The towering gates of Squad 1's barracks loomed like ancient sentinels, their white stone etched with centuries of history. Akio Kurozume approached with measured steps, his academy robes now neatly pressed after his visit to Squad 8. The weight of his decisions pressed on him—not burdensome, but deliberate. Rejecting Shunsui had been hard, a respectful severance from a mentor who felt like family. Now, facing Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the Captain-Commander himself, carried an even greater gravity. Yamamoto wasn't just a guardian by vow; he was the pillar of Soul Society, a force of nature whose mere presence could bend wills.
The guards at the gate recognized him instantly, their bows deep and reverent. "Kurozume-san," one murmured. "The Captain-Commander awaits you in his chambers."
Akio nodded, his sharp blue eyes steady as he passed through. The barracks were austere, devoid of the elegance of Squad 8 or the raw energy of others—simple tatami mats, polished wood, and the faint scent of incense. It suited Yamamoto: unyielding, timeless.
In the central chamber, Yamamoto sat cross-legged on a raised dais, his gnarled hands resting on his Zanpakto, Ryūjin Jakka. His eyes, sharp as forged steel, fixed on Akio the moment he entered. The air hummed with restrained Reiatsu, a subtle pressure that tested one's resolve without overwhelming it.
"Kurozume Akio," Yamamoto rumbled, his voice like distant thunder. "You have come. Speak your purpose."
Akio knelt before the dais, bowing deeply. "Captain-Commander, thank you for receiving me. I come regarding your recommendation letter for Squad 1's internship."
Yamamoto's gaze didn't waver. "A wise choice, boy. Squad 1 demands the utmost discipline and loyalty. Under my watch, you would forge yourself into a pillar of Seireitei. Rise, and confirm your acceptance."
Akio rose slowly, meeting Yamamoto's eyes with unwavering respect. He'd rehearsed this moment, knowing one misstep could fracture the fragile bond of guardianship. "Captain-Commander, I am deeply honored by your offer. Your vow to protect my path has given me the freedom to pursue strength without fear of hidden blades. But… I must humbly decline."
The chamber fell silent, the incense smoke curling lazily as if time itself paused. Yamamoto's expression remained impassive, but a faint flicker in his eyes betrayed surprise—perhaps even intrigue. Few dared refuse him, let alone a Rukongai upstart under his protection.
"Explain," Yamamoto commanded, his tone neither angry nor dismissive, but laced with the weight of authority.
Akio chose his words with care, his voice steady. "First, it's about growth, sir. You've shielded me from the wolves of nobility, allowing me to rise without constant sabotage. But if I intern here, under your direct command, that shield becomes a cage. I need to face difficulties I can handle—challenges that test my limits, force me to adapt and evolve. Always standing in your shadow would dull my edge; I'd grow complacent, relying on your fire instead of kindling my own. Ryūgō-sensei taught me that true strength is born from breaking in unfamiliar flames, not sheltered ones."
Yamamoto's Zanpakto tapped once against the floor, a resonant echo. His brow furrowed slightly, but there was no outburst—only a deepening scrutiny.
Akio continued, his tone earnest. "Second, it's about independence. Your guardianship is a gift, but I don't want to be defined by it forever. Seireitei whispers of favoritism already; joining Squad 1 would amplify that, making me seem like your extension rather than my own man. I owe you my gratitude, but to honor it, I must stand alone—prove my worth beyond your vow. Only then can I become someone worthy of the protection you've granted."
The Captain-Commander leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing like embers in a forge. For a long moment, he said nothing, assessing Akio as one might a blade fresh from the anvil. Then, a low rumble escaped him—not laughter, but a gruff acknowledgment. "Bold words, boy. You know when to seek for protecton and when to stand up on your own. You are quite good for your age.."
Yamamoto straightened, his Reiatsu flaring subtly like a controlled blaze. "You tread a dangerous path. Without Squad 1's structure, those 'difficulties' may consume you. But if this is your resolve, I will not force it. Remember: my vow stands, but it does not absolve weakness. Fail, and even my fire cannot save you from the ashes."
Akio bowed again, relief mingling with resolve. "Thank you, Captain-Commander. I will not disappoint."
Yamamoto waved a hand dismissively. "Go. Forge your path. But know this: Seireitei watches. Do not stray."
As Akio left the chambers, the weight lifted slightly. Yamamoto's reaction hadn't been anger, but a rare spark of respect—a grudging approval for Akio's audacity. It fueled him onward, shadows coiling in anticipation.
The Squad 10 barracks buzzed with a different energy—practical, disciplined, with an undercurrent of warmth. Akio arrived under the midday sun, his application already accepted via Isshin Shiba's enthusiastic recommendation. Squad 10, focused on world-of-the-living patrols and Hollow extermination, felt like the right fit: exposure to real threats, away from Seireitei's politics, with room to hone his skills in unfamiliar terrain.
'Since Squad 10 is responsible for human world patrolling I can visit the human anytime if I need to without being questioned much. This was also one of the reason except the other reason I told to Captain Commander and Shunsui.'
Isshin greeted him at the gates with a broad grin, his white haori billowing. "Kid! You made it. Rangiku's been buzzing about your arrival—says you're 'cute enough to distract from paperwork.' Come on in."
Akio chuckled, following Isshin into the main courtyard. There, lounging against a pillar with her signature cleavage on display, was Matsumoto Rangiku. Her strawberry-blonde hair cascaded like sunlight, and her mischievous smile widened at the sight of him.
"Well, well, if it isn't the tournament champ," Rangiku purred, sauntering over with hips swaying. She leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. "You've grown since that Hollow hunt, haven't you? All tall and brooding. Careful, or I might have to keep you as my personal intern."
In the past, Akio might have flushed, sputtering like the boy he once was. But years of training—and a growing confidence—had sharpened his wit. He met her gaze with a playful smirk, stepping just a fraction closer. "Vice-Captain Matsumoto, if you're offering personal attention, how could I refuse? But be warned—I might distract you more than the paperwork. After all, I've learned a thing or two about handling… curves."
Rangiku's eyes widened in surprise, then sparkled with delight. She laughed, a rich, melodic sound, fanning herself dramatically. "Oh, the little cub bites back now! Captain, you didn't warn me the kid's grown fangs."
Isshin barked a laugh, clapping Akio on the shoulder. "That's my boy! But save the flirting for off-duty. Let's get you settled." He led them to a side office, where a stern-faced Shinigami waited—Haruto Nakamura, the 8th seat. Haruto was lean and scarred, with short-cropped hair and eyes that spoke of countless patrols. His uniform was practical, marked by the wear of real-world duty.
"Akio, meet Haruto Nakamura, 8th seat," Isshin introduced. "He's in charge of Karakura Town patrols—prime Hollow hunting ground in the living world. You'll be under his wing for the internship. Learn the ropes: monitoring spiritual disturbances, engaging threats, performing Konso. Haruto's the best at it—tough but fair."
Haruto nodded curtly, sizing Akio up. "Kurozume. Heard about your tournament win. Impressive, but the living world's no arena. Hollows don't fight fair, and civilians can sometime complicate everything. You ready to get your hands dirty?"
Akio bowed respectfully. "Yes, sir. I'm here to learn and contribute."
Isshin grinned. "Good attitude. Haruto, take him on your next patrol. Show him Karakura—get him acclimated. Akio, report back after. And remember: Squad 10's about protection, not glory. Keep the living world balanced."
As Haruto led Akio toward the Senkaimon gate, Rangiku called after them with a wink. "Don't let the humans charm you too much, cutie! Save some for me."
Akio glanced back with a grin. "Only if you promise the same, Vice-Captain."
The gate shimmered open, revealing the path to the living world. Akio's shadows stirred in excitement—new challenges, new growth. Karakura awaited, a horizon full of unknowns.
Somewhere in a certain noble's estate....
A man knelt before a high-backed chair. The room was opulent yet cold, its walls adorned with tapestries of ancient lineage. The kneeling figure, clad in fine robes marked with the lesser noble crest of the ??? family, spoke in a hushed, eager tone.
"My lord," he began, his voice laced with ambition, "that Rukongai brat, Kurozume Akio, has declined Captain-Commander Yamamoto's recommendation for Squad 1. Instead, he's joined Squad 10 under Shiba Isshin. Word is, he'll be sent to the human world—Karakura Town—for patrols."
The figure in the chair, a high noble of the ????? clan, leaned forward, his silhouette sharp against the lamplight. His voice was smooth, like a blade wrapped in silk. "Daring, isn't he? First, he secures Yamamoto's vow of protection, a stunt that silenced half the noble houses. Now he rejects the old man's wing to fly alone. Bold… or foolish."
The lesser noble's eyes gleamed with opportunity. "Why not let me handle this, my lord? A youngster's first mission in Karakura Town. A chance to end his story before it truly begins."
The higher noble tapped a finger against the armrest, his gaze distant and calculating. "Very well, ??? I will have you handle this task. But be careful—leave no evidence that could trace back to us. The boy may be a Rukongai dog, but Yamamoto's vow still lingers. One misstep, and we risk the old man's wrath."
The lesser noble bowed lower, a sly smile curling his lips. "It will be done, my lord. Karakura Town will be his undoing."
The noble leaned back, his eyes glinting with malice. "Good. Let the shadows swallow him whole."
[End of Chapter]