In the early morning, Tsukasa Suō concluded his morning practice.
"Third Seat Suō, thank you for your hard work."
A bearded squad member standing nearby timely offered a towel and a bamboo water flask.
Tsukasa reached out to take them, feeling a bit helpless as he spoke.
"Konoe, I can handle small things like this myself."
"Please don't say that. You're always making food for us; this is the least I can do."
Shuzo Konoe was an experienced veteran among the rank-and-file members. Every time Tsukasa Suō led an expedition, he was present. Not only was he responsible for communications within the squad during missions, but he also assisted Tsukasa with various administrative tasks for the expeditionary force. He essentially took on the role of a temporary adjutant and had been a great help.
Over time, a wordless understanding had developed between the two.
Tsukasa's management style was far more iron-fisted than that of Miyako Shiba. The two had different styles, each with its own merits.
Because of her gentle and benevolent nature, Miyako Shiba preferred to lead from the front in battle. Her philosophy was that the strong should protect the weak, and she constantly worried about her subordinates being injured.
Tsukasa's style leaned toward overall command and tempering the squad members through their missions. His philosophy was that while the strong can protect the weak, it is more important to let the weak grow into the strong so they can protect those even weaker than themselves.
To him, a squad member getting injured was not a major issue; injury was simply a necessary price to pay on the path to becoming stronger. With his expertise in Kaido, he could properly handle any ordinary wound.
Under his leadership, every subordinate had to go through a baptism of blood and sweat. Unless a squad member encountered a lethal attack in battle, he would never easily step in to help.
Curiously, this attitude of Tsukasa's earned him the heartfelt loyalty of many squad members.
"It's about time. Wake everyone up; we're preparing to move out."
Tsukasa placed a high value on efficiency. During a march, he would precisely monitor the condition of every member. Only when someone's fatigue reached a certain limit would he authorize a halt for rest. As for that standard, he set it himself. Under Tsukasa's spiritual perception, he understood their physical states better than the squad members did themselves.
No one ever attempted to countermand his orders, which was the primary reason he was described as "strict" by the men.
"Yes, sir!"
Under Shuzo Konoe's coordination, the camp was packed up, and the unit was soon ready to move.
As the morning sun fully crested the horizon, Tsukasa had already led the members of the subjugation force through the West 4th District, heading toward the White Gate.
When the unit stopped at a fork in the road, his eyes involuntarily drifted toward the neighboring West 3rd District.
In the past, he had said he would return to Teradaya often to see everyone, but in reality, after entering the Thirteenth Division, he could only return during occasional leaves. Even though he was currently in the district adjacent to West 3rd, he could not take a detour to visit.
By the same token, even though he passed through West 1st District—an unavoidable path on the return journey—he did not go to visit Toshiro's grandmother.
Public duty was public, and private life was private. As a Seated Officer, he had to set an example. This was the sacrifice required before reaching his goal. What the squad members followed was not just his person, but the clear boundaries he drew.
"Move out!"
Once the unit finished its brief rest, Tsukasa gave the order and they resumed their pace.
After a long trek, the unit finally returned to the gates of the Thirteenth Division barracks.
The sun, having reached its zenith, dyed the wooden gates of the division headquarters golden. The returning expeditionary force came to a halt before the entrance.
Tsukasa turned to face the travel-worn squad members. His gaze swept across every face as he said warmly:
"Everyone worked hard on this mission. Remember to get some proper rest. Dismissed!"
"Third Seat Suō, thank you for your hard work!"
The members responded in unison. After saluting, the formation finally dispersed.
Tsukasa watched everyone leave before making his way toward the administrative office.
The door to the office was open. Miyako Shiba, who was on duty, looked up and saw his figure. Her eyes curved into a gentle arc as she said joyfully:
"Tsukasa, welcome back. Thank you for your hard work."
"Mmm, Sister Miyako, I'm back. This is the mission report."
Tsukasa replied with a smile, taking the documents out of his bag.
"Your handwriting is still so beautiful," Miyako Shiba praised as she took the report, her eyes lingering on the script. "Sit down and rest for a bit. I'll brew some tea for you."
After neatly filing the report, she stood up and walked toward the tea cabinet.
"Alright," Tsukasa answered, then sat down on a cushion by the window to relax.
He watched Miyako warm the pot and brew the tea while listening to the distant shouts coming from the training grounds outside the window.
"I noticed you drink tea often. This is newly purchased Gyokuro; see if you like it."
A moment later, Miyako Shiba brought the tea set and sat opposite Tsukasa. She slowly poured the tea into the white porcelain cup before him; the clear liquid shimmered with an emerald luster under the light.
"The taste is good," Tsukasa said, picking up the cup for a sip and nodding.
"Where is everyone else?" he asked curiously.
Usually, the administrative office was quite lively, but today only Miyako was there. He was merely asking in passing.
"Kaien was called away by the Captain earlier. The others showed their faces this morning and then disappeared."
"Fair enough."
Tsukasa nodded, watching the light dance on the surface of the tea.
He then entered a casual chat mode with Miyako, describing the events of the mission while listening to her recount recent interesting stories from the Shiba household.
Although there was a library within the Thirteenth Division's territory, there were very few other ways to pass the time. Casual conversation with friends was one of the few pleasures Tsukasa had enjoyed since joining the Gotei 13.
As Tsukasa was listening to these domestic trifles, a hearty voice rang out from outside the office. The voice arrived before the person; Tsukasa didn't even need to look up to know who it was.
"Tsukasa, you're back just in time."
A second later, Kaien Shiba walked into the office with a look of delight, waving his hand at Tsukasa.
"A bit bitter—"
Coming close to the two, Kaien picked up Miyako's tea cup and took a large gulp, complaining about the flavor before continuing.
"Captain Ukitake wants you to find some time to visit Ugendo once you've settled back in."
"Did the Captain say what it's about?" Tsukasa asked, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
Tsukasa had been to Ugendo several times before, but it was almost always with others. This was the first time he had been summoned alone.
"He didn't say," Kaien Shiba shrugged.
Suspecting nothing, Tsukasa stood up, grabbed his bag, and waved goodbye to the couple.
"Alright, I'll go back and freshen up first, then head over shortly. I'm off!"
"Mmm."
Kaien Shiba watched Tsukasa's departing back, and for some reason, an indescribable feeling suddenly rose in his heart.
In his impression, Tsukasa Suō had always been someone who knew how to enjoy leisure time. Yet, the enthusiasm and proactivity Tsukasa showed in handling Hollow threats since joining the division left him somewhat bewildered.
"Kaien, what is it?"
Miyako Shiba keenly noticed her husband's momentary lapse in focus and inquired.
"It's nothing."
Kaien Shiba was not someone with a delicate temperament; the inexplicable emotion came fast and left just as quickly. He calmed his mind and shook his head.