Chapter 140
Marechiyo Ōmaeda asked casually, but unexpectedly, Haruto told him the truth: without touching or using it directly, one cannot discern what is recorded in the Kidō Orb.
"Really..."
"Lady Yoruichi's judgment is as accurate as ever."
Marechiyo Ōmaeda into his pocket and rummaged around.
"Since you're not joining the Sixth Division, we definitely won't be considering the Stealth Force either. Consider this a small gift from Lady Yoruichi."
The Shihoin Clan's intelligence network remained as swift and meticulous as ever, and Yoruichi's generosity truly lived up to her reputation Heavenly Bestowed Armaments Guard.
What Marechiyo Ōmaeda over was the Kukai Box that Haruto had been longing for.
"..."
"I really need this. Please thank Lady Yoruichi for me, and I'd also like to trouble Brother Marechiyo Ōmaeda this special trip."
"Sure, sure."
Haruto not to choose the Sixth Division this time will inevitably lead some onlookers from the noble families to have unrealistic expectations; Marechiyo Ōmaeda's actions are tantamount to supporting Haruto from the perspective of the great nobles, even without the Kuchiki Clan's involvement.
Not to mention they even sent a spatial artifact like the Kukai Box...
Haruto hadn't even met Yoruichi yet, but he already owed her a huge favor.
Today is not a gift-giving event.
The situation of the Kidō Corps and the Second Division is just a bit special.
When Haruto arrived at the Third Division, his Hakuda, Chikane Iba, simply pinched Haruto's forearm and left with the comment, "Not bad." The Third Division wasn't particularly special among the Gotei 13, and after Haruto learned Bone Strike, there was nothing about it that appealed to Haruto.
Chikane Iba came here only to complete the task assigned by the captain.
When they passed by the Fourth Division...
After Isane and Kiyone joined, Captain Unohana simply took the two and Shunpo to leave.
The Quincy Expeditionary Force and the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force were launched. Wounded soldiers were sent back to Seireitei almost every few days, making the Fourth Division's work quite busy.
Captain Unohana made a special trip here, just because she was worried that her two promising young women might be led astray by men.
Then.
Fifth Division, Shinji Hirako.
"..."
I don't think I need to prepare any speeches or anything like that, right?
Shinji Hirako scratched his head, glancing sideways.
Her long, light blonde hair was very well-maintained, indicating she had put a lot of effort into it; in contrast, her clothing was quite simple.
"... I'm sorry, Captain Hirako."
Haruto habitually called out to Captain Hirako, but the latter didn't seem to notice: the Shusuha siblings had just returned to Seireitei and gone off to carry out a new mission, so the actual person in charge of the Fifth Division was still Shinji Hirako.
"No."
Shinji Hirako misunderstood the meaning behind Haruto's apology.
"I'm the one who should apologize to Komatsuzuru."
"With Sōsuke, my work isn't actually that busy. If I hadn't slacked off and gone to the site a little longer..."
"Such a tragedy would never happen."
Neither of them saw anything wrong with what was said; both were well aware that the "Third Seat Hirako" possessed Captain-level strength.
"Captain Hirako, you've misunderstood."
Haruto shook his head and said:
"I mean... I'm afraid I can't join the Fifth Division."
From the outside perspective, aside from joining the Sixth Division, Haruto's most likely option is to join the Fifth Division, which is why Haruto hesitated for a moment when he said those words.
"... Is it because the Fifth Division doesn't have anything worth mentioning?"
Shinji Hirako's counter-question was somewhat unexpected.
"Of course not."
Haruto replied immediately.
"That's fine."
However, Shinji Hirako did not seem surprised by Haruto's choice.
"Regarding Komatsuzuru, the Fifth Division really didn't do nearly enough... We couldn't withstand the pressure from the Central 46 Chambers."
It's normal for you to have some reservations.
"..."
Shinji Hirako's understanding was somewhat flawed; he thought Haruto was dissatisfied with the issue of Mutsuki Shōkaku's funeral.
However, Haruto simply didn't want to live under the same roof as Aizen, especially after confirming that Aizen had put him on a watch list.
Such a misunderstanding...
Haruto can accept it.
"Snap."
Shinji Hirako patted Haruto on the shoulder.
"But don't worry, even if we're not in the same squad, the Fifth Division will still lend a hand when needed!"
"It's over in Ika..."
Shinji Hirako, who had just cheered Haruto up, suddenly became deflated.
How am I supposed to explain this?
Sixth Division.
"Give!"
Ginjiro casually tossed a pair of glasses to Haruto.
Their family had been retainers of the Kuchiki Clan for generations, Ginjiro was a nobleman who wasn't much older than Byakuya: if the timeline remained the same, this future Ginjiro would have served as Byakuya's vice-captain for quite some time.
"The gift that Young Master Byakuya chose for you."
"... I don't need to see glasses."
Haruto casually remarked as he took it.
"You need to change your perspective; glasses are an essential accessory in life."
Decorations?
Luxury goods!
Ginjiro's family business is the production of eyeglasses-type spirit tools. The pair that Haruto has is worth hundreds of gold coins—the goggles that Gori used during her Konsō training were a very low-end version of this pair.
"Thanks for your hard work."
Haruto had met Ginjiro when he visited the Kuchiki Clan, so the two spoke quite casually.
Please thank Byakuya for me.
"It's nothing."
Ginjiro waved casually, while Haruto didn't even stop walking.
After passing by.
Jin'emon Kotsubaki of the Seventh Division glanced at Haruto's waist:
"A very fast knife."
"... Um."
"Come visit me again when you have time; your swordsmanship needs an update."
"Thank you so much."
"No need. Just come with me to the Seventh Division on your way here, so the captain won't blame me for not getting anyone."
"... good."
The Eighth Division is empty.
As a winner just like the Fourth Division, Shunsui Kyōraku, after receiving the new members, immediately followed Captain Unohana's example and ran away with them.
His target today isn't Haruto.
And.
If this guy gets into the Eighth Division...
Shunsui Kyōraku always felt that his future romantic prospects might be in trouble.
At last.
Passing by the absent Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Divisions, Haruto quickly arrived in front of the upright-looking Jūshirō Ukitake.
Volume 1: Chapter 086, Captain Ukitake, You Didn't Want This Either...
Haruto already knew which squad he would join.
Just look at the three captains who came to the Shin'ō Academy, and you'll know that they all have clear objectives, while the vice-captains are also well aware of their role as mere bystanders.
The rest...
It all depends on the sincerity of the Thirteenth Division.
Haruto still had a good impression of Jūshirō Ukitake, and he knew that the Thirteenth Division needed him a lot.
When communicating with intelligent people, you don't need to say too much.
"Captain Ukitake."
Haruto stopped in front of the long table of the Thirteenth Division.
"Haruto."
Jūshirō Ukitake also stood up from the straw mat where he was sitting cross-legged.
"I'm interested in joining the Thirteenth Division."
Haruto got straight to the point.
"The Thirteenth Division is indeed at its most short-staffed point."
Ukitake was also very outspoken.
Kaien Shiba was punished with confinement, and Shiba Miyako's mind was half on her husband, making it difficult for her to devote herself fully to her work. Jūshirō Ukitake's health was also in such a state... in addition, many Seated Officer sacrificed their lives in reality.
The Thirteenth Division is currently in a situation where there is no one available.
I need a lot of things.
"Kidō Chief Tsukabishi... you were promised the Ninety-Nine Kidō, weren't you?"
"!"
Haruto raised an eyebrow slightly.
Whether Jūshirō Ukitake guessed or saw through Tessai Tsukabishi's Kidō, it was a remarkable achievement.
"Yes."
Haruto nodded.
"Kuryūtenmetsu and the Bankin Taihō."
"!!"