All the students of the Central Spirit Technique Institute held deep admiration for Aizen Sōsuke.
But the one they all aspired to be was Naruto Uzumaki.
Who wouldn't want to be the most dazzling genius among the Thirteen Court Guard Squads?
However—
The threshold for being called a "genius" was unimaginably high.
One year later, Gin Ichimaru graduated from the academy and joined the 5th Division. Just like Naruto in the past, he was appointed to a high-ranking officer position right after joining.
Yet no one would compare "Gin Ichimaru" with "Naruto Uzumaki."
The one often mentioned in the same breath as "Gin Ichimaru" was Byakuya Kuchiki, who joined the 6th Division in the same year and also took on a high-ranking officer role.
The future heir of the esteemed noble Kuchiki family was another rising star under the spotlight.
They both possessed equally formidable talent, were of similar age, and started from the same point.
As for Naruto—
In many people's eyes, he was already on a whole different level.
Everyone was eagerly waiting for the day this prodigy would become a true captain.
Ten years?
Twenty years?
Twelfth Division, Underground Training Grounds.
Naruto climbed out of a deep pit, looking rather battered.
Yoruichi, holding her wounded arm, grinned at him. "That blade of yours is really powerful. Even at the Seventh Tail transformation, it already has this much force."
"But it's too unstable," Naruto shook his head and walked over to perform healing.
Over the past year,
Kisuke Urahara and Grand Kido Chief Tessai Tsukabishi of the Kidō Corps had been closely researching "sealing techniques."
The results were significant.
On top of the existing seal, a new layer was added.
Allowing Naruto to jump from a "Four-Tail" form to a "Seven-Tail" state.
However—
The "Seven-Tail" form was still far from being fully controlled and had a time limit.
In that state, prolonged usage could lead to a complete loss of reason.
"This is already impressive," Yoruichi smiled, "You even managed to wound me."
"In a few more years, I'll have to call you Captain Uzumaki."
Naruto sighed helplessly. "Yoruichi-nee!"
Kisuke Urahara raised both arms and cheered, "Alright, data recording complete!"
"But compared to the last time, there doesn't seem to be much change."
Tessai Tsukabishi stared at the screen and nodded heavily.
"I'm already satisfied with this much progress in a year," Naruto replied with a smile. "Captain Urahara's research is truly remarkable."
"Haha, of course!" In his area of expertise, Kisuke was confident, "However, for now, I'll have to pause research on you for a while."
He scratched his head, looking troubled.
"There's something quite tricky I need to deal with."
Naruto asked, "Is it about the matter in Rukongai?"
Kisuke nodded.
For the past month, many Rukongai residents had mysteriously disappeared.
Nearly an entire "district" worth of souls was gone.
"Is something affecting their lifespans?" Naruto asked softly.
Souls, like the living, had lifespans.
Souls with spiritual power lived longer.
Ordinary souls without spiritual power didn't live much longer than normal humans. When they could no longer maintain their form, they would dissipate into reishi.
A form of... complete end.
Yoruichi added, "It's not that simple."
"The Head-Captain is taking it very seriously."
"Ninth Division has been fully dispatched, even the captain is stationed there."
"I initially thought it was just a lifespan issue too," Kisuke shook his head, his expression grim. "But during this time, I developed a tool called 'Gikon Device' that can store unstable reishi-based forms."
"But—"
"Just before you came, Naruto, the Ninth Division sent me something."
Naruto tilted his head.
Yoruichi also looked intrigued.
Kisuke walked to another table and picked up a piece of black clothing.
Naruto's pupils dilated in disbelief. "A shihakushō?"
"This..."
"Did a Shinigami's soul also disappear?"
The black uniform carried a very distinct meaning in Soul Society.
Only Shinigami were permitted to wear it.
And in Soul Society, there was almost nothing that could threaten a Shinigami.
Kisuke nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes, it's unbelievable."
"A Shinigami soul disappearing..."
"Under normal circumstances, it shouldn't happen."
"I've already asked Hiyori to assist the Ninth Division in the investigation. We'll be busy with this for a while."
Hiyori Sarugaki, the lieutenant of the Twelfth Division.
A female Shinigami who didn't seem to fit in with the Twelfth Division's usual vibe. She wasn't much taller than Naruto but had a much fiercer temper and always wore a scowl. When Naruto first met her, he thought she was from the 5th Division.
That scowl—
Even more intimidating than 5th Division Captain Shinji Hirako's.
"For the safety of Seireitei, everything else takes a backseat," Naruto said softly. "If there's anything I can help wi—"
Before he could finish—
A wave of spiritual pressure surged in.
All eyes in the training ground turned toward it.
The presence was familiar: the First Division Lieutenant.
The spell being cast was one they all recognized.
"Bakudō #77: Tenteikūra."
A Kido used to broadcast messages over a wide area.
"Emergency assembly! Emergency assembly!"
"All Division Captains, report to the First Division barracks immediately!"
"Ninth Division Captain Kensei Muguruma and Vice-Captain Mashiro Kuna's spiritual pressures have disappeared!"
"Repeat, emergency assembly—"
The three captain-level figures in the training ground immediately stood up.
"Naruto, return to the 13th Division barracks at once," Yoruichi said gravely and waved her hand. "Something serious has happened."
"The captain's spiritual pressure is gone!"
"This might mean a terrifying enemy has invaded Soul Society."
Naruto nodded. "Understood."
He sheathed his sword and disappeared in a flash step.
Yoruichi and Tessai also departed.
Kisuke worriedly headed upstairs, but Hiyori had already left.
First Division Barracks.
A major incident had occurred.
But the Head-Captain's face remained emotionless, hardly any different from usual.
His voice was steady.
"Until yesterday, this was merely a series of incidents confined to Rukongai."
"But now it's an act of provocation against the Thirteen Court Guard Squads."
"I will dispatch six individuals to investigate."
"3rd Division Captain Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, 5th Division Captain Shinji Hirako, 7th Division Captain Love Aikawa."
"You three are to depart immediately and head to the site."
"2nd Division—notify 13th Division's 3rd Seat Naruto Uzumaki. Upon receiving the order, he is to proceed to the site as well."
An unexpected name echoed in the ears of every captain.
"Uzumaki Naruto, the genius from the 13th Division?" Love Aikawa frowned. "But he's only a third seat..."
Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi showed no reaction.
Kisuke reacted strongly: "Head-Captain, let me go instead of Naruto."
"I'm a captain, and besides, my subordinate—"
Yamamoto Genryūsai interrupted him: "No."
Kisuke still wanted to argue.
Yoruichi barked sharply, "Don't disgrace yourself—calm down."
"So unmanly, Kisuke," Shinji Hirako smirked. "You look like a mother hen that just lost her chick."
"Don't trust your own chosen subordinates?"
"Don't you trust that Naruto kid?"
He leaned over, tilting his head with that mocking scowl even more pronounced.
"Uzumaki Naruto is a finely forged blade."
"But no matter how fine the blade, it must cut down an enemy to prove its worth."
"Isn't now the perfect time to draw the blade?"
Yamamoto raised his cane and struck the floor, declaring:
"All members, depart!"
(End of Chapter)