Chapter 16: Welcome To The 3rd Division

AN: Have you watched ep 30 of Bleach TYBW? Damn, that ep was insane. Kubo really be feeding us with peak back to back!

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The morning air in Seireitei held a palpable energy as if even the walls of the barracks could feel the significance of this day.

Seijirou, Yoruichi, and Kisuke walked together through the courtyards and corridors, savoring these last few moments as academy students before stepping into their new lives as Shinigami of the Gotei 13.

There was a sense of excitement, of course, but also a tinge of sadness—a bittersweet recognition that this moment marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

"So," Yoruichi said, breaking the silence as they neared the path where they would each split off toward their respective squad barracks. "This is it, huh?"

Kisuke grinned, hands casually tucked behind his head. "Don't sound so final, Yoruichi. We'll still see each other around… probably too often, if I'm being honest."

She laughed, nudging him. "Yeah, but it'll be different, won't it? We won't be running around together like we used to. Now we'll actually have responsibilities, ranks… and rules."

Kisuke groaned in mock horror. "Rules? Say it isn't so."

Seijirou chuckled, adjusting the collar of his new uniform as he gazed toward the distant Third Division barracks. "Some rules might actually be a good thing for you, Kisuke. Keep you out of trouble."

Kisuke winked. "I'll have you know, Seijirou, that I'm perfectly capable of following the rules when it suits me."

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, folding her arms with an amused smile. "When it suits you, huh? I'd love to see that."

They walked a few more steps, each silently contemplating their paths ahead. Yoruichi would be joining the Second Division, where her father's leadership had defined the squad as a fierce, precise force within the Gotei 13.

The Second Division was known for its mastery of stealth and covert operations, and Yoruichi's reputation alone had already set high expectations among its ranks.

Kisuke, though still hesitant, had finally agreed to join the Second Division with her. It wasn't solely because of Yoruichi's persistence—though that had certainly played a part—but also because he was intrigued by the division's covert tactics and stealth-based strategies.

There was an allure to the mystery of it, a challenge he couldn't quite resist.

And Seijirou, as he had already decided, was joining the Third Division. Unlike some of the more direct squads, the Third was known for its calm precision and tactical support roles.

They often provided intelligence and strategic aid, supporting other divisions from the shadows, ensuring the safety of their comrades with behind-the-scenes intervention.

It was a division built on control and subtlety, qualities that suited Seijirou's personality perfectly.

"Well," Yoruichi said, her voice quieter now, "I'm glad we got to walk this far together. But…"

She glanced over her shoulder toward the path leading to the Second Division barracks. "I should get going."

Kisuke let out an exaggerated sigh. "Already getting rid of us, are you?"

She rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Don't be dramatic, Kisuke. It's not like I'll be that far away."

She turned to Seijirou, her gaze softening. "Good luck, Seiji. The Third Division is lucky to have you."

Seijirou nodded, a warm smile crossing his face. "And the Second Division's lucky to have you. You'll lead them to greatness, I know it."

She gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. "Try not to get too lost in all that strategy stuff, okay?"

He laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."

Yoruichi stepped forward, giving each of them a quick hug before heading down the path toward the Second Division barracks.

As she disappeared from view, Kisuke turned to Seijirou, an unusually serious expression on his face.

"So," he said, breaking the silence, "I guess it's just the two of us now."

Seijirou nodded, glancing down the path that would take him to the Third Division. "For now, at least."

Kisuke clapped him on the back, his usual grin returning. "Take care of yourself, Seijirou. And try not to get too caught up in all that 'strategic support' nonsense. We both know you're capable of a lot more than just sitting behind a desk."

Seijirou gave him a wry smile. "And you try not to let Yoruichi order you around too much. I don't want to hear about you getting yourself into trouble because you couldn't say no."

Kisuke laughed, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "No promises."

They shared a final, knowing glance before parting ways, each heading down the paths that would lead them into their respective squads.

As Seijirou walked, he felt a surge of anticipation. This was his chance to prove himself, to take his place among the Gotei 13, not just as a talented graduate, but as a true Shinigami.

The Third Division barracks came into view, and he straightened his posture, a sense of pride and determination settling over him.

This was where he belonged, a place where he could put his skills to use, where he could make a difference.

As he entered the barracks, he was greeted by the Third Division officers, each of them offering polite nods and acknowledging him as a new member.

The barracks were quiet compared to the academy, with an air of precision and order that suited him well.

It was clear that the Third Division held themselves to high standards, each member working together seamlessly, focused on their duties with quiet dedication.

A senior officer approached him, giving him a measured look. "Kageyama, correct?"

Seijirou nodded respectfully. "Yes, sir."

The officer offered a faint smile. "We've heard a lot about you from the Academy. They say you're one of the most promising graduates in years."

Seijirou felt a flush of pride, but he kept his tone humble. "I'm here to serve the Third Division to the best of my abilities, sir."

The officer's gaze softened slightly, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "We expect no less. Our division may not seek the spotlight, but our role is crucial. We ensure that the Gotei 13 can act with confidence, knowing that we've done the groundwork."

Seijirou nodded, understanding the weight of those words. The Third Division didn't rely on brute strength or flashy displays—they were the silent force that made success possible.

In a way, they were the foundation upon which other divisions stood.

His duties, he soon learned, would involve analyzing intelligence reports, coordinating with other divisions to support their missions, and occasionally overseeing field operations where his strategic input would be required.

It was work that required focus, patience, and a keen understanding of both his allies and his enemies.

Over the following weeks, Seijirou settled into his role, each task reinforcing his sense of purpose.

He worked closely with senior officers, learning the intricate details of the Third Division's responsibilities and discovering just how much his skills and insights could contribute.

And though his role was largely analytical, Seijirou found himself venturing into the field on occasion, assessing situations firsthand to better understand the context of the missions they supported.

Each mission taught him something new, revealing facets of the Soul Society he had never truly understood as an academy student.

Here, in the field, he was part of something much larger than himself.

One evening, after a particularly challenging day, Seijirou found himself at the barracks' training grounds, practicing his swordsmanship.

Though his primary duties rarely required direct combat, he knew the importance of staying sharp, of keeping his skills honed.

He moved through the familiar forms with a focused precision, each strike and parry a reminder of the discipline he had cultivated over the years.

As he finished his drills, a voice called out to him from the edge of the training grounds.

"Not bad, Kageyama."

He turned to see one of the division's senior officers watching him, arms crossed and a faint smile on his face. "You've got a good handle on the basics, but let's see how you do under pressure."

Seijirou straightened, meeting the officer's gaze with determination. "I'm ready."

They sparred under the fading light, each strike testing Seijirou's limits, pushing him to adapt and refine his techniques.

The senior officer was skilled, his movements precise and calculated, but Seijirou held his own, drawing on both his training and his instinctive understanding of combat.

When they finally paused, the officer nodded in approval. "You've got potential, Kageyama. Keep it up, and you'll go far in the Third Division."

Seijirou bowed, gratitude filling him. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."

As he left the training grounds that night, Seijirou felt a renewed sense of purpose.

This was where he belonged, among the quiet strength of the Third Division, supporting his comrades from the shadows and making a difference in ways that only he could.

And though he knew he would always miss the easy academy days with Yoruichi and Kisuke, he knew that they have move forward. Especially him.

This is a step closer to achieving his goals.