In a small meeting room in the Thirteenth Division, afternoon sunlight slanted through the half-open paper door, spreading a warm yellow band across the tatami. The scent of ink sticks and paperwork mingled with the fragrance of grass drifting in from the courtyard.
"Kaien, you really don't need to work yourself so hard."
Sitting across from Shuichi, Kaien Shiba looked up with his signature bright, gentle smile. "Captain Shuichi, I'm fine. As long as I do a little better, there'll be fewer casualties in the division."
Shuichi did not answer right away. There was no answer he could give to words like those. They were not a question waiting for a response, but a promise a young man had made to himself with every ounce of his strength.
Over the past few months, Kaien had taken on almost every field assignment in the Thirteenth Division that required someone to lead a team independently: supporting garrisons in the World of the Living, scouting and clearing out Hollows there. He did well, handling every task cleanly and efficiently. His reports were concise and accurate, and he remained calm when unexpected situations arose. Even the division's veteran seated officers acknowledged his ability.
But Shuichi could see that this young man was pushing himself almost to the point of burnout. He wanted too badly to do everything well, to prove he deserved the expectations placed on him. It had been a long time since he had trained or rested.
"Kaien, I've already told the Third Seat and Jushiro to cut back on your assignments. Get some proper rest. Training more and growing stronger is how you can live up to Jushiro's trust in you."
Kaien did not answer, but his smile faded a little, and he lowered his head slightly.
Shuichi continued, "You