Unohana Retsu—oldest among the captains of the Gotei 13. A fearsome combatant whose strength was immense, she was also unrivaled in Kaidō. Within the current Gotei 13, she stood unquestionably first in healing arts.
Tachikawa Nobu—perhaps the most gifted shinigami of the past century. Barely a year out of Shin'ō Academy, he had already defeated Ichimaru Gin, a master of Bankai, despite claiming he had not yet achieved Bankai himself. His own proficiency in Kaidō was also impressive.
To the Soul Society, losing either of these two would be an immeasurable loss.
Neither loss would be acceptable to Seireitei.
Realizing everything clearly, Shiba Isshin was already breaking into a cold sweat. "My deepest apologies for my oversight, Sōtaichō-sama! Please revoke the previous orders immediately!"
Kyōraku Shunsui shook his head. "It's not that simple. If the worst-case scenario truly comes about, then the previous orders no longer matter. Right now, we must take precautions immediately."
Isshin hurriedly asked, "What can we do?"
Shunsui replied, "We could treat this as we did with Zaraki-taichō before." He turned to Yamamoto-sōtaichō. "Yama-jii, you'll need to step in personally and forbid Unohana-taichō from fighting Tachikawa."
Ukitake nodded. "That's our only option."
The three had already discussed this before Isshin had arrived.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, noticing Isshin's extreme anxiety, said gravely, "This matter has nothing to do with you personally. If anything, your agreement with Tachikawa Nobu was fortunate, as it allowed us to notice this early. The appointment of Tachikawa as the 10th Division captain can continue as planned."
Ukitake added, "For now, we're only preparing for the worst possible scenario. Nobu-kun is different from Zaraki-taichō. He's a measured and cautious person. Perhaps all this is merely our overthinking."
Isshin proposed, "Then why not summon Tachikawa and question him directly?"
Shunsui considered carefully, "And ideally, we should separate Tachikawa from Unohana-taichō. I'm not fully convinced Tachikawa is as cautious as you say—he privately set up inter-division sparring meets, and he even fought Zaraki-taichō in the 11th Division without any official reporting."
Yamamoto-sōtaichō nodded. "Then summon him here immediately."
...
When Nobu received the sudden summons to the 1st Division, he was thoroughly bewildered. Had he broken any rules lately?
Usually, he came here only for monthly vice-captain reports, or that one time for the Gotei 13 sparring meet arrangement.
As Sasakibe-fukutaichō led him into the Head-Captain's office, Nobu noticed the four captains already seated inside. He immediately suspected it had something to do with his future appointment as the 10th Division captain.
Were they pushing it forward?
"I greet Sōtaichō-sama and the three taichō," Nobu spoke respectfully.
Kyōraku smiled warmly. "Relax. We called you here just to talk about your upcoming promotion to the 10th Division captaincy."
"But isn't that still two years away?" Nobu asked.
Shiba Isshin smiled awkwardly. "Truth is, I'm getting impatient. Would it trouble you if you took over this year?"
Initially, Nobu didn't think much about it. But Isshin's flimsy excuse suddenly raised his guard.
What kind of shinigami couldn't wait two more years?
Yamamoto Genryūsai spoke up slowly. "The main reason is that Central 46 would prefer you assume command earlier. Do you have any objections?"
At this, Nobu slightly relaxed. If Central 46 didn't want two Shiba captains in the Gotei simultaneously, that would certainly be plausible.
After a brief thought, Nobu replied, "Naturally, I'll follow orders. But such a sudden change leaves me unprepared. Only one year has passed of the agreed three…"
"What concerns do you have?" Yamamoto asked directly.
"I still have unfinished matters in the 4th Division. I wish to complete what I started. I humbly request more time, Sōtaichō-sama."
"What matters?" Yamamoto pressed further.
"..." Nobu's eyes flickered subtly. He suddenly sensed something off about the atmosphere in the room. The four captains stared intently, as if searching him for hidden truths.
"Currently, the new Shin'ō graduates are selecting divisions. The 4th Division remains the least popular choice. I've been attempting to change this situation and would like to continue my efforts."
Isshin visibly relaxed hearing this explanation.
Nobu glanced briefly at him.
Kyōraku interjected, "Changing an entire division's reputation isn't achievable in just three years."
Nobu nodded calmly. "I understand. As long as the groundwork is firmly established, it'll suffice."
Kyōraku pressed again, "Then you can leave the task to Unohana-taichō and Kotetsu-fukutaichō. Even if you transfer, you can still advise them from afar."
Nobu: "…"
Now Nobu felt thoroughly unsettled. The attitudes of the captains present were overly insistent. If this was really Central 46's urgency, why were both Kyōraku and Ukitake here?
Moreover, shouldn't Unohana-taichō herself be present?
Central 46 had already agreed earlier—why the sudden reversal now?
At this moment, Yamamoto spoke abruptly, his voice grave. "Tachikawa Nobu, answer me directly. Besides your stated reason, is there another purpose for staying in the 4th Division?"
"..."
Ukitake let out an almost imperceptible sigh.
"Yes."
Nobu acknowledged without hesitation.
"Then why not state it clearly from the start?"
"It's just a minor matter," Nobu replied, expression calm and honest.
The room abruptly fell silent. The four captains stared at Nobu as if interrogating him.
"What is it?"
Nobu didn't hide anything: "I have long admired Unohana-taichō's past as the first Kenpachi. I've always wanted to personally receive her guidance."
"No," Yamamoto commanded sharply.
"Why not?"
"Unohana is no longer Kenpachi. She is now captain of the 4th Division."
Nobu chuckled lightly, "Whether she's Kenpachi or not, her sword skills remain."
"Absolutely not!"
"…"
"Next month, we'll officially hold your captain inauguration. Prepare yourself."
"…"
Nobu sighed inwardly, then spoke firmly, "I don't understand. It's just a spar."
Yamamoto fixed a stern gaze directly onto Nobu, silent for a long moment before speaking, "You need only prepare yourself to become the 10th Division captain."
Nobu stared back, then quietly added, "But perhaps Unohana-taichō herself is also waiting for this fight."
"I won't allow it."
"Does Sōtaichō-sama intend to strictly forbid Unohana-taichō and me from ever crossing blades? Both you and Unohana-taichō are the most senior figures in Soul Society. You understand our captain far better than I do. Isn't the reason you fear this precisely because you clearly understand her heart's true nature? Do you truly think forcing her to remain sealed like this won't cause problems in the future?"
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Boy, are you lecturing me?"
"I wouldn't dare. I'm merely speaking the truth. If not, I could've easily made something up earlier. Perhaps you wouldn't believe it, but even if I denied it, would Sōtaichō-sama imprison me? Unohana-taichō cannot remain forever in Seireitei, nor can I. Missions outside will inevitably bring opportunities. I say this to show my sincerity. My intent is simply to save our captain."
Save?
Just as Yamamoto's anger flared, Kyōraku suddenly called out, "Yama-jii."
Suppressing himself, Yamamoto remained silent. Kyōraku calmly regarded Nobu, secretly sighing inwardly.
This brat really isn't someone who'll ever quietly behave.
"You will die," Kyōraku warned softly.
"I won't."
---
T/N: Nobu: Nah I'd win