I'm busy.
No, well, I'm usually busy.
I am a Vice Captain after all, so I have plenty of regular work.
On top of that, I run a private massage service as a hobby, so my days off are mostly gone.
Also, I regularly practice with Captain Unohana and train on my own.
So, my schedule is so packed it's like I don't have any days off.
But recently, I have even more errands besides that.
For example—
"Ora!! Let's do this today too, dammit!!"
"Ikkaku, you came again."
"I made a proper reservation, didn't I!! I'm on time, aren't I, dammit!!"
"Yes, yes, I know... Sorry everyone, I'll be back once I crush him..."
"You, you've got guts every single time...!! Thinking you can defeat me with bare hands—hebu!!"
And well, it's like this.
Ikkaku has started challenging me excessively. Did the punishment work too well?
It's not every day, but he comes about once a week.
Of course, I turn the tables on him every time, but...
But he's gradually getting tougher. As expected in that regard.
Become strong properly, become an opponent capable of satisfying Captain Zaraki, and divert his interest from me.
I'll give you healing at least.
Also, he dutifully makes a reservation for the next match every single time.
Recently, he comes so often that it's like, "Oi, when should I book the next one with Yukawa?" "Ah, 5th Seat Madarame! Uh, let's see... looking at the Vice Captain's schedule... right around here," and he's become friendly with Squad 4 members and gets reservations put in on his own.
Though it's really rare, he even brings refreshments sometimes; he's fit right in.
Among the squad members of other squads, isn't he the second most knowledgeable about Squad 4?
Eh, who's first?
Of course, that's Captain Ukitake.
He's been energetic recently, but he used to come often in the past. He knows the internal affairs better than some clumsy squad members and even has rescue techniques.
In his case, all his knowledge comes from actual experience (as the recipient), though.
-----
Besides that—
"Bankai! Jakuho Raikoben!"
As promised at the soba stall, I resumed training with Soifon, but...
I was genuinely speechless.
I knew about it as knowledge... but seeing it in person is overwhelming, for better or worse...
Her Shikai was the size of a hidden weapon, but her Bankai transforms completely into something huge.
It took the shape of a gold-colored, single-shot missile launcher.
The size is about two Soifons...
What is this!?
Is this a Bankai solely for firing a Tomahawk missile individually!?
Ah, but the missile design somewhat resembles a bee stinger. The remnants are certainly there.
"H-How is it..."
"This is... Soifon's Bankai... right..."
What should I say to her...
I knew beforehand that it has "stupidly high power," so we moved to the outskirts of the outskirts of Rukongai—where I did that endless variety show with Nubatama when mastering Bankai—to avoid causing damage.
In the continuing silence, a gust of dry wind blew through the empty field.
"It's no good after all, isn't it... Why do I, the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido, have such a flashy Bankai..."
"T-That's not true!!"
Whoops, that's bad.
What am I doing making Soifon depressed here!
Didn't I invite her to train together again to improve because I heard her complaints back then!!
"It's suitable for annihilation warfare, and above all, the power is amazing, right?! In that case, if you show off that destructive power, the enemies will shrink back and allies will be inspired!!"
"But... as I told you before, once I fire it, I become exhausted enough to need two days of rest..."
"It's okay!! In the past, there was a Bankai user so powerful they could only use it once every six months!!"
"O-Once every six months... you say!?"
As expected, Soifon doesn't know about Captain Kuruyashiki.
"Yes, it's so powerful that there was a strict order: 'Don't ever use it inside Seireitei because it's too strong!' Compared to that, two days is nothing!!"
"Certainly... hearing that story, I feel like I can manage somehow!!"
Momentum is important for things like this. Anyway, I have to get her motivated.
"That's the spirit, Soifon!! Bankai really starts after you learn it! If you train further and master it, it will transform greatly!!"
"Yes!! I will do my best!!"
...Truly, she's an honest, good girl.
"S-So, um... could you please hold me tight...?"
"Eh? Why...?"
"That is, well! The recoil is too strong when I fire, and I get blown away by myself... S-So!! I want you to support me so I don't get blown away, Lady Yukawa...!! Is it... no good...?"
Kuh! That upturned gaze is against the rules!!
'Since I have known her since she was a loli, the destructive power is outstanding!! This is the true ability of Jakuho Raikoben!! No mistake about it!!'
"No problem. I was the one who said I'd help. I'll catch you firmly."
'Even though my Liege looks like this, she weighs ○○○ kg after all!!'
Isn't that obvious? It's impossible for this body to be light.
"Thank you very much!! Please take care of me!!"
"Yes, is this okay?"
I hug her tightly from behind.
"(Aaaaaah soft soft all over!! A nice smell is coming off her too!! Isn't this unmistakably a married couple already? Calm down calm down me don't get flustered Onmitsukido don't get flustered!!) Now, here I go! Jakuho Raikoben... Fire!!"
The missile was fired high into the sky... whoa, the recoil is amazing.
Even though I'm putting strength into both legs and bracing myself with all my might, my body wobbles a bit.
And the missile caused a huge explosion where it flew. Looking just at this, it looks like fireworks and might be a bit pretty.
But this really isn't a Bankai for individual use.
Without a plan, the recoil is big enough to blow you away, and the size itself is huge, so handling it is too inconvenient.
"H-How... was it..."
On top of that, just firing one shot is this tiring.
Seeing Soifon's face as she asks while breathing hard with large beads of sweat floating on her skin, I can understand the degree of exhaustion well.
Should I take it as an all-rounder type that can kill individuals and unspecified large numbers with long and short range using Shikai and Bankai? Or should I take it as two extreme abilities that swung stupidly far into macro and micro respectively?
I'm troubled with the judgment.
"For now, I'll restore your spiritual pressure."
"Ngh...!! Lady Yukawa's power... is flowing in..."
"Once your spiritual pressure recovers and your body settles down, shall we try firing one more time? Let's continue slowly without rushing, while being conscious of controlling the Bankai."
In the end, many missiles were launched into the sky on this day.
There was a small result. She was able to fire two missiles in succession.
-----
Also—
"Oh, you're in just the right spot! Yukawa, let's do this!!"
"Eh, wait Captain Zaraki!? Um, I still have work!!"
"Just come! You've been fighting with Ikkaku, haven't you!!"
"Ah, it's Airin! You came!! The Captain at Airin's place also told us to invite you!!"
"W-Wait Captain Unohana!? What does that meeeean...!!"
...Yeah, well... um... there were no injuries... on either side...
'Because you heal them with Kaido. Besides, Zaraki-ma-dono lets you go just before you run out of strength, so let us be grateful!!'
But Captain Zaraki is amazing too.
To make Squad 12 create a "wooden sword that absolutely won't break" just to fight me.
Certainly, I can't cut that.
I can't cut it, but it's hard so it hurts incredibly...
And one more thing.
I somewhat understood the reason why Captain Zaraki is stupidly strong.
No, I should have known it in my head. Should I say I realized it firsthand?
That person enjoys fighting from the bottom of his heart.
He embodies "What one likes, one will do well."
He doesn't doubt in the slightest that it's okay to die for a fun fight.
He's not strong because his Reiatsu is bottomlessly high.
He's strong because he fights without any guilt, hurting the opponent without hesitation and getting hurt himself.
Even if there was a Shinigami with the same amount of Reiatsu as Captain Zaraki, if they had a personality that couldn't kill a bug, they wouldn't feel fear in the slightest.
Conversely, even if this person had only the lowest class of Reiatsu, he would continue fighting joyfully.
Without a doubt.
Rather, he would definitely be overjoyed that there are many opponents stronger than him.
That's why he's strong.
Since such an opponent happens to have high Reiatsu too... it becomes annoying.
Also.
In exchange for being invited by Captain Zaraki like this more often, my practice time with Captain Unohana has decreased.
I wonder why?
—And well, it's like this.
Honestly speaking, the free time I can use just for myself has become quite scarce.
Ugh, I want time, even just a little more...
'However, saying such things raises a flag for becoming even busier!!'
Stop! Don't say it!!
'It is impossible! Regarding this meta phenomenon, didn't you experience it during Tankaho-dono's major surgery!?'
-----
"Aah!? You're telling me to listen to Squad 4!?"
"Y-Yes!! Regardless of outside, please listen to what we say here!!"
Such a voice was heard from Ikkaku inside the General Relief Station.
"Don't screw around!! A small fry Squad 4 that doesn't stand on the front lines—"
"A small fry Squad 4...? What, is something wrong?"
His mouth, which had been speaking vigorously, suddenly stopped.
I just put my hand on his head—while releasing the Reiatsu I have when slashing at full power with Captain Zaraki to threaten him thoroughly—and asked, so why?
He turned completely pale as if suffering from a serious illness, and greasy sweat was pouring from his forehead like a waterfall. His figure shaking his knees like a newborn fawn was so forlorn it looked like he would collapse any moment.
"Oh my, are you sick? Shall I nurse you? —Staying by your side constantly."
"...Hii!!"
"A, Aaaaaaa Yukawawa-san!! I apologize!! This guy is a rookie who just entered Squad 11...!!"
When I whispered softly into his ear, his breathing became disordered as if he were hyperventilating, and a Squad 11 member boy hurriedly intervened there.
"I will tell him veeery well! Veeery well!! So please!! Please forgive us!! Please spare us from the keijime!!"
"Se, Senior...!?"
He is rolling his eyes at the sight of the senior squad member apologizing with his forehead rubbing against the floor.
Some squad members call me Yukawa-san.
With this exchange and all, since when did Squad 11 change jobs to a self-employed business with a 'Ya'?
"Now now, please raise your head. I just warned him a little strongly too. I leave the rest to you."
"Yes! Leave it to me!! ...Ora!! You, come here!! Apologize!! Bow your head and apologize!!"
"W-Why!?"
"Just do it! Which do you prefer, apologizing, getting killed by Captain Zaraki, or getting beaten up by Madarame-san, koraa!? It becomes an issue of my responsibility too, goruaaa!!"
And well, exchanges like this have started to be seen here and there for a while now.
Raiding Squad 11 and doing "sincere persuasion" is now a thing of the past.
As years pass and new squad members enter, those children haven't experienced that great disturbance. On the contrary, there are children who don't know about it.
It seems the discipline of such children is not thorough.
But it seems they are educated that "Inside the barracks is fine, but absolutely do not disobey Squad 4"... basically they look down on Squad 4.
So, things like today happen.
Children who don't know about back then get carried away.
In most cases, there are two choices: "I threaten them and they become obedient" or "Senior squad members stop them."
There was a squad member who was found getting carried away when Ikkaku came to reserve a challenge before... what happened to that child?
I remember up to healing him after he apologized by prostrating himself while crying...
Anyway, once they receive education, they learn to discern the time, place, and occasion.
"Vice Captain, thank you very much."
"It's fine, it's fine. More than that, it was great that you retorted firmly. Shall I treat you to something later?"
"N-No such thing. That was because the Vice Captain was there..."
"However, it's gradually becoming noticeable. When the number of new squad members increases, education doesn't reach everyone... it's natural though."
"That is true. Even though the Vice Captain worked so hard for us..."
"Maybe it would be better to educate them from the Academy days."
-----
"Yukawa, starting today I assign you a special mission."
About a month after that exchange.
Just before starting work in the morning, the Captain suddenly said such a thing.
—Special mission.
The moment I heard these words, I had nothing but a violently bad feeling.
"...Um, Captain... what exactly is that special mission...?"
"Seeing is believing, they say. First, read this."
Saying that, the Captain held out something like a bundle of documents.
...Wait, we did this flow before!! Isn't this cutting corners!?
"H, Haa... what exactly...?"
Thinking that it was a letter last time, I read the documents—
"Captain, this is impossible. Please let me decline."
"Is it no good?"
"It is no good! I will protest firmly no matter what!!"
Summarizing the content written in the documents, it was something like "Since I received a recommendation from Captain Unohana, work as a part-time lecturer at the Spiritual Arts Academy. I expect the guidance of an active squad member to be a good stimulus for the new students."
In other words, work at the Academy.
It means teach classes regularly, even if not every day.
While I'm complaining that I have no free time, work has been increased even further.
It's impossible! In the first place, I don't have a teaching license!!
'By the way, there is no teaching license system in Soul Society yet. Speaking in extremes, if you put up a sign outside your house saying "This is a school," you are at the level of "I am a teacher starting today!"!!'
That's not what I mean either!!
"In the first place, why did you recommend me to become a teacher!?"
"You were saying it a little while ago, right? That it's better to educate rookies from the Academy days."
"Aaaaaaaah!!"
I involuntarily look up to the heavens.
I said it!! I certainly said it!!
But that's not what I meant!!
Besides, the Captain wasn't involved in that at all, was she!? Where on earth did she hear that!! Isn't the setup for the joke getting sloppy!?
Ah... maybe I should live with my mouth shut like a clam from now on...
'It opens easily if you add sake and heat! Ah, butter is also hard to discard!! Vongole Bianco and such... this is a dilemma!!'
Kuh! This guy thinks it's someone else's problem...!
'Gufufufu! Zakukuku! Domumumu! Gelgoogugu! My Liege's thinking is naive!! Sweeter than Thaumatin!!'
Isn't that the sweetener rumored to be the sweetest in the world! What do you mean sweeter than that!?
'Even if part-time, becoming a lecturer at the Academy means! Doesn't it mean you can interact with young female students permanently!! It's an all-you-can-seduce buffet of maidens coming to you on their own!? There is no way you can miss out on an all-you-can-KyakkyaUfufu!!'
"...I'll do it."
"Ha?"
"I am very sorry, Captain Unohana! I, Airi Yukawa! I have painfully realized how naive my thinking was in this short time! Regarding the Academy lecturer matter, I humbly accept it!!"
"P-Please do your best."
A sudden about-face. Captain Unohana is also taken aback by that flip-flop.
-----
"New students, welcome to the Spiritual Arts Academy."
For a while after that, I discussed detailed class forms and educational content with the Academy side. Lesson preparation is probably perfect.
Eventually spring arrived, and new students entered the Academy.
"I am Airi Yukawa, and I will be serving as a part-time lecturer starting this year. Despite how I look, I am an active squad member and serve as the Vice Captain of Squad 4."
Standing on the podium in the large lecture hall where all the academy students were gathered, I greeted everyone like that.
Cutting my words once, I looked over everyone from end to end and lightly scanned everyone's faces; everyone is so fresh.
"Now—... straight to the point, I will have you all kill each other with me."
The large lecture hall buzzed all at once.
-----
'By the way, my Liege, what's with those glasses...?'
Eh, a female teacher means glasses, right? That's why I bought them.
Was I wrong about something?
'No objection!! At all!!!!'
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]