8th Division, Vice-Captain's Office.
"Ise-fukutaichō, here is this year's graduation roster from Shin'ō Academy." Kanisawa placed a stack of documents neatly on Ise Nanao's desk.
"I've already checked their division preferences. This stack is for those who wish to join our 8th Division; these others are students with outstanding grades whom we could try to win over."
She separated the files into three tidy piles as she explained to Ise Nanao.
Nanao picked up one pile, flipping through casually, gauging its thickness before remarking, "Numbers look about the same as last year."
The 8th Division wasn't exactly the most distinguished among the Gotei 13. Much like the 1st Division, most of its duties were administrative and rarely combat-related, making it a favorite for those shinigami who disliked battle. Each year, many students would naturally choose the 8th Division.
After reviewing Kanisawa's carefully prepared files on the top students, Nanao asked, "How likely do you think it is we'll successfully recruit these candidates?"
"Not very," Kanisawa answered honestly.
Nanao sighed, resignation on her face. "That's true."
Though the 8th Division attracted many graduates annually, it rarely got the truly gifted. Talented students had their pride and usually didn't wish to come to a division infamous for its "laid-back" atmosphere.
She said, "As the captain goes, so goes the division. Our 8th Division's laid-back reputation is entirely thanks to the captain we've got!"
Kanisawa tactfully remained silent.
"And where is he?" Nanao asked again.
"Lying down in the corridor," Kanisawa answered plainly.
A vein pulsed on Nanao's temple.
Without another word, she grabbed the files, stood abruptly, and marched outside. Spotting the figure sprawled lazily across the corridor floor, she immediately delivered a sharp kick.
"Hiss—!"
Kyōraku Shunsui sucked in a sharp breath, clutching his kicked backside with one hand while lifting the straw hat from his face with the other.
"Nanao-chan, are you trying to murder your captain?!"
"Work!" Nanao dumped the files onto his chest in a messy heap.
Shunsui sat up reluctantly, gathering the scattered documents with a resigned sigh. "Can't even steal a little nap… Well, I'm reassured knowing you're handling division matters."
"You leave everything to me. Are you trying to work me to death?"
"Come now, that's unfair," Shunsui defended himself. "It's not like I completely ignore all duties. You're simply too capable, Nanao-chan. Many captains envy me for having such a competent vice-captain! Plus, Kanisawa is quite efficient as well; she helps share your burden. Actually, I've been thinking of promoting her to a seated officer soon. How about Ninth Seat?"
Scanning through the files briefly, he continued, "Look, plenty of candidates want to join our division. Just tell the 1st Division to assign them here."
Nanao frowned. "It's not that simple. The 3rd and 4th Divisions don't have many applicants, but they still need to select members carefully."
Shunsui flopped back down, hat covering his face again, lazily murmuring, "You can handle it. If the 3rd or 4th Divisions have their eyes on anyone specific, just let them choose first. Anyway, the 3rd Division already has Kaien-taichō, and isn't the 4th Division implementing some reforms? Are those two divisions still getting the fewest applications?"
"Kaien-taichō hasn't been captain for very long. And even if the 4th Division wants to shift their image, change won't happen overnight. It'll take at least a decade, I'd guess."
"A decade, huh..." Shunsui clicked his tongue.
"..."
Suddenly, he bolted upright, straw hat sliding off to the side.
Nanao, startled by his abruptness, froze momentarily.
"You said—a decade…" he muttered, staring intently at her.
Confused, Nanao replied hesitantly, "I'm guessing it'll take at least that long. Perhaps even longer…"
Shunsui fell into a stunned silence, murmuring to himself, "Right... Why didn't I realize it sooner… How did I overlook that…?"
"What are you talking about?"
Instead of answering, Shunsui sprang to his feet, swiftly placed his hat back on, and turned to leave without explanation.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm heading to the 1st Division!"
...
1st Division Headquarters.
Shiba Isshin had been unexpectedly summoned, leaving him slightly puzzled. Approaching the Head-Captain's office, he noticed Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō were already present.
"Is something the matter, Head-Captain?"
If it were ordinary business, Sasakibe-fukutaichō or another subordinate would relay it. Even urgent tasks rarely required this kind of lineup.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, expression grave, said only: "Sit."
Confused, Isshin obeyed, sitting opposite Yamamoto-sōtaichō.
"I'll explain," Shunsui began. "It's about Tachikawa Nobu."
"Tachikawa? Has something happened to him?"
Isshin grew even more perplexed.
Given the circumstances, he assumed the topic must relate to Nobu succeeding him as the 10th Division captain in two years, a decision long agreed upon.
Could the Head-Captain have changed his mind?
Or was it the Central 46...?
Shunsui asked directly, "Previously, you said the three-year wait agreed upon with Tachikawa was because he wanted to spend some more time in the 4th Division dealing with certain issues, correct?"
Isshin pondered briefly. "That's right. And besides, three years would prevent Kaien from feeling uncomfortable."
Shunsui pressed further, "Did Tachikawa explicitly tell you face-to-face what exactly he planned to do in the 4th Division? Do you actually know?"
Isshin reflexively answered, "Isn't it the reform he's been pushing in the 4th Division? He wants them to shake off their unpopular reputation among shinigami."
Yamamoto-sōtaichō intervened gravely, "Did he personally tell you this reason?"
"This…" Isshin paused, startled. Nobu had never explicitly said so, though Isshin had always assumed it.
Seeing his reaction, Shunsui sighed deeply. "That's exactly the issue. We've all assumed Tachikawa's goal was reform. But is three years really enough to change an entire division's image?"
Isshin thought carefully. "He doesn't necessarily need the reform to be completed. Just getting it started should suffice."
Yamamoto asked firmly, "Can you absolutely guarantee that's the case?"
Isshin, frustrated, countered, "Head-Captain, I don't understand your point. Surely Tachikawa wouldn't do something detrimental to Soul Society?"
Ukitake gently interjected, "Shiba-taichō, you are aware of Unohana-taichō's past, are you not?"
Isshin nodded cautiously. "But what does this have to do with Unohana-taichō?"
"Tachikawa-kun is extraordinarily talented for his age, born in Zaraki District of Rukongai, with swordsmanship as his greatest strength... Don't you feel these traits closely resemble someone else?"
Isshin froze suddenly.
Shunsui continued grimly, "Previously, Tachikawa fought Zaraki-taichō in a spar—and Tachikawa won."
"..."
Isshin remained stunned, realization slowly dawning, every hair on his body standing on end.
Ukitake spoke softly, voice heavy with meaning, "If our guess is correct, and Tachikawa merely wants to spend extra time genuinely reforming the 4th Division, that's best. But if it's the scenario we dread..."
"With Unohana-senpai's personality, she and Nobu-kun—"
"I'm afraid only one can live."
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T/NM: welcmoe back nobu