Shiba Clan.
Since Ganju was studying at the Academy and there were no maids in the house, the job of cooking had fallen—very unwillingly—onto Shiba Kūkaku.
Nobu, sitting in the living room, asked Shiba Kaien about the matter of purchasing training equipment.
"It depends how far you want to take it. Some specialized gear can only be made by the Technology Development Bureau—that requires the Head Captain's personal approval. If it's just ordinary stuff, there are plenty of suppliers here in Seireitei. The largest of them belongs to the Kasumioji family."
"Kasumioji…" Nobu mused. "And the price?"
"All standardized rates. But with the state your Fourth Division's in, if you want to scale up to the level of other Divisions, the cost isn't small. I doubt the higher-ups will approve that much funding—you'd better be mentally prepared."
After saying this, Kaien eyed him and asked, "This was your idea, wasn't it?"
Nobu feigned displeasure. "Why do you say that like I've done something wrong?"
Kaien grinned. "Fourth Division's never cared much about developing its own combat ability. Suddenly pulling something like this—had to be a newcomer's suggestion. And only you fit the bill."
Nobu laughed and asked, "So does Vice-Captain Shiba think I'm right or wrong?"
"Hard to say… but it's going to be lively, that's for sure." Kaien chuckled. "Good thing you didn't join Thirteenth Division. Captain Ukitake wouldn't survive your 'projects.'"
Nobu said dryly, "Vice-Captain Shiba changes his face quick—not like the eager man trying to recruit me back then."
Kaien choked on his tea. "You sound like a bitter housewife."
Before long, Kūkaku's cooking was done. Her skills were… nothing to brag about. The dishes, once served, made Nobu's appetite shrink on sight.
Kaien, of course, looked completely used to it.
One glance at Kūkaku's sullen expression was enough to tell Nobu to keep his mouth shut.
Then he glanced at her affection level—and found it had actually dropped by one point.
During the meal, Nobu thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Since Shiba-san runs a fireworks business, I wonder if you'd be interested in collaborating with the Academy?"
Kūkaku, head lowered over her food, froze at that and looked up in puzzlement.
"What did you say?"
Nobu smiled. "Has Shiba-san heard of the Academy's Culture Festival?"
She nodded. Even if she wasn't in the Gotei 13, Ganju had told her about it often enough. Whenever her brother came home, most of what he talked about were stories and gossip from the Academy.
"If Shiba-san's willing," Nobu continued, "you could collaborate with the Academy. On the night of the festival, we could add a hanabi taikai—a fireworks show. The fireworks for the entire event could be handled exclusively by you."
At first Kūkaku just stared at him, stunned. Then her eyes lit up, clear and bright.
"Since making fireworks is your passion," Nobu went on, "I imagine you want more people to enjoy them. Whether it makes money might not be the main point. The Academy can provide that platform. What do you think?"
From the side, Kaien gave a discreet cough. "Making money is pretty important, actually."
Kūkaku ignored her brother, gaze fixed intently on Nobu.
"You're serious? I mean—about actually making this happen?"
In truth, her fireworks didn't sell well in Seireitei. The nobles here thought too highly of themselves to bother with her little shop. If not for her brother, uncle, and future sister-in-law all being Shinigami—and Ganju studying at the Academy—she wouldn't have chosen to live in Seireitei at all.
"Of course I'm serious." Nobu's smile deepened. "I may have graduated, but I was president once, and the students would love this sort of thing."
Her mood spiked at once. Setting down her chopsticks, she asked, "Then how many fireworks would you need? What kinds?"
"The details can be discussed with the current president of the Academy's Student Council."
"Then let's go after lunch!" Kūkaku said immediately.
Kaien sighed. "Kūkaku, Nobu's a Third Seat now. He has squad work to handle this afternoon."
"It's fine," Nobu said, smiling. "I can take Shiba-san over to the Academy this afternoon."
"Good!"
Kūkaku nodded enthusiastically, not noticing how he had changed the way he addressed her.
But Kaien did—and eyed Nobu suspiciously.
This brat…
[Affection Level: 18]
Tsk.
Nobu's smile widened. That was a jump of more than ten points.
Kūkaku quickly polished off her meal, then sat there silently staring at Nobu—making him feel distinctly ill at ease.
Not wanting to eat much of her cooking anyway, he set his chopsticks down at the right moment.
"Kūkaku, you're being a bit rude," Kaien said helplessly.
She only shot him a sidelong glance. "Shouldn't you be heading back to your Division?"
Kaien was momentarily speechless.
"Well then," Nobu said with a smile, "shall we head out now?"
Kūkaku stood at once. "Onii-san, you wash the dishes!"
Kaien: "…"
Nobu led Kūkaku away from the Shiba estate toward the Academy.
Thanks to his position, they entered without trouble. For Kūkaku, this was her first time here, and her gaze wandered everywhere.
"What do you think, Shiba-san?" Nobu asked.
"It's fine," she answered casually. She'd heard enough from Ganju to have a general idea.
...
It was midday, not yet time for classes, so the campus was full of students passing through.
The sight of Nobu and Kūkaku in their distinctive attire drew plenty of stares.
Some recognized Nobu and began whispering among themselves.
Kūkaku, however, looked perfectly at ease, showing not a hint of nerves, and followed him to the Student Council headquarters.
At the door, Nobu hesitated a moment before knocking.
"Come in," a familiar voice called from within.
Nobu smiled, pushed open the door, and stepped in.
"Kaichō?"
"Aneki?"
Ganju stared, his mind going blank for several seconds at the sight of his elder sister walking in with Nobu.
Why's Aneki here?
Wait—did she find out I ruined her favorite jacket last time I washed it and secretly threw it away? She came all the way to the Academy to beat me up?!
Rukia wasn't in the office. Neither was Hinamori.
That, at least, let Nobu quietly exhale in relief.
Kira Izuru looked up in surprise, quickly standing.
"I'm not Kaichō anymore," Nobu said casually. "No need to call me that."
Kira, obedient as always, nodded. "Tachikawa-senpai."
Then his gaze shifted to Kūkaku—he'd already caught what Ganju had called her.
"This is Shiba Kūkaku-san, Ganju's elder sister," Nobu introduced simply. "We're here to discuss this year's Culture Festival. Where's Rukia?"
"She should be in class. I'll go get her," Kira said at once.
"Thanks."
Once Kira left, only the three of them remained. Kūkaku, perfectly at ease, took a seat, and Ganju, tactful enough, poured her a glass of water.
"Aneki, why are you here?"
"He just told you, didn't he? About the festival," Kūkaku said, sipping.
"But the Culture Festival's our Academy thing," Ganju said, baffled. "What's it got to do with you?"
Kūkaku's foot lashed out; Ganju dodged on instinct.
"You've been at the Academy this long and haven't thought to get the family any benefits?" she snapped.
Ganju looked lost.
Nobu, smiling, said, You'll see in a minute.
Before long, Rukia arrived—with Hinamori beside her.
"Kaichō!"
Seeing the two appear together in the doorway, Nobu sighed inwardly.
Fortunately, with others present, both Rukia and Hinamori behaved with composure, knowing he was here for business.
Nobu outlined the idea of adding a fireworks show to the Culture Festival.
"Shiba-san is the finest fireworks master in all of Soul Society," he concluded.
Rukia, after hearing it, found the idea feasible. "That should be fine. We'll just need to apply to the Academy leadership in advance."
"They'll probably agree. If there's any issue, I'll speak to them myself."
Rukia and Kūkaku began discussing the number and types of fireworks, though Rukia mostly provided basic details like the campus size and expected attendance—Kūkaku carried the conversation, speaking at length.
It was a quick decision, made entirely because Rukia trusted Nobu absolutely.
They settled on a date, and once Rukia had formal approval, she would bring the contract to Kūkaku to sign.
Hinamori, on the side, looked like she wanted to say something to Nobu, but he gave her no chance—just mentioned that he had work later and left with a very satisfied Kūkaku.
Walking through the campus, she was still glancing around.
"With captains, vice-captains, and seated officers from the Gotei 13 all coming, plus your fireworks, it'll be even more spectacular," Nobu said with a smile.
"Of course," Kūkaku replied.
Then she stopped and turned to look straight at him.
Nobu expected words of thanks.
Instead, she asked, "Earlier—you said I'm the best fireworks master in all of Soul Society?"
"Am I wrong?"
In truth, he'd never seen her fireworks—only one failed test run. It was obvious flattery.
But Kūkaku's face suddenly bloomed into a bright smile.
"You've got a good eye, kid!"
With that, she resumed walking toward the Academy gates, tossing back over her shoulder:
"I'll overlook the way you've been addressing me."
Nobu blinked. So she noticed all along.
Then he silently smiled and followed after her.
[Affection Level: 30]
[Reiatsu Level: Lv39]
[Zanpakutō Unlock Progress: 37%]
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