Ichigo leaves and takes up residence in Soul Society!

"A gift for our long-awaited reunion? That's quite a good idea. It seems that Kurosaki-san isn't completely bad at dealing with people after all. I'm relieved."

"...Although I want to say it's unlikely, you don't think I would do anything reckless, do you, Aizen-sensei?"

"No, I'm just acting as your introducer, and I'm fully prepared for the worst."

"Aren't they all saying the same thing?"

Aizen's calm retort drove Ichigo crazy.

Chatting idly, we arrived at our destination without even realizing it.

Compared to the Fifth and Second Divisions, the First Division's barracks complex, located in the heart of Seireitei, is much larger, resembling a series of towering mountains.

Some sky bridges are built between two tall buildings, making it seem as if you are on a suspension bridge over a canyon when you look down from above.

Such a magnificent and awe-inspiring aura swept over them, and the four palace lords were all invigorated.

It gives you a sense of homecoming.

The tea room where the tea party was held faced the courtyard and was filled with warmth under the direct sunlight, which was in stark contrast to the solemnity of the surrounding area.

Shinomiya-no-Mikoto, Ichigo, and Hinamori Momo all obediently followed behind Aizen... mainly because they weren't familiar with the place either.

Moreover, several powerful spiritual pressures converged ahead, and even though one of them was completely contained, it still exuded an aura like a dormant volcano, making people dare not act rashly.

Walking through the corridor, a huge Japanese-style room comes into view.

A considerable number of people have already gathered here.

For the four palace masters, they were all "familiar faces" whom they recognized quickly, even though it was their first time meeting them.

The captain-in-chief needs no further explanation.

The adjutants, led by Vice Captain Chojiro Sasakibe, were mostly present.

On the contrary, several team leaders were missing.

Only the older generation, such as Retsu Unohana, Shunsui Kyoraku, and Jushiro Ukitake, are represented.

The younger generation includes Byakuya Kuchiki, Sajin Komamura, and Kaname Tōsen.

In addition, there's Inazuma.

Including Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, a total of eight captains attended.

Soi Fon, Gin Ichimaru, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Kenpachi Zaraki, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi were nowhere to be seen.

I guess they just aren't interested in these monthly activities for seniors.

Just as Shinomiya-no-Taka was thinking, Soi Fon appeared with Ōmaeda.

"Four Palaces?"

Soi Fon was slightly taken aback when she saw Shinomiya-sama.

"Captain Soi Fon, you're here too?"

"What kind of talk is that? Not everyone has the honor of tasting the tea personally brewed by the Captain, but you are certainly qualified. As for that blond brat next to you... hehe."

Soi Fon glanced at Ichigo, chuckled coldly, and stepped straight into the Japanese-style room.

"What do you mean by 'hehe'? I actually felt sorry for her because you fooled her."

Ichigo's lips twitched slightly.

"Don't just stand there, come in first."

Shinomiya followed Aizen inside.

The arrival of the group.

The expressions of the people inside the room were also varied.

Kuchiki Byakuya glanced at him briefly and then paid him no further attention.

The captain slightly opened his eyes, looked quietly for a while, and then closed them again.

Retsu Unohana still had that quiet and elegant smile.

The other captains and vice-captains who had never met before were all scrutinizing these two young men who had caused waves in Seireitei since they entered the school.

Of course, people with personalities like Matsumoto Rangiku and Yachiru wouldn't care at all, and instead looked at Shinomiya Mikoto and Ichigo with great curiosity.

Feeling uncomfortable under so many gazes, Ichigo was completely uneasy.

The Four Palace Master sat down as if nothing had happened, and this nonchalant attitude attracted even more attention, giving Ichigo some breathing room.

As luck would have it, Shinomiya-no-Mikoto was sitting right next to Soi Fon.

The latter did not have any particular reaction.

As soon as Ichigo sat down, Jushiro Ukitake, who was sitting next to him, took the initiative to greet him.

"You are... Ichigo Kurosaki, right?"

"Ah? That's right, um... may I ask who you are...?"

Ichigo looked at the elegant white-haired man in front of him and felt that in addition to admiration and affection, there was also an indescribable sense of nostalgia in the man's gaze.

"Captain of the 13th Division, Jushiro Ukitake. You should have already met the man next to me once."

"Hey, Ichigo, long time no see! I thought you guys would go quiet for a while after we parted ways in the Second Division, but I didn't expect you to cause such a ruckus in the human world again. You even angered the old man, saying that no one has ever dared to cause such destruction in the city before~"

"..."

Kyoraku Shunsui poked his head out with a beaming smile, teasing Ichigo so much that he couldn't hold back and subconsciously turned to look at Shinomiya-sensei.

"?"

Upon noticing this, the Four Palace Masters immediately closed their eyes, feigning a listless and sleepy expression.

Ichigo's lips twitched slightly. He took a deep breath, intending to explain, "Mr. Kyoraku, regarding the widespread destruction you mentioned, I need to explain..."

"Don't worry, Kyoraku, Captain Unohana, your teacher, and I have worked hard to convince the Captain-Commander not to hold you responsible."

Ukitake comforted him.

"..."

"On another note, Ichigo-kun... have you thought about which squad you'll join after graduation?"

Just as Ichigo was speechless, Ukitake changed the subject.

I asked a question that Shiba Kukaku had also asked before.

Chapter 43 Ichigo-kun, become the pillar of the 13th Division!

The four-person group had actually discussed this issue privately.

However, most of them revolve around topics like "I must do this or that in the future," which seem to be impulsive remarks.

Some things are simply not to be taken seriously.

Some of them were the truth.

For example, the issue of choosing a squad.

"As for me, I'd probably go to the Fifth Division."

Ichigo spoke the truth.

Then he saw that Ukitake's expression froze.

Kyoraku, standing to the side, patted his friend on the shoulder, seemingly offering words of comfort but actually teasing him.

"I told you long ago, Ichigo is Captain Aizen's disciple, so it's impossible for him to choose another division. Besides, the Fifth Division has an excellent atmosphere and can be described as a breath of fresh air among the Gotei 13. It's the perfect place for a newcomer to start his training."

"Judging from what Mr. Kyoraku said... does Mr. Ukitake want to invite me to join the 13th Division?"

Seeing their reactions, Ichigo seemed to understand something.

“I do have that idea,”

Ukitake sighed and began to explain the current predicament of the 13th Division.

"To be honest, the position of vice-captain of the 13th Division has been vacant for a long time, but we have been unable to find a suitable person to take over. In addition, my health is worrying, so most of the work is delegated to the seat officer. Although I can manage to keep up, this is not sustainable."

"If something were to happen to me, and there were no captains to take charge, and if things went wrong again, the worst-case scenario could be the disbanding of the team."

"It's already inappropriate to have the officers help with official business on a regular basis. If this happens because of me, then I'm even more sorry for the entire 13th Division."

"So after hearing about Ichigo's deeds, I thought that even if the hope was slim, I would try to invite you to join, because I firmly believe that Ichigo is the vice-captain I have been waiting for, and the future pillar of the 13th Division."

"No, wait... Mr. Ukitake! Even if you say that... I'm just a graduate student who hasn't even graduated yet. You want me to be the vice-captain right off the bat? I'm not capable of that at all!"

Ichigo was shocked. He had thought that the captain was just interested in his abilities and wanted to recruit him.

That was indeed the case, but the expectations were far higher than he had imagined.

They immediately started to back down, and even started to try to shift the blame like someone else.

"Besides, I'm not the only outstanding talent. Shinomiya is no worse than me. In fact, he can handle any matter perfectly. He seems to be a better fit for Ukitake-sensei's needs than me, doesn't he?"

"Shinomiya-kun? He is indeed very outstanding, but..."

Ukitake looked slightly embarrassed, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the black-haired youth who had somehow started chatting idly with Soi Fon.

Judging from the fact that Soi Fon, who is cold and harsh to others, can still become familiar with others, if she becomes a vice-captain or even a captain, she will definitely have no problem winning people's hearts and gaining the trust of her subordinates.

But that's why.

"I have a feeling that... it's hindering his future. In my opinion, he's more suited to the First Division than the Fifth Division where his teacher is."

"Is that right?"

Ichigo glanced subconsciously at the Captain-Commander who was making tea by hand.

He glanced at the Fourth Palace Master again.

The two are vastly different in age, not to mention in appearance, but the aura they exude is somewhat similar to that pretentious guy Kuchiki Byakuya at first glance, but without giving people the feeling of distance caused by the difference in their status.

Ichigo couldn't think of a suitable adjective to describe him for a moment, and could only mutter vaguely, "He does seem to be the kind of good kid that old people would like."

"—That's true."

Suddenly, Ukitake said with a serious expression, "I don't think Ichigo-kun is just a substitute. On the contrary, I think people are compatible or destined. I swear on my dignity that Ichigo-kun will definitely fall in love with the 13th Division."

"So, Ichigo-kun... become the pillar of the 13th Division!"

"There's no need to be so serious about it, it's just too stressful... Can I go back and think about this carefully?"

Ichigo is a bit troubled; if possible, he would prefer to join a squad where he knows someone.

Both Rindou and Hachihachihara have clearly stated that if Shinomiya-san were to join the Fifth Division, they would also consider the Fifth Division as their first choice.

This stemmed from the camaraderie of youthful folly.

So Ichigo never thought of making an exception for himself.

Ukitake could clearly see that he was trying to evade the issue, and his mood became somewhat heavy.

"Well, don't be discouraged. Back then, Haiyan rejected you several times, but you managed to persuade her with your persistent pleading."

Kyoraku said in a low voice.

This time, it was genuine consolation.

“Yes, since you’ve made up your mind and consider her a talent even better than Haiyan, then you should put in more sincerity and effort to show your true feelings… Kyoraku, quickly help me think of some other reasons that can move people. You’re the best at this, aren’t you?”

Ukitake's request left Kyoraku somewhat speechless.

"No... I'm glad you acknowledge my abilities, but I'm better at persuading little girls, not little boys."

"..."

"Oh, your eyes look just like Xiao Qixu's right now."

While the two captains were joking around.

A faint aroma of tea wafted through the air, not strong, but refreshing and soothing. As it circulated through my body and was exhaled, my mood calmed down without my noticing.

The once lively Japanese-style room gradually became quiet and silent.

All eyes were on the captain.

The old man's craftsmanship is truly a delight to behold.

At this point, we must mention the three production processes of Yizui Matcha.