Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 90: The Role of a Captain

The very first thing Tachikawa Shin did after assuming the post of 4th Division Third Seat was to convert all the unused medical rooms within the division barracks into training dojos.

However, the 4th Division lacked proper training equipment. Even with space available, it was only suitable for the most basic forms of training—anything beyond that would require a procurement request.

"An application like this might not get approved," Isane Kotetsu said, her face clouded with concern after reading Shin's request form. "There's never been a precedent. The budget allocated to us has always been strictly for medical equipment. Sending something like this to the 1st Division might just seem absurd."

Shin had looked over the annual funds allocated by the 1st Division and couldn't help but mutter,

"The 1st Division really is stingy. We do the most exhausting work in the Gotei 13, and our members are stuck cleaning floors all day. What's wrong with paying us a little more?"

Isane shook her head with a wry smile.

"That's how it's always been since the 4th was founded. No one's ever raised a complaint."

"And just because it's always been that way, it's right?" Shin countered, eyes narrowing.

Isane was left speechless.

After a moment of thought, she finally said,

"I'll submit this request. Coincidentally, in two days there's a vice-captains' reporting meeting. You'll be coming with me."

The Third Seat was, after all, the assistant to the vice-captain—positioned between a seated officer and a proper executive. Vice-captains typically managed the majority of their division's affairs.

Just as Shin stepped out of the office, a black Hell Butterfly fluttered in through the window.

Moments later, Isane came rushing out.

"We've got a field deployment. Hollow activity reported in District 79 of the Rukongai—Kusajishi. 11th Division members have already been dispatched. We're being ordered to assist alongside the 3rd Division. Shin, take care of this."

Shin sighed. The Rescue Unit really was busy.

Still, it was more grumbling than serious complaint—4th Division field deployments weren't that frequent, and ones to far-off Rukongai districts like this were even rarer. It was just bad timing.

He took only a small squad, bringing along Aoka Midori (Aoka Seika in other Chapters) and asked Isane to send word to the 3rd Division. Then he departed immediately.

Rukongai District 79: Kusajishi

One of the furthest districts, not much better than Zaraki in terms of environment. The only difference was that you could still see a few scattered pedestrians.

Shin and Aoka arrived on a half-collapsed street. Looking around at the ruined buildings, Shin suddenly muttered,

"Been a while since I came here. Brings back some memories."

"Didn't you grow up in Zaraki?" Aoka asked, puzzled.

"Zaraki and Kusajishi are neighbors. Visiting each other wasn't uncommon."

Aoka didn't know how to respond.

He glanced at the wary and fearful eyes of the few locals watching them from doorways. That fear came from one thing—their shihakushō. The mark of Shinigami.

"This way!"

Shin called out, having sensed a distant spiritual pressure.

They arrived at a forested area just outside the settlement—and immediately spotted four 11th Division members locked in battle with two massive Hollows.

"We made it!"

Aoka breathed in relief—no casualties yet.

But then, one of the 11th Division members was swatted through the air by a Hollow and landed not far from them.

Aoka flash-stepped over to him to check his injuries. The man coughed up blood, trying to get up but grimacing from pain.

"Don't move. I'll heal you," Aoka said.

"4th Division? Why're you here before the 3rd?" the man muttered through blood.

"If we'd come any later, you might not be talking," Shin said, walking over.

The injured man scoffed despite the pain.

"You 4th Division guys always need protecting in battle. You're nothing but baggage."

Shin raised an eyebrow. He looked at the man and then stopped Aoka from healing him.

"You don't look like you're dying yet."

"Shin, aren't you going to help?" Aoka asked anxiously.

Shin ignored him. He crouched down with a smile, studying the 11th Division man closely.

"What's your name?"

"Furukawa Toshiya. Why do you care?"

"Rank?"

"13th Seat, Vice-Squad Leader of the 4th Combat Unit."

"Ah. A seated officer."

"If you don't heal me right now and my comrades die, I'll hold you responsible!"

"You're too injured to fight. Even if we heal you, rushing back out there would only get you killed—and burden your squad."

"You 4th Division cowards don't get it! We of the 11th Division aren't like you rats who hide behind us!"

Shin sighed.

"Doesn't sound like the tone of someone asking for help. Honestly, if your squad gets wiped out, we'd still have the energy to run."

"You bastard!"

Aoka looked nervous. He leaned in and whispered,

"Is this really okay? What if he reports us?"

Shin tilted his head thoughtfully.

"You're right."

Then he turned to Aoka with a blank face—loudly enough for Furukawa to hear.

"Should we just off him? Say he died from his wounds? If we clean up well, no one will know."

Both Aoka and Furukawa stared at him in horror.

"What are you—?!"

"Relax," Shin said, smiling sweetly. "Everyone'll think you died heroically, fighting a Hollow."

At that moment, another four-man squad arrived—3rd Division.

Furukawa screamed, freewebnσvel.cøm

"Help! They're going to kill me!"

One of them flash-stepped toward them.

"You're... Shin-kun?"

"Have we met?"

"Not officially. I saw you at the Academy culture festival. I'm Togakure Riku, 3rd Division Third Seat."

The 3rd had no captain or vice-captain at the moment—Togakure ran everything.

Furukawa saw a familiar face and shouted,

"Togakure-san! Help me! These two are trying to kill me!"

Togakure blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm serious! They're plotting against me!"

Togakure glanced at Shin. Shin, deadpan, replied,

"This man was struck in the head by a Hollow. His mind's a bit muddled. We were just about to treat him."

"I see. I'll leave him in your care."

Togakure flash-stepped away, headed to the front line.

Furukawa's face turned pale.

"Is this it? Am I gonna die here...?"

Shin rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up."

He drew his Zanpakutō and placed it against the man's throat.

Light bloomed from the blade. Furukawa flinched... then realized—his pain was gone. He could move.

"Get up already," Shin said.

Furukawa scrambled to his feet.

"You're... Tachikawa Shin?"

"4th Division Third Seat," Aoka added helpfully.

Furukawa's face contorted in shock. He quickly bowed.

"Thank you for healing me. And... I apologize for what I said earlier."

"What, no more calling us cowards?" Shin said, smirking.

"Y-You're not like the others... I mean—! Forgive me. I heard about you from Madarame-san..."

Shin's expression shifted slightly.

That explained it.

The 11th Division respected strength. The sudden switch in attitude was almost expected—but still irritating.

Just then, the battle ended. Togakure and the others returned, having slain the Hollows.

Some 11th Division members were injured. One called out for medical help—only to be stopped by Furukawa, who whispered something to them.

Togakure smiled as he approached Shin.

"To be promoted to Third Seat so quickly... The future looks bright, Shin-kun."

"You flatter me."

Even the 11th Division members bowed politely now.

"Thank you for your assistance, Third Seats Togakure and Tachikawa."

"Just doing our jobs," Togakure said amiably.

Furukawa also bowed deeply.

"Third Seat Tachikawa, would you kindly treat my comrades as well?"

Shin said nothing—just gestured to Aoka.

Even Furukawa treated Aoka with respect now.

Then Togakure leaned in.

"Shin-kun, do you have a moment?"

"Something you want to discuss?"

"It's rare to meet someone like you. I'd like to talk further."

Shin guessed he had a proposition. He nodded.

Togakure handed off his paperwork and led Shin to a tavern in a higher-numbered Rukongai district.

There, after sitting down, Togakure poured them each a drink.

"Truth is, I've known about you for a long time."

"Really? I wasn't that famous, was I?"

"About three or four years ago, I heard of a student who defeated his swordsmanship instructor. Then I found your name on the early graduation list."

"Ah..."

"And later, I heard even more—Shiba and Matsumoto both wanted to recruit you. That's when I gave up trying to bring you into the 3rd Division."

The 3rd was in bad shape. No captain for 50 years, and the vice-captain had died in a recent mission.

"I don't believe in judging a division by prestige," Shin said, "They all matter."

"Yes, but let's be honest—some carry more weight. I can tell that 11th Division guy got into it with you."

Shin took a quiet sip. He didn't deny it.

"So I'll get to the point," Togakure said. "Do you have any interest in transferring divisions?"

Shin blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You've probably heard... the 3rd Division's in dire need of leadership."

"You're not seriously suggesting I—?"

"Why not? You built the student council from nothing. You killed a Menos-class Hollow alone. Your talents speak for themselves."

"I just graduated. And my Zanpakutō's Kaidō-based."

"So what? We're a support division. Your skills would shine here. Besides... isn't your path in the 4th Division already limited?"

Shin went quiet.

Togakure continued,

"I'll be honest. I have a personal reason."

"Go on."

"Vice-Captain Sasakibe told me something—someone in the Gotei 13 has already achieved Bankai without being a captain. Do you know who?"

"No."

"Fifth Division's vice-captain: Ichimaru Gin."

"..."

"I see him at every meeting. I don't like him—he's got a dangerous air. But Sasakibe says once he masters it, he'll be appointed 3rd Division Captain."

A pause.

"But what does that have to do with me?"

"You could come in as our vice-captain. With you, we'd be a complete squad again. And if you happen to achieve Bankai too... well, who knows?"

Shin's eyes narrowed.

Togakure smiled.

"With your talent, I don't think it'll take you long."