"Captain Katori, I think I've fully recovered. Can you please remove these bandages?" Hoshi, seated in a modest room within the Eighth Division barracks, spoke up after finishing the large bowl of broth she had insisted he eat.
He glanced down at himself—his body was wrapped head-to-toe in layers of tight bandages, leaving him feeling utterly helpless. Despite his injuries having healed days ago, Katori continued to treat him as though he were at death's door.
"Are you certain, Hoshi?" Katori's voice was skeptical as she studied him with a piercing gaze. Her amber eyes scanned him for any signs of weakness, yet his steady expression reflected nothing but determination.
This was exactly what Katori had been waiting for.
The meticulous bandaging was less about his injuries and more about teaching her rebellious vice-captain a lesson. His insubordination during their last mission—recklessly challenging a Menos Grande without permission—had left her livid. Now, she'd ensured that he understood the consequences of his stubbornness.
She smirked slightly, a flicker of mischief crossing her face.
"Let's check something," she said. Her hand shot out, pinching Hoshi's waist and twisting it sharply.
"Itai! Captain Katori, that hurts! Let go!" Hoshi yelped, squirming under her grip.
Katori's lips twitched into a small, satisfied smile. "Hmm, doesn't seem like you're fully healed."
He groaned inwardly but didn't argue, recognizing this as her way of punishing him. In truth, he found her uncharacteristically playful side oddly endearing.
After much insistence on his part, Katori finally relented and began unwrapping the endless bandages. As the layers came off, Hoshi breathed deeply, relishing the feeling of freedom. His muscles stretched comfortably, and he marveled at how his body felt stronger than ever.
Nearly two weeks of enforced rest had left him restless. Though Katori's care had been meticulous—bringing him food, ensuring he slept, even occasionally scolding him for overthinking—it had also made him feel utterly confined.
"Finally," Hoshi muttered, standing and testing his range of motion. Every muscle responded with ease.
"Where are you off to now?" Katori asked, crossing her arms as she watched him.
"To see Captain Yamamoto," he replied, grinning before hurrying toward the door.
Katori raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into another faint smile. "Hmph, as if I'd drag you back now."
---
On his way to the First Division headquarters, Hoshi was greeted warmly by several Shinigami.
"Vice-Captain Hoshi!" called one.
"Well done out there, sir!" cheered another.
It was clear his feat of defeating a Menos Grande—nearly evolved into an Adjuchas—had spread across Seireitei. The respect in their voices made him stand taller, feeling for the first time that he was more than just an ambitious young recruit.
Upon entering the First Division, Hoshi knelt before Captain Yamamoto. The air was thick with the old captain's spiritual pressure, but Hoshi remained composed.
"Captain Yamamoto, reporting for duty," he said, saluting.
Yamamoto regarded him for a long moment, his weathered face unreadable. "You have done well, Hoshi. To defeat a Menos of that caliber with only Zanjutsu and Shunpo is impressive. However, you still lack Shikai. This must be your focus moving forward. Kidō and Hakuda can wait."
"Understood, Captain."
"But tell me—this visit isn't just to report, is it?" Yamamoto's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Hoshi scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "You're right, Captain. I wanted to ask about Shikai. I feel like I'm close to achieving it."
Yamamoto's interest deepened. "Explain. What makes you think this?"
Hoshi described the visions he had in his sleep: a hazy figure that seemed to be his Zanpakutō spirit and the faint roar of thunder that resonated when he struck down the Menos Grande.
"Ah, so your Zanpakutō is of the lightning element. A rare and destructive type," Yamamoto remarked thoughtfully. "Given what you've experienced, you are nearing the threshold of communication. Achieving Shikai is simply a matter of listening for its name. Once you do, your combat power will rival that of most captains."
Hoshi nodded eagerly but then froze as Yamamoto's expression shifted.
"I've also heard rumors regarding your... relationship with Captain Katori."
Hoshi's heart skipped a beat. "C-Captain?"
Yamamoto's stern gaze remained fixed on him. "Many saw her carry you back to Seireitei when you were injured. They say she acted unusually protective."
"I-I... we're just colleagues!" Hoshi stammered.
"Hmph. I have no interest in interfering with personal matters. But remember—if personal feelings interfere with your duties, I will act." Yamamoto's tone was sharp.
"Yes, Captain! I swear it won't happen!"
Yamamoto's face softened, and a rare, almost teasing tone entered his voice. "Still, should you and Captain Katori decide to formalize things, I would be honored to preside over the ceremony."
"Captain!" Hoshi exclaimed, his face burning.
---
Returning to the Eighth Division, Hoshi found Katori reviewing paperwork.
"Captain Katori," he said, standing stiffly.
She glanced up, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it now, Hoshi?"
"My Shikai. How do I unlock it?"
Katori set her papers aside, leaning back in her chair. "It's simple. Meditate with your Zanpakutō. Focus on the bond you share with it and listen for its name. That's the key."
Taking her advice to heart, Hoshi sat cross-legged on the floor. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his mind, searching for the presence of his Zanpakutō.
Gradually, he heard it—a deep, distant rumble, like thunder rolling across a stormy sky. It resonated within him, growing louder until it filled his entire being.
Hoshi's eyes snapped open, determination blazing in them. "I heard it. The sound of thunder—it's calling to me."
Katori smiled faintly, nodding in approval. "You've taken the first step. Keep listening, and it will reveal its name to you."
"Thank you, Captain," Hoshi said earnestly.
Katori looked away, her voice quieter than before. "No need to thank me... but be cautious in how others perceive us."
Hoshi blinked, then chuckled softly, understanding her meaning. "Of course, Captain Katori."
As he left, a faint blush crept onto Katori's cheeks, though she quickly turned back to her work. Hoshi, meanwhile, felt invigorated, ready to push himself toward mastering Shikai and discovering the true name of his Zanpakutō.