Retsu Unohana—the oldest serving captain of the Gotei 13. Her strength was unquestionable, and her mastery of Kaidō made her the most skilled healer in all of Soul Society.
Tachikawa Shin—arguably the most gifted Shinigami to appear in over a century. Barely a year out of the Spiritual Arts Academy, and he had already defeated Ichimaru Gin, a captain who had achieved Bankai. By his own account, Shin had not yet unlocked Bankai himself. His abilities in Kaidō were also far from shallow.
To Soul Society, losing either of them would be an unbearable blow.
And yet—both were on a collision course. A truth Seireitei could not bring itself to accept.
As Shiba Isshin realized the full implications, cold sweat poured down his back.
"I—I apologize!" he blurted. "I failed to consider the consequences, Head Captain! Please—please rescind the transfer order immediately!"
Kyoraku Shunsui, however, said, "It's not that simple. If this really is the worst-case scenario… then it's no longer about orders. What we need now is contingency."
Isshin leaned forward urgently. "What do we do?"
Kyoraku replied calmly, "We handle it the same way we once did with Kenpachi."
He turned to Yamamoto. "We need you, old man, to step in and directly forbid Unohana-taichō from engaging Shin in combat."
Ukitake nodded. "That's the only way."
They had already discussed this before Isshin's arrival.
Yamamoto Genryūsai looked at the visibly shaken Isshin. "This isn't your fault. In fact, had you not made that agreement with Shin, we might not have noticed this issue at all. The plan to appoint him as Tenth Division captain can still stand."
Ukitake added gently, "We're simply preparing for the worst, just in case. Shin-kun is not like Kenpachi. He's measured. This could all be a misunderstanding."
Isshin said, "Then let's just summon him and ask directly."
Kyoraku frowned. "There's something else. It would be best to separate him from Unohana right now. I'm not so convinced he's as measured as you say. He's been arranging private sparring matches with other divisions, including his fight with Kenpachi, none of which were formally reported."
Yamamoto gave a grave nod. "Then summon him immediately."
Seireitei, First Division Headquarters
When Shin received the sudden summons from the First Division, he was puzzled. Did I break some regulation without realizing it?
He'd only ever come here for the monthly Vice-Captain meetings or for the Gotei-wide training summit.
When Sasakibe escorted him into the Head Captain's chamber and Shin saw not only Yamamoto, but also Kyoraku, Ukitake, and Isshin present, his first instinct was that this must be about his appointment to the Tenth Division.
Are they moving the date up?
He bowed respectfully. "Honored to meet you, Head Captain. Captains."
Kyoraku smiled, "No need to be tense, Shin. We just wanted to discuss your upcoming promotion."
"I thought I still had two years?"
Isshin gave a friendly smile. "I'm getting a little impatient myself. If we asked you to take over this year, would that be a problem?"
The excuse sounded off to Shin. What kind of Shinigami can't wait two years?
Yamamoto rumbled, "The Central 46 wishes for your appointment to be accelerated. Do you have any objections?"
That made more sense—if Central 46 didn't want two Shiba captains active simultaneously, that was plausible.
Shin nodded slowly. "As a soldier, I should follow orders. But the suddenness of the change has caught me off guard. We agreed to a three-year term, and it's only been one…"
"Do you have reservations?" Yamamoto asked.
"I still have some matters to complete within the Fourth Division. I'd like to see them through to the end, with your permission."
"What matters?" Yamamoto pressed.
Shin's gaze sharpened slightly. The mood in the room had shifted. All four captains were watching him carefully, as if they were expecting something.
He replied, "We're in the middle of the division assignments for this year's Academy graduates. Fourth Division is still the least requested. I've been working to change that stigma and would like to continue."
Isshin relaxed just a little. Shin glanced at him.
Kyoraku spoke next. "Changing a division's reputation isn't something three years can accomplish."
"I understand. But once the process is in motion, it's enough."
"You could hand that responsibility off to Unohana-taichō and Kotetsu-fukutaichō," Kyoraku added. "Even if you leave, you can advise them remotely."
Shin said nothing.
The captains' insistence was growing uncomfortably intense. If this were merely Central 46's doing, why were Kyoraku and Ukitake also here? And where was Unohana-taichō?
Yamamoto suddenly cut in: "Tachikawa Shin. I ask you plainly. Is there any other reason you want to remain in the Fourth Division?"
A long pause.
Ukitake sighed almost inaudibly.
"There is," Shin said at last.
"Then why not say so earlier?"
"It's a small matter," Shin replied, calm and composed.
The room went silent again. The captains stared at him, an invisible pressure weighing the air.
"What is it?" Yamamoto asked.
"I've long admired Unohana-taichō—as the original Kenpachi. I wish to be taught by her blade firsthand."
"No," Yamamoto said at once, voice low and thunderous.
"Why not?"
"She is no longer Kenpachi. She is the captain of the Fourth Division."
Shin chuckled softly. "That doesn't change her skill. Her sword is still hers."
"I said no."
"…"
"Your captain appointment ceremony will be held next month. Prepare yourself."
"…It's just a sparring match," Shin said. "I don't understand this response."
Yamamoto's eyes locked onto his. "Focus on your future duties as the captain of the Tenth Division."
Shin's tone didn't falter. "But perhaps… Unohana-taichō is also looking forward to this fight."
"I won't allow it."
"What, then? A standing decree forbidding either of us from ever crossing blades? You're her elder, and you know her better than I do. You understand what lies dormant inside her. Are you really going to let her stay sealed away forever? What happens when that seal breaks on its own?"
Yamamoto's gaze narrowed. "Are you lecturing me?"
"I wouldn't dare," Shin said. "I'm just stating facts. I could've lied just now, said something palatable—but I didn't. You likely wouldn't have imprisoned me anyway. But let's be honest—Unohana-taichō won't remain in Seireitei forever. And I'll continue to be deployed on missions. There'll always be chances to cross paths. I'm telling you this because I want to be honest. Because I want to save her."
Save her?
Yamamoto's fury stirred—but before it could rise, Kyoraku spoke.
"Yama-jii."
Yamamoto held still. Kyoraku watched Shin carefully, thinking to himself: This kid… he really isn't one to sit quietly, is he?
"You'll die," Yamamoto warned.
"I won't," Shin replied.