The day of the Cultural Festival.
Shin had been summoned to the headmaster's office at dawn.
Aside from Shishō Sasakibe, another middle-aged man stood present.
White-haired, gold-eyed, and sporting a neat black mustache, he wore a white jinbaori that was distinct from the standard captain's haori.
The moment Shin laid eyes on him, he froze—then instantly understood who he was.
First Division Vice-Captain, Chōjirō Sasakibe.
The most senior vice-captain in the Gotei 13. It was said he had long possessed the strength of a captain, but he remained steadfastly loyal to the Head Captain, never seeking promotion.
Though Shishō Sasakibe appeared older, he stood with notable humility in front of this man—his own ancestor.
"You are Tachikawa Shin?"
Sasakibe's voice was low, calm, his golden gaze fixed upon Shin with a probing intensity.
"Yes, sir," Shin responded respectfully.
The Spiritual Arts Academy was originally the private dojo of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto—"The Genji School"—where the founder of the Gotei 13 had taught his unique style of swordsmanship.
After establishing the Gotei 13, Yamamoto turned that dojo into the Academy itself and served as its first headmaster.
Eventually, due to the demands of leading the entire Soul Society, he stepped back from active oversight, maintaining only an honorary title. Daily affairs were left to others.
Chōjirō Sasakibe had served the Head Captain for over a thousand years. His seniority surpassed even that of most captains. Though he appeared only middle-aged, he was of an era far older—an ancestor to Shishō Sasakibe's own line.
Sasakibe continued to study Shin for a moment, then said:
"You've done well with the student council. The Head Captain himself has taken notice."
Shin kept his posture deferential. "I'm honored beyond words. It wasn't just me, of course—I only presented a rough proposal at first."
"I've seen that proposal," Sasakibe said. "It was detailed, insightful. The cultural festival, the student clubs—these initiatives have brought great vitality to the Academy. They benefit everyone. It's fair to say the credit is yours."
"You flatter me, sir."
Sasakibe continued, "Today, the Head Captain and all thirteen captains will attend the festival. You must be quite busy as council president."
"Merely fulfilling my duties."
Shin's humility was sincere yet calculated.
Sasakibe's gaze softened slightly. "Go on, then. Do what you must."
"I'll take my leave."
As Shin exited, Sasakibe turned to Shishō Sasakibe.
"A fine young man," he said.
Shishō chuckled. "His talents go well beyond combat. I'm certain he'll become a great captain someday."
Then, with a wry smile, he added, "Only shame is… his Zanpakutō is of the Kaidō type."
Sasakibe simply replied, "There's no shame in that. A Zanpakutō that heals is one that saves lives."
"…You're right, sir."
—
The first light of morning filtered through the trees, and even the sakura seemed to breathe.
Stepping out from the administration building, Shin inhaled the crisp, faintly sweet air. His lips curled into a quiet smile as he gazed across the main courtyard.
"President!"
A familiar voice reached him from afar—Rukia, running up in her Academy uniform, looking mildly flustered.
"President! A teacher just told me—every single division captain from the Gotei 13 is coming today!"
"I know," Shin said calmly.
"Then shouldn't we—shouldn't we prepare something more formal?"
"Like what?"
"Hanging banners at the gate! Setting up a welcome team!" Rukia was already brainstorming.
"Do we still have time?"
She nodded firmly. "Yes! There are unused ribbons in the storage room. We can do it!"
"Then who should we send to welcome them?"
Rukia hesitated, then answered, "...Probably you, President."
"Anything else?" Shin asked.
Rukia blinked, then quickly thought. "You could give a welcome speech on stage before the performances begin!"
"Anything more?"
She frowned, deep in thought, then shook her head. "That's all I can come up with…"
Before she could say more, a large hand gently patted her head.
"Rukia."
"President?"
"You're going to make a fine student council president someday."
"E-Eh? But… I—"
Shin grinned and walked past her. "Come on. We'll do it your way."
"Was my plan too sloppy?"
"Not at all."
"But they're the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads! What if they feel we're being disrespectful?"
"They're not that petty. Last year, we didn't even have a welcoming ceremony, remember?"
—
The student council office was a noisy whirlwind of last-minute planning.
As soon as Shin entered, Shūhei Hisagi grabbed him. "Where've you been?! We couldn't find you!"
"Headmaster wanted a word."
Shūhei leaned in, curious. "Is there some new school directive?"
"Nah." Shin smirked. "He just praised me."
"…What?"
Across the room, Hinamori, Kira, and the others were gathered around in discussion. Hitsugaya and Ganju sat nearby, focused, while Renji slouched half-asleep, barely upright.
Kasazawa had gone ahead to the central plaza—she'd be busy all day.
Aoyama, despite being a department head, had been drafted by the Fine Arts Club for heavy lifting.
Rukia stood talking to Vice President Hayaba Kakutori and the Arts Club lead, repeating her earlier suggestions.
Shin turned his gaze toward the plaza.
The grounds were neatly organized—more so than last year. Vice President Kakutori had been generous with his donations. Shin had even taken him out for drinks to show appreciation.
Colorful banners hadn't yet fully unfurled. Students bustled across the sakura-lined paths, carrying boxes and decorations.
Members of the Kendo Club passed with wooden swords slung over their backs, shaking white petals loose from the branches above. The petals fell like a peacock's plumage flaring wide.
Girls in red-and-white uniforms ran past, their footsteps sending blossoms swirling in their wake.
Performers rehearsed beneath the sakura trees, their stage lines startling birds from the branches. A gust of wind lifted crimson skirts and script pages together—a fleeting vision like a princess of the moon caught in the mortal world.
Under a pale blue sky, the classroom buildings shimmered behind layers of drifting petals. Morning dew beaded on the flower edges like strings of crystal beads.
Shin pressed his palm to the glass, feeling the coolness of dawn.
"Shūhei," he murmured.
"Isn't school just… wonderful?"