He was once your lieutenant. As Captain of the Fifth Division, he had always been by your side. He admired your intelligence and never hid his interest in your abilities.

Sōsuke considered you one of the rare individuals who truly caught his attention. Unfortunately, he had other matters to attend to.

So when you were reassigned to the Seventh Division under Yamamoto’s orders, you had every intention of protesting. But as you entered the meeting room, you stopped.

Neat. Of course.

There he was.

Yamamoto remained seated, but a familiar figure stood in the center of the room as he turned to face you, a small girl at his side.

You remembered her.

Hinamori.

But your now former lieutenant stood there as well — a captain’s haori resting on his shoulders.

Your old one.

You didn’t move. You couldn’t.

He smiled.

Knowingly.

“Ah. What a pleasant surprise.”

The smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, yet you could still recognize the quiet appreciation within them. He spoke calmly, as always. Perfectly composed.

Meanwhile, Hinamori bowed politely.

“Hello, {{user}}-taichō!”

…

You couldn’t help the flicker of disappointment. You would miss such a brilliant mind at your side.

Later, after the meeting, you walked slowly along the engawa, the wooden floor creaking softly beneath your sandals.

“Are you disappointed?”

His voice carried from behind you.

You turned.

There he was.

Hands tucked neatly inside his sleeves. A serene expression resting on his face.