Kotetsu Isane was a little surprised by how directly she had asked her question. Shinichi paused for a moment, then responded:
"I'm always happy to learn anything I don't already know."
Hearing this, Isane tilted her head slightly in thought. Well, that should count as a yes, she decided.
She smiled gently. "I've read your file. Your Zanpakutō is Kaidō-type, correct?"
"It should be," Shinichi replied. "I only just awakened it recently, so I haven't fully figured out its abilities yet. But yes—it does have the power to perform healing."
"Then there's no mistake."
The most famous Kaidō-type Zanpakutō in Soul Society was Minazuki, belonging to the 4th Division Captain, Unohana Retsu. Upon release, it transformed into a giant, flat, one-eyed manta ray that could swallow injured comrades and heal them inside its body.
Isane began explaining, "The reason I came to substitute today was to see you. Let me be direct: when Soul Reaper Academy students graduate, they're assigned to squads based on a combination of their preferences and overall capabilities. Because your Zanpakutō is Kaidō-type—something quite rare—you're best suited for our 4th Division. We plan to request your placement there upon graduation. What do you think?"
Shinichi wasn't surprised. From the moment he publicly stated that his Zanpakutō was Kaidō-based, he knew something like this would happen.
"What seat would that be?" he asked.
Isane blinked. "Sorry?"
"I mean—if I joined the 4th Division, what rank would I start at?"
"…?"
Isane paused for a moment, puzzled. "You're asking if you can enter the 4th Division as a seated officer?"
Shinichi nodded calmly.
Isane: "..."
She thought he simply didn't understand how things worked, so she patiently explained, "Graduates from the Academy all start as unseated officers. They gradually get used to squad duties, build experience, and if they meet the standards, they can be promoted to seated positions later."
Shinichi smiled. "Sorry, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. That might've been a bit presumptuous of me."
Isane looked at him gently. "It's all right."
She assumed he was just unfamiliar with the process. And in this one-on-one conversation, she found herself liking him even more—he was a pleasant and charming younger student. Someone who would likely grow into a dependable squadmate.
Shinichi then said, "Thank you, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. When I graduate, I'll seriously consider the 4th Division."
"Eh?"
Isane blinked, caught off guard. She looked at the boy in front of her—much shorter than her—but kept her composure and continued patiently:
"Maybe I didn't explain clearly. Due to your Zanpakutō's unique nature, you'll definitely be assigned to our squad after graduation. That said, I do hope you want to join the 4th Division. During class earlier, I noticed you paid close attention—unlike most students. You must be interested in Kaidō, right? If you join us, you'll learn more about advanced healing techniques. Our captain is also the best doctor in all of Soul Society…"
Shinichi asked in return, "Is there no room for negotiation about being placed in the 4th Division?"
Isane pressed her lips together slightly. "Tachikawa-kun… do you not want to join us?"
"It's not that. I just haven't fully decided yet."
"That's perfectly understandable. I know you're an excellent student here at the Academy—and Student Council President at that. I'm sure you've thought about your future and have plans. It's true that some members of our squad eventually transfer to other divisions. But with a Kaidō-type Zanpakutō like yours, you're clearly someone with great potential in healing. Our squad offers generous benefits, and our medics are highly respected…"
As Isane earnestly spoke about the benefits of joining the 4th Division, Shinichi couldn't help but smile.
She seemed like such a kind and slightly naïve person.
If it had been Matsumoto Rangiku hearing him dodge the question like that, she probably would've lost her temper.
But Isane appeared not to notice at all.
"Tachikawa-kun?" she asked, puzzled by his sudden smile.
Shinichi quickly explained, "Forgive me, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. It's just that, having someone as beautiful, kind, and knowledgeable as you take the time to come speak to me… it makes me happy."
"Eh… I-I see…"
Isane's face turned slightly red as she reached up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear.
[Affection Level: 22]
Wow, that affection level is rising fast…
If I really do join the 4th Division after graduation, I'll probably get all kinds of rewards from her.
But with Captain Unohana… things won't be so easy.
Shinichi thought to himself.
Isane eventually said her goodbyes and left.
She felt the visit had gone well—Tachikawa Shinichi truly was a promising junior. Her mood had visibly brightened. She had fulfilled her captain's assignment, and the 4th Division would gain a valuable new recruit in the future.
Captain Unohana will surely be pleased!
---
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