Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

The interaction with the student council seniors wasn't particularly complicated.

It seemed that because Kotetsu Isane and Ise Nanao had mediated on his behalf, the questioning felt more like a formality to Seiya Arima.

Before he knew it, he was back in the classroom.

Hopefully, everything was settled.

At lunchtime, as agreed beforehand, Seiya spotted Kotetsu Isane at the door.

Due to her imposing height, her presence was so striking that it was impossible not to notice her.

"Senior Kotetsu, sorry… Have you been waiting long?"

Isane gave a warm smile, shaking her head as if to say it was no trouble.

"No worries, I just got here myself."

The two entered together, ordered their meals, and sat down.

Thanks to Isane's generosity, Seiya was finally able to enjoy the steak meal he had been craving.

The culinary culture in the Soul Society was quite diverse, offering traditional Japanese-style dishes as well as modern Western cuisine and desserts.

The aroma alone was enough to make Seiya's mouth water, but he couldn't help feeling a little self-conscious.

After all, sitting across from him, Kotetsu Isane had only ordered a small bowl of plain porridge.

"Senior, eating just that every day… Won't you get malnourished?"

Isane held the hot bowl in her hands, her expression a bit embarrassed.

"Of course, I will, but that's the point. I'm controlling my diet to avoid taking in too many nutrients."

Height was, after all, quite a sensitive issue for her.

Since she seemed to have grown comfortable with Seiya, the usually reserved girl began to open up more.

"I was only about 178 centimeters before I entered the academy, but over the years, I've grown uncontrollably taller…"

"It's really troubling. If I keep growing like this, what am I going to become?"

"I can't wear the clothes I like, and even finding shoes that fit is a nightmare. It's been like this since I was a kid, and it's only gotten worse as I grew older."

"Sometimes, I feel like a walking streetlight. Ugh… Maybe my life ended the moment I was born."

Wait, wait, wait. Was Kotetsu Isane always this pessimistic?

It seemed like a little encouragement was in order.

After some thought, Seiya spoke.

"But Senior Kotetsu, you have your own unique charm, so I don't think you need to compare yourself to others."

"What do you mean by that?"

"A slightly androgynous look can also be an advantage. You don't need to worry too much about these things."

The soft-tomboy vibe is a win in so many ways!

Hearing this, however, didn't seem to cheer Isane up at all.

Her hands dropped to her lap as she sighed lightly.

"Is that so? Well, I'll take your word for it… But honestly, I've always wanted to try growing out my hair."

"Why's that? You look great as you are now."

"Because as long as I don't speak, people often mistake me for a man."

Hearing that, Seiya nearly choked on his drink.

While it was true that the academy uniforms were separated by gender, distinguished by blue and red stripes on the chest, from behind…

A tall, lean figure with silver short hair like hers could indeed be easily mistaken for a man.

Imagining Isane's distressed and awkward expression, Seiya finally couldn't hold back.

"...Pfft."

Isane gave him a look that screamed "I knew it!" and raised her finger accusingly.

"Ah! So you think so too!"

"No, no, no, that's not what I meant. Please calm down, Senior Kotetsu~"

Knowing his reaction had been a bit over the top, Seiya tried to salvage the situation.

"Short hair has its own unique charm too, you know. Especially on someone like you, Senior Kotetsu—it's actually very cute."

However, Isane seemed immune to his compliments by now.

Sipping her porridge, she glanced at him with a look full of mock disdain.

"You said the same thing to Senior Ise yesterday, didn't you?"

...Gulp.

So, Ise Nanao is a snitch?

Noticing Seiya's awkward expression, Isane's disdain grew even stronger.

"As expected! Seiya Arima is so amazing—treating everyone so equally and acting so approachable! Truly impressive, truly touching."

The mockery in her voice made Seiya break out in a cold sweat.

It seemed that, no matter their personality, women could often have a surprisingly consistent attitude when it came to certain things.

Would apologizing help?

"Um… Senior Kotetsu?"

"What is it?"

Not looking at him, Isane kept sipping her porridge, her gaze fixed elsewhere.

"Are you… mad at me?"

"Nope."

That was a bit surprising. Watching Isane cradle the bowl in her hands, her face remained unusually calm.

"After all, who you choose to talk to is your own freedom. I don't have the right to interfere with that. To say I'm mad… well, that'd be going too far."

But if she were to describe her feelings…

Yes.

Perhaps disappointed would be more fitting.

Isane's gaze softened as she lowered her eyes slightly, hiding most of her face behind her bowl.

"Even though my skill with Kido isn't too shabby… Why didn't you think to ask me?"

Was this a complaint? A reproach? Or merely a murmur to herself?

Seiya froze for a moment, glancing up at her only to find her cheeks faintly flushed.

As if saying those words alone was a monumental challenge for her.

Seriously?

That reaction was… way too cute.

Whether intentional or not, Isane's whisper demanded a reply.

"Senior Kotetsu, then could I trouble—"

"No."

The refusal came swift and firm, leaving Seiya scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

"But I haven't even asked yet."

"Whatever it is, isn't it something you already agreed to discuss with Senior Ise? Why not just go to her instead?"

The vulnerable expression she wore just moments ago was fleeting; now, Isane's face showed nothing but mild indignation.

Kotetsu Isane wore her emotions like an open book—her feelings plain for anyone to read.

Seiya couldn't help but laugh softly.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Sorry, sorry, Senior. It's just… you reminded me of an animal all of a sudden."

That piqued her curiosity.

"What animal?"

"A curled-up hedgehog."

Covered in spikes, soft on the inside—such behavior was clearly defensive and far from aggressive.

"Honestly, Senior Kotetsu, it's really adorable."

Had this been earlier, she might've been floored by his words. But now, it seemed she had built up some resistance.

Sipping her porridge, she muttered with a hint of annoyance.

"...You probably say that to everyone else too."

"No, no, only you, Senior Kotetsu. After all, you were the one who kindly helped me heal my injuries when we first met. That shows how kind-hearted you really are."

For someone to become the Vice-Captain of the 4th Division, it wasn't just about skills. It also meant Unohana Retsu herself acknowledged her ideals.

First Kenpachi's approval—what a huge endorsement.

"..."

Whatever inner defense Isane had hastily constructed came crumbling down.

Her newfound composure faltered, replaced by an unsteady front as she coughed lightly and wiped her mouth.

"T-Then… then we'll just call it even this time! Next time, if something like this happens, remember that you can come to me too!"

How considerate.

But that was just part of Isane's charm—kindness didn't equal naivety.

Her sincerity deserved to be cherished…

At least, that's what Seiya thought as he resolved to honor her feelings.

Smiling warmly, he set down his utensils and nodded respectfully.

"Of course. I'll be in your care, Senior!"