Chapter 19: A year

A year had passed since Seijirou had first set foot in the Third Division, his quiet resolve and steady competence carrying him up the ranks.

He had proven himself in more than one dangerous mission, and his strategic skills had not gone unnoticed.

By now, his reputation as a thoughtful, tactical fighter had earned him the promotion to Third Seat.

The day of his promotion had been quiet, with only a few formalities and congratulatory nods from his fellow division members.

Seijirou preferred it that way. This was only one step on a longer path, one that had grown increasingly complex as his involvement with Aizen deepened.

Together, they had begun to explore theories and concepts that most Shinigami could scarcely fathom. And the more Seijirou learned, the more his ambition grew.

On the day he was to formally meet the captain and lieutenant, Seijirou found himself waiting in the expansive garden outside the division's headquarters.

Despite the calm setting, he could sense an undercurrent of energy in the air, a quiet tension.

"Ah, you must be Kageyama Seijirou," a warm voice called out, breaking the silence.

Seijirou turned to see Rojuro Otoribashi approaching, a welcoming smile on his face. The lieutenant of the Third Division was well-regarded, known for his calm demeanor and skill in both combat and the arts.

With his golden hair and refined bearing, he seemed almost out of place in the regimented world of the Gotei 13.

"Yes, Lieutenant Otoribashi," Seijirou replied with a respectful bow. "It's an honor to meet you."

Rojuro chuckled, motioning for Seijirou to rise. "Please, no need to stand on ceremony with me. I've heard much about your work. It seems the Third Division has gained quite the asset in you."

His tone was casual but held an unmistakable hint of sincerity, putting Seijirou at ease.

Just then, a shadow fell over them, and Seijirou turned to see the captain of the Third Division—a man well into his years, yet still exuding an undeniable strength.

Captain Hiroshi Shima was a stark contrast to the vibrant Rojuro. He was an old, wiry man with a stern, weathered face, his eyes sharp as if they could see straight into a person's soul.

"You're the new Third Seat, eh?" the captain grunted, giving Seijirou a scrutinizing look.

Despite his gruff demeanor, there was an undeniable respect in his gaze. "It's about time they promoted someone with real talent. The Third Division has always been known for handling the more… unsavory tasks."

He nodded approvingly. "I trust you'll live up to the expectations."

Seijirou met the captain's gaze, feeling the weight of those words.

"I intend to, sir," he replied, his voice steady.

Captain Shima looked him over one last time, as if measuring his worth. Then he gave a slight nod. "Good. I like a man who doesn't waste words. Rojuro will bring you up to speed on your new duties. If you have questions, ask him, but don't waste time. This division runs like a well-oiled machine, and I expect it to stay that way."

With that, the captain turned and walked off, his back straight despite his years, leaving Seijirou alone with Rojuro.

"Captain Shima may be gruff," Rojuro said, smiling, "but he has a good eye for people. If he believes you're worth this rank, you must be. Now, let me show you around and fill you in on what's expected of a Third Seat here."

As they walked, Rojuro explained the finer details of Seijirou's new role. The Third Division specialized in reconnaissance, information gathering and logistics.

Honestly, it was almost similar to the Second Division but more on the surface. Due to this, the two division sometimes find themselves teaming up on some missions.

Because of this, Seiji would sometimes meet up with Yoruichi and Kisuke.

The Third Division is a division that prided itself on handling things quietly, from intelligence work to delicate missions in the shadows.

As the Third Seated Officer, Seijirou was expected to coordinate these efforts, a role that suited his analytical mind.

But as Rojuro spoke, Seijirou's thoughts drifted back to Aizen's words during their last meeting.

Aizen had grown more vocal in his ambition, dropping hints about a grand plan that would elevate them both to heights unseen.

The concept of creating a transcendent being still intrigued Seijirou, the promise of reaching beyond the limitations of a typical Shinigami stirring something deep within him.

With his promotion came new responsibilities, but also new opportunities—opportunities to access knowledge and resources that might help him and Aizen unlock the mysteries of spiritual evolution.

Seijirou's ambition, once quiet and controlled, now felt more potent, simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Rojuro noticed his silence and raised an eyebrow. "You're a quiet one, aren't you? Just like the captain."

He chuckled, his tone light. "But I get the sense you're already thinking ahead, planning your next steps."

Seijirou met Rojuro's gaze, offering a rare smile. "I believe there's always something to learn, something to improve. And if I can contribute to the Third Division's success, I'll do whatever it takes."

Rojuro nodded, his eyes sparkling with approval. "Good. I look forward to working with you, Kageyama. I think we'll make quite the team."

---

Over the following weeks, Seijirou settled into his new position, excelling at the coordination and tactical responsibilities it entailed.

But behind the surface, his mind raced with possibilities, his ambition intertwining with Aizen's vision.

And as he delved deeper into his duties, he couldn't help but wonder: how much further would he go to achieve the transcendence that now felt almost within reach?

'You don't need it.'

Seijirou paused, hearing the voice of his own Zanpakuto. He frowned, confused by what he meant.

'The transcendence your friend spoke of,' Tenjitsu continued, 'you have no need for it. I alone am more than enough.'

Seijirou smirked, 'Are you saying you can help me achieve transcendence?'

'I can.'

'Then tell me how.'

He heard Tenjitsu sigh, 'Not now. Once you've achieve Bankai, only then can you see a glimpse of it; the view beyond the apex.'

Seijirou chuckled, feeling an unprecedented excitement coursing through him.

He continued his work, all the while thinking of what Tenjitsu said to him.