After the badge exchange ceremony, Shigure Segawa officially assumed the position of vice-captain, while Momo Hinamori donned the badge of the Third Seat.
As a result, the original Fourth to Tenth Seat officers had to shift down one rank accordingly.
Such changes in seating arrangements naturally required reporting to the Headquarters. Once the report was filed, the news was immediately disseminated to all thirteen division barracks to ensure everyone was informed.
Headquarters
At the Headquarters, Yamamoto Genryūsai and Chōjirō Sasakibe showed no particular reaction. After all, in their minds, it was perfectly normal for a talented individual to strive for higher positions.
However, within certain divisions, this news sparked quite a stir.
8th Division Barracks
In the 8th Division, Nanao Ise was busy organizing records while Kyōraku Shunsui sipped tea. Upon receiving the news, Kyōraku nearly spat out his tea.
Nanao Ise looked up in surprise. "Captain, isn't this something we expected to happen? Why are you so shocked?"
Wiping his mouth, Kyōraku chuckled. "Oh, Nanao, you've got it wrong. I'm surprised because, in my eyes, Shigure doesn't seem like someone who cares about chasing after rank or fame."
"Is that so?" Nanao replied flatly.
"Eh, Nanao, don't you trust him?" Kyōraku teased.
Setting down the records, Nanao gazed at him seriously. "Captain, it's not that I don't trust Shigure Segawa. It's you I don't trust."
"..."
10th Division Barracks
When Rangiku Matsumoto received the news, she almost jumped out of her seat. Without hesitation, she rushed into Tōshirō Hitsugaya's room without even knocking.
Hitsugaya frowned immediately. "Rangiku, haven't I told you to knock before entering the captain's room—"
"Captain, Captain! Guess what just happened?!" Rangiku interrupted him excitedly.
Hitsugaya sighed, already familiar with her personality. With a hint of irritation, he asked, "What happened?"
"Shigure Segawa defeated Momo Hinamori and became the vice-captain of the 5th Division!" she exclaimed quickly.
"What?!" Hitsugaya's eyes widened.
"Surprised, aren't you?!" Rangiku grinned mischievously. "I told you before, Captain, you should've tried to recruit him into our division. Then this wouldn't have happened!"
However, Hitsugaya's expression turned cold. He muttered to himself, "That guy... what exactly is he up to?"
13th Division Barracks
At the 13th Division, a petite female Soul Reaper was reporting the latest results of the soul burials in the World of the Living to Jūshirō Ukitake when the news arrived.
Ukitake froze for a long moment, his expression somewhat peculiar.
The girl, curious, asked, "Captain Ukitake, who is this Shigure Segawa? Is he really strong?"
Snapping out of his thoughts, Ukitake chuckled softly. "He's very strong, Rukia. You've been busy with purification work in the World of the Living, so you might not have heard of him. But right now, he's considered a genius known throughout all of Seireitei."
Rukia Kuchiki's eyes widened in astonishment. "Even you, Captain, give him such high praise? Then... how does his strength compare to Captain Hitsugaya of the 10th Division?"
Rukia, always curious about such matters, eagerly awaited his response.
Ukitake smiled wryly. "That's a tricky question... Captain Hitsugaya is undoubtedly a genius. But if we're comparing raw spiritual pressure and Zanpakutō abilities, I'd say Shigure is just a bit stronger."
Rukia's eyes widened further, filled with surprise.
Ukitake sighed. "It's truly a pity. I still can't understand the thoughts of geniuses. I had hoped to recruit him into our division as vice-captain."
Hearing this, Rukia, who had been excited moments ago, suddenly froze. Her gaze lowered, and she looked downcast.
Realizing his mistake, Ukitake quickly said, "Ah, Rukia, I didn't mean—"
"It's fine, Captain Ukitake. Your thoughts aren't wrong!" Rukia replied quickly, keeping her head lowered. She bowed deeply. "I'll return to work now. Excuse me."
With that, she hurriedly left the room.
Watching her retreating figure, Ukitake's expression grew complicated.
"Rukia, you're still so burdened by Kaien's death, aren't you..."
The Shadow of the Past
Kaien Shiba, the former vice-captain of the 13th Division, had sacrificed himself to save his wife, who had been consumed by a Hollow. During the battle, he was overtaken by the Hollow and, to avoid endangering his comrades, had chosen to impale himself on Rukia's blade, ultimately perishing.
This tragedy remained an unhealed scar in Rukia's heart, a shadow she could never seem to escape.
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