Seireitei, First Division Barracks.
Kinoshita stood at the front gate, explaining his purpose to the guarding Shinigami.
Meanwhile, Kaelith Yurei looked around with curiosity.
Although he had been in the world of Soul Reapers for over half a year now, this was his first time entering the inner parts of Seireitei.
Everywhere he looked, Shinigami stood at their posts, vigilant.
Occasionally, a few messengers from the Onmitsukidō, wearing wide-brimmed hats that obscured their faces, would appear suddenly and then vanish just as quickly. (T/N Stealth Force-Onmitsukidō, was Yoruichi's division, it is another branch of the military, Not 2nd division that Yoruichi also led)
Kaelith noticed that some Shinigami occasionally stole curious glances at him.
The reason for their curiosity was likely his blue and white Shin'ō Academy uniform.
Or maybe… word had already spread about the incident that happened this afternoon.
As he pondered, Kinoshita returned.
"Let's go, Yurei."
The two walked through the First Division's gate, crossed the courtyard, and entered the barracks.
At the entrance of a room, Kinoshita removed his shoes and stepped onto the raised wooden floor.
Kaelith did the same, following his example.
Kinoshita cleared his throat.
"Captain-Commander, sir! I am Kinoshita Nichio, an instructor at the Shin'ō Spirit Arts Academy!"
"As per your instructions, I have brought the student, Kaelith Yurei!"
After he spoke, he stood straight, a bit tense, waiting for a response from within.
Kaelith looked at him, a bit surprised.
"This is the first time I've heard your name, Kinoshita-sensei."
Kinoshita blinked, surprised. "Nonsense, I introduced myself on the first day you entered the academy…"
"Wait, were you spacing out in class on your first day?!"
Kinoshita felt his blood pressure rise. If not for the setting, he would have wanted to give him a good talking-to.
But no… this kid had already reached the level of a Vice-Captain, and with his own injured body, he wasn't sure he could take him on.
Perhaps he could catch him off guard during class one day, and give him a good whack?
The thought brought a glint to Kinoshita's eyes.
As expected from an instructor at the Shin'ō Spirit Arts Academy, he quickly came up with a brilliant plan!
While he was contemplating how to handle Kaelith, a voice sounded from inside.
"Enter."
Kinoshita quickly bowed his head, stepping forward in small, careful strides to the door, and slid it open.
"Apologies for the intrusion!"
Through the open door, Kaelith looked inside.
It was a small room, clean and orderly.
On one side of the wall hung several bamboo practice swords.
On the other side was a desk, arranged with brushes, ink, and paper.
Above the desk, a piece of calligraphy was displayed on the wall, but Kaelith, lacking an artistic eye, couldn't decipher it.
In the center of the room stood a figure, silent and still.
With his back to the door, Kaelith could only see the bald head and the flowing white haori.
The black diamond symbol on the haori's back was the kanji for "One."
Without a doubt, this was Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and leader of the First Division!
Upon seeing the elder, Kinoshita immediately knelt on one knee.
"Captain-Commander, sir!"
Noticing Kaelith Yurei standing there without much reaction, Kinoshita quickly whispered, "Yurei, what are you standing there for? Hurry and..."
Before he could finish, Yamamoto, standing with his back to them, spoke suddenly:
"Kaelith Yurei, would you be willing to graduate early and join the Gotei 13?"
Hearing this, Kinoshita was slightly stunned.
Why would the Captain-Commander ask such a question?
Kaelith had only been in the academy for half a year. While he was indeed strong, it was still a bit early to graduate.
After all, strength alone doesn't mean one knows everything. There are techniques, knowledge on fighting Hollows, Soul Society's history, and the responsibilities of a Soul Reaper—all things learned at the Shin'ō Academy.
Graduating early would leave him with gaps in his education. Joining the Gotei 13 now would be like diving in blind.
Unless, of course, he were a nobleman, like Sōjun Kuchiki, who received an elite education from a young age, knowing all that was necessary and more. In that case, he could graduate whenever he wanted.
While Kinoshita was lost in thought, Yamamoto continued, "If you're willing to join the Gotei 13 now, I can personally arrange for you to enter the First Division as an officer."
Kinoshita's eyes widened.
After a brief shock, he looked at Kaelith with excitement, giving him a look to agree.
The First Division… that was the Captain-Commander's division, and joining it would be a huge advantage for Kaelith Yurei's future.
Moreover, joining directly as an officer wasn't an opportunity just any Soul Reaper could get!
However, under Kinoshita's eager gaze, Kaelith frowned slightly.
After a few moments of thought, he shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Captain-Commander, but I don't really want to join the First Division."
"Hmm?"
Hearing Kaelith's response, Yamamoto slowly turned around.
His narrowed eyes opened slightly, fixing on Kaelith.
He spoke slowly, "Your reason?"
Kinoshita, though not directly in Yamamoto's gaze, felt a cold sweat break out on his back.
He wanted to help explain on behalf of Kaelith but found his throat tight, barely able to make a sound.
Kaelith showed a somewhat troubled expression.
"Captain-Commander, if I speak honestly, you won't be upset, right?"
Yamamoto fell silent at this.
It seemed the thing he hoped to avoid was happening.
He suspected Kaelith Yurei had already been drawn in by one of the noble clans, intending to evade the First Division's recruitment.
As the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto did not get involved in nobles' conflicts and certainly didn't foster his own faction.
His only reason for recruiting Kaelith was to prevent a talented individual from being used as a pawn.
But then, which clan could be trying to pull him in?
The Kuchiki clan? The Shihōin clan?
Or perhaps… the Tsunayashiro clan?
If it were the Kuchiki family, he might be able to accept that.
After all, Ginrei Kuchiki was an old friend and a steady, insightful man. Kaelith Yurei wouldn't fare too badly with him.
But if it were the Tsunayashiro clan, then Kaelith's future might be in jeopardy.
Yamamoto nodded slightly. "Speak freely."
At that moment, Kinoshita could feel the room's atmosphere turn icy.
He swallowed nervously, fearing Kaelith might say something offensive and anger the Captain-Commander.
Under Kinoshita's anxious gaze, Kaelith spoke sincerely, "I've studied the different divisions while in school."
"Although the First Division has relatively light work and might be a place to relax, it's mostly filled with older Soul Reapers, and there aren't many cute girls." (t/n Bruh... Good man!)
"I was hoping that after graduation, I could join a division with more girls… like the Fourth or Thirteenth Division."
As he spoke, he seemed to remember something, looking at Yamamoto with hopeful eyes.
"Captain-Commander, you have the authority. Could you perhaps assign me to one of those divisions ahead of time? I promise I'll work hard and repay your kindness!"
Seeing the sudden enthusiasm in Kaelith's eyes, Yamamoto felt a chill.
It triggered memories of Shunsui Kyōraku's antics.