Help! I am bound to Aizen!

Hearing Kaelith's words, everyone paused for a moment. 

Then, realization struck: this wasn't a duel, but an assessment for promotion. 

Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi and Shiba Shōta both had complex feelings. 

If they were in Muguruma Kensei's shoes, facing Kaelith Yurei—could they have done better? 

After some thought, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi felt that he would have an advantage. 

After all, his attacks were elusive and undetectable; as long as his opponent heard the sound, they'd be hit. 

But even then, he couldn't guarantee a victory. 

Shiba Shōta crossed his arms, mentally replaying a battle between himself and Kaelith. 

In the end, he concluded that, if Kaelith only demonstrated the abilities shown earlier, he would likely hold a slight edge. 

Stepping back onto the platform using Shunpo, Kusajiki Kurou cleared his throat and announced loudly: 

"Vice-Captain of the 9th Division, Muguruma Kensei, passes the assessment!!" 

The prepared 4th Division members quickly rushed over to lift Muguruma Kensei and take him away. 

Yamada Seinosuke hurried over as well. 

"Kaelith, are you alright? Any injuries?" 

Kaelith shook his head. "It was just a spar. What injuries could I have?" 

Yamada seemed skeptical, walking around him and inspecting. 

In the end, he realized Kaelith hadn't suffered any injuries. 

He couldn't help but click his tongue. 

"Impressive, truly impressive. You defeated a captain-level opponent head-on, and not even a scratch on you..." 

"After we get back, you'd better explain what strange things you've been eating to get this strong." 

Once he confirmed that Kaelith was fine, Yamada quickly turned and left to assist Muguruma Kensei. 

An injured captain-level fighter was an excellent subject to practice on—he couldn't miss the opportunity! 

Kaelith looked up and glanced at Yamamoto on the platform. 

Yamamoto was silently observing him as well. 

Under Yamamoto's gaze, Kaelith gave a sly grin and flashed a thumbs-up. 

Seeing this, Yamamoto felt a sense of understanding. 

It seemed Kaelith had figured out his intentions. 

This husky was not raised in vain. 

He nodded and sent a message to Kaelith through his Spirit Pressure: 

"Well done." 

Kaelith made a sound of acknowledgment and turned away. 

Returning to the sidelines, he sat down next to Aizen, stretching lazily. 

"Sōsuke, did you see my magnificent display? Care to share your thoughts?" 

Aizen glanced at him coolly and replied, "Is your sword still usable?" 

Kaelith froze for a moment, his stretch cutting short. 

He grinned widely, slightly turning his body to a hidden angle, drawing his sword just a bit to reveal the damage. 

The blade, once sleek and smooth, was now riddled with cracks of all sizes. 

Had he not forcibly stabilized it with his Spirit Pressure, the sword would likely have shattered into pieces. 

Without reacting visibly, Aizen raised his hand and gently pushed the sword back into its sheath. 

On the platform, Yamamoto slowly walked to the front. 

Kusajiki Kurou bowed his head, stepping back behind him. 

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yamamoto spoke: 

"Former 3rd Seat of the 3rd Division, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, is promoted to 3rd Division Captain." 

"Former Vice-Captain of the 9th Division, Muguruma Kensei, is promoted to 9th Division Captain." 

"Former Vice-Captain of the 10th Division, Shiba Shōta, is promoted to 10th Division Captain." 

"Former 10th Division Captain, Jōmoku Sora, is transferred to the 11th Division as the new Captain of the 11th Division." 

"Official appointment certificates will be distributed at tomorrow morning's Captain meeting." 

"That's all." 

When Yamamoto announced the result, most of the Shinigami were elated. 

With the positions of captains being filled, there was a sense of security in the air. 

Only the Tenth Division members wore expressions of shock, disappointment, and dissatisfaction. How could their captain be replaced when he was doing fine? 

Among those with some knowledge of the noble families, the reasoning quickly became clear. 

Shiba Shōdai, although not the heir, was still one of the most talented members of the younger generation of the Shiba family. 

As one of the five noble families, Shiba Shōdai couldn't be assigned to the Tenth Division, a place full of "country folk" like them. 

To preserve the Shiba family's honor, Commander Yamamoto had no choice but to transfer Captain Chōmoku to make room for him. 

Once they realized this, the dissatisfaction quickly faded. 

The deeply ingrained idea that nobles were above regular Shinigami made it easy to accept, and no one thought it was strange. (t/n: The difference in our time is really showing here. Let's be honest we would probably act the same if we grew up in the Middle Ages) 

Aizen's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes held a trace of contempt. 

...

"Well, well, Kaelith, I've heard all about you!" 

"I didn't expect you to already have Third-Class Spirit Pressure… How did you manage that?" 

"By the way, when are you coming to Second Division? I'll prepare a welcome feast for you!" 

In the Fourth Division barracks, Kaelith Yurei stood in front of a hallway. 

The one talking excitedly, full of energy, was none other than Marenoshin Ōmaeda. 

"Let's not talk about that right now, Vice-Captain Marenoshin, are you still here? Didn't your wounds heal yet?" 

Kaelith raised an eyebrow at the tall, burly man in front of him, who stood at over two meters, his muscles practically bulging out of his uniform. 

Marenoshin chuckled heartily. 

He patted his chest with a grin. "Don't worry, I'm fine now." 

"I came over today to bring back some herbs for the squad… The Fourth Division is an expert in herb gathering, after all." 

As he spoke, several Fourth Division members dragged a large cart over. 

"T-This is the medicinal supplies, Vice-Captain Marenoshin…" 

One of the officers, struggling with the cart, managed to speak. 

The cart was piled high with a mound of herbs. 

The design resembled one of those carts used in mines, but this one was far larger, almost intimidating in its size. 

It had a strong visual impact. 

It took seven or eight people from the Fourth Division to barely move the cart. 

After Marenoshin checked the supplies, he nodded in satisfaction, pulled out a large sack of copper coins, and handed it to them. 

"Thank you, and say hello to Captain Unohana for me!" 

With that, he effortlessly pulled the cart over to Kaelith. 

Kaelith looked at the mound of herbs in the cart. 

"Why so many herbs? Did something happen?" 

Marenoshin paused for a moment. 

After thinking it over, he bent down and whispered, "Although you're about to join, these are still confidential matters, so I can't disclose much." 

"I can only say that the recent mission pressure has been heavy, and many of our officers have been injured. There's a high demand for treatment." 

After saying this, he nodded at Kaelith, indicating that once Kaelith was officially in, he could always approach him. He quickly left with the cart of herbs. 

Watching Marenoshin's retreating figure, Kaelith raised an eyebrow. 

No wonder Yoruichi and Soi Fon didn't go to the training grounds. Looks like the Second Division has been very busy lately… 

I'll ask Yoruichi about it later. 

Thinking this, Kaelith followed the directions he had been given earlier and arrived in front of a medical room. 

Confirming the name on the door, he knocked lightly. 

"Oh! Come in!" 

A voice came from inside. 

Kaelith opened the door and entered the room. 

Muguruma Kensei was lying on the bed, looking thoroughly bored. 

Just as he was about to speak, he froze when he saw who had entered. 

-----------------------------------

t/n

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