"Did you hear? Our Seventh Division is getting a new captain," one squad member said.
"Seriously? Where did you hear that?" another asked doubtfully.
"That's none of your business. I have my sources," the first squad member said proudly.
Just then, a tall, imposing man walked into the Seventh Division barracks.
He wore a captain's haori, and his expression was solemn.
"Fifth Seat Komamura?" one squad member cried out in surprise.
"Idiot! You're supposed to call him Captain Komamura now!" another squad member hurriedly corrected him.
Sajin Komamura quietly looked at the squad members, a trace of authority flashing through his eyes.
He said nothing, but his presence alone made the entire barracks fall silent.
One by one, the squad members lowered their heads, showing respect to their new captain.
At that moment, Tetsuzaemon quickly walked out of the captain's office.
"Congratulations, Captain Komamura!"
Sajin Komamura gave a bitter smile.
"Tetsuzaemon, please don't tease me. I honestly have no desire to take on the position of captain."
Tetsuzaemon smiled and patted Komamura on the shoulder.
"Don't say that, Komamura. You were chosen by the captains themselves. I'm sure you'll be able to lead the Seventh Division forward."
Komamura shook his head helplessly. A trace of worry appeared on his firm face.
"I truly don't know whether I can handle this position. And the only reason I was able to reach this point is because of Captain Kazuma. Without him, I might still be an obscure seated officer. But…"
His voice gradually sank, as though there was something difficult for him to say.
Tetsuzaemon quickly interrupted him, his tone serious.
"Komamura, you are the captain now. There are some things you can no longer say so openly. You represent the entire Seventh Division. As captain, you need to have confidence in yourself, and you also need to believe in the support of your squad members."
Komamura nodded slightly to show that he understood, but the worry in his heart had not completely disappeared.
Then he noticed the curious gazes of the squad members around them, so he decided to continue the discussion elsewhere.
"I understand what you mean. Let's talk inside."
With that, Komamura turned, pushed open the door to the captain's office, and walked in.
The squad members left outside exchanged confused glances.
None of them knew what had happened between Captain Komamura and Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon.
Tetsuzaemon quickly took over and explained to everyone, "Captain Komamura and I need to talk for a while. You may all disperse for now."
After saying that, he also entered the captain's office.
Although the squad members still had questions in their hearts, they could only obey and leave.
Once the door to the captain's office closed, Komamura and Tetsuzaemon began a deeper conversation.
"Tetsuzaemon, I still do not believe Captain Kazuma would betray Soul Society. Back then, he told me to follow my own heart, hold firm to the justice within me, and uphold the order of Soul Society. But now…"
Tetsuzaemon did not know the secret of how Kazuma had helped Komamura learn the Humanization Technique. He only assumed Komamura was speaking from intense admiration for Kazuma.
"Captain Komamura, Kazuma's betrayal of Soul Society was personally announced by the Captain-Commander. If you say such things, you are questioning the Captain-Commander. That is not something you should do as a captain."
"I am not questioning the Captain-Commander's decision," Komamura said. "I merely feel that there may be hidden circumstances behind Captain Kazuma's supposed betrayal. But since I have taken over as captain of the Seventh Division, I will hold to the justice in my heart and lead the division forward."
"I understand, Captain Komamura," Tetsuzaemon said. "But for now, we have to accept the facts as they stand. Kazuma's actions have indeed had a huge impact on the Seventh Division. We need to find a way to restore the morale we lost."
Komamura fell silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Tetsuzaemon, notify all squad members to gather at the barracks. As the newly appointed captain, I should say something."
"Yes, Captain," Tetsuzaemon replied. "I'll gather everyone."
...
Before long, all the squad members had assembled in the barracks.
Sajin Komamura stood at the front, looking at them solemnly.
"Everyone, I am your new captain, Sajin Komamura. I believe none of you are unfamiliar with me."
He paused, then continued in a firm voice.
"I know that all of you feel ashamed and saddened by what happened with Captain Kazuma. But we cannot remain trapped in these negative emotions forever."
"I believe that what Kazuma did was his own personal action and has nothing to do with the other members of the Seventh Division. We are all Shinigami loyal to Soul Society, and we bear the responsibility of protecting the inner court of the Seireitei. Through our words and actions, we must prove to the other divisions that the Seventh Division will never betray Soul Society."
Komamura's voice was steady and powerful, filled with determination.
The squad members listened in silence.
Their faces were still heavy, but trust in Sajin Komamura flickered in their eyes.
Komamura continued, "From today onward, we must work even harder to shoulder the burden placed upon us. As captain of the Seventh Division, I will stand at the front and lead all of you in carrying out the justice and order we hold in our hearts."
The squad members responded one after another.
"Yes, Captain!"
Their morale gradually rose, as though Komamura's words had ignited their fighting spirit.
Komamura looked at them, and a trace of relief flashed through his eyes.
He knew that despite what they had experienced, the Seventh Division was still a powerful squad.
They possessed firm conviction and an unyielding spirit.
After finishing all of this, Komamura returned to the captain's office with Tetsuzaemon. He sat quietly on the couch, his feelings somewhat complicated.
Tetsuzaemon smiled at him.
"Captain Komamura, that was impressive. With just a few words, you raised the squad members' fighting spirit. And you still say you aren't fit to be captain? You're far too modest."
Komamura's face reddened slightly. He rubbed his head, looking a little embarrassed.
"Really? I only did what needed to be done. To tell the truth, I have always been worried that I would not be able to handle the position of captain. After all, I have only ever held the rank of Fifth Seat. Being able to encourage everyone with words and bring out their greatest potential… can that also be considered a kind of ability?"
Tetsuzaemon smiled and shook his head.
"Captain Komamura, don't think that way. A good captain does not only need strength. More importantly, he must know how to lead and inspire his squad members. Your performance today was the best proof of that. Besides, you have me as your lieutenant, as well as the support of the other squad members. As long as we work together, we will definitely be able to make the Seventh Division even better."
Komamura nodded gratefully.
"Thank you, Tetsuzaemon. I will work hard so I do not disappoint all of you. However, I have only just become captain, so I will have to trouble you to guide me through the division's duties."
Tetsuzaemon patted Komamura on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, Captain Komamura. Isn't a lieutenant there to assist the captain? I'll help you become familiar with the division's affairs as quickly as possible."
With that, the two looked at each other and smiled.
The Seventh Division would not fall into ruin here.
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