บท 7: 007 – Kotetsu Isane
"Uh? Oh, okay."
Is she trying to verify the situation first? Very responsible of her, as expected of someone in charge.
Arima Seiya rolled up his sleeve, revealing the bruises left by the strikes of a wooden sword.
"This is…"
The woman leaned forward slightly, her thick eyebrows furrowing deeply.
"Bruises from blunt force trauma… You didn't even apply basic first aid?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like cold compresses with ice water or something. Leaving bruises like this untreated—are you trying to develop chronic issues?"
Seeing Arima's sheepish expression, she sighed deeply, seemingly understanding the answer.
"Are all the new students this reckless this year? Never mind, sit down."
Without waiting for him to respond, she guided Arima to a seat. Rolling up her own sleeves, her demeanor grew serious.
Her exposed arms were pale and smooth, with a slenderness unique to women. Arima couldn't help but glance, nearly failing to look away.
Her arms are so long and… thin.
"I know a bit of Kaidō, so let me help."
Though Arima didn't know her, her demeanor thus far suggested she was reliable.
Seated in the chair, Arima watched as she placed her hands over his arm.
A soft, green light began to emanate from her palms, enveloping the injured area.
His wounds began to heal at a visible pace, leaving Arima astonished.
"How does it feel?"
As she sat back down, Arima raised his arm and moved it experimentally.
"Amazing…"
Though a faint ache remained, it was far better than the sharp pain he had felt earlier.
With a bright smile, Arima said, "Senpai, your Kaidō skills are incredible!"
It wasn't mere flattery—Arima had experienced Aizen's Kaidō firsthand and now had a benchmark for comparison.
This person's proficiency in Kidō was well beyond that of an ordinary student.
Hearing Arima's praise, her body flinched slightly, and she leaned back, turning her head to the side.
"No, not really… I just have a particular interest in this kind of thing."
Her half-turned face showed a hint of embarrassment. She raised a trembling hand to scratch her mouth awkwardly.
She seemed so composed earlier, but now she's shy about this? How unexpectedly… cute.
Arima straightened up, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a measured tone.
"I am Arima Seiya, a first-year from Class 5. May I ask for your name?"
Startled, she quickly turned her head back, returning the bow and forcing a somewhat awkward smile.
"I'm Kotetsu Isane, third-year, Class 6. I'm also the student council's regional manager."
Hearing the name, Arima immediately realized who she was.
So she's Kotetsu Isane, the future Vice-Captain of the 4th Division!
Kotetsu Isane didn't feature heavily in the original story. Even when she did have moments to shine, they were often overshadowed—like being handily defeated by the indomitable Kurosaki Ichigo.
Despite eventually becoming the 4th Division's captain after the Thousand-Year Blood War, she hadn't left a lasting impression on Arima.
Admittedly, his memory of her mostly involved her swimsuit appearance in the extra chapters.
Who knew she was already in the Shin'ō Academy at this point?
Clearing his throat to refocus, Arima raised his head and asked Isane earnestly.
"This might be asking too much, but could you help me with one more thing?"
He lifted his shirt slightly. Isane's eyes widened, and she instinctively turned her head away.
"Wait, wait, wait! What are you doing?"
"I still have several other injuries like this," Arima explained.
Isane cautiously glanced at the swollen and bruised areas around his waist and abdomen.
Though his frame was lean, the severity of his injuries made her frown.
Her expression turned serious, becoming more professional. She lightly touched one of the wounds to assess its extent.
Arima's face twisted immediately.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch…"
"You've fractured a few ribs. What happened—did someone beat you up?"
Her voice carried a resolute tone, and her androgynous features took on an almost heroic expression.
"Although the school hasn't explicitly banned bullying, injuries like this aren't something to brush off. We should report this to the administration and ensure you get justice!"
It was clear Kotetsu Isane had a strong sense of justice.
Arima chuckled softly and waved his hand dismissively.
"It's not that serious. These are just the results of sparring. I was outmatched—no one else is to blame."
Isane gave him an odd look, as if doubting his claim.
Outmatched but still trying to act tough? These injuries seem more like the result of prolonged grappling.
"If that's the case… Fine. Let's get you healed first."
Given her future role as the 4th Division's vice-captain, her proficiency in Kaidō came as no surprise.
Having found such a reliable healer, Arima decided to make the most of it.
Moreover, Isane seemed to be the type who was kind on the inside despite a somewhat cold exterior.
Perhaps due to her tall stature and androgynous features, she struggled to smile naturally and came across as rather reserved.
But Arima could sense that she found it hard to refuse others.
"Senpai, you're amazing! Healing these wounds so effortlessly—your Kaidō is probably better than some instructors'!"
"It feels like soaking in a hot spring… You're the best, Senpai Kotetsu!"
After just a few comments, Isane's serious demeanor cracked. Her face flushed as she let out a soft, sheepish laugh.
Her cheeks turned bright red, and she seemed completely disarmed by Arima's praise.
She's too easy to flatter!
Once everything was done, Arima stood up, feeling invigorated.
Though some areas still ached, the difference was night and day compared to earlier.
Injury-free and ready to go!
Just as he was about to express his thanks, he noticed Isane wiping sweat from her forehead.
It dawned on him that he might have pushed her a bit too hard.
I really worked her like a mule, didn't I?
Though she hadn't complained, Arima felt a pang of guilt.
"Thank you so much for your help, Senpai Kotetsu."
Isane waved her hand dismissively, her attitude relaxed.
"It's nothing—it's what I'm here for. Besides, my skills still need polishing. I don't get many chances to practice like this… If you ever need help again, don't hesitate to find me."
She's so accommodating that it's almost embarrassing.
Before Arima could say more, Isane stood up and pointed at the clock with a gentle smile.
"You can save the gratitude for next time. You should hurry to class—you're almost out of time."
Oh no, only three minutes left until class starts!
"What about you, Senpai?"
"I have an off-campus internship today, so I can stay a bit longer."
With that, Arima bowed deeply and sprinted off.
"Kidō is a vast discipline, divided into three main branches. Mastery of any one of them can make you a formidable figure."
After class, having confirmed his attribute gains, Arima sought out Aizen.
When in doubt, consult Dora-Aizen.
"You're looking for someone skilled in Hakuda who's willing to spar with you?"
Aizen, seated comfortably, pondered the request with a faintly amused expression.
"If it's just the former, that's not an issue."
"Given my connections, finding such a person isn't difficult."
"But as for the latter… That's a bit trickier."
After all, sparring was a mutual agreement.
"To be blunt, with your current level, Arima-kun, you'd probably be used as a punching bag by more skilled practitioners."
Exactly what I want.
Arima nodded confidently.
No pain, no gain. That's my way forward!
Though Aizen didn't say anything, his smile suggested he understood Arima's intent.
"Very well. Since you're so resolute, you must have mentally prepared yourself."
Standing up, Aizen patted Arima's shoulder lightly.
"It might be a bit demanding, but if it's you, I believe you can handle it. Follow me—I'll introduce you to someone who happens to be on campus today for a lecture."
Who could it be?
That question was soon answered.
During the lunch break, Aizen led Arima through several buildings.
The location turned out to be the area designated for fifth-year students.
Are we still in the academy? Where is this?
Following Aizen, Arima entered a spacious training hall.
Inside, he saw a commanding figure standing amidst a crowd of collapsed individuals at her feet.
"You're all so weak! You're about to graduate, and this is the best you can do?"
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