Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 64: A Worthy Sparring Partner

Tachikawa Shin waited over three long months. As autumn gave way to winter, he finally got what he'd been hoping for: Shiba Kaien had returned to the Shinō Academy to give another guest lecture.

This was already an unusually high frequency. Among all the lieutenants of the Gotei 13, few were as willing—or as available—as Kaien to come teach.

Then again, to a Shinigami, three months was but the blink of an eye.

During that span, Kotetsu Isane had come to visit Shin once more to discuss Kaidō. But since their relationship revolved solely around healing techniques, Shin hadn't requested any sparring from her.

Her affection level had risen to 55—not bad, but every point had been hard-earned. After each visit, Shin would spend hours buried in the library, poring over Kaidō scrolls and spellwork. He refused to risk being caught unprepared, without conversation topics or new insights, next time she came around.

As for Rukia and Hinamori—their affection levels had barely moved. Rukia was sitting at 83, and Hinamori at 86. Breaking past that wall was proving increasingly difficult.

After that kiss with Hinamori, she hadn't brought it up again. But Shin could sense a strange, delicate balance had formed between the three of them. Hard to describe. Unspoken.

Whenever all three were together, Rukia and Hinamori would fall silent in perfect sync.

Something had definitely happened between them.

But so long as their affection didn't drop, Shin didn't mind.

That morning's classes ended early. Shin made his move, heading straight for the main lecture hall, where Kaien was just finishing up.

"Shin?" Kaien's tone was relaxed.

Ever since Shin had visited his home, Kaien had dropped the formalities, calling him by name like an old friend.

"Vice-Captain Shiba." Shin beamed. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Let me treat you to lunch."

Kaien immediately sensed danger. This little punk never played nice without a reason.

"...What do you want?" He instinctively took a step back.

Shin put on his most innocent expression. "Nothing at all! I just missed Vice-Captain Shiba, is all."

"...Right."

Nevertheless, Kaien found himself dragged along to the Shinō Academy's cafeteria. But he couldn't enjoy a single bite—he knew he was being buttered up for something.

Usually he was the one to drop in unannounced. This time, Shin had ambushed him.

"All right," Kaien finally asked, mouth full of rice. "Spit it out. What's this about?"

Shin flashed a winning smile. "I was wondering if Vice-Captain Shiba might have some free time this afternoon?"

Kaien frowned. "Depends. Got some squad duties I still need to finish."

Shin, switching to full formal mode, bowed slightly. "I was hoping you could spare a moment to... spar with me. Would you honor me?"

"...Spar?"

Kaien blinked, genuinely surprised. That's it?

But looking at Shin's cheerful, expectant face, his brows furrowed.

He'd seen the footage from Shin's past battles. It was obvious: this kid wasn't just a student anymore—he might already be lieutenant-level.

Kaien's face turned serious. He knew where he stood in terms of power—solidly mid-tier among lieutenants. He wasn't lacking in confidence, but if Shin did defeat him... he'd never live it down.

"...Ah, sparring, huh? Unfortunately, I'm super busy this afternoon."

"What about tomorrow?" Shin pressed.

Kaien made a show of thinking. "Actually, I might be... busy all month."

Shin: "..."

Yeah, he wasn't biting.

Shin began considering what might entice him. Kaien suddenly spoke.

"Well, I can't do it, but... I might be able to find you someone."

"Oh?" Shin's interest piqued.

He was expecting at least lieutenant-tier. Anything less wouldn't push him.

But thinking carefully—how many vice-captains in the Gotei 13 would Kaien actually reach out to?

Kaien just gave him a cryptic smile. "You'll find out tomorrow."

—

The following afternoon.

Shin was lounging in the Student Council office when someone knocked rapidly on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and two figures stepped inside. Shin's eyes were immediately drawn to one very shiny, very bald head.

Wait a minute...

Two men entered. One wore the standard shihakushō, with a Zanpakutō at his hip. His bald head gleamed like polished steel, eyes narrow, with red shadow painted around the corners.

Next to him stood a tall, slender man with a strikingly flamboyant appearance—feathered ornament at his right eye, orange scarf draped around his neck.

Shin stared, then chuckled.

So these were the ones Kaien had sent?

If so... perfect.

Especially the bald one—a true battle maniac.

"Yeah, I'm Tachikawa Shin," Shin said, standing up. "And you two are...?"

The bald man grinned wide. "Name's Madarame Ikkaku, Third Seat of Squad 11. This here's Ayasegawa Yumichika, Fifth Seat. Kaien came knockin' yesterday, asked if I'd give some Shinō Academy brat a proper spar. I dunno what beef you got with Kaien, but kid—looks like you just hit the damn lottery!"

Shin laughed. "Actually, I asked Vice-Captain Shiba for a spar, but since he was busy, he kindly invited you both on my behalf."

"Oh?" Ikkaku raised a brow. He didn't care either way. Sounded fun.

"Got a place we can rumble?"

"Of course. Follow me."

Fortunately, the kendo dojo was empty that afternoon and wouldn't be booked again until late evening. They'd have it to themselves.

Shin led them inside. Ikkaku glanced at Shin's standard academy-issue Zanpakutō.

"Kid, you're not just any student, are you?"

He and Yumichika had never attended the Academy, but they'd seen enough graduates to know the average skill level.

Shin walked calmly to the center of the dojo. "You'll know soon enough."

Yumichika narrowed his eyes. The name "Tachikawa Shin" sounded... familiar. But he couldn't quite place it.

Shin was already preparing to draw his blade—only to be interrupted by Ikkaku.

"Wait a sec."

Shin blinked in confusion, then watched as Ikkaku straightened his posture, cleared his throat...

...and suddenly stood on tiptoe, gripping his Zanpakutō with both hands, while bouncing in place to a strange, awkward rhythm.

What the hell was he doing?

Shin: "..."

Even Yumichika, leaning casually against the wall, looked away, embarrassed.