Chapter 157: Yes!!! Safe—

The instrument designed to detect "special Shinigami powers" was developed quickly and installed in the Imaging Hall.

After the turmoil within the Tsunayashiro Clan, Kurotsuchi Mayuri took swift and decisive action, using the opportunity to purge the personnel that the Tsunayashiro Clan had placed in this department. Although Tsunayashiro Tokinada had already filed a complaint with Central 46, it was clear that, at least for the next few decades, this department would remain under Mayuri's control.

Naruto returned to the squad barracks, where Tsubaki Jin'emon had already prepared the necessary documents. These were not classified files—while regular squad members wouldn't have access, the other two individuals in the room certainly had the authority to view them.

When Naruto returned, Hitsugaya Tōshirō looked up, his expression serious. "Momo's graduating. Are you planning to recruit her, Captain Uzumaki?"

"Yes," Naruto responded with a warm smile as he observed Tōshirō. "Is the 10th Division interested in her as well?"

"After all, she's an excellent graduate," Tōshirō answered earnestly.

"Oh? Is that the only reason?" Naruto teased, smiling.

Tōshirō nodded seriously. "Of course."

Naruto sat down across from him. "I thought maybe you didn't want to be separated into different squads."

"That's not it," Tōshirō replied loudly, then paused, his voice calming. "But she does tend to get herself into trouble sometimes. I'd like to keep an eye on her."

Naruto took the file from Tōshirō's hands. Sure enough, it was Hinamori Momo's file.

"You really are a good person, Tōshirō," Naruto commented with a soft smile as he looked over the documents. "But… I've heard that Momo hasn't even considered joining the 10th Division."

Tōshirō's expression grew heavy as he reluctantly nodded. He had heard Momo say it himself: her first choices were the 7th and 5th Divisions, followed by the 4th Division. Only if none of these accepted her would she consider the 10th Division.

"It's all because of those two troublemakers, Isshin and Rangiku," Tōshirō grumbled, dropping formalities as he spoke about his higher-ranking peers. "The captain and vice-captain are so unprofessional, always flirting around!"

"Now the only people willing to join the 10th Division are drunkards and womanizers."

Tōshirō was genuinely troubled, as he was the one handling most of the squad's duties.

Naruto chuckled and continued reviewing the files.

A few days later, the graduation ceremony at the Shin'ō Academy took place.

The graduates gathered in the hall, whispering among themselves.

"There are so many captains here today."

"Besides Aizen, Captain Uzumaki is here too."

"Captain Unohana is also present."

"Damn! Why is the 10th Division represented by a white-haired kid? I thought the vice-captain was supposed to be a beautiful orange-haired woman?"

The top graduates took the stage one by one, choosing their desired squads.

Based on her grades, Hinamori Momo was third in line. She hurried onto the stage with a clear goal, anxiously stopping in front of Aizen.

"Captain Sosuke," Momo said, bowing deeply.

Aizen smiled gently, his eyes narrowing. "Are you choosing the 5th Division, Hinamori?"

"I..." Momo shook her head, still bowing. "I'm here to apologize to you, Captain Sosuke."

"Apologize?" Aizen asked softly.

"I really admire you, Captain Aizen," Momo said, taking a deep breath and speaking firmly. "You're such a kind person and a wonderful captain. I seriously considered your invitation to join the 5th Division, but…"

"Captain Sosuke, you're a good person!"

"Thank you for the offer, but I'd rather join the 7th Division."

"I'm sorry, Captain Sosuke."

Before Aizen could respond, Momo quickly dashed away from him, heading toward Naruto. She found it strange that, despite being just an ordinary top graduate with some talent, she had attracted such attention from two captains who both personally invited her. There was a small sense of accomplishment in this, but it also left her feeling conflicted over the past few days. It wasn't until the ceremony began that she finally made her decision to join the 7th Division and choose Uzumaki Naruto.

Captain Sosuke was great... but the golden figure from that night had left a deep impression on her, one she couldn't shake. Compared to Captain Uzumaki, who had saved her life, all she could do was apologize to Captain Sosuke.

Standing behind Aizen, Ichimaru Gin couldn't help but chuckle, though he tried to suppress it.

Aizen turned his head, watching as Momo ran off.

Naruto also looked up at that moment, meeting Aizen's gaze with a warm smile identical to the one Aizen wore.

In the end, only Renji Abarai from the top graduates chose the 5th Division. Both Kira and Momo chose the 7th Division.

After the ceremony, as the crowd dispersed at the entrance of the hall, Aizen and Naruto walked side by side.

"I'm really surprised that Captain Sosuke lost out in terms of appeal to Captain Uzumaki," Gin said, his tone playful and mischievous. "I thought Hinamori would choose the 5th Division, especially since Captain Sosuke personally invited her."

Naruto glanced at him. "I also personally invited Hinamori."

"But Captain Sosuke interacts with her much more," Gin replied softly.

Not only did Aizen often meet with the students during their orientation at the Shin'ō Academy, but he also taught a course there, even if it was just a calligraphy class that had little to do with being a Shinigami.

Naruto walked ahead. "Captain Sosuke, do you know why?"

Aizen didn't respond.

"In the world of the living, there's a concept called 'forgery,'" Naruto continued, his voice calm and straightforward. "Skilled craftsmen can create objects almost indistinguishable from the originals. If you present such a replica on its own, even experts might be fooled. But when placed next to the genuine product, it's bound to be exposed."

"Captain Sosuke, you're not genuine enough."

Aizen responded softly, "Is that so?"

"Well then, goodbye for now," Naruto said, waving as he vanished with a flash step. "The good-natured Captain Sosuke Aizen."

Gin sighed dramatically.

Aizen simply smiled, saying nothing.

Naruto, in a rather good mood, returned to the 7th Division with the new recruits.

After a brief induction ceremony, he called out to Momo. "Hinamori, come with me." He led the way, and she nervously followed, her heart racing.

Is Captain Uzumaki really this focused on me? Taking me to his office like this...

Naruto opened the door, still smiling. "Tōshirō, look who I've brought to see you."

Inside the room, two people looked up.

Momo stepped inside, surprised to see them. "Tōshirō, what are you doing here?"

"Aren't you in the 10th Division?"

After greeting her friend, she noticed the other person. "Captain Soi Fon!"

She quickly corrected herself, realizing she had been too loud, and bowed respectfully.

She was puzzled. What was going on? Why were members of the 10th and 2nd Divisions in Captain Uzumaki's office?

"You know what kind of people the 10th Division's captain and vice-captain are," Tōshirō said, expressionless. "I was sent here to learn."

Soi Fon remained serious, offering no further explanation.

"Are you trying to pass Momo off to me?" Tōshirō asked, looking at Naruto.

Naruto smiled. "Didn't you say you wanted to look after Momo?"

"I'm giving you the opportunity."

Momo looked at Tōshirō in surprise.

The white-haired boy slammed his hand on the desk in frustration. "When did I say that?"

"Captain Uzumaki, don't slander me."

Soi Fon chimed in, "I have it on record. Would you like to see it, Third Seat Hitsugaya?"

Tōshirō whipped his head around.

Soi Fon's short-haired, serious face showed no sign of joking.

Wait, when did she record that? Is Captain Soi Fon really adding insult to injury at a time like this?

"Shirō-chan, if that's how you feel, just say it," Momo teased, grinning. "No need to be shy."

Tōshirō clenched his fists, gritting his teeth.

Naruto then spoke softly, "Hinamori, you've already mastered Shikai, so you can serve as a seated officer."

"Work alongside the person I just introduced you to."

"I have high hopes for you to become a veteran officer."

"Tōshirō will be here almost every day. If you ever miss him or need anything, feel free to come by."

Momo shook her head. "Who would miss him?"

Tōshirō turned his head as well.

"But if I have other issues, can I seek your guidance, Captain Uzumaki?" When the conversation moved away from Tōshirō, Momo's voice softened, becoming sweet and timid again.

Naruto nodded. "Of course, you can."

"I'm your captain."

Momo smiled sweetly and nodded enthusiastically. "Please take care of me in the future, Captain Uzumaki."

When she returned, Kira asked with a heavy heart, "Hinamori, did Captain Uzumaki...?"

He felt a twinge of jealousy. As a top graduate, his grades were slightly better than Momo's, yet she seemed to be getting special attention on her first day.

"Captain Uzumaki just took me to meet a friend," Momo explained happily. "That famous genius, Third Seat Hitsugaya Tōshirō of the 10th Division."

"I didn't expect him to be working in the 7th Division."

Kira was confused. The 10th Division working in the 7th Division?

It wasn't until Momo explained in detail that he understood and felt more at ease.

This batch of new recruits quickly made a name for themselves.

In just half a year, Renji Abarai had already become a veteran officer in the 5th Division.

Momo and Kira were slightly behind but were already among the top of the junior officers.

By contrast, Rukia in the 13th Division was still just an ordinary officer.

This was partly due to Kuchiki Byakuya's influence and partly because Rukia had yet to master Shikai.

But even more troubling for the 13th Division was the fact that their casualties had been unusually high recently.

It seemed that the Hollows in the World of the Living were becoming increasingly active.

The newly recruited Shinigami were not yet fully trained and were not suited for deployment.

~~~

This author had conscience, he saved Momo from getting traumatized!!