Chapter 28: CHAPTER 28:People, Belong to Me!
With the announcement from Keiko Tachibana, all eyes in the training ground locked onto Moyu.
Refined like polished jade, calm as a pine in the wind, he embodied the proud temperament unique to the Kuchiki clan. His mere presence surpassed countless others. His lavender eyes narrowed slightly, thoughtful.
"Which squad should I join?"
That was the issue. He had hoped early graduation would help him escape his chronic indecisiveness, but clearly, he was wrong. Very wrong.
Just as he began to hesitate, a familiar Reiatsu swept over Training Ground No. 1.
A tall young man in a captain's white haori stepped inside. His appearance bore a striking resemblance to Moyu, especially those matching lavender eyes.
His arrival caused a wave of murmurs.
Only now did many realize—the one taking this early graduation test was a direct descendant of the Four Great Noble Houses.
Captain of Squad Six, Byakuya Kuchiki.
"Apologies. I'm a little late," Byakuya said calmly as he approached. "But it looks like your graduation test is complete."
Moyu sighed. "So, you're here to invite me into Squad Six?"
Byakuya nodded with practiced formality. "As the duty of the Kuchiki clan, we must protect the interests of the Four Great Houses. Joining Squad Six not only serves me, but also—"
"Sara, I didn't expect Captain Kuchiki to take the lead."
Another burst of potent Reiatsu swept in before Byakuya could finish. A second captain entered the training ground, white haori flowing. The kanji for ten marked his back.
Captain of Squad Ten, Shiba Isshin.
The arrival of a second captain caused a frenzy in the crowd.
Dean Yan Goro dabbed cold sweat from his head, squeezing out a nervous smile. Even as dean, the presence of captains still brought a natural sense of awe.
"Has Moyu's talent really drawn in so many captains?"
Before the whispers could die down, another presence exploded across the field.
"So the competition's that intense already?"
A calm, soothing voice gave away his identity at once.
Captain of Squad Five, Aizen Sōsuke.
His appearance made Moyu rub his chin thoughtfully.
"Am I… really this popular?"
The dry sarcasm made Byakuya twitch an eyebrow. "You should consider your choice first. This is becoming larger than expected."
What was supposed to be a straightforward graduation test had clearly spiraled into something else.
If Byakuya's presence was logical due to family ties, the arrival of Shiba Isshin and Aizen Sōsuke shattered any normal expectations.
Their purpose was obvious—Moyu's graduation meant team recruitment, and captains were here to stake their claim.
His potential and strength had already been partially exposed. As captains, it was their responsibility to recruit future pillars of the Gotei 13.
"Sixth, Tenth, and Fifth Squads..."
Byakuya, as his elder brother, naturally hoped Moyu would choose the Sixth. "If possible, my suggestion is Squad Six."
His words, cold and formal, carried no visible emotion—but Moyu understood. His brother was cold outside but warm within. This direct invitation already revealed far more than words.
Choosing a different squad would feel like letting him down.
"Haha! Don't sell us short. Squad Ten's benefits aren't worse than Squad Six's!" Shiba Isshin laughed heartily. He was still young and energetic, not yet the man weighed down by loss.
"And you know what?"
He leaned in close, arm casually slung around Moyu's shoulder, whispering like an old friend.
"This wasn't my idea. It was Rangiku's. She asked me to come recruit you."
"She rarely recommends people. Last time was that kid Tōshirō."
"And you've got a lot more charm than that brat."
Isshin winked, then pulled back, leaving Moyu frozen in place.
Wait. What?!
Rangiku... wants to recruit me? I've only met her once! What is she thinking?
Before Moyu could process that, a familiar, gentle voice rose beside him.
"Mr. Moyu. Do you recall my original invitation?"
Aizen smiled warmly, radiating kindness as he extended a hand.
"The door of Squad Five is always open for you."
Before he could finish, a crushing Reiatsu slammed down like the sky collapsing. The sheer weight of it blanketed the entire training ground, freezing students in place. Most collapsed, minds blank from the sheer pressure.
A single calm voice followed from the entrance of the training ground:
"This person belongs to me."
The voice was gentle, but it carried an inescapable command.
Another captain walked in, white haori flowing, but this one radiated quiet menace. Her presence wasn't loud—but behind the soft gaze lay unshakable will.
Captain of Squad Four, Unohana Retsu.