Chapter 30: Hitsugaya

The captains did not remain at the Spiritual Arts Academy for the entire day. Although there were still programs scheduled for the afternoon, they planned to depart around midday.

Shin walked beside Unohana, accompanying them the entire way until he saw them off at the main gate of the Academy.

"It was truly quite interesting today. This cultural festival is a rare treat; I have a feeling it will be held every year from now on, which means more fun and enjoyment to look forward to in the future," Kyoraku Shunsui said with a cheerful smile to Shin before leaving.

"Tachikawa, you have certainly made an excellent start. The history of the Spiritual Arts Academy will remember your name," Ukitake Jushiro noted, his tone markedly more formal.

"It is a pity that Student Tachikawa has already been slated for a division; otherwise, I would have certainly been tempted to poach you for the Fifth Division," Aizen said with a smile.

"Captain Aizen, would it be such a pity for him to join our Fourth Division?" Unohana Retsu asked, her face full of smiles at his remark.

"You misunderstand!" Aizen immediately feigned a nervous, sweating expression.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Shin responded formally, "Please allow me, on behalf of all the faculty and students of the Spiritual Arts Academy, to thank you, Captains and Lieutenants, for coming to show your support. You are all welcome to visit the Academy often in the years to come."

The captains and their respective lieutenants turned and departed. Once they were gone, Shin finally felt a wave of hunger. He returned to the central platform, where he found Hisagi Shuhei still busy giving orders.

"Still hard at work?"

Hearing his voice, Shuhei looked over and asked, "Have the captains left?"

"They have."

Shuhei couldn't help but complain, "You have it easy; I’ve been worked to death today."

"Do you think being around those captains is an easy task?" Shin retorted dryly.

Shuhei thought about it and realized he was right; if it had been him standing before those captains, he would surely have been even more nervous. This was clearly a job only Shin was suited for. Ever since the Student Council was established, Shin’s status at the Academy had soared; even their homeroom teacher, Nandeda Hidezawa, could not manage to interact with the captains as frequently as he did. Among the students, no one else had managed to catch the eyes of the captains as early as Shin.

"President!"

Hinamori Momo and Rukia called out as they walked over, accompanied by a white-haired boy.

Shin smiled. "It’s you all. I watched your performance today; you did a great job. Even the Captain of the Eighth Division was praising you."

Hinamori chuckled, "President, don't forget our agreement!" She was referring to Shin’s promise that if they performed on stage, he would grant each of them one wish.

"I remember," Shin said with a light laugh before turning his gaze to the white-haired boy. The boy looked rather comical in the oversized Academy uniform, which made it hard not to grin. However, the spiritual pressure radiating from him surpassed that of many students at the Academy; yet, he clearly did not know how to control it, so he made no effort to restrain it.

"Is this your friend?"

"Yes!" Hinamori immediately made the introductions. "This is Hitsugaya Toshiro. Toshiro, this is our President, Tachikawa Shin."

Hitsugaya eyed the kind-faced young man, pondered for a moment, and gave a slight bow. "Hello. I’m sorry for the trouble today."

Shin just smiled. "It’s nothing. I could see Hinamori’s heartfelt efforts. How about this? Since it’s lunchtime, let’s go eat."

The group of five headed to the Academy cafeteria. Hinamori kept introducing the food to Hitsugaya, pointing out what was delicious and what she thought he would enjoy, while Hitsugaya listened quietly. After they found a seat, Hinamori started the conversation.

"President, you were with the Fourth Division Captain all day. Have you decided that you’re going to the Fourth Division after graduation?"

"I suppose so," Shin replied while eating.

Hinamori said, "I heard the Fourth Division is different from the others; it focuses on the study of Kaido. We haven't even started learning Kaido formally yet."

"You will learn it eventually. Kaido is a very profound subject, though the instruction at the Academy is somewhat superficial and it isn't given the same weight as other courses. If you are interested later on, you will have to find ways to put in the effort yourself."

Hinamori nodded thoughtfully and asked, "Then your Kaido must be very impressive, President!"

Shin laughed, "Only average. My Zanpakuto is of the Kaido-type, which is why I was recommended to the Fourth Division."

"I don't believe you! I’ve heard for a long time that you are at the top of your class in all subjects!"

"Who said that? The one with the best grades in Kaido in our year is clearly Aonika, right, Shuhei?"

Hisagi Shuhei, buried in his food, simply mumbled an "Mm" in response.

Hitsugaya ate in silence. The Academy food was indeed quite good and had a wide variety. He watched Hinamori, who kept asking questions, and then looked at Tachikawa Shin sitting across from them.

"President, what does it feel like to be around the captains? What are they like as people?" Hinamori asked curiously.

"They are all quite good. Although their personalities differ, I can feel that they are all kind people, and very powerful."

"I can feel it too; their spiritual pressure is completely different from ours!" Hinamori nodded seriously.

"If you go to the Fourth Division, will you become a Third Seat immediately, President?"

Shin looked helpless. "Who did you hear that from?"

"Rukia!"

Rukia, sitting nearby, nervously spoke up, "I’m sorry, President, it’s because of the time Lieutenant Shiba visited..."

"It’s not as simple as you think. When all is said and done, I am still just a student. If I graduate successfully, I should start as a regular division member. A seated position is not just an honor; it represents a responsibility."

"The President speaks so well!" Hinamori smiled. "But I believe that even if you start as a regular member, you will be promoted quickly!"

Shin just smiled, glancing sideways at Hitsugaya, who was eating quietly.

"Hitsugaya, is it? Would you like to attend the Spiritual Arts Academy?"

Being called by name suddenly made Hitsugaya Toshiro freeze, and the others turned their gazes toward him.

"Hinamori really hopes you will come, and becoming a Shinigami is a very honorable thing."

In the Soul Society, there was no better profession than that of a Shinigami. Hinamori was overjoyed to hear her President encouraging Hitsugaya.

Hitsugaya put down his chopsticks, looking hesitant. He remained silent for a long moment before saying, "I have a grandmother at home who needs care..."

"If I may be blunt," Shin interrupted, "you might not feel it yourself, but I can sense that the spiritual pressure within you is very strong. Such power indicates incredible talent, but you do not know how to control it, which is not a good thing for the ordinary people around you who have no spiritual power."

Hitsugaya was bewildered. "What do you mean?"

"Your spiritual pressure is leaking constantly, and ordinary people cannot withstand high-intensity spiritual pressure. If your grandmother has no spiritual power..."

Shin paused. "You will end up killing her."