Chapter 136: Recognition
This was an unspoken problem in quite a few divisions.
In divisions with more relaxed atmospheres and lots of personnel, the slightest closeness between men and women sparked rumors.
Even Suoh himself—his relationship with Rukia was only slightly closer than with ordinary squad members.
Yet after they'd spoken a few times, groundless rumors about them circulated through the division.
Even Konoe Hidezo, an honest, straightforward guy, had privately asked Suoh to confirm whether the gossip was true.
It was absurd. But also very real.
"Don't worry, Rangiku. Just stay comfortable as lieutenant. Once Tsukasa and I master Bankai, we'll just become captains ourselves."
Hitsugaya added from the side, consoling her.
Acting completely casual about it.
Rangiku looked at him, then at the other two who clearly agreed.
After a long moment, she pursed her lips, turning her face away, voice lowering.
"...You guys just love to talk."
"...Fine, I get it. Stop nagging!"
With everything out in the open, the atmosphere relaxed considerably.
Suoh dropped the topic, naturally shifting to Isshin's New Year plans instead.
He smiled at Isshin, extending an invitation.
"By the way, Isshin-ojisan, Hitsugaya and I are planning to return to Terada-ya in West Rukongai for New Year. Rangiku's coming too. Would you like to—"
Before he could finish, Isshin waved his hand helplessly, face showing a 'don't even mention it' bitter smile.
"I'll pass. You all have fun."
"Captains have responsibilities. During New Year especially, we need to guard the division, watch over Seireitei."
"It's the rules. It's our duty."
"I appreciate the thought, but don't worry about me. Plenty of squad members stay in the barracks for New Year. I'll have their company."
He spoke casually, but the words carried a captain's responsibility and warmth.
The reason he couldn't leave wasn't just duty—it was also caring for those who stayed.
Hearing this, Suoh nodded in understanding, responding easily.
"Alright then. We'll taste extra helpings of New Year dishes for you."
"When we get back, I'll bring you some good drinking snacks. We'll make up for it!"
"You little brat, always knowing what to say!"
Isshin laughed and cursed, but warmth filled his eyes.
That afternoon, Seireitei's sunlight was perfect.
After leaving Tenth Division barracks, Suoh didn't head straight back to Thirteenth. He changed direction.
His plan all along had been to visit Fourth Division after delivering the pills.
Fourth Division barracks.
The environment here carried its usual medicinal scent.
With his Special Emergency Medical Team Captain status, Suoh needed no announcement. He could move freely through Fourth Division facilities.
He walked the familiar clean, bright corridors toward the duty room where Isane Kotetsu usually worked.
Occasionally he passed Fourth Division members he knew. They'd stop to greet him warmly.
Since taking the position and demonstrating exceptional healing kidou skills before the squad members, he'd earned considerable respect in Fourth Division.
That respect came from both strength and dedication.
Soon enough, he stopped at the door, spotting a familiar figure.
Isane sat at a long table, head down reviewing several medical records, expression focused.
Sunlight streamed through the side window, illuminating her silver-gray short hair. She looked gentle yet serious.
"Good afternoon, Isane-neesan."
Suoh knocked lightly on the half-open door with bent knuckles.
"Oh, Tsukasa! Come in! What brings you here today?"
Hearing his voice, Isane looked up. Seeing Suoh, her face immediately bloomed into a bright smile.
"There shouldn't be any emergency treatment tasks for the Special Team today, right? Are you feeling unwell somewhere again?"
Setting down her files, she quickly walked over, speaking with concern.
Approaching him, her gaze habitually swept over his face and body, instinctively raising her hand to examine him.
Normally, when the Special Emergency Team had tasks, she handled contact and arrangements.
"No, no, I'm perfectly healthy."
Facing Isane's sudden concern, Suoh quickly waved his hands.
"It's something else. Remember those seeds I requested before? Some herbs have matured. After processing them, I picked out the best quality ones to show Captain Unohana."
"I came to say hello to you first, and ask if the captain has time this afternoon?"
He immediately pulled out an oil-paper package from inside his uniform, unwrapping it to show her while explaining.
It wasn't that he couldn't go directly to Unohana alone. He just felt somewhat uncomfortable being alone in a room with her.
Because he knew her too well, facing her always created an extremely subtle feeling.
Like he was a fruit tree carefully planted in her orchard, waiting to grow, blossom, and bear fruit before being happily harvested.
Though it was probably just paranoia. After all, she was interested in Zaraki Kenpachi, not small fry like his current self.
But when actually interacting with her, that indescribable feeling of being seen through, of being watched—it made his thoughts somewhat unsettled, unable to fully relax.
Having gentle Isane present made the atmosphere much more comfortable and natural.
"They've grown this quickly?"
Isane's attention was immediately drawn to the herbs in the package.
Her eyes widened slightly as she leaned closer, carefully examining the properly processed herbs inside, then sniffing their scent.
"The quality looks really excellent. Did you cultivate a medicinal garden at Thirteenth Division barracks?"
She asked casually about the location without any intent to probe secrets.
More curiosity about the short growth cycle and instinctive attention to the herbs' quality.
Suoh smiled openly.
"My zanpakuto Kikou has special abilities. I can adjust lighting to a certain degree, shortening some growth cycles."
"As for the garden—it's at my secret base, not at Thirteenth Division."
"I see. But growing such high-quality herbs in such a short time is really impressive!"
"Captain Unohana isn't too busy right now. She should be in her office. Shall I take you there?"
Isane nodded in understanding without asking details, face showing an encouraging smile as she praised him.
She greatly approved of Suoh's extra effort and results in medical-related matters.
"Thanks, Isane-neesan."
Suoh smiled his gratitude, rewrapping and securing the package.
"No need to be so formal with me."
Isane smiled and shook her head, turning to tidy up her desk before closing the door.
She'd always liked Suoh.
Initially because her sister had specifically asked her to look after him. Her love for her sister naturally extended to caring for him.
But through later interactions and getting to know him better, she'd seen Suoh's steady, serious approach to people and matters—qualities that didn't quite match his age or appearance. Her feelings gradually transformed into recognition and appreciation of him as a person.
So she was quite warm and happy to help.
"Mm."
"With such good materials, the captain will definitely be interested..."
The two walked side by side, chatting casually as they headed toward the captain's office.
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