The Head Captain made this decision after much consideration. Placing Gin in Squad Eleven or Squad Four would likely displease both Unohana and Zaraki, potentially causing further unnecessary trouble.
Therefore, assigning Gin to another squad was the best option.
As for choosing Kyoraku, part of the reason was that he had been the most amused by the spectacle, grinning from ear to ear. Another reason was that the Head Captain trusted Shunsui's strength. If Unohana or Zaraki caused trouble, few captains could handle it.
The other captains understood the Head Captain's intention and offered their congratulations to Shunsui.
"Congratulations, Captain Kyoraku. A new recruit who could make Captain Unohana and Captain Zaraki fight must be exceptional."
"Congratulations on adding a strong warrior to Squad Eight."
"What a pity. I was just about to request him for my squad, but since it's the Head Captain's order, there's no helping it."
Hearing the sarcastic congratulations, Shunsui's face twisted in dismay. He glanced at Gin, feeling even more frustrated. If Gin were a beautiful woman, Shunsui might have been more willing to accept him, even with the potential trouble.
But Gin wasn't a beautiful woman; he was a handsome man whose looks even outshone Shunsui's. Bringing Gin to Squad Eight would make it harder for Shunsui to charm the ladies.
"Head Captain, our Squad Eight is already at full capacity. We don't need any more recruits. I heard from Ukitake recently that his Squad Thirteen is short on members. How about assigning this Shinigami to Squad Thirteen?"
Upon hearing Shunsui's suggestion, the Head Captain glanced at the banner at Squad Eight's recruitment booth, which read: "Squad Eight Recruiting: Urgently needs talented individuals skilled in intelligence gathering. Room and board provided, good benefits, low danger, young female Shinigami preferred."
"Ahem, ahem, Head Captain, since Squad Eight can't take in this Shinigami, please allow him to join Squad Thirteen. As Shunsui mentioned, we are indeed facing a manpower shortage in Squad Thirteen. His addition would be greatly appreciated."
Hearing Ukitake's words, Shunsui showed a satisfied expression, slapping Ukitake on the shoulder. He had known his good friend Ukitake would help him out, and Gin, despite being a troublesome recruit, wouldn't be a burden for Ukitake.
Ukitake was known as the kindest soul in Seireitei, not only the first captain since Shin'o Academy's founding but also beloved by all. Due to his frail health, even Unohana and Zaraki wouldn't trouble him.
"In that case, this Shinigami named Minami Gin will be assigned to Squad Thirteen. The punishments for Captains Unohana and Zaraki will be carried out immediately."
The Head Captain knew Ukitake's character well. Ukitake was responsible and well-liked, making him the perfect person to handle this situation. Despite Shunsui's earlier amusement and Ukitake's frailty, the Head Captain didn't want to burden Ukitake excessively.
With that, the commotion ended. Gin had only wanted to join a retirement squad but ended up causing a major stir. Though he couldn't join his ideal Squad Four, he was content to join his second choice, Squad Thirteen.
Captain Ukitake Jūshirō of Squad Thirteen was among the top captains in strength and was a kind-hearted person, making him an ideal leader for Gin.
Though he couldn't be close to Unohana and Squad Thirteen had fewer female members than Squad Four, Gin didn't have much choice.
"Your name is Minami Gin, right? Come with me to Squad Thirteen's barracks. From now on, you're a member of Squad Thirteen. Our squad is also known as the 'Purification Squad,' responsible for purifying the souls in Rukongai that have turned into Hollows due to corruption."
In the Bleach world, souls appear as spirit forms after death, with a chain on their chest. Extreme emotional disturbances or prolonged stays in the human world cause them to become Hollows.
Rukongai is filled with wandering souls, some of which suddenly turn into Hollows. The human world also has many daily deaths, and it's Squad Thirteen's duty to perform 'soul burials' for these souls.
As Ukitake led the way, coughing intermittently, Gin worried that Ukitake might collapse any moment.
"Captain, did you return? How are things at Shin'o Academy? Was there an invasion by a Vasto Lorde from Hueco Mundo?"
A man with black hair, dark blue eyes, long lower lashes, and a tattooed shoulder greeted Ukitake and Gin as they arrived at Squad Thirteen's barracks.
Hollows in Hueco Mundo are divided into four levels: basic Hollows, Gillians, Adjuchas, and Vasto Lordes. Vasto Lordes have strength comparable to Gotei 13 captains, often surpassing them.
Given the captain-level spiritual pressure earlier, Kaien assumed a Vasto Lorde had invaded Seireitei.
"It was actually a conflict between Captain Unohana and Captain Zaraki. I'll explain later. This is our new recruit, Minami Gin. Please explain our squad's duties and guidelines to him."
(End of Chapter)