"[Shigan, Higan]…"
The teacher responsible for logging the details repeated the name as he wrote it down, then chuckled. "Sounds like the name of two swords."
"And what about the ability?" the other teacher asked.
Nobu put on a thoughtful expression, then smiled lightly. "I haven't fully figured it out yet… but I'd say it leans toward healing."
[Shigan, Higan(Partial Release)]
[Type: Rule-Based]
In truth, the name did belong to two swords—[Shigan] was a katana, and [Higan] a tantō.
In Buddhist terms, "shigan" symbolizes the world of life, death, and suffering—the mundane realm. "higan" signifies nirvana—enlightenment.
Unlike most Shinigami, Nobu's blade was not forged from an asauchi. It had been formed directly from his own spiritual pressure—a manifestation of his soul, shaped by force of will.
"Healing, huh?"
Even Nanada Hideaki looked visibly surprised, along with the other two teachers present.
After all, healing-type zanpakutō were extremely rare. The only well-known example was Minazuki, the blade of Fourth Division Captain Unohana Retsu. Even within the Fourth—the designated medical corps—Shinigami with healing zanpakutō were few and far between.
What startled Nanada most was that Nobu's weakest subject on paper… was kaidō.
Of course, that was only compared to Nobu's other scores—which were consistently exceptional. Even his kaidō abilities were still among the best in his cohort. Just not as absurdly far ahead as his swordsmanship.
A trace of concern flickered across Nanada's expression. In his eyes, Nobu's zanpakutō ability might end up limiting his future path. His swordsmanship was so outstanding…
"Would you mind demonstrating?" the teacher continued.
Nobu nodded.
Truthfully, calling it a "healing-type" blade just seemed like the most appropriate label.
Without hesitation, he drew the black asauchi. Then, under the eyes of all three instructors, he calmly slashed open the palm of his left hand.
Blood spilled immediately.
But a moment later, spiritual light surged across the blade's surface. The wound on Nobu's palm vanished without a trace—as if it had never existed.
"…Incredible," one of the teachers muttered.
"That kind of healing ability is no joke!" the other said, unable to hide his admiration. "There's not even a scar left. That takes advanced kaidō—if this is what it can already do, it has serious potential. If properly developed, it could become an extraordinary healing-type zanpakutō."
And the wielder was Tachikawa Nobu, a certified genius. For the Soul Society, this was a blessing.
The two instructors asked follow-up questions, requesting more details and several repeat demonstrations. When Nobu didn't want to reveal something, he simply said, "I only just awakened it—I'm still figuring it out."
Once the registration was complete and all information about the zanpakutō had been recorded, the two teachers finally left.
Nobu plopped down unceremoniously in Nanada's seat, let out a long breath, and muttered, "What a hassle."
Then, glancing at Nanada, he added, "You're looking a little grim, Sensei. Something wrong?"
Nanada fixed him with a serious gaze. "Nobu… do you understand what your zanpakutō's ability means?"
Nobu gave a lopsided smile. "Not really. Should I?"
"Once it's registered, your information becomes accessible to all the divisions. When you graduate, you'll almost certainly be assigned to the Fourth Division. No—I'd say it's practically guaranteed."
Healing-type zanpakutō were that rare. Among a thousand Shinigami, there might not be even one.
The Soul Society didn't lack for powerful warriors. What it truly lacked… were those who could save lives.
"So? What's wrong with the Fourth?" Nobu asked casually.
Nanada hesitated, then spoke in earnest. "Your zanjutsu, kidō, hakuda, and shunpo are all top of your year. Especially your swordsmanship. In all my years of teaching, I've never seen a student with your kind of talent. You have a limitless future—one day, becoming a lieutenant or even a captain isn't out of the question. But the Fourth Division… it's not the right fit. Not for someone like you."
Leaning back in his seat, Nobu replied slowly, "But if this is what my zanpakutō is, what can I do? You're talking like my future's already been carved in stone."
Nanada could only sigh.
It wasn't that he looked down on medics—far from it. He simply couldn't bear to see Nobu's potential in swordsmanship wasted in a support unit.
"Come on, Sensei. I appreciate the concern, really. But I'm not in a rush. No need to worry so much. Who can say what the future holds?"
He stood and offered a light-hearted wave.
"If that's all, I'll be off. Thanks again, Sensei. See you."
He carried the asauchi with him as he left, making a mental note to mark it somehow later—just in case it got mixed up with the hundreds of others in storage. That would be a disaster.
Outside the boys' dorm, Nobu found Kanisawa and Hisagi waiting for him.
"Well, well. Waiting on me?"
He grinned as he strolled over.
Both of them had their eyes fixed on the sword in his arms. When he reached them, Nobu handed it over without hesitation so they could get a closer look.
"Your zanpakutō…" Hisagi said slowly, "It looks so normal. Just like a regular asauchi."
Nobu rolled his eyes. It is one of the standard asauchi…
Kani asked quietly, "What's its name?"
"[Shigan, Higan]."
"…[Shigan, Higan]," Kanisawa murmured, fingers brushing the blade. Her eyes flickered with curiosity.
"That's a beautiful name."
To Shin'ō Academy students, zanpakutō were still a mysterious, fascinating subject. The two of them inspected Nobu's sword with eager curiosity, as if hoping to uncover some hidden secret that would help them awaken their own.
But they were destined to be disappointed.
No matter how you looked at it, it was just an ordinary blade—one of the countless indistinguishable asauchi stored in the armory.
"…You're pulling ahead fast, Nobu," Shūhei said suddenly, a little wistfully.
Nobu laughed. "Haven't I been right here with you all along?"
Shūhei chuckled.
"Just don't fall too far behind," Nobu added, eyes twinkling. "Wouldn't want to leave you in the dust."
...
The next morning.
Student Council Headquarters.
The newly accepted first-year student council members had arrived early, gathered and waiting. Today marked their official start—the first day of their roles. Excitement was clear on their faces.
Nobu arrived a little late—but not late enough to be scolded. As soon as he entered, he was met with a chorus of "Good morning, President!" which helped shake off the last of his drowsiness.
Hisagi Shūhei stepped forward to speak on his behalf.
"Welcome, everyone, to the student council. This organization serves as a bridge between Shin'ō Academy and its student body…"
"Now, I'll begin announcing the department assignments for each of our first-year members. I hope all of you will take your roles seriously—live up to the trust the Academy and your fellow students have placed in you, and carry this responsibility with pride."