Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Such words were not surprising.

Considering Hiyori Sarugaki's connections, she could easily transfer to another division and work with a captain she got along with, rather than staying in the Twelfth Division.

"Staying here in the Twelfth Division, you don't contribute much, and you just throw tantrums, making things more chaotic for everyone."

"What did you say?!"

"Isn't it the truth?"

Though his words were harsh, they reflected reality.

Hiyori's presence in the Twelfth Division could be considered more of a liability than an asset—something even Akon had hinted at when Seiya first arrived.

Perhaps for that very reason, Hiyori's initially furious expression gradually twisted into a conflicted one before settling into quiet frustration.

"I..."

Her face twitched with visible hesitation before she abruptly turned and walked away.

"I just don't want to sever my connection with that person. This was her division, so I'll stay here," she said firmly, referring to someone important to her past.

She shot Seiya a glare.

"I'm not leaving, no matter who tries to make me!"

Watching her retreating figure, Seiya sighed softly.

The puzzle pieces began to fall into place.

The "person" she referred to was undoubtedly Kirinji Kirio, the former captain of the Twelfth Division, now a member of the Royal Guard.

It wasn't about productivity or purpose—it was pure sentiment, a refusal to let go of her memories with someone she admired.

Seiya couldn't help but feel a twinge of emotion at the thought.

"It's something a loyal dog might do, isn't it?"

He refrained from saying it aloud, merely watching her silhouette fade into the distance before turning his attention inward.

While he didn't find Hiyori particularly interesting, he did find himself intrigued by the Royal Guard—the elite protectors of the Soul King.

They were not just a final barrier to the Soul King but also a formidable force of seasoned Shinigami, making them one of the greatest challenges for someone like Seiya.

After all, even Yhwach and his Sternritter were initially overpowered by the Royal Guard when they first entered the Soul King's palace.

Standing there in thought, Seiya couldn't help but feel the weight of his journey ahead.

"The path to the top is steep. The higher I climb, the more treacherous it becomes."

The apex felt both within reach and impossibly far, like a gap between 99 and 100—a chasm too vast to cross easily.

Thankfully, for Seiya, such challenges weren't insurmountable.

"It's just a matter of foundational training."

After some time, Seiya paused to reassess his progress.

[Zanjutsu: 65] [Hakuda: 65] [Hoho: 60] [Kido: 60]

While the gains weren't astronomical, the incremental improvements were consistent.

This wasn't surprising.

Once his attributes reached 60, further progress required deeper understanding, innovation, and combining multiple techniques to break past the "soft cap."

His Kido, previously his weakest area, had seen significant improvement, thanks to guidance from Kisuke Urahara.

Speaking of which, both Urahara and Aizen had a shared passion for Kido that bordered on obsession.

From Aizen's Black Coffin to Urahara's Shinten Kaikyaku Cannon and the high-level binding Kido used to seal Aizen, their affinity for complex, theatrical spells was evident.

While Seiya wasn't quite at their level, he was on his way.

If he continued refining his abilities, he would eventually break through this threshold as well.

In terms of overall strength, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's scouter hadn't been wrong—Seiya had indeed reached the level of a fourth-class spiritual power, far beyond most vice-captains.

If he could push further, he would soon reach the threshold for achieving Bankai.

Though he tried to remain composed, excitement was difficult to suppress.

However, before anything else, Seiya knew he needed to solidify his foundation.

"Patience is key. Time is on my side."

With that thought, Seiya let out a small sigh and tilted his head to the sky. After a moment, he turned and left the area.

Time passed, and winter gave way to the New Year season.

This year, Seiya celebrated New Year's with the members of the Twelfth Division.

Many of them, like Akon, had no family to return to, having come from the Nest of Maggots or similar backgrounds.

Gathering in the division's cafeteria, they celebrated simply but warmly, making for a memorable experience.

After the New Year, it was time for the Academy's final term to end.

Thanks to his academic performance and Nanao Ise's recommendation, Seiya wasn't required to take exams.

However, with his internship nearing its conclusion, he packed his belongings and prepared to say his goodbyes to the Twelfth Division.

"If only you could stay a little longer," Akon remarked sincerely.

For someone in his position, Seiya had been an incredible help—polite, hardworking, and dependable.

"If you'd like, I could submit a formal request to extend your internship," Kisuke chimed in teasingly.

Seiya chuckled and shook his head.

"If word of that reached Yamamoto-soutaichō, wouldn't you just get lectured again, Urahara-taichō?"

"Ahahaha~ That's true," Kisuke replied with a sheepish laugh. "Last time, I got scolded in front of everyone for being too lax!"

Taking a step back, Seiya adjusted his luggage and scanned the gathered crowd.

Standing off to the side, Hiyori crossed her arms and glared at him.

Her expression screamed, "It's about time you left!"

Choosing to ignore her, Seiya's gaze landed on Nemuri Nanagō.

The little girl had grown noticeably taller over the months, no longer wobbling when she walked.

Approaching her, Seiya knelt down and smiled.

"Nanagō, it's time for me to go."

She nodded blankly, her expression as stoic as ever.

"Safe travels," she said simply.

Her mechanical tone hadn't changed much, but there was something deeper beneath her words—a hint of attachment.

As Seiya stood to leave, she suddenly looked up at him.

"By the way," she said softly, "Mayuri-sama has given me a name now."

Seiya's eyes lit up.

"Really? Can you tell me what it is?"

Straightening her back, she declared in a calm, robotic voice:

"Nemu Kurotsuchi. My name is Nemu Kurotsuchi."

Though her demeanor remained unchanged, there was an undeniable shift in her aura—subtle yet profound.

Seiya felt a swell of emotion.

Patting her gently on the head, he noticed her eyes growing misty, though she seemed unaware of her own feelings.

Unsure of what to say, Seiya decided to let his actions speak instead.

Reaching up, he plucked a few strands of his hair and handed them to her.

"Keep these safe. If you ever need more, I'll come back to see you."

Though hesitant at first, Nemu carefully accepted the strands, holding them tightly.

"I know the difference between flowers and hair now..." she muttered, before adding earnestly, "But I'll still treasure these."

Her words brought a soft smile to Seiya's face.

"Good to hear. You've grown a lot, Nemu."

Rising to his feet, Seiya stepped back, facing the gathered members of the Twelfth Division.

Taking a deep bow, he spoke with heartfelt sincerity:

"Thank you all for everything."

Shouts came from the crowd:

"Don't forget what you learned here!"

"Make us proud, Arima!"

"The fourth-gen insect curry is ready for testing!"

Wait, what was that last one?

Smiling to himself, Seiya raised a hand and waved energetically.

"Goodbye, everyone! See you around!"

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Powerstones?

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