Fifth Division Lieutenant

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

Today, in the Fifth Division barracks, inside the Lieutenant's Office—

Ichimaru Gin sat in a chair, his head lowered as he sorted through a pile of documents in front of him.

"Well then, let's treat this as the final test."

"No need to be too nervous—after all, even if you fail, the outcome won't change in the slightest."

Even with this kind of reassurance, Hinamori Momo couldn't help but tense up.

Her lips pressed together as she wore a serious yet cautious expression.

"I... I'll do my best!"

Ichimaru Gin let out a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh.

"No need to be so stiff... ah, forget it, you wouldn't listen even if I told you."

He continued sorting the files—

Classifying, organizing.

Clipping them together and fastening them with a steel pin.

Snap!

A completed file was casually tossed into the cabinet beside him.

"As a lieutenant, what knowledge and skills must you possess?"

"A calm yet dignified sense of judgment, and... and a heart that can always understand the difficulties of the captain."

Ichimaru Gin paused subtly.

"Captain Arima would probably be happy to hear that… but I certainly wouldn't."

Realizing her slip of the tongue, Hinamori let out a small gasp.

"S-Sorry!"

"No need to apologize like that—relax a little, girl."

Leaning back slightly, Ichimaru Gin exhaled, as if wrapping up his work for the day.

"Two months have passed. Out of all the candidates who came in at the beginning, only you remain…"

Upon hearing this, Hinamori's expression immediately became flustered.

She hurriedly stood up, flailing her hands awkwardly.

"Ah… I-I mean, it's not like that!"

Compared to her panic, Ichimaru Gin merely smiled calmly.

"Of course, I fully understand the reasons behind the others' decisions."

"Abarai Renji was dead set on joining the Sixth Division. He never said it outright, but anyone could tell he had his mind elsewhere."

"Even Captain Arima noticed it—eventually, he personally went to speak with Captain Kuchiki, and that's how Renji got in."

"That said… even if that was the case, without some level of skill, he wouldn't have been chosen by that noble captain."

"As for Kira Izuru, he did express interest in joining the Fifth Division."

"But it seemed he didn't want to compete with you, so he hesitated quite a bit."

"Then, the Third Division captain personally invited him, and now he seems to be doing quite well over there."

It was… somewhat sentimental.

The three of them had once been highly anticipated candidates.

But in the end—

It felt like she was the only one left.

At this point, Hinamori's expression stiffened.

A subtle look of unease appeared on her face as she cautiously lifted her gaze—

Stealing glances at Ichimaru Gin's expression.

"Um… are you worried that I'm not capable enough?"

This kind of self-doubt stemmed from her lack of confidence.

After all, the past two months of training had been no joke.

Renji had transferred to the Sixth Division a month ago, finally getting closer to learning more about Rukia.

Kira had been taken to the Third Division two weeks ago.

And now, only she remained.

Rather than feeling like she had "endured",

She felt more like she had been "left behind".

That thought unsettled her.

Faced with Hinamori's uncertainty, Ichimaru Gin remained silent for a moment.

Under normal circumstances, the sharp-tongued Fifth Division lieutenant would never hesitate to make biting remarks.

Yet this time—

He merely chuckled softly.

His voice was flat yet composed.

"So that's what you think? Hm, well, I can't say I'm surprised."

"Because, from a factual standpoint, you were the most unremarkable one."

"You lack Renji's fierce drive, and you don't have Kira's keen intuition."

"Compared to them, your strengths don't really stand out. You're not remarkable in any particular area."

The more Ichimaru Gin spoke—

The lower Hinamori's head sank.

Shame.

More than anything, she felt deep, overwhelming shame.

Being unable to meet others' expectations—

Just realizing that made it difficult to breathe.

But—

Ichimaru Gin's words were not meant to tear her down.

His tone suddenly shifted.

"However, that doesn't mean you're useless."

His pale blue eyes slightly opened, fixing their gaze upon her—

A rare, sincere expression flickering in them.

"Let me be clear—it's not like I think those two are particularly outstanding."

"If they couldn't endure my training, that alone proves they lacked patience."

"And in my view—resilience is the most important trait of all."

To not give up, even when faced with hardship.

To keep going, even when your body is broken, your spirit shattered.

To fight until the very end.

"Skill can be developed. Courage can be cultivated."

"Those things can be trained over time."

After a brief pause, Ichimaru Gin spoke again.

"Do you know why I tested you this way?"

"I… I don't know…"

An expected answer.

One that Ichimaru Gin had been waiting for.

Which was why, now, he could say what truly mattered.

"The role of the Fifth Division is support and reinforcement."

"Hinamori Momo, this means we often step into unknown territories."

"Fear and hesitation are natural reactions—but for a lieutenant, those traits are unacceptable."

So—

"I'm not concerned about what you can or cannot do—because in the end, knowledge is endless."

"I only care about one thing…"

"You must understand the importance of unwavering resilience."

"Do not be afraid—because you are the Fifth Division's lieutenant."

And more importantly—

"Seiya will always be standing behind you."

With that—

Ichimaru Gin stood up.

He casually removed the lieutenant's armband from his shoulder—

And, stepping around the desk, stood directly before Hinamori Momo.

"I recognize your character and resolve, Hinamori Momo."

"You are the most suitable choice for Fifth Division lieutenant."

Hinamori's eyes widened in shock.

Her entire body froze.

She hadn't been warned about this.

Even throughout their conversation, Ichimaru Gin had only mentioned "a private discussion".

Could the position of lieutenant really be handed over so informally?!

Seeing her stunned reaction, Ichimaru Gin smiled.

"No need to be so tense—like I said, this is just a simple conversation. No need to be so uptight."

"Besides, the decision to appoint a lieutenant lies solely with the captain—there's no need for higher approval."

So—

"Take it, Hinamori Momo."

From this moment forward—

"You are the Fifth Division's Lieutenant."

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