What does he mean by that?
Could he be hinting… that he wants me to take the position of Third Division Captain?
Nobu's mind turned the thought over.
Come to think of it, it wasn't all that surprising. The strength he had shown in the arena today was already at Captain-class; in that respect, he was entirely qualified.
And the talk of Ichimaru Gin becoming Third Division's captain was still only a rumor circulating among the Gotei 13's higher ranks—far from confirmed.
In terms of pure ability, Nobu was indeed the stronger of the two.
And beyond strength, there was his track record—founding the Student Council at the Academy, organizing a cultural festival, and now spearheading the internal reforms within Fourth Division. All of it proved he had the capability to manage a division.
Even so… Nobu had little interest. At least, not now.
Within the Gotei 13, the Third Division's standing was relatively low. Fourth Division, at the very least, was the only medical squad—an indispensable role. The "disdain" other divisions had toward them applied only to personal combat strength; in reality, aside from the brutes of the Eleventh Division, most Shinigami still showed a measure of respect to Fourth's members.
The Third Division, by contrast, was a support unit—not only for combat but also to fill manpower shortages in other divisions' duties and missions.
In short: a brick to be moved wherever needed.
And in terms of importance, among the Thirteen, they were unremarkable at best.
Of course, that wasn't the main reason.
His path to strength came entirely from the system—and the system's benefits only came from interacting with certain women.
What would the Third Division offer him?
Nothing but the empty title of "Captain."
He hadn't yet exhausted the opportunities in Fourth Division; he had no thought of transferring.
So he answered at once, "Ichimaru-fukutaichō has already mastered bankai. I've heard he's very likely to become Third Division's Captain. He's a highly capable Shinigami—more than suited for the role."
Yamamoto said nothing, his eyes fixed on Nobu.
Perhaps he was surprised—after all, in the entire Gotei 13, few could resist the allure of a Captain's seat.
Off to the side, Unohana's lips curved faintly, almost imperceptibly.
From Nobu's calm expression, Yamamoto could tell—anyone with sense would have caught his meaning, yet this man clearly had no interest.
He let the topic drop.
"Then tell me—can you explain why you insisted on doing what you did today?"
Nobu knew instantly he meant his deliberate targeting of the Sixth Division through the exchange meet.
But how to answer? Tell him it was because he thought it unfair and felt indignant? That would sound childish.
Looking at the man who held the highest authority in Soul Society, Nobu suddenly smiled.
"I just thought the Soul Society's been a little too quiet lately. I wanted to do something… livelier."
Even Unohana's eyes showed a flicker of surprise at that.
This brat really dares to say anything.
Yamamoto's gaze darkened, and the atmosphere in the office grew heavy.
Livelier?
In his view, had Nobu said something about resenting the nobles' arrogance—given his Rukongai origins—Yamamoto might have understood.
He had been a Captain for a thousand years, seen countless people and events. At his age, there was only one thing he truly dreaded.
Chaos.
The Gotei 13 existed to protect the safety of Seireitei, and Seireitei—and the Shinigami—existed to preserve the stability of the Three Worlds.
And this boy dared say, to his face, that he found Soul Society's peace boring?
Yamamoto's old features hardened. He stared at Nobu without speaking—
Then Nobu added, "Didn't you say yourself, Head-Captain, that this meet has brought new vitality to the Gotei 13?"
"…"
Nobu didn't look away; his gaze was steady, clear, without concealment or fear.
And the cold set of Yamamoto's face eased.
In the end, all Nobu had done was make trouble for the noble houses.
Could that truly be called chaos?
Perhaps the hat was too big.
At worst, Tachikawa Nobu was… someone who refused to sit quietly.
"I understand. You may go."
After a long silence, Yamamoto finally spoke again.
Nobu bowed and withdrew.
Once he was gone, Yamamoto asked Unohana, "What do you think of him?"
"In what regard?" she asked with a mild smile.
He didn't answer. There was only one regard he could mean.
Strength and talent were obvious enough.
Character, then?
As his Captain, she ought to know him better.
Or perhaps… she knew, and didn't care.
Yamamoto knew Unohana too well. He realized he'd asked a pointless question.
For an ordinary soldier, she would know every detail. But with Nobu, the qualities he showed might, in her eyes, all be overshadowed by one single trait—whatever that trait was.
Yamamoto exhaled quietly.
Perhaps I shouldn't let Tachikawa Nobu remain in Fourth Division.
But if he refused the Third Division Captaincy, where else could he go?
There were some divisions still lacking vice-captains—but if he wouldn't take a Captain's post, why would he take a vice-captain's?
...
Outside the office, Nobu soon ran into Kotetsu Isane.
She was directing several members in the cleanup after the exchange meet.
"Isane-nee."
She looked at him with a touch of concern.
"What did the Head-Captain say to you?"
"Nothing much," Nobu said lightly. "Just asked if I'd be willing to be Third Division's Captain."
Isane blinked.
"Ah—" She clapped a hand over her mouth.
She had half-feared the Head-Captain might punish Nobu for what he'd done in the meet.
"You…"
"I didn't agree," Nobu said.
Her eyes widened. "Why not? That's Captain!"
"What about it?" Nobu smiled.
She was at a loss for words. All she could think was—
It's Captain!
Did he not understand what that meant?
"I couldn't bear to leave Fourth Division," Nobu added.
"…"
"Most of all, I couldn't bear to leave you, Isane-nee."
Color flared in Isane's cheeks. She glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then shot him a mock glare and murmured, "Don't say stupid things."
"How is that stupid? I mean it," Nobu said.
Her heart was in a panic. In broad daylight, here he was saying things like this again.
Face still warm, she hurried out, "I—I don't have time to joke with you. I've got work to do."
"Isane-nee, do you remember our promise from before?"
"…"
Her lips pressed together, head lowering unconsciously.
Nobu smiled at her.
"Get back to work. I'll come find you later."
When he walked away, she finally lifted her head again, eyes a little unfocused.
On his way toward the medical ward, Nobu noticed the shift on his system interface—
[Kotetsu Isane]
[Affection: 73]