Naruto took a sip from the cup in his hand, feeling the mild sweetness of the drink.
It was a sort of fruit wine, low in alcohol content and suitable for children.
"After all, I am the captain and possess the capability to handle more," he spoke with steady confidence. "I can do a bit extra."
"That's not the problem at all," Kyoraku Shunsui interrupted, raising a hand to firmly twist Naruto's head around.
Naruto turned his gaze in the direction of the force and found it landing on Kotsuba, the vice captain.
"Haven't you noticed that your squad members are already growing discontented?" Kyoraku continued, "This little gathering today, hosted by Vice Captain Kotsuba, is precisely to address this."
Kotsuba's hand trembled, spilling some of his drink.
Even his sunglasses could not hide the shock in his eyes.
Captain Kyoraku, what are you doing? Wasn't it just laid bare and clear?
Did you want me dead sooner rather than later?
Kotsuba strained to remember when or where he could have possibly offended Captain Kyoraku.
"Hahaha," Kyoraku laughed heartily, having succeeded in his prank, "Vice Captain Kotsuba, don't show such an expression."
"Naruto is a good kid."
"He doesn't have those pampered tendencies you're worried about—he takes suggestions to heart."
"He cares about what you all think."
Kotsuba looked over at Naruto.
There was no hint of anger on the blond youth's face; instead, he looked intently and seriously at Kotsuba, gently asking, "Is my approach really causing you dissatisfaction?"
Charanko scratched his head, "We feel a bit of it."
"Captain Naruto takes on too much himself."
"Even though we're not as skilled as the captain, we're still members of Squad Seven."
"We also want to do what we can."
Kyoraku Shunsui patted Naruto's head, "You're a captain, not a parent."
"If you handle everything, what will they do?"
Shiba Isshin put down his cup, "The Head Captain likes to see a flawless team."
"But the squad members need to grow as well."
"They'll make mistakes, they'll get hurt, but it's through those experiences that they become strong."
"What we captains can do is offer a hand when they can't walk anymore, heal their wounds when they're in a thorny path, then watch them continue on their journey."
Rangiku Matsumoto complained, "Is that just an excuse for the captain to let go and make us do everything?"
Isshin laughed it off.
"You're going to tire yourself out, Naruto," Kyoraku Shunsui shook his cup, "Learn to relax."
"In a place like the Seireitei, being too tense isn't a good thing."
Charanko downed two shots, his face flushed, and his words became more forceful and candid, "That's how it looks from the captains' perspective."
"But for us squad members, it's a different story."
"The captain has to personally handle everything."
"Even those tasks that seem trivial."
"It makes us appear quite incompetent!"
He paused for a moment and looked at Naruto, "Captain Naruto, do you know what 'captain' means to us squad members?"
Naruto shook his head.
"It's dignity," Kotsuba placed his cup down, as if slicing through the air with great force, and stated earnestly.
"It's the dignity we protect with our very lives."
"It's the value of our existence as squad members."
Naruto gazed at him in surprise.
This was an unexpected answer.
Dignity
A strange way to describe it.
"But I've only been your captain for half a year," Naruto spoke softly, "Am I already worth so much to you just because of this captain position?"
Kotsuba laughed heartily, interrupting, "Captain Naruto, that's a big mistake."
"We respect you not because you're the Captain of Squad Seven."
"It's because you, Naruto Uzumaki, happen to be our captain."
Naruto held his cup firmly.
So the reason for their respect was simply that he was "Naruto Uzumaki"?
And it had little to do with the title of "captain"?
Yet another surprising answer for him.
Rangiku Matsumoto lifted her cup, glanced at Shiba Isshin, and sighed deeply, "Our Squad Ten is quite envious of Squad Seven."
"Everyone says it would be wonderful if Captain was Lord Uzumaki."
Shiba Isshin laughed heartily, scratching his head.
Kyōraku Shunsui nodded in agreement, "I often hear my squad members say the same thing."
"Naruto, you're truly an enviable captain."
Kotsuba took a sip of his drink, "With such an excellent captain, the pressure on us is immense."
"But it's precisely because we have such an exemplary leader that we are motivated to follow."
"If we can't keep up with the captain's pace, that's our problem." His expression grew serious, "This means we need more discipline and experience."
"Not to expect you to take care of us like children."
At this point, Kotsuba slapped the table, murmuring, "Speaking of age, Captain Naruto, you're actually younger than all of us."
Kyōraku Shunsui took a swig of his drink, "And there's a very real issue, Naruto."
Naruto turned to face him.
"Can you protect them at every moment?" He asked casually.
This made Naruto furrow his brow, silent for a while before hesitantly shaking his head.
"When they encounter real danger and haven't yet gained the strength to protect themselves, it could be fatal." Kyōraku Shunsui recalled something and set down his glass, "While you still have the ability to shield them, let them grow quickly."
"That way, even when a genuine threat arises,"
"they can draw their swords."
Kotsuba waved his left arm, "Our Squad Seven's symbol flower is the iris!"
The language of the iris represents "courage."
Naruto seemed deep in thought.
That night, he didn't drink much.
Shiba Isshin and Kyōraku Shunsui looked out for him, given his "underage" face and body, plying him with alcohol would be too "sinful."
After returning to Squad Seven.
Naruto decided to let go and delegate tasks that seemed manageable without his intervention to his squad members.
The squad members accepted these tasks eagerly, some even showing impatience to get started.
After their heart-to-heart at the tavern, Kotsuba learned how to interact with Naruto.
He frankly stated that this level of delegation wasn't enough and suggested that more duties could be handed over.
Naruto heeded his advice, gradually stepping back and cautiously observing the squad's response.
Far from opposing this, they were inspired and filled with motivation.
Eventually, Naruto found himself idly sitting in the squad quarters.
He realized that he no longer had many tasks at hand, apart from reviewing reports or stepping in when errors occurred due to inexperience.
This led to a more leisurely routine.
Naruto also started to observe the Seventh Division more closely.
Kotsuba Renya is proving to be an incredibly reliable vice-captain.
Komamura Zajin, contrary to the persona he projects, is quite popular within the division.
His rigid manner, fully concealed appearance, and cold, distant aura make many hesitant to approach him.
Naruto recalled Kotsuba's words from that day, and he felt that perhaps he had found a way to address the issue with Komamura Zajin.
"A man must resolve things in a man's way."
(End of Chapter)
TL Note - Read up to 50+ chapters ahead for some really good novels (according to my taste, which is good) and other perks on my Patreon - patreon.com/geriatricvibes. Thanks a lot for the support