บท 12: 012 – A Good News and Another Good News
Inside the kendo training hall, it was around one in the morning.
By this hour, even the most diligent students would have called it a night. But for those who aspired to scale greater heights and test their limits, the late hours were when the body truly ignited with purpose.
After another round of passionate sparring, Seiya and Tousen collapsed against the wall, leaning on each other like old friends as they caught their breath.
Dragging his sore, aching body over to a nearby vending machine, Seiya bought two chilled bottles of green tea. He tossed one to Tousen.
"Here. Consider it a return gift for yesterday."
Tousen paused for a moment, then accepted the bottle with a nod of appreciation.
"Thanks… I appreciate it."
"Hey, there's no need to be so formal."
Unscrewing the cap, Tousen downed a long gulp of the tea. The mix of sugar and brewed leaves refreshed him instantly, invigorating his worn-out body and clearing his mind.
Wiping the corner of his mouth, his expression remained stoic.
"Fairness must be upheld. If I can't honor small gestures, how can I hope to pursue justice?"
"Yeah, having principles is nice and all, but I won't go poking holes in your worldview."
Seiya plopped onto the floor, sprawling out with a heavy sigh as he retied his loosened hair.
Tousen turned slightly toward him, his face showing a faint trace of curiosity.
"By the way, did something good happen? You seemed… unusually cheerful during practice."
"Huh? What makes you say that?"
"You kept smiling—an insufferable grin, to be exact. It was so nauseating I couldn't forget it."
His tone was calm as ever, yet his words cut like a knife. After a pause, he delivered another jab.
"You did it six times."
"You were counting?! Seriously, how do you even notice these things?"
What kind of blind man is this?!
Realizing there was no hiding it, Seiya grinned and told Tousen about the part-time job he'd landed with the student council.
"Basically, it's helping out with errands, setting things up when events happen, and doing other small tasks. The best part is that it doesn't conflict with class time. It's perfect!"
Seiya beamed, clearly proud of himself for managing to maximize his time.
Tousen, however, wasn't so easily convinced. With his usual sharp tone, he pointed out, "Student council work isn't that simple… Are you sure you're not being scammed?"
Seiya blinked, momentarily stunned. He recalled Kotetsu Isane's earnest smile and shook his head.
"I… don't think so?"
"Then there's only one other possibility."
Tousen's lips curled into an uncharacteristically playful smirk.
"That 'Kotetsu Isane' must have taken a liking to you. She probably adjusted the work schedule to suit your convenience."
Before Seiya could respond, Tousen raised his hand, pointing directly at him with an almost mocking gesture.
"I'd say the scent of springtime is wafting off you, Arima Seiya."
"…Tousen, your jokes are terrible."
Ignoring the comment, Seiya leaned back on the floor, resting his hands behind his head.
Could Kotetsu-senpai really have feelings for me?
The thought lingered in his mind longer than he expected.
Kotetsu Isane—the tall, slightly awkward but earnest senior who always seemed so serious.
To be fair, he had caught himself stealing glances at her earlier that day.
She does have… an impressive figure.
Seiya's thoughts wandered for a moment before he shook his head with a laugh.
"Now it smells like an animal in heat," Tousen quipped.
"Are you a dog?!"
After their rest, they sparred one last time before parting ways.
On his way back, Seiya reviewed his progress for the day.
Another 2 points in swordsmanship.
"…Wait, that's a bit odd."
The patterns didn't seem to line up anymore. Previously, he would have expected a smaller increase—but now, the results were balanced.
Then it hit him.
Tousen must be improving, too.
Seiya grinned as the realization sank in.
Of course Tousen was progressing—after all, he would go on to become a captain in the original story.
This works perfectly for me. I'll keep improving alongside him, one step at a time.
Once he returned to his dorm room, Seiya sat down to review his status panel.
[Swordsmanship: 33] [Hand-to-Hand: 22] [Shunpo: 12] [Kido: 2]
The even distribution looked oddly satisfying, like it had been sorted into descending order.
Kido really needs work, he thought, shaking his head.
The problem wasn't him; it was the instructors.
If only Aizen taught Kido… I'd probably get +10 points per lesson.
Still, it wasn't bad. He was only a first-year student—there was plenty of time to grow.
No rush. Time is on my side.
The next morning, Seiya arrived at the student help area an hour before class.
Kotetsu Isane was already there, standing in the same spot as yesterday.
When she spotted him, her face lit up with a visible smile as she waved enthusiastically.
"Arima-kun!"
Not wanting to keep her waiting, Seiya quickened his pace.
"Sorry for being late, Kotetsu-senpai. I didn't expect you to arrive so early…"
"Don't worry about it. I'm your senior—it's only right for me to arrive first. Besides, I needed time to prepare your work schedule."
"Understood. I'll be in your care today, senpai!"
Isane beamed at him, the corners of her mouth stretching into a wide grin that revealed her teeth.
She looks kind of goofy, Seiya thought, holding back a chuckle.
"Alright, I'll be counting on you too!"
As Isane explained his tasks for the day, Seiya couldn't help but notice a few small details.
For starters, she smelled… nice.
The subtle fragrance of perfume lingered around her—much stronger than yesterday.
Did she put on perfume for this?
Her face also looked more refined today, as though she had taken extra care with her appearance. Even the small accessory hanging from her braid was new.
She put in a lot of effort, Seiya thought, recalling Tousen's teasing words.
Could she actually… like me?
Isane's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Do you understand everything so far?"
"Yes, Kotetsu-senpai. Thank you for the guidance."
Avoiding eye contact, Isane fidgeted nervously with the charm on her braid.
"W-Well then… I'll just—"
"You look especially cute today, Kotetsu-senpai."
"Wha—?!"
She nearly stumbled as her brain short-circuited.
Did he really just say that?!
Fighting the urge to flee, Isane turned around sharply, trying to summon her seniority.
But whatever scolding she had planned evaporated when she saw Seiya roll up his sleeve, revealing fresh bruises on his shoulder.
"Senpai, I've got some new injuries today. Could I trouble you again?"
Any thoughts of reprimanding him vanished instantly.
Isane let out a deep sigh, her brows furrowing as she approached.
"You… You really need to stop hurting yourself like this. If it happens again, I'm not helping you—got it?!"
Her words carried more concern than anger, leaving Seiya grinning sheepishly.
"Got it, senpai!"
After finishing his morning tasks and arriving just in time for class, Seiya's day proceeded as usual.
During lunch, he was debating whether to invite Isane to dinner when Aizen suddenly appeared, beckoning him over with a smile.
"Seiya-kun, I have good news—and another piece of good news. Which would you like to hear first?"
"…Do I even have a choice?"
Amused by Seiya's blank expression, Aizen's smile widened.
"The first piece of good news: you're excused from class this afternoon. I've already arranged it."
"The second piece of good news: I submitted your request to borrow an Asauchi—and it's been approved."
Aizen's glasses gleamed as he delivered the final reveal.
"Let's go, Seiya-kun. It's time for you to receive your Zanpakuto."
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