Three years ago, Aizen had mentioned transferring Hitsugaya Tōshirō to the 13th Division. However, perhaps due to his procrastination, Hitsugaya was still in the 5th Division.
But now that he had become the 3rd Seat of the 5th Division, the next step would be to promote him to vice-captain.
Of course, there was no such position available in the 5th Division, so he would have to go to the 13th Division, which currently had a vacant vice-captain position.
Since Shiba Kaien's death, the vice-captain position in the 13th Division had remained unfilled.
Currently, the 13th Division had two 3rd Seats, and sooner or later, one of them would need to be promoted to vice-captain.
Therefore, it was a good idea to propose Hitsugaya's transfer after he became the 3rd Seat.
If Hitsugaya eventually became the captain of the 13th Division, wouldn't Rukia become his subordinate?
Thinking this, Haruki couldn't help but feel a bit strange.
In the original story, both ice-type Zanpakutō were in the same division?
Haruki clicked his tongue and returned to the 5th Division with Hitsugaya.
After returning to his office, Haruki noticed the pile of documents on his desk.
"Where's Momo?!"
Haruki rubbed his temples. He didn't want to deal with so many documents. That would be a nightmare.
"Don't count on Momo for help. She just received a mission to go to the human world," Hitsugaya Tōshirō said as he walked in. Seeing Haruki's expression, he knew exactly what the man was thinking.
"Huh? Momo's going to the human world?" Haruki sighed and then looked at Hitsugaya with hopeful eyes. "Tōshirō, I'm counting on you~"
The Seireitei was responsible for the human world's Japan. In theory, Japan had over seven to eight hundred cities, meaning that under normal circumstances, up to one-fifth of the Gotei 13's Shinigami could be stationed in the human world.
The Gotei 13, along with students from the Shin'ō Academy, numbered over six thousand. When evenly distributed across each division, there were only a few hundred members per division.
Therefore, it was impossible for a single division to handle all the human world assignments. Although the original story only showed members of the 13th and 10th Divisions stationed in the human world, that was because the story only involved two or three cities.
The remaining cities, of course, couldn't be left without Shinigami.
The 5th Division naturally also had Shinigami stationed in the human world, though it was rare for high-ranking officers to be sent.
"Give up on that idea!" Hitsugaya said disdainfully. "As the vice-captain, you should at least contribute a little to the division!"
"Such unfair treatment," Haruki sighed.
In the original story, Rangiku's work was all done by this kid. Why did things change when it came to him? This kid was really too focused on appearances.
Haruki could only helplessly flip through the reports in his hands and then asked, "So? You didn't come here just to watch me work, did you?"
Hitsugaya Tōshirō said in a low voice, "I heard from Captain Aizen that there's talk of transferring me to the 13th Division."
"..." Haruki looked up in 'surprise' and said, "You're going to the 13th Division?!"
"Vice-Captain Shiba has been missing for a long time—so long that he's been declared 'dead,'" Hitsugaya said solemnly. "So the vice-captain position in the 13th Division is vacant."
"Captain Ukitake's health has always been poor. Leaving the entire division in his hands isn't good for his well-being, so the higher-ups made this decision."
"..." Haruki was silent for a moment, then said, "That's fine. You've already achieved Bankai, haven't you? Not only are you qualified to be a vice-captain, but you could even be a captain. The 5th Division really has no more room for your growth..."
"Besides..."
Haruki smiled and said, "Captain Ukitake likes you a lot, doesn't he?"
Perhaps because they shared the same hair color, Ukitake Jūshirō had always treated Hitsugaya well and held him in high regard. Their relationship was quite good.
"Don't worry about my opinion," Haruki continued with a smile. "Although I brought you into the Seireitei, I won't hold you back. With your talent and strength, being just a 3rd Seat is a waste."
Seeing Hitsugaya's somewhat melancholic expression, Haruki added, "Don't act like this is a permanent farewell. You're just transferring divisions, not disappearing forever."
"Renji and Kira also transferred divisions. Do I see them any less?"
"...Thank you," Hitsugaya said solemnly.
"Why thank me?" Haruki coughed. "If you really want to thank me, help me finish these documents."
Hitsugaya glanced at Haruki, took the files from his desk, and then said, "After I leave, please take care of Momo. She's too soft-hearted..."
"Are you an idiot? How could I let anyone bully our 5th Seat?!"
Haruki watched Hitsugaya leave and then shook his head, hoping that the upcoming war wouldn't affect these new-generation Shinigami.
Seeing that it was about time, Haruki left work and headed to the usual bar, Damoya.
Tonight, he was drinking with Kyōraku Shunsui and Rangiku. During the drinks, the two asked about Hitsugaya's transfer.
Even Kyōraku didn't seem to know much about it.
Haruki casually mentioned it. Upon hearing that Hitsugaya was likely going to the 13th Division as vice-captain, Rangiku couldn't help but say, "That kid really is a genius. It's a shame that Haruki got to him first. Otherwise, I would've brought him to the 10th Division!"
"..." Kyōraku remained silent.
As Ukitake Jūshirō's close friend, he was well aware of his old friend's thoughts.
If Hitsugaya Tōshirō performed exceptionally well in the 13th Division, his old friend would likely be more than happy to step down and let him take over as captain.
In other words, Hitsugaya wasn't just going to be a vice-captain—he was being groomed to be the future captain.
A captain so young... It seemed that the old-timers like them were truly reaching retirement age.
Thinking this, Kyōraku drank a bit more. Although he wasn't completely drunk, the alcohol made him somewhat sluggish.
After eating and drinking their fill, the three went their separate ways. As Kyōraku walked home, he noticed Ukitake.
"Ukitake, what are you doing here?"
Kyōraku asked curiously.
"I heard you were drinking here and was worried you might overdo it, so I came to check on you," Ukitake said with a smile. "Are you done already?"
"You're too late," Kyōraku said. "By the way, I heard that young genius is joining your division?"
"You mean Hitsugaya?" Ukitake said. "Yes, after Kaien left, the 13th Division does need a vice-captain."
As they spoke, Ukitake and Kyōraku drew closer.
Then...
In an instant, Ukitake thrust out his blade!