"I found a few books on Kaidō, and I figured you might be interested, so I brought them over for you," said Kotetsu Isane.
Tachikawa Shin looked genuinely surprised, then smiled. "Vice-Captain Kotetsu, that's incredibly thoughtful of you!"
"Did you just get back from training?" she asked. After all, she'd heard him mention taking a bath and assumed he'd worked up a sweat during training.
Shin shook his head as he entered the office. "Nah, I just slept in today. Since the bathhouse was empty, I took a long soak."
The three girls: "…"
Hinamori and Rukia both looked him up and down—casual clothes, damp hair. It felt like the president had truly made the Academy his personal home.
Shin, realizing the situation, glanced at his outfit and offered an apology. "Sorry, bit informal today. Vice-Captain Kotetsu, please make yourself comfortable. I'll change real quick."
He disappeared into the office storage room. The three girls exchanged awkward looks.
Two minutes later, Shin returned in his Academy uniform, hair dried and neat.
Isane chuckled. "You're quite… relaxed, Tachikawa-kun."
Shin glanced at the books she'd brought, flipping through one. They were indeed rare—technical volumes on Kaidō he'd never seen in the Academy library. Just from a glance, he could tell they were precious.
He narrowed his eyes slightly—there was no way she came all this way just to deliver books.
"These are incredible... You're sure you want me to have them?"
Isane smiled gently. "Books are meant to be read. They've only been collecting dust on my shelf—far better that someone passionate about Kaidō put them to use."
Shin bowed respectfully. "I truly appreciate this, Vice-Captain Kotetsu."
"I'm glad you like them. When you join the Fourth Division, we'll be able to explore Kaidō together," she added warmly.
Shin nodded, then turned to the other two. "What about you two? Shouldn't you be in class right now?"
Hinamori grinned awkwardly. "We remembered some unfinished Council work, so…"
Shin raised a brow—of course they were skipping. And they just so happened to run into Isane.
It was no secret: Student Council work was never allowed to interfere with academics. Except for him, the President, apparently.
But Shin didn't expose them in front of Isane. He simply said, "You two should head back. You can finish that after class."
"Yes!" They both scurried out obediently.
Once they were gone, Isane smiled. "They're responsible and diligent. You've got good people in the Council."
"They are," Shin agreed as he sat across from her. "Either of them could lead the Council after I graduate."
Isane perked up. "Then when do you plan to graduate?"
The Academy ran on a six-year system. Shin was a fifth-year, meaning he had one year left—but everyone knew that was just a formality. He had already slain a Gillian-class Menos. Even some seated officers in the Gotei 13 couldn't boast that.
"Next year," he answered.
There was only one academic term per year—Shin meant he'd stay to complete the full six.
His reason? Hinamori and Rukia. Staying close to them meant he could continue gaining rewards from the system. Once he joined a squad, he'd meet new people, sure—but his Shinigami Keystone was already bound to Rukia. And he still had plans to deepen that relationship.
It was just one more year.
Isane mused, "But you could graduate now. Why stay? Becoming a full-fledged Shinigami sooner would benefit you more."
Shin repeated his usual line. "The Student Council is still young. If I left after just a year as president, I'd worry about its future. Plus, there are still some ideas I haven't implemented. I think they'd really help the students."
"You really are a responsible one," Isane said softly. "And so considerate of others."
"You flatter me, Vice-Captain."
But Isane had another reason for visiting—Unohana.
After seeing the footage of Shin cutting down a Gillian, Unohana had asked, "Is Tachikawa Shin graduating this year?"—her tone implied a desire to recruit him personally.
Unohana had never taken such an interest in anyone. Even when members awakened Kaidō-type Zanpakutō, she usually offered only a brief word of praise.
But perhaps she saw in Shin something truly rare.
Shin didn't want to discuss graduation anymore. Instead, he picked up a Kaidō text and asked, "Actually, I've had some questions about Kaidō lately. If you have time…"
Isane's eyes lit up. "Of course! I'm in no rush."
She genuinely loved Kaidō—and anyone else who shared that love naturally earned her affection.
In the world of Shinigami, Kaidō didn't hold the same prestige as Zanjutsu or Kidō. Though lifesaving, it wasn't what most Shinigami pursued—they wanted power.
Shin wasn't just changing the subject. After her guest lecture, he'd spent more time on Kaidō and was reaching the limits of what the library could offer.
As they spoke, Isane realized just how deep his understanding already was. Her delight grew.
Time passed without them noticing.
It wasn't until a Council member entered the office that they realized it was already lunch.
"Oh no, is it that late already?" Isane blinked.
Throughout their discussion, Shin had shown no impatience, asked insightful questions, and listened intently. She could feel his thirst for knowledge—her words had not been wasted. In fact, she was starting to genuinely like this junior.
"Time flies. Thank you again, Vice-Captain," Shin said with a smile. "It's lunchtime—may I treat you to a meal at the dining hall?"
She shook her head. "I should return. There's still much work at the Fourth Division."
As she left, she felt an odd reluctance.
Looking back at Shin's refined features, she thought perhaps she should visit the Academy more often—perhaps guide this remarkable junior more personally.
"There's still half a year left," she said. "Plenty of time. But I still think you'd thrive in the Fourth Division."
"I appreciate the suggestion," he replied lightly. "I'll think about it."
[Affection Level: 47]
As he walked her to the door and watched her leave, Shin glanced at his system interface, already forming a plan to boost her affection further.
Then something else caught his attention.
[Unohana Retsu]
Affection Level: 3
Hadn't it been 2 before?
They hadn't seen each other since the Cultural Festival.
He guessed it must've increased after his victory over the Gillian. If even Shiba Kaien knew, it made sense that Unohana would too.
And Isane coming today—that confirmed it.
If he joined the Fourth Division after graduation… things might get complicated.
Tch, Shin chuckled to himself.
He wasn't strong in Reiatsu or raw power yet—but in pure swordsmanship? He had confidence.
"How come the Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division came looking for you?" asked Hisagi, who had come in during the tail end.
"Just catching up," Shin said casually.
"You bastard," Hisagi muttered, his tone tinged with envy.
"Hm?"
"I'm jealous!"
Shin laughed and clapped his shoulder. "Then work harder!"
Truth was, Shin had another reason for not graduating early: life at the Academy was just too comfortable.
He'd once told Hisagi, "School is amazing. Being a student is amazing."
No pressure, no enemies, no stress—just good friends and simple days. He wanted more of that.
And so, life continued in that easy rhythm.
Now and then, little disruptions cropped up—disputes between the Council and students, especially with Kaizawa, whose no-nonsense style in the disciplinary committee often caused tension.
But to Shin, it was all trivial.
He'd sometimes meet with Principal Shunsō Sasakibe, discussing the Council's future. Sasakibe would remain in office far longer than Shin would stay at the Academy.
His bonds with Hinamori and Rukia deepened by the day.
But affection values grew slower and slower. After two months, Rukia barely broke 70.
Hinamori still hadn't reached 80.
Once, Shin was stroking Rukia's head and Hinamori walked in—he lost a point instantly.
Even worse? Rukia didn't gain any.
At this level, every single point was hard-earned.
He estimated:
50+ meant close friends.
60+ was intimate.
70+ was trusted companions or dear allies.
But affection wasn't just friendship. His system only tracked values for women—and that number could contain all sorts of complicated feelings.
Kotetsu Isane was now at 47. They were "good friends," yet not especially close.
Matsumoto Rangiku had over 60—but she wasn't nearly as close as Rukia had been at 60. And she certainly didn't like him. Shin, knowing her character from the original timeline, was sure her heart still belonged to Gin.
Her affection likely stemmed from a kind of respect. She never praised him aloud, but clearly recognized his strength.
In the end, affection was just a number. It couldn't define a relationship.
It didn't mean that reaching a threshold unlocked something. It could mean friendship… or devotion.
And Shin wasn't rushing anything romantic with any of the women on his list—not yet.
But that glimmering "home run reward"—affection 90 and beyond—tempted him. The Shinigami Keystone would also unlock a third reward, and a second binding slot.
Still, Rukia and Hinamori were real people. They had hearts. Minds. Feelings.
This wasn't some R18 dating sim with a "press button to raise affection" feature.
If he focused too much on one, the other might lose affection.
Hinamori's feelings clearly leaned romantic—possessive, even. She wouldn't be happy to share him. And when he got too close to Rukia, she noticed—even if she said nothing.
They weren't together, so she had no right to be upset. But still… it stung.
Rukia and Hinamori.
How should I choose?
Getting to 90 would unlock the final reward. Rukia's Keystone was bound. But choosing one would make the other… difficult.
And it wasn't guaranteed that Rukia's affection would even reach 90 quickly.
Shin sighed, rubbing his temples.
Troublesome.