Chapter 10

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After the captains' meeting ended, Ukitake returned to the barracks and explained the situation to Kaien.

As Gin expected, Hirako and his group were dispatched as a special task force to investigate the incident.

With a team consisting of three captains and three vice-captains, everyone, including the Head Captain, believed the mission would be a sure success.

However, reality proved otherwise. Without significant external interference, the plot didn't change much. Hirako and his team still fell into Aizen's trap and were framed as traitors.

Thanks to Urahara's foresight, he used the Hōgyoku to save Hirako and his team but was forced to flee to the human world with Yoruichi.

The Hollowfied Hirako and his group formed the "Visoreds," while the Gotei 13 entered its weakest phase in history.

The "Visoreds" took four captains and vice-captains with them. Added to that, the defection of Yoruichi and Urahara and later, Shiba Isshin (who would become Kurosaki Isshin), who would also reside in the human world, meant that over half of the Gotei 13's captain-level combat power was lost due to Aizen's manipulations.

As Urahara and his team fled to the human world, the vacant captain positions were quickly filled by new blood.

Soi Fon took over the Second Division, Aizen achieved his goal of leading the Fifth Division, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi became head of the Twelfth Division's Research and Development Bureau.

For the remaining squads, due to the inexperience of Gin Ichimaru, Kaname Tōsen, and Byakuya Kuchiki, they couldn't immediately fill the captain roles.

...

In the Ukitake Manor, Jūshirō and Gin sat opposite each other.

Two years had passed, and although Ukitake remained mostly housebound due to his frail health, he still kept an eye on the squad's affairs. He had noticed Gin's performance and growth.

Aside from his growing strength, Gin's demeanor and efficiency were not typical of a newly graduated Shinigami.

Kaien was a genius, quickly rising to the third seat upon joining Squad Thirteen. While Gin wasn't as exceptional, he had still managed to climb to the fifth seat in just two years.

Gin could have advanced further, but he repeatedly declined.

He claimed he didn't want to take positions from the squad's charming third and fourth seats, but in reality, he believed the fifth seat was the safest for maintaining a low profile without drawing too much attention from higher-ups.

"Gin, you've probably heard about the recent events in the Gotei 13. Squads Three, Five, Seven, and Nine have many vacancies now.

While the captain positions are another matter, when the Head Captain asked about potential candidates for vice-captains or seated officers, I thought of you. What are your thoughts?"

"To become a vice-captain, one must at least master Shikai and have sufficient spiritual pressure. As far as I know, you meet those criteria, don't you? You and Kaien often train at Mt. Koifushi in West Rukongai, right?"

Gin finally understood why Ukitake had called him for this conversation. The captain planned to recommend him for a vice-captain position in another squad!

Leaving aside Squad Seven, Squads Three, Five, and Nine were not safe choices.

"Captain, I just want to stay in Squad Thirteen. That's my wish, and I don't think I'm qualified to be a vice-captain yet."

Gin's strategy of keeping a low profile was to avoid attracting the attention of powerful figures. Ukitake's suggestion seemed like a push towards unwanted prominence.

Aizen was charming and persuasive, treating his subordinates reasonably well, but his adversary was Ichigo, who was notoriously overpowered.

"If you become a vice-captain, the benefits far surpass those of a seated officer. With your talent, you might even become a captain someday.

It's not easy for Gotei 13 members to switch squads. This unique situation might be your only chance. Are you sure you want to pass it up?"

Staring at the handsome and capable Gin, Ukitake was perplexed. Most Shinigami joined the Gotei 13 aiming to climb the ranks to vice-captain or captain.

Yet, with an opportunity to become a vice-captain within reach, Gin was refusing it.

Kaien had been the same. If Ukitake hadn't personally invited him to be vice-captain, Kaien would still be training at Mt. Koifushi.

Was Squad Thirteen destined to be a haven for slackers? Ukitake's own health issues had made him a hands-off captain, possibly influencing his squad to lack ambition.

"Very well, we'll discuss this later. For now, there's another task I need your help with.

According to reports, a town called Karakura in the human world has seen an increase in spiritual activity. The Research and Development Bureau detected that a Gillian-class Menos might be there, devouring souls. I'd like you to handle it."

Gin knew about this matter, being a fifth seat, and expected someone else to handle it. He asked, "Wasn't Third Seat Renka assigned to this task? Why..."

"Renka's skills are good, but she lacks experience against Menos. I think you'd be more reliable. Ideally, Kaien would handle this, but due to regulations, vice-captains and above have their spiritual pressure restricted to one-fifth in the human world."

Listening to Ukitake's explanation, Gin felt exasperated. Kaien couldn't go because of his rank, but did Ukitake think Gin had experience fighting Menos?

He had only been out of Shin'o Academy for two years. He was just a genuine newbie Shinigami!

(End of Chapter)