This was a common ailment nearly all squads tacitly understood. When a squad's atmosphere was a bit too relaxed, tongues would wag; as long as the interpersonal relationship between a man and a woman was slightly close, rumors would easily sprout in private.
Even Suō Tsukasa himself found that because his daily relationship with Rukia Kuchiki was just a bit closer than that of ordinary squad members, several baseless rumors about them had already begun to circulate within the division. Even a steady and honest man like Konoe Shūzō had privately sought out Tsukasa to confirm the veracity of the gossip, leaving Tsukasa stuck between laughter and tears. It was utterly ridiculous, yet utterly real.
"Don't worry, Rangiku. You just focus on being a good Lieutenant. Once Tsukasa and I master Bankai, we'll head straight for Captaincy," Toshiro added from the side as he approached her, offering a casual word of comfort.
Teased by him, Matsumoto Rangiku looked back at the other two, who both wore expressions of agreement. After a long moment, she curled her lip, turned her head away, and lowered her voice.
"—Look at you all, so full of words."
"—I get it already, stop nagging!"
With everything out in the open, the atmosphere became much more harmonious. Tsukasa did not pursue the topic further, naturally shifting to ask about Shiba Isshin's plans for the New Year holidays. Looking at Isshin with a smile, he extended an invitation.
"By the way, Uncle, Toshiro and I plan to go back to Teradaya in West Rukongai for the New Year. Rangiku is coming along too. Would you like to—"
Before he could finish, Shiba Isshin waved his hand helplessly, a wry smile spreading across his face.
"Count me out. You lot go and enjoy the festivities. A Captain has a Captain's responsibilities; during the holidays, one must guard the division and watch over the Seireitei. It is the rule, and it is my duty. I appreciate the sentiment, but don't worry about me. Many squad members spend the New Year in the barracks; I'll have them for company."
His words were plain, yet they radiated the responsibility and warmth of a division leader. The reason he could not leave was not just duty, but a form of devotion.
Hearing this, Tsukasa nodded understandingly. He did not press further, saying lightheartedly, "Alright then. We'll make sure to have a few extra bites of the holiday feast on your behalf. When we get back, we'll bring you some good snacks for your sake and make up for it then!"
"You brat, you certainly know how to handle people!" Shiba Isshin cursed with a laugh, though his eyes were filled with warmth.
In the afternoon, the sunlight over the Seireitei was just right. After leaving the Tenth Division barracks, Suō Tsukasa did not return directly to the Thirteenth Division but instead changed direction. His original plan was to head to the Fourth Division after delivering the medicine.
The Fourth Division barracks remained the same as ever, the air permeated with the scent of herbs. Given his status as the Class Leader of the Special Relief Class, Tsukasa required no announcement and passed through the barracks unhindered. He walked down the clean, bright corridors with practiced ease, heading toward the duty room where Kotetsu Isane was usually located.
Occasionally, he encountered Fourth Division members he knew hurrying past; they would stop and greet him warmly. Ever since he took up his post in the Fourth Division and demonstrated his extraordinary Kaido skills before the members, he had earned considerable prestige within the squad. This respect stemmed from both his strength and his sense of responsibility.
Before long, he stopped in front of a door and saw the familiar figure he expected. Kotetsu Isane was sitting at a long table, her head down as she reviewed several medical files with focused intensity. Sunlight spilled in from a side window, illuminating her short, silver-grey hair and giving her an air of gentleness and earnestness.
"Isane-san, good afternoon." Tsukasa curled his knuckles and tapped lightly on the half-open door.
"Oh, Tsukasa! Please, come in. What brings you here today?" Isane looked up at the sound, her face immediately breaking into a bright smile upon seeing him. "There shouldn't be any emergency treatment tasks for the Special Relief Class today! Is your body feeling unwell again?"
As she spoke, she put down the files and walked over quickly, her voice full of concern. Reaching him, her gaze habitually swept over his face and body, her hand reflexively lifting as if to perform a check. Normally, whenever the Special Relief Class had a mission, she was the one responsible for the coordination and arrangements.
"No, no, my health is perfectly fine," Tsukasa said, quickly waving his hands in the face of Isane's sudden worry. "It's something else. I asked for some seeds a while back, and some of the medicinal herbs have grown well. After processing them, I picked out a few high-quality samples and wanted to show them to Captain Unohana. I just stopped by to say hello and ask if the Captain is free this afternoon."
He immediately pulled a paper-wrapped bundle from his robes and unfolded it to explain. It wasn't that he couldn't go find Retsu Unohana alone, but he was somewhat unaccustomed to being in a room with her one-on-one. Because he knew too much about her, he always felt a subtle sensation in her presence—as if he were a fruit tree carefully planted in her orchard, waiting to grow, blossom, and eventually be gathered with pleasure.
Though it was likely a delusion—since her real interest lay in Kenpachi Zaraki rather than a small fry like him—the indescribable feeling of being seen through and watched made his mind fluctuate, preventing him from fully relaxing. With the gentle-natured Isane present, the atmosphere would be much more natural.
"They grew that fast?" Isane's attention was indeed drawn to the herbs in the bundle. Her eyes widened slightly as she leaned in, carefully examining the properly processed plants and catching their scent. "They really do look high-quality. Did you start a medicinal garden in the Thirteenth Division barracks?"
She asked about the location casually, without any intent to pry into secrets. It was mostly curiosity regarding such a short growth cycle and an instinctive focus on the quality of the herbs.
Tsukasa replied with a frank smile, "The special ability of my Zanpakuto, Hikari, can regulate light to a certain extent and shorten the growth cycle. As for the garden, it's in a secret base of mine, not in the Thirteenth Division."
"I see. Still, being able to cultivate herbs of such excellent quality in such a short time is truly remarkable!" Isane nodded understandingly without pressing for details, an encouraging smile gracing her face as she praised him. She highly approved of Tsukasa's extra effort and results in medical affairs.
"Thank you, Isane-san." Tsukasa thanked her with a smile, re-wrapping the herbs and tucking them away.
"Why are you being so polite with me?" Isane shook her head with a laugh, turning back to tidy her desk and close the door.
She had always been fond of Tsukasa. Initially, it was because he was someone her younger sister had specifically asked her to look after; her affection for her sister naturally extended to her care for him. However, through subsequent encounters and getting to know him better, seeing his steady and earnest manner—which didn't quite match his youthful appearance—her feeling had gradually transformed into genuine recognition and appreciation for the man himself. Thus, she was very enthusiastic and happy to help.
"Mm. Since you've brought such wonderful things, the Captain will surely be interested—"
The two then walked side by side toward the Captain's office, accompanied by casual conversation.
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