8th Division – Vice-Captain's Office
"These are the graduation rosters for this year's Spiritual Arts Academy class," Kaizawa said as she placed a thick stack of documents on Ise Nanao's desk.
"I've already reviewed their squad preferences. This group here applied to our Eighth Division. These," she said, dividing the papers into three neat stacks, "are the outstanding candidates worth fighting for."
Nanao flipped through one of the stacks, gauging the thickness before murmuring, "The number's about the same as previous years."
The Eighth Division, among the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, wasn't particularly flashy or combat-centric. Much like the First Division, most of its work was administrative, making it a top pick for those Shinigami who preferred avoiding the front lines. So every year, quite a few opted for it.
After reviewing the standout profiles, she asked, "Realistically, what are our chances of recruiting these top students?"
"Pretty slim," Kaizawa answered honestly.
Nanao sighed. "Exactly."
It wasn't that the Eighth Division lacked applicants—just that those with exceptional talent rarely chose them. Gifted individuals tended to have a certain pride, and few wanted to join a squad known for its "relaxed" attitude.
"As the captain, so the squad," she muttered. "This whole atmosphere comes down to him."
Kaizawa wisely kept silent.
"Where is the captain?"
"Lying in the hallway."
Nanao's brow twitched.
She stormed out, only to find Kyoraku Shunsui sprawled under the eaves of the inner courtyard. Without a word, she gave him a firm kick.
"Gah—!"
Kyoraku winced, clutching his backside and pushing up the brim of his straw hat.
"Aw, Nanao-chan, trying to assassinate your captain?"
She dumped the stack of papers on him. "Get to work."
Kyoraku sighed, sitting up and gathering the scattered files. "Can't a man steal a little rest? With you around, I know the squad's in good hands."
"You dump everything on me—you trying to kill me instead?"
"Now, now. I do handle things sometimes… But you're just too capable. Every captain envies me for having a vice-captain like you. And Kaizawa's not bad either—I've been thinking of promoting her to Ninth Seat."
As he skimmed through the paperwork, he added, "Looks like a fair number of applicants want to join us. Just ask the First Division to assign them over."
"It's not that simple," Nanao retorted. "Third and Fourth Division didn't get many applicants either. They'll be picking too."
Kyoraku flopped back down and covered his face with his hat. "Well, let them. Third has Kaien now, and Fourth's doing its own 'reform' thing. And even then, they're still getting the fewest volunteers?"
"Captain Kaien's still new, and any change in Fourth Division's reputation will take at least ten years."
"Ten years, huh…" Kyoraku clicked his tongue thoughtfully.
Then, abruptly, he sat bolt upright. His hat slid off his head.
Nanao blinked in surprise. "What?"
"You said ten years…" he muttered. "Why didn't I think of it…? Why didn't we think of it?"
"What are you talking about?"
He didn't answer.
Instead, he stood, adjusted his hat, and walked off.
"Where are you going?"
"To the First Division."
First Division Headquarters
Shiba Isshin had been summoned unexpectedly. As he approached the Head Captain's chambers, he noticed something strange—Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō were already inside.
"You called for me, Head Captain?"
If this had been a normal matter, a subordinate like Sasakibe would've delivered the orders. For him to be summoned directly, and to find two captains already present—something serious was brewing.
Yamamoto Genryūsai looked grim. "Sit."
Isshin obeyed, uneasy.
"I'll explain," Kyoraku said. "This is about Tachikawa Shin."
"Shin? What happened to him?"
Isshin felt a pang of anxiety. He assumed this was related to their previous agreement—that Shin would take over the Tenth Division in two years.
"Has something changed? Did the Central 46 go back on it?"
Kyoraku pressed on. "You said Shin requested those three years to remain in the Fourth Division, to wrap up some unfinished business, correct?"
"Yes," Isshin nodded. "And to give Kaien more time to adjust."
"But did Shin ever explicitly tell you what he wanted to finish?" Kyoraku asked. "Do you actually know?"
Isshin paused. "Well… he mentioned reforming the division's image, the whole stigma they face among other Shinigami. I assumed that was it."
Yamamoto's voice rumbled. "Did he tell you this himself?"
"…Not directly." Isshin frowned. "But it seemed obvious."
"That's the problem," Kyoraku said, sighing. "We've all assumed that was his motive. But think about it—changing a squad's culture isn't something that happens in three years."
Isshin countered, "He doesn't need to complete it. Just start the process and put systems in place."
"Can you guarantee that's all it is?" Yamamoto asked, eyes narrowed.
Isshin shifted uncomfortably. "Head Captain, surely you're not saying Shin is—what, some kind of threat to the Soul Society?"
Ukitake interjected softly, "You're aware of Captain Unohana's past."
Isshin nodded slowly. "Yes. But what does she have to do with this?"
"Shin is young, gifted, from Zaraki District, and his specialty is swordsmanship," Kyoraku said. "Doesn't that remind you of someone?"
Isshin froze.
Kyoraku went on: "Not long ago, Shin visited the Eleventh Division and sparred with Kenpachi… and won."
"…What?"
Isshin stared, stunned.
Ukitake added, "If our suspicions are correct, and his reason for staying in the Fourth is not just to change its reputation… then we may be facing a scenario we don't want to see unfold."
"If Captain Unohana… and Shin…"
"Then only one of them will walk away alive."