After a moment of contemplation, Yoriichi made a decisive choice.
He did not choose the First Division, where Yamamoto Genryusai was located, but instead opted for the Tenth Division, which was responsible for patrols and vigilance.
There was no other reason.
It was simply because the Tenth Division could frequently leave the Seireitei.
"Oh…"
Yamamoto Genryusai narrowed his eyes slightly. Although he was very surprised by Tsugikuni Yoriichi's choice of the Tenth Division, he still asked, like an elder caring for a junior:
"Why?"
"Is being able to enter and exit the Seireitei at any time more important to you than your future?"
"If you join my First Division, I will personally grant you a Seat Officer position."
Upon hearing this, Hachigen Ushōda, who was standing beside Tsugikuni Yoriichi, was startled.
A Seat Officer in the First Division?
That was incredible!
Although in terms of status, it seemed slightly lower than a Vice-Kido Corps Commander, its actual value was much higher.
After all, the First Division was the Gotei 13.
The difference between the two was roughly equivalent to the difference between a provincial and a municipal level.
In the past three hundred years.
There had never been a precedent of a Shinigami being appointed as a First Division Seat Officer immediately after graduation.
In contrast, other divisions would see such cases every twenty years or so.
The disparity was obvious.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto's regard for Tsugikuni Yoriichi was simply beyond imagination!
Compared to Hachigen Ushōda's extreme shock, Tsugikuni Yoriichi appeared calm and composed:
"I apologise, Captain-Commander, but I have some unavoidable difficulties."
"Firstly, my younger sister lives alone in Rukongai, and she is only ten years old this year. I'm truly worried about her."
"Secondly, my wife…"
He repeated what he had told Hachigen Ushōda to Yamamoto Genryusai.
About thirty seconds later.
"In short… that's how it is. Considering everything, the Tenth Division suits me best."
"The patrol duties will help me understand Soul Society and everything in Rukongai. As for my future… I am not too concerned."
"Because a true gem will always shine."
"Hmm…" Facing Tsugikuni Yoriichi's answer, Yamamoto Genryusai nodded slightly, "Your reasons are acceptable, but…"
"What if I can help you find your wife?"
"Soul Society may seem vast and boundless, but to me, it's merely a small corner."
"What is her name, how many years ago did she die, what was the region, and how old was she when she passed away?"
Tsugikuni Yoriichi's thoughts instantly paused for a moment, feeling somewhat surprised by Yamamoto Genryusai's words.
He was about to speak of Poem's life, but in the next second, remembering his birth, his voice inexplicably stopped.
Finally.
He thought for a moment and said, "Poem, Poem Tsugikuni, seventy years ago, Edo, died at eighteen years old."
He had learned from some elders that there was a city called Edo in the Human World of Soul Society.
Although he didn't know if this Edo was the Edo he knew, it was still a glimmer of hope.
"Edo?" Yamamoto Genryusai narrowed his eyes again, "Is the timing a bit off? Edo was renamed Tokyo hundreds of years ago…"
"It seems the time you became a soul is much longer than I imagined."
"No matter, whether it was seventy years ago or several hundred years ago, I will help you look for that soul named Poem."
"Chojiro!"
Yamamoto Genryusai called out a name.
Suddenly, a man with a small moustache, white hair, and golden eyes, who looked like a noble, appeared beside him as if by Shunpo.
"Lord Genryusai, I am here!"
Chōjirō Sasakibe knelt on one knee, his voice utterly respectful.
Yamamoto Genryusai glanced at him: "Who was in charge of Edo between seventy and five hundred years ago?"
"Have him check the list of souls interred during that period to see if there is a name 'Poem'."
"Requirement: A young female, nineteen years old."
"…" Chōjirō Sasakibe hesitated for a moment, instinctively glancing at Tsugikuni Yoriichi. Finally, he bowed his head and said in a low voice, "Yes."
As Chojiro left with Shunpo, Yamamoto Genryusai slowly shifted his gaze: "How about it?"
"Do you have any intention of joining the First Division now?"
As his words fell.
Beside him, Hachigen Ushōda quickly winked at Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
As if to urge him to agree quickly.
If the second invitation fell through.
Then it would truly be over.
In the thousand years since the First Division was established, there had never been a case of inviting a Shinigami three times.
In response, Tsugikuni Yoriichi shook his head helplessly: "Still, I apologise… Captain-Commander."
"I am very grateful for your high regard, but my ambition is not here."
Mainly, he knew the probability of finding Poem in Soul Society was minuscule.
Rather than staying in the First Division and searching all over Soul Society, it would be better to look further afield.
Ten years of Rukongai life had made him understand.
The outside world was incredibly vast.
Since she couldn't be found in Soul Society.
Then he would go to the Human World to look.
And there was also the world of Hollows.
He had never set foot in these two worlds since becoming a soul, only heard some things about them.
And it just so happened that the Tenth Division's missions frequently took them into the Human World.
"…"
Yamamoto Genryusai fell silent.
For a long time.
He raised his eyes and looked at Hachigen Ushōda.
"Hachigen, have any members of the noble factions contacted him recently?"
"Like the Shihouin family, the Tsunayashiro family…"
"I apologise, Captain-Commander, no, they haven't." Hachigen Ushōda bowed his head slightly, his voice a little helpless,
"You don't need to worry about him being tied down by those nobles. I understand Tsugikuni. He is not the kind of person who can be swayed by personal gain."
"Perhaps not wanting to join the First Division was his original intention. Please understand."
"Hmm…" Yamamoto Genryusai pondered for a moment, then slammed his hand on the table, "In that case, so be it. The doors of my First Division will always be open for you."
"For someone of your strength to be a mere squad member in the Tenth Division is truly a waste of talent. I will personally promote you to Third Seat."
"I will have someone deliver your wife's information to you after some time…"
"That's all."
"If there are no other important matters, you may leave."
"Oh, and one more thing."
Suddenly remembering something, Yamamoto Genryusai subtly furrowed his brows, "Can your Zanpakuto perform Shikai?"
…
It was three minutes later when the two left the First Division.
On the white street outside the squad barracks, Hachigen Ushōda looked at Tsugikuni Yoriichi and sighed softly:
"You, oh you… I don't know what to say about you. You should have joined the First Division."
"The Captain-Commander holds you in very high regard. If you had accepted his offer, he might even take you as a disciple in the future."
"At that time, that would be the most glorious period of your life."
"You should know, in these thousand years, he has only had two disciples, and both of them are Captains…"
"I know." Tsugikuni Yoriichi gazed at the distant street, his tone betraying no emotion,
"But my ambition is indeed not here. Leading a squad… I have no talent in that area."
"Even if I become a Seat Officer, what then?"
"Do your best, and leave the rest to fate."
"That is my philosophy."
"There are Shinigami stronger and more talented than me, and I believe they are currently being born somewhere in Soul Society."
"Teacher Hachigen, you don't need to persuade me anymore. My mind is made up. Where is the Tenth Division? Please take me there…"