Tachikawa Shin wasn't lazy. If he were, he wouldn't have kept training even when he knew that the system's rewards far outstripped what his own efforts could bring. He also maintained perfect attendance on every 4th Division mission he was assigned.
Handling squad affairs wasn't particularly hard for him, and Shin was already adapting quickly to his new life as a Captain.
The 10th Division handled patrol and security detail—its primary responsibility was to maintain law and order in both Seireitei and the Rukongai, with special focus on the former. Daily patrol units were deployed accordingly.
The squad members were also trying to adjust to their new Captain. Everyone had heard the various rumors about Tachikawa Shin, but lately the seated officers heard most of them from their own Lieutenant—who never missed a chance to complain about him.
That, of course, was because Shin always found time to tease Matsumoto Rangiku.
Still, one thing in Shin's favor: he hadn't reshuffled any officer positions upon taking command. It was common practice for new Captains to promote trusted subordinates or bring over close allies from other divisions—often at the expense of existing officers.
Not doing that spared the 10th Division a lot of instability.
That said, the only person Shin truly wanted to recruit was Hisagi Shūhei—and Shūhei had turned him down.
Aoga was determined to become a great healing Shinigami; he couldn't justify dragging her away. And Kanisawa...
Shin thought it best to keep his distance from her.
"Captain."
Hitsugaya Tōshirō knocked and stepped into the office, only to find Shin lounging back in his chair, legs unceremoniously propped up on the desk.
The scene was oddly familiar.
He placed a file on the desk.
"Why you? Where's Rangiku?" Shin asked without lifting his head.
"She didn't want to come."
Tōshirō answered bluntly. No surprise—Rangiku had been griping about Shin to anyone who would listen lately.
Shin didn't push further. He looked up and smiled. "Feels like we're back at the Shino Academy."
Tōshirō tilted his head, remembering the days when Shin slacked off in the Student Council room exactly like this. Some habits hadn't changed.
"Didn't expect you to end up as my Captain," he said.
Tōshirō had mixed feelings. He had become a Shinigami largely because of Shin—and Shin had, in a roundabout way, saved his grandmother. For that, he'd always felt gratitude.
But it wasn't just gratitude. Tōshirō had quietly seen Shin as his goal from the beginning. Ever since enrolling, he'd known he was a prodigy—he easily outpaced his peers, even the more advanced students like Shūhei.
Only Shin stayed ahead.
And then there was Hinamori…
"What? Feel like I'm in your way?" Shin teased with a grin.
"No," Tōshirō said. "I haven't even reached the threshold of Bankai. Captaincy's still far off. But you could make me your Lieutenant."
"You're not afraid of Rangiku punching you for that?" Shin laughed.
"She can't beat me anymore." Tōshirō shrugged.
"Really?" Shin arched an eyebrow. "Rangiku's not exactly weak."
"Never sparred with her, but I don't think I'd lose."
That confidence reminded Shin of himself.
"I'll go for the Captain spot once I've mastered Bankai," Tōshirō added.
"Then keep at it. I look forward to seeing you in the Captain's seat."
"Also," Tōshirō continued, "the Academy invited you to guest lecture."
"Who asked?"
"Professor Nandō."
"Not in the mood. Maybe later." Shin waved a hand.
"I'll let him know that's your official reply, then."
"…"
Shin gave Tōshirō a deadpan look. "You brat."
With more control over his time now, Shin figured he'd head home early. He hadn't seen Rangiku all day—probably off somewhere drinking, despite constantly accusing him of being lazy.
The squad had been giving him strange looks lately, no doubt thanks to all the "rumors" she was spreading.
As Shin approached his house, he saw a figure sitting outside the door.
She wore the red-and-white uniform of the Academy. The girl stood up as soon as she saw him, her expression weary. She forced a smile that quickly vanished.
"President…"
"Hinamori, huh."
He approached, opened the door, and stepped aside. "Come in."
Hinamori followed him in silence into the living room. Shin poured her a glass of water and motioned to the sofa.
"How long were you waiting?"
"Not long," she replied, clutching the glass.
"Something on your mind?"
She noticed the way he casually tossed his Captain's haori to the side.
"Congratulations on your promotion," she said.
"Thanks."
They hadn't seen each other since that day. If she hadn't come, Shin probably wouldn't have visited the Academy anytime soon.
Part of why he declined the teaching offer was because of Hinamori—and Kuchiki Rukia.
Hinamori's eyes turned red. Shin sighed. "What now?"
"You feel… really distant now," she said softly.
"You're overthinking it. I've been busy, haven't had time to visit."
"I know." Her head bowed.
"How are things with the others?" he asked.
"Kira, Abarai—they're all doing well. Kira's Vice President of the Student Council, Renji's running the kendo club. Ikkaku's grown a lot too…"
She listed off her small circle, but said nothing about herself—or Rukia.
"What about you?" Shin asked.
"…"
She gripped the cup tighter, then said, "Not great."
Silence.
"I miss you," she whispered.
"…I see."
"Do you ever think about me?"
"Sometimes," he said, adjusting his posture.
Her eyes lit up for a moment.
"I'm sorry about last time," she said. "I shouldn't have acted like that… Do you hate me?"
"No."
She looked down again.
"Are you and… Lieutenant Kotetsu still together?"
"Haven't seen her in days," Shin replied truthfully.
"…Huh?"
"You mean in what way?" he asked.
"I—I mean…"
She'd wanted to ask if they were dating. But Shin's answer threw her off, her mind suddenly tangled.
"'Haven't seen her in days'…?" she echoed.
If they were really together, surely they'd be living together—or at least see each other regularly in Seireitei.
"We've both been busy," Shin said.
Too vague. Too noncommittal.
Hinamori clenched her jaw and asked, "So… you and her aren't together anymore?"
Shin didn't even blink. "We were."
"…"
His words hit like lightning.
They really were together?
So she'd been right. That was why he'd rejected her—and Rukia.
She'd considered the possibility, over and over.
Proximity breeds intimacy. After he graduated and joined the 4th Division, their contact dwindled. But he and Kotetsu were together daily.
It made sense. She'd known. But she hadn't wanted to believe.
Because she had never changed.
Why hadn't he stayed the same?
A bitter ache welled up inside.
She fought it back, trying to maintain composure. She didn't want to break down in front of him. She knew he wouldn't like it.
"Why did you break up?" she asked, voice trembling.
"There were differences we couldn't reconcile," Shin replied.
"…I see." She swallowed. "But you must've loved her, right? She's gentle, beautiful… Why didn't you try to work it out?"
Shin looked at her for a long time, then chuckled softly.
"Working it out means one person has to change, has to compromise. I don't compromise."
"…"
"So you don't really know me, Hinamori."
She gripped the cup tighter.
"I'll be blunt," he went on. "We Shinigami live too long. I don't believe I can stay devoted to just one person for centuries. You're cute, cheerful, and yes—I like you. But I'm selfish. I won't be owned. And the kind of relationship you want—I can't give that to you. You wouldn't be able to accept what I want, either. Last time… that was already a better outcome than most."
Hinamori sat in silence, staring at him for a long time.
"If there's nothing else, you should go. Don't you have class? Or did you skip today?" Shin asked. "I'll visit the Academy when things settle. It's been a while since I saw everyone."
She placed the cup on the table, face unreadable.
"President," she said after a deep breath. "I plan to graduate next year."
Shin nodded. "Your grades are excellent. Graduating early shouldn't be a problem. The 4th Division would be a good fit—Unohana, Kotetsu, Aoga… they'll all take care of you."
"I'm not going to the 4th."
He paused. "Then where?"
She just stared at him. Her meaning was clear.
"I wouldn't recommend the 10th Division," Shin said. "You have Vice-Captain potential, but in the 10th, you won't reach that position."
Matsumoto and Hitsugaya weren't going anywhere.
"I don't care," Hinamori said. "Captain Tachikawa, are you going to reject my assignment request?"
"I might. If another Division wants you, I'll let you go."
Her eyes turned red again.
Shin sighed. "Fine, fine. Do whatever you want."
She showed no joy at his concession.
"You're a lot colder to me than before."
"Am I? I don't think so."
She slid closer, grabbed his arm, eyes glistening with tears.
He tried to shake her off. "What are you doing?"
She said nothing, resting her head on his shoulder.
"You're so cruel," she murmured.
"I think I'm pretty kind," he said.
But he didn't push her away. He just sat there quietly as she leaned on him.
A long silence passed.
Then she lifted her head and, without warning, pecked him on the cheek. Before he could react, she stood up.
"I'm heading back now, President."
She turned and walked to the door.
"Goodbye."
Shin sat there, watching her leave. Slowly, he touched the spot on his cheek.
His expression unreadable.