Kyoraku Shunsui began to explain slowly.
Each division of the Gotei 13 had its own duties.
There were currently seven vacant positions.
Among them, the 2nd Division, "Stealth Force," acted as the eyes and ears of the nobility. It had always been overseen by the Shihōin family. Even though Yoruichi, head of the Shihōin clan, had committed such a "great betrayal," the position would still remain within the family. The only question was whether another Shihōin would take the role, or a subordinate noble affiliated with the clan.
Naruto didn't even need to think about it.
The high-ranking noble families—
Especially the five oldest clans—
Aside from the Shiba clan and Shihōin Yoruichi, the others were all obsessed with power.
The remaining six captain positions were:
3rd Division – Support Unit5th Division – Rescue Squad7th Division – Inner Court Guard9th Division – Prison Unit10th Division – Patrol and Security12th Division – Monitors spirit pressure fluctuations in the Human World, Hueco Mundo, and Soul Society, and is responsible for technological development.
"The 10th Division is a tough job. They handle patrols for both Seireitei and Rukongai." Kyoraku poured himself another cup of sake, his cheeks slightly red. "You're still young, Naruto. You have plenty of room to grow. Unless absolutely necessary, the old man would prefer you spent more time developing your strength."
"Naruto, you're a good kid."
"Which is why the 9th Division isn't a good fit for you either."
"Only ruthless types make good interrogators and torturers."
Naruto considered his options.
So that left the 3rd, 5th, and 7th Divisions?
He didn't even consider the 12th.
He wasn't cut out for tech development.
"Actually, I don't think the 5th Division is suitable either," Ukitake Jūshirō said gently, stopping Kyoraku from pouring more sake.
Naruto looked over. "Because of Sōsuke Aizen?"
He thought of that man.
And also Yoruichi's words.
"Aizen is very well-liked among his squad members," Ukitake nodded. "Even someone like me, who rarely goes out, has heard much praise about him. I wouldn't be surprised if he applied for the captain's test."
Kyoraku poured some water into his cup, sipping it lightly and smacking his lips. "Speaking of which, I saw him the night it all happened."
"Right outside the 5th Division barracks."
Naruto tilted his head. "Captain Shunsui saw Aizen?"
Kyoraku nodded. "But he seemed a little different than usual that night."
"Maybe I was just worried about Lisa."
"Or maybe I imagined it because I don't know him that well."
Different from usual?
Uncle Shunsui might act easygoing…
But he was, after all, Captain of the 8th Division and a master of information gathering. His instincts could be trusted.
Naruto furrowed his brows.
Something came to mind.
In the ninja world, there were transformation jutsu and shadow clones—ways to impersonate someone easily.
But in Soul Society…
There didn't seem to be any similar techniques.
He felt like he had grasped something—but couldn't quite put it into words.
"Let's set that aside for now," Kyoraku sighed, staring mournfully at his empty cup. "3rd and 7th Division—Naruto, which are you leaning toward?"
He, too, left the 12th Division off the table.
Naruto was a traditional genius.
Not the hard-to-read kind like Urahara Kisuke.
"Which division would let me take on the mission to pursue Urahara Kisuke and the others?" Naruto asked seriously.
He wanted to take the task into his own hands.
Kyoraku smiled.
Ukitake shook his head and replied gently, "If that's what you want, Naruto, you can take on the mission no matter which division you lead."
Naruto was stunned.
"The old man assigned the mission to me—not to the 2nd Division," Kyoraku patiently explained. "He needs to uphold the Gotei 13's dignity, and Seireitei's authority."
He turned to look out at the vast lake outside the window, wind stirring ripples on its surface. His voice was full of emotion. "Miss Yoruichi and the others were caught red-handed. The evidence was conclusive."
"No matter how much he cares, the old man had no choice."
"But outward compliance doesn't mean inward agreement."
"Take this situation, for example. Even if the old man knows I'm drinking here at Jūshirō's, at most he'll scold me."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully. "So the Captain-Commander doesn't agree with the punishment either?"
"There are still suspicious points," Ukitake said. "Like that unseen enemy."
"Our teacher—and we ourselves—want to find out the truth."
Naruto looked at Ukitake.
The white-haired captain smiled. "If you don't fully understand yet, then keep learning."
"Someday, you'll have to stand on your own."
"You were once protected by others."
"But now, you'll be that guiding light."
Just like what Yoruichi said before they parted ways.
Kyoraku, seeing Ukitake distracted, secretly poured himself half a cup of sake. "I don't want to deal with this mess. If you want it, Naruto, then take it quickly."
"In that case…"
"I'll choose the 7th Division."
Naruto nodded.
A few days later, in the 1st Division headquarters.
"Criminal Urahara Kisuke disrupted Seireitei," said Captain-Commander Yamamoto calmly. "Former 2nd Division Captain Shihōin Yoruichi defied Central 46 and rescued the criminal."
"Seven captain positions are currently vacant."
"5th Division Lieutenant Aizen Sōsuke applied for captaincy testing yesterday."
"Are there recommendations for the remaining divisions?"
He slightly turned his head, eyes falling on Ukitake.
The long-haired man coughed twice and raised his right hand. "As Captain of the 13th Division, I nominate former 13th Division 3rd Seat Uzumaki Naruto to lead the 7th Division."
Kyoraku stepped up too. "As Captain of the 8th Division, I second the nomination of Uzumaki Naruto for 7th Division Captain."
Unohana looked at them.
So the 7th Division was the choice?
She stood up as well, recommending Naruto in her own name.
The Captains of the 6th and 11th Divisions had no objections.
One month later – 13th Division Headquarters
Naruto was woken up early by Shiba Kaien.
"I thought it'd take decades. Didn't expect it to happen so soon," Kaien said, watching Naruto don his white captain's haori, a little emotional. "Congrats, Captain Naruto."
"I'll miss you, Vice-Captain Kaien." Naruto looked at himself in the mirror.
"It's not like we won't see each other again," Kaien said, walking up and messing up Naruto's hair. "I checked on your new vice-captain in the 7th Division, Kojaku. He's a reliable man."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't feel at ease."
Naruto grinned.
"By the way, what's that symbol on your back?" Kaien reached out and tapped it.
On the back of Naruto's captain haori—
Below the diamond-enclosed "7" symbol, there was a red circle. Inside it spun a black spiral—just like a "whirlpool."
"This?" Naruto turned around with a bright smile.
His golden hair sparkled in the sunlight.
"It's the symbol of the Uzumaki. My mother left it for me."
He hadn't changed the haori in any other way—just added that one marking.
(End of Chapter)