The next day.
Squad 5 barracks.
Having just finished handling some affairs and returned to his office, Hirako sat in his chair.
He rubbed his somewhat stiff neck, using the slight head-turning motion to briefly consider whether his recent arrangements were reasonable.
—As a captain, there were many things to think about, both private and public matters.
Of course, this also included excuses fabricated to avoid responsibility...
After all, those messy miscellaneous tasks would give anyone a headache and seem boring.
Thinking of this, Hirako's expression couldn't help but become somewhat sentimental.
He didn't know how Aizen managed to persist... Did he really have such preferences in this area?
No, even if that were the case, he couldn't continue letting him handle squad affairs in the future.
His thoughts rolled like tides, surging back and forth.
Yet Hirako's face showed not the slightest expression.
He calmly lifted the prepared hot water kettle and began brewing tea.
Speaking of this thing, Hirako was somewhat interested.
Because this was a newly developed plant from the Research and Development Institute. It was said to not only have the rich feel of matcha but also wouldn't make people feel it was too heavy, and the aftertaste would even have some sweetness.
'Although I don't particularly like tea, anything that can make people feel pleasant is good~'
Free time after finishing work was truly enjoyable...
However, before the sentiment could last long.
A series of knocks came from nearby.
...Who?
Squad members generally had a common understanding that unless it was urgent business, they wouldn't actively disturb the captain's rest time.
Even if Aizen temporarily couldn't serve as a substitute, there was a designated area outside specifically for placing documents.
So...
Was this some urgent matter that absolutely couldn't be delayed?
Hirako frowned slightly, put the kettle back in place, covered the tea, and organized his desk.
He coughed lightly twice, clearing his slightly hoarse throat.
"Come in."
Click.
The door was pushed open, but no figure was visible?
No... wait, there seemed to be one.
Hirako leaned aside and clearly saw a small figure squeezing through the door gap.
The other wore a miniature Squad 5 uniform, slightly ill-fitting tabi, and carried a bag nearly half his height slung across his shoulder.
He walked in as if no one else existed.
It was Sakuya.
"Captain, good afternoon!"
"Oh, good afternoon to you too, Sakuya."
This guy looked completely familiar with the place. He nimbly walked up to stand in front of Hirako, then raised his right hand and waved it slightly.
"Please give me a hand token!"
Hirako replied with a grin.
"What's that? Shouldn't you be more polite when talking to adults? Think carefully about what you should call me."
Eh? How troublesome...
Speaking of which, was this guy in an unusually good mood today?
Sakuya thought for a moment.
"Baldy, hand token?"
Hirako's expression almost couldn't hold.
There were many things to complain about.
But no rush, one at a time.
Suppressing the urge to complain deep in his heart, Hirako forced a smile and raised his right hand, pointing to his own cheek.
"Shouldn't you... call me Squad 5 Captain?"
"Eh? But that blonde guy who came last time called you that too?"
No no no, why are you learning from that Hiyori!
The Squad 5 captain began sweating profusely.
"That was a special situation. Don't keep saying such things... it's very rude."
The person in question naturally knew this—wasn't this a good opportunity to tease someone?
After all, even the prison warden didn't have the 'courage' to call this guy baldy to his face.
Could others do it?! turns around and shrugs
"Then... Captain Hirako, hand token."
"That's the right way to address me... but you also need to pay attention to your language. Honorifics are basic, Sakuya."
For some reason, Hirako felt in a great mood at this moment.
As mentioned before.
Due to his special identity, Sakuya was also well-known within Squad 5.
The tolerance for single-parent families was reflected in all aspects, and all of this naturally had Captain Hirako's permission.
To speak boldly.
He, as captain, had at least watched him grow up.
He chuckled, bent down to open a nearby cabinet, and rummaged around inside.
Hand token.
This thing wasn't a common item for the Gotei 13.
But it was another kind of special allocation unique to Sakuya.
Because according to official regulations, various squads had no substantial interaction during non-war periods.
So normally, non-squad members were prohibited from entering territorial domains.
But Sakuya was somewhat unique.
After all, he hadn't rarely been taken care of by people from other squads when he was 'little.'
Considering his identity, most people would turn a blind eye to his 'free movement.'
Of course...
This behavior was also because Sakuya's character had gained others' recognition.
After all, no one would like a loud, impolite guy.
The protective feelings toward young children came from ethical and moral considerations, while further indulgence stemmed from appreciation of character and behavior.
The hand token was special proof for entering other squads. Sakuya didn't usually carry it with him—it was all stored with Hirako.
He could just come get it when needed.
Taking out a simply and abstractly designed wooden token from the drawer, Hirako didn't immediately hand it over.
Instead, he said softly.
"Where do you want to go this time?"
Sakuya replied without hesitation.
"Squad 1."
"For what?"
Sakuya pulled out several books from his room from his bag.
"There are some things I want to verify!"
Hirako became somewhat interested, stood up at this moment, and reached out to take the two thick books from him.
"Let me see."
On the Importance of Hand-to-Hand Combat for Shinigami
Fist and Foot Techniques Are Not Just for Self-Cultivation
"..."
Where did these old things come from?
All stuff that even Hirako had never seen.
But after flipping to the author's name, the Squad 5 captain couldn't help but make a tactical lean-back motion.
—Written by Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.
The old man had lived so many years and indeed had some hobby of writing books in his spare time.
Although it wasn't convenient to store these things in earlier eras, with the development of the times, now that paper books had become popular, these things could also be 'renewed.'
Returning to public view in a more novel form.
Hirako couldn't help but sigh.
"Last time it was Squad 2, this time Squad 1... Having strong curiosity is good, but don't cause trouble out there."
After all.
"When that happens, everyone will be talking about our Squad 5."