"Hitsugaya-sama, the 1st Division is directly led by the Captain-Commander. Therefore, we can have one more Lieutenant than other divisions," The 1st Division member explained with a hint of pride.
"I see. So the 1st Division can have two Lieutenants," Toshiro said, somewhat surprised.
"Then, please give me your answer, Hitsugaya-sama. I need to report back to the Captain-Commander," The 1st Division's member said.
The surrounding students overheard and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, murmuring amongst themselves.
Becoming a lieutenant immediately after graduation… no Shin'o Academy graduate had ever achieved that.
"So impressive! A Lieutenant! And in the 1st Division!" Student A said enviously.
"Lieutenant is nothing! With Hitsugaya-kun's strength, becoming a Captain would be more than enough!" Student B said disdainfully to Student A.
"Becoming a Captain isn't that easy! All Captain positions are filled now. To become one, you'd have to challenge an existing Captain. Although Hitsugaya-kun defeated a Captain-level Menos Grande, I don't think he can defeat a Captain," Student A retorted.
Over the years, the Gotei 13's Captains' image of invincible strength had been deeply ingrained in every Shinigami's mind.
"Hmph, let me tell you. I have a relative in the 11th Division. He told me Hitsugaya-kun once used Bankai to defeat their Captain, Zaraki Kenpachi! According to the rules, Hitsugaya-kun could have directly become the 11th Division's Captain, but he gave it up," Student B boasted proudly to Student A.
"What?! He gave it up just like that?! That's a Captain's position!" Student A exclaimed in shock.
The other students were equally astonished. They already thought Toshiro was incredible, but now it seemed there was no limit to his awesomeness.
Then, everyone looked at Toshiro, waiting for his answer.
"Sorry, I've already promised Lieutenant Matsumoto to go to the 10th Division. Please convey my apologies to the Captain-Commander," Toshiro said after some thought, declining the 1st Division's invitation.
Toshiro had considered whether to first become a Lieutenant in the 1st division, then take the Captain Proficiency Test to become the 10th Division's Captain after Isshin left the Soul Society.
But after careful consideration, he dismissed the idea.
Although Lieutenant is one rank higher than 3rd Seat, joining the 10th Division as 3rd Seat would allow him to familiarize himself with the division, integrate with the members, and establish his authority early.
After Isshin disappeared, Toshiro could directly assume the captaincy. The members would be less resistant, making it easier for him to lead the 10th Division.
If he first became a Lieutenant in the 1st Division, then parachuted into the 10th Division as Captain, the members would likely resist a stranger.
Someone familiar from within the division versus an outsider… which was more acceptable was obvious. He'd have to spend considerable effort winning over the 10th Division. Better to join them from the start.
"What?! Hitsugaya-sama, please reconsider! This is the Lieutenant position in the 1st Division!" The 1st Division's member said incredulously.
Even among Lieutenants, the 1st Division's Lieutenant held higher status.
When the Captain-Commander presided over Captains' Meetings, the 1st Division's Lieutenant also chaired the Lieutenant Meetings in the adjacent room.
"Hey, Toshiro, you should go to the 1st Division as Lieutenant. This is a rare opportunity," Even Rangiku urged Toshiro to go to the 1st Division.
Although she came to invite Toshiro to the 10th Division, it was mainly to help him adjust to the Gotei 13. As a friend, she could look after him in the 10th Division.
But now that the 1st Division invited him as Lieutenant, how could Rangiku hinder Toshiro's future?
She knew if she insisted, Toshiro wouldn't refuse the 10th Division. Their earlier bargaining and teasing were just jokes between friends.
"Alright, Matsumoto. I promised you, and I won't go back on it. Let's go. I want to see the 10th Division first," Toshiro said firmly.
Rangiku sighed helplessly. "Fine then. Come with me to the 10th Division to get familiar."
Seeing Toshiro's determination, Rangiku stopped persuading.
Each Gotei 13's Division had different responsibilities.
The 10th Division was the patrol and security division, responsible for patrolling the Soul Society, maintaining order, handling emergencies, and issuing urgent alerts.
Alert documents jointly signed by the 10th Division's Captain and the 1st Division's Captain constituted the highest-level alarm in the Seireitei.
Each division had its own flower emblem. The 10th Division's was the narcissus, symbolizing mystery and self-interest.
It seemed Toshiro was fated with the 10th Division. Even the Asauchi he used when awakening his Zanpakuto came from a fallen 10th Division's member.
Toshiro followed Rangiku to the 10th Division.
Thud!
"Captain, I'm back!"
Rangiku casually kicked open the captain's office door and walked in.
Toshiro couldn't help but sympathize with the door. Rangiku's skilled movements suggested frequent door-kicking.
"Captain, I've successfully lured Toshiro to our 10th Division. Where are you, Captain?"
Rangiku looked around the room but didn't see anyone.
"He's behind the documents. And what do you mean 'lured'?" Toshiro spotted a figure behind the towering stacks of papers on the desk.
Thump!
Rangiku grabbed a stack of documents from the desk and slammed it onto the head of the sleeping current 10th Division's Captain, Shiba Isshin.
"Ow! That hurts! What are you doing, Rangiku?!" Isshin Shiba cried out.
"What am I doing? Didn't I tell you to handle the work properly while I was gone? Why haven't these documents decreased at all?!" Rangiku demanded.
"Haha, let's not talk about that. So, you must be Hitsugaya Toshiro. I'm Shiba Isshin, Captain of the 10th Division," Isshin quickly changed the subject, greeting Toshiro.
"Hello, Captain. I'll be part of the 10th Division from now on. You can call me Toshiro," Toshiro replied, looking at Isshin.
The current Isshin had energetic black short hair, no short beard yet, appearing very young compared to after marrying Kurosaki Masaki and changing his name to Kurosaki Isshin. He looked like a youth just entering society.