The Captains

The day before the cultural festival, Xin was called to the principal's office ahead of time.

"These are the captains who will be attending tomorrow; you'll need to arrange for people to welcome them," Suzumebachi Gyosho handed Xin a document listing the names.

Xin glanced at it and saw the names of the Captains from the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Tenth, and Thirteenth Divisions.

"Quite a few are coming," he remarked, thinking that Shiba Kaien certainly had a lot of pull.

"With so many important figures coming at once, we can't afford any mistakes," Suzumebachi Gyosho cautioned.

Besides these Captains, many Shinigami from the Thirteenth Division would also be attending, making for a very lively event.

"Principal, why are you giving such an important task to me? Wouldn't it be more appropriate for the instructors at the Spirit Training Academy to handle it?"

Suzumebachi Gyosho replied, "The instructors only need to focus on teaching. I believe it's beneficial for you students to handle other tasks."

Xin felt a bit helpless. The Student Council already had very few members, and tomorrow would be the busiest day. If they had to allocate some people to reception duties, they would be even more short-handed.

He pondered for a moment before returning the document.

Suzumebachi Gyosho looked at him, puzzled.

"It's not that I'm unwilling, it's just that the Student Council lacks sufficient personnel. Tomorrow, we need to ensure the cultural festival proceeds smoothly, and all members of the Student Council will be occupied with their duties, leaving no one available," Xin explained.

Suzumebachi Gyosho frowned slightly.

Xin then added, "Principal, I don't think these Captains necessarily need receptionists. They're here to enjoy themselves. If we treat it like an inspection, wouldn't that be unnecessary?"

Suzumebachi Gyosho couldn't help but exclaim, "You brat, do you even know who the Captains of the Thirteenth Division are!"

Even as the principal of the Spirit Training Academy, he wouldn't dare show any disrespect to these Captains.

Xin spread his hands, "Of course, I know. I think it's more appropriate to treat them as guests visiting our campus festival rather than treating them like mascots. Perhaps they'd prefer to wander around on their own without being bothered?"

Suzumebachi Gyosho's expression faltered.

"Principal, what do you think?"

Principal Suzumebachi thoughtfully considered Xin's words. If the Student Council was indeed short on staff, he could personally escort the leaders of the Spirit Training Academy to welcome them. However, Xin's words made him hesitate.

The Captains' arrival tomorrow was to show support for the Spirit Training Academy's cultural festival. Most of these Captains had graduated from the Spirit Training Academy. Captains like those from the Eighth and Thirteenth Divisions had been here longer than the current principal.

The reason he was so concerned was the extraordinary status and position these Captains held in Soul Society.

Suzumebachi Gyosho re-examined Xin, his thoughts racing. Finally, he nodded and said, "You have a point, but our Spirit Training Academy cannot simply ignore them without any gesture. Xin, you will be responsible for welcoming them tomorrow. If the Captains' wishes are indeed as you say, that would be ideal. If not, then you will be responsible for hosting them properly."

With that, Xin had no choice but to agree.

The next morning, at the main gate of the Spirit Training Academy.

The sky was a clear, azure blue, and cherry blossoms danced like clouds of colorful mist.

The air carried a faint fragrance. Xin stood alone, waiting, idly watching the Shinigami entering from outside, and occasionally glancing at the sky.

Since Rukia had program preparations today, she wasn't by his side.

Finally, a cluster of figures appeared at the edge of his vision. White haori were the most eye-catching attire in Soul Society, especially when several appeared at once.

Xin immediately dropped his casual demeanor and jogged forward as they approached.

"The Spirit Training Academy and the Student Council welcome the esteemed Captains."

Just as on the list Principal Suzumebachi had given him, the arrivals were Captain Unohana Retsu of the Fourth Division, Captain Sosuke Aizen of the Fifth Division, Captain Kuchiki Ginrei of the Sixth Division, Captain Kyōraku Shunsui of the Eighth Division, Captain Shiba Isshin of the Tenth Division, and Captain Ukitake Jūshirō of the Thirteenth Division.

Accompanying them, besides the Captain of the Sixth Division, were their respective lieutenants.

Xin had met some of these individuals before, and others he hadn't, but he was familiar with all of them.

"It's been a while, Tachikawa-kun," Aizen said with a smile.

Shiba Isshin asked, "Are you alone?"

As he spoke, his gaze swept around.

It was unexpected that only one person had come to greet them, the Captains who had made a special trip.

Xin replied respectfully, "Principal Suzumebachi said that today is the Spirit Training Academy's cultural festival, and you Captains are here as visitors, not as leaders. Therefore, there's no need for any grand reception, as it might inconvenience you Captains and dampen your spirits. Moreover, the Spirit Training Academy is also your alma mater, and returning for a visit doesn't require a guide."

Shiba Isshin raised an eyebrow slightly. Compared to some of the other Captains, his seniority was relatively less, so he also knew Suzumebachi Gyosho.

This behavior was completely unlike something Principal Suzumebachi would do.

"Well said. It's been quite some time since I last returned to the Spirit Training Academy."

The handsome young man with silver hair beside him chuckled. He was Captain Ukitake Jūshirō of the Thirteenth Division, Shiba Kaien's direct superior, and one of the most senior Captains in the Thirteenth Division. Even Kuchiki Ginrei, with his white hair and beard, regarded him as a senior.

His peer in seniority was Captain Kyōraku Shunsui of the Eighth Division. He was dressed flamboyantly, wearing a pink kimono over his white Captain's haori, resembling women's clothing. However, compared to the handsome Ukitake, his appearance was more weathered. His medium-length, curly brown hair was tied into a ponytail, and he had a beard on his chin.

"This must be the Student Council President," he said, appraising Xin with a lazy and flippant tone. He wasn't wearing his straw hat today.

"You carry yourself quite well."

"Thank you for the compliment, Captain Kyōraku," Xin replied.

Kyōraku Shunsui teased with a smile, "I've heard that several Divisions have been vying for you."

Xin looked genuinely surprised, "Is that so?"

Matsumoto Rangiku, standing next to Shiba Isshin, couldn't help but roll her eyes at his current demeanor.

Beside Ukitake Jūshirō, Shiba Kaien ruthlessly chimed in, "Captains, don't let this kid's harmless appearance fool you. He's got a lot going on in his head, and he doesn't even think highly of the Third Seat."

As soon as he said this, those present who didn't know the details couldn't help but look over with surprise.

Kotsubaki Kotone suddenly remembered something. No wonder Xin had asked her about the seats back then; she had thought he knew nothing about it...

Xin was inwardly lamenting. He hadn't expected Shiba Kaien to bring this up directly. Was it because he was resentful that Xin couldn't join the Tenth Division?

"Vice-Captain Shiba is mistaken about me. How could I possibly look down on the Third Seat!"

"Is that so?" Shiba Isshin asked with a smile, speaking for his nephew. "Rangiku and Kaien have both invited you, haven't they? But it seems you've never given a definitive answer."

Under the pressure of everyone's gazes, Xin felt a sudden headache.

Just as he was about to try and change the subject, he heard a voice as gentle as water.

"It seems the ideal Division in his heart is neither the Tenth nor the Thirteenth Division. If that's the case, why are you pressuring him?"

Xin couldn't help but look up, meeting a gentle yet beautiful face.