"Captain Ukitake! Welcome back!!"
Even before stepping through the gates of the Thirteenth Division barracks, Amamiya Miyako heard two loud voices echo through the air. A man and woman dashed toward them, raising a cloud of dust, before bowing sharply at a ninety-degree angle in perfect sync.
Sentarō Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu—undoubtedly the loudest and most devoted fans of Captain Jūshirō Ukitake in all of Soul Society. The two were famous not only for their devotion but also for constantly bickering like an old married couple. Still, their bond was genuine.
Miyako watched silently from behind Ukitake, expression neutral, arms folded behind his back. He tilted his head slightly and let out a small sigh. "Yare yare... They're exactly as I imagined."
"Alright, alright, it's nothing serious, really. Just some light duties," Ukitake said with a warm smile, waving off their concern. Then, with a nod toward his young companion, he added, "Ah, that reminds me. Let me introduce someone."
Stepping aside, Ukitake motioned toward Miyako.
"This is our newest squad member, Amamiya Miyako-san. Don't be fooled by his age—he's a prodigy who graduated early from the Shin'ō Academy. Quite the rare talent, I must say."
Miyako bowed politely. "Nice to meet you, senpai. I'm Amamiya Miyako. I look forward to working with you both."
There was a pause as the two senior members stared him down in silence, examining him from head to toe.
"Hmph. Welp, welcome aboard, rookie," Sentarō finally said, arms crossed. "To be personally brought in by Captain Ukitake? You've got some serious luck."
"Wait, wait—what did you just say? Captain Ukitake personally brought you in?!" Kiyone's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's so unfair! Hmph! Rookie! You better show proper respect to the Captain! If you cause trouble, I won't go easy on you!"
"Oi, idiot!" Sentarō snapped. "Why are you threatening the rookie already? You're making us look bad in front of him!"
"What did you say, baldy?!"
And just like that, they were nose-to-nose, sparks practically flying between them as they fell into their usual argument routine.
Ukitake just smiled wryly, clearly used to this chaos. He leaned closer to Miyako and said quietly, "You'll get used to it."
Turning back to the matter at hand, he addressed his new recruit more formally. "Miyako-san, allow me to explain a bit. Due to certain circumstances, our division currently has no official fukutaichō (Vice-Captain). For the time being, Sentarō and Kiyone share those duties."
Miyako's brow twitched slightly. "Certain circumstances?"
He already knew the general story. The tragic death of Shiba Kaien had left the position vacant. Still, he couldn't help but wonder why, after all this time, no successor had been formally chosen.
Ukitake didn't respond directly, only giving another soft, pained smile. It was answer enough.
"That said, Miyako-san," Ukitake continued, brightening slightly, "I have high expectations for you. With your talent, it's not impossible that you'll be the one to fill that position."
The moment he said that, the bickering duo stopped mid-squabble and turned around in perfect sync.
"Captain! Are you serious?!" Sentarō said, eyes wide.
"No way! Vice-Captain? That's not a position you can hand to just anyone, you know!" Kiyone followed up immediately.
"Right! Nobody could possibly replace Vice-Captain Kaien!" Sentarō added.
"Kaien-fukutaichō?" Miyako asked, feigning ignorance.
Ukitake nodded solemnly. "Yes. He was our former Vice-Captain—an outstanding Shinigami. Like you, he graduated early from the Academy and was immensely gifted… But due to unfortunate events, he lost his life."
At the mention of Kaien, Ukitake's gentle expression darkened just a little.
"Kiyone," he added softly, "try not to talk too much about Kaien when you're around Kuchiki-san, alright?"
"…Yes, Captain," Kiyone said, her tone noticeably subdued.
"Well then, let's go in," Ukitake clapped his hands together lightly. "If possible, I'd like one of you to give Miyako-san a tour of our headquarters."
"Leave it to me, Captain!!" the two chorused with unwavering enthusiasm.
Ukitake chuckled. "Kiyone, I'll have you do the honors. Sentarō, I still need your help delivering some documents to the Shin'ō Academy."
"Understood!" they both said again, saluting sharply.
"Alright, rookie, follow me! I'll show you around the division headquarters," Kiyone said, placing her hands on her hips proudly.
"Thank you, Kiyone-senpai," Miyako replied, trailing after her with even steps. The group naturally split up—two heading toward the barracks, the other two toward official business.
...
The outskirts of the Thirteenth Division were peaceful, more nature than buildings. A gentle river flowed through the division grounds, flanked by green bamboo and trees bursting with spring blossoms. It didn't feel like a military division—it felt like a quiet garden.
"That pavilion in the center of the river is where Captain Ukitake works," Kiyone-san explained brightly. "He's one of the oldest Captains in the Gotei 13, but because of his health, he needs a calmer place. That's why our division's headquarters are out here in the suburbs."
"I see…" Miyako-kun nodded quietly, taking in the tranquil scene.
"Come on, I'll show you where the squad members live. That'll be your new home from today, ne?"
Kiyone-san led the way, her voice cheerful and lively. As they walked past an open courtyard, a young woman with short black hair was practicing her sword swings. Her movements were focused and precise.
"Oi, Rukia~!" Kiyone-san called out, waving a hand.
Rukia stopped mid-swing and turned around. "Kiyone? Is something the matter?"
"It's already noon! Weren't morning drills over a while ago?"
"Ah… yeah, but I wanted to get in a little extra training, that's all." She wiped her brow and looked toward Miyako-kun. "Who's this?"
"Oh, right! I mentioned it this morning, didn't I? This is our new member—Amamiya Miyako. He's just joined the Thirteenth."
"Rukia-senpai, it's nice to meet you," Miyako-kun said politely, bowing slightly.
"…Amamiya Miyako?" Rukia blinked, visibly surprised. 'He shares the same name as Shiba Miyako… and graduated early like Kaien-dono…' Her gaze lingered, lost in thought.
"Hellooo? Earth to Rukia?" Kiyone-san waved a hand in front of her face.
"Ah, sorry," Rukia said, snapping out of it. She offered a small smile. "Welcome to the Thirteenth Division, Miyako-kun."
"Thanks." Miyako returned her smile, respectful but distant.
"Well, since we're here," Kiyone said, gesturing around them, "this is the training ground for our squad. Everyone does their basic drills here. Rukia's always here early, yare yare…"
"Rukia, I'm gonna take our newbie to the living quarters now. Don't overdo it, okay?"
"Got it. I'll wrap up soon."
As they walked on, Miyako-kun glanced at Kiyone-san. "Um… Kiyone-san, was the death of Vice-Captain Kaien related to Rukia-senpai somehow?"
Kiyone stopped. "Eh? How did you—?"
"Captain Ukitake mentioned something earlier… I just connected the dots."
Kiyone sighed, her shoulders dropping. "Well, I guess you would've heard sooner or later. You're right… Kaien-dono died by Rukia's blade."
"By… her blade?" Miyako asked, feigning surprise, though he already knew the story.
"Kaien-dono's wife, Shiba Miyako, was killed by a Hollow. Kaien went to take revenge alone. He defeated the Hollow—or so it seemed. But then, the Hollow took control of his body. Rukia was with him at the time… and in the end, he impaled himself on her sword. It was his choice."
Her voice became quieter as she continued. "Kaien-dono was a true role model. Brave, kind… so many of us looked up to him. When he died, everyone blamed Rukia. For a long time, people couldn't forgive her. But when we learned the truth… even then, Rukia never forgave herself. To this day, she still blames herself."
"I see…" Miyako-kun looked thoughtful.
"I'm telling you this because… some people in the squad still give Rukia strange looks. I just hope you won't be one of them. She didn't do anything wrong."
"Don't worry. I understand, Kiyone-san. Thank you for telling me."
Finally, they arrived at the residential quarters. Kiyone stopped in front of the gate. "This is it. Someone inside will get you settled. I've gotta report back to Captain Ukitake now."
"Thanks for guiding me, Kiyone-san."
She grinned and waved as she turned away. "Welcome to the Thirteenth Division, Miyako-kun! Do your best, okay?"