"G-Good work..."
"Yes... good work, Captain..."
In the Captain's office, Isane and I are dead.
No, we are alive properly. Mentally, we are dead.
The cause is, of course, the impact of the sudden Captain appointment.
Having become the new Captain, the positions and such of the squad members of the entire Squad 4 changed all at once.
Moreover, organizations are hard to move at the bottom unless the TOP moves. I desperately allocated tasks and arranged the new system.
In the end, it was basically like "Let's all climb one step up the stairs together."
I, who was Vice-Captain, became Captain.
Isane, who was 3rd Seat, became Vice-Captain.
We settled it by sliding people up like that.
With the new system, the first job for each seated officer was "handing over the work of the seat they held just before."
Unless we reduced the labor by "teaching the work to the person below while learning the work from the person above" like that, it seemed like the organization would never run.
Still, the workload was enormous.
It took about three months until it was properly sorted out and started running smoothly.
During that time, whenever there was a problem, I was running around here and there.
...Though I did go to complain to Captain Unohana once.
She dodged the issue evasively and didn't listen to me at all.
I realized it would be quicker to run around myself than to continue arguing here.
Also, since I became a Captain, I went to greet the Captains of other squads... In most squads, my face was remembered, and I often experienced an atmosphere of "I know you weeeell, but nice to meet you again."
I was turned away at the gate by Captain Kurotsuchi saying, "It's a waste of time," but it was rather refreshing.
Anyway.
The result of accumulating such things is the groggy state of both Captain and Vice-Captain.
One more thing, about the Shino Academy.
To state the conclusion, continuing as a lecturer as is, even part-time, seemed likely to become a problem, so it was temporarily frozen.
Until now, it hadn't become a particular problem just because "it was somehow running well."
Perhaps because Ikkaku, who substituted this year, "rampaged" from the first shot, voices questioning it seem to have arisen.
It was settled that the higher-ups would properly reorganize the system and then decide again.
...I don't know how many years that decision will take, though.
Anyway, the schedule of the Shino Academy was also rearranged to match the busy period in Squad 4.
Since I'm an involved party, I was also made to participate in the schedule change.
And, due to prioritizing Squad 4 duties, massages are also temporarily closed.
I heard female squad members screamed.
...Well, the one screaming the most was Nubatama, though.
Because no touching has continued, well, you know...
Oh, right.
Captain Unohana—or rather, Captain Retsu Unohana of Squad 11—who displayed such playfulness fully.
She does not take the name Kenpachi.
According to her, "Wouldn't it be confusing to have two people with the same name in the same squad?" Also, she said, "Kenpachi will eventually overcome me and become the true Kenpachi."
And Captain Kenpachi Zaraki became Vice-Captain Kenpachi Zaraki.
However, since fun battles are his purpose in life rather than status, he doesn't care at all.
Vice-Captain Kusajishi dropped one rank and became 3rd Seat. From now on, we have to call her 3rd Seat Kusajishi.
Perhaps because they became the same rank, Ikkaku was making an incredibly unpleasant face.
Also, 5th Seat Ayasegawa was making an incredibly subtle face.
I wonder why?
Other changes in Squad 11 include the mysterious rule "Zanpakuto must be direct-attack types only" disappearing without a trace.
After all, the new Captain's Zanpakuto isn't a direct-attack type to begin with.
In addition, the first Kenpachi gave a "very passionate order" saying, "It is not strong because it is a direct-attack type. The one who stands until the end is strong."
Come to think of it, I feel like there wasn't such a foolish implicit understanding during Captain Kuruyashiki's time...
When was this meaningless trend born...
Anyway, under the order "Use Kido and Zanpakuto aggressively. Winners become the government forces, losers become the rebels (might makes right). However, do not do anything that stains the pride of Squad 11," various reforms seem to be progressing.
Complaints? None of that.
Because the moment they knew "Captain Unohana is my master," the majority of Squad 11 got scared and sheathed their swords.
Even so, some squad members with guts were apparently blustering, "Just because she's Big Sis's master doesn't mean she's stronger than Big Sis," but she reportedly sank several high-ranking officers in an instant as an example, completely silencing opposing opinions.
I don't know the details. I don't want to know either.
.
"With this, we can finally return to normal duties from tomorrow."
"We don't have to stay overnight in the office and respond without sleeping anymore, right!?"
"Sorry, Isane, for causing you trouble too..."
The moment she became Vice-Captain, Isane supported me devotedly.
She was devoted enough until now too. But that became even more passionate.
I couldn't have gotten through these three months without her.
"Combining thanks and a change of pace, shall we leave on time today and go eat something delicious?"
"Eeeh!! I-Is that okay...?"
"Of course, don't hold back. If you have any other wishes, just say it. I'll listen to anything♪"
"U-Umm... w-well then..."
"Sensei! Excuse me!!"
"Kyaah!!"
Just as Isane was fidgeting with her fingertips and about to open her mouth, Hinamori-san burst in.
"Umm, Hinamori-san? Opening the door suddenly is no good, you know? Look, Isane is surprised."
"I am sorry, Sensei. I will reflect on it."
This child too, is amazing or whatever. She's getting promoted aggressively.
She's already the 4th Seat. So talented...
Still calling me "Sensei" makes me happy and embarrassed at the same time.
...Oh my?
Why is Isane looking at Hinamori-san with a face that wants to complain?
Why is Hinamori-san looking at Isane with a slightly triumphant face?
Why do I feel a slight chill down my spine?
"So, do you need something?"
"Ah, that's right. Um, someone from Squad 9 is here. They said they had an appointment today..."
"Squad 9...? Did I promise something?"
"Umm... aah!!"
Isane, who checked my schedule, screamed at her blunder.
"I'm sorry, Captain! Today, someone from Squad 9 was scheduled to come regarding the Seireitei Communication..."
"Oh my, was that so... I completely forgot..."
I was that busy, after all... I can't blame Isane for this.
I forgot too.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!!"
"It's fine, it's fine, don't worry. The timing was just right, and I can respond. So Hinamori-san, where is the person from Squad 9?"
"They are waiting in the reception room."
"Thank you."
"I-I will go too!!"
When I stood up, for some reason Isane followed me.
...Does she want to recover the lost points? Even though I don't mind...
■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, no, likewise. Sorry to bother you when you're busy."
Waiting in the room was Vice-Captain Shuhei Hisagi—commonly known as the 69 boy.
This child is also someone I've known since the Academy days.
"Now then, let's get straight to the point. The reason I came today is none other than to feature the birth of Captain Yukawa in the Seireitei Communication."
What Hisagi-kun presented with a serious face for reporting was, as expected, about me.
"In the Seireitei Communication...? It's already been over three months since the inauguration, so I think the time has long passed... is it okay?"
"Well, about that, we also know you were busy for the past few months. Squad duties come first, so we wouldn't do something rude like forcefully interrupting."
Honestly, I appreciate that consideration.
"So, we decided to feature the Captain's article extensively, including the delayed part!! An exclusive interview with a color opening page! Using plenty of photos, and while we're at it, let's take gravure photos too!!"
I retract my previous statement... why?
"Come now, no one would read an article about me, right? So I will decline this offer..."
""Eeeeh!!""
When I said that, Isane and Hisagi-kun raised their voices simultaneously.
...Why even Isane? You know about me, right?
"Please! I really beg you!! We already hinted in the editor's postscript that we'd feature Captain Yukawa's article!!"
"That's your responsibility, isn't it? Besides, Captain Unohana was before me..."
"We already made an article about Captain Unohana as 'The New Squad 11'!!"
Is that so? Maybe I forgot to read it because it was exactly the busy period.
"Besides, look, we've received opinions wanting Captain Yukawa's article featured!! Look, this is the proof!!"
Still desperately clinging on, Hisagi-kun took out something and held it out in front of me.
"This is...?"
"Letters of request from Seireitei Communication readers! Look, this many!!"
What he took out was a mountain of letters.
I see... these are all letters to me...
Ah, this letter, the sender says Soifon.
"...I see."
"Are you convinced!? Besides, look, Captain Yukawa became famous in the past for attending the birth of the Kuchiki family. I hear you played a major role in Squad 13 too! Also, you worked as a lecturer at the Academy!! Including all that!!"
"69..."
"Please spare me that already!! Also, I'm properly proud of it!!"
Bitter memories of student days... though I was the one who taught the students the meaning of the numbers.
Captain Muguruma, who carried such numbers on his back, is entirely to blame.
"A-Anyway! We've received lots of opinions and requests like this!! So, by all means! Please!!"
"Isn't it fine, Captain!! Let's do it!!"
"That's right! Look, Vice-Captain Kotetsu says so too!! Please, think of it as saving us—Squad 9!! It's a commemoration of being released from the former Captain's protection!!"
Was I being protected? I feel like I was just often used or played with.
Besides, I've been featured in articles a few times in the past. It's fine, really.
But let's be a little mean.
"Interviews are no problem, but gravure is a bit..."
"W-Why!! You're popular even among male squad members!! Let's record your current self and have everyone see it! Captain, you're beautiful!!"
"Personally, I want you to feature everyone in Squad 4 who finally managed to start with the new system... Also, gravure is your hobby, Hisagi-kun, right?"
"What are you saying!? I don't particularly! It's just public opinion! Above all, there were many such opinions..."
—Glance.
"...Only, tha... Ooh!!"
Even though I just loosened my chest area a little.
He stared intensely.
His eyes and mouth are completely slack and sloppy, and he's practically drooling.
"...Hah! V-Vice-Captain Hisagi!! That is lewd!! Captain, please hide it too!!"
Hey, Isane?
Why was your reaction delayed?
Why did I feel two people's gazes on my chest?
"If you hadn't reacted like that here, it would have been a little more persuasive..."
I sigh deliberately.
But reacting is a man's saga, I understand. I understand very well.
"Aaaaaah!! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!! Somehow, please somehow!!"
"Then, will you feature everyone in Squad 4 too? If you do, I'll cooperate."
"...Guh! Is that how it is... Captain is skilled too..."
Well, this level of bargaining.
I haven't been doing various things for a long time for show.
"Eeei! Understood, understood!!"
"Okay, negotiation concluded. Shall we settle the details later on another day?"
"Well, that's it for today... but um, will you really cooperate?"
"Leave it to me. Once I say it, I won't cut corners."
—Later, the day of the interview and the photo shoot.
"Hey, normal is fine, but... how about something like this?"
"Oooooh!! I-Is that okay, Captain!?"
"I said I wouldn't cut corners, didn't I? Ah, how about with this expression...? Is there demand...?"
"There is! There is tons of it!!"
It's the time of the photo shoot after finishing the interview.
At first, I was taking quiet, serious photos as they told me.
But gradually, I made it feel radical.
As a bonus, I proposed poses and outfits that men would likely like myself.
This was well-received on site—well, I understand men's hearts well.
Incidentally, I added various tantalizing expressions.
This is also part of the service.
Now, regarding the latest Seireitei Communication that was completed like that.
As per my order, it was published titled "New Squad 4 Feature."
Although the interview article centers on mine, other kids in the squad are also listed. Besides that, beautiful squad members like Isane and Hinamori-san have individual photos published too.
Ah, this Hinamori-san is cute.
I feel like she knows how to show her cuteness. Women are amazing...
Kira-kun... try a little harder. Since you're getting your photo taken.
But it might be popular with enthusiasts. It looks like it would stir up a desire to protect.
Isane too, is she in the "try a little harder" category? She's nervous.
But this unaccustomed shyness and innocence is only for now, and it's very cute.
The gap is good... it makes me want to hug her inadvertently.
However, unfortunately.
My gravure photos were not published.
What was published were photos during the interview or normally dignified photos.
Hmm, did Captain Tosen put a "wait" on this?
Come to think of it, that person is supposed to be blind, so how is he acting as editor-in-chief?
He can't check, right??
"Well, it's something like this. I tried pretty hard with various poses, though..."
"I-Is that so!?"
In the Captain's office, Isane and I were talking about that while looking through the Seireitei Communication.
"Yes, well. Like... making the skin exposure somewhat high. I intended to answer men's expectations as much as possible, something that would make male squad members go 'Guh'."
"G... Go 'Guh'..."
"Oh my, are you interested? Well, I'll omit the details, but the shooting site was incredibly hot."
"Incredibly hot... is it!?"
Oh my? Why is her face so bright red?
Why did she gulp just now for a moment?
"S-Sorry! I, I'll step out for a bit!!"
Just when I thought that, she rushed out of the room... I wonder what it is?
...Oh my? At the end of the Seireitei Communication, there's some article... this is...
My photo book released urgently? Full of photos that were shelved in this feature?
Simultaneous publication of two books, a Formal Edition and an Adult Edition?
A coveted book packed with Captain Yukawa's charm to the brim?
Limited quantity sale! Especially for the Adult Edition, reservation is mandatory for male squad members! Absolutely no plans for reprinting!
We want male squad members who can't win against the Captain to see this!
It says.
...Eh, don't tell me she went to reserve this? No way...
Later, I heard.
Apparently, my photo book sold out.
Moreover, opinions like "Where is the second volume," "Reprint it," "I'm disappointed in you, Shuhei Hisagi!", "We have a right to know!", "You 69!", and "Are you a closet pervert just like your tattoo implies!" are apparently flooding in.
...I don't kno\~w.
Come to think of it, Nubatama, you were awfully quiet this time?
'Haah haah... My Lord's photo book haah haah... Ooh!! Th-This is, because it is hidden, the delusion is...! But for me who knows what is underneath, it is completely see-through!! Pink! Pink is!! This is the unrequited love of the Salmon of the Salmon!!'
...Let's pretend I didn't see that.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]