Chapter 5: A Wonderful Reward?

How are things going on your end, Isane?

Everyone at Squad 7 is very kind to me, including Captain Komamura.

I was able to share a few of my simple healing techniques with them too. I'm enjoying this exchange of information.

What about you, Shuhei? Are things going well over at Squad 8?

I wish I could say they were.

But Captain Kyoraku keeps asking for breaks every chance he gets. If it's not that, he'll try to offer me sake. We're so behind on work.

I have to admit, Nanao does a good job keeping that captain in check. I really respect her.

Oh, sounds like you're having a rough time.

By the way, we're having a joint training match today, right? That should be fun.

That's right. Feel free to go easy on me!

And hold! We'll now take a few moments to rest!

Phew! Captain Komamura sure is tough. You can see that he takes this training seriously.

Tell me about it. My throat is so dry!

Good job, everyone. I brought you all some drinks.

Oh, thank you very much! I would love to have some.

Hm? Those drinks are...

Bpffffffff!!!

W-Wait a minute! This is sake!!!

We're nearing the end of this lieutenant swap, and I know you two worked hard. I happened to get some of this really good sake, so I brought it as a reward.

That's great and all, but it's not good to drink right after training!

I thought I smelled alcohol. I see now.

I saw Isane swig the entire thing down. Is she gonna be okay?

*Hic*... Captain...Komamura...

Your face is really red. Are you all right?

Fluffy!

Hm?!

Fluffyyyyy!!! Can I please touch your fur?!

Ahh, it's so soft and fluffy and furry and... Zzz...

Sh-She fell asleep.

She was really furiously petting you there, Captain Komamura. Uh, are you okay?

Yes, it's not a problem.

Aww, she got drunk!

Whose fault do you think that is?!

I'm going to report this to Nanao!

Wait, no! Aww, come on, Shuhei! We're friends here, aren't we?

Hehe... Fluffy... Hehehe...

Oh dear...

I'm baaaack!

You better not have caused trouble for Squad 4.

Hey, that's just mean, Captain! I was the hardest worker there!

I mean, I couldn't help with the technical stuff, but I did help take care of people in the recovery room!

My talks with the injured squad members were so popular!

Talks?

You know how when you get sick or hurt, you get kind of depressed?

I was just making normal conversation with them, but apparently, it was really good for them.

Captain Unohana praised me and even said I had potential in their squad!

Well, I suppose your lighthearted attitude helps to ease their minds even if it's just simple conversation.

I hear the other squads had issues again this time around, but I suppose it's not so bad being reminded of the good things about your own squad.

Anyway! I made plans to go out drinking right now with some of the members I made friends with over there!

So I promise to submit the report tomorrow! I'll see you later, Captain!

Wait, what?! Ugh... And to think I was actually impressed by her...

Dammit, Rangiku!!!