The Captains didn't linger at the Shin'ō Academy for the entire day. Though there were still performances scheduled in the afternoon, they planned to leave around midday.
Tachikawa Shin accompanied Unohana Retsu the entire way, escorting the group all the way to the Academy's main gate.
"This was really quite delightful," said Kyōraku Shunsui cheerfully as they prepared to leave. "This culture festival's a rare treat. Feels like something that might become an annual tradition—and that's something to look forward to."
"You've set a fine precedent, Tachikawa," added Ukitake Jūshirō, his tone more formal. "The history of Shin'ō Academy will remember your name."
"What a pity you've already committed to a Division," said Aizen Sōsuke with a smile. "Otherwise, I would've been tempted to bring you into the Fifth."
Unohana Retsu smiled sweetly at his words. "Captain Aizen, are you saying it's a shame he's joining our Fourth Division?"
"Misunderstanding, of course!" Aizen replied with exaggerated nervousness, hands up in mock surrender.
Everyone laughed heartily.
Tachikawa bowed with a smile. "Allow me to thank you all, on behalf of the entire faculty and student body, for attending and supporting the festival. We hope you'll come again in future years."
The Captains turned with their Lieutenants and left.
Once they were gone, Shin finally felt his stomach growl.
He made a quick detour back toward the central stage, where he spotted Hisagi Shūhei still barking orders at students.
"Still working, huh?"
Shūhei glanced over. "The Captains already left?"
"Yeah."
Shūhei sighed. "You got off easy today. I've been running around non-stop."
"You think being glued to the side of half the Gotei 13 is easy?" Shin rolled his eyes.
When Shūhei thought about it, he realized Shin might have had it even tougher. Standing among Captains wasn't exactly a stress-free job. That was something only Shin could pull off.
Ever since forming the Student Council, Shin's standing in the Academy had skyrocketed. Not even their homeroom teacher, Namida-sensei, had this kind of access to high-ranking officers.
Among students, none had caught the Captains' attention like Shin had.
"President!"
Hinamori Momo and Kuchiki Rukia came running over, accompanied by a silver-haired boy.
Shin smiled. "You three, huh? I saw your performance. You did great—Captain Kyōraku was singing your praises."
Momo beamed. "President, don't forget your promise!"
She meant the one where he'd fulfill one wish for each of them in exchange for performing on stage.
"I remember." Shin chuckled, then looked to the silver-haired boy.
He wore an oversized Academy uniform that was comically loose—but the spiritual pressure rolling off him was no joke. It was stronger than most Academy students', though clearly untrained and uncontrolled.
"This is your friend?"
"Yep!" Momo said brightly. "This is Hitsugaya Tōshirō. Tōshirō, this is our Student Council President, Tachikawa Shin."
Hitsugaya studied Shin's pleasant, approachable expression for a moment, then gave a small bow. "Thank you for everything today."
"No trouble at all," Shin replied with an easy smile. "Momo asked sincerely. Speaking of which—it's lunchtime. Why don't we eat?"
The five of them headed to the Academy cafeteria.
As they walked, Momo chattered away to Tōshirō about which dishes were good and which ones she thought he'd like. Tōshirō quietly listened.
Once seated, Momo was first to break the silence again.
"President, you were with Captain Unohana the whole time today. Are you officially joining the Fourth Division after graduation?"
"Most likely," Shin said between bites.
"I heard the Fourth is really different from the others. They focus on Kaidō, right? We haven't even started that in class yet."
"You will eventually," Shin replied. "Kaidō is an incredibly deep field, but the Academy only covers the basics. If you want to really master it, you'll have to push yourself outside class."
Momo nodded, thoughtful. "Then your Kaidō must be amazing too, right, President?"
Shin laughed. "Hardly. My skills are average. It's only because my Zanpakutō is Kaidō-type that I was recommended to the Fourth."
"I don't believe that! I've heard you're top in every subject!"
"Who told you that? For our year, Aoshika's the best at Kaidō. Isn't that right, Shūhei?"
Hisagi, chewing, mumbled, "Mm."
Hitsugaya quietly kept eating. The food really was good—varied and plentiful. He looked at Momo chatting animatedly, then at Shin sitting across from him.
"What's it like being around the Captains?" Momo asked. "What are they like?"
"They're all very different," Shin said. "But they're strong. You can feel it."
"I could tell just from their spiritual pressure—it's totally different from ours!" Momo nodded seriously.
"President, if you go to the Fourth, will you start as a Third Seat?"
Shin sighed. "Where do you guys hear this stuff?"
"Rukia!"
Rukia flinched. "Sorry, President—it was from when Vice-Captain Kaien came by..."
"Things aren't that simple," Shin said. "I'm still just a student. Assuming I graduate smoothly, I should start as a regular unseated officer. A Seat isn't just a title—it's a responsibility."
"Well said!" Momo grinned. "But I still think even if you start unseated, you'll rise fast!"
Shin smiled quietly and glanced toward Hitsugaya.
"Hitsugaya, right? Have you thought about enrolling in the Academy?"
Being addressed so suddenly caught Hitsugaya off guard. Everyone looked at him.
"Momo really hopes you'll come. Being a Shinigami is a proud path."
There was no profession more respected in Soul Society than being a Soul Reaper.
Momo's eyes sparkled—her President actually trying to convince Tōshirō personally!
Hitsugaya set down his chopsticks, hesitation flickering in his eyes.
After a long pause, he said, "I still have my grandma to take care of…"
"Forgive me for being blunt," Shin cut in gently. "But I don't think you realize something. Your spiritual pressure is intense—stronger than most here. But because you don't know how to control it, it leaks constantly."
Hitsugaya frowned. "What are you saying?"
"You're constantly radiating spiritual pressure. And ordinary people without spiritual energy can't withstand that. If your grandmother has no Reiatsu of her own…"
Shin's expression turned serious.
"You'll kill her."
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For this week I will do more release depending on the power stones !
100 Power Stones = 1 chapter (in addition to the daily update)
So give stones if you want mooooar !