The Kind Big Sister

Shin was a little surprised that Kotsubaki Kotone would ask so directly, and he replied after a moment's thought, "As long as it's something I don't know, I'm always happy to learn."

Kotsubaki Kotone tilted her head at that, thinking that probably counted as an affirmative answer.

She gave a light laugh. "I've looked over your file. Your Zanpakutō is a Kidō type, right?"

Shin said, "I suppose so. I only just awakened my Zanpakutō not long ago, so I haven't fully explored its abilities yet, but it does have the power to use Kidō."

"Then that's settled."

Currently, the most famous Kidō-type Zanpakutō in Soul Society was Fourth Division Captain Unohana Retsu's Minazuki. When released, it could transform into a giant, flat, single-eyed flying fish that swallowed people into its stomach to heal them.

Kotsubaki Kotone began to explain, "I came to substitute teach at the Spirit Training Academy today, and I also wanted to meet you. I'll be straightforward: when students graduate from the academy and are assigned to divisions, it's mainly based on their division preferences and overall ability assessments. Since your Zanpakutō is a Kidō type—which is honestly quite rare—you'd be better suited for our Fourth Division. We'll also request the academy to assign you directly to us upon graduation. What do you think?"

Shin wasn't surprised by this. He'd known this would happen from the moment he publicly claimed his Zanpakutō was a Kidō type.

"Which seat?"

Kotsubaki Kotone asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, if I go to the Fourth Division, what seat would I be?"

"..."

Kotsubaki Kotone was taken aback, then quickly asked, "Are you saying... you want to become a Seated Officer right after joining the Fourth Division?"

Shin nodded calmly.

Kotsubaki Kotone: "..."

She thought Shin didn't understand, so she patiently explained, "Graduates of the Spirit Training Academy start as ordinary squad members when they join the Thirteen Divisions. They gradually learn squad duties and improve themselves. Only if they perform exceptionally and meet the standards do they have a chance to become Seated Officers."

Shin smiled too. "Sorry, Lieutenant Captain Kotetsu. Maybe my question just now was a bit presumptuous."

Kotsubaki Kotone looked at him warmly. "It's fine."

She figured Shin really didn't understand these things, and as they talked face-to-face, she found him more and more agreeable—a cute younger brother figure who would likely become a reliable squad member in the future.

Shin then said, "Thank you, Lieutenant Captain Kotetsu. I'll seriously consider the Fourth Division when I graduate."

"Huh?"

Kotsubaki Kotone didn't react at first. She looked at the boy, who was much shorter than her, and still spoke patiently, "Maybe I didn't explain clearly. Because your Zanpakutō is special, you'll definitely be assigned to our Fourth Division after graduation. Of course, I hope you'll want to come on your own. I noticed you were paying close attention in class earlier, unlike many other students. You're interested in Kidō, right? At the Fourth Division, you can learn more advanced Kidō knowledge and applications. Our captain is also the best doctor in Soul Society..."

Shin countered, "Is there no room for negotiation about being directly assigned to the Fourth Division?"

Kotsubaki Kotone pursed her lips. "Tachikawa, do you not want to come to the Fourth Division?"

"It's not that. I just haven't fully decided yet."

"That's normal. I know you have excellent grades at the academy and you're the Student Council President. You must have many ideas and plans for the future. Many squad members eventually apply to transfer to other divisions after joining the Fourth Division, but since your Zanpakutō is a Kidō type, you're destined to achieve something in Kidō. Our Fourth Division offers very generous benefits, and medical Shinigami are highly respected..."

As Shin listened to Kotsubaki Kotone earnestly tell him about the Fourth Division, he suddenly couldn't help but laugh. He found her to be a very kind and somewhat naive person.

If Matsumoto Rangiku had encountered such a tactful refusal from him, she would definitely have lost her temper.

But Kotsubaki Kotone seemed not to notice.

"Tachikawa?" Kotsubaki Kotone thought it strange that he was laughing for no reason.

Shin quickly explained, "Sorry, Lieutenant Captain Kotetsu. It's just that someone as beautiful, gentle, and knowledgeable as you came to tell me all this, and I felt a bit happy, so I couldn't help it."

"Eh... is, is that so..."

Hearing him praise her like that, Kotsubaki Kotone's cheeks flushed slightly, and she unconsciously smoothed her braid.

Affection: 18

"So, Tachikawa, I hope you'll be mentally prepared. The Fourth Division will welcome you. Kidō is a vast field of study. If you're willing to delve into it, you'll definitely come to love it. And the sense of accomplishment from healing patients and the wounded is something no other division can offer." Kotsubaki Kotone said gently.

"I understand, Lieutenant Captain Kotetsu. Thank you very much for coming. But I still need about two years before I graduate."

"Two years?"

Kotsubaki Kotone thought for a moment. "Before the academy term started, I remember reading your file. The assessment at the time said you could graduate early. Why two years?"

Shin replied seriously, "I'm currently the Student Council President. The council was just established not long ago, and there are many areas that aren't mature yet. Since I proposed the idea to the academy and they approved it, I want to do more for the council. I'd like to wait until it's truly on track and stable before graduating. I hope you can understand."

Kotsubaki Kotone nodded, unable to help saying, "Tachikawa, you're truly dedicated. That's rare. I believe you'll definitely become a respected and outstanding Shinigami in the future."

Shin smiled. "I think you're that kind of person, Lieutenant Captain Kotetsu. I'm grateful that you came to teach us and talk to me."

Kotsubaki Kotone felt a bit embarrassed. "You flatter me."

Affection: 22

This affection is rising fast!

If I end up in the Fourth Division after graduation, I should be able to get a lot of rewards from Kotsubaki Kotone.

But the Fourth Division Captain, Unohana Retsu, probably won't be so easy.

Shin mused to himself.

Kotsubaki Kotone took her leave and then departed. She felt her trip had been worthwhile. This Tachikawa Shin was indeed a fine junior, which lifted her spirits. She had completed the captain's task, and the Fourth Division would gain new talent in the future.

The captain will be happy too!