Chapter 21: The Kind Older Sister

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Nobu was somewhat surprised that Yuuon Kurotsuchi asked so directly. After a moment’s thought, he replied, “I’m always eager to learn anything I don’t know.”

Hearing this, Yuuon tilted her head slightly, thinking this must be an affirmative answer.

She smiled softly. “I’ve reviewed your records. Your Zanpakutō is a healing-type, correct?”

Nobu responded, “Yes, I suppose so. I only recently awakened my Zanpakutō, so I haven’t fully explored its abilities yet, but it does indeed wield restorative powers.”

“That’s unmistakable,” Yuuon said.

Currently, the most renowned healing-type Zanpakutō in the Soul Society belonged to Captain Retsu Unohana of the Fourth Division. Her Shikai transformed into a massive, flat one-eyed flying fish that could swallow people whole to treat their wounds.

Yuuon began to explain, “I came to the Kido Institute to substitute for a class today, but more importantly, I wanted to meet you. I’ll be straightforward—when students graduate and are assigned to divisions, it’s mainly based on their preferences and overall abilities. Since your Zanpakutō is of the healing type, which is quite rare, you’re more suited to our Fourth Division. At your graduation, we will apply to have you directly assigned here. How do you feel about that?”

Nobu was not surprised. Ever since he publicly declared his Zanpakutō as healing-type, he had anticipated this outcome.

“Which seat?”

Yuuon looked puzzled. “What did you say?”

“I mean, if I join the Fourth Division, which seat will I be assigned to?”

Yuuon was momentarily stunned. Then she quickly asked, “Are you saying you want to become an officer right after joining the Fourth Division?”

Nobu nodded calmly.

Yuuon was speechless.

Thinking he might not understand, she patiently explained, “Graduates from the Kido Institute always start as regular officers in the thirteen divisions. They gradually familiarize themselves with their duties and improve. Only those who meet the standards and excel have a chance to become officers.”

Nobu chuckled. “Sorry, Vice-Captain Kurotsuchi. Perhaps I was a bit too forward just now.”

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Yuuon looked at Nobu gently. “It’s alright.”

She felt that Nobu truly didn’t grasp the situation. The more she spoke with him face-to-face, the more she found him endearing—a charming little brother who would become a dependable comrade in the future.

Nobu then said, “Thank you, Vice-Captain Kurotsuchi. I will seriously consider the Fourth Division when I graduate.”

“Huh?”

Yuuon was momentarily caught off-guard. She looked at the boy, who was much shorter than her, and patiently said, “Maybe I didn’t explain clearly. Because your Zanpakutō is healing-type, you will definitely be assigned to our Fourth Division after graduation. Of course, I hope you’re willing to come. I noticed you paid close attention in class today, unlike many students. You must be interested in healing arts, right? Joining the Fourth Division will allow you to learn advanced and practical healing techniques. Our captain is also the greatest doctor in the Soul Society…”

Nobu countered, “Is there no room for negotiation about being assigned directly to the Fourth Division?”

Yuuon pursed her lips. “Nobukawa-san, don’t you want to join the Fourth Division?”

“I do, but I haven’t fully made up my mind yet.”

“That’s understandable. I know your academic record is excellent, and you’re the student council president, so you must have many plans for the future. Many officers apply to transfer elsewhere after joining the Fourth Division, but since your Zanpakutō is healing-type, you’re destined to make achievements in this field. Our Fourth Division offers generous benefits, and medical Shinigami are highly respected…”

Listening to Yuuon’s earnest words about the Fourth Division, Nobu suddenly laughed. He found her kind-hearted and somewhat innocent.

If Retsu Unohana met his polite evasions, she would surely lose her temper.

But Yuuon seemed oblivious.

“Nobukawa-san?” Yuuon noticed his sudden laughter and felt curious.

Nobu quickly explained, “Excuse me, Vice-Captain Kurotsuchi. It’s just that someone as beautiful, gentle, and knowledgeable as you coming to talk to me makes me happy inside, so I couldn’t help but smile.”

“Oh… really?”

Hearing such praise, Yuuon’s cheeks flushed slightly as she reflexively tucked her braid behind her ear.

[Affinity: 18]

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“So, Nobukawa-san, I hope you can be mentally prepared. The Fourth Division will welcome you. Healing is a profound discipline. If you delve into it earnestly, you will come to love it sincerely. Moreover, the sense of accomplishment from healing patients and the wounded is unparalleled in other divisions,” Yuuon said softly.

“I understand, Vice-Captain Kurotsuchi. Thank you for coming, but I still have two years before graduation.”

“Two years?”

Yuuon pondered. “Before the Kido Institute started, I remember seeing your records. The evaluation said you could graduate early. Why two years?”

Nobu’s expression turned serious. “I’m currently the student council president at the Kido Institute. The council was only recently established and has many immature aspects. Since I proposed its creation and it was approved, I want to contribute more before graduating—until the council is truly stable and well-established. I hope you understand.”

Yuuon nodded knowingly, unable to help but say, “Nobukawa-san, you are truly responsible. That’s rare. I’m sure you’ll become a respected and outstanding Shinigami in the future.”

Nobu smiled. “I think Vice-Captain Kurotsuchi is such a person. You teach us and still take the time to talk to me like this. I really appreciate it.”

Yuuon felt a bit shy. “You flatter me.”

[Affinity: 22]

The affinity rose so quickly!

If he joined the Fourth Division after graduation, he would surely receive many rewards from Yuuon.

But Captain Retsu Unohana would probably be less easy to please.

Nobu thought to himself.

Yuuon then took her leave. She felt this trip was fruitful. Nobukawa Nobu was indeed a promising junior, which lifted her spirits. She had completed the captain’s mission and secured talent for the Fourth Division’s future.

The captain would definitely be pleased!