Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Monitor and Restraint
Kugō Ginjō had been in the Soul Society for two days.
He wasn't imprisoned, but his movements were restricted to the Gotei 13's quarters.
The scenery here was indeed beautiful, and the quality of life wasn't low.
However, since he was "invited" out that day, he hadn't received any information about his situation.
How would the Seireitei handle him?
Would it be as Shiba Kaien had said?
This concern made him anxious.
Standing on a bridge, gazing into the distance, the wind blew, creating ripples on the lake's surface.
Kugō Ginjō felt frustrated. Would it have been better if he had tried to escape instead of coming to the Soul Society because of the good impression he had of Captain Uzumaki? He turned his head and asked the 3rd seat who was accompanying him a question: "How strong are the captains?"
The 3rd seat was slightly taken aback, puzzled as to why he would suddenly ask such a question, but answered truthfully: "Over the past two days, we've introduced you to the Shinigami's Zanpakuto, which has two forms of release."
"Mastering Shikai qualifies one to become a seated officer."
"Mastering Bankai is required to become a captain."
As the 3rd seat spoke, a fish darted through the lake, giving him an idea: "If I were to make an analogy..."
"From seated officer to vice-captain, they are like fish in the lake, differing only in size."
Kugō Ginjō seemed thoughtful.
Captains only differ from regular Shinigami by mastering one more release form.
So, captains are just bigger fish?
As this thought formed, the 3rd seat's words slowly reached his ears: "But a captain... they are the entire lake."
Kugō Ginjō's pupils widened.
Not a fish, but the lake itself? Is it really that exaggerated? Just one additional release form?
This is practically a "leap" in the form of life.
"Is Captain Uzumaki that strong?" He instinctively exclaimed in surprise.
The 3rd seat glanced at him and shook his head: "You're talking about Captain Uzumaki? Captain Uzumaki is different."
"If captains are lakes, then after using Bankai, they become five to ten times stronger."
Kugō Ginjō raised an eyebrow.
Wait!
Describing a captain as a lake doesn't even take into account their Bankai form?
The 3rd seat continued: "But Captain Uzumaki can subdue a captain after they've used Bankai with just his Shikai."
"He is a very powerful captain."
Kugō Ginjō suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
He was suddenly relieved.
The idea of "escaping" was just a thought and never turned into action.
Even if he hadn't been injured at the time, he wouldn't have had any hope of escape.
If he had acted on that idea, he would likely have been killed on the spot.
While he was lost in thought, a figure suddenly appeared beside him with a shunpo.
The slight fluctuation of spiritual pressure startled him like a frightened bird, his body tensed, and he turned his head.
It was Shiba Kaien's face.
This made him relax a little.
"Captain Ukitake and Captain Uzumaki have requested your presence," Shiba Kaien said seriously. "It seems a decision has been made regarding your situation."
Kugō Ginjō stood straight: "Yes!"
Following behind Kaien, he glanced at the lake.
Right now, he was probably the smallest fish in the lake.
Inside the captain's office.
Ukitake Jūshirō frowned: "I still think it might be better not to tell him about that. With his abilities, it's impossible for him to find out."
"And telling him the truth might actually help build a friendship between us."
Naruto shook his head: "Concealment is what truly destroys friendships."
He thought of his past.
The reason he held a "not willing to forgive" attitude towards Konoha was precisely because of "deception," wasn't it?
He had been through it, so he knew very well how much pain and harm it could cause once such a thing was exposed.
Ukitake Jūshirō wanted to say something more.
"Please trust me, Captain Ukitake," Naruto turned to him, a bright smile on his face.
Ukitake Jūshirō nodded; he couldn't refuse that kind of smile.
The door opened.
Shiba Kaien led Kugō Ginjō inside.
It was the room he had been to before.
But this time, Kugō Ginjō was even more nervous than before.
"The Seireitei has made a decision regarding your situation," Naruto began. Since it was his suggestion to reveal the truth, it was naturally his responsibility to do it. "Over the past two days, we have passed a new regulation concerning 'Substitute Shinigami.'"
"We acknowledge your possession of Shinigami powers within a human body and permit you to operate in the Human World as a Shinigami."
Kugō Ginjō's tense body relaxed a little.
They've acknowledged me?
That's a relief.
"However, you need to carry this with you at all times." Naruto reached out and handed a pentagonal object to Kugō Ginjō. "This is something that 12th Division urgently developed."
"You can call it the 'Substitute Shinigami Badge.'"
"If you encounter any Shinigami in the Human World, showing this will prove your status as a Substitute Shinigami."
Kugō Ginjō respectfully accepted it: "Yes, thank you."
Before he could finish his sentence, Naruto waved his hand, "Listen to me first, then decide whether or not to thank me."
"This item not only proves your identity as a Substitute Shinigami," Naruto continued, "but it also serves two other purposes: monitoring and restraint."
Kugō Ginjō was taken aback; the item in his hand seemed to heat up, becoming somewhat uncomfortable to hold.
"Don't worry, the monitoring doesn't mean we're constantly watching your life," Naruto explained. "It's only to monitor your spiritual pressure activity."
"After all, you are a human with the power of a Shinigami, and Shinigami exist to maintain the stability of the three worlds. So, we need to understand your general behavior patterns to prevent any unforeseen incidents."
Kugō Ginjō's expression softened slightly. "So, what does restraint mean? Will I have to live in Karakura Town from now on?"
Naruto shook his head. "Restraint refers to limiting your power."
Kugō Ginjō frowned. Power? They don't want me to get stronger?
"This won't affect you much right now," Naruto continued, "but once your power reaches a certain level, it will take effect. This isn't targeted at you specifically."
"Excessive spiritual pressure has a huge impact on the real world. Usually, when Captains or Vice-Captains go to the real world, they limit their spiritual pressure."
"So, when your power reaches the level of a Vice-Captain or even a Captain, this restraint will take effect. It's a way to protect the real world."
Protecting the real world. This reason was convincing enough for him to fully accept it.
Kugō Ginjō's brows relaxed. He suddenly thought of something and asked, "So, on the day I met Captain Uzumaki, was your power also restrained?"
"Of course," Naruto nodded.
Kugō Ginjō leaned forward cautiously. "May I ask, how much was it restrained?"
"By 80%," Naruto replied.
Kugō Ginjō recalled the terrifying scene of the serpent-shaped Hollow's death. So, the immense power Captain Uzumaki displayed that day was only one-fifth of his true strength?
"When your power reaches the level of a Captain or Vice-Captain, the restraints will be the same as ours," Naruto assumed he was concerned about this. "This rule isn't targeting you specifically."
Kugō Ginjō gripped the Substitute Badge in his hand and looked down at it. The front was engraved with a skull. To his perception, it was just an ordinary wooden plaque.
"Captain Uzumaki didn't have to tell me all this," he thought for a moment, then asked, "I wouldn't have noticed it with my abilities anyway. Why did you tell me?"
Naruto spoke seriously, "Even though the power of the Shinigami is something you acquired by accident, by obtaining it, certain rights, responsibilities, and restrictions also come with it. I couldn't ask you to bear the responsibility without telling you what the restrictions are."
"So, do you accept this responsibility?"
The two others in the room held their breath, nervously watching. They stared at the dark-haired man in front of Naruto. Everything was laid out clearly. Would he accept it?
Kugō Ginjō tightened his grip on the Substitute Badge, his expression serious, with almost no hesitation: "Thank you, Captain Uzumaki. I will fulfill my duties as a Substitute Shinigami!"
Even though the "monitoring" and "restraint" sounded a bit uncomfortable, the reasons were sufficient. Most importantly, nothing was hidden from him.
Even though Naruto's strength far exceeded his own, he still respected his thoughts and opinions. What's there to refuse about becoming the comrade of someone like that?
In fact, because everything was openly communicated, it gave him a rare sense of security.
Ukitake Jūshirō was moved. He actually accepted it. And he didn't even show much resistance.
He stared at the blonde's back. Is sincerity met with sincerity in return?
"When the 13th Division sends another Shinigami, you can interact with him more," Naruto said with a gentle smile, his voice even softer. "He will teach you some basic Shinigami abilities."
"Your tactics that day were excellent, but with your spiritual pressure, there was no need to be so flustered in dealing with that Hollow. Your Swordsmanship and Shunpo still have a lot of room for improvement."
Kugō Ginjō agreed. Shiba Kaien then took him to complete the subsequent procedures.
Naruto and Ukitake Jūshirō conversed a bit more before bidding farewell and leaving.
Before leaving the Soul Society, Kugō Ginjō specifically came to the 7th Division to thank Naruto and asked about his preferences, saying that when he returns to the Soul Society next time, he would bring some gifts.
The appearance of the Substitute Shinigami brought some unexpected changes to the Seireitei. Some strange things from the real world began appearing in the corners of the barracks of various divisions.
Naruto wasn't very interested in these; similar things existed in the Ninja World. He focused on studying techniques. Occasionally, he sparred with Zaraki Kenpachi, infusing new vitality into the seed within him.
But there was one person who grew increasingly restless in these leisurely days.
One day, the window of the 7th Division Captain's office was kicked open, and a petite figure burst in.
"Captain Soi Fon, why didn't you use the door?" Naruto looked towards the window.
Soi Fon was much better than Zaraki Kenpachi. At least the window wasn't damaged.
~~~
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