Chapter 25: The Captains

The day before the Academy Festival, Shin was summoned to the headmaster's office.

"This is the list of captains who will be attending tomorrow. You are to arrange for their reception," said Chojiro Sasakibe as he handed Shin a document bearing a list of names.

Shin took a quick glance and saw the names of the captains of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 13th Divisions.

"Quite a turnout," he remarked, inwardly marveling at the sheer influence of Kaien Shiba.

"With so many high-ranking figures coming, we cannot afford any mishaps," Sasakibe cautioned.

In addition to the captains, many rank-and-file Shinigami from the Gotei 13 would be attending, promising a very lively event.

"Headmaster, you're placing a major responsibility on my shoulders. Wouldn't it be more appropriate for the Academy instructors to handle this?"

Sasakibe replied, "The instructors need only focus on teaching. I believe it is beneficial for you students to handle other aspects of the work."

Shin felt a bit helpless. The Student Council was already short-handed, and with tomorrow being the busiest day, diverting members to reception duties would leave them severely understaffed.

After a moment of contemplation, he handed the document back. Sasakibe looked at him, puzzled.

"It’s not that I’m unwilling, but we simply don't have the manpower. We need to ensure the festival runs smoothly tomorrow; all Student Council members have duties to attend to and cannot be spared," Shin explained.

Sasakibe frowned slightly.

Shin then added, "Headmaster, I actually believe these captains don't necessarily need a formal reception. They are coming here to enjoy themselves. If we treat this like an official inspection, wouldn't that be redundant?"

Sasakibe couldn't help but interject, "You boy, do you even realize what kind of people these captains are?" Even as the Headmaster of the Shinigami Academy, he dared not show the slightest disrespect toward them.

Shin spread his hands. "Of course I realize that. I just think it would be more appropriate to treat them as guests visiting the school festival rather than mascots to be pandered to. Perhaps they might prefer to wander around undisturbed?"

Sasakibe paused, his expression frozen.

"What do you think, Headmaster?"

Sasakibe thought it over carefully. He could have easily taken the lead himself, but Shin's words had made him hesitate. These captains were here to show their support for the academy—a place most of them had graduated from. In terms of seniority, some, like the captains of the 8th and 13th Divisions, were even his elders.

Sasakibe re-evaluated Shin, his thoughts racing. Finally, he nodded. "There is some truth to what you say. However, the Academy cannot simply ignore them. Shin, you will be the one to greet them tomorrow. If the captains' wishes are as you say, that would be for the best. If not, you must be responsible for hosting them properly."

With that, Shin had no choice but to agree.

***

The next morning, at the main gate of the Shinigami Academy.

The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, and cherry blossoms drifted through the air like clouds. The atmosphere was filled with a faint, sweet fragrance. Shin stood alone, waiting, watching the Shinigami stream in from outside, occasionally casting his gaze toward the sky. Since Rukia was occupied with a performance today, he had no assistants with him.

Finally, a cluster of figures appeared at the edge of his vision. White *haori* were the most eye-catching attire in the Soul Society, and seeing several at once was quite a sight.

Shin immediately shed his relaxed demeanor and jogged forward as they approached.

"The Shinigami Academy and the Student Council welcome the arrival of the honorable captains."

Just as the list from Headmaster Sasakibe had indicated, the arrivals were Captain Retsu Unohana of the 4th, Captain Sosuke Aizen of the 5th, Captain Ginrei Kuchiki of the 6th, Captain Shunsui Kyoraku of the 8th, Captain Isshin Shiba of the 10th, and Captain Jushiro Ukitake of the 13th. Accompanying them, with the exception of the 6th Division, were their respective lieutenants.

Shin had seen some of them before, and others he hadn't, but he was familiar with them all.

"We meet again, student Tachikawa," Aizen said with a smile.

"Is it just you?" Isshin asked, glancing around. They had come specifically, and he hadn't expected only one person to be there to greet them.

Shin replied respectfully, "Headmaster Sasakibe stated that since today is the Academy Festival, all the captains are here as guests to enjoy the event, not as officials. Therefore, there is no need for a formal procession, as we feared it might inconvenience the captains and dampen your spirits. Furthermore, as this is your alma mater, you don't need guides to visit."

Isshin raised an eyebrow. Compared to the other captains, he was relatively junior, so he knew Sasakibe well. This did not sound like something the Headmaster would do.

"That is well said. It has been quite some time since I last returned to the Academy," said the handsome, silver-haired young man beside him. It was Jushiro Ukitake, captain of the 13th Division and Kaien Shiba's direct superior. He was one of the most senior captains in the Gotei 13, a man whom even the white-haired Ginrei Kuchiki addressed as a senior.

Beside him was Shunsui Kyoraku of the 8th Division. He was dressed quite flamboyantly, wearing a pink kimono over his white captain's *haori*, which looked somewhat like women's clothing. He appeared more weather-beaten than the handsome Ukitake, with brownish, wavy, shoulder-length hair tied in a ponytail and a beard on his chin.

"So, this must be the Student Council President," he said, looking at Shin with a lazy, flirtatious tone. He wasn't wearing his straw hat today. "Quite an impressive young man."

"Thank you for the compliment, Captain Kyoraku," Shin replied.

Kyoraku teased, "I’ve heard that several divisions are competing to recruit you."

Shin looked surprised. "Is that so?"

Matsumoto Rangiku, standing by Isshin, couldn't help but roll her eyes at his feigned ignorance.

Kaien Shiba, standing beside Ukitake, mercilessly exposed him: "Captains, don't be fooled by this kid's innocent look. He’s quite calculating—he even turns his nose up at 3rd seat positions."

At these words, those present who were unaware of the situation cast curious glances at him. Kotetsu Isane suddenly remembered something; no wonder Shin had asked her about the 3rd seat position back then—she had actually thought he didn't know anything!

Shin inwardly groaned. He hadn't expected Kaien to blurt that out. Was he holding a grudge because he couldn't get him into the 10th Division?

"Lieutenant Shiba, you wrong me! How could I dare to look down on a 3rd seat?"

"Is that so?" Isshin asked with a grin, speaking for his nephew. "Rangiku and Kaien have both invited you, yet it seems they’ve never gotten a straight answer from you."

Under the pressure of everyone's gaze, Shin felt a headache coming on. Just as he was about to change the subject, he heard a voice as gentle as water.

"It seems the division he truly desires is neither the 10th nor the 13th. Since that is the case, why must you press him?"

Shin looked up and met a gentle, beautiful face.