Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 76: Approaching Graduation

Days at the Spiritual Arts Academy passed swiftly in their usual tranquility.

Though in the second half of the term, one event stirred up quite a commotion—

Hitsugaya Tōshirō had awakened his Zanpakutō.

After joint analysis from Academy instructors and researchers from the 12th Division, it was confirmed: an ice-type Zanpakutō, with immense latent potential—possibly destined to become the strongest of all ice-type Zanpakutōs.

The implications went far beyond the walls of the Academy. Even Seireitei was abuzz.

In those days, vice-captains from nearly every division visited the Academy—some sought Tōshirō directly, others approached the administration or the instructor of First-Year Class A.

Matsumoto Rangiku and Shiba Kaien both made another trip to find Shin.

Keeping his promise to them, Shin spoke with Tōshirō about his future—his choice of division upon graduation.

Tōshirō hadn't yet made a decision. In the original timeline, he had entered the Academy after being discovered and recommended by Rangiku. But with Shin's influence, Tōshirō had enrolled earlier—and had no ties to her.

So Shin recommended both the 10th and 13th Divisions.

"I'll give it serious thought, President," Tōshirō replied calmly. Shin didn't press. The choice should be Tōshirō's alone.

Shin had begun to step back from council matters, delegating most responsibilities to Hayaba Kakutori and Hisagi Shūhei. He also started involving Rukia more actively.

Hayaba, understanding that Shin intended for Rukia to succeed him as student council president, cooperated fully. After all, someone bearing the name "Kuchiki" stepping into that role would hardly be opposed.

That day, Shūhei brought Shin a form.

"Division application?" Shin raised a brow.

"Namida-sensei asked me to give it to you," said Shūhei. "Every student from our year has to fill one out."

Everyone already knew Shin was set for the 4th Division—his Zanpakutō type practically guaranteed it. But formalities were formalities.

Even though graduation wasn't immediate, all division preferences had to be submitted early. With the Gotei 13, Kido Corps, and Onmitsukidō totaling fifteen institutions, numbers had to be balanced. Like university department placements, students would be reassigned as needed.

Except unlike university students, they had no right to refuse.

The Gotei 13's regulations were absolute—and one of the main reasons Shin wasn't eager to graduate.

There was far less freedom outside the Academy.

"Have you filled yours out yet?" he asked Shūhei.

Shūhei handed over his own form, laying it flat on the desk.

Shin glanced over and let out a chuckle. "Still aiming for the 9th Division, huh? You never change."

Shūhei remained composed. "You know why I joined the Academy. That hasn't changed."

Years ago, Shūhei had been saved by Muguruma Kensei, the former 9th Division captain. In honor of that, he even had "69" tattooed under his left eye.

The current 9th Division had a different captain now, but Shūhei's resolve hadn't shifted.

After a moment of silence, Shin looked up and asked, "If I became a captain in the future... would you serve as my vice-captain?"

Shūhei wasn't surprised by the question. He gave it some thought, then shook his head.

"No."

"Huh?" Shin blinked, a little taken aback—he'd half expected this to become a solemn promise between them.

Shūhei continued, "We're friends, aren't we?"

"Of course," Shin said with a shrug. "You're my best friend."

"Here in the student council, it's fine. But once we join the Gotei 13, I don't want us to have a superior-subordinate relationship." frёewebnoѵēl.com

His voice was calm, but firm—and Shin understood that this came from a place of deep honesty.

"I'm not saying our bond would change. But if I became your vice-captain and we were together every day... it might make me complacent."

"What do you mean?"

Shūhei gave a soft, fleeting smile. "Shin, once you're in the Gotei 13, you'll shine brighter than ever. But I want to watch you from afar—hear others talk about your feats, your accomplishments. That admiration... that's what will push me to chase after you."

Shin went quiet for a moment, then slapped Shūhei's form against his chest.

"You bastard."

Shūhei added, "Unless you end up captain of the 9th Division. Then I'll have no choice. But I really hope that day never comes."

Shin exhaled slowly. "Who knows what the future holds."

Later that day, Kasazawa came to find Shin as well.

Standing confidently before him, she said, "I don't want to join the 4th Division."

Shin raised a brow, amused. "Nobody said you had to."

"I'm not suited for healing or medical work," she said bluntly. "And I don't want to change myself just because of you. That'd be betraying who I am."

Shin felt she wasn't talking to him so much as at him.

"So which divisions did you pick?"

"First choice: 13th Division. Second: 11th. Third: 5th."

...The 5th?

Shin thought of asking her why, but decided against it. It would sound strange.

There was nothing wrong with the 5th Division. Its captain was known to be mild-tempered and easy to work with.

Still, it puzzled him.

"What about the 10th?" he asked.

"I considered it. But I don't like the vice-captain."

"You know her? Some grudge?"

Kasazawa fixed him with a steady gaze. "No grudge. Don't know her. Just don't like her."

"...Right."

"What about the 3rd or 7th?"

"3rd doesn't even have a captain. 7th's too laid back. I'd go insane."

The 7th Division, charged with internal security, was infamous for being the most boring squad in the entire Gotei 13.

From her choices, it was clear Kasazawa wasn't the type who could sit still.

Still... the 5th Division?

Something about that nagged at Shin. Aizen hadn't revealed himself yet, but who knew what he'd already done behind the scenes?

"What about the 8th?" Shin asked casually.

They weren't overworked, but handled key intelligence.

Kasazawa tilted her head. "You don't want me joining certain squads?"

She'd caught on.

Shin didn't answer.

"Fine. I'll switch my third choice to the 8th. But with my grades, I should have no problem getting into the 13th."

Even Aoyama stopped by that day—grinning ear to ear.

"Looks like we'll be sticking together after all, Shin."

Shin gave him a look. "Don't say it like that. Sounds creepy."

Aoyama had clearly chosen the 4th Division. His best subject was Kaidō, and students who applied there were almost guaranteed admission.

Shin looked down at the form Shūhei had given him. The name field was still blank. He sat in silence for a while.

Finally, skipping the name, he lowered his pen—and in the field for preferred division, wrote:

Fourth Division.