First Division Barracks.
After being picked up by a squad from the Third Division, Nobu was brought here to assist with the debrief.
He didn't hold anything back, giving a general account of the battle. He knew the barrier corps likely had surveillance footage—just like last time.
Once he'd finished his report, the recording officer asked him, "Do you have any known enemies?"
Enemies?
The question made Nobu pause and think seriously. Back in Zaraki District of Rukongai, there'd been plenty—but ever since enrolling in the Shin'ō Academy, he hadn't returned to that world.
"No," Nobu replied. "The man wore a black cloak that completely concealed his reiatsu and face. It was strange—I couldn't make out his features at all."
"We've already narrowed down the list of suspects."
"Who is it?" Nobu looked surprised.
"We'll confirm that once our investigation is complete."
The officer finished tidying up his materials and stood. "Thank you for your cooperation. And for stepping in again when danger struck—to protect your classmates."
"I was only doing what anyone would've done."
Back at the academy, the student council office was already crowded. Some had been waiting there since returning from the Human World; others had come as soon as they heard the news.
When Nobu walked in, they immediately swarmed him.
"Nobu!"
"President!"
He scanned the room and laughed. "Why are you all here? Nothing even happened. Didn't we just see each other at the Senkaimon?"
They all voiced their worries, and Rukia in particular thanked him for saving them.
Nobu responded to each in turn, then gently urged everyone to go rest.
Soon, only Shūhei remained with him in the office.
Shūhei looked at him thoughtfully. "Sometimes I really wonder… Do you have some kind of foresight? You never used to take part in these Human World internships. And yet—both times there was trouble, you were there."
Nobu laughed. "Just be glad you didn't call me a bad luck charm."
Shūhei let out a sigh. "Either way, we owe you again. If the Senkaimon had been destroyed… we might've all been stranded in the Dangai, torn apart by Kōtotsu."
Nobu just said, "If it were you, you'd have done the same."
"Do they know who did it?" Shūhei asked. "Did you learn anything at First Division?"
Nobu's expression turned thoughtful. "Not yet. They said it'll take some time to investigate."
He was still wondering how Aizen planned to cover things up this time. Another 'accident' after the last one? Nobu had a hard time believing Aizen could keep making excuses without scrutiny.
Still, before he left First Division, they had said they'd already locked in a suspect. Was this someone Aizen had planted ahead of time?
Speculating won't get me far.
Nobu knew he didn't yet have the strength to confront Aizen head-on. But at least, so far, he'd walked away unscathed from both incidents. And whoever Aizen had sent this time—if they survived, those injuries wouldn't heal quickly.
"How strong was the guy you fought?" Shūhei asked.
"One of the strongest I've ever faced," Nobu said quietly.
He suspected the attacker was under a limiter—a seal placed on captains that restricted their Reiatsu by eighty percent when entering the Human World. And the man hadn't even released his Zanpakutō.
Even so, the strength he'd shown already surpassed an average lieutenant.
Nobu's spiritual pressure was still ranked Fourth-Class Reiatsu. The lowest captains were Third-Class.
That man, using only twenty percent of his power, had displayed combat ability beyond the lieutenant level.
Even accounting for combat experience, the gap between fourth- and third-class reiatsu was… massive.
Nobu's current level was Lv. 35. He didn't know how many more levels he'd need to reach third-class.
...
Afternoon.
During class, someone unexpectedly knocked on the student council office door.
"Come in."
The visitor caught Nobu slightly off guard. He recognized the man.
The last time the Kuchiki family had come for Rukia, this elder had been among them—dressed in white robes, with a full white beard and mustache, and round spectacles. The difference now was the genial smile on his face.
Nobu couldn't help but smile too, though he didn't stand. "You're here to see Rukia? She's in class."
The Kuchiki elder chuckled. "We're not here for the young lady—we came to see you."
"Me?"
"We heard that during the internship, you stepped in to protect her when danger struck. We came specifically to express our gratitude."
Nobu raised an eyebrow, then stood up unhurriedly and gestured toward a seat.
"Please, have a seat."
He poured the elder a glass of water.
"I was the assigned team leader. I was just doing my duty. And I wasn't only saving Rukia."
The old man replied warmly, "Regardless, you saved her life. That is no small thing. The Kuchiki family owes you a debt."
Nobu grinned and looked at him. "Well, I'll admit I've got a thick skin. Since you put it that way—how exactly does the Kuchiki family plan to repay me?"
"Someone of your rare talent surely isn't interested in vulgar things like money, so we thought—"
"Who said I don't like money?" Nobu's eyes widened.
The old man froze.
With visible cheer, Nobu said, "Money is great. You know where I come from—Zaraki District. I've been poor my whole life."
"…"
The Kuchiki elder was momentarily speechless, but after a brief pause, he said, "In that case, please allow us one day. We'll return tomorrow with a proper gift."
Truthfully, he hadn't brought anything with him. He hadn't expected Nobu to say something like that.
"No rush. I'll be here."
...
Evening. The Kuchiki Estate.
Upon returning, Byakuya Kuchiki was informed of the visit to Nobu earlier that afternoon.
"He asked for money?"
"That's what he said," the elder replied. "When I mentioned he might not care for material wealth, he responded with unmistakable greed. If the young lady spends too much time with someone like that, I'm afraid…"
Byakuya's expression remained unreadable. "Send it to him tomorrow."
The elder, seeing that his young lord had already made up his mind, didn't dare object. "Understood," he said, rising to take his leave.
Byakuya sat in silence a moment longer before leaving the room and walking toward the courtyard where Rukia lived.
It was nearly nightfall.
But in the yard, two figures were still locked in combat, sparring in flashes of motion.
They didn't notice Byakuya's presence. The servants nearby, however, bowed deeply.
Byakuya raised a hand gently, signaling them not to speak.
One servant, seeing him observing Rukia's training, whispered, "Lady Rukia trains diligently every evening after returning from the academy. She hasn't rested once. Today is no different."
Byakuya said nothing, face calm and unreadable as ever. He stood in place a while, then turned and left quietly.
Inside the courtyard, the sparring continued.
Rukia had maintained this intense training regimen for some time now. Her whole body ached with exhaustion. During another dash, her strength suddenly gave out, and she collapsed.
Her Hakuda instructor immediately rushed over. "Lady Rukia, that's enough for today. Pushing further could do more harm than good."
Rukia slowly got to her feet, knowing she'd reached her limit. "Alright. Thank you for your time, Furukawa-sensei."
"I'm only doing my duty. Please rest well, Lady Rukia."
Though Rukia called him sensei, the instructor—an old retainer of the Kuchiki family—responded with deep respect. He gave a bow before leaving the courtyard.
Rukia let out a long breath. A waiting servant hurried over with a towel and some tea.
She felt… weak. Even in Class A, she wasn't exactly a standout. Her grades only stayed near the top because she had four private tutors at home. Compared to those at the very top—Renji, Momo, Kira—she still lagged behind.
I want to be strong enough to help—when it really counts.
She still remembered the student council entrance exam. Last night, she'd truly wanted to stay behind and fight beside the president.
But she also knew that staying would've only held him back.
If only I were stronger… just a little stronger…