A week later, sunlight was warm, spring returning.
After the long leave granted by Unohana Retsu, Higashino Shuuichi finally recovered.
From this battle, his official recognition had almost certainly risen—no longer vice-captain class, but captain level.
Unohana had never said it aloud, but Shuuichi had seen Yamamoto Genryūsai's eyes as the old man departed that day. He knew. His name was now marked. When a captain's seat opened and no other candidate sufficed, he would be summoned to fill the gap.
Returning from his home to the 4th Division barracks, he had barely set foot inside his quarters when a familiar chirping voice came from the window.
"Fukutaichō, you're finally back from leave! Captain said, once you returned, you should go straight to her\~"
It was Sato Yōko, who had been secretly watching his room. Seeing him, she practically leapt with joy, clinging to the windowsill and calling out.
"Fukutaichō?"
Shuuichi tilted his head.
"Of course! I knew you were the best, Fukutaichō—ah! Ow ow ow!"
Her arms had started gesturing mid-air, forgetting she was leaning out. Inevitably, she toppled off the ledge.
Moments later she reappeared, rubbing her bruised backside.
"Fukutaichō is only a little weaker than Captain, but much stronger than Yamada-san. Captain is so wise! Ah!!"
Down she went again, swept up in her own joy.
Her antics forced Shuuichi to compose himself. He straightened his clothes and left his room.
Being reinstated as vice-captain—expected, yet unexpected.
Expected, because if Unohana refused to let him leave the 4th, then recognizing his captain-level reiatsu meant compensation was required. Returning him his old post was only natural.
Unexpected, because she had done it so swiftly. He hadn't even finished healing when the appointment was signed.
"Perhaps because of Yamada Seinosuke's intrusion that day?"
He mulled it over. Knowing her, she'd detest Seinosuke's presumptuousness. Better to replace him quickly with Shuuichi.
He reached her chambers, knocked, entered.
Today, she wasn't tending flowers. Braided hair framed her chest, her gentle demeanor restored.
"I lost, Captain."
He knelt, lowering his head. He had said the words already in front of Yamamoto, but Unohana hadn't answered then. So now he repeated them.
"You've realized the gulf between yourself and a true captain?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Shuuichi pressed his lips, resigned—so it was to be said again.
"As wide as the distance between sun and moon."
"Then you see now how impossible your wish was?"
He raised his head, eyes shining brighter.
"Captain! I was born in Rukongai. I grew up in Rukongai. I had no rare talent. I couldn't learn kidō with just a glance like others. But I had perseverance they lacked!
"There's a saying in the Living World: effort earns Heaven's favor! From a commoner to a Shinigami took me forty years. From academy to seated officer, sixty years. From officer to vice-captain, another forty years.
"And from vice-captain to captain-class reiatsu—only twenty.
"I believe if I keep going, one day I will truly become a captain!"
"And if you never cross that line?"
"Then I fight until death!"
The words burned out of him, stirring even himself.
And Unohana, who knew not the whole truth, was moved despite herself.
Not a word was false—his record was all there, his growth path traceable. Combined with his sharp battlefield mind, his persistence made the thought possible.
Perhaps?
She wondered. Before the boy from Zaraki had cut her, perhaps Shuuichi could become her substitute. Could he one day bring her that long-lost joy of battle?
It was unknown. But worth testing.
"Then, once more I ask you, Higashino Shuuichi. Do you truly wish to become a captain?"
Her eyes locked onto him.
He met them, unflinching.
"Yes, Captain. I wish to become a true captain!"
"Then from today, you'll learn zanjutsu under me."
His breath caught, mind going blank.
A blessing in disguise. He had aimed to gain some secret art from Yoruichi—yet the greatest threat, Unohana herself, now offered him her sword.
Zanjutsu, taught by Unohana Retsu. A gift he'd never dared imagine.
"Yes, Captain!"
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