"Listen, kid, don't push your luck. You're not satisfied with a seated officer position? You're still a student at the Shin'ō Academy, and getting an offer like this is already a blessing most could only dream of!"
At the izakaya table, Nobu looked thoroughly drunk, bleary-eyed as he tried to make out the figure of the busty blonde woman seated across from him.
The tavern buzzed with noise, and the tables were packed close together. But their table in particular drew attention — not because of Nobu, but because of the woman he was talking to.
"A seated officer, huh… Which seat was it again?" Nobu slurred.
"Twenty-third seat," came the response.
"Third seat? Got it." Nobu blinked, then nodded solemnly. "Well, since Miss Rangiku's gone to all this trouble to invite me… it'd be rude to—hic—refuse."
Matsumoto Rangiku arched a brow at him, a faintly amused expression on her face. "Are you actually drunk, or just faking it?"
Then she flashed him a bright, knowing smile. "If you really want that third seat, it's not out of reach. Just beat the current holder in a duel, and I'll take care of the rest."
Nobu shook his head vigorously, like a rattle-drum. "I hate fighting. Too much blood and noise."
Rangiku picked up a pair of chopsticks from the table and gave his head a swift knock, clearly exasperated.
"Don't forget who recommended you to the academy in the first place!"
But Nobu didn't get angry. Maybe it was because she had leaned in to hit him and unwittingly given him a view of something distracting. He propped up his cheek with one hand, gazing at her with a goofy grin.
"Of course I remember how kind you've been to me, Miss Rangiku. You're beautiful as ever."
Rangiku's finely arched brows lifted, and her smile turned teasing. "If you join our squad, you'll get to see me all the time."
Nobu waved a lazy hand. "No can do. I've got class. Can't be seeing you every day. I already skipped kendo today to come here... Hope Shūhei covered for me."
Rangiku watched him babble nonsense and couldn't help wondering — Is he really drunk?
"I heard you've become quite the celebrity at school lately. Normally, skipping a class is no big deal, but you skipped kendo — do you think your instructor won't notice?"
Tachikawa Nobu, currently a fourth-year at Shin'ō Academy. Rangiku had stumbled upon him in the Rukongai a few years ago. Noticing his above-average spiritual pressure, she'd recommended him to the academy.
And just as she expected, the boy had proven to be an exceptional talent, particularly in swordsmanship. Rumor had it he once bested his kendo instructor during class.
Someone like that? Definitely worth pulling into the Tenth Division. With a captain who was always slacking off, Rangiku desperately needed someone who could actually help with the workload.
"Master Nanada…" Nobu mumbled. "He's so annoying. Never stops nagging…"
As he muttered, the arm supporting his cheek slipped, and he slumped face-first onto the table.
"…"
Rangiku crossed her arms and sighed softly.
How many times has this happened? Has someone from another squad already gotten to him?
She narrowed her eyes slightly and asked, "Did Lieutenant Shiba talk to you? Did he offer you a spot in the Thirteenth Division?"
No reply. Only the slow, steady sound of breathing. He looked like he'd dozed off.
Rangiku pursed her lips. What a heartless brat!
She stood to go pay the bill, but just before leaving, she couldn't resist giving him a little kick.
After lying there for a while, Nobu finally lifted his head, rubbing his face — numbed a little from the alcohol.
"Damn, that woman can drink…"
[Matsumoto Rangiku]
[Favorability: 63]
[+1 Spiritual Pressure Level & +1% Zanpakutō Unlock Progress for every 10 points]
[Reach 90 Favorability to unlock Home Run Bonus]
[Can form a Shinigami Bond; unlocks Third Reward upon bonding]
The system interface floated before his eyes. The alcohol had dulled his thoughts, and with his low tolerance, it was a miracle he hadn't said anything too stupid.
Her favorability had dropped two points since last time. Guess I annoyed her.
...
Shin'ō Academy Dormitories.
Hisagi Shūhei returned to the dorm and found his roommate — the one who had cut class today — already sprawled across the bed like a starfish.
"When did you get back?" he asked.
"About two hours ago."
"If you got back that early, why didn't you go to class?" Shūhei frowned. Then, a little more kindly, he added, "Nanada-sensei was really pissed today. You'd better watch out."
Nobu pulled a face. "He's still got a temper that tiny? It was just one class."
When he got back earlier, his brain was still fogged from the booze. Going to class in that state would've been suicide. A nap had helped him recover.
Shūhei let his roommate's nonsense slide. Instead, he asked, "Did you meet with Miss Matsumoto again today?"
Nobu lounged on the bed, legs crossed, gaze drifting as if lost in thought. He gave a vague "Mm."
A familiar image flitted through Shūhei's mind. "What did she want?"
"She invited me to join the Tenth Division. Said I could get a seated position."
Shūhei's eyes widened. "Which seat?"
"Twenty-third."
Hisagi's surprise gave way to a complex expression. He looked at Nobu in silence.
Noticing the quiet, Nobu turned his head with a smirk. "What?"
Shūhei exhaled and shook his head. "Graduation exams are in a month. Nanada-sensei asked Kanie and me to draft a list for him to review."
Shin'ō Academy was technically a six-year program, but students who completed all their coursework within four could graduate early.
Of course, that was no easy feat. Only a few achieved it — and those who did usually went on to become key players in the Gotei 13, Kido Corps, or Onmitsukidō.
Still, graduating in four years wasn't unheard of.
"I'm not planning to graduate this year," Nobu said.
Shūhei blinked. "Didn't you say you and Miss Matsumoto had already—"
"I never said I accepted her offer."
Shūhei couldn't hide his shock. "You turned her down?!"
Nobu's expression stayed relaxed. "I just want to stay in school for another two years."
"But… she promised you a seated officer position!" Shūhei's tone spiked in disbelief.
"Twenty-third seat. Flashy but useless."
Nobu sounded completely unconcerned, his gaze drifting to the window.
Outside, cherry blossoms fluttered down, blanketing the winding paths in soft pink. Students in white uniforms lingered or hurried past — the scene like a living painting.
"School is great. Being a student is great. Don't you like it here, Shūhei?"
"…"
Shūhei didn't respond. He never could quite figure out what his friend was thinking.
Nobu always wore a carefree smile, but when his long lashes lowered, it felt like he was hiding more than anyone else.
Shūhei had to admit — Nobu really did have a good-looking face. No wonder he was so popular around campus.
He sat down on his own bed, gaze following Nobu's out the window. After a pause, he said, "I wasn't planning to graduate this year either."
Nobu turned, smiling wide. "Oh?"
Shūhei folded his arms, face calm. "I just think I'm not quite ready yet. Still lacking in some areas."
"Mmm, yeah. You are kinda weak."
"…"
The mood shattered instantly. Shūhei nearly choked on his own breath. Seeing Nobu laugh without a care in the world, he clenched his fists in frustration.
Usually so serious and reserved, Shūhei had his share of quirks — quirks Nobu had figured out after living with him for a while.
The first time Rangiku visited had been especially revealing: Shūhei couldn't stop stealing glances at her. Nobu never let him live it down, teasing him at every opportunity.
Thankfully, Shūhei couldn't beat him in a fight.
[Tachikawa Nobu]
[Spiritual Pressure Level: Lv13]
[Spiritual Energy Reserves: 20%]
[Zanpakutō Unlock Progress: 6%]
[Shinigami Bond: Not Formed]
[Quincy Bond: Not Formed]
[Hollow Bond: Not Formed]
Nobu's grin faded slightly. He turned to Shūhei.
"Shūhei, I'm planning something over the next two years. Will you help me?"
---
T/N: hiiii i have basic knowledge abuot bleach and laundry so ill need ur help to point out any mistakes >.< (ALSO I SWEAR TO GOD IF SOMEONES ALREADY TLING THIS)