Nobu had waited anxiously for more than three months. Winter was almost upon them when Shiba Kaien finally came to Shin'ō Academy again as a substitute instructor.
Truthfully, his visits were already unusually frequent. Apart from Shiba Kaien, it was unlikely any other lieutenant would visit the academy nearly as often.
Yet three months, to a Shinigami, passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Kotetsu Isane had come by once more to discuss healing Kidō with Nobu. However, since their relationship revolved strictly around healing practices, Nobu refrained from suggesting a sparring session.
Kotetsu Isane's favorability rating had climbed to 55. Though each increase appeared smooth, it was actually the result of painstaking effort. After every meeting, Nobu would bury himself in the library, studying healing Kidō meticulously, just to ensure he wouldn't run out of topics or appear neglectful the next time they met.
On the other hand, Rukia and Momo's favorability ratings had barely increased. Rukia remained at 83, Momo at 86.
Improving their affection levels had become progressively harder.
Ever since the kiss with Nobu, Momo had never brought it up again. Yet Nobu could sense that the three of them had settled into some delicate equilibrium—something indescribably subtle.
For instance, whenever all three were together, the girls would tacitly become more reserved.
Nobu knew something must have happened between them, but as long as their favorability hadn't dropped, he didn't mind it much.
When morning classes ended, Nobu eagerly headed toward the teaching building to intercept Shiba Kaien as soon as he emerged.
"Nobu?"
Ever since Nobu had visited his home, Kaien had started addressing him by his first name, significantly warming their relationship.
"Lieutenant Shiba." Nobu smiled warmly. "Haven't eaten yet, right? How about lunch on me?"
Kaien instantly sensed trouble brewing. This kid never flattered anyone without a reason.
"What are you up to?" he instinctively took a step back.
Nobu adopted an innocent expression. "Nothing at all. It's just been a while—I missed seeing you, Lieutenant Shiba."
"..."
In the end, Shiba Kaien was reluctantly dragged to the academy's cafeteria. Throughout the meal, Kaien felt thoroughly uneasy.
Usually, he was the one who sought Nobu out during his academy visits, but today Nobu had actively cornered him.
"Come on, spill it. What do you want?"
Nobu stared at Kaien with earnest anticipation. "Lieutenant Shiba, do you happen to be free this afternoon?"
Kaien hedged cautiously. "Depends. I've still got some squad duties to handle."
Nobu slipped into a polite, deferential tone. "Actually, I'd like to ask Lieutenant Shiba to spar with me a bit. Could you perhaps honor me with your presence?"
Sparring?
Kaien was taken aback. Was that all?
But as he saw Nobu's earnest smile, Kaien's brow furrowed slightly.
He had watched Nobu's previous battle footage and knew the boy's strength was unquestionably at the higher seated officer level—possibly even lieutenant-class.
Kaien gradually regained his calm. He knew his own abilities: among lieutenants, he was merely average. It wasn't a lack of confidence, but if he ended up defeated by this kid, he might lose face in front of him from now on.
"Oh, so that's it. Such a shame—I really do have things to attend to this afternoon."
"Then tomorrow?" Nobu wouldn't relent.
Kaien made a show of thinking, then clapped his hands in realization. "Oh, come to think of it, I'm pretty booked up this entire month."
Nobu: "…"
Realizing Kaien had no intention of sparring with him, Nobu began racking his brains to figure out how he could change his mind.
Kaien suddenly shifted the topic. "However, I could find you another sparring partner."
"Oh? Who is it?"
Nobu immediately assumed whoever Kaien recommended had to at least be lieutenant-level. Ordinary seated officers wouldn't be enough to satisfy him.
But upon reflection, who among the current lieutenants could Kaien possibly get for him?
Kaien smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out tomorrow."
Nobu could only wait in anticipation.
...
The next afternoon.
While Nobu sat in the student council office, a rapid knock suddenly echoed from the door.
"Come in."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than two figures entered. Nobu's eyes instantly fixed on one of them, drawn irresistibly to his brilliantly gleaming bald head.
These two are…
Nobu was momentarily stunned.
"Wearing a student uniform, so looks like I found the right person. You're Tachikawa Nobu, huh?"
The speaker wore a standard Shinigami uniform, a Zanpakutō strapped at his waist. His shiny head was reminiscent of a polished marble, eyes narrow with striking red markings at the corners.
Beside him stood a man with somewhat flamboyant attire and an effeminate elegance, an orange neck-choker around his neck and feathered accessories at the corner of his right eye.
After a brief moment of surprise, Nobu felt a surge of joy. These two were indeed perfect picks by Kaien—
Especially the bald one. He was a notorious battle maniac.
"Indeed, I'm Tachikawa Nobu." He stood up. "And you two…?"
The bald man grinned broadly. "This great one is Madarame Ikkaku, Third Seat of the Eleventh Division. And this is Ayasegawa Yumichika, Fifth Seat. Yesterday, Kaien came and told me there was some brat named Tachikawa Nobu at the academy who needed someone to play with. Dunno if you and Kaien have some sort of beef, but brat, you're in luck!"
Nobu laughed. "You misunderstand. I actually requested Lieutenant Shiba to spar with me. But he's busy with squad duties, so he asked you two to come instead."
"Oh?" Ikkaku raised an eyebrow. The details didn't really matter to him anyway—he'd been bored these past few days.
"Got somewhere we can fight?"
"Of course. Follow me."
The kendō dojo was conveniently empty at this hour, and with classes nearly over, they could use it uninterrupted well into the evening.
As Nobu led Ikkaku and Yumichika into the dojo, Ikkaku noticed Nobu was also carrying an asauchi.
"Kid, you're no ordinary student, are you?" he asked casually.
Neither he nor Yumichika had attended Shin'ō Academy themselves, but the Eleventh Division recruited academy graduates every year, so they knew roughly the level of its students.
Nobu strolled to the center of the dojo, smiling lightly. "Ordinary or not—you'll soon find out."
Yumichika suddenly thought the name Tachikawa Nobu sounded oddly familiar, though he couldn't recall from where at the moment.
Just as Nobu eagerly reached to draw his sword, Ikkaku abruptly stopped him.
"Hold up a sec."
Nobu looked puzzled, then watched as Ikkaku stood straight, cleared his throat lightly, and—to Nobu's amazement—began tiptoeing around in place, gripping his sword with both hands. Humming rhythmically, Ikkaku performed a bizarre and comical dance.
Nobu: "…"
Even Yumichika, leaning casually against the wall, subtly turned his gaze aside.