Boom!
A thunderous explosion startled Shiba Kaien and Tachikawa Nobu, prompting them to rush to the backyard.
The area was shrouded in thick, dark smoke, the pungent scent of gunpowder assaulting their noses. Amidst the haze stood Shiba Kūkaku, coughing violently, her face and clothes smudged with soot, multiple scorch marks marring her skin and attire—a truly disheveled sight.
Seeing them approach, Kūkaku coughed and waved a hand dismissively. "Just a little mishap!"
Kaien, noting she was unharmed, scolded, "You nearly blew up the whole house!"
Kūkaku retorted without hesitation, "It's not that bad. Just a bit more smoke than expected."
Nobu couldn't help but chuckle at her comical appearance, earning a sharp glare from Kūkaku.
"What are you laughing at?!"
With that, she brushed past them and headed back inside, likely to clean herself up.
As the smoke gradually dissipated, the ground revealed scattered remnants of burnt gunpowder. Kaien's mouth twitched in exasperation.
He cleared his throat and said, "Apologies for the chaos."
Nobu smiled, "Having a sister like her must make life lively."
By the time dinner approached, Kūkaku had cleaned up and emerged, looking refreshed. She had clearly taken a bath and changed clothes, appearing much more composed. However, her arms were wrapped in numerous bandages, some still seeping blood.
Noticing this, Nobu offered, "I know a bit of Kaidō. May I help treat your wounds, Shiba-san?"
Kūkaku raised an eyebrow, skeptical of a Shin'ō Academy student's healing skills.
Kaien interjected, "Nobu's already been preselected by the Fourth Division."
Only then did Kūkaku extend her arm. Observing the blood-soaked bandages, Nobu surmised the injuries were more severe than they appeared. Without removing the bandages, he activated a healing glow from his hand, placing it over the affected area.
"All done," he announced.
Kūkaku looked dubious but flexed her arm gently, surprised to find the pain had vanished.
"You… healed it that quickly?"
Kaien was equally astonished, having never seen such swift healing.
Nobu had utilized his Zanpakutō's ability rather than traditional Kaidō.
"It should feel better now," he said with a smile.
Kūkaku nodded. As a fireworks artisan, she was no stranger to accidents, but even the Fourth Division hadn't treated her injuries this efficiently before.
"It's just stopped the bleeding; the wounds will heal over time," Nobu explained.
"…Thanks," Kūkaku muttered.
This kid's got some skills.
[Affection Level: 7]
"You're welcome."
Shiba Ganjū then brought out the dishes, setting them on the table.
"Vice-Captain Shiba, have you considered enrolling your siblings in the Shin'ō Academy?" Nobu inquired during dinner.
Kaien chuckled, "Being a Shinigami is dangerous work. One or two per family is enough."
Kūkaku continued eating, seemingly uninterested in the topic.
Ganjū, however, looked up, intrigued.
In the original series, both Kūkaku and Ganjū weren't ordinary individuals. Kūkaku, aside from her family's secret techniques, could use Kidō, indicating that the Shiba family had means to become Shinigami without attending the academy.
Most noble families in the Soul Society wouldn't send their children to the academy, having direct channels to the Gotei 13. Though the Shiba clan's prestige had waned, they still retained such privileges. Moreover, both a captain and a vice-captain in the Gotei 13 bore the Shiba name.
Nobu continued, "There are many non-combat roles for Shinigami. Besides, Vice-Captain Shiba, have you forgotten you're the honorary president of the student council?"
Kaien paused, thoughtful.
Ganjū asked curiously, "Big Brother, what's the student council?"
Kaien glanced at his brother, understanding Nobu's implication.
Currently, with his uncle Shiba Isshin as the captain of the Tenth Division and himself as the vice-captain of the Thirteenth Division, the Shiba family was experiencing a resurgence. Though neither he nor his uncle harbored grand ambitions, reviving the clan's glory was always on his mind.
Nobu explained to Ganjū, "The student council is a newly established organization at the Shin'ō Academy. It serves as a bridge between the school and students, helping manage student affairs. Its members are among the top students."
Ganjū nodded, somewhat grasping the concept.
Kaien didn't make an immediate decision, preferring to ponder over it.
He had no specific expectations for his siblings, only wishing them a happy life without undue pressure.
If either Kūkaku or Ganjū attended the academy, they could join the student council. After all, they were nobles...
But Kūkaku would likely refuse.
Then perhaps Ganjū…
Ganjū asked, "Big Brother, you're the vice-captain of the Thirteenth Division, so why are you also the honorary president of the student council?"
Kūkaku tapped his head with her chopsticks, "Eat your food. Why so many questions?"
Ganjū pouted, silenced. He never dared to defy his sister, knowing she wouldn't hesitate to discipline him.
Kaien turned to Nobu with a smirk, "Why bring this up now? Trying to earn another favor?"
Nobu replied earnestly, "Vice-Captain Shiba, I still owe you for before. If you consider this a favor, then it balances out. Let's call it mutual goodwill."
Kaien laughed heartily, "You sly fox!"
Ganjū couldn't contain his excitement, "Big Brother, can I attend the Shin'ō Academy?"
Kaien asked, "Do you want to?"
Ganjū hesitated, glancing at his sister, then nodded.
Kaien mused, "We'll discuss it later."
"Okay."
After dinner, Ganjū and Kūkaku went to clean the backyard. Nobu offered to help.
"You're a guest; you shouldn't have to," Ganjū protested, having taken a liking to Nobu for suggesting he attend the academy.
Kaien observed with a smile, "If Nobu doesn't mind, let him help. We don't have much in the way of hospitality."
As the four cleaned the backyard, Ganjū approached Nobu, curious, "Nobu, what's the Shin'ō Academy like?"
Nobu described, "There are nobles, but most students come from the Rukongai. You can make many like-minded friends, train together, and strive to become Shinigami. It's a great place."
Ganjū's eyes sparkled with anticipation, asking numerous questions about the academy.
Kūkaku approached Kaien, "Are you seriously considering sending Ganjū to the academy?"
Kaien replied, "He seems interested."
Kūkaku watched the two conversing, her gaze complex.
"If you want to go, you can too," Kaien offered.
Kūkaku scoffed, clearly uninterested.
"That Tachikawa Nobu, what's his deal?"
"A talented junior. I initially wanted him in my division or Uncle's, but due to his unique Zanpakutō, he's assigned to the Fourth Division. Still, he's a decent guy."
A decent guy.
That's high praise.
Though Shiba Isshin was the captain of the Tenth Division, Kaien was the current head of the Shiba clan. Kūkaku, despite her casual demeanor toward her brother, trusted and supported his decisions.
Kaien added, "I'll discuss it with Uncle later."
The four worked together for a while, finally tidying up the backyard.
Ganjū eagerly approached Kaien, declaring, "Big Brother, I want to attend the Shin'ō Academy!"
Kaien asked, "You've made up your mind?"
Ganjū nodded earnestly, "Nobu explained everything. I've decided."
Kaien raised an eyebrow at Ganjū's address of Nobu.
Kūkaku couldn't help but comment, "You're calling him 'Big Brother Nobu'? Is he even older than you?"
Judging by appearance, Nobu seemed younger than Ganjū, who was already quite burly.
Ganjū scratched his head, "I asked. Nobu said he's older than he looks. Plus, he's a fifth-year at the academy and the student council president. If I enroll, I'd have to call him senpai anyway."
Kūkaku felt her brother was being duped, casting a displeased glance at Nobu.
[Affection Level: 6]
Nobu sighed internally. Why did her affection drop?
It seemed unlikely he'd earn any rewards from Kūkaku this time.
Kaien said, "No need to rush. The next academy enrollment isn't until next year."
"Oh," Ganjū responded, slightly disappointed.
Back in the living room, Kaien and Nobu sat, sipping tea.
"I don't want Ganjū to bear too much. I'm not sure he's ready for such responsibilities," Kaien admitted.
"Vice-Captain Shiba, you misunderstand," Nobu shook his head. "Do you think I have ulterior motives?"
Kaien sipped his tea calmly.
If Nobu were after the Shiba name, he had better options.
His assistant, Kuchiki Rukia, though adopted, held more influence than the Shiba clan.
"Never mind," Nobu smiled. "Let's pretend I said nothing."
Kaien chuckled, saying no more.
...
As he left the Shiba residence, Nobu let out a quiet sigh while glancing at Shiba Kūkaku's lingering affection level.
In the end, strangers don't develop goodwill for no reason. That was one of the reasons he'd decided to establish the student council in the first place.
Rukia and Hinamori weren't in the same year as him—without the council acting as a bridge, what excuse would he have to constantly seek them out just to make small talk?
Shiba Kūkaku wasn't at the Shin'ō Academy, nor was she in the Thirteenth Division. If he wanted to build something with her, he'd have to start by forming relationships with the people around her.
That was how it was with everyone. Once he graduated from the academy, there would inevitably be some distance between him and people like Hinamori and Rukia. Spending time with them every day would no longer be realistic.
He might meet new people in the future, but the reward tied to "Shinigami's Covenant" was too enticing to ignore.
Decades might sound long, but to a Shinigami—creatures with such long lifespans—it was no more than the blink of an eye.
...
The Student Council Headquarters Office.
Several members were still hard at work, sorting through club registration lists.
Since the interest club initiative began, the number of submissions had far exceeded expectations. Students from all six academic years wanted to join, which led to an entirely new problem: there simply weren't enough clubs.
As a result, each club had registered over a hundred members.
"So tired…"
Having just finished her share of the work, Hinamori stretched with a groan.
Hisagi Shūhei glanced out the window at the dimming sky. After a moment of thought, he said, "Everyone's worked hard. Let's wrap up for today and finish the rest tomorrow. When the president gets back, we'll make him treat us."
Momo Hinamori leaned her cheek against one hand, grumbling, "We didn't see the president all day. Dumped all this work on us and vanished—who knows what he's off doing."
Rukia said, "I'm sure the president had his own responsibilities."
Hinamori shot her a look, then just pouted.
Dusk had fallen. The sky was tinged with deep blue.
The two girls exited the office building together, strolling through the quiet campus and exchanging goodbyes with their fellow classmates.
"I should get going too," Rukia said to Hinamori.
"See you tomorrow…"
Hinamori had just raised her hand with a smile when something caught her eye, making her expression light up. Instead of waving goodbye, she redirected her gesture toward a figure approaching behind Rukia.
"President!"
Nobu had just returned and caught sight of the student council members on their way out.
Hinamori abandoned Rukia and jogged over to him.
"President, you were gone all day! Where'd you run off to?"
Rukia remained where she was, watching Hinamori's back as her lips tightened. After a moment, she walked over as well.
"President."
"I had some things to take care of. What about you all?"
Hinamori replied right away, "We were working, of course! These club applications nearly killed us!"
"You've all worked hard. In that case, let's go out to eat. My treat."
Nobu turned to call back the others who were leaving.
Rukia quickly added, "President, most of us already ate… I should head back too."
"All right. See you tomorrow."
Rukia bowed slightly and walked off toward the academy gate.
Watching her walk away, Hinamori tilted her head slightly, then smiled as she turned to Nobu.
"President, I've been working all day and I'm hungry again."
Nobu chuckled. "Then let's ask if anyone else wants to go too."
Hinamori pouted, "Everyone's already left…"
She had just said that when Shūhei walked out of the building behind them.
"Shūhei, want to grab a late-night bite with us?"
He was about to agree, but the sight of Hinamori gazing hopefully at him from beside Nobu made him stop.
"I'm not hungry."
And with that, he turned and left without another word.
Hinamori immediately beamed and grabbed Nobu's arm with both hands. "President, let's go eat outside the academy?"
"You know students aren't supposed to leave the grounds without permission. And it's late."
"It's fine, you're the president!"
"What about you? How will you get back into the dorm?"
At that, Hinamori faltered, her voice dropping. "Our dorm matron is... very understanding…"
After speaking, she seemed a little too embarrassed to meet his eyes and lowered her head.
"…All right. Let's go."
"President, you're the best! There's a really good izakaya just nearby—I'll take you there."
"You're planning to drink?"
"President, I've been working all day!"
---
T/N:
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