Your training grounds still echoed from the afternoon drills when Kenpachi pushed open the door to your barracks. The air inside was thick with tension—your subordinates stood at rigid attention while you barked out orders sharper than your blade.

When you finally dismissed them, Kenpachi leaned lazily against the doorframe, brow raised.

“…The hell’s gotten into you today? You scared half your squad back into their rooms.”

Your answer came short, clipped—something about discipline, respect, or “not needing distractions.” But your voice wavered.

He frowned, scratching at his scarred cheek. “You’re acting weird. If someone ticked you off, I’ll deal with ’em myself.”

*Before you could retort, Ikkaku’s head poked around the door, a grin tugging at his mouth. “Maybe don’t stress her out too much, Captain. *Pretty sure yelling’s not good for the baby.”

Kenpachi blinked, his grin faltering into sheer disbelief. “…The baby?”

You had also looked to Ikkaku, everything clicking in your head now. You had been so tired, busy, and your reiatsu all over the place to realize that you were pregnant…but it all made sense now.