Between her cascading strands of hair flowed a river of unhealed wounds, each gentle ripple whispering a quiet hymn of blades.
Standing at the front of the line, Nobu clearly observed the graceful and beautiful Captain Unohana.
He could distinctly sense the admiration radiating from the other new members around him. Captain Unohana's reputation was unparalleled; perhaps the souls she had healed outnumbered even the Hollows cut down by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. With such prestige, even those whose first choice hadn't been the Fourth Division wouldn't dare harbor disrespect.
The induction ceremony unfolded quietly, the mild aroma of medicinal herbs lingering gently, lending an air of solemnity.
After Unohana Retsu finished her welcome speech, Vice Captain Kotetsu Isane began reading out the rules specific to the Fourth Division, along with the broader regulations of the Gotei 13.
As Nobu anticipated, the laws of the Gotei 13 were significantly stricter, ruthless even. Kotetsu Isane solemnly warned everyone present to absolutely avoid any misconduct.
Next came the announcement of roles for the new recruits.
The Fourth Division consisted of three main units:
Emergency Relief Team, Pharmaceutical Team, and General Treatment Team.
Simply put, the Relief Team handled field missions, the Pharmaceutical Team supported logistical and medicinal research, and the General Treatment Team—akin to a traditional hospital—handled stationed medical care and was the largest division unit.
As new recruits, both Nobu and Aoshika were assigned to the General Treatment Team, expected to learn through basic tasks under senior officers.
Due to the uniqueness of the Fourth Division, Nobu wasn't immediately appointed to a seated position.
Consequently, after the ceremony, Kotetsu Isane specifically approached Nobu alone. She knew Nobu had received seat-level promises from both the Tenth and Thirteenth Divisions' vice captains. Yet here he was, starting as a mere recruit. She worried this might cause resentment.
To her relief, Nobu showed understanding.
"I know the Fourth Division differs from other squads," Nobu replied easily. "In terms of healing and medical knowledge, I'm just a beginner. Starting as a regular member is perfectly reasonable."
Kotetsu Isane's eyes lit up with relief. "Nobu-kun, I'm so glad you see it this way."
She often visited Nobu during his academy days to discuss Kaidō, well aware that his skills already surpassed not just recent graduates, but even some experienced squad members.
Thus, she had once proposed to Captain Unohana giving Nobu at least a lower-seated rank immediately upon joining. Captain Unohana had gently rejected the idea, however.
Isane couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. A distinguished student council president capable of slaying Menos Grande, someone promised a third seat by the Tenth Division—yet here he received such lukewarm treatment from them.
Frankly, Nobu himself cared little about ranks. His main reason for joining the Fourth was simply Isane and Captain Unohana herself.
Unohana's Affection remained stubbornly at 3.
Isane's, however, had already reached 62.
Plenty of room for improvement.
But the very next day, Nobu found himself regretting his decision.
Aside from emergency care and routine medical duties, the Fourth Division had another responsibility.
Daily cleaning of the Seireitei.
Basically—street sweeping.
And as new recruits, they were inevitably tasked with this menial job.
Holding his broom, Nobu felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
"I was a respected student council president!" he complained, squatting directly onto the ground, deciding to slack off entirely.
"Hey, don't slack off. It'll look bad if senpai sees you," Aoshika reminded him.
Unmoved, Nobu grumbled, "Why do we even have to do this job?!"
Aoshika replied matter-of-factly, "This is routine work for the Fourth Division. I asked the seniors earlier; they said new recruits sweep streets for five years straight unless they're promoted to a seated rank."
Nobu's eyes widened. "Five years?!"
Five years… How am I supposed to survive five years of this?!
"This is so unfair!" Nobu fumed.
Aoshika didn't find it unreasonable at all. "Every division member has gone through this. Even our seniors did."
"I mean, why only our Fourth Division?!" Nobu retorted indignantly.
Aoshika paused. He hadn't thought about it before. The Fourth Division handled medical support; wasn't it logical they'd also handle such duties…?
"This is discrimination!" Nobu declared firmly.
"It's…probably not that serious?" Aoshika hesitated.
As Nobu stubbornly sat slacking on the ground, a patrol squad passed by. Among them was a familiar face.
After joining the Sixth Division, Kasumioji Kōgorō quickly gained recognition due to his stellar grades and noble background.
Today, Kōgorō was escorting a prisoner to the Ninth Division alongside a senior squad member. Spotting Nobu and Aoshika sweeping the street, Kōgorō first showed surprise, then a subtly amused smile crept onto his face. He raised his head slightly and strode past without greeting them.
Nobu watched them go, bristling immediately. "Why aren't they sweeping streets? Kōgorō's the perfect street-sweeping type!"
Aoshika quickly chided, "Nobu, watch your words! They're from the Sixth Division, most are nobles!"
"That brat Kōgorō was mocking me just now, wasn't he?"
"Was he?"
"He graduated just one year earlier, and now acts so haughty he doesn't even acknowledge his former president!" Nobu muttered through gritted teeth.
Aoshika silently thought to himself, Back at the academy, you were always the one cozying up to Kasumioji-fukukaichō…
Once they completed their cleaning tasks, Nobu and Aoshika returned to the Fourth Division headquarters.
"Why did you two take so long?" their direct superior—a senior squad member Aoshika often mentioned—asked impatiently.
Aoshika felt wronged. Nobu had been slacking the whole time. He had practically cleaned the entire street alone.
"My apologies, senpai," Aoshika bowed respectfully.
The senior member didn't press further, instead informing Nobu, "Tachikawa, Kotetsu-fukutaichō was just looking for you. Go see her now."
"Oh, alright."
Aoshika watched Nobu's retreating back, quietly lamenting. He'd originally thought joining the same division meant Nobu could look after him—but now it seemed reversed.
Nobu arrived at Kotetsu Isane's office soon after.
"Kotetsu-fukutaichō, you wanted to see me?"
"Nobu-kun, you're here," Isane smiled warmly. "It's about your Zanpakutō."
She stood up from her desk, and due to her remarkable height, Nobu had to lift his head to look at her clearly.
"The division plans to thoroughly evaluate your Zanpakutō to better plan your future development," she explained.
"...Is it really necessary to go to all that trouble?" Nobu asked cautiously.
"Healing-type Zanpakutō are extremely rare. Even our entire Fourth Division has very few, so we take this very seriously."
Nobu felt slightly apprehensive. He wasn't sure exactly what form this evaluation would take or if he might unintentionally expose something.
"Alright, then."