My Will

Thanks to Hisagi's persuasion, the group quickly reached a consensus.

"I need to head to the Fifth Division anyway. Since we're all going to the same place, why don't we go together?"

Though Renji and the others were still somewhat hesitant, they had fought alongside Hisagi.

After a few words, the four of them quickly warmed up to one another.

"I see, so you guys aren't actually from the same district?"

Hearing Hisagi's remark, Renji laughed loudly.

"Hahaha, yeah! People always assume that just 'cause we're close!"

Kira chuckled lightly.

"Well, it's not often that people from different districts form close bonds."

Since he also came from Rukongai, Hisagi naturally understood this sentiment.

"Yeah… We've all known what it's like to be hungry."

Without noble status, there were no resources.

Ordinary souls might endure hunger and hardship, but those with spiritual potential needed nourishment to survive.

Though they hadn't lived as wretchedly as stray dogs, in this feudal system, none of them could claim they'd never worried about their next meal.

Even Hinamori seemed uncomfortable, her expression hesitant.

The atmosphere grew heavy, and realizing this, Hisagi scratched his head, looking apologetic.

"Sorry… That was unnecessary. But regardless, we've already made it into the Academy, and now we've been recognized by leadership."

"If we keep pushing forward, getting promoted and making a name for ourselves won't be impossible."

"So, let's work hard together!"

Despite being around the same age, Hisagi had naturally taken on a leadership role after the Hollow attack.

Renji and the others had no objections to this.

"Then I'll take that as a blessing from our senior."

"Hah! No need to be so formal, Renji!"

They really were like-minded.

Watching Renji and Hisagi banter ahead, Kira and Hinamori exchanged helpless smiles.

"By the way, Hisagi-senpai, from what you said earlier, does that mean you don't plan on joining the Fifth Division?"

Renji, eager to bond with Hisagi, seized the opportunity to ask.

"Me? Oh… I guess I never told you guys."

Hisagi casually raised a hand and tapped the side of his face.

The tattooed "69" stood out prominently.

"I once received a great favor from someone, so my choice of division was set from the start."

Even after failing the entrance exam twice, he had insisted on joining the Academy.

At the root of it all was his gratitude toward Muguruma Kensei, who had saved him long ago.

Even though Kensei's fate remained unknown, Hisagi's resolve hadn't wavered.

Of course, since it was a personal matter, Renji refrained from pressing further.

The journey from the Academy to the Fifth Division barracks took about half a day.

During that time, Hisagi had fully integrated into their group.

"Welcome to the Fifth Division!"

The division members who greeted them were exceptionally enthusiastic.

It was clear that they had been informed in advance.

They led the newcomers through the barracks, moving briskly through the corridors.

The four recruits, unfamiliar with their surroundings, couldn't help but gawk like tourists.

Renji's eyes darted around, both tense and excited.

"So this is what a division headquarters looks like?"

Kira, in contrast, kept his head lowered, clearly overwhelmed.

"Too conspicuous… Renji…"

Hinamori appeared the most composed, though her cautious glances betrayed her unease.

"This place… feels warmer than I expected."

Keep your voices down, seriously.

Hisagi could hear everything, and he sighed inwardly.

They were practically broadcasting their thoughts—so much for subtlety.

Before he could scold them, a chilling voice cut through the air.

"You're late… all of you."

Something about the tone felt eerily familiar.

Everyone instinctively turned their heads—

And saw Ichimaru Gin leaning lazily against a corridor wall, arms crossed.

Dressed in the standard black Shihakushō, his vice-captain's badge gleamed on his right arm.

But something about him just felt… off.

It wasn't his uniform or appearance—

It was the wrongness of his very presence.

Like a creature pretending to be human.

Even without having faced him in battle, everyone present could feel it.

This man was powerful.

Dangerous.

Under their wary gazes, Gin's ever-present smile remained.

But his voice held a rare note of disdain.

"I don't get it. What exactly does he see in you?"

Without another word, he melted into the shadows of the corridor.

The eerie way he disappeared left the newcomers exchanging uncertain glances.

What… was that?

Was he just trying to intimidate them?

Sensing their confusion, the division member leading them chuckled awkwardly.

"Ah, don't take it personally… Lately, Vice-Captain Ichimaru's been in a foul mood since he's been arguing with the Captain."

That piqued their curiosity.

Captains and vice-captains usually had a close working relationship—

Especially since vice-captains were often handpicked by their captains.

A disagreement between the two was unusual.

Even Renji, who usually wasn't the most inquisitive, couldn't hold back.

"Uh… Can you tell us what happened?"

"Haha, I'm just a lowly division member. I don't even know where the edge of the universe is, let alone the reason behind that fight."

The joke was amusing—

But what stood out was the casual way he spoke about his division's leadership.

It was rare for anyone to speak so nonchalantly about their superiors.

It suggested an unusually relaxed atmosphere in the Fifth Division.

Even Renji picked up on that much, and anticipation grew in their hearts.

Just what kind of person was Captain Arima?

Meanwhile, in the Captain's Office—

"I don't approve of those recruits."

Gin's voice was sharper than usual.

He stood before Seiya, arms folded, his posture rigid.

For once, he wasn't hiding behind his usual smirk.

His light blue eyes, fully open, bore into Seiya with uncharacteristic intensity.

"Even if they have potential, they don't have the strength to take on this responsibility."

His tone was harsh.

His stance, defiant.

Hearing this, Seiya couldn't help but wince.

"Hey now, how about we calm down first, Gin?"

"No. I refuse."

A rare outright rejection.

Gin even took a step forward, as if trying to impose his presence.

"If this is just because of his orders, then I don't accept it."

Well, this was a headache…

Seiya sighed, tilting his head back.

Gin had never reacted this strongly before.

But it all made sense—

This was because of an order issued by him.

"Gin is already strong enough to be a captain. In the coming years, find a suitable position and have him move up."

It was a direct command from Aizen.

And since Gin's seat would be left vacant, Seiya needed to find a replacement.

So he had chosen from those who would later become notable vice-captains.

It was a logical decision.

There was no reason to hide it—

Which was why Seiya had explained everything to Gin outright.

But he hadn't expected this level of resistance.

Honestly—

Aizen rarely gave direct orders.

He believed that true geniuses didn't need excessive guidance.

That was how he had trained Seiya—

And he had assumed the same method would work for Gin.

But clearly, Aizen had underestimated personal will.

Gin had immediately and adamantly rejected the idea of leaving the Fifth Division.

Seiya exhaled.

"Gin, isn't it a waste for someone as strong as you to remain a vice-captain?"

After all—

Gin had already reached the point where he no longer needed an incantation to release his Zanpakutō.

And that meant—

He had achieved Bankai.

"You're among the fastest in history to reach this level, Gin. Shouldn't you—"

But Gin simply shook his head.

"Let them underestimate me. I don't care about that."

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Powerstones?

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