Naruto returned to the 4th Division and shared his decision with Captain Unohana Retsu. She wasn't surprised and fully supported his decision, admitting that Head Captain Yamamoto was right—she wasn't the most suitable teacher for Naruto. However, even though they wouldn't have a formal teacher-student relationship, Unohana was still very welcoming and offered to teach Naruto healing techniques (Kaido) whenever he wanted.
This left Naruto a bit puzzled. What's the difference between this and being her student?
The first person to visit Naruto was Aizen Sosuke, the Vice-Captain of the 5th Division. However, he was quickly driven away by Hirako Shinji, the Captain. The second visitor, unexpectedly, was Yoruichi Shihouin of the 2nd Division.
But the "gift" she brought…
Yoruichi carried a black-haired boy tied up with the Kido "Bakudo no Ichi: Sai" (Restrain). The boy struggled violently, angrily shouting, "Let me go, you damn cat!"
"I can walk by myself!"
"How dare you disgrace the honor of the Kuchiki family like this!"
Yoruichi cheerfully responded, "Don't be so tense. This is the 4th Division."
"Keep your voice down; patients need peace and quiet."
The black-haired boy clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. Just as he was about to lash out with another retort, Yoruichi tossed him up into the air, catching him perfectly as the binding Kido disappeared.
The boy barely managed to land on his feet, steadying himself.
"Naruto, I've brought someone interesting for you to meet." Yoruichi greeted cheerfully, "He's a bit lacking compared to you, but he's also a genius."
Upon hearing the word "Naruto," the black-haired boy swallowed the angry words he had prepared and turned to face the golden-haired boy lying in the hospital bed. His sharp gaze softened slightly as he matched the figure to the name "Naruto Uzumaki."
Immediately, he calmed down, folded his hands in front of him, and bowed respectfully in a perfectly proper manner.
"Greetings. Please excuse my earlier rudeness. I am Kuchiki Byakuya of the Kuchiki Clan."
"I apologize for the intrusion and look forward to learning from you."
Naruto, feeling nervous, gripped the bedsheet tightly but leaned forward and nodded in return. "Hello, I'm Naruto Uzumaki."
"Pleased to meet you."
This was the first time Naruto had encountered such a formal greeting, filled with respectful language and a sense of solemnity.
Yoruichi, grinning widely, kicked Naruto's legs to make space for herself on the bed and sat down. "No need to be so stiff, Byakuya."
"Yoruichi-sama, you should maintain your dignity as the head of the Shihouin Clan!" Byakuya shot back, his calm demeanor slipping for a moment in front of Yoruichi.
Yoruichi was unfazed. "You're too uptight, Byakuya," she said, crossing her arms. "That's why I brought you here to meet Naruto."
"He's even more of a genius than you are."
"And, like me, he's also an animal."
Byakuya blinked in confusion.
"I'm a cat, and he's a fox," Yoruichi explained, making a fox gesture with her fingers—index and little finger raised, middle and ring fingers held down by the thumb. "So, there's no way you can beat us."
Byakuya clenched his teeth. "What kind of logic is that, you damn cat?!"
He could acknowledge Naruto as a formidable genius, but surely he wasn't that much better?
Yoruichi noticed Byakuya's struggle and smiled slyly. Leaning closer, she whispered, "Two Menos Grande."
Byakuya froze, his eyes widening in shock.
"Two Menos Grande, and Naruto defeated them by himself," Yoruichi said, as if stating a fact. "And he did it without sustaining any serious injuries."
"Foxes are strong."
"But black cats like me always keep foxes in check."
Byakuya's eyes widened even more, his expression shifting to one of disbelief.
Two Menos Grande!
That's incredible!
He had heard that Naruto Uzumaki had a spiritual power similar to his own, around the fifth level. Yet, this was someone who could single-handedly take down two Menos Grande?
Yoruichi, noticing his reaction, decided to leave. "Byakuya, you two should talk and learn from each other," she said as she stretched and stepped towards the door.
"Yoruichi-taicho, are you leaving already?" Naruto asked.
Yoruichi turned back with a grin. "I still need to investigate the issues with the Senkaimon. I just made a quick stop here to see you. If I don't head back soon, Ohmaeda is going to start whining again."
With that, she vanished in a flash step, leaving Naruto alone with Byakuya.
Without Yoruichi's presence, Byakuya calmed down. He was a reserved person, partly due to the status and expectations of the Kuchiki family, and partly because he had never attended the Shinigami Academy. Unlike other Shinigami, he didn't know how to interact with strangers very well. Despite this, he was kind and soon started discussing techniques like Shunpo and Kido with Naruto.
During the month Naruto spent in the 4th Division, Byakuya was his most frequent visitor.
Time gradually soothed the previous turmoil.
The effects of the Senkaimon malfunction faded from people's memories.
The graduation ceremony at the Shinigami Academy was held during this peaceful time, with cherry blossoms fluttering in the air, celebrating both the end and the beginning of the students' journeys.
In the 13th Division's headquarters, Naruto, now dressed in the black Shinigami uniform, finally met the Captain who was often mentioned by Kyoraku Shunsui—Ukitake Jushiro.
Despite being described as sickly, Ukitake appeared as a gentle man with long, flowing white hair and a kind smile, his sharp eyes betraying his strength.
"Naruto, may I call you that?" Ukitake asked warmly. "I'm surprised you chose our division."
"I thought you would pick Shunsui's."
Naruto nodded respectfully. "The Head Captain recommended that I learn under you. He thought Captain Shunsui might be too laid-back."
Ukitake laughed heartily. "Ah, Shunsui, he is indeed a bit lazy."
He then gestured to a dark-haired man standing beside him. "Let me introduce you. This is our division's Vice-Captain, Shiba Kaien."
"He's an excellent and capable man."
Shiba Kaien nodded politely. Like Ukitake, he had a gentle air about him, though he appeared more energetic, likely due to his good health.
"Since the Captain's health isn't great, I'll be teaching you how to handle division duties," Shiba Kaien explained, his tone friendly and welcoming.
Ukitake smiled. "If you ever have questions about using dual Zanpakuto, feel free to ask me anytime."
"Even though you'll eventually move on to become a Captain of another division, Naruto, you're a part of the 13th Division now."
"So let me introduce you…"
Shiba Kaien dutifully turned, showing off the insignia on his left arm—a badge representing his status as Vice-Captain, with the kanji for "13" stylized like vines encircling a lantern-like flower.
Ukitake explained, "Each division has a flower that represents it."
"For the 13th Division, our flower is the snowdrop."
At this, Ukitake paused for a moment before continuing, "Naruto, are you familiar with flower arrangement?"
Naruto shook his head.
Ukitake smiled gently. "You should learn a bit. Captain Unohana is very fond of it."
"The snowdrop's flower language represents hope."
Hope.
Naruto stared at the insignia on Shiba Kaien's arm, deep in thought.
Perhaps Head Captain Yamamoto didn't recommend Ukitake because he feared that Shunsui might lead him astray, but because he believed Ukitake could teach Naruto how to grasp his own 'snowdrop'—his own hope.
After a brief introduction, Ukitake couldn't help but start coughing violently, revealing how frail he truly was. He excused himself, leaving Kaien to continue the orientation.
Shiba Kaien proved to be a patient and diligent teacher, guiding Naruto through the intricacies of becoming a capable officer.
Over five years, Naruto grew from an uncertain trainee into a competent 3rd Seat officer. The time was peaceful, and the mystery of the Senkaimon slowly faded from the Soul Society's concerns.
Occasionally, Urahara Kisuke would still mention his frustration over the investigation during their chats.
During this time, the Nine-Tails remained quiet, causing no trouble.
While learning to manage division duties, Naruto never neglected his own training. However, he still hadn't managed to hear the voice of his other Zanpakuto.
One day, after finishing a session of meditation, Naruto opened his eyes to find himself back in his small, neat house in Konoha.
He had returned to the village once more.
This time, Naruto wasn't as confused as he had
been during his first return. He sat on the bed, deep in thought.
The first time he had been away for "three years," but this time it had been "six years"…
He had spent nearly twice as much time in the Soul Society this time.
(End of Chapter)