After a few days of treatment in Fourth Division, the Twelfth Division Captain, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, came in person.
He had received the news early, and brought with him a drug that could accelerate the growth of human organs.
Everything went smoothly. After undergoing "treatment" jointly administered by Mayuri and Fourth Division, Ukitake's lungs were finally restored to health. All that remained was a period of recuperation and observation.
Naturally, this result left everyone delighted.
Nobu once again received the Thirteenth Division's thanks.
And during the time Ukitake was temporarily staying in Fourth Division, the friendly match between Fourth Division and Thirteenth Division was held as scheduled.
The scene was on the same scale as when Eleventh Division had visited before. But thanks to that earlier experience, Fourth Division's members were no longer so shocked — in fact, there were far more volunteers signing up to participate than last time.
Shiba Kaien, however, had only brought ordinary members this time — not a single seated officer — which left Nobu slightly displeased.
The final result? Fourth Division actually had more victors than the Thirteenth.
Nobu suspected this was because Fourth Division had cured Ukitake, and Kaien wanted to pay back a little of that debt — letting them avoid a crushing defeat.
Nobu, though inwardly resigned, didn't blame Kaien for it.
And Captain Ukitake, who watched the entire match, showed no sign of displeasure that his own members were slightly outmatched. Instead, he praised the fact that Fourth Division's atmosphere was clearly no longer what it had been in the past.
With that, the matter was concluded.
Soon came the date for the vice-captains' reporting meeting.
Nobu went to First Division's barracks with Kotetsu Isane once more.
The meeting was, as usual, filled with each division's trivial matters. Nobu listened with a languid expression, nearly nodding off in sync with Madarame Ikkaku beside him.
But when the meeting ended, Sasakibe Chōjirō unexpectedly called Nobu aside.
"The Head Captain wishes to see you."
Nobu blinked in surprise.
He began to wonder at the reason. Regarding the Soul King's right hand, last time the Head Captain had barely mentioned it — only looked at his Zanpakutō.
Nobu had thought the matter was over, that the Head Captain of the Thirteen would have already made up his mind about it without needing to say anything to him.
When he entered the Head Captain's office, Yamamoto Shigekuni Genryūsai was alone.
"Head Captain," Nobu greeted.
The old man was silent for a moment, and did not motion for him to sit.
After a pause, he spoke slowly. "What you told me last time — I've considered it since. It is indeed right to give your Fourth Division some support."
Nobu's eyes lit slightly. "Many thanks, Head Captain. Then… you mean you've agreed to divide Seireitei's cleaning duties among the other divisions as well?"
Yamamoto's lean, weathered face held a trace of vigor as he replied evenly, "Since the Gotei 13 was founded, this duty has always fallen to Fourth Division. There are two main reasons.
First: in those early days, Soul Society was far from peaceful. Battles were frequent, and Fourth Division's numbers were far greater than now. Though the medical work was still heavy, most of your members stayed in the rear.
Second: compared to Fourth Division, other divisions faced far higher risks, with a much greater chance of death. The very first Fourth Division Captain took this duty on voluntarily."
Nobu's expression didn't change. "Head Captain, that was then — this is now. The environment in Soul Society is no longer the same. Some things should be improved."
At that, Yamamoto gave a faint smile. "But if I now order this duty split with other divisions, do you think there will be no complaints? Fourth Division might even face backlash in public opinion."
Nobu's eyes shifted slightly. "Then… does the Head Captain have a solution?"
The old man's tone turned. "Fourth Division has been seeking matches with other divisions lately — that was your idea, wasn't it?"
"…."
Thoughts flashed through Nobu's mind. He could sense the meaning behind the question.
"It was my suggestion," he admitted, "with Captain Unohana's approval."
It was only natural for the Head Captain to know. As Shiba Kaien had said, doing such a thing once in a while was fine, but doing it as often as Nobu did would inevitably draw attention from above.
At first, Nobu had even thought Sasakibe might bring it up in the vice-captains' meeting to convey First Division's stance.
But nothing had been said.
Nobu went on to explain that the purpose was to change Fourth Division's internal atmosphere, to raise their members' fighting ability so that on the battlefield they would not always be the ones needing extra protection.
"Next month, it's Tenth Division, isn't it?" Yamamoto asked.
Nobu nodded — he had already spoken to Matsumoto Rangiku, and she had agreed.
"This is a good thing," the Head Captain said at last. "It fosters exchange between divisions, encouraging mutual improvement. As long as you keep it within proper bounds, it may continue."
"My thanks for the Head Captain's understanding." Nobu bowed his head.
Then Yamamoto said slowly, "As for what we spoke of — the cleaning of Seireitei — it needs a method that everyone will accept."
Nobu had already guessed his intent. After a moment's silence, he said, "I understand. If we hold an exchange match between the divisions once a year, and the results decide which division handles the cleaning for the next year, then those lacking the skill would have no right to complain."
Yamamoto shook his head. "A month would be too often. A year is acceptable. But your Fourth Division may still privately hold matches with others as often as you wish."
"As you say, Head Captain." Nobu inclined his head — then added, "But… I hope you'll also show Fourth Division some favor, given how many years we've shouldered this burden."
"What kind of favor do you want?"
Nobu smiled. "Let me set the specific rules for the exchange match."
Yamamoto looked at him in surprise.
Truthfully, he hadn't expected Nobu to agree so readily. At first, he had thought to use this as a way to make Nobu retreat — after all, everyone knew Fourth Division's combat strength was the weakest in the Gotei 13.
If a public exchange match were really held, what would they have to win with?
"You're not planning to make kidō healing arts part of the competition, are you?"
"I wouldn't be so rude."
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes. "Then tell me."
"It's simple," Nobu said with a light smile. "I won't go into the fine details now — only that the matches be in the form of arena duels."
For a moment, Yamamoto was taken aback — then a glint of interest flickered in his eyes.
This kid…
---
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