice-Captain Ise?"
Shigure sounded surprised.
The person calling him in the night was Nanao Ise, vice-captain of the 8th Division.
Seeing Shigure look over, Nanao bowed slightly. Then raised her head.
Under silvery moonlight, her pupils shimmered like water against pale skin.
But her gaze seemed hesitant. Like she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.
Shigure found it odd.
Given Nanao's personality, she rarely showed such expressions. "What's wrong, Nanao? Something the matter?"
Nanao's eyes flickered. She spoke carefully:
"Captain Segawa... um... the Central 46—is everything alright?"
Her gaze unconsciously drifted to the Zanpakutō at his waist.
Shigure's heart stirred. "You know?"
"Yes..."
Nanao nodded. Clutched the thick tome in her arms. Walked slowly toward him. Voice soft:
"When I took Captain Kyōraku to the 4th Division for treatment today... all the captains were talking about it..."
"When they heard you'd sealed Aizen inside your Zanpakutō, they predicted the Central 46 would act against you."
"And sure enough..."
"This evening, patrol members saw you heading to the underground assembly hall. You stayed so long..."
"I... well... the captains were worried, so I waited here for you..."
Her voice was soft. Slow. She stopped about a meter away.
After hearing this, Shigure chuckled.
After all the battles in Hueco Mundo and the World of the Living, his nerves had been constantly on edge.
When Nanao suddenly appeared, he'd thought something urgent came up. Hadn't expected this.
It helped him relax.
Seeing Shigure smile, Nanao froze. Eyes flashing behind her glasses.
After a moment, Shigure said with a smile:
"Don't worry, Nanao. The process had some minor issues, but in the end... everything went smoothly. Thanks for waiting."
Nanao's eyes brightened with joy. The weight on her heart lifted.
Ever since hearing Kyōraku and the others' predictions, she'd been worrying.
Even past curfew, she'd waited outside.
Now, hearing it directly from Shigure, she could finally relax.
"Phew—"
She closed her eyes. Let out a long breath.
Then suddenly realized—she was standing so close to Shigure, head tilted up...
That breath went straight into his face!
Her eyes snapped open. She quickly lowered her head, flustered:
"I-I'm sorry! Captain Segawa! That was rude of me!!"
Voice soft but panicked.
Pale cheeks flushed crimson.
Shigure smiled knowingly.
The always refined Nanao Ise had such a cute side. Who knew?
What seemed incredibly embarrassing to her meant nothing to him.
He chuckled: "I don't mind at all, Nanao. You don't need to be nervous."
Nanao kept her head down. Softly hummed acknowledgment. Cheeks burning.
After a moment of silence, Shigure said:
"It's late. I need to head back to the 5th Division. You should rest too."
Nanao's hands tightened around her book. She nodded seriously. Said softly:
"...Yes."
A moment later, Shigure left.
Nanao remained standing on the street. After a long while, she raised her head.
Cool breeze passed. Cooled her flushed cheeks.
Under moonlight, her eyes gazed where Shigure had gone. Sparkling.
She was realizing that over these months, her feelings toward Segawa Shigure had been changing.
From curiosity, to familiarity, to admiration...
And now, slowly transforming into something she couldn't quite grasp.
"...Good night."
The words left her lips. As if spoken to the air.
Then she turned toward the 8th Division barracks.
Composure and dignity restored.
Meanwhile, Shigure headed straight back to the 5th Division barracks.
Patrol members looked puzzled seeing their captain return so late, but didn't ask.
After entering and closing the door, Shigure suddenly felt rare drowsiness.
The moment he realized it, he understood.
This entire period, he'd spent almost all his time in battle.
Though none were particularly difficult, he'd never let his guard down.
Only just now had he truly relaxed.
Looking back, it felt dreamlike.
Both very long and very short.
But regardless, all he wanted now... was a good night's sleep.
However, just as he finished preparing his bedding and was about to lie down, a voice rang in his mind. Jolted him awake.
"Ding! New check-in mission released!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (100+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!