Chapter 49: Refusal

Gin Ichimaru taking over as the captain of the Third Division?

Yamahiko digested this news. Currently, Gin was the vice-captain of the Fifth Division, but it seemed he was about to become the captain of the Third Division.

In the original story, both Gin Ichimaru and Byakuya Kuchiki became captains at the same time. Byakuya Kuchiki adopting Rukia as his younger sister was an event from several years ago when he was already a captain, recognized by his captain's haori. So, Gin Ichimaru also likely became the captain of the Third Division during these last few years.

Gin Ichimaru, hailed as the second genius of the Shin'ō Academy, graduated from the academy in just one year. The previous genius to accomplish this was Kaien Shiba, who graduated with a six-level reiryoku in one year.

However, at the time, around sixty-eight years ago (one hundred and ten years ago in the original story), Kaien Shiba was the third seat of the Thirteen Division. Jūshirō Ukitake asked him if he'd like to become the vice-captain, but he declined on numerous occasions.

During their conversation, Kaien Shiba and Jūshirō Ukitake mentioned Gin Ichimaru. Jūshirō Ukitake jokingly stated that Gin Ichimaru was the genius following in Kaien Shiba's footsteps, but Kaien Shiba refused to acknowledge himself as 'genius'.

In that year, Sosuke Aizen became the vice-captain, and Gin Ichimaru had just graduated. In the same year, he killed the third seat of the Fifth Division and became the new third seat.

Nine years later, after the Hollowfication experiment by Sosuke Aizen, which resulted in the creation of Visored, and Sosuke Aizen's promotion to captain of the Fifth Division, Gin Ichimaru became the new vice-captain.

And now, he had the power to become a captain. As for Kaien Shiba, he was still the vice-captain of the Thirteen Division, while Gin Ichimaru was about to become a captain.

Thinking about the fact that soon, Kaien Shiba would be killed by Metastacia along with his wife, and Rukia Kuchiki would be dragged into it, Yamahiko's heart felt heavy.

He decided to put this matter aside for now. Apart from Toshiro Hitsugaya, Gin Ichimaru had the fastest promotion speed.

As for Toshiro Hitsugaya, who was currently the third seat, in about twenty-two years, he would directly become a captain. Gin Ichimaru, on the other hand, took about sixty to seventy years to become a captain.

Of course, this was part of Aizen's plan, step by step assisting Tosen and Gin Ichimaru to become captains.

"So, what's your opinion?" Gin Ichimaru stood there, squinting his eyes like a snake, making people uncomfortable.

Yamahiko shook his head and said, "I've decided to stay in the Second Division."

Izuru Kira was in a hurry, "Yamahiko, what are you saying? This is a great opportunity."

In Kira's view, Yamahiko's decision seemed foolish. He had the opportunity to become a vice-captain; why choose to be a division captain?

The Onmitsukidō had five divisions, and by becoming a division captain, Yamahiko would start at least as the fifth seat.

Gin Ichimaru asked with confusion, "Why? By staying in the Second Division, you can't become the vice-captain."

Yamahiko looked at Gin Ichimaru and said with a smile, "My goal isn't to become the vice-captain."

Gin Ichimaru was somewhat surprised and asked, "You don't want to be the vice-captain?"

Yamahiko nodded and said, "My dream is to become a seated officer, and that dream has already come true. As for the position of vice-captain, I don't feel qualified for it yet. Besides, I've spent six years in the Onmitsukidō, and I have a good relationship with the captain and vice-captain. I don't want to separate from them."

"I see," Gin Ichimaru nodded and then smiled, "In that case, let's forget about it."

With these words, Gin Ichimaru slowly left the room.

After Gin Ichimaru left, Renji Abarai looked at Yamahiko and asked, "Why didn't you accept it? This is a great opportunity. By becoming the vice-captain now, if a vacancy appears in the future, you might have a chance to become the captain."

Momo Hinamori shook her head and said, "I actually think Yamahiko did the right thing. Whether you're a captain or vice-captain doesn't matter as much as being able to work and live with people you admire."

'I'd rather you not think like that', Yamahiko almost said this out loud.

Yamahiko sighed helplessly and said, "Okay, let's not talk about it anymore. I've already declined."

Rukia Kuchiki changed the subject, "By the way, how are your injuries? Have they said when you can be discharged?"

"My injuries..."

...

After leaving the Fourth Division barracks, Gin Ichimaru headed towards the Fifth Division. The inauguration ceremony was in a few days, and he was still the vice-captain of the Fifth Division.

He entered Sosuke Aizen's room. Seeing his expression, Aizen asked, "Did it fail?"

Gin Ichimaru smiled and asked, "Oh, did my expression give it away?"

Sosuke Aizen nodded, saying, "Of course."

Gin Ichimaru chuckled and replied, "Indeed, it did fail."

Sosuke Aizen inquired, "Why?"

Gin Ichimaru sighed and said, "He mentioned that he developed feelings in the Onmitsukidō and didn't want to be separated from his colleagues there. He also mentioned that he's content with his current position."

Sosuke Aizen, upon hearing this response, smiled and said, "Feelings, huh? He chose the Onmitsukidō, and I thought he might be like the former you, still interested in making him our asset. However, just like Toshiro Hitsugaya, he's just a young whelp who hasn't grown up yet."

Gin Ichimaru asked, "So, Captain Aizen, are you giving up on him?"

Sosuke Aizen nodded and said, "Of course, I'll give up on him. Just like Hitsugaya, he's of no value."

Gin Ichimaru remarked, "I thought I could find a strong vice-captain. Now, he seems useless."

Sosuke Aizen smiled and said, "If you can't find someone ready-made, like Shūhei Hisagi in the Tosen Division who graduated in four years and is already a third seat, but admires Kensei Muguruma and is obedient, then you can always train a newcomer yourself."

Gin Ichimaru inquired, "But are there any promising newcomers right now?"

Sosuke Aizen said, "Do you remember those students from the Shin'o Academy who we saved when they were attacked? You and I both saw potential in three of them, right?"

Gin Ichimaru said, "You even made them an offer upon their graduation, but only one of them joined the Fifth Division. It's quite disappointing."

Sosuke Aizen raised his head slightly and asked, "Gin, are you mocking me for my wasted efforts?"

Gin Ichimaru laughed even heartier and said, "Why would I do that? Not joining the Fifth Division is their loss."

Sosuke Aizen lowered his head again and said slowly, "I did indeed see potential in those three, and later I found out they were good friends with that young whelp. Their talents are quite impressive."

Gin Ichimaru asked, "Which one of them did you take an interest in, Captain?"

Sosuke Aizen replied, "Renji Abarai is too reckless and hard to control. Plus, he joined the Eleventh Division, so we don't need to consider him. But Izuru Kira is different. He was the top of his class after Yamahiko's skip grade, and his abilities after releasing his Zanpakuto are unique. Go find him and have him join the Third Division. He's an orphan with no one to rely on, but as long as you treat him well, I believe he'd be willing to give his life for you."

Gin Ichimaru smiled and asked, "Alright, Captain, I'll go do that."