Inside Squad 1 barracks.
"For the past month, I have been selecting candidates to fill the vacant captain positions," Head Captain Yamamoto began, his tone light and pleasant. "The results have been quite fruitful."
"I believe all of you have received the notifications."
"Based on the recommendation of Squad 13 Captain Ukitake Jūshirō…"
"And with the unanimous agreement of the current captains…"
"I hereby appoint the former 3rd Seat of Squad 13, Uzumaki Naruto, as the Captain of Squad 7."
"Appoint Shiba Isshin as the Captain of Squad 10."
"The former Vice-Captain of Squad 5, Aizen Sōsuke, applied for the evaluation and, under the witness of myself, Captain Unohana Retsu of Squad 4, and Captain Kyōraku Shunsui of Squad 8, passed the qualification test. All of us believe that this person has the character and ability to fulfill the position."
"Therefore…"
"I appoint Aizen Sōsuke as the Captain of Squad 5."
"These are the three new captains of the Gotei 13."
As for the other squads:
The captain of Squad 2 is still being decided by the Shihōin family.
Squads 3, 9, and 12 have yet to find suitable candidates.
Head Captain Yamamoto called out toward the door.
The wooden-framed paper door slid open.
Three people entered.
Shiba Isshin was carefree and slightly sloppy in demeanor.
Aizen Sōsuke was calm and composed, wearing his signature gentle smile.
Naruto looked slightly nervous.
"If there are any other suitable candidates, they can still be nominated," Yamamoto's gaze swept across the captains present.
But no one spoke.
"In that case, this meeting is adjourned." He lifted his cane and tapped it gently on the floor.
With a thump, Kyōraku Shunsui quickly stepped out.
"Captain Uzumaki, please stay." Just as Naruto was about to follow the others out, Head Captain Yamamoto spoke, stopping him.
Naruto looked confused.
Once everyone had left and only Lieutenant Sasakibe Chōjirō remained—
Head Captain Yamamoto spoke warmly: "Naruto, congratulations on becoming the youngest captain."
Naruto, a bit tense, replied, "Thank you, Head Captain."
"I've kept you back to assign you an important mission," Yamamoto said directly, waving his hand.
Naruto's eyes lit up, "Is it about capturing Captain Urahara and the others?"
Yamamoto paused and looked at him meaningfully. "It's about the criminals Urahara Kisuke and Shihōin Yoruichi."
"Shunsui has spoken to me about this before. I have no objection to you handling the matter."
"But the important mission I have for you is something else."
Naruto stood up straight.
He always felt pressured in front of the Head Captain.
Especially after unlocking "Asura."
That pressure multiplied several times over.
What Yoruichi called the "Sun"…
Might not be just a metaphor.
"In Squad 7, the 3rd Seat Komamura Sajin is loyal and brave, and quite capable," Yamamoto continued. "But for certain reasons, he refuses to take on the captain position."
"I need you to resolve his issue and persuade him to step up as captain."
Naruto responded, "Yes, Head Captain Yamamoto."
"What exactly is his reason…"
Before he could finish, Yamamoto's sharp voice cut him off: "Naruto, you may be young…"
"But remember your current status."
"You are a captain, Captain of Squad 7."
"Even in storm and hardship, you must press forward."
"I…"
"Will not coddle you."
Hearing those words, Naruto nodded, showing no dissatisfaction: "Understood."
"Go," Yamamoto waved, "I hope you handle your first mission well."
Naruto tilted his head slightly.
Uncle Shunsui was right after all.
The Head Captain really didn't seem to care that much about Urahara and Yoruichi escaping.
Squad 7 barracks.
Located in the central area of the Seireitei.
The architecture was quiet and peaceful in style.
Vice-Captain Kotsubaki Jirōbō was already waiting at the entrance.
"Captain Uzumaki," he greeted.
Naruto looked up at him, "Sorry to keep you waiting."
This was a tall, burly man with a square and dignified face, wearing deep red sunglasses that only covered his eye sockets. His short black hair ended in a long strand reaching nearly to his waist.
He looked very serious.
"No, I just arrived myself," Kotsubaki replied. Despite Naruto's youth and smaller stature, he did not look down on him.
He had witnessed it with his own eyes.
Even though the incident was being suppressed in the Seireitei—
To vice-captains and senior seated officers like him, it was no secret.
That night—
This "Captain Uzumaki" single-handedly suppressed the Hollowfied captains and vice-captains.
Although they had lost their minds and didn't release their Zanpakutō—
Such power was by no means ordinary.
"The welcoming ceremony is ready. Please follow me, Captain Uzumaki," Kotsubaki said, leading the way.
There were quite a few personnel in the Inner Court guard.
Naruto met with the seated officers and senior officers one by one.
The 3rd Seat "Komamura Sajin" mentioned by Head Captain Yamamoto was among them.
He was… a strange one.
Even taller than Kotsubaki Jirōbō.
With a spiritual pressure far above vice-captain level—he clearly met the threshold to be a captain.
What caught Naruto's attention even more was his attire.
His entire head was wrapped in something like a kendo helmet, tightly sealed, with no openings for eyes or ears.
"3rd Seat Komamura." After meeting everyone, Naruto approached him. "Could you come with me for a moment? I'd like to talk."
Komamura silently nodded.
Inside a private room, he gently asked, "Captain Uzumaki, what is it you wish to discuss?"
His voice matched his build—deep and steady.
"The Head Captain told me about your situation," Naruto said softly. "May I ask why you don't want to become a captain?"
He thought of Unohana Retsu.
He thought of Aizen Sōsuke.
He also remembered Shihōin Yoruichi on that high tower.
Awkwardly, he tried to imitate their mannerisms and emotions, then extracted those feelings to use in this moment.
"I truly am not suited," Komamura shook his head. "Now that we have a young and talented captain like you stepping up, I see no reason for me to take on more."
"To be able to serve as 3rd Seat of Squad 7, guarding the Seireitei and the Head Captain—"
"That is already a long-held wish of mine."
"I desire no more."
Naruto smiled slightly. "I can sense you're not against being captain."
"There's something difficult to speak about that's binding your hands and heart—keeping you from stepping forward."
Komamura lowered his head.
After a long pause, he softly said, "Captain Uzumaki is indeed perceptive."
"But I…"
He was still hesitant.
Naruto cut him off, looking up at the tightly sealed helmet: "Even though this is our first meeting and our first conversation…"
"Saying this might seem strange."
He raised a hand, scratching his head with a sheepish grin.
"But no matter what, I'm your captain now."
"If possible, please tell me."
"I'll help you solve the problem."
"If it turns out truly impossible—"
"I'll personally go to the Head Captain and refuse on your behalf, completely."
Komamura bowed his head even lower.
(End of Chapter)