Weeks later.
"Hey, we've got a mission!"
Inside the squad barracks, Shiba Isshin handed two missions to Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
He spread open two requests from the Gotei 13 and said to Yoriichi:
"Two missions. One is a large-scale Hollow disturbance in North Rukongai District 77."
"Some Hollows are heading towards the downtown area, and the Gotei 13 wants us to send three Shinigami to handle it, preferably Seat Officers or higher."
"Because there's a high chance of encountering a Menos Grande or higher."
"The other is a group of bandits that appeared in West Rukongai District 56. One of the bandits possesses considerable reishi."
"The squad the Third Division sent previously was completely defeated by them, and even the Third Division's Seventh Seat was severely injured as a result."
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto was furious upon hearing this and demanded that we punish them severely."
"Let me know when you're free. You can decide the team's composition yourself, anyone except me and the Vice-Captain is fine."
"Do you have anyone in mind?"
Standing before Tsugikuni Yoriichi, Shiba Isshin looked at him and slowly said, "If not, how about I pick a few for you?"
"They are all Shinigami with clean backgrounds and outstanding talent. It would be their fortune to go on a mission with you."
The Tenth Division had over five hundred members in total.
Without certain opportunities and connections, climbing up would take at least decades, but with a recommendation, it was different.
As Captain, his duty was to unearth talented Shinigami within the squad and then give them a push at the appropriate moment.
This would allow them to grow in the shortest possible time.
"North Rukongai and West Rukongai…"
Yoriichi browsed the two missions, lowering his gaze and pondering for a moment.
He slowly raised his head, glanced at the scenery outside the window, and softly said:
"Then I'll trouble you, Captain. As a newcomer, I'm not sure who is suitable for these two missions."
"Shinigami need to experience combat to grow. Although I could complete it alone, I cannot deprive others of the opportunity."
"This should also be the original intention of selecting team members, right?"
"Indeed." Shiba Isshin smiled and nodded, "You see things very clearly, Yoriichi."
"It is indeed as you said, within the Seireitei, even the simplest mission must be completed by two people."
"Shinigami must possess a sense of cooperation, otherwise, no matter how strong they are, they will not gain the recognition of others…"
"It seems you'll be able to succeed as Vice-Captain very soon."
"Congratulations in advance."
"You're too kind."
Yoriichi nodded.
Isshin continued, "To return to our previous topic, if you're asking who is most suitable for these two missions, I recommend Ichinisan Ichi-moku."
"That's the one who was guarding the gate a few days ago and communicated with you before fighting Inuno, Fourth Seat."
"His strength isn't great, but his Zanpakuto ability is excellent for finding people."
"With him, your mission efficiency can at least triple."
"…"
"Him?"
Tsugikuni Yoriichi recalled that Ichimoku's appearance was very ordinary, the kind that would blend in with a crowd of Shinigami.
However…
Since the Captain mentioned him, it means his Zanpakuto ability is truly impressive.
"He's the one."
Tsugikuni Yoriichi decided with a clap of his hand.
Then.
"Shouldn't there be one more person?"
He looked at Shiba Isshin and asked.
Isshin pondered for a moment: "Indeed, but… quality over quantity. The two of you are enough."
"If we have to add someone, bring Akagi, Seventh Seat. Her Healing Kido is exquisite."
"I remember, her hometown seems to be in West Rukongai as well."
…
West Rukongai.
When Yoriichi set foot on this land again, it drew the envy and anticipation of the Rukongai residents.
To the Rukongai residents, Shinigami were like stars in the sky, visible but unattainable.
Some Rukongai residents hid behind their doors, observing cautiously.
The clamour of the wind mixed with the sounds of hawkers entered Yoriichi's mind.
It made him feel the long-lost scent of his hometown.
Until.
Upon arriving at District 50.
The number of people on the streets sharply decreased.
The reishi concentration in the air suddenly became thin, as if moving from a plain to a high-altitude area.
For weaker Shinigami, even breathing became difficult, as if a large stone were pressing on their chest.
Ichinisan Ichi-moku gasped twice, and the persistent heavy feeling gradually disappeared.
He clutched his chest and sighed, "That's why I don't like going on missions. Every time I leave the Seireitei, I feel distinctly uncomfortable."
"Then you should work on improving your reishi." Akagi, Seventh Seat, glanced at him from the side.
This was a middle-aged woman with red hair. Her expression was serious, and her tone was steady:
"The weaker your reishi, the more easily you are affected by the environment."
"Generally speaking, once you reach Tenth Grade or higher, you can ignore the reishi concentration differences between areas."
"With your strength, it's still too strenuous."
"I know, but this is the Captain's order, what can I do?" Ichimoku spread his hands helplessly, seemingly resigned.
He then changed the subject:
"But fortunately, Third Seat Tsugikuni is also with us, he's our companion."
"This mission should conclude without any major incidents."
He looked at Tsugikuni Yoriichi, a clear smile on his face.
Yoriichi remained silent, simply listening quietly to their exchange.
Not long after, they arrived at the place described in the mission, District 56.
The street was desolate, with faint traces of its former prosperity. Some stalls were scattered haphazardly on both sides, not yet put away.
However, now it was empty.
Leaving only a dead silence.
From afar.
Yoriichi heard the sounds of several people playing a drinking game.
He followed the sound with his gaze.
It was a dilapidated temple.
The temple gate was ajar, and through the gap, a large, brown figure, seated on the ground like a giant, could vaguely be seen inside.
Bang!
Akagi Chizuru suddenly kicked open the half-open wooden door, striding inside, and yelled in a loud and authoritative voice:
"The Gotei 13 is here on a mission! All unauthorised personnel, quickly retreat!"
"Otherwise, you will face the consequences!"
As her voice fell, it caused everyone inside the temple to turn and look.
Then, when they saw it was an old woman who was overestimating herself.
They covered their chests and laughed wildly:
"Hahahaha!"
"Big Brother, look, another fool has delivered himself to us!"
"I don't know what those Shinigami of the Gotei 13 are thinking."
"They always send ants!"
"The last Shinigami who challenged Big Brother even had his Zanpakuto broken."
"I heard he was some Seventh Seat of the Third Division, and his tone was so arrogant, looking at us like trash."
"But what happened? He spat up three litres of blood and couldn't even break Big Brother's defence."
"How long do you think this old woman can last?"
"I guess one minute!"
Accompanied by the laughter of the crowd, the tall, brown figure in the middle of the group slowly raised his head.
His eyes were as cold as ice, and a dangerous smile spread across his lips.
A bandit, seeing this, immediately volunteered:
"Big Brother Kiganjo, let me take care of her. It's perfect, I also want to test how sharp the Zanpakuto I got last time is!"