Hearing Matsumoto Rangiku mention Hitsugaya Tōshirō's name didn't surprise Nobu at all.
If it weren't for Hitsugaya, she probably wouldn't have bothered visiting Shin'ō Academy again.
In the original story, it was Rangiku who discovered Hitsugaya in Rukongai and brought him into Shin'ō Academy and later the Tenth Division. After Shiba Isshin vanished, Hitsugaya eventually became captain.
But thanks to Nobu's interference, Hitsugaya had enrolled five years ahead of schedule.
"I know him. He's a member of the student council now—our academy's most talked-about prodigy," Nobu said casually, shrugging. "But Rangiku-san, if you came seeking my help, I'm afraid you're a bit late. Lieutenant Shiba already visited me yesterday."
Rangiku paused, her delicate brows slightly furrowing. "Hitsugaya-kun already agreed to join the Thirteenth Division?"
With a Sixth-Class spiritual power rating at entry, Hitsugaya could graduate from Shin'ō Academy in a single year, just as Ichimaru Gin and Shiba Kaien had done decades earlier.
Nobu took a sip of his sake. "No, he hasn't agreed yet. What I mean is, if you wanted my help, you're late. I've already promised Lieutenant Shiba that I'd talk up his division around Hitsugaya. If you really want him, you should probably go straight to Hitsugaya himself."
Rangiku thoughtfully swirled her cup, watching the sake ripple gently.
Her eyes flickered briefly before shifting back to Nobu.
"What about Hitsugaya-kun's own preference?"
"He's barely enrolled, and coming straight from Rukongai, he hasn't made up his mind yet."
"In other words," Rangiku smiled knowingly, "as Student Council President, you can greatly influence his decision."
Nobu laughed lightly. "I wouldn't be so sure—I'm not particularly close with him yet."
Suddenly, Rangiku's lips curled into an enticing, playful smile. Raising her cup gracefully, she leaned forward slightly.
"You know, it's been quite a while since we've seen each other, Nobu…or enjoyed a drink together."
She drew out the syllables of his name alluringly, sending a pleasant shiver down Nobu's spine.
This is something Hinamori and Rukia just can't match, no matter how you look at it…
Nobu chuckled warmly, clinking his cup against hers. "Isn't it because you've been too busy, Rangiku-san?"
Finishing a drink, Rangiku sighed dramatically. "You're right. It's because my captain's so irresponsible—always finding excuses to slack off—that as his lieutenant, I end up doing twice the work."
She tilted her head, resting her cheek lightly against one palm, casting Nobu a sidelong glance filled with playful resentment and charm.
"I was hoping you'd join the Tenth Division and help me shoulder some of the load, but alas…"
As she poured another cup, her wide sleeve slipped down slightly, highlighting the delicate curve of her pale wrist.
Nobu sipped his sake silently, thinking, She really knows how to put on a performance.
Not that he minded watching.
"You deserve more credit, Rangiku-san. Captain Shiba should appreciate you more."
"Him?" She laughed softly, clinking their cups once again.
This time, Rangiku leaned forward even further, practically resting her ample curves atop the table between them.
"If I could count on him, would I need to come all the way here?" she sighed mournfully.
Feigning mild offense, Nobu pouted, "Couldn't you at least pretend you came specifically to see me, Rangiku-san?"
Rangiku rolled her eyes at him with a seductive playfulness, the honeyed depths of her gaze briefly mesmerizing him, her eyelashes fluttering like delicate butterflies.
Nobu shifted slightly in his seat, discomfort growing beneath his relaxed facade.
Why does it feel like I'm enjoying this, yet also suffering at the same time…
"I just want someone reliable to help ease my burdens," Rangiku sighed once more.
"I'm right here," Nobu teased lightly.
"But you can't join the Tenth Division."
"That's true—such a pity," Nobu said, echoing her sigh.
Seeing his apparent regret, Rangiku's eyes lit up eagerly. "Nobu… about Hitsugaya-kun…"
Nobu showed an expression of mock conflict. "But I've already promised Lieutenant Shiba."
"Nobu~"
Rangiku drew out his name gently, her voice sweet as honeyed wine, sending ripples across Nobu's heart.
"Can't you reconsider?" she whispered enticingly.
She didn't mention how she'd once saved him from Zaraki District, but Nobu found this method even more persuasive. Though he'd only intended to humor her, he'd severely underestimated her destructive charm.
Rangiku's fingers traced the edge of her collar slowly, ostensibly adjusting her clothing, yet the movement seemed deliberately tantalizing—as if she intended to reveal more rather than conceal. Nobu's breath caught sharply as those slender fingers pressed lightly into soft curves, creating mesmerizing waves across flawless skin.
Ssss…
Nobu quickly drank more sake, the cool liquid searing down his throat, igniting a flame that made him cough involuntarily.
Blinking innocently, Rangiku tilted her head. "Something wrong, Nobu?"
Nobu quickly recomposed himself, mentally reminding himself that the experience was worth any discomfort.
But whether he looked or not was beside the point. If he let her believe this tactic had succeeded, she'd probably mock him inwardly.
After a thoughtful pause, Nobu lowered his gaze, adopting a rueful expression.
"Alright, Rangiku-san—please stop teasing me."
Her eyes sparkled knowingly.
"Like I said, I've promised Lieutenant Shiba, and I'll keep my word...but," he added, glancing up slyly, "I suppose there's no harm in mentioning the Tenth Division as well. After all, Captain Shiba Isshin is Kaien-san's own uncle—I'm sure Lieutenant Shiba will understand."
Rangiku broke into a triumphant smile.
"I knew you'd help me, Nobu! Looks like I didn't waste my efforts bringing you here from Zaraki back then."
Nobu lifted his cup with a smile. "Of course. That's a kindness I'll never forget."
[Affection +2]
[Affection: 66]
Only two points?
Nobu silently sighed.
After several rounds of drinks, Rangiku's teasing resumed suddenly.
"Nobu, earlier—why did you suddenly shift your position in your seat?"
"…"
Is this something you can actually ask so openly?!
Keeping his composure, Nobu replied innocently, "Did I? I don't remember at all. Rangiku-san seems awfully attentive to such minor details."
Ignoring his pretend ignorance, Rangiku leaned closer, lowering her voice seductively. "Did you want to look?"
Nobu froze mid-sip.
Before he could reply, Rangiku burst into delighted laughter, rocking back and forth as she laughed uncontrollably. Despite the visual treat, Nobu silently gritted his teeth.
This woman—she's asking for trouble!
Once she recovered from her laughter, Rangiku took another leisurely sip, casually advising, "Maybe you should focus on your Kuchiki princess instead."
Nobu shrugged helplessly.
Rangiku seemed carefree and open-minded on the surface, but beneath it, she was incredibly perceptive.
If you didn't genuinely desire her, she'd lower her defenses, teasing you mercilessly just for fun.
But the moment you revealed genuine intent, she'd skillfully establish clear boundaries.
Nobu glanced once more at Rangiku's affection rating.
Moreover, with Ichimaru Gin around, winning her over might be as difficult as impressing Unohana-taichō herself.