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Kyoraku Shunsui spoke slowly and began to explain.
"The Gotei 13 each have their own duties.
There are currently seven vacant positions.
Among them, the 2nd Division, 'Onmitsukidō,' serves as the eyes and ears of the nobility. It has always been led by the Shihōin family. Even though Yoruichi, the Head of the Shihōin family, committed such a 'great transgression,' this position still belongs to the Shihōin family. The only question is whether it will continue to be led by the 'Shihōin' or by a subordinate noble family affiliated with the Shihōin.
Naruto, do not even think about it.
The Upper Nobles...
Especially the Five Oldest Noble families.
Except for the 'Shiba' family and 'Shihōin,' the others all hold power in high regard.
The remaining six captain positions are as follows.
The 3rd Division is the Support Squad, the 5th Division is the Rescue Squad, the 7th Division is the Inner Court Guard, the 9th Division is the Prison Squad, the 10th Division is the Patrol and Security Squad, and the 12th Division is responsible for detecting spiritual pressure fluctuations in the Human World, Hueco Mundo, and Soul Society, as well as for Technological Development."
"The 10th Division is quite a tough job, patrolling both the Seireitei and Rukongai," said Kyoraku Shunsui, sipping another cup of sake, his face slightly flushed. "You are still young with a lot of room for growth. Unless it is necessary, the old man would prefer you to spend more time on developing your strength."
"Naruto, you are a good child."
"So, the 9th Division is not suitable for you either."
"Only those who are ruthless make good interrogators."
Naruto was calculating in his mind.
The 3rd Division, the 5th Division, and... the 7th Division?
He did not consider the '12th Division.'
He did not feel suited for technical development work.
"Speaking of which, the 5th Division is also not suitable for Naruto," Ukitake Jūshirō said softly, stopping Kyoraku Shunsui from pouring more sake.
Naruto looked over: "Is it because of Aizen?"
He thought of that man.
And also of Yoruichi's words.
"Lieutenant Aizen is very well-liked by the squad members," Ukitake Jūshirō nodded. "Even someone like me, who seldom goes out, often hears his good reputation. It is not surprising if he applies for the captaincy exam."
Kyoraku Shunsui poured some water into his cup, took a sip, and savored the faint taste of sake: "Speaking of which, I saw him on the night of the incident."
"Right outside the 5th Division quarters."
Naruto tilted his head: "Captain Shunsui saw Aizen?"
Kyoraku Shunsui nodded: "But that night, Lieutenant Aizen seemed somewhat different from usual."
"Maybe I was too worried about Lisa-chan."
"Since I am not that familiar with him, I might have been mistaken."
Different from usual?
Uncle Shunsui may seem carefree.
But he is, after all, the captain of the 8th Division and an expert in intelligence gathering. His intuition in this area is quite credible.
Naruto frowned.
He thought of something.
In the world of ninjas, techniques like transformation and clone jutsu can easily replace a person.
But in Soul Society...
It seems there are no similar techniques.
He felt he had grasped something but could not quite pinpoint what it was.
"Forget it, let's not talk about this," Kyoraku Shunsui stared wistfully at the sake cup on the table, "Naruto, which do you prefer between the 3rd Division and the 7th Division?"
He also dismissed the '12th Division.'
Naruto is a very traditional genius.
Unlike Urahara Kisuke, who is somewhat incomprehensible.
"Which division should I become captain of to make the Captain-Commander assign me the task of pursuing Urahara Kisuke and the others?" Naruto asked seriously.
He wanted to take on this mission himself.
Kyoraku Shunsui smiled.
Ukitake Jūshirō shook his head and softly said with a smile, "As long as you want, Naruto, you can take over this mission regardless of which squad you lead."
Naruto was stunned.
"Old man handed this mission to me instead of delegating it to the 2nd Division," explained Kyoraku Shunsui patiently. "He needs to uphold the dignity of the Gotei 13 and maintain the Seireitei's honor."
He turned his head to look at the vast lake outside, where the wind caused ripples on the water, and sighed, "Yoruichi-san and the others were caught in the act with irrefutable evidence."
"Even if the old man has a preference, there's nothing he can do."
"But just because it's acknowledged on the surface doesn't mean there aren't ways to oppose it."
"For instance, even if the old man knows I'm hiding here drinking with Ukitake, he would at most scold me."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully, "So the Captain-Commander doesn't approve of that punishment either?"
"There are still other doubts," Ukitake Jūshirō shook his head. "For example, that invisible enemy..."
"The teacher and we all want to know the truth."
Naruto looked at Ukitake Jūshirō.
His captain smiled, "If you don't quite understand now, just take your time to learn."
"In the future, Naruto, you will also have to stand on your own."
"In the past, you were protected."
"But now you have become that light."
It was just like what Yoruichi-neesan said to him before they parted.
Taking advantage of Ukitake's distraction, Kyoraku Shunsui sneakily poured himself half a cup of sake, "I don't want to handle such troublesome matters at all, so if you want to take over, Naruto, just take it over quickly."
"In that case..."
"Go to the 7th Division."
Naruto nodded.
A few days later, at the 1st Division barracks.
"Criminal Urahara Kisuke caused chaos in the Seireitei," said Captain-Commander Yamamoto in a calm tone. "Former 2nd Division Captain Shihōin Yoruichi defied the Central 46 and rescued the criminal."
"Currently, there are Seven Captain positions vacant."
"5th Division Lieutenant Sosuke Aizen has applied for the captain's assessment as of yesterday."
"Regarding other divisions, are there any suitable recommendations?"
He slightly turned his head, his gaze falling on Ukitake Jūshirō.
The long-haired man with white hair coughed twice and raised his right hand, "In the name of Ukitake Jūshirō, Captain of the 13th Division, I recommend 13th Division Third Seat Uzumaki Naruto for the position of 7th Division Captain."
Kyoraku Shunsui also stepped forward, "In the name of Kyoraku Shunsui, Captain of the 8th Division, I recommend 13th Division Third Seat Uzumaki Naruto for the position of 7th Division Captain."
Unohana Retsu glanced at them.
So, they chose the 7th Division after all?
She also stepped forward to recommend Uzumaki Naruto in her name.
The Captains of the 6th and 11rh Divisions had no objections.
One month later.
At the 13th Division barracks.
Naruto was woken up early in the morning by Shiba Kaien.
"I thought it would take decades, but it happened so quickly," said the black-haired man, watching Naruto put on the white long-sleeved haori. He sighed with emotion, "Congratulations, Captain Naruto."
"I will miss you, Vice-Captain Kaien," Naruto said, looking at himself in the mirror.
"It's not like we won't see each other anymore." Shiba Kaien approached and ruffled his hair hard. "I've checked out the lieutenant of the 7th Division. He's a reliable man."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't be at ease."
Naruto grinned.
"By the way, what's this symbol on your back?" Shiba Kaien reached out and gently patted it.
On the back of the Captain's haori.
Below the diamond-encased number "7," there was a red circle with black swirling lines inside, resembling a "Whirlpool."
"This?" Naruto turned around and smiled brightly.
His blonde hair shone in the sunlight.
"This is the Uzumaki totem, something my mother left me."
He didn't make any other changes to the Captain's haori, only adding this one design.