Nobu flipped through the test papers of Hitsugaya, Shiba Ganju, and Abarai Renji.
Renji had indeed written much more compared to last year, though it was clearly forced out, with noticeable logical and grammatical mistakes.
Considering Hinamori and the others had pleaded for him—and because Nobu held no grudge—he decided to mark Renji's test as passing.
Ganju's answers were quite decent, comfortably above average.
After interacting with him, Nobu realized Ganju was a surprisingly thoughtful guy, quite different from his rough exterior. Yet recalling Ganju's impulsive nature when he first appeared in the original story, Nobu speculated that the disappearance of Shiba Isshin and the death of Shiba Kaien must have profoundly changed him.
Then came Hitsugaya Tōshirō.
Hitsugaya's answers completely surpassed Nobu's expectations. Though the questions were similar to those he had created last year, Hitsugaya's responses were textbook-perfect—clear, logical, and concise, making one feel this was exactly how the answers should be.
As he finished reading, Nobu couldn't help but sigh in admiration. It seems Hitsugaya Tōshirō's rise to Captain of the Tenth Division wasn't solely due to his talent in Shinigami arts.
In the original story, Hitsugaya had graduated from Shin'ō Academy after just one year, entering the Tenth Division as a third seat, and quickly bringing order to division duties alongside Matsumoto Rangiku.
While grading the papers, many couldn't help exclaiming, "He really is a genius child!"
Even Shūhei remarked jealously, "This kid makes me envious."
Then he glanced at Nobu, teasing, "Aren't you feeling threatened? He might catch up to you soon."
Nobu, completely unconcerned, simply smiled, "Wouldn't that be great?"
Hitsugaya was precisely the kind of genuine prodigy people usually talked about.
As for Nobu, well, he had cheats.
...
A few days later, Renji, Hitsugaya, and Ganju successfully joined the Student Council.
To welcome the new members, the entire Student Council held a party that evening at an izakaya outside Shin'ō Academy.
The first-year newcomers sat quietly together, visibly nervous.
Meanwhile, the senior members laughed and chatted freely.
Suddenly, Nobu felt a bit nostalgic, realizing how quickly time had passed. It still felt as if he'd only just enrolled himself—and perhaps this final year would fly by just as swiftly.
"Hey, are you allowed to drink?"
Sitting across from Hitsugaya, Ganju couldn't help but voice the question.
Hitsugaya, used to such misunderstandings, replied calmly, "I'm old enough."
He himself didn't understand why he never seemed to grow taller. Even Hinamori looked like his elder sister these days.
He quietly watched Hinamori, who was happily chatting with others at another table, clearly enjoying her time here. Although Hitsugaya had only just started at the academy, he had also begun to genuinely enjoy the experience.
However, due to his nickname as the "genius child," many still looked at him oddly—classmates and instructors alike.
In just his first month at the academy, even the Headmaster had personally approached him, kindly asking if he had adjusted well, had encountered any difficulties, or had plans for his future.
Initially flattered by such attention, he eventually grew used to it.
After a month of classes, Hitsugaya had clearly recognized the vast gap between himself and others. Things that came naturally to him required immense effort for most students. In Kidō classes, he could master a spell after merely seeing or hearing it once, something no one else could match.
I wonder if Tachikawa-senpai is the same way?
Since enrolling, he'd heard countless tales about the Student Council President—though Hinamori had told him many of these stories long ago.
Like himself, Nobu was a celebrated genius within Shin'ō Academy. Even before graduating, he had already reached the level of a high-seated officer and had been scouted early by the Fourth Division.
"You're from Junrinan, right?" Ganju suddenly asked.
"Yes."
Ganju grinned, "I used to visit Junrinan often."
Junrinan, the first district of Rukongai, bordered Seireitei by just one wall.
"Really?" Hitsugaya felt slightly surprised—why would a noble regularly visit Rukongai?
"I don't particularly like Seireitei," Ganju admitted openly. "It's boring. If my brother and uncle weren't Shinigami, I'd probably move to Rukongai."
Seeing Ganju had none of the usual arrogance of nobles, Hitsugaya's impression of him improved significantly.
The two chatted casually. Despite Ganju's initial politeness, he quickly became loud and boisterous once they grew familiar—far more fitting his rough appearance.
Yet despite his closeness with Nobu, Ganju never dared to be so informal around him. After all, Nobu was his older brother's friend, and Ganju respected Kaien more than anyone else.
The party continued joyfully late into the night. By this hour, Shin'ō Academy had long since extinguished its lights—only the Student Council enjoyed such privileges.
Nobu hadn't drunk much, but many of the outgoing members, including Hinamori, had overindulged. On their way back, Hinamori leaned heavily on Rukia's shoulder.
Rukia, completely sober due to having to return to the Kuchiki household, wondered uncertainly who she should entrust the clearly intoxicated Hinamori to.
Ganju was somewhat tipsy as well, wrapping his arm around Hitsugaya's shoulder while enthusiastically rambling. Although Ganju lacked noble airs, he did have high standards; among his classmates, only Hitsugaya had earned his genuine respect.
Hitsugaya quietly slipped free from Ganju's grasp, approaching Rukia and Hinamori.
"Shirō-chan~" Hinamori slurred affectionately, her flushed face brighter from alcohol. "Are you enjoying the academy?"
Hitsugaya didn't respond directly, looking helplessly at her intoxicated state. He then turned to Rukia, "I'll handle this. You still need to head home, right?"
Rukia nodded gratefully, "Alright."
Just as Hitsugaya reached out to support Hinamori, she abruptly stumbled away from them, staggering toward another group while calling out cheerfully:
"Kaichō~!"
Nobu was chatting quietly with Shūhei and Vice President Katori Hayato about council matters when suddenly, a warm, soft body threw itself onto him, leaning entirely into his embrace.
Hitsugaya remained where he stood, quietly watching Hinamori cling closely to Nobu.
Rukia, witnessing this scene, immediately sensed something subtle beneath the surface.
Truthfully, given Hitsugaya's childlike appearance, it was easy to forget he was actually around their age.
Yet as Rukia watched Hinamori drunkenly snuggle up to Nobu, something hidden flickered in her eyes—and she felt an inexplicable sense of quiet satisfaction.
---
T/N: SATSIFACTION???
4 chapters since i was gonna update yesterday but didnt, bonus chaps are tomorrow and uhhh no character note for thisweek
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