Gin Ichimaru takes over as the Captain of the 3rd Division?
Kurotsuki Renya digested the news carefully. At present, Gin was still the Vice-Captain of the 5th Division, but now he had almost reached the point of stepping into a captain's haori.
In the original timeline, Ichimaru Gin and Kuchiki Byakuya assumed captaincy around the same period. Byakuya had already acknowledged Rukia as his adopted sister several years earlier, and at that time, he was clearly wearing the captain's uniform. Therefore, it meant that Gin Ichimaru would also have taken up his role as a Captain within these years.
Gin Ichimaru, often referred to as the second prodigy of the Shin'ō Academy after Shiba Kaien, graduated from the Academy in just a single year.
The first student who had once been labeled a genius was Shiba Kaien himself, who graduated during his first year as well, already possessing a Sixth-Class spiritual power ranking.
However, sixty-eight years ago (or one hundred and ten years prior in the original story), Kaien Shiba was still only the 3rd Seat of the 13th Division. Ukitake Jūshirō had once asked him if he would accept the Vice-Captaincy, but Kaien refused despite repeated offers.
Back then, Gin Ichimaru's name had already come up in conversations between captains. Ukitake had once teased Kaien, calling Gin the "next genius," though Kaien himself never cared for the title.
That same year, Kaien became Vice-Captain, while Gin had only just graduated. Even so, Gin advanced at a frightening rate—he killed the 3rd Seat of the 5th Division and claimed the seat for himself.
Years later, following Aizen's hollowfication experiments, Aizen himself was promoted to Captain of the 5th Division, and Gin was raised to Vice-Captain.
Now, decades later, Gin stood at the threshold of captaincy, while Shiba Kaien still remained Vice-Captain of the 13th Division.
Renya's heart grew heavier at the thought of Kaien and his wife's future, knowing they would both eventually be killed by the hollow Metastasia created by Aizen's schemes. Worse still, Rukia Kuchiki would later be dragged into that tragedy.
For now, Renya forced the thought aside. Regardless, it had to be acknowledged that outside of Hitsugaya Tōshirō, Gin's promotion rate was one of the fastest in history.
As for Hitsugaya, even though he was currently just a 3rd Seat, in about twenty years he would rise directly to Captain. Gin, however, had achieved the same within seventy years—an absurd feat by any measure.
Of course, Renya knew that Aizen's manipulations were deeply involved, ensuring Gin's path to captaincy while carefully setting up Kaname Tōsen's promotion as well.
"So? What's your opinion?"
Gin's smile widened as he stared at Renya with those infamous half-lidded eyes. His gaze was serpent-like, cold and suffocating, yet always unreadable.
Renya shook his head. "I've already decided to remain with the 2nd Division."
Renji Abarai, who had been standing nearby, frowned immediately. "Renya, what are you talking about? This is a huge opportunity!"
From Renji's perspective, refusing was madness. With a chance to become Vice-Captain, why settle for the leader of a sub-unit?
After all, the Onmitsukidō was divided into five branches, and if Renya became a corps leader, it would only be equivalent to holding a 5th Seat position at best.
Gin tilted his head curiously, still smiling. "Why? Staying in the 2nd Division means you'll never rise to Vice-Captain."
Renya answered calmly, "Becoming Vice-Captain isn't my goal."
Gin raised a brow. "Oh? Then you don't want the position at all?"
Renya nodded. "My dream was to lead a corps, and I've already achieved that. The title of Vice-Captain doesn't mean much to me. Besides, I've served in the Onmitsukidō for six years. The Captain and Lieutenant there have placed their trust in me. I don't want to abandon those bonds."
"I see." Gin's smirk widened slightly, though his eyes remained closed. "Forget it then."
With that, he turned and strolled leisurely out of the room.
Once Gin was gone, Renji turned back to Renya, clearly annoyed. "Why didn't you accept? This could've been your way to climb even higher. As Vice-Captain, you'd only be a step away from Captain."
But Hinamori Momo shook her head gently. "No, I think Renya made the right choice. Captaincy or vice-captaincy isn't everything. What matters most is staying true to the path you've chosen."
Renya let out a helpless laugh. "Alright, let's not argue over it. My decision won't change."
Rukia shifted the subject with concern. "By the way, how's your injury? Did the 4th Division say when you'll be discharged?"
Renya smiled faintly. "My injuries are healing… slowly."
. . .
Meanwhile, after leaving the 4th Division barracks, Gin made his way back toward the 5th Division. There were still a few days before the official succession ceremony, and technically, he was still serving as Vice-Captain until then.
Inside the 5th Division's offices, Aizen Sōsuke awaited him. At a glance, he immediately read Gin's expression.
"Failed?" Aizen asked smoothly.
Gin tilted his head with mock innocence. "Why? Did my face give it away?"
"Of course," Aizen replied calmly.
Gin chuckled. "Well, you're right. It really didn't work."
"And why is that?" Aizen pressed.
"He said he'd grown attached to his squadmates in the Onmitsukidō and refused to leave them. Claimed he was already satisfied with where he is."
"I see…" Aizen's lips curved faintly. "So it's sentiment that binds him. I thought he might prove more useful, someone I could mold into my plans. But in the end, he's no different from Hitsugaya—a child still shackled by emotions."
Gin tilted his head again. "So, Captain Aizen, you're giving up on him?"
"Of course," Aizen replied without hesitation. "Just as I discarded Hitsugaya, I will discard this one as well. Useless sentimentality has no value."
Gin smirked. "And here I thought I'd found a strong potential Vice-Captain. Instead, he's little more than wasted effort."
"There are always others to cultivate," Aizen said coolly. "Take Hisagi Shūhei, for example. He was already promoted to 3rd Seat of the 9th Division within four years of graduation. Under Tōsen's influence, he shows potential worth grooming. A rare talent, indeed."
Gin's grin widened. "But do we have any promising newcomers now?"
Aizen's eyes glimmered. "Do you remember the students we rescued during that hollow incident at the Academy?"
Gin nodded slowly. "Ah yes. You had your eye on three of them and even tried to recruit them directly upon graduation. Only one chose the 5th Division, though. I imagine that must've stung a little, Captain."
Aizen tilted his head, smiling faintly. "Mocking me, Gin?"
Gin's grin only stretched further. "How could I? If they refused the 5th Division, then truly, it was their loss."
Aizen's tone cooled again. "Still, those three interest me. Later, I learned they were close friends with that brat, Renya. Their talents are undeniable."
Gin asked curiously, "And which one do you favor most, Captain?"
"Renji Abarai is too reckless and is already entrenched in the 11th Division, so he's useless for our purposes. But Kira Izuru… he's different. After Renya's accelerated rise, Kira became the top of his class. His Zanpakutō possesses unique properties once released. He has no family, no anchor, no one to rely on. If you extend him the right hand, Gin, he will devote himself entirely to you."
Gin's smile took on an even sharper edge. "Understood, Captain. I'll see to it."