Hueco Mundo, a realm untouched by the passage of day and night…
However, within the expeditionary camp that still adhered to the Soul Society's timekeeping, it was nighttime.
Nestled in the depths of unconsciousness, Ise Nanao was lost in a dream. Yet, as the sound of a brush scratching against paper grew increasingly distinct, she slowly drifted back to wakefulness.
Her vision was still somewhat hazy, and her cheeks were faintly flushed.
This stark contrast to her usual composed and cool demeanor only served to heighten a certain allure, an irresistible charm.
As Nanao's gaze wandered across the unfamiliar tent, it soon landed upon a familiar figure—one that she had long held in admiration.
Senju Makoto…
Memories buried deep within her heart resurfaced, playing out vividly before her eyes.
More than fifty years ago, at her mother's behest, the young Ise Nanao bypassed the Shin'ō Academy and directly joined the Eighth Division through her uncle, Kyōraku Shunsui.
Not long after, the event that haunted her to this day—the Hollowfication Incident—unfolded.
The faces of her fellow division members disappeared one by one. Even the elder sister figure who had always accompanied her, Lisa Yadomaru, vanished without a trace.
And it was in the aftermath of that very incident that Nanao met Makoto for the first time.
Compared to the Eighth Division, the losses suffered by the Fourth Division during the Hollowfication Incident were far graver. Their barracks were left in ruins, and over half of their members perished.
Yet, despite the devastation, despite the fear and sorrow of losing those dear to her, Makoto, who had suddenly been thrust into the position of acting Vice-Captain, remained ever calm and gentle.
Like a warm ray of sunlight, he tried to dispel the surrounding grief with his presence, shining his warmth upon all.
Even as she stood among the other Eighth Division members who had come to the Fourth for assistance—virtually invisible among them—Makoto had still noticed her.
His gaze, full of kindness, had fallen upon her, sensing the sorrow and loneliness she harbored within.
That voice, so lighthearted and warm, had since echoed in her mind countless times.
"Oh? And who is this adorable little girl? But why does it look like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? That's no good—you'll lose your cuteness like that!"
"Here, take this lollipop. In exchange, how about a little smile?"
"Don't worry, just take it. I'm not some suspicious person—just the Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division, Senju Makoto… well, temporarily, at least."
"That being said, if there's anything I can do to help you, just say the word. Protecting beautiful flowers like you is what keeps us going, after all."
With those parting words, Makoto had hurried away to resume his work, as if he had only paused for a fleeting moment to share a piece of his warmth before vanishing again.
He hadn't even had time to ask for her name.
But from that moment on, Nanao had firmly etched the name "Senju Makoto" into her heart, quietly keeping track of any news about him within the Seireitei.
She would pretend to be indifferent, keeping a stoic expression as she stiffened each time they passed each other in the halls. Even though she longed to look at him, she never found the courage to meet his gaze.
And so, for over fifty years, she worked tirelessly.
Without a Zanpakutō of her own, Nanao relied on her exceptional skill in Kido to climb the ranks, finally earning the position of Vice-Captain.
And then—after all those years of waiting—she finally spoke to him for the first time.
"I am Ise Nanao, Vice-Captain of the Eighth Division. Vice-Captain Senju, I look forward to working with you from now on."
As the memory replayed in her mind, a trace of regret flashed through Nanao's eyes.
'That day… my introduction was such a disaster. I could have done it so much better.'
At that moment, as if sensing her movements, Shinro Bansho turned toward her, his voice carrying a note of delight.
"Vice-Captain Ise, you're finally awake."
Nanao instinctively tensed at his words, hurriedly sitting up as she took in her surroundings.
"This is… Vice-Captain Senju's tent, isn't it?"
Shinro Bansho, mistaking her reaction for suspicion, quickly explained.
"Apologies, Vice-Captain Ise! I didn't mean anything by it—I just thought this would be the most convenient place to take care of you. And I wanted to be sure I'd be the first to know when you woke up."
!!!
Ise Nanao.
In an instant, those final words echoed in her mind, repeating in an endless loop.
Her body trembled slightly, fists clenching as she bit her lip.
Even though Shinro Bansho had masterfully imitated Makoto's demeanor and speech, his level of perception was entirely different.
To him, Nanao merely appeared to be… silent.
'What do I do?'
Then, a thought struck Shinro Bansho. Right! His master often used a certain tactic in crucial moments like this—change the topic, divert attention!
His eyes lit up as he swiftly picked up a document.
"Vice-Captain Ise, this report concerns whether or not we should adjust our defensive perimeter. What do you think?"
Without sparing him a glance, Nanao walked past him, picked up the report, and—without even needing time to deliberate—swiftly drafted her response.
Watching her seamless efficiency, far surpassing his own, Shinro Bansho almost teared up with joy—if not for the need to maintain his master's image.
Nonetheless, he couldn't help but exclaim.
"Vice-Captain Ise, you are truly amazing! Life without you is absolutely unbearable!"
Nanao's hand froze mid-motion.
Her mind went completely blank, overwhelmed by an indescribable joy that flooded her very soul.
And yet…
She clenched her teeth, keeping her head lowered to hide her expression. Silent tears welled up, slipping from the corners of her eyes.
Makoto… I cannot answer you.
I bear the curse of the Ise family. No matter what, I can never respond to your feelings.
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