10th Division.
Except for those on duty, most 10th Division's members gathered on the spacious training ground.
Toshiro stood at the front with several others who had just passed the entry test to join the 10th Division.
"Cough, cough. Today, we're gathered mainly to introduce our new comrades joining the 10th Division. From now on, you'll be comrades entrusting your backs to each other, so please get along well," Isshin said, clearing his throat.
"Alright, you few, introduce yourselves to everyone," Isshin said, looking at Toshiro and the others.
After Isshin spoke, a young man with a crew cut stepped forward. "Hello, seniors! I'm Ryuko Sanada!"
After the others introduced themselves, Toshiro stepped forward last. "Hello, everyone. I'm Hitsugaya Toshiro. Starting today, I'll join the 10th Division and serve as the 3rd Seat, responsible for the daily management of our ten squads, and also serve as Squad Leader of Squad 1."
Due to its large size, the 10th Division was divided into ten squads for management, each led by a higher-ranking seated officer.
As soon as Toshiro finished speaking, murmurs erupted below.
"What?! Becoming 3rd Seat right after joining?!"
"He looks like just a kid! How strong can he be to become 3rd Seat immediately? Is he from a great noble family?"
"Damn it! We worked so hard to join the 10th Division! These nobles get in easily and become 3rd Seat right away? So unfair!"
The 10th Division's members glared at Toshiro with hostility.
Seeing this, Isshin quickly stepped forward. "Don't misunderstand! Toshiro isn't a noble. Like most of you, he's from the Rukongai. He's becoming 3rd Seat purely because his strength merits it. Although young, his strength has already reached-"
"No need to explain, Captain Shiba. Some things are better experienced firsthand," Toshiro interrupted Isshin.
Looking at the unconvinced members, Toshiro said, "Hmph! If you doubt my strength to serve as 3rd Seat, then witness my true power."
With that, Toshiro took a step forward, releasing his immense Reiatsu.
Boom!
Torrential Reiatsu crushed down upon all 10th Division's members.
Instantly, every member felt overwhelming pressure like a mountain, almost suffocating.
Aside from a few elite seated officers, almost all members staggered under Toshiro's Reiatsu.
"W-what immense Reiatsu!"
"This level... definitely Captain-class! No, even stronger!"
The members were utterly shocked, never expecting Toshiro to be this powerful.
Even Isshin was quite surprised. He didn't expect that Toshiro, who had only broken through to Captain-class half a year ago, had his Reiatsu this strong already… He placed among the top even among Gotei 13's Captains.
Such rapid progress is truly unbelievable.
Toshiro's Reiatsu receded as quickly as it came. He looked at the members. "If anyone objects to me being 3rd Seat, feel free to challenge me."
No one dared step forward to challenge Toshiro.
'Challenge my ass! This is clearly not the same league! With this strength, why be 3rd Seat? He could easily be a Captain!' Some members silently complained.
"Speaking of which, the name Hitsugaya Toshiro sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?" One member suddenly said.
"Oh, right! Isn't that the name of the guy hailed as the most talented student in Shin'o Academy's history, who defeated 11th Division's Captain, Zaraki Kenpachi?!"
"What?! Could it be him?!"
All members stared at Toshiro in disbelief.
"Correct. The person you mentioned is me. If anyone wants to be 3rd Seat, come defeat me," Toshiro nodded.
"N-no, no! 3rd Seat Hitsugaya, we misunderstood earlier! We wouldn't dare fight you!" One member quickly said.
"But this is great! With 3rd Seat Hitsugaya joining, our 10th Division now has two Captain-class individuals! Let's see who dares look down on us now!" Another member said excitedly.
Seeing the members accept him, Toshiro secretly sighed in relief. Displaying appropriate strength to earn their respect was enough.
If he really clashed with them, managing the 10th Division later would be difficult.
"Alright then, everyone dismissed. Go about your duties. Toshiro, follow me. I'll explain your responsibilities," Isshin said, heading to the Captain's office.
Following Isshin, Toshiro glanced down at the Shihakusho he now wore, feeling a bit emotional.
'From today, I am a Shinigami.'
'From today, I will be a dedicated Shinigami: patrolling, slaying Hollows, protecting the Soul Society.'
After joining the 10th Division, Toshiro moved into the division barracks. As for the Shin'o Academy, the small house he lived in wasn't reclaimed by the school.
So Toshiro gave the key to Momo, Kira, and the others. It became their usual gathering spot, where they stayed daily except for Momo.
As for Momo, after exams, the school went on break, so she returned to the Rukongai to visit family.
Renji and Rukia were orphans from childhood. Kira's family had long passed away. So the three stayed at school, training daily.
One month later.
In a month, Toshiro fully adapted to life in 10th Division, either leading patrols or handling paperwork in the office.
10th Division Office.
"Yawn-"
Toshiro stood up from his chair and stretched.
"Finally done. Sigh! Having such a Captain and Lieutenant is really tough."
Isshin and Rangiku slacked off, leaving 10th Division's members to seek Toshiro, the 3rd Seat, for everything.
To familiarize himself with Captain's duties for eventually taking over, Toshiro didn't refuse.
'Seems it's my day off today. I haven't seen Momo, Renji, and the others in a while, I should visit them.'
With that, Toshiro prepared to go see them.