The 4th Division was well-prepared, dispatching eight medical teams, totaling over seventy members. However, they weren't needed as much as expected. The students' injuries were minor and could be handled by just one team. Even though Naruto wasn't injured, he was still kept for observation due to the seriousness of the situation.
This incident was severe enough to warrant a joint investigation by the 2nd, 8th, and 9th Divisions. The Senkaimon had operated without issue for years, but this time it had been forcibly sealed by an unknown power for an entire hour. If not for Naruto's intervention, this could have been the most catastrophic event since the founding of the Shinō Academy.
"No injuries, and your spiritual pressure is stable," Unohana Retsu concluded after a thorough examination.
Naruto grinned widely. "I told you, I'm fine!"
Unohana smiled softly, speaking in her usual gentle tone, "The Head Captain, Yamamoto-sōtaichō, wants to see you. Do you want to go today, or would you prefer to rest a few more days?"
Naruto froze in surprise. Yamamoto-sōtaichō? He had heard of the Head Captain's legendary reputation—a Shinigami who had lived for over a thousand years, the oldest and most powerful Shinigami in the Soul Society. However, Naruto had never met him in person.
"Me? Why does he want to see me?" Naruto asked, puzzled.
Unohana shook her head. "You'll find out when you meet him. The Head Captain is much more approachable now, though this might be happening a bit earlier than expected. But it's also a suitable time."
Naruto glanced at the two swords on the bedside table and made up his mind. "I'll go now."
Unohana opened the door, where Lieutenant Sasakibe Chōjirō was waiting. "Lieutenant Sasakibe, Naruto is ready."
At the 1st Division's headquarters, Yamamoto Genryūsai's residence was a tranquil garden. The dry landscape of raked gravel formed concentric ripples, like the ashes of something burned away. At the entrance to a traditional room, Sasakibe Chōjirō halted and respectfully announced, "Head Captain, Uzumaki Naruto is here to see you."
"Come in," a calm voice replied from inside.
Sasakibe slid open the door and gestured for Naruto to enter. Inside the room, an elderly man sat on the tatami floor. His bald head was marked by a cross-shaped scar on his forehead, his eyebrows drooped down to his chin, and his long beard was neatly braided. Though ancient in appearance, he radiated an undeniable strength.
The moment Naruto stepped into the room, he felt the overwhelming spiritual pressure of the Head Captain. It was like being a tiny boat tossed in a violent storm at sea. The Nine-Tails within him also bristled in response, its fur standing on end. How could this "Soul Society" be home to so many terrifyingly powerful beings? First, there was one, and now another.
"Sit," Yamamoto instructed with a wave of his hand.
Naruto sat down across from him.
The Head Captain spoke softly, "Uzumaki Naruto, I have been watching you closely. I've ordered the 2nd Division's Stealth Force to keep an eye on you, and both the 1st and 8th Divisions have monitored you around the clock. Every report from Urahara-taichō passes through my hands."
Naruto frowned slightly. This wasn't just "watching"—it was more like "surveillance."
"You are an unusual person," Yamamoto continued. "You are not from the Rukongai, and there is no record of your soul being sent here by the 13th Division. You appeared suddenly and made a name for yourself, wielding powers that are neither Shinigami, Hollow, nor Quincy."
Naruto opened his mouth to say something, but the Head Captain raised a hand to stop him. "This is why I have taken such an interest in you. Your actions have pleased me, especially today. You not only protected yourself but also ensured the safety of all your fellow students."
He paused, opening his eyes a bit wider as his gaze, sharp as arrows, pierced through Naruto. "Secrets are a necessary part of survival. I am old and have little curiosity left. Uzumaki Naruto."
"Yes?" Naruto responded.
The Head Captain's voice suddenly grew stern. "Will your secrets endanger the Soul Society?"
Naruto didn't hesitate. "No, they won't."
Yamamoto nodded approvingly. "Good. That's all I need to know."
Naruto was taken aback. Was it really that simple? No further questions? He was unaccustomed to such trust. It was both sweet and heavy.
"A secret is a secret because it is buried deep within," the Head Captain said gently. "I am not one to pry into such matters needlessly. Your actions have earned you this trust."
Not wanting to dwell on this topic any longer, Yamamoto shifted the conversation. "Regarding your future in the Gotei 13, do you have any thoughts on which division you'd like to join?"
Naruto felt a bit lost. Originally, he had intended to join the 13th Division's Purification Squad, responsible for performing soul burials in the World of the Living. But the World of the Living wasn't the same as the world where "Konoha" was located.
"Perhaps you should hear my suggestions," the Head Captain offered.
Naruto nodded eagerly.
Yamamoto's tone softened as he said, "I hold you in high regard, Naruto. You have talent and a good heart. There are three divisions I believe would suit you: the 4th Division, the 8th Division, and the 13th Division."
One of those divisions surprised Naruto—the 4th Division, the medical team? Was it because of his healing ability?
"Retsu likes you," Yamamoto explained. "You have potential in Kaidō (healing arts), but she is not the best mentor for you. You are a gentle soul, and though Retsu is kind, I believe she would not be the ideal teacher for you."
Naruto realized he was talking about Unohana-taichō and quickly replied, "Unohana-taichō is very kind. I like her too."
The Head Captain chuckled softly. "I would prefer you join either the 8th or the 13th Division. You wield two swords, just like Shunsui and Ukitake. Both of them share your gentle nature and have the experience and resolve to guide you as you find your own path."
Naruto clenched his fist as the Head Captain continued, "Out of personal preference, I'd like to see you in the 13th Division."
Naruto blinked in surprise. "The 13th Division?"
It aligned with his initial goal, but why did the Head Captain favor this division? He had interacted more with Kyōraku Shunsui, the 8th Division Captain, and had never even met Ukitake Jūshirō, the 13th Division Captain.
"Shunsui can be serious when needed, but most of the time, he's too laid-back," Yamamoto grumbled, not holding back in his criticism of his former pupil. "Having one Shunsui in the Gotei 13 is already pushing it. If there were another like him, I might lose a few hundred years off my life. You're a good kid, Naruto; it's best you're not influenced by him."
After thinking it over, Naruto made his decision. "Then I'll join the 13th Division."
The Head Captain nodded. "I will give you twenty years. The position of the 10th Division Captain was originally intended for a member of the Shiba Clan, but with you around, I expect you to grow into a captain capable of leading on your own."
Naruto took a deep breath and responded, "Yes, I will work hard to become stronger…"
"Not just in strength," Yamamoto interrupted. "You need capability. A captain requires more than just power; they need a strong heart."
A strong heart.
Naruto repeated the words in his mind, nodding solemnly in agreement.
(End of Chapter)