The matter of Kaiser and Byakuya Kuchiki fighting in Seireitei did not remain a secret.
Because the commotion caused at that time was truly not small, the scene of Kaiser unleashing his full Spiritual Pressure could not escape the perception of the many Shinigamis, causing this matter to quickly spread throughout Seireitei.
As a result, Division 3 and Division 6 had a few clashes when they encountered each other, causing the relationship between the two divisions to become tense.
However, as the dust settled and both Captains were confined for reflection, the two divisions no longer had major frictions afterward, letting everything return to normal and peace to be restored.
Of course, there were still occasional speculations in private, wondering what could have caused such a fierce conflict between the two Captains, why they clashed, and why they fought.
Unfortunately, the involved parties all chose to remain silent. Whether it was Kaiser or Byakuya Kuchiki, neither brought up the matter again, and even Rukia Kuchiki, the source of the incident, kept her mouth shut, causing this matter to gradually become an unsolved mystery.
However, the special nature of Kaiser's Zanpakutō, which was revealed before the Captains that day, did spread within a small circle, letting many who had close relationships with the Captains learn of it.
"To actually release Spiritual Pressure enough to overwhelm a Captain without releasing?"
"What kind of Zanpakutō is that?"
"Division 3's Captain's Zanpakutō definitely has some secret!"
These people secretly thought so in their hearts, and quite a few developed curiosity or interest because of it.
Especially among those nobles who received the news, some had already started plotting in secret, thinking about who knows what.
Kaiser, however, completely ignored all of this, even forgetting the matter entirely. After his one-month confinement ended, he resumed work as usual, patrolling, handling division affairs, and actively appearing in every corner of the Soul Society.
"Truly a life of toil."
Kaiser once complained so, but he had no intention of stopping. When it was time to head out, he would head out; when there was work to be done, he would do it, completely unaffected.
During this period, indeed some matters found their way to Kaiser, and their purpose was basically centered around his Zanpakutō. Some even dreamed of taking both man and sword together, coming to trouble Kaiser.
Towards these people, Kaiser showed no mercy, striking whenever necessary without hesitation, even if the other party was a noble of significant background.
After all, he was still the Captain of Division 3 in the Gotei 13. Even if he struck heavily and killed some people, most nobles wouldn't dare pursue responsibility unless their status was higher than his. In that case, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto might hold him accountable, and Central 46 would not sit idly by either.
However, Kaiser had always been very measured. As long as it wouldn't lead to deadly consequences, he would try to make a big enough scene to scare off those who had yet to act against him.
Moreover, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto somewhat protected him, so although there were minor troubles, Kaiser truly did not encounter any major problems.
Thus, everything passed rather peacefully.
After some time had gone by like this, Kaiser encountered another matter.
Only, this time, it was not trouble, but a joyous event.
...
Division 3 Barracks, Captain's Office.
This day, Kaiser was not on patrol but stayed in the barracks, handling some documents and reports.
Chikane Iba came over under these circumstances, looking in a very good mood.
"What's the matter?" Kaiser noticed and curiously and suspiciously asked, "Did something good happen?"
"You could say that." Chikane Iba nodded and, rare for her, smiled as she said, "A rare good seedling has joined our division, Captain."
Hearing this, Kaiser immediately became interested.
Since he became Captain, the situation of Division 3 had been getting better and better. Not only were the accumulated affairs resolved, but the division's development also kept improving, no longer languishing as before.
Under Kaiser's instructions, Chikane Iba either recruited from other divisions or recruited from Shin'ō Academy graduates, filling the shortage of manpower.
Now, Division 3's number of members had exceeded two hundred, no longer at the bottom among the thirteen divisions. All the seated officer positions had been filled too, with no vacancies.
It could be said that Division 3 had completely changed, getting better day by day. Anyone with eyes could see the transformation.
In other words, Division 3 was no longer short of people.
But it seemed Chikane Iba had been seeking some so-called good seedlings, hoping to cultivate a successor for herself.
There was no helping it; she had been Lieutenant for a very long time. After Division 3's situation improved, she began thinking of retirement.
"My body's condition has been gradually deteriorating. Although not aged yet, my Reiryoku and Spiritual Pressure are no longer increasing and have even started to decline."
"Under such circumstances, it's impossible to advance any further, and someday I might not even be fit to be Lieutenant."
"When the right person appears, I hope Captain will allow me to retire and pass this position to someone younger and with more potential."
Chikane Iba had once told Kaiser this.
Naturally, Kaiser would not force someone to stay against their will, so he promised her that once she found a suitable candidate, he would allow her to retire.
For this, Chikane Iba had not only been searching for a good successor but also trained her own son as a backup.
If no suitable candidate was found, Chikane Iba would likely recommend her son to join Division 3.
But judging by her current demeanor, she seemed to have found a suitable person.
"Who is it?" Kaiser asked curiously, "Someone from another division? Or a graduate from Shin'ō Academy?"
Kaiser had just recently learned that Shin'ō Academy's graduation season had arrived again.
Although he hadn't paid much attention, because recruitment was always handled by Chikane Iba, the last few graduation seasons had brought quite a few new recruits to Division 3. This time should be no different.
The reason was simple: Kaiser himself had already become a legend at Shin'ō Academy, even having a statue erected there for admiration, making countless juniors his loyal fans.
If one were to investigate at Shin'ō Academy and survey the graduates about which division they most wished to join after graduation, the divisions topping the list would certainly be Division 1, Division 3, Division 5, Division 6, and Division 11.
Division 1 was the main division, with many wanting to join.
Division 5's Captain was Sōsuke Aizen, who often visited Shin'ō Academy and, with his gentle personality and handsome appearance, captured many hearts, both male and female.
Division 6 was the noble division, the first choice for those born in Seireitei or noble families. Some from Rukongai also longed to join due to admiration for nobles.
Division 11 was the combat division where strength ruled, appealing to those eager to grow stronger, rise within the Gotei 13, or simply loved to fight.
Division 3 relied on Kaiser's personal popularity, which even exceeded Sōsuke Aizen's, attracting countless recruits.
Therefore, every graduation season, Division 3 could recruit a good number of new members.
Otherwise, Division 3's personnel wouldn't have replenished so quickly.
Now that graduation season had come again, Kaiser naturally thought the good seedling Chikane Iba mentioned was from there.
In fact, it was exactly so.
"A graduate of Shin'ō Academy," Chikane Iba said. "Among this year's graduates, several exceptionally talented individuals appeared, and one of them agreed to join immediately after I reached out."
Speaking of this, Chikane Iba seemed to remember something and said to Kaiser:
"That Renji Abarai who came looking for you before was also one of them, but he had no intention of joining Division 3."
Upon hearing this, Kaiser was stunned.
"Renji?"
After coming back to his senses, Kaiser spoke up.
"You mean Renji is a graduate this year?"
Since Renji Abarai was a graduate this year, then the exceptionally talented individuals among them should be…
"Yes."
Chikane Iba confirmed Kaiser's thought.
"Among this year's graduates, three outstanding talents emerged and were courted by various divisions and even the Kidō Corps."
"These three are Renji Abarai, Izuru Kira, and Momo Hinamori."
"Renji Abarai, after being approached by many, chose to join Division 11. Izuru Kira, after much consideration, chose Division 13."
Upon hearing this, Kaiser was slightly puzzled in his heart.
"Division 11 and Division 13?"
This was different from the original development in the canon.
If he remembered correctly, in the original story, Renji Abarai first joined Division 5 after graduating, was recommended by Sōsuke Aizen to Division 11, became its Sixth Seat, and later transferred to Division 6 to become its Lieutenant.
As for Izuru Kira, he once joined Division 4 after graduation, learned Kaidō, and later transferred to Division 3 to become its Vice-Captain.
Now, Renji Abarai directly joined Division 11, and Izuru Kira joined Division 13. This was not something that happened in the original story.
"Is it because of my appearance?"
Although unsure of their thoughts, Kaiser knew it must have been his influence that caused this change.
After all, these two had interacted with him quite a bit during their academy days.
It would be unbelievable if they weren't influenced.
"What about Hinamori?"
Although he already guessed who had chosen to join Division 3, Kaiser still asked.
"Momo Hinamori is the one who joined our division."
Sure enough, Chikane Iba confirmed Kaiser's guess.
"There were many who reached out to recruit her, including even the Kidō Corps. Captain Aizen of Division 5 had also contacted her early, but upon hearing that I was Division 3's Lieutenant, she chose us without hesitation."
This was another divergence from the original story.
In the original story, Momo Hinamori joined Division 5 after graduation and remained there, becoming Sōsuke Aizen's Lieutenant.
Thus, she later suffered a series of tragedies, becoming a tool and sacrifice for others.
Unexpectedly, this time, she chose Division 3, even after being approached by Sōsuke Aizen.
It really was... unexpected.
"Where is she now?"
Kaiser casually asked.
"She said she hadn't been home in a long time and wanted to visit first," Chikane Iba replied truthfully. "After returning to Seireitei, she will come straight to Division 3's barracks."
Kaiser nodded while recalling her appearance.
Thinking of that young girl who used to both respect and fear him, who was always nervous around him, and who almost died to a Hollow during that incident had he not arrived in time to save her, Kaiser couldn't help but smile.
"When she arrives, bring her to me."
Upon hearing Kaiser's instructions, Chikane Iba nodded without any suspicion.
...
Momo Hinamori reported to Division 3 much faster than Kaiser had imagined.
Originally, he thought she would stay at home for a while, but three days after Chikane Iba reported the matter, she arrived at Division 3's barracks.
"So this is... Division 3…"
Outside the Division 3 barracks, Momo Hinamori, no longer wearing her Shin'ō Academy uniform, appeared, gazing over with a look of trance.
Time seemed to have left no mark on this girl; she was still so petite, so delicate, but her eyes were firmer than before.
"He's inside here..."
Momo Hinamori murmured, pressing one hand against her chest, trying hard to calm her racing heartbeat.
"...Alright!"
After gathering her courage, Momo Hinamori cheered herself on, then stepped forward toward the gate.
(End of this chapter)