On the morning of the cultural festival—
Nobu was summoned to the principal's office bright and early.
Aside from Headmaster Shakubō, another middle-aged man stood waiting in the room.
He had white hair, golden eyes, a neatly trimmed black moustache, and wore a distinctive white jinbaori over his standard Shihakushō—a garment clearly different from a captain's haori.
Nobu paused for a brief moment upon seeing the man, quickly realizing his identity.
Lieutenant of the First Division, Sasakibe Chōjirō!
The longest-serving lieutenant, rumored to possess captain-level strength yet wholly dedicated to following the Captain-Commander, hence never taking a promotion.
Although Shakubō looked older, he stood before Sasakibe with humble respect.
"So, you're Tachikawa Nobu?" Sasakibe asked calmly, his gaze quietly assessing Nobu.
"Yes, sir," Nobu answered respectfully.
Shin'ō Academy had originated from the "Genji School," founded by Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni himself. Before the establishment of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto used the Genji School to teach his renowned Genryū style of swordsmanship.
Later, after founding the Gotei 13, Yamamoto converted the Genji School into Shin'ō Academy, personally serving as its first principal.
As Yamamoto grew increasingly occupied with his duties as Captain-Commander, he stepped back, retaining only the title of "Honorary Principal," leaving the academy's day-to-day management to others.
Lt. Sasakibe had followed Yamamoto for over a thousand years, with seniority surpassing any current captain. Though he appeared merely middle-aged, he was actually old enough to be Shakubō's ancestor.
Sasakibe's gaze lingered on Nobu, curiosity evident.
He spoke again, "The Student Council you established is impressive. Even Captain-Commander Yamamoto has taken note."
Nobu bowed modestly. "I never imagined the Captain-Commander would know of such trivial matters. It was hardly my work alone—I only provided an initial suggestion."
Sasakibe shook his head. "I've seen your initial proposal. It was thorough, innovative, and exceptionally detailed. The current clubs and this cultural festival have greatly invigorated the academy. It's beneficial both for the academy and its students. Saying it's due to your efforts wouldn't be overstating things."
"You're too kind, sir."
Sasakibe continued, "Today, every captain of the Gotei 13 will attend your cultural festival—aside from the Captain-Commander himself. As Student Council president, you must be very busy."
"It's part of my duty."
Nobu kept his posture low, maintaining an impeccably humble demeanor.
Sasakibe gave an approving nod. "Then go and fulfill your responsibilities."
"Yes, sir. Please excuse me."
After Nobu left the office, Sasakibe turned to Shakubō beside him. "An impressive young man."
Shakubō smiled slightly. "Indeed. His talents extend far beyond mere combat ability. I believe he has the potential to become an exceptional captain someday."
He paused briefly, then added, "It's a pity, though, that his Zanpakutō is Kidō-based."
Sasakibe shook his head gently. "There's no pity in that. A healing-type Zanpakutō can benefit far more people."
"You're right, sir," Shakubō immediately agreed.
...
At first light, the cherry blossoms seemed to breathe with the dawn.
Leaving the office building, Nobu inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh morning air and subtle fragrance. Looking across the campus square, he couldn't help but smile.
"Kaichō!"
He heard Rukia calling out from afar, jogging quickly to catch up. She looked anxious, immediately speaking up once she reached him.
"Kaichō, a teacher just informed us—all thirteen captains are coming today!"
"I know," Nobu replied calmly.
"Should we prepare something special then?"
"How so?"
"Maybe decorate the main gate, hang banners, and assign some members to greet them?" Rukia suggested nervously.
"Is there enough time?"
She nodded firmly. "Yes, definitely! We still have banners left in storage. We just need to hurry!"
"Who should greet them?"
Rukia hesitated. "Probably you, Kaichō…"
"Anything else?" Nobu asked gently.
She paused again, thinking carefully. "Before performances begin, perhaps you should make a welcoming speech to honor the captains' attendance."
"Anything else?"
Rukia frowned, troubled. "I…can't think of more…"
As she finished speaking, Nobu reached out, gently placing his hand atop her head and softly ruffling her hair.
"Rukia."
"Kaichō…?"
"You're going to make an excellent Student Council president."
"Eh? Kaichō, I—"
With a warm smile, Nobu stepped forward. "Come on, let's follow your plan."
"Kaichō, maybe my plan wasn't thorough enough—"
"I think it's fine."
"But all thirteen captains are coming today—I'm afraid we might seem careless."
"They're not that petty," Nobu laughed lightly. "Last year we didn't even have a welcoming ceremony, and everything was still fine."
...
It was noisy, filled with overlapping voices. As Nobu entered, Shūhei immediately grabbed his arm and complained.
"Where've you been? We couldn't find you anywhere!"
"The Headmaster wanted a word," Nobu replied casually.
Shūhei's eyes lit up. "Any new orders from the school?"
Nobu tilted his head, giving a bright smile. "Nope. Just praising me a bit."
"Huh?" Shūhei blinked, baffled.
Inside, Hinamori, Kira, and several others discussed festival preparations. Hitsugaya and Shiba Ganju listened intently. Renji sat nearby, looking bored and barely awake.
Kanisawa wasn't around; she'd be busy all day, already off inspecting the main plaza. Meanwhile, Aoshika, despite being a department head, had been forcibly drafted into assisting the Art Club again.
Rukia was explaining her new plans to the Art Club director and Vice-President Katori Hayaha.
Nobu gazed outside toward the plaza, already beautifully arranged—much tidier and more refined than last year, thanks largely to Vice-President Katori Hayaha's generosity.
Nobu had privately treated Hayaha to drinks as a gesture of gratitude.
The festival's colorful banners weren't fully unfurled yet, but students carrying boxes bustled cheerfully down cherry blossom-lined paths.
Swordsmanship Club boys marched past carrying wooden swords, shaking blossoms from the branches above—petals scattered like snowflakes.
Girls in red-and-white academy uniforms hurried by, books pressed to their chests, stirring petals into tiny, swirling clouds at their feet.
Beneath a large cherry tree, several students rehearsed their performance, their dramatic lines startling a resting bird. Petals rained gently around them, as vibrant red skirts and fluttering scripts caught the morning breeze, resembling a vision of Princess Kaguya mistakenly wandering into the human world.
Beneath a pale-blue sky, cascading blossom shadows painted the academy building as though it were a translucent silk painting. Dew clung to the petals like strings of crystal beads, softly falling with the morning breeze, scattering delicate drops of light.
Nobu pressed his hand against the cool glass windowpane, feeling its chill seep through.
"Shūhei," he murmured softly, "school life really is wonderful."
---
T/N: END OF VOLUME!!!
...
everyone is on vacation so no character notes this week
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