"Hello, thank you for your hard work."
"If it isn't Captain Yukawa! It is good of you to come!"
I greeted the person who came out to meet me—I assume it was a greeter? They were wearing white clothes.
"Today is the scheduled checkup date, so I have come to visit."
"Thank you very much! Here, please, come inside! Everyone is waiting for you!!"
Urged on by the attendant, I entered the Shiba estate.
I was shown to—
"My, Captain Yukawa. Thank you for coming all this way."
—the room of Kaien-san's wife, Miyako Shiba.
"How are you feeling? Any changes?"
"I have no particular physical issues. And..."
—Replying with a smile, she gently stroked her own belly.
"This child seems to be doing well, too."
"That is good to hear. However, excuse me for a moment."
Since relying solely on a verbal inquiry is scary in case there are no subjective symptoms, I proceeded to examine Miyako-san's body using my spiritual pressure.
It is no longer just her body alone, so I must be thorough... especially thorough...
"Oh! Yukawa... Captain, you're here."
"Kaien-san... if it feels that awkward, you do not have to add 'Captain', you know?"
"Nah, I can't do that... I gotta keep up appearances."
'In that case, could you at least use polite language...?'
While chatting about such things with Kaien-san, who had entered the room in the middle of Miyako-san's physical examination, I finished the checkup.
"Yes, there are no problems."
"Thank you very much, Captain Yukawa."
"Sorry to make you do this all the time."
When I told them there were no abnormalities, the two of them looked relieved.
Even if they know nothing is wrong, having an official seal of approval is important, after all.
"Thank you goodness. I'll be able to meet this child soon..."
She looked down lovingly at her swollen belly, murmuring with a hint of anxiety.
Above all else, because Miyako-san had previously been nearly possessed by a Hollow, the entire Shiba family and I were on edge, wondering if something might happen.
Although the Twelfth Division's investigation and years of monitoring had judged there to be "no problems," the anxiety that some invisible adverse effect might emerge still lingered.
That is why this periodic checkup is an indispensable, important day for her.
Knowing that the baby is growing smoothly without any issues is precious.
"That's right, Miyako. After all, we've got Yukawa... Captain with us. Just like with the Kuchiki house, you just gotta leave it all to her! If we do that, there won't be any problems!"
"Fufu, Kaien, really... But you are right. Please take care of us."
"Of course, leave it to me!"
I puffed out my chest confidently to reassure her.
...And so, as you have likely realized by this point.
Following the Kuchiki family, Miyako-san of the Shiba family has also conceived.
And I ended up being the one to deliver the baby.
This is the true identity of the "periodic checkup something-or-other" I mentioned in the previous chapter.
I was the one who pulled Miyako-san out when she was nearly possessed, and when they used that as leverage to pressure me, I couldn't say no.
Currently, Miyako-san is about eight months pregnant; by calculation, the baby will be born in about two months.
It will be born right in the middle of the cold winter.
...Eh? You say I agreed to this quite easily compared to the last one?
It can't be helped!
Just when I thought my duties as Captain had finally settled down, I got a call from Kaien-san!!
He begged and pleaded with me!!
By that time, her belly was already about four months along!!
At that point, I had no choice but to nod my head!!
Also, I was worried because the Shiba family had been through a bit of turmoil.
You see, a certain member of the branch family who was serving as Captain of the Tenth Division failed to return from the World of the Living, and held responsible for this, the Shiba family was removed from the Five Great Noble Houses.
Combined with other factors like "Kaien-san losing his Zanpakuto" and "Miyako-san nearly being possessed," this was the result of them being forced to take responsibility—or so the higher-ups announced.
It's a reason that smells of nothing but suspicion, isn't it...?
By the way.
Although they were removed from the Five Great Noble Houses, everyone in the Shiba family didn't seem particularly bothered by it.
They are the kind of people who would set up residence in the Rukongai to begin with.
Even Miyako-san said she didn't choose Kaien-san because he was from one of the Five Great Noble Houses. She didn't show even a speck of concern.
Good grief, I am so jealous of you, Kaien-san!!
Incidentally, Miyako-san has essentially retired from her work as a Shinigami and lives here at the Shiba house with Kaien-san and the others.
It is the classic "living at the husband's parents' house" scenario.
"Yo! You came!!"
"Hello! Big Sis Yukawa!!"
While I was thinking about that, Kukaku and Ganju also arrived.
"Still, you really are faithful with these visits..."
"It's not about being faithful; it is a periodic checkup, so coming periodically is only natural, isn't it? You don't surely think it's okay to skip one or two times, do you!?"
"..."
"Hey, Kukaku..."
"Sis, that's not cool..."
Kukaku silently averted her eyes, prompting her brothers to retort.
"I was thinking that if you ever have an opportunity to get pregnant in the future, Kukaku, I would come for your checkups then too... but it looks like there would be no problem if I carelessly forgot a few times..."
"Wha—! I-Idiot! I'm fine! I don't have any plans or a partner for that anyway!! I mean! I'll throw those words right back at you!"
"I am fine because Ganju-kun will take me."
"Eeeeeehhhh!!"
When I said it in a teasing tone, Ganju showed an overly shocked reaction.
"Ah, Big Sis Yukawa...?"
"You said so when you were a child, didn't you? Did you forget?"
"N-N-N-No, well..."
"Oh, ho. Now that you mention it, he did say that. I forgot about it until you said it."
'Specifically, it was Chapter 75, when you healed Kukaku-dono's arm! It was when we were talking about shota fetishes and such!!'
Compared to back then, Ganju-kun has really grown up.
His body is solid, and he gives off the vibe of a young man you can rely on.
Perhaps because Kaien-san has been training him, his spiritual pressure is high, and he seems to have learned various secret Shiba family techniques.
Just like his appearance suggests, he feels like a dependable big-brother type.
But his face doesn't resemble his sister or brother... he has a wild look to him.
Though this face... where have I seen it before...?
Ah, that's it! He looks a little bit like Isshin-san.
Even if it is a branch family, the blood of ancestors is amazing.
'So, Milady? Are you really going to marry him?'
...A partner weaker than me is a bit... (Averts eyes)
"Oh my, was that how it was, Ganju-kun!? I'm sorry, I didn't realize at all..."
"Snagging a Captain of the Gotei 13... for my little brother, that's not bad at all! Right!?"
"Kukuku... T-That's great for you, Ganju! Ah~ I'm so jealous, hey!!"
"Sis! Brother, and Miyako-nee-san too! Don't tease me!!"
Kukaku was desperately suppressing her laughter, while Ganju was flustering intensely about something.
"We aren't teasing you!! Besides, sometimes you lock yourself in your room alone and shout Big Sis Yukawa's name while—"
"Gaaah!! Waaah!! What are you saying, Sis!! I don't do anything, nothing like tha—!!"
—Excuse meee!!
"Uh-oh, gotta go!! A visitor!! I'll go check it out!!"
Reacting faster than anyone to the voice from outside, Ganju flew out of the room as if fleeing the scene.
"He ran away. How boring..."
"...Kukaku."
"What?"
"Even if you noticed, you should pretend you didn't see anything."
"Hmph. I'll do my best."
That is definitely the reply of someone who won't do their best, isn't it!?
Kaien-san was wearing a magnificent bitter smile, and Miyako-san was smiling gently. She probably just thinks, 'What a close family.'
"Brother, Sis! It's a guest!"
"...Huh? A guest?"
While we were talking, Ganju returned.
Behind him, there were several people.
"Hello, hello, Kaien-dono, Miyako-dono."
"Oh! If it isn't the old man. What's up today?"
"We thought Miyako-dono could use some nutrition, so we brought this."
"Ooh! Hon-shimeji mushrooms!! Thanks!!"
It wasn't just mushrooms.
The people behind him had brought various tastes of autumn as well.
"Thank you, as always."
"No, no, Miyako-dono."
"That's right! If it's for Miyako-dono, this is nothing!"
"Please give birth to a healthy baby!!"
These are people from the Rukongai.
And every single one of them is a fan of Miyako-san.
Originally, the Shiba family held a position like the bosses of the Rukongai.
Everyone in this family has a personality like a dependable big brother, to varying degrees.
Though, they became a bit estranged due to the objects Kukaku builds...
Appearing there like a twinkling star was Miyako-san!!
With the arrival of a gentle, soothing older-sister type, the people of Rukongai (the majority being rough men, though of course, many women were also attracted by her genuinely kind personality) were charmed in an instant.
In addition, until now, there had only been Kukaku, a sisterly boss-type woman; then came Miyako-san.
Perhaps due to that gap, her popularity exploded instantly.
It has reached the point where tall tales like "Talking to Miyako-san makes you healthy" or "Getting a smile from Miyako-san extends your lifespan" are spreading.
"Who cares about those incomprehensible objects Kukaku makes!!" acted the men, finding any excuse to come to the Shiba house.
Due to that synergistic effect, the popularity of the Shiba family also soared.
As a result of sharing in Miyako-san's character and popularity, people suddenly started gathering here.
Or so I was told by the people of West Rukongai.
"My, my, incredible popularity again today, isn't it, Miyako-san?"
"Yes, everyone is truly so kind... I have no words to thank them."
"Not at all, it is only natural!!"
"We just want Miyako-san to be healthy!!"
"We are indebted to the Shiba family, after all!!"
When I called out to her, Miyako-san nodded.
The men's voices rose with several times that momentum.
"...Tch."
Hey, you guys? Kukaku is sulking, so you should leave it at that.
"The checkup is over, and guests have arrived. I would be in the way, so I will take my leave now."
"Hmm, really? Sorry about that, Captain Yukawa."
"No, no. Well then, I will visit again on the next scheduled checkup date."
After excusing myself to Kaien-san, I remembered one thing.
"Ah, that's right. Kaien-san, I almost forgot. I had something to tell you."
"Hm? What is it, all of a sudden?"
"The child in Miyako-san's belly is a girl. Please make sure to think of a cute name for her."
"Wha...!!?"
Announcing it loudly enough for everyone to hear, Kaien-san froze with his eyes wide open.
"Well then, since the checkup is done, excuse me."
Ignoring Kaien-san's state, I left the Shiba house.
However, since I said it loud enough for everyone there to hear, everyone heard the news—
"My, a girl, you say... Kaien, what shall we do...?"
"Heh... Good for you, Brother!!"
"Ooh! Miyako-san's daughter!! We gotta let everyone in Rukongai know!!"
"Yukawa! Why did you say such an important thing so... Wait, hey! Wait!!"
The clamor of the family and the people of Rukongai could be heard—Kaien-san's voice was among them—but listening to it only with my back, I made my way home.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]