"Thank you for your trust, Captain Aozaki. I will do my best to fulfill my duties as a Lieutenant."
Shūsuke Amagai bowed deeply toward the spot where Masatsuki Aozaki had just departed, his expression brimming with gratitude.
"That's enough, Amagai-sama. No need to overdo it."
A cold voice cut in from the side.
Makoto Kibune leaned against the wall, adjusting his glasses as he looked at the man who was still maintaining his bow.
Hearing this, Shūsuke Amagai's face, buried so deeply that his expression was hidden, curved slightly at the corners of his mouth, forming a faintly cold smile.
That expression was a stark contrast to the bold, friendly, and approachable demeanor he had displayed just moments ago.
"Haha, Kibune-kun, don't be so impatient," Amagai said softly. "I just find this kind of performance amusing."
Makoto Kibune frowned, clearly displeased with Amagai's attitude, but he suppressed his emotions and said,
"You're certainly in high spirits, Amagai-sama. Just don't get so caught up in the fun that you forget our objective."
Shūsuke Amagai slowly straightened, his gaze shifting toward the window, where a mocking glint flashed in his eyes.
"There were a few minor hiccups, but the plan is progressing smoothly."
Adjusting his uniform, he stepped toward the window, looking down at Masatsuki Aozaki and Nemu Kurotsuchi patrolling the barracks.
"I thought it would take longer to gain the trust of the Captain-Commander's prized student," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly in satisfaction.
"But I didn't expect him to have such blind faith in that senile Master of his—he doesn't even suspect us in the slightest."
He shook his head with a cold smile.
"Looks like we can move forward with our plans sooner than expected."
His reflection in the glass remained expressionless, his dark eyes deep and unreadable.
"So, what are my orders now, Lieutenant Amagai?"
Makoto Kibune stood beside him, also gazing in the direction Masatsuki Aozaki had disappeared. Disdain and resentment flickered in his eyes.
An ignorant fool. Sooner or later, he'll pay the price for his stupidity.
"As always, just do what you do best, Kibune," Amagai said with a chuckle, then turned toward the Lieutenant's office.
"That Masatsuki Aozaki holds significant prestige in the 11th Division. To the members, he's already seen as the strongest Shinigami, surpassing Yamamoto himself."
"He seems like a dangerous individual. Best not to provoke him for now."
"If we want control of this squad, we'll have to start elsewhere."
"Win over the trust and support of the others. Leadership isn't just about strength."
"If we have the people on our side, they'll follow us willingly. The division will be ours."
Shūsuke Amagai shifted his gaze toward Kibune, a faint smile playing at his lips.
"For someone like you, that shouldn't be difficult, right?"
Makoto Kibune gave a small nod of agreement, letting out a cold chuckle.
"Naturally."
Amagai nodded in satisfaction. "Then I'll leave it to you."
He flashed a broad smile.
Over the past few days, Amagai had been observing the 11th Division, and what he had learned had surprised him.
Three Lieutenants.
A squad of this size, yet all its affairs were managed by the Lieutenants, while Captain Masatsuki Aozaki was frequently absent.
It was absurd.
But for Amagai, it was exactly the kind of situation he had hoped for.
With a Captain who was practically idle, the true authority within the squad lay with the Lieutenants.
That meant his only competition came from the other Lieutenants.
With the right strategies, they wouldn't have to be obstacles—he could make them assets.
And if there was one thing Makoto Kibune excelled at, it was sowing discord.
A knowing smile flickered in Amagai's eyes.
This division was the perfect choice.
At the same time, a wave of scorn washed over him.
That fool trusted a complete stranger without the slightest doubt or caution.
Such naivety—it was laughable.
Like Master, like student.
A bunch of idiots.
…
On the way to the Aozaki residence, Nemu Kurotsuchi couldn't help but ask,
"He just arrived, and you're already acknowledging him as a Lieutenant so easily? Is that really okay?"
"If the team members are dissatisfied, it could stir up trouble."
"And in the end, won't you be the one dealing with the mess?"
Honestly, Nemu didn't quite understand.
According to the 11th Division's rules, shouldn't newcomers have to prove their strength in front of the squad first?
Despite her delicate appearance as a secretary, Nemu was also the 8th Seat of the division—a rank she earned with her fists.
As an Artificial Soul, she had undergone technical adjustments that accelerated her growth, surpassing ordinary Shinigami like Rukia.
That was why she had received personal training from Masatsuki Aozaki early on.
Among the three sisters, her strength was second only to Aura Michibane, who possessed the Soul King's Saketsu.
But Rukia was quickly catching up.
After all, she too had begun receiving private training from Masatsuki Aozaki, and her growth would be rapid.
"Trouble? You're giving those two way too much credit," Masatsuki Aozaki replied with a smirk.
Outplaying them in schemes? Could they outwit Gin Ichimaru?
Winning in a fight? Could they take down Zaraki Kenpachi?
What a joke.
Besides, the 11th Division was full of lunatics.
And what made them submit?
Fists.
If your fists were big enough, those lunatics would listen.
If not, it didn't matter what you said.
Worrying about this? Nemu might as well go home and get some sleep!
...
As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness quickly consumed the world.
At the 11th Division headquarters, Zaraki stood in the training grounds, mindlessly swinging his Zanpakutō.
Every now and then, a twisted grin would creep onto his face, his eyes gleaming with wild intensity.
Until—
Footsteps approached.
The bells in his hair jingled with an unusual sound.
Kenpachi frowned, irritation flashing across his face.
That Reiatsu… so weak, and yet it dares come near me?
He had no natural talent for sensing Reiatsu.
So, to compensate for that flaw, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute had created these bells for him.
They not only detected the direction of Reiatsu but also its intensity.
Through the volume and vibration frequency, the bells conveyed the results directly to Kenpachi.
And whoever was approaching now… was weak.
So weak, it wasn't even worth his attention.
"Lieutenant Zaraki, still training this late?"
Makoto Kibune stepped up to the fence, adjusting his glasses with a mild, almost polite smile.
As a Lieutenant-level Shinigami, Kibune wasn't exactly weak.
In fact, his strength surpassed that of 90% of the division's members.
And with his subtly gentle demeanor and habit of putting others first, he had quickly earned favor among the squad.
In just one day, he had already become somewhat familiar with many of them.
"Hm."
Kenpachi Zaraki responded coldly, not even sparing Kibune a glance.
He simply continued swinging his blade, its edge slicing through the air with sharp, piercing force—almost as if it were cutting through the very fabric of space itself.
Yet, he wasn't satisfied.
Still not fast enough.
Still not strong enough.
When will I finally catch up to Aozaki?
I can't wait to fight him.
"Lieutenant Zaraki, you're quite dedicated. How about taking a break?"
Makoto Kibune, unfazed by Kenpachi's indifference, had a flicker of shadow cross his eyes.
But it was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual pleasant smile.
He asked casually,
"Did Captain-Commander Yamamoto teach you these techniques?"
"Or… are you using Captain Masatsuki Aozaki as your imaginary opponent right now?"
Though phrased as a question, the certainty in Kibune's voice was undeniable.
After all, he had done his research—gathering plenty of information about Kenpachi Zaraki and Masatsuki Aozaki long before this conversation ever took place.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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