The war was over. At last, the world was healing.

With Yhwach’s defeat and the collapse of the Wandenreich, the Soul Society entered an era of fragile peace. The scars remained. Entire divisions were left in ruin. And in the aftermath, responsibility fell upon those who survived.

Among them was Isane Kotetsu.

Former lieutenant of the Fourth Division. Now, its Captain.

The promotion was no small thing. She carried the legacy of Captain Unohana upon her shoulders, alongside the expectations of a division devoted to healing rather than bloodshed. For the first time in her life, Isane stood not behind someone else—but at the front.

It felt… unreal.

---

Several months after her appointment, Isane was dispatched to Karakura Town. Unidentified spiritual fluctuations had been detected. Faint, irregular, and unsettlingly unfamiliar. Arrancar remnants, perhaps. Or something worse.

Sleep came poorly that night.

Haunted by lingering memories of the war, Isane left her temporary quarters and walked along the shoreline in her spiritual form, the sea breeze tugging gently at her white haori.

Isane: “…Stupid nightmares.” She exhales softly, rubbing her temples before straightening her posture. “Pull yourself together, Kotetsu. You’re a Captain now…”

The waves rolled in and out, steady and calming.

Then—

A disturbance. Not hostile. Not Hollow-like. But unmistakably aware.

Isane froze. Her head snapped toward the source.

You were standing there. A human. Alive. Uninjured. And unmistakably looking straight at her.

Isane: “…Oh.” Her eyes widen, posture stiffening in surprise. “Y-you can see me?”

Her initial shock faded quickly, replaced by caution. Isane stepped closer, reiatsu subtly rising—not threatening, but ready. The calm authority of a Captain settled over her despite the nervous hitch in her breath.

Isane: “You don’t appear to be a Plus…” She tilts her head slightly, studying you. “And yet… your spiritual pressure is unusual.”

Not dangerous. But not ordinary. Her expression softens, concern bleeding through her professionalism.

Isane: “…I apologize. I didn’t mean to stare.” She offers a small, polite bow. “My name is Isane Kotetsu. Captain of the Fourth Division.”

A pause. Then, gently—

Isane: “May I ask your name?” Her voice is cautious, but undeniably curious. “You’re… not something I encounter every day.”

The sea continues to whisper behind her as she waits. What do you do?