While serving as the Vice Captain of Squad 4 during regular times, I also work as a lecturer at the Spiritual Arts Academy once every two weeks.
I've gotten used to this lifestyle.
Humans really can get used to anything, can't they?
Well, the teaching life is only twice a month, so I have some leeway.
The lectures are well-received too, which is the best part.
...It took a long time to become a seated officer, and it took a ridiculously long time just to hear my sword's voice, let alone achieve Shikai... so my practical experience is abundant enough to put a clumsy Captain to shame.
Is it thanks to that?
'In other words, it is thanks to me, is it not!?'
Ah, yes, yes. That's right, Nubatama, I'm grateful. Thank you, I love you.
'Gugugu! Th-This is, in its own way...!! Even while being treated roughly, deep down in your heart, genuine emotions are wavering... it is irresistible!! It reeks of contrarianism!!'
I can't overlook the kids with particularly bad grades, so I end up consulting with them personally.
Position-wise, it probably isn't very good to favor specific academy students... but since the Academy side hasn't said anything in particular, I think it's fine.
Also... the firmness of young skin is totally different after all.
'Well, that was a rare experience indeed!! Dealing with the same Shinigami is fine, but desiring new stimulation occasionally is also human karma!!'
Verifying by touch is really important, you know! Since I showed off my swordsmanship on the first day, there are girls who come to learn the sword from me! At those times, well, you know!! Physical contact, physical contact!! Stick your chest out more! Tighten your buttocks too! Like that, the justification is perfect!! I can scout them casually after getting a feel for them here!! I even invited some of the new students for a massage!! Of course, I do the same thing to the guys! The men look at my chest without hesitation, but I've resigned myself to that as a necessary expense! It's sad that showing a little sex appeal gets them motivated, but they are boys after all!
...Needless to say, I am guiding them properly.
When I instruct the kids with bad grades constantly, other kids get inspired by that and become motivated to a greater or lesser extent.
Thanks to that, the grades of the academy students as a whole have been raised.
I think I'm adored by the students I taught too.
At graduation, there were times I received presents. Since they give gifts saying "Thank you for everything" to a part-time lecturer, I must be adored.
With this and that, the plan to discipline the Academy students is generally succeeding.
The kids newly assigned to each squad have stopped complaining even when they come to Squad 4—ah, chores and such still get passed around, though.
That kind of logistical support is part of the job content, after all.
But this method is close to a reign of terror, isn't it?
I wonder if dissatisfaction will explode once I'm gone...?
Could it be that I, who adopted this method, was also a muscle-head!?
...It might be better to take some measures while I can still remain a squad member.
It might be better to raise a successor... was there a good kid...?
-----
"Haa... the sky is so blue... why am I doing this I wonder..."
"...Oi."
"Being an Academy teacher is quite fun too... If there's a good kid, I casually recruit them and guide them to choose Squad 4 as their path after graduation..."
"Oi!"
"I'm recommending kids who can fight properly or are mentally strong to Squad 11 too, you know?"
"Ngh! S-Sorry about that..."
"Don't worry about it. I'm selecting them properly just in case, and distributing them to other squads based on the students' aptitude and abilities. More than anything, it's work."
Ikkaku bowed his head looking slightly apologetic.
Today is the day Ikkaku comes to challenge me.
As I said before, he dutifully makes a reservation and comes to challenge me right on time.
Well, no matter how many times he comes, I beat him back every single time though.
The only thing worth noting is that the usage rate of the Squad 4 training grounds has risen with unprecedented momentum in the last few years.
Even though no one brings up that incident with Squad 11 anymore—though they surely remember it—he is dutiful, isn't he?
Or rather, has he reached a point where he can't back down anymore?
If he keeps challenging me until he actually wins, that would be troubling in its own way...
Because Ikkaku is getting quite strong too.
At least it hasn't been like "One shot, yaaay!" anymore.
I'm not using my full power, but it's dangerous if I don't deal with him with a degree of seriousness.
Sparring with him serves as my training too.
He is skilled enough for that.
Perhaps because Iba-san transferred to another squad and became a 3rd Seat, his motivation is also quite high.
However, trying to enjoy the fight is a bit of a bad habit.
As a Shinigami, how is that, you...
Shall I find an opportunity to beat it out of him? Since I am a teacher, after all.
"Well, putting that aside... go ahead, come at me."
"Heh! Say what you want!! The me of today is a cut or two above the rest!! Let's do this, Hozukimaru!!"
He released his Zanpakuto in the blink of an eye and—
—...Oh?
...Ah, I see. So that's it.
Right, right, if I pay a little attention and probe his Reiatsu, it's obvious.
Looking back calmly, was it about half a year ago that Ikkaku came for his last challenge? This man, who used to challenge me about once a week, or at the latest once a month, left a gap of half a year.
"Fufu..."
"What is it, that's creepy."
"You don't have to put on airs. Come at me with full power."
While resting one hand on the hilt of my Zanpakuto, I wave the other hand lightly as if to provoke him.
"Aah? What are you talking about?"
But Ikkaku played dumb.
Does he not realize it, or does he intend to save it until the very end? Or does he intend to hide it to the end?
"...Fine. Then, if I move first, you'll have no choice but to move too, right? I'll create a reason for you, so be grateful."
"So what are you—"
Rare for Ikkaku, he cut off his words in the middle.
Or rather, would the expression 'lost for words' be better?
After all—the opponent he was supposed to be talking to casually just a moment ago drew her Zanpakuto in an instant, and on top of that, is releasing powerful Reiatsu.
"You are the first person I've shown this to other than Captain Unohana. Consider yourself honored."
Now, here I go—
"—Paint it over—Bankai... 'Nubatama Mishina'—!!"
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]