Central 1st Ward - Shinō Library.

Ise Nanao devoted a long period of her days off to reading.
In the library which had just been reconstructed, there is no trace of the former building she would usually be accustomed to passing through, a slight feeling of unease came over her.
Even so, while turning over the pages engulfed in the smell of paper book by book, she became unconcerned about anything other than their contents.

She took a new book in hand. It was her favourite book, one she had read many times over. When she turned over the front cover, an emblem had been stamped there indicating that it was a book belonging to the library of squad 8.
—This book, I'm the one who stamped it…

Next to the collection emblem, the name of the person in charge is filled in as "Ise Nanao".
It was her clumsy writing, still retaining its childlike nature.
A mid-size library was erected in the residential area of every Gotei 13 division respectively. Although the damage caused by the great war varied in magnitude, every library was in a state of closure with the damaged sections left as is due to the fact that reconstruction advanced from places that were indispensable to daily life. When she set out to inspect the reconstruction sites, Nanao was distressed by the state of affairs and made an appeal to the captain commander, Kyōraku Shunsui, saying "even if it's only the Shinō Library, can they not be preferentially restored?"
The construction work began immediately, books that had overcome the war damage were gathered from each library and stored on brand new bookshelves.
—It was not burnt… that's a relief.

Nanao who had joined the 8th division at a young age, was entrusted with organising the book collection belonging to squad 8 immediately after her enlistment.
Given that she was an unrivalled book-lover, Yadōmaru Lisa who was serving as vice captain around that time, bought up all the books she could get her hands on using her squad's expenses under the pretence that it was for 'expanding the library's book collection'. But because the vice captain would stuff the books she had finished reading into boxes and then throw them into a storage room, the storage cabinets of squad 8's library were always a disorderly place.
Having heard of a rumour that among the students who were to graduate from the Shinō Academy this year, apparently there exists an 'honorary member of the Shinō Library' — a title given to those who have checked-out more than one thousand books over the course of the years — Lisa advised Kyōraku that this student known as Ise Nanao who had expressed a desire to be assigned to the Kidō Corps, is a talented individual who needs to be summoned to squad 8 instead. Kyōraku stood motionless for a split second as if he were stunned, however a smile soon broke out on his face, Kyōraku hoisted up and revealed the procedural documents concerning Nanao's enlistment to Lisa which he had filled in just now saying"great minds think alike huh."
Regarding that coincidence, Lisa didn't hold much doubt. Of course Kyōraku also caught on to the disastrous scene of squad 8's library, and it was clear to everyone that Nanao was the most suitable choice of candidate for its betterment. If the same 'honorary member' rumour that Lisa had heard about reached his ears, then Kyōraku moving to acquire Nanao seems only a natural course of events.
— At the time Lisa had no way of knowing about his ulterior motives relating to Shinken Hakkyōken within that decision.
In this way, Nanao was assigned to squad 8 and sent into the squad 8 library which had lost its order.
—How nostalgic…
She would take out a book from the stacks of boxes, briefly examine its contents before stamping the collection emblem. Information on the book is entered into the library's computer terminal, the books are then arranged in accordance with the classification system. It was a very enjoyable occupation for Nanao who loves books. She also became close with Lisa who would occasionally turn up at the storage room armed with a new book collection. On the first day of every month after work, the pair would come to the office bringing along books they'd recommend for the other, a reading circle consisting of two people only was held.
Even on the night Lisa had fallen victim to the Hollowfication experiment due to Aizen Sōsuke, Nanao called on the squad barracks clutching her books — however, from that day onwards, no reading circles have been held.
"…This book, it was on Lisa chan's desk. It was probably prepared for the reading circle, for you."
Several days after Lisa's disappearance, Kyōraku showed up at the library to find Nanao, he handed over a single book. It was a textbook on advanced Kidō that only officially seated members were allowed to read. Nanao still vividly remembers Kyōraku's back as he was leaving, whispering to her in a lowered voice, telling her to"read it in secret."
"Without that book, I suppose it would have been impossible to become the likes of vice captain right…?"
She was troubled by her limited aptitude for Zanjutsu, for her sake it was Lisa who showed her the path forward. Nanao who by nature was proficient in Kidō, took this as a cue to abandon the concept of mastering Zankensoki*(*the four basic Shinigami techniques)in a well balanced manner, in order to become a more outstanding user of Kidō than anyone else, she continued to refine her skills by relying on this textbook.
The Kidō textbook that had become worn-out is Nanao's treasure even now, it was her support.
"Hello, Nanao san!"
Her name was called in a small voice, pulling her out of her memories. When she turned around, Hinamori Momo was smiling at her.
"Are you off duty?"
She took a seat opposite Nanao as she enquired.
"Yes, that's right. Hinamori san… isn't it still work hours for you?"
She glanced at the clock mounted on a nearby pillar. There was still around two hours remaining until work hours were over.
"By order of captain Hirako, I have'already finished work for today.'He's always scolding me sayinghow can a young girl do nothing but work! Play hooky once in a while why don't you!"
"Come now, he's being kind."
"You may say that Nanao san but, wouldn't you be vexed if the captain commander appeared out of nowhere to scold you when you are trying to get some work done on the day you are off duty? Both captain Hirako and the Captain commander, don't you think they try to give us too much time off?"
"That's true! I'm glad that I'm able to read my books at ease in this way, but the thing I want him to understand is that if I have allocated this time to work, then I also get a bit of a guilty conscience…"
"Absolutely!"
At the concern of their superiors, the two heaved a sigh at the same time.
"Don't you guys like your jobs way too much?"
From behind a tall bookcase, Yadōmaru Lisa suddenly made an appearance.
"Lisa san…! ahh."
Sensing that her voice was too loud, Hinamori swiftly covered her mouth. Lisa subdued the flustered Hinamori saying "Relax. It's only us now." She then sat next to Nanao.
"…Even now you're so fond of it, reading that is."
Looking towards the pile up of books on the desk, Lisa spoke in a murmur. With a start, Nanao gazed at the side of her face. She is a person of scarce facial expression, however sentimentality revealed itself within her eyes.
All the emotions she had buried in her heart until now gradually rose to the surface, Nanao firmly stifled those feelings.
"Yadōmaru san…! I've… always wanted to thank you…!
"There's no need for that sort of thing.… Hey look, Hinamori got startled because Nanao suddenly got all fired up."
"Huh!? Not at all, please don't fuss over me…! I'll go read a book in some corner for you so…"
Waving both hands in front of her face, Hinamori eagerly sprang to her feet.
"Hinamori, sit down."
"Yes…!"
Unable to defy Lisa's piercing line of sight, Hinamori took a seat right away. Looking at Nanao who seemed somewhat awkward and a quivering Hinamori, Lisa released a small sigh.
"…I don't know what Nanao is thanking me for, but whatever I have done for you, it is only a trivial thing to your life… it was nothing more than a cue for you at most. You became vice captain as a result of your own efforts right? That's why, I don't need something like gratitude. Got it?"
"Yadōmaru san…"
"Answer!"
"U-understood!"
Amidst this conversational exchange, Nanao felt a sense of nostalgia that made her want to cry.
—Ah, that's right… vice captain Yadōmaru always did find it difficult to deal with gratitude…

Whenever Nanao expressed words of gratitude or apology, Lisa always furrowed her brows and made a face that seemed uncomfortable. In order not to offend her esteemed vice captain, in the moments she wanted to convey gratitude, it was done so without words, she remembers that she would simply bow her head.
Looking directly at Lisa, Nanao quietly bowed. When she lifted her face up, Lisa was watching her intently with eyes that looked as if they wanted to say"you finally remembered?"
"Buaaa… *sniff*…*sob sob*…!"
When the pair turned their faces towards the voice coming from the opposite direction, they were confronted with a Hinamori who was shedding tears.
"Huh!? What's the matter Hinamori san!?"
In a panic Nanao rushes over to Hinamori's side, handing over a handkerchief Nanao rubs her back.
"I'm…sorry…! Somehow… you can feel… the weight of time… when I think about…all those things that happened… between you two… I…!"
"Isn't your empathy a little too intense…?"
Before an amazed Lisa, Nanao continues to console Hinamori.
"Sure enough… does being poor at Zanjutsu incapacitate you as a Gotei warrior…?"
Lisa recalls those young and tender eyes, tearing up as they looked up at her to the point it would seem that they would spill any moment now.
On that night, it seems the Kidō textbook prepared for Nanao, had successfully crossed over into her hands.
—That little Ise Nanao, is now the vice captain of Squad 1…?

Lisa smiled with a touch of self-depreciation wondering"has a hundred years really passed by already?"
Waiting for Hinamori to stop sobbing, Lisa spread this year's edition of the register containing all seated officers before the other two.
"I need both of you to cooperate for a moment."
The names and photographs of each squad's officers from captain to 20th seat is printed on the register
"Uh… Lisa san, this is for…?"
"It will soon be half a year since I became captain of the 8th division, however I'm constantly being told to nominate a lieutenant."
Ever since Kyōraku and Nanao transferred to Squad 1, Nanao has been executing the duties of both captain and vice captain of squad 8. Six months ago Lisa was finally inaugurated as Squad 8's new captain, she happily took over the duties of a captain, however she stubbornly refused to handle tasks on behalf of an absent vice captain, as a result squad 1's Nanao was handling that share even now.
"It would be a great help for me too if I can be released from acting as a substitute soon…"
It is not impossible for squad 1 to undertake the duties of squad 8 because they have another excellent lieutenant in addition to Nanao known as Okikiba Genshirō, nevertheless, if that share of time can be invested in other work… then this consideration is also not irrational. Now that reconstruction is in full swing, one can never have too much time.
"If I tell the captain commander'you have two lieutenants here so give me Nanao', 'it's absolutely impossible!'he'll say."
Feeling her cheeks suddenly getting warmer, Nanao cleared her throat hoping to regain her composure.
"Initially, it was squad 4's 3rd seat Iemura Yasochika san who was supposed to be appointed to vice captain of squad 8. With that end in view, Iemura san's membership had already been pulled from squad 4."
During that time, it was the 7th seat of the same squad Yamada Hanatarō who had been promoted to 3rd seat which Iemura had departed from.
"However, Iba san who took office as captain of squad 7 after the great war, informed me that'Iemura wants to take over as lieutenant under me'… consequently, the list of candidates for squad 8 lieutenant has ended up a blank sheet of paper…"
The captain of each squad is entitled to nominate their own candidates from lieutenant to 9th seat, this held the potency to overrule orders containing appointed names handed from Central 46. Since Iemura's squad 8 transfer was the decision of Central 46, Iba Tetsuzaemon's nomination right was given priority.
"I had my eye on Akon only for him to be snatched away by Mayuri, and this 3rd seat of mine… Enjōji, I'm not going to move him up either."
As she fiddled around with the tip of her braid using the fingers on her left hand, she used her right to point him out on the register. Even though half a year had passed since she took up her new post, Lisa had yet to memorize his name, it's clear there is an absence of interest in 3rd seat Enjōji Tatsufusa.
"Third seat Enjōji won't do?"
At Hinamori's enquiry, Lisa shook her head from side to side confirming he was "no good."
"Take a good look, this guy's face seems like that of small fry don't you think? Definitely not the look of a vice captain."
"A-ha…ha ha ha…"
In response to Lisa's harsh manner of speaking, Nanao and Hinamori could do nothing more than laugh.
"Therefore, I want to ask the two of you. On this occasion it doesn't matter if they're lower seats, are there any individuals who would let me skip duties, is competent at their work and won't nag me either?"
Lisa spoke whilst tapping her finger on the register of all seated members. With the premise of "please feel free to skip work from time to time…", Hinamori indicated to 3rd seat Yamada Hanatarō of squad 4.
"How about Hanatarō kun? He's a hard worker, and despite his frail disposition he's an exceedingly talented individual!"
"A Yamada in squad 4 you say… is he perhaps related to Seinosuke?"
"Seinosuke…san?" At the unfamiliar name, Hinamori tilted her head.
"It's a name that brings back a lot of memories… vice captain Yamada Seinosuke. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't he Hanatarō san's older brother…?"
"Huh!? Hanatarō kun's older brother you say, and he was a vice captain!?"
In response to a surprised Hinamori, Nanao gave a firm nod of her head saying "that's right."
"At the time Yadōmaru san was serving as vice captain of squad 8, he is the person who assumed position of squad 4 vice captain. Seinosuke san retired in the form of being replaced by Kotetsu Isane san when she was promoted to vice captain."
"Hmm… if he's the younger brother of Seinosuke, then he'd surely be capable, however…"
Lisa fixed her eyes unblinkingly on the portrait within the register.
The young man whose mouth hang partly open, eyebrows in the shape of the character for eight, was captured on the photograph with an awkward smile. (*T/N:The Kanji for 8 used in Japanese known as "Hachi", his eyebrows look like this - 八)
"He's got a depressing face that looks as if he'd drop dead at the slightest poke, this kid also doesn't feel like vice captain material…"

"It's still a matter of appearance huh…?"
When Nanao gave a strained smile, Hinamori also gazed intently at the register, she puzzled over the issue with a hum.
"How about this Ayasegawa Yumichika individual? Although he looks like a narcissist, he seems up to the job."
Lisa pointed to the 3rd seat of squad 11. The two who were questioned glanced at each other, they released a small sigh at the same time.
"Yumichika san is certainly a very outstanding person, but…"
"Given that he has rejected all transfers to other squads thus far, I fear it's likely that he'll decline…"
Upon hearing the replies of the other two, Lisa rested her chin in her hand with a sigh.
"In the end, nothing but strangers to me as always huh…"
As she took an extensive view over the portrait photographs of all seated members, Lisa is made to realise that she is now in the position of newcomer.
"When it comes to those who have been in the field for more than a hundred years, I would assume they'd have already ascended to the appropriate seats… but after the war, a considerable number of seated members ended up being replaced…"
The more superior the seated officer, the more they did battle on the front lines. Many had lost their lives as a result, however in the minds of the people they had left behind, the responsibility and pride towards earning a seated position was seared into their consciousness with a burning passion. It is perhaps for this reason, that a solid resoluteness dwells within the eyes of the newly appointed seated members.
"Haaa, if Nanao has grown accustomed to the work of the 1st division, I wonder if you could give me Okikiba san?"
Lisa reclined her back against a chair, speaking whilst swaying her crossed legs to and fro.
"I'm not so sure about that…? At his own insistence, Okikiba san is a person who is needed at squad 1 after all… even the monthly tea ceremonies are now hosted by Okikiba san."
Prior to his death, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni would gather the troops once a month and treat them to Matcha (powdered green tea) which he had prepared himself.
After his passing, the tea ceremonies were suspended as a result of the damage to the tea room facing the gardens, however in accordance with the reconstruction of both the squad barracks and the tea room, the tea ceremonies resumed through the efforts of Okikiba.
"Squad 1's tea ceremonies have resumed!? I had no idea…!"
Upon her inauguration as vice captain, only once did Hinamori participate in the monthly tea ceremony accompanied by Aizen.
Although Hinamori was solely engrossed in nervousness from being in front of the captain commander and couldn't remember the taste of his Matcha at all, she still vividly recalls only the form of Genryūsai who watched her through narrowed eyes.
"Okikiba san has mentioned that he is not yet at a stage where he can entertain members of other squads, so he requests your patience until the tea ceremonies are made public.… Moreover, at present I am learning about Kōcha (black tea). At the tea ceremonies, I think it would be nice if we could serve not only Matcha but Kōcha too."
"I see, for Sasakibe san…"
Lisa muttered few words. Nanao revealed a somber smile and gave a nod of her head.
"After work I read the material vice captain Sasakibe left behind for us, the more I learn the more I realise how deep the world of Kōcha really is… I now understand why he was so enthusiastic about it too."
Sasakibe Chōjirō Tadaoki, the vice captain of squad 1 who passed away in the last great war, ardently admired Kōcha which stemmed from his yearning of Great Britain. Although the cultivation of tea leaves didn't go exactly as planned, his profound knowledge towards Kōcha is deeper than any other in Soul Society, his unique Kōcha blend was so exquisite that even Genryūsai who disliked western things admitted it was"delicious".
"If the next generation are this considerate, then both Jii-san and Sasakibe san would surely be able to rest in peace~"
From the shadows of the bookshelf Lisa had been lurking behind not long ago, it was Hirako Shinji who made a leisurely appearance this time.

"Ca…Captain Hirako?!"

"What in the world, how long have you been there….?!"

Whilst Nanao and hinamori fell off their chairs in surprise, Lisa alone was unfazed.

"I was here since the discussion around the tea parties. Obviously I noticed you."

"If you noticed us then please say something! Please come and call out to us with your voice immediately, captain!"

"You seem upset, momo. Oh my, though it seems I have broken into a girl's meeting, I was wondering whether or not it was okay for me to say something."

"You're only here to eavesdrop, pervert." Lisa coldly stated.

"You can't say that about me only!" Hirako refuted.

"That's true but, just when you thought what kind of things three gathered women might talk about; 'Genryuusai, Okikiba and Sasakibe…' we were merely talking about old guys were we not? One love story!"

"Please do not get upset because of your own arbitrary expectations…"

Nanao sighed whilst pressing her temple, the toll of a bell coming from outside could be heard, indicating the end of work shifts.

"It's no good at such a time like this….! I'll be back soon."

Nanao swiftly returned her book to the bookshelf, moving in front of the doorway in the same manner.

"Hinamori san, Yadomaru san, thank you for today. Let's talk again!"

The pair smiled sweetly.

"Yeah, let's talk again"

Hinamori waved her arm with a smiling face, Lisa, in silence lifted up her arm a little.

"And then…. Captain Hirako, from now on will you please stop secretly snooping around near here?"

In the end she drove the point home, and Nanao left the library. Hirako gave a strained laugh whilst leaning against a wall by the window.

"That little Nanao chan has grown up splendidly… "

Since the libraries that are constructed on the residential block of each squad is operated under the management of that particular squad, there are many books, for example, on the healing arts in the 4th division's library, and in the 6th division's library there are many books on noble aristocratic history and etiquette, it tends to be the product of a true reflection of the squad's own style.

The 5th division's library not far from Hirako's residence, boasts the Gotei 13's best book collection quantity, due to most of them being noteworthy academic books donated by Sosuke Aizen, Hirako had no desire for those.

Conversely, the 8th division's library had many multi genre books purchased by Lisa who bought whatever took her fancy, Hirako who also passed by frequently, saw a consequent change in the young Nanao.

After the end of work hours, on their way back from work, the troops enter the library and begin to flip through books. Troops from all squads gather at the Shinou Library since this is the only Library that is still open.

After briefly bowing to the three people sitting in the seats close to the entrance, everyone headed inside.

"It's the first time since the reconstruction that I was in able to come here, it's a great success."

"Yeah. Since the books have been gathered side by side from each squad, you don't need to visit several places here and there, also reading various genre of books is popular. Captain were you also looking for something… ?"

"No, I was looking for Lisa"

Lisa who was folding up the official seated members register, raised her head and said "Me?"

Hirako pulled out a mail order catalogue of "Seireitei Communication" from the sleeve of his

captain's haori, he opened it up and folded the corner of a page. It was a page of expensive items handled by "YDM Book Sales".

After Aizen's rebellion, Lisa earned a great deal of profit from Shinigami clients, by ordering books and CDs on sale in the Human World and then delivering it secretly to the buyer thus developing "YDM Book Sales".

In light of the expansion of the business after the great war, she accepted employment as a Captain on the condition that she be permitted to use the 8th division's Senkaimon for the transport of goods.

By paying advertisement expenses to the 9th division and obtaining a merchandise page in the monthly mail-order catalogue, the popularity of "YDM Book Sales" rose instantly and business was on an upward trajectory.

"I need ask a favour of you! This "Modern hairstyles encyclopedia" five volume set, reduce the price a little more! Am I not always buying your things in the magazine? Huh? In some way or another give me a special customer discount!"

"Impossible! Everyone buys it at the established list price!"

"Both of you please lower your voice a little more…. !"

Even though Hinamori chided them in a low voice, they continued to talk loudly.

"That's cruel~~~! I can't use the squad's expenses to buy books because my library is not restored yet~~~!"

"In that case, until it's a good time to re-build your library then! At that time I will begin to write a receipt for you at the 5th division building without fail! However by that time it may already be sold out!"

"….. Captain"

Hinamori placed her hand on Hirako's shoulder.

"What is it Momo…!? Mo…. Momo?

The corners of her mouth were rising but her eyes did not smile at all. She glared at Hirako with frightening eyes that pressed down like a dark night.

"Please buy your personal preference in books with your own wages, am I right… ? And then…. Lisa san"

With a *whoosh* she turned her head, those eyes captured Lisa. Lisa did not divert her eyes, she gulped and swallowed her own saliva.

"Not limited to just my squad….Please do not issue fraudulent receipts, am I right… ?"

Watching as Lisa nodded at high speed *nod nod nod, Hinamori exhaled a breath, "If you are able to understand then that is good!" she laughed.

She went back to her usual soft smile.

"Well then, I will also go now! Today I have a meeting with Abarai kun and Kira kun."

Hinamori bowed her head and excused herself before leaving.

As soon as the door closed, the two people burst out chattering.

"Huh!? Just a minute….what!? That made my heart beat extremely hard but….!?"

"A demon…. A demon was here!"

"Her eyes went dark!? How can I return to everyday life after something like that!?"

"I don't want to go against Hinamori"

This will forever be carved into both of their hearts as "The Hinamori Incident".