Chapter 22: The Cultural Festival

“Student Kasajirō, this is the very first event organized by our Student Council. You wouldn’t want it to look shabby, would you? After all, it reflects on the Council’s reputation, and the teachers at the Spiritual Arts Academy are so supportive. If we pull this off well, it will certainly bring great honor.”

Kasajirō Mitsugorō, the Vice President of the Student Council, stared expressionlessly at Nobu Tachikawa, who was pleading poverty before him.

“If the Spiritual Arts Academy supports us, why not allocate more funds?”

“I’ve tried, but they keep saying the Academy’s budget is tight. I’m just an ordinary student with no standing there. What else can I do?”

Mitsugorō sat silently, frowning, lost in thought.

“So, what exactly is this campus cultural festival you mentioned?”

Nobu explained again, “Simply put, it’s a campus entertainment festival led by our Student Council. Participants won’t just be teachers and students from the Spiritual Arts Academy—we’ll also invite Shinigami from the Thirteenth Division and the Kido Corps. If it goes well, it could become a lasting tradition. Student Kasajirō, all you have to do is sponsor generously, and you’ll be the key contributor to this festival! Your name will be remembered in the Academy’s history!”

Mitsugorō was somewhat tempted by these words, pondering aloud, “How much more do you need?”

Nobu gestured casually, “Just this much.”

“Five million?”

Nobu’s heart skipped a beat at the unexpected figure—a zero more than he had originally hoped for. He hadn’t anticipated such generosity from this noble lord.

He didn’t correct him and cautiously asked, “Is that okay?”

Mitsugorō didn’t immediately agree but instead asked, “Is there a detailed plan?”

“Yes!” Nobu promptly fetched a thick stack of documents from his desk and handed them over respectfully. “It’s all prepared. Please review it.”

Mitsugorō leafed through the papers carefully, noting the meticulous detail and carefully planned procedures. It was clear that much effort had gone into it.

“Have the Academy’s leaders reviewed this as well?” he inquired.

“Principal Suzube has expressed strong support. The Spiritual Arts Academy has never before had an event like this; it will enrich campus culture.”

Mitsugorō reflected for a while before finally saying, “I will send the money tomorrow.”

Nobu was overjoyed, unable to resist hugging him tightly.

“Thank you so much, Mitsugorō. You’re truly a blessing to our Student Council!”

Mitsugorō pushed him away with evident distaste.

“You weren’t this eager before, and we’re not close enough to be on first-name terms yet, Tachikawa.”

Nobu chuckled, “You can have me call you whatever you like. Kasajirō? Lord Kasajirō? Master Kasajirō?”

“...” Mitsugorō shuddered at the awkwardness, stood, and said, “Just the usual will do. I’m leaving now.”

He still needed to inform his family, but five million wasn’t much to them. The Kasajirō family was vast and influential. Though led by women, the men still played major roles, and Mitsugorō held a significant position within the clan.

Nobu waved cheerfully, “Take care.”

He knew Mitsugorō was wealthy but hadn’t expected such generosity. The Academy only gave them 500,000—a sum less than ten thousand in his previous world’s currency—while Mitsugorō had just multiplied that by ten.

Such an amount was actually more than enough, considering it was primarily a student-led event. With these funds, they could be more ambitious, and the surplus would remain as future Student Council funds.

Who said nobles were bad? These nobles were wonderful!

In truth, Mitsugorō’s agreement wasn’t solely due to the benefits Nobu mentioned. He valued Nobu himself.

When his family first told him about the Student Council, he hadn’t expected it to come from an ordinary student’s initiative.

Moreover, Nobu possessed exceptional talent and a promising future.

With Mitsugorō’s support, Nobu immediately called a meeting with the entire Student Council, assigning detailed tasks to each member.

He then coordinated with teachers and class leaders of every grade at the Spiritual Arts Academy.

By the next day, the entire school knew about the upcoming cultural festival, scheduled for two weeks later, with huge billboards posted around campus.

Student life at the Academy was quite dull—days filled with classes and training, with little entertainment.

The festival’s announcement was met with widespread anticipation.

Meanwhile, as the students hurriedly prepared, the Vice Captain of the Thirteenth Division, Kaien Shiba, suddenly arrived.

In the Student Council headquarters, Nobu and Rukia had just entered to find Kaien seated at his desk, reviewing some documents.

“Vice Captain Shiba, what an unexpected guest.”

Kaien smiled warmly, “That’s not quite right. I’m the honorary chairman of the Student Council. How could I be a guest?”

He glanced at Rukia behind Nobu. “And who is this?”

“This is Rukia, my assistant. Vice Captain Shiba of the Thirteenth Division,” Nobu introduced them.

“Nice to meet you.” Rukia bowed promptly, inwardly marveling at the kinds of influential people her president dealt with daily.

Kaien teased, “You’re living the good life, huh? With such a beautiful assistant by your side, does your Student Council have many girls?”

Rukia blushed slightly. She didn’t consider herself particularly beautiful—someone like Momozono Hatsumori was more fitting.

“This honorary chairman rarely shows up, so that makes you a guest, doesn’t it? Actually, I was planning to find you.”

“For what?”

Nobu answered first, “Vice Captain Shiba, is there something you need at the Student Council?”

“I’m here to substitute teach for the freshman class. Also, I heard your Council is organizing an event, so I came to check it out.”

“The campus cultural festival,” Nobu said. “We plan to invite Shinigami from the Thirteenth Division as well. I hope Vice Captain Shiba can help promote it within your division. If we can get several captains to come, it’ll be even livelier.”

“You’re quite bold,” Kaien chuckled. “Wanting to invite the captains—do you have that much influence?”

Nobu praised him immediately, “I’m just a small fry, but Vice Captain Shiba, your reputation is formidable. Everyone in the Thirteenth Division knows your name. Though titled vice captain, you’re practically the captain!”

Kaien was pleased but didn’t agree outright. “Captains are usually very busy.”

Nobu replied, “I understand. Principal Suzube also said the Thirteenth Division Shinigami are welcome to return to their alma mater for the festival. As honorary chairman, I’m sure you’d be willing to support the Council.”

Kaien thought it over. It wasn’t a difficult request—after all, it was a fun event. Many would want to attend, including his own captain.

“I’ll try,” he agreed, then looked at Nobu with a half-smile. “What’s the story with your Zanpakutō?”

“Surprised you heard about it,” Nobu said, astonished. “It was a lucky break—I suddenly awakened my Zanpakutō.”

Kaien snorted, “Suddenly awakened, huh? Young man, did you forget what you promised me earlier?”

Nobu looked puzzled. “What?”

Kaien narrowed his eyes. “My uncle already agreed to give you a seat among the Third Seat officers. And you go and reveal a Kido-type Zanpakutō. You’re putting me in a tough spot.”

Rukia’s eyes widened listening to their exchange.

A Third Seat?! Captain?!

Nobu sighed, “Vice Captain Shiba, I really want to join the Tenth Division, but Zanpakutō are beyond my control.”

Kaien stared intently. “Be honest—your Zanpakutō is truly Kido-type?”

“Can such a thing be faked?” Nobu looked confused.

“Some hide the true abilities of their Zanpakutō. Many Thirteenth Division members’ Zanpakutō powers are unknown to outsiders.”

Nobu mused, “So that’s possible.”

His Zanpakutō had awakened within the Spiritual Arts Academy, a rare occurrence. That was why the Academy had specifically asked him to report and register its powers.

When Zanpakutō awaken only after joining the Thirteenth Division, reporting is more relaxed and sometimes optional.

He drew out the plainest Zanpakutō he carried, saying, “Would you like to examine it, Vice Captain Shiba?”

Kaien was silent, scrutinizing the utterly ordinary Zanpakutō in Nobu’s hand.

After a moment, he said, “Forget it. Since it’s Kido-type, I guess you’re not meant for the Tenth Division.”

Nobu sighed, “Thank you for understanding. I truly want to join the Tenth Division.”

Who wouldn’t want to see Rangiku every day?

Kaien inwardly sneered.

This kid is full of nonsense!