Walking out of the 1st Division barracks, most captains and vice-captains left without lingering. Sui-Feng, Byakuya Kuchiki, Kaname Tōsen, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi were among those who departed immediately.
However, a few stayed behind to speak with Shigure Segawa.
"Hey, kid, I'm disappointed in you. With power like yours…" Kenpachi Zaraki grumbled, his face as irritable as ever. Yet, without waiting for Shigure's response, he turned and strode off.
On his shoulder, Yachiru Kusajishi waved cheerfully at Shigure. "Bye-bye, Shigure!"
After they left, Jūshirō Ukitake approached with his signature gentle smile. "Honestly, I was quite confident you'd choose to join my division as vice-captain. But since you have something you're passionate about, go ahead and pursue it. If you ever feel like it, the doors of the 13th Division will always be open to you."
Hearing this, Shigure felt reassured and quickly replied, "Thank you for your kind offer, Captain Ukitake. I'll definitely consider it."
Standing nearby, Sōsuke Aizen chuckled softly. "Captain Ukitake, you're quite cunning. It seems my recruit, Segawa, will eventually end up in your division."
"Haha, that's what we call strategy," Ukitake replied with a smile. "Well, I'll take my leave now. Captain Aizen, make sure to treat this genius well."
Aizen nodded, maintaining his warm smile as he watched Ukitake leave.
Meanwhile, Shigure kept a calm expression, silently observing the interactions. Deep down, he couldn't help but marvel at Aizen's mastery of deception.
Aizen had crafted his image of gentleness, humility, and moderation to perfection. Were it not for Shigure's foreknowledge, he too would have been fooled by Aizen's impeccable acting.
"Let's head to the 5th Division barracks to get your Soul Reaper uniform and decide your seated position," Aizen said with a smile, turning to lead the way.
Momo Hinamori, without sparing Shigure a glance, quickly followed behind Aizen.
Shigure remained indifferent. He understood that Hinamori was already deeply ensnared by Aizen's influence. This was precisely why his plans never included rescuing her.
Trailing behind Aizen, Shigure began revising his strategy. Ukitake's earlier words had sparked a new idea.
When a captain actively recruits someone, as long as both captains agree, members can transfer divisions.
"In other words, I can complete my tasks under Aizen's command, pretending to learn calligraphy, and then, at the right moment, leave the 5th Division to join Ukitake's 13th Division."
"This way, I can minimize disruptions to the main storyline while gaining more freedom for personal growth."
Meeting Aizen in person today had only reinforced Shigure's realization—Aizen was terrifying. Staying under his watchful eye for too long would be risky. Thus, Shigure decided that leaving the 5th Division after completing his tasks was the optimal solution.
Arriving at the 5th Division barracks, Aizen instructed Hinamori to summon all members to the courtyard.
When they learned that the renowned Shigure Segawa had joined their division, the atmosphere erupted.
Some were thrilled, believing his presence would strengthen their ranks. Others were less pleased, knowing that having such a prodigy would inevitably claim a top seat, making it harder for them to advance.
Standing on the high platform, Aizen addressed the gathered crowd with his usual warm smile. Shigure and Hinamori stood to his left and right, respectively.
Now clad in a black Soul Reaper uniform, Shigure looked completely transformed, radiating a fresh and commanding presence.
Aizen began, "Since everyone is already familiar with Segawa's reputation, I won't elaborate further. The purpose of today's gathering is to determine his seat within the division."
"As you all know, Segawa graduated from the Shinō Academy with exceptional grades, completing the program in just two weeks."
"Thus, Segawa has the right to challenge any seated officer within the division for their position. If he wins, he will replace that officer."
"This has been the tradition of the Gotei 13 since ancient times, so I trust everyone is aware."
The officers ranked between 3rd and 10th seats swallowed nervously, casting anxious glances at Shigure standing to Aizen's left.
They were all apprehensive, fearing Shigure might target their positions.
Aizen turned to Shigure with his usual gentle expression. "Segawa, please don't hold back. Choose the seat you'd like to challenge."
Shigure lowered his gaze slightly before smirking faintly. Slowly, he replied, "Captain Aizen, the seat I'd like to challenge is…"
He deliberately paused, shifting his gaze toward the girl beside him. Then, he continued.
"…Vice-Captain Hinamori."
The moment his words fell, the entire division froze in shock.
Momo Hinamori was utterly stunned.
Even Aizen's warm smile stiffened at that instant.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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