Naruto reported the news to Head Captain Yamamoto.
"I expected you to be faster within half a year," the Head Captain remarked calmly.
Naruto lowered his head.
"However, achieving such results is better than I anticipated. Naruto, you are a competent captain," the Head Captain continued. "Go and inform Zajin to prepare for his appointment as the Captain of the Ninth Division."
Naruto was taken aback, "Isn't there a formal assessment to pass?"
The Head Captain replied with a question, "Hasn't he already been assessed?"
"Both Kyōraku Shunsui and Captain Shiba have given me positive feedback."
"Are you, as the examiner, dissatisfied with Zajin's performance?"
Naruto shook his head. Of course, he recognized Komamura Zajin's capabilities.
In terms of managing division affairs and personal abilities, Zajin was indeed exceptional.
It simply hadn't occurred to him that the Head Captain would treat Naruto's recommendation as a direct evaluation of Zajin's qualifications for captaincy.
Was this the Head Captain's level of insight?
Another lesson learned.
Naruto conveyed the message to Komamura Zajin, who was delighted.
The Ninth Division was a perfect fit for him, a place where he had formed his first friendship with Tosen Kaname, now acting as deputy captain.
Seven years later.
The selection for the Second Division Captain was finally announced.
It was Suì-Fēng from the lower noble Bee clan affiliated with the Shihouin family.
The position of the Twelfth Division Captain was filled by Nemu Mayuri, who had been the third seat and Vice-President of the Technological Development Bureau.
Naruto wasn't too fond of him.
Urahara Kisuke held him in high regard, praising him as a genius with intelligence second only to himself.
Yet, there was an extremely cold and sinister aura about this person.
His gaze, when directed at me, was no different than when he looked at the research materials spread on the table.
It wasn't just towards me.
He viewed everyone, except "Urahara Kisuke," with the same "research and judgment" look.
In a way, it was no wonder he was captured and imprisoned in the "Nest of Maggots"—a prison for those deemed to possess abilities that pose a "potential threat to the Soul Society."
Byakuya Kuchiki serves as the Third Seat of the Sixth Division—his grandfather serves as the captain, and his father as the lieutenant.
Meanwhile, his equal in talent, Gin Ichimaru, has been promoted to the vice-captain of the Fifth Division.
It is said that both have begun learning "Bankai," preparing themselves for future captain positions.
The "Captain Hollowfication" incident had almost been completely forgotten at this time.
As the one pursuing the criminals Urahara Kisuke and Yoruichi Shihouin, Naruto naturally seemed the most qualified to investigate the truth of this matter.
However, Central 46 did not support him.
Whenever Naruto tried to review the archives or conduct investigations, he would receive their orders, forcibly commanding him to stop.
He had also kept an eye on Sousuke Aizen.
But, this man showed no abnormalities.
Aizen continued to be that gentle and kind person, treating his subordinates well, diligently handling division affairs.
Even as a captain, he never forgot his promise with the head of the Hogetsu Institute; each year during the new student admissions, he would personally attend, delivering speeches and offering congratulations.
In comparison, the Fifth Division vice-captain, Gin Ichimaru, one of Naruto's friends, seemed more like the mastermind behind the scenes.
Twelve years passed in the Soul Society.
Cherry blossoms danced in the air.
Naruto woke up, opened his eyes.
He was no longer in the Seventh Division barracks but back in that inn.
Karin slept on the bed.
Startled by the movement, a drowsy, red-haired girl turned her head slightly to look at the blond boy practicing Zen with a sword: "What is it, Naruto?"
Naruto shook his head, "Nothing, I've just finished my training."
Karin responded with a sleepy mumble.
Naruto formed a seal, creating a shadow clone, "I'll step out for a bit; I'll be back soon."
"With the shadow clone here, it'll protect you."
The shadow clone waved cheerfully, saying hello.
Naruto swiftly left.
He needed to return to Konoha.
Not that he had any lingering fondness for the village.
He still remembered the genin named "Rock Lee." At the time, his healing abilities were insufficient, but following twelve years of training under Captain Unohana in the Soul Society, his proficiency improved significantly. Now, it shouldn't be a problem.
Konoha.
Naruto made no effort to hide his presence, boldly barging in.
He headed straight for the hospital.
The return of the Jinchuriki—what was his intention?
They couldn't see it as a positive.
After all,
when the Jinchuriki left by daylight, he had personally killed two people, pinning them to Konoha's gate.
This was a strong sign of hostility.
Observers tried to track him but couldn't keep up with Naruto's speed.
The intelligence report reached the Hokage building.
It quickly landed in Jiraiya and Kakashi's hands.
Outside Konoha Hospital,
two figures descended swiftly.
"Are you sure Naruto's target is this place?" Jiraiya looked up, directing his gaze towards the Anbu standing atop the roof.
The member of the Anbu squad had not yet responded.
In a golden flash, Naruto instantly appeared in front of them.
"Naruto," Kakashi whispered his name softly.
"Why has Naruto returned again?" Jiraiya forced a smile, greeting him in as casual and cheerful a manner as possible, "Have you changed your mind?"
Naruto shook his head, "I just remembered there's something left undone that I needed to come back and handle."
Kakashi's face grew serious.
Jiraiya looked puzzled, glancing back at the hospital.
Does Naruto have nothing to do with the hospital?
"I have some ideas about healing the wounds on Rock Lee," Naruto spoke softly, not holding back, stating his intention directly.
Kakashi was taken aback.
His hand, which was subtly beginning to rise, suddenly dropped.
It was for saving Guy's student.
He had thought it was something more troubling.
Naruto wasn't an enemy.
Jiraiya's expression relaxed a bit as well, "Still thinking about your friends."
"In reality, Naruto, you haven't been able to leave Konoha completely behind, have you?"
"Koharu and Homura both promised me that they would—"
Naruto shook his head, offering a gentle smile.
Even in the Soul Society, there is darkness, but at least there's the Head Captain Yamamoto as a guiding sun.
Where is Konoha's sun?
He turned his head, raising his hand.
Chakra surged, and a golden chain lashed out from his palm towards a shadow, wrapping around someone, pulling them back and slamming them heavily into the ground.
A masked Konoha ninja stood before them, clad in a vest.
Jiraiya and Kakashi turned their gaze towards him, expressions shifting as their pupils dilated.
Though this person resembled an Anbu member almost identically, he was unmistakably different at a single glance.
This ninja wore a mask not in the customary animal design, identifying him as part of "Root," the shadowy faction under that man's control.
"If you're truly committed to your promise, demonstrate some sincerity," Naruto demanded.
He planted his foot on the struggling ninja, chakra coursing through him, immobilizing the captive.
Bending down, Naruto yanked off the mask with one swift motion, revealing the man's face.
He pried open the man's mouth and pulled out his tongue, where a binding seal composed of two "yō" symbols was clearly visible.
"Are you going to hand over the one responsible, so I can deal with him?" Naruto asked, raising his head to look at the two of them.
It was clear that when Naruto referred to "the one responsible," he wasn't talking about the ninja pinned beneath him.
He meant the person who dispatched this Root ninja—the user of this sealing technique, the mastermind who sent an unmarked assassin in broad daylight to hunt him down.
Jiraiya opened his mouth but couldn't utter a word.
Beside him, Kakashi held his breath.
"If you can't follow through, then don't make such grand promises," Naruto stated flatly, discarding the man and striding past Jiraiya and Kakashi.
"Without the resolve to become the sun, don't deceive others into believing you shine like one."
Despite the dense fog that hung heavily over the battlefield, hints of light began creeping through, painting the horizon with faint hues of orange and pink. Naruto stood amidst the chaos, his gaze locked on the distant skyline, searching for something beyond just the break of dawn.
"It's always darkest before the dawn," murmured Jiraiya as he approached Naruto, sensing the weight of his student's thoughts. "But the dawn always comes."
Naruto's eyes remained fixed ahead. "I understand, sensei. But sometimes I wonder... where exactly is the sun? In this world of shadows, where do we find true light?"
Jiraiya paused, placing a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "We create it... by standing against the darkness," he replied, knowing that the path was fraught with peril, but trusting in Naruto's unwavering resolve.
Meanwhile, hidden amongst the shifting shadows, Kakashi observed their exchange intently, his mind wrestling with the complexities of the situation. Decisions had to be made. Alliances tested. Trust had to be earned, not given lightly.
And somewhere beyond, the unseen puppet master moved their pieces deftly across the board. The stakes grew ever higher as loyalties were questioned, and the fine line between light and darkness blurred further.
As the new day began, every warrior on that battlefield had to confront the same question that haunted Naruto: Where is the sun, and how do we find it?
(End of Chapter)
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