Within the Fifth Division, news had already spread throughout the barracks.
The vice-captain, Ichimaru Gin, had successfully passed the Captain Proficiency Test. Barring any unexpected developments, he would soon be appointed as the Captain of the Third Division.
Among the members of the Fifth Division, three figures often gathered together during their spare moments to discuss the matter.
Abarai Renji, Kira Izuru, and Hinamori Momo.
The three of them had originally joined the Fifth Division out of admiration for Captain Aizen Sōsuke, who had once saved them during their days as students of the Shin'ō Academy.
When they spoke about Gin's promotion, they could not help expressing both amazement and admiration.
After all, becoming a captain of the Gotei 13 was an extraordinary achievement.
Following their brief conversation, the three returned to their respective duties.
However, not long afterward, something unexpected happened.
Kira Izuru was summoned by Ichimaru Gin himself.
"Kira."
"Vice-Captain!"
Upon hearing Gin's voice, Kira immediately straightened his posture.
Although Gin had already passed the captain's examination, he had not yet officially transferred to the Third Division, meaning he was still serving as the Vice-Captain of the Fifth Division.
Gin looked at Kira with his usual narrow-eyed smile.
"Kira," he said softly, "you've probably already heard that I'll be leaving the Fifth Division soon to take command of the Third Division."
Kira nodded.
Everyone in the division already knew about that.
Gin continued speaking calmly.
"The Third Division has always served as a support division within the Gotei 13. When other divisions encounter serious situations, the Third Division is often dispatched to reinforce them. And when casualties occur during battles, the Third Division frequently provides personnel to replenish those losses."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Decades ago, the Gotei 13 experienced a severe crisis. Many divisions suffered heavy losses, and the Third Division was forced to transfer a large number of its members to support them."
"Because of that, the Third Division is currently severely understaffed."
Gin's expression remained gentle.
"So I've been thinking… perhaps I should bring a few capable subordinates with me."
Then his gaze settled on Kira.
"Kira, you're someone whose talent I value highly."
"Would you consider transferring to the Third Division with me?"
"If you do… you might even become the Vice-Captain of the Third Division."
Although Gin used the word might, Kira clearly understood the implication behind it.
To him, Ichimaru Gin was not just a superior officer.
Back when he had been a student at the Shin'ō Academy, it was Aizen and Gin who had saved him from a Hollow attack during a field exercise.
At that moment of despair, they had given him hope.
Since joining the Fifth Division, Kira had worked tirelessly in order to live up to that gratitude.
Now, the very person he admired was acknowledging his ability.
Kira felt his heart tremble with excitement.
"Vice-Captain… I…"
For a moment, he did not know how to respond.
Gin simply smiled.
"There's no need to decide right away."
"I won't officially take command of the Third Division for a little while. You have time to think about it."
With those words, Gin turned and left.
Afterward, he approached Hinamori Momo and Abarai Renji as well.
Just as he had with Kira, Gin expressed his appreciation for their abilities and invited them to transfer to the Third Division.
However, the results were different.
Hinamori Momo refused immediately.
For her, the reason she had joined the Fifth Division was simple.
She admired Captain Aizen deeply.
Leaving the Fifth Division meant leaving Aizen's command.
That was something she could not accept.
As for Abarai Renji, his reasoning was far more straightforward.
"I'm doing fine in the Fifth Division," Renji said bluntly. "There's no reason for me to transfer."
In the end, only Kira Izuru accepted Gin's invitation.
As one of Kira's closest friends, Renji naturally came to see him off.
Of course, the farewell was not particularly emotional.
After all, they were still members of the Gotei 13.
They were merely serving in different divisions now.
However, Renji did not expect what would happen next.
Not long after Kira's departure, Captain Aizen Sōsuke personally summoned him.
Inside the captain's office of the Fifth Division, Renji stood somewhat nervously.
"Captain."
Although Aizen was widely known as a gentle and approachable leader, he was still a captain of the Gotei 13.
Facing him naturally created pressure.
Aizen placed his brush aside and smiled warmly.
"Relax, Renji. There's no need to be so formal."
Moments earlier, he had been practicing calligraphy.
Aizen possessed profound knowledge of Kidō, and he had even served as an instructor at the Shin'ō Academy, where his elegant calligraphy had been well known.
Renji felt slightly more at ease.
Aizen then asked casually,
"Kira has already transferred to the Third Division, correct?"
"Yes, Captain."
Aizen nodded.
"In fact, the suggestion for Gin to invite the three of you originally came from me."
Renji blinked in surprise.
"From you, Captain?"
"That's right."
Aizen spoke calmly.
"You, Hinamori, and Kira are all exceptionally talented individuals."
"Although the Fifth Division plays an important role within the Gotei 13, its primary function is logistical support and rescue operations."
"In truth, this environment may limit the development of your talents."
"I was very pleased when you chose to join the Fifth Division, but I also felt it would be a shame if your abilities were not fully utilized."
He folded his hands calmly.
"So when Gin prepared to assume command of the Third Division, I asked him to invite the three of you to transfer."
"The Third Division has many responsibilities and plenty of opportunities for capable officers to prove themselves."
"However," Aizen added gently, "I also respect your personal choices."
"If you prefer to remain in the Fifth Division, that is perfectly acceptable."
Renji listened carefully.
Then Aizen continued.
"Renji, your greatest strength lies in Zanjutsu the art of swordsmanship."
"Within the Fifth Division, it would be difficult for you to fully develop that talent."
"Since you chose not to transfer to the Third Division…"
Aizen paused slightly.
"Would you be willing to transfer to the Eleventh Division instead?"
Renji's eyes widened.
"The Eleventh Division?"
That was the division known throughout the Gotei 13 as the Combat Division.
Its captain bore the title of Kenpachi, and every member of the division prioritized direct battle above all else.
For a Shinigami who specialized in swordsmanship, there was no more suitable place.
"That's right," Aizen confirmed.
With his characteristic eloquence and calm persuasion, he explained how Renji's abilities would flourish within the Eleventh Division.
Gradually, Renji began to feel convinced.
In the end, he agreed.
Under Aizen's arrangements, Abarai Renji successfully transferred to the Eleventh Division.
Normally, graduates of the Shin'ō Academy only selected their division once.
However, throughout the history of the Gotei 13, transfers between divisions were not unheard of.
After all, each division specialized in different fields.
The Second Division excelled in Hohō and Hakuda.
The Eleventh Division focused almost entirely on Zanjutsu and combat.
The Twelfth Division specialized in scientific research and technological development.
A Shinigami who struggled in one division might thrive in another.
After finishing his conversation with Renji, Aizen remained alone inside the captain's office of the Fifth Division.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"So," he murmured softly,
"the restless elements have all been arranged."
There had been a reason why he had chosen to save those particular students years ago during the Hollow incident.
Their potential was exceptional.
If cultivated properly
They might one day become important pieces on the board.
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