"You're not bad. Welcome to the Gotei 13."
Without pressing for details, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto responded with remarkable decisiveness, looking directly at Nagasawa Masaru as he spoke.
Hearing those words, Masaru smiled knowingly.
Whatever Yamamoto's reasons were for granting him entry so readily, at least for now, his life was safe.
Seeing that they had reached an understanding, Yamamoto's stern demeanor softened. With surprising warmth, he continued speaking to Masaru.
"Although I've approved your request to join, by tradition, you must choose a division to enter."
"Well then, do you have a preferred squad?"
"Or should I introduce a few to you first?"
In that moment, he didn't resemble the legendary 'Founder of the Gotei,' but rather a kindly elder from the neighborhood—approachable and caring toward the younger generation.
Kyoraku Shunsui, well acquainted with Yamamoto's temperament, instinctively took a step back upon seeing this unfamiliar attitude. Turning toward his own vice-captain, Lisa Yadōmaru, he whispered with mock concern.
"Lisa-chan... when old man Yama acts like this, I get scared..."
Lisa: "..."
Masaru ignored the antics of Kyoraku Shunsui. From a certain perspective, the fact that Kyoraku was willing to act so playfully again likely meant he had temporarily accepted Masaru as a fellow comrade.
Probably...
Masaru, facing Yamamoto's question, responded with equal straightforwardness. "Squad 6."
What he didn't expect, however, was the strange silence that followed.
Just as Masaru thought, Squad 6 was one of the noble-led divisions, tasked with protecting noble interests. They were essentially the Seireitei's equivalent of the imperial guard.
What he didn't know was that Squad 6 was also nicknamed the "Noble Squad" for another reason—they were responsible for guarding and overseeing the noble districts.
That was the very heart of the Soul Society. Even members of the Central 46 chambers, the ruling noble elders, lived there.
So when a man of unknown background and considerable strength requested to join Squad 6—rather than the battle-hardened Squad 11 or the overall-command Squad 1—it was hard not to raise suspicions.
Yet, Byakuin Shirone, the current Captain of Squad 6 and head of the noble Kuchiki family, responded without even a twitch of the brow.
"If the Head Captain agrees, I have no objections."
"However, with your strength, becoming a vice-captain in Squad 6 might actually be beneath you."
Masaru froze. Then panic shot through him.
Was this thick-browed old man trying to set him up?
Let's put aside for a moment the fact that the current vice-captain of Squad 6 was that handsome guy taking care of the unconscious Ōmaeda Marechiyo—Kuchiki Sōjun, the eldest son of the Kuchiki clan.
That vice-captain position? It wasn't just any role. It was the designated seat for the heir of the Kuchiki family.
In the timeline of the main series, the only reason Abarai Renji eventually got that spot was because Kuchiki Byakuya's wife died young and left behind no heirs.
Otherwise, that vice-captain seat would never have gone to an outsider. At most, it would've passed to another noble family's child.
If anyone else dared claim it, the elders of the Kuchiki clan—and the other noble families too—would've gone ballistic.
And even if that wasn't an issue, Masaru's Peak Shinigami Experience Card only lasted ten days. Once it expired, he just wanted to coast, slack off, and be a well-paid freeloader.
Vice-captains actually had to work.
At his normal level, without the experience card, he was just easy prey.
But before he could politely decline, Yamamoto—who seemed to have anticipated Shirone's reply—spoke without missing a beat.
"Right now, none of the other divisions have a vacant captain position. With your strength, I agree the vice-captain rank might be a bit of a waste."
"However, your lack of seniority is a concern. If we immediately replaced Kuchiki with someone new, people would inevitably start talking."
Masaru's heart lifted.
Head Captain Yamamoto was so considerate!
Yes, exactly! What kind of man would I be if I just coveted the vice-captain position?
I'm still inexperienced. Salary doesn't matter.
Even if the pay is amazing, I still...
Before he could even finish that internal monologue, Yamamoto continued.
"It just so happens Squad 6's third seat has remained vacant for some time due to certain reasons. If you're willing, you may temporarily assume that position."
"Of course, I'm not one to force decisions. If you're unwilling, I won't press the matter."
At this point, how could Masaru not understand what was really going on?
They wanted his power, didn't want to waste it, but they also weren't ready to hand a high-ranking position to a mysterious newcomer. So this was a compromise—giving him the third seat title to observe him more closely.
And if he refused? Then he could get lost.
Thank goodness for [Marlon Brando's Peak Acting Skill]. Though Masaru had countless inner complaints, he simply twitched the corner of his eye and responded with a polite smile.
"Then I'll humbly accept."
There wasn't a trace of reluctance in his expression. Not even a hint of emotion could be found in his tone.
If master actor Aizen Sōsuke had seen this scene, he would've given a thumbs up and said, "You sly fox. You've got real acting chops."
Fortunately, despite Yamamoto's little sleight of hand, just as Masaru accepted the position, a system prompt instantly lifted his spirits.
[Mission complete: Join Squad 6.]
[Beginning restoration of damaged spirit chains and soul sleep. All negative physical statuses will be cleared. The full system will activate in 24 hours.]
Under the Peak Shinigami Experience Card's effects, Masaru could clearly feel his damaged soul core and spirit links rapidly regenerating.
Now that his life was secured, the smile on his face grew even brighter.
But just then, Yamamoto—having just ordered his vice-captain to summon all Shino Academy instructors and bring back the graduating students for the ceremony—turned casually toward Masaru, who had gone to help Kuchiki Sōjun awaken Ōmaeda Marechiyo.
Almost absentmindedly, he said, "By the way, this is the first time I've seen a Zanpakutō identical to Ryūjin Jakka. If there's ever an opportunity, I'd very much like to spar with you."
Though his facial expression didn't change at all, Masaru's heart clenched for no reason.
/////////////////////////
Support me by adding this fic into your library!
100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter