Chapter 51: [Sponsored] Chapter 51: Kotsubaki Jinemon and Komamura Sajin
[This chapter is proudly sponsored by "Tyler Karp." Please join me in expressing your thanks in the comments! If you're interested in sponsoring a chapter, consider joining the Patreon.]
Inside the 1st Division's quarters.
"For the past month, I have been selecting candidates for the vacant captain positions," said Captain-Commander Yamamoto, his tone cheerful, "and the results have been quite remarkable."
"I believe you have all received the notice."
"Based on the recommendation of the 13th Division Captain, Ukitake Jūshirō."
"And with the unanimous agreement of the current captains."
"Uzumaki Naruto, formerly the third seat of the 13th Division, is appointed as the captain of the 7th Division."
"Shiba Isshin is appointed as the captain of the 10th Division."
"Former Vice-Captain of the 5th Division, Sōsuke Aizen, has applied for the assessment and, under the witness of myself, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Captain Unohana Retsu of the 4th Division, and Captain Kyōraku Shunsui of the 8th Division, has passed the qualification test. It is unanimously agreed that he has the personality and ability to fulfill the role."
"Therefore..."
"Sōsuke Aizen is appointed as the captain of the 5th Division."
"These are the three new captains of the Gotei 13."
As for the other squads:
The captain of the 2nd Division is still being decided by the Shihōin family.
There are no suitable candidates for the 3rd, 9th, and 12th Divisions yet.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto called out towards the door.
The sliding paper door opened.
Three people walked in.
Shiba Isshin appeared carefree, with a slightly casual attitude.
Sōsuke Aizen remained calm, wearing his signature gentle smile.
Naruto looked slightly nervous.
"If there are any suitable candidates, they can be recommended," Captain-Commander Yamamoto's gaze swept over the captains.
But no one spoke.
"In that case, this meeting is adjourned." He raised his cane and lightly tapped it on the floor.
With a "thud," Kyoraku Shunsui quickly walked out.
"Captain Uzumaki, please stay." Just as Naruto was about to leave with the others, Captain-Commander Yamamoto spoke, stopping him.
Naruto was puzzled.
After everyone else had left, leaving only Vice-Captain Sasakibe Chōjirō.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto said warmly, "Naruto, congratulations on becoming the youngest captain."
Naruto, slightly nervous, replied, "Thank you, Captain-Commander."
"I kept you behind because I have an important task for you." Captain-Commander Yamamoto waved his hand, getting straight to the point.
Naruto's eyes brightened, "Is it about capturing Captain Kisuke and the others?"
Captain-Commander Yamamoto paused, giving him a meaningful look, "It is about the criminals Urahara Kisuke and Shihōin Yoruichi."
"This matter has already been discussed with me by Shunsui, and I have no objections to you handling it."
"The important task I have for you is something else."
Naruto stood at attention.
In front of Captain-Commander Yamamoto, he always felt a lot of pressure.
Especially after releasing "Ashura."
This feeling was amplified several times.
The "Sun" that Yoruichi referred to...
Perhaps it was not just a "metaphor."
"In the 7th Division, Third Seat Komamura Sajin can be considered loyal and capable," Captain-Commander Yamamoto continued, "but for some reasons, he refuses to take the Captain's position."
"I need you to resolve his issues and convince him to take the captain's role."
Naruto responded immediately, "Yes, Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
"But why is he..."
Before he could finish, Captain-Commander Yamamoto cut him off sharply, "Naruto, you are young."
"But remember your current identity."
"You are a captain, the captain of the 7th Division."
"Though the storm may be fierce, you must press forward."
"I will not take care of you meticulously."
Hearing these words, Naruto had no complaints and nodded, "Yes, I understand."
"Go now," Captain-Commander Yamamoto waved his hand, "I hope you can complete this 1st task beautifully."
Naruto glanced sideways.
Uncle Shunsui... was right.
The Captain-Commander doesn't seem to care much about Captain Kisuke and Yoruichi's escape.
The 7th Division quarters.
Located in the central area of the Seireitei.
The architecture has a quiet and peaceful style.
Vice-Captain Kotsubaki Jinemon had been waiting at the entrance of the team quarters for some time.
"Captain Uzumaki," he greeted.
Naruto looked up at him and said, "Sorry to keep you waiting."
The man before him was tall and burly, with a square and imposing face. He wore deep red sunglasses that just covered his eye sockets and had short black hair, though a small tuft of hair at the back nearly reached his waist.
He appeared very serious.
"No, I have just arrived as well," Kotsubaki Jinemon replied, showing no disdain for the blond youth despite his height and age.
Although Seireitei had been suppressing the spread of "that incident," it was still no secret to Vice-Captains and senior lieutenants like them.
That night...
This "Captain Uzumaki" had single-handedly sealed and suppressed four captains and four Vice-Captains who had undergone "hollowification."
Even though they had lost their senses and did not release their Zanpakutō, this level of power was exceptional.
"The welcoming ceremony is ready. Please follow me, Captain Uzumaki," Kotsubaki Jinemon said, leading the way.
There were many personnel from the Inner Court Guard.
Naruto met with the lieutenants and senior lieutenants one by one.
Among them was the third seat mentioned by Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Komamura Sajin.
He was... an unusual person.
He was even taller and more robust than Kotsubaki Jinemon.
His spiritual pressure was far beyond the level of a "Vice-Captain," perfectly qualifying him to be a "captain."
What intrigued Naruto more was his attire.
His entire head was encased in a helmet similar to "kendo armor," tightly wrapped without even a gap for his eyes or ears.
"Third Seat Komamura," Naruto said, after meeting everyone, "could you come with me? I have something to discuss with you."
Komamura Sajin nodded silently.
"Captain Uzumaki," he greeted softly once inside a private room. "What is it?"
His voice matched his physique—broad and steady.
"The Captain-Commander told me about your situation," Naruto said quietly. "May I ask why you do not wish to take on the role of captain?"
He thought of Unohana Retsu, Sosuke Aizen, and that night on the tower with Shihōin Yoruichi.
Awkwardly, he tried to emulate their mannerisms, to understand their emotions at that moment, and then applied it to the present situation.
"I am indeed unfit for the position," Komamura Sajin shook his head. "With young talents like Captain Uzumaki stepping up, there is even less need for me to come forward."
"To serve as the third seat of Squad Seven, to guard Seireitei and the Captain-Commander, has been my long-cherished wish day and night."
"I ask for nothing more."
Naruto smiled. "I can sense that you are not averse to the position of captain."
"There is something holding you back, binding your hands and heart, making you afraid to take that step."
Komamura Sajin lowered his head.
After a long while, he spoke softly, "Captain Uzumaki, you are very perceptive."
"But I..."
He still showed resistance.
Naruto interrupted him, looking up at the impenetrable helmet. "Although this is our 1st meeting and 1st conversation."
"It feels a bit strange to say this."
He raised a hand to scratch his head and gave a simple smile.
"But no matter what, I am your captain now."
"If you can, please tell me."
"I will help you solve this problem together."
"If it's really impossible."
"I will also help you completely refuse Captain-Commander Yamamoto."
Komamura Sajin lowered his head even more.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone