Nobu hadn't expected Kotetsu Isane to be so direct.
He paused before answering, "As long as it's something I haven't learned yet, I'm always willing to study it."
Isane tilted her head slightly at his response. That sounds like a yes, right?
She smiled softly. "I've read your file. Your Zanpakutō is Kaidō-type, isn't it?"
"It should be," Nobu replied. "I only recently awakened it, so I haven't figured out the full extent of its abilities yet—but it definitely has healing properties."
"Then there's no mistake."
The most famous Kaidō-type Zanpakutō in all of Soul Society was Minazuki, wielded by Unohana Retsu, the captain of the Fourth Division. In its Shikai form, it transformed into a massive, flat, single-eyed manta ray capable of swallowing people to heal them inside its body.
Isane began to explain, "The reason I came to the Academy today was not just to substitute for a class—I also wanted to meet you. So I'll speak frankly. When students graduate from Shin'ō Academy, they're assigned to divisions based on a combination of their personal preferences and performance. Because your Zanpakutō is Kaidō-type, and that's extremely rare, you're far more suited to the Fourth Division. When the time comes, we'll be requesting that you be assigned directly to us. I'd like to know how you feel about that."
Nobu wasn't surprised. The moment he'd let people believe his Zanpakutō was Kaidō-aligned, he'd anticipated this outcome.
"What seat?" he asked.
Isane blinked, confused. "I'm sorry?"
"I mean," Nobu clarified, "what seat will I hold if I join the Fourth Division?"
"..."
Isane was briefly stunned. "You're saying… you want to become a seated officer right away?"
Nobu nodded calmly.
Isane stared at him, then gently began to explain, "Shin'ō graduates always start as regular squad members. You'll be expected to familiarize yourself with squad duties, develop your skills, and only after proving yourself would you be eligible for a seated position."
Nobu gave a small laugh. "Apologies, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. Maybe I was being too presumptuous."
Isane looked at him kindly. "It's all right."
She assumed he was simply inexperienced, and the more they spoke face to face, the more she found herself liking him. What a pleasant, earnest boy, she thought. He'll make a fine addition to our squad one day.
"Thank you, Vice-Captain Kotetsu," Nobu said. "When I graduate, I'll give the Fourth Division serious consideration."
"Eh?"
Isane was momentarily caught off guard. She looked at the boy in front of her—so much shorter than her—and patiently said, "I might not have explained clearly. Because of your Zanpakutō's nature, it's all but certain you'll be assigned to the Fourth Division after graduation. Of course, I'd be happy if that's what you want, too. During class, I noticed you were really attentive—very different from the others. You must have an interest in Kaidō, right? If you join us, you'll get to study far more advanced healing techniques. Our captain is also the most skilled doctor in all of Soul Society…"
Nobu asked, "So there's really no room to negotiate about that assignment?"
Isane pursed her lips. "Tachikawa-san… do you not want to join the Fourth?"
"It's not that. I just haven't fully made up my mind."
"That's completely understandable. I know you've had excellent grades at the Academy, and as the student council president, you've probably given a lot of thought to your future. Many who start in the Fourth later request transfers to other divisions. But your Zanpakutō being Kaidō-type means you're meant to achieve something in healing. Our division offers generous benefits, and medical Shinigami are very well respected…"
As Isane earnestly described the Fourth Division and its values, Nobu suddenly couldn't help but smile.
She's so kind… and a little too straightforward.
If it had been Matsumoto Rangiku hearing him politely sidestep the issue like that, she probably would've blown up at him.
But Isane didn't seem to notice at all.
"Tachikawa-san?" Isane asked, puzzled by his smile.
Nobu quickly explained, "Forgive me, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. It's just… someone as beautiful, kind, and knowledgeable as you going out of her way to talk to someone like me—it made me a little happy, and I couldn't help myself."
"Eh—? Is… is that so…"
Isane flushed slightly, her fingers brushing her braid as if to compose herself.
[Affection Level: 18]
Wow, her favorability went up fast.
If I really do end up in the Fourth Division after graduation, I should be able to earn quite a few rewards through her…
Although… that captain of hers, Unohana Retsu, probably won't be so easy.
Nobu thought to himself.
Isane eventually stood and bid him goodbye. She felt like the visit had been worthwhile—Tachikawa Nobu really was a promising student. Her spirits lifted slightly. She'd fulfilled her captain's request, and her squad might gain a valuable new member in the future.