Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Chapter 289: NZNT: Chapter 289

As Gonaldo and his four accomplices fled to Soul Society with the Hōgyoku, the newest graduating class from the Shin’ō Academy in the Seirei

As Gonaldo and his four accomplices fled to Soul Society with the Hōgyoku, the newest graduating class from the Shin’ō Academy in the Seireitei arrived at the Gotei 13 for their internships.

Unlike the formal black Shihakushō worn by official Shinigami, the Shin’ō Academy interns still wore their white training uniforms with subtle red stripes, though they now bore the number of their assigned internship squads on their arms.

This graduating class included several promising candidates, some of whom were assigned to the Third Division under Yusuke’s command.

Not far from the Third Division barracks, Nagato Yū was leading twelve probationary Shinigami back to the barracks after collecting them from the Shin’ō Academy.

”Senior Nagato,” one of them asked, ”legend says the Third, Fifth, and Eleventh Divisions are the most dangerous to work in. Is that true?”

Behind Nagato Yū, a young man with bright red hair tied in a ponytail and his eyebrows shaved, replaced with strange markings drawn in pen, inquired.

This young man was Renji Abarai. Assigned to the Third Division for his internship, he was accompanied by two of his friends from Rukongai, Kira Izuru and Momo Hinamori.

His childhood friend, Rukia Kuchiki, had only recently been assigned to the Shin’ō Academy by Byakuya Kuchiki and would require considerable time before she could be assigned to a Gotei 13 division.

To Renji’s question, Nagato Yū simply asked impassively, ”What? Are you afraid?”

”Afraid? Are you joking? I, Renji Abarai, am destined to become one of the Gotei 13 captains! I’m looking for a dangerous division, and the more dangerous, the better!” Renji declared, arms crossed, with a fearless attitude.

Kira Izuru, with his light yellow hair, looked forward to the experience. ”Entering the Gotei 13 for the first time... I’m really excited! I wonder what kind of Shinigami Captain Uchiha Yusuke is.”

Momo Hinamori smiled. ”Every captain of the Gotei 13 is a powerful Shinigami who has mastered Bankai. They are all top-tier fighters in Soul Society, working hard to maintain stability in both Soul Society and the human world! My goal is to become a seated officer in the Gotei 13 and assist the captain.”

Nagato Yū, leading the way, showed no reaction to their words. As Yusuke’s right-hand woman, she had witnessed things far beyond the comprehension of these fledgling Shinigami.

When the twelve probationary Shinigami arrived at the Third Division barracks’ main hall, Yusuke and the seated officers were already waiting for them.

It was customary for new probationary Shinigami to meet the captain and seated officers of their assigned division. The captain would then assign work and senior mentors based on the division’s needs.

Glancing at the twelve probationary Shinigami, Yusuke immediately recognized Renji, Momo, and Kira Izuru—the three with the highest spiritual pressure and potential among the group.

Their superior spiritual pressure, far exceeding that of their peers, was expected of future vice-captain-level Shinigami.

The probationary Shinigami were visibly nervous; even the usually bold Renji Abarai had noticeably restrained his demeanor. They were like students entering the workforce for the first time, a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

Despite Yusuke and the seated officers behaving naturally, without any overt displays of spiritual pressure, the inherent aura of authority made the newcomers quite tense. Even Renji, normally unflappable, appeared nervous and uneasy.

With a warm smile, Yusuke spoke first. ”I am Uchiha Yusuke, captain of the Third Division. Welcome to the Third Division. Each of you has the potential to become a pillar of the Gotei 13. I hope you will approach your internship with diligence and dedication, showcasing your best qualities.”

Yusuke’s approachable demeanor eased the tension, and the twelve probationary Shinigami felt a surge of anticipation for their upcoming internship.

After each probationary Shinigami introduced themselves, Yusuke assigned them their tasks.

Renji, Momo, and Kira Izuru, possessing the highest spiritual pressure and aptitude, were assigned to Yū for direct supervision.

Yū had already taken over all the duties of the Third Division’s vice-captain. The prospect of being mentored by the vice-captain filled Renji, Momo, and Kira Izuru with excitement.

The other probationary Shinigami, aware that the three were clearly earmarked for accelerated development within the division, felt a twinge of envy.

After the meeting with the new probationary Shinigami, Yusuke dismissed the assembly, allowing the seated officers to familiarize their new subordinates with their respective duties.

”Whew, that was intense! Someday, I’ll be sitting in the captain’s seat, wearing the captain’s haori, commanding my seated officers. It’ll be so cool!”

Leaving the meeting hall, Renji breathed a sigh of relief, his determination to become a captain further solidified.

Momo turned to Nagato Yū, curiosity evident in her voice. ”Senior Nagato, what is our current assignment?”

Nagato Yū replied calmly, ”The Third Division’s role is support; we don’t have fixed duties. Lately, there’s been an unusual surge in aggressive Hollows in Rukongai, and the Thirteenth Division, responsible for Hollow extermination, is short-staffed. I’m taking you to Rukongai to support them.”

Kira Izuru looked surprised. ”We’re fighting Hollows right after joining? That’s... fast.”

Renji slung an arm around Kira Izuru’s neck, laughing. ”Isn’t that great? My Zabimaru’s been itching for a fight! All that training at the Shin’ō Academy, and we haven’t actually fought a Hollow. Now’s our chance to show what we can do!”

Adjusting her glasses, Nagato Yū said calmly, ”The three of you were personally assigned to me by the Captain, clearly indicating he expects you to receive more rigorous training.

However, if you feel you lack the necessary skills, I can request a reassignment to a seated officer responsible for supporting other divisions.”

Renji quickly responded, ”Absolutely not! How could we possibly lack the necessary skills?! Senior Nagato, rest assured, we’ll cooperate fully to ensure the mission’s success!”

Renji then positioned himself between Momo and Kira Izuru, placing a hand on the back of each of their heads, and together they bowed to Nagato Yū.

”We look forward to your guidance, Senior Nagato!”

For Renji, engaging in actual combat against Hollows had always been a dream. He wouldn’t pass up this opportunity.

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