Matsumoto Rangiku rubbed her hair and still appeared somewhat incredulous. She looked at Yamahiko and asked, "You really agreed? Captain Suì-Fēng didn't force you, did she?"
Yamahiko nodded and said, "Of course not, and I couldn't find a reason to refuse."
Matsumoto Rangiku looked at Yamahiko and said, "Members of the Second Division and Onmitsukidō need to constantly hide in the shadows, which means keeping your talents hidden too. Are you willing to conceal your abilities along with yourself?"
Yamahiko replied calmly, "I don't mind these things."
'The Soul Society will face danger in the future, whether it's Aizen or Yhwach, they are formidable opponents. I hope to contribute to defeating them and minimize the losses in the Soul Society. For that, I'm willing to give up many things.'
Matsumoto Rangiku looked at Yamahiko's slender figure and widened her eyes, asking, "You're so young, can you even dare to take a life?"
Yamahiko scratched his head and said, "Captain Suì-Fēng said the same thing, so she let me join the Onmitsukidō's Second Division Patrol Unit."
Matsumoto Rangiku snorted and said, "We in the Tenth Division are also a Patrol Unit, but unlike the Second Division, we operate in the open, while they work in the shadows."
Only then did Yamahiko remember that the Tenth Division was also a Patrol Unit responsible for security and patrols in the Seireitei.
Matsumoto Rangiku leaned closer, smiling as she said, "And, if you're willing to join the Tenth Division, I wouldn't mind if you happen to sneak a peek at me."
As she spoke, Matsumoto Rangiku subtly emphasized her curvaceous figure.
Yamahiko immediately shrunk back, exclaiming, "I-I didn't peek at anything!"
Matsumoto Rangiku snorted and said, "You're quite a stubborn kid. But you've been staring at me for quite some time."
Yamahiko blushed and stammered, "I-it was just an accident."
Matsumoto Rangiku sighed and asked, "Are you sure you want to join the Second Division?"
Although the responsibilities of the Second Division and the Tenth Division were the same, one operated openly while the other remained in the shadows. The Second Division was known for its freedom of action and superior intelligence capabilities.
Yamahiko nodded and said, "Yes, I want to join the Second Division."
Matsumoto Rangiku sighed again, somewhat regretful. She had initially wanted Yamahiko to join the Tenth Division after graduating. The Vice-Captain position would soon be vacant, and with Yamahiko's talent, becoming the Third Seat would be a breeze.
However, he chose the Second Division, which was not a desirable place to be.
Matsumoto Rangiku waited until Yamahiko left, then continued her patrol in the darkness.
.....
Yamahiko returned to his dorm room. Renji Abarai was still fast asleep, unaware that Yamahiko had made one of the most important decisions of his life.
The next morning, before classes had started, Yamahiko went to see Professor Hideyoshi Tsuruno. Since classes had not yet begun, he arrived at Hideyoshi's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Hideyoshi's voice came from inside, and Yamahiko pushed the door open and entered.
"It's you, here so early?" Hideyoshi greeted with a smile.
"Hello, Professor."
Yamahiko approached Hideyoshi, unsure of how to broach the subject. He had come to inform Hideyoshi about his decision to join the Second Division. He had been learning Kidō under Hideyoshi, but now, with his new choice, he might not have the opportunity to continue his studies. However, Yamahiko didn't want to deceive his teacher, who had placed great expectations on him.
Hideyoshi Tsuruno noticed the expression on Yamahiko's face and couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"
Yamahiko replied, "I've already chosen the division I want to join after graduation."
Choosing a division meant he wouldn't be joining the Kidō Corps.
Upon hearing this, Hideyoshi Tsuruno felt a tinge of regret, but he wasn't angry. He simply said, "That's a good thing; it shows you have potential."
Yamahiko's face was filled with regret as he said, "Teacher, I'm sorry."
Hideyoshi had been teaching him Kidō with the expectation that he would join the Kidō Corps after graduation, but now Yamahiko had made his decision earlier than expected.
"There's nothing to apologize for," Hideyoshi waved his hand and said, "Your choice is your own freedom. You don't need to apologize to me."
Hideyoshi smiled and asked, "Which division did you choose?"
Yamahiko replied, "The Second Division."
"The Second Division?"
Hideyoshi furrowed his brow and couldn't help but ask, "How did you end up choosing the Second Division?"
Yamahiko explained the process of meeting Suì-Fēng to Hideyoshi. After listening, Hideyoshi said, "So Captain Suì-Fēng personally recruited you. But are you sure you understand the significance of joining the Second Division? Do you really want to join them? For you, some other divisions might be a better fit."
Yamahiko nodded and said, "I've already made up my mind."
Hideyoshi nodded and said, "In any division, you can contribute to the protection of the Soul Society. You must work hard."
Yamahiko quickly replied, "I will."
Hideyoshi smiled and asked, "Did you come just to tell me about your choice?"
Yamahiko answered, "Yes, after all, we had an agreement."
Hideyoshi chuckled and said, "Alright, I understand. You can go now."
As Yamahiko turned to leave, he reached the door when Hideyoshi added, "By the way, starting tomorrow, don't forget to find me after school. I'll continue teaching you Kidō."
"Teacher?"
Yamahiko had thought that with his choice, their private lessons would come to an end. He didn't expect Hideyoshi to still be willing to teach him.
Hideyoshi continued, "But you only have half a year before heading to the Sixth Year. I can only teach you for half of that time. After I finish teaching you the basic Hadō and Bakudō, I can only instruct you in a few representative intermediate-level Hadō and Bakudō."
In the previous half-year, Yamahiko had mastered the top twenty Hadō and top fifteen Bakudō.
With only half a year remaining, it wouldn't be enough time for him to learn intermediate-level Kidō.
However, as long as he could continue learning, Yamahiko was satisfied.
Yamahiko excitedly said, "Thank you, Teacher."
"No problem, now go," Hideyoshi waved his hand. Yamahiko turned and gently closed the door.
He felt grateful that Hideyoshi was willing to continue teaching him despite knowing that he wouldn't be joining the Kidō Corps. At the same time, Yamahiko's heart was filled with excitement.
In half a year, he would receive his Zanpakuto.
What abilities would his Zanpakuto possess?