With the final graduation exams concluded, the students of Shin'ō Academy received their division assignment notices.
The members of the Student Council once again gathered for a celebratory meal.
The izakaya bustled with lively voices, nearly taken over by academy students.
Nobu drank heavily, toasted repeatedly by council members, many sharing heartfelt words throughout the evening. Those from Nobu's own year especially grew emotional.
Even Shūhei, who seldom lost control, ended up thoroughly drunk. At least tonight he didn't have to worry about waking up early.
There were no more classes tomorrow—or ever again.
It was worth noting that Hitsugaya Tōshirō had also participated in the graduation exams, meaning he would graduate in the same class as Nobu.
Hinamori began the night in high spirits, but soon her eyes reddened and remained teary throughout. Losing both Nobu and Hitsugaya at once was difficult for her to accept. She drank heavily, eventually openly clinging to Nobu's arm, crying unabashedly.
It took Nobu a great deal of coaxing to calm her down, until finally entrusting her to another female student to escort back home.
Outside, a gentle rain began to fall.
Standing under the eaves, Nobu felt the refreshing coolness wash over him. He rubbed his cheeks firmly, regaining some clarity.
Voices murmured farewells around him as the members gradually departed one after another.
"Kaichō…"
At some point, Rukia had appeared at his side, after everyone else had left.
Warm lights still lingered in the izakaya behind them, though the interior had already quieted. They were the last ones remaining.
Nobu glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
[Affinity: 87]
Without a word, he suddenly reached out, drawing her gently into his embrace.
Rukia stiffened briefly, then gradually relaxed, her delicate form pressing closely against his chest.
"Kaichō…are you drunk?"
Her muffled voice was hesitant. Nobu didn't answer, just held her tighter.
Slowly, Rukia's hands crept up his back, quietly soaking in his warmth.
"Kaichō… I don't want you to go."
She buried her head into Nobu's chest, words muffled by his clothing. Hinamori had said similar things openly throughout dinner, yet only now, in this quiet moment, did Rukia have the courage to say the same.
Her fingertips tightened, clinging desperately to his uniform, inhaling deeply, greedily capturing his scent—as if loosening her grip might mean losing him forever.
Feeling his hold relax slightly, Rukia lifted her head gently. A strand of hair fell across her forehead, swaying lightly and blurring her vision. Nobu was looking down at her too, his eyes like stars hovering intimately close.
She wasn't sure where her courage came from as she rose onto her tiptoes, but Nobu lowered his head first, as though the night itself was gently falling over her.
Her lips were soft and cool, like delicate frost that might shatter at the gentlest touch.
Warm yellow lamplight filtered through wooden window screens, casting patterns over their faces. Rain slid gently from the roof, encasing them in a transparent, shimmering curtain. The distant streetlights blurred dimly, flickering through the mist. When a cool breeze carried droplets to her skin, Rukia felt a deep, yearning chill.
She sensed the faint flutter of Nobu's eyelashes brushing her eyelids, sending delicate tremors through her heart. It was as if his soul drank from hers, tasting her essence, yearning to be reborn through this quiet moment.
A veil of gentle rain covered the world.
Rukia knew she was already far past her curfew, yet she couldn't bring herself to leave. They stood together wordlessly, simply holding each other.
Eventually, Nobu broke the silence first.
"Which division do you want to join later?"
Rukia gently shook her head. "I don't know."
Secretly, she wished Nobu would ask her to choose the Fourth Division. If he did, she would agree without hesitation and find a way to make it happen.
Nobu's fingers carefully brushed back her dampened hair. He smiled faintly.
"I thought you'd say you wanted to join the Fourth Division. Maybe I'm just flattering myself."
Rukia pressed her lips tightly together, her heart in turmoil—perhaps from their earlier kiss, perhaps from Nobu's current question.
Momo also wants to join the Fourth Division…
She almost blurted it out, but swallowed the words at the last moment.
Rukia didn't want Nobu to see her as someone petty or jealous. Her affection was calm and gentle—like the rain tonight, clear, steady, quiet.
[Affinity: 89]
Nobu exhaled softly. "You should probably head home."
"…"
"What, were you planning on staying out all night?" he teased softly. "Not that I'd mind, but I'd rather avoid trouble if the Kuchiki household comes looking tomorrow."
Rukia's cheeks flared instantly red, but she still clutched his hand tightly, unwilling to release it.
Nobu leaned down once more, gently pressing a kiss onto her forehead.
"Go on."
Finally, Rukia let his hand slip from hers. She stepped reluctantly into the rainy darkness, repeatedly looking back. Each time, she saw Nobu standing still, beneath the eaves of the izakaya, bathed in its warm, lingering glow. Only after the izakaya's lights dimmed completely did she turn away.
...
The following day, Nobu didn't say any more goodbyes. After putting on his newly-issued shihakushō, he departed for the Fourth Division along with Aoshika.
The Fourth Division barracks featured a famously serene environment, among the finest in the Gotei 13.
Its division flower was the gentian, symbolizing a tribute to tenacious life.
Upon arrival, they were greeted warmly by a Fourth Division member who seemed to recognize Nobu immediately, eyeing him repeatedly with curiosity.
"You're Tachikawa Nobu, aren't you?"
"That's right."
"I saw you speak at the Shin'ō Academy culture festival." The man smiled and extended a hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Iemura Yasochika, Fifth Seat of the Fourth Division and Deputy Leader of Advanced Relief Team One."
"Nice to meet you, Iemura-senpai," Nobu replied politely.
Iemura laughed gently. "I've heard a lot about you already. Kotetsu-fukutaichō often mentions you."
"You flatter me, it's all exaggerated," Nobu responded modestly.
Aoshika introduced himself eagerly. "Hello, Iemura-senpai, I'm Aoshika."
Iemura, wearing glasses and sporting short blond hair, was friendly and easy-going, quickly putting them at ease. He led Nobu and Aoshika into a spacious room filled with many familiar faces from their graduating class, all newly assigned to the Fourth Division. Several classmates approached Nobu and Aoshika, greeting them warmly.
Once he'd brought them in, Iemura departed, leaving the room buzzing with whispers among the recruits.
Nobu stood quietly, composed. Beside him, Aoshika was visibly excited.
"Nobu, what do you think Captain Unohana is like? I've heard she's beautiful, graceful, and very kind. You've met her before, haven't you?"
"Yes, briefly," Nobu replied casually. "She's just as the rumors say."
After a short wait, two figures stepped into the room from an inner chamber. Instantly, silence fell among the new recruits, everyone quickly forming orderly ranks.
Unohana Retsu, wearing her captain's haori, moved gracefully before them, her calm, gentle smile radiating kindness. Her reputation for warmth was clearly well-deserved.
The Fourth Division specialized in medical relief and valued compassion above all else, treating allies and enemies alike without hesitation. Unohana's demeanor perfectly embodied the kindness and mercy they cherished.
Yet Nobu knew better.
Beneath that gentle, compassionate facade of hers hid thorns that still thirsted quietly for blood.