"On what grounds is he qualified to be a captain?!"
Soi Fon was practically hopping mad. Sasakibe Chōjirō still had members of the 1st Division with him, yet she said this right in front of them.
Sasakibe sighed helplessly. "Captain Soi Fon, Tachikawa Nobu was jointly recommended by six captains, possesses the ability required, and his appointment was approved by Captain-Commander and Central 46. Everything was done by the rules."
Soi Fon challenged him sharply. "But after everything he's done—does the Captain-Commander really not care? The captains who endorsed him probably don't even know about his misdeeds!"
"The Captain-Commander has his own considerations," Sasakibe replied calmly. "If you have questions, Captain Soi Fon, you can address them directly to him."
Soi Fon clenched her fists so tightly, her nails almost drew blood.
There was no deep-rooted grudge between them, really; she simply couldn't stand certain things Nobu had done. Yet after what had happened beneath Sōkyoku Hill, and earlier events, the tension between them had abruptly soared to a breaking point.
"Captain Tachikawa, please come with me. And Captain Soi Fon, the Captain-Commander has called a Captains' Meeting."
Just like that, Nobu calmly walked out of his prison cell, following behind Sasakibe.
Soi Fon stood there, face fluctuating between shades of blue and white, before gritting her teeth and following along.
Once they arrived at the 1st Division barracks, Nobu was separated from Soi Fon, as Sasakibe led him to another room.
Sasakibe produced a pure-white captain's haori embroidered with the numeral "十" on the back.
Nobu stared at the haori held in Sasakibe's hands for a long moment before letting out an ambiguous sigh, reaching out to take it, then slipping it over his shoulders.
The garment was slightly oversized, fitting poorly on Nobu's still youthful frame. Sasakibe felt somewhat moved, looking at him dressed like this.
Though Sasakibe had served as Lieutenant for a thousand years, Nobu was the first Shinigami to become captain only two years after graduating.
Sasakibe bowed gently toward Nobu.
"Congratulations, Captain Tachikawa."
Nobu cracked a small smile. "Thank you as well, Lietutenant Sasakibe."
Sasakibe might be the most senior in terms of tenure, but in rank, he was still just a lieutenant. This respectful gesture formally acknowledged Nobu's superior rank going forward.
A captain of the Gotei 13—already among the handful at the pinnacle of authority in the entire Soul Society.
Sasakibe smiled again and said gently, "Due to special circumstances, your haori wasn't tailored to fit you specifically. You may have it altered later. Also, a friendly reminder—although there's no explicit rule, the Captain-Commander isn't fond of captains making overly flamboyant alterations to their haori. Of course, if you truly dislike the traditional style, changing it privately won't be an issue. At most, the Captain-Commander might say a word or two. In truth, he's quite understanding toward his subordinates."
Nobu only smiled faintly, noncommittal.
After a brief hesitation, Sasakibe continued, "I overheard your last conversation with the Captain-Commander from outside the room. He isn't what you may think. He acted out of concern for both you and Captain Unohana. Many things can't be judged solely by outcomes. I hope you can understand, and not harbor any... misconceptions toward the Captain-Commander."
"I understand completely, Lieutenant Sasakibe," Nobu said softly.
"That's good," Sasakibe's smile grew warmer.
"You're a senior I greatly respect. You don't have to keep using honorific language with me—it feels awkward," Nobu added casually.
Sasakibe simply laughed gently at that. "The captains are likely waiting."
"All right."
Nobu pushed open the door and stepped out alone.
The 1st Division's barracks were extraordinarily quiet. The thousand-year-old eaves bore bronze bells that jingled faintly in the breeze.
As he crossed a corridor, a figure stood quietly at the corner, seemingly waiting for him.
Matsumoto Rangiku.
Her gaze on Nobu was complicated, mixed with wistfulness, relief, and subtle happiness.
The sky above was crystal clear, and the cherry blossoms fell softly like snowflakes, the daylight mild.
Nobu walked over, stopping just in front of her, smiling as he spoke.
"Long time no see, Rangiku-neesan."
Matsumoto studied Nobu's new attire. She wasn't annoyed by his flippant greeting—instead, her thoughts drifted back to their first meeting in Rukongai.
Compared to that time, Nobu's appearance had barely changed—only, now he smiled a little more often.
She didn't resist having him as the new 10th Division Captain. Still, recent events left her feeling a bit melancholic.
After a moment of silence, an impulse overcame Matsumoto, and she reached out, messing up Nobu's hair affectionately.
"You brat, you really made your big sister proud!"
Nobu frowned slightly. "I'm your captain now, you know."
Matsumoto laughed at that, quickly reigning in her emotions. "Yes, Captain. Please, after you."
He was a captain now, and would remain so for a long time.
Feeling wistful, she quietly stepped aside.
[Affection: 70]
The Captains' Meeting would discuss the appointment of the new 10th Division Captain. Matsumoto was the only lieutenant summoned, but she was simply here to wait outside for the outcome.
Nobu stepped into his first-ever Captains' Meeting. As he entered, numerous gazes turned simultaneously toward him.
Many eyes held goodwill, such as Shiba Kaien, Aizen Sōsuke, Kyōraku Shunsui, and Ukitake Jūshirō.
Soi Fon's gaze remained openly hostile. Kuchiki Byakuya, the 6th Division Captain, looked completely indifferent. Komamura Sajin of the 7th and Tōsen Kaname of the 9th had masked faces, making their thoughts unreadable.
Zaraki appeared excited, his eyes fixed intensely on Nobu as if trying to communicate some fighting intent. Kurotsuchi Mayuri reacted similarly to Byakuya—utterly indifferent.
Finally, Nobu's gaze landed on Unohana Retsu.
She stood silently like a statue, not looking his way, seeming to be resting her mind.
Unlike Byakuya's coldness, Unohana seemed more like someone who'd removed herself entirely from the world around her.
This was the first time Nobu had seen Unohana since that fight.
Feeling his gaze, she seemed to sense something, eyelashes flickering slightly as she glanced toward him.
Her aura had greatly changed, shedding some of the gentle warmth that once drew others close. Now she was tranquil as still water, yet exuded far more distance.
Their eyes met for only an instant, but in that brief moment, a subtle gleam flashed through her eyes.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni struck the wooden floor lightly with his cane.
"Tachikawa Nobu, from this day forward, you are Captain of the Gotei 13's 10th Division. Cultivate discipline, remain humble, and uphold the dignity of the haori you now wear."