Kira glanced at Toshiro before saying, "Of course. Although I am the top student of this year, to be personally invited by Captain Aizen is an honor. I will be in your care from now on, Captain."
Though he said this, Kira actually leaned more towards going to the 10th Division to help Toshiro.
Kira could never forget the scene during the field training when he, Momo, and Renji were surrounded by Hollows.
Although his grades were the best among the three, when faced with the fear of death, his performance was the most pitiful.
Paralyzed with fear before the Hollows' threat, he could only scream in despair.
Just as he was about to be killed by a Hollow, Toshiro suddenly descended from the sky, saving him and giving him courage.
From then on, Kira decided Toshiro was not just a friend but a benefactor he needed to repay for a lifetime.
During this gathering, Kira actually hoped Toshiro would invite him to join the 10th Division.
Since being saved by Toshiro, Kira's life goal was no longer just becoming a Lieutenant. He wanted to become Toshiro's Lieutenant when Toshiro became a Captain.
The reason he accepted Aizen's invitation was twofold: First, Toshiro hadn't invited him, and second, Toshiro was currently only a Third Seat, not a Captain, and didn't need assistance.
Of course, the main reason was that he had just graduated and lacked the ability to help Toshiro. Since Aizen offered, Kira thought he might as well go to the 5th Division to gain experience. When he was capable enough, he would go help Toshiro.
Kira never shared these thoughts with anyone, so Toshiro didn't know his intentions.
Seeing Kira accept his invitation, the smile on Aizen's face grew slightly more genuine.
Then Aizen said gently to Kira, "Kira-kun, I'm truly glad you accepted my request. Then, I will await your good news in the 5th Division."
"Third Seat Hitsugaya, Kira-kun, Hinamori-kun, Abarai-kun, I won't disturb your gathering among friends. If any of you ever wish to come to the 5th Division, you are welcome anytime."
Aizen stood up to bid farewell.
Turning his back to everyone, the smile on Aizen's face vanished.
'Only one person agreed. So, the objective is only one-third complete? Did the other two refuse because of Hitsugaya Toshiro?'
'Hitsugaya Toshiro, this matter won't end like this. Anyway, the plan still needs decades. If I have time, I'll play with you. Consider it passing the time.'
Thinking this, Aizen left without further hesitation.
Watching Aizen leave, Toshiro couldn't help but sigh in relief, though he still didn't dare completely relax. Who knew if he truly left or was hiding somewhere?
"Kira, have you really decided on the 5th Division?"
Toshiro asked.
Toshiro knew Aizen's true purpose in inviting them.
A glimmer of hope hidden in his eyes, Kira said, "Well, Toshiro, if you want me to go to the 10th Division, that's possible too. I could just refuse Captain Aizen. Given Captain Aizen's magnanimity, he probably wouldn't mind."
Toshiro thought for a moment. "No, if you want to go to the 5th Division, then go."
Toshiro remembered Kira, Momo, and Renji once said their life goal was to become Lieutenants.
If Kira went to the 5th Division, he would quickly be sent by Aizen to Gin to become a Lieutenant, fulfilling his life's pursuit.
Moreover, a mere Lieutenant was just an ant to Aizen, and he wouldn't specifically try to kill him.
Going to the 5th Division meant achieving his life goal of becoming a Lieutenant sooner, with no real danger. For Kira, it might not be a bad thing. So, Toshiro didn't stop him.
"Is that so?"
Hearing this, Kira couldn't help but look at Toshiro somewhat disappointedly.
Toshiro felt completely confused. He felt Kira's gaze today was a bit off, looking at him inexplicably several times.
Toshiro was starting to get goosebumps from his look.
"Kira, what's wrong? I feel you've been acting strange since earlier."
Toshiro asked, puzzled.
"No, it's nothing. Just feeling a bit sad that we won't be in the same division."
Kira quickly explained.
Hearing this, Toshiro couldn't help but laugh. "What's there to be sad about? The Gotei 13's Divisions are all close. We can meet anytime during breaks."
"Alright, don't think too much about it. Let's keep eating before the food gets cold."
Toshiro picked up his chopsticks.
Kira also temporarily set aside his thoughts and enjoyed the food and drink.
After the meal, Toshiro and the others wandered around Rukongai for a bit before heading back.
Three days later.
The 10th Division's members gathered again to welcome the new arrivals.
Momo stood before the group introducing herself. "Um... hello, seniors. I'm Hinamori Momo. I'll be in your care from now on."
After Momo finished, the 10th Division's members immediately started discussing.
"Great! Our 10th Division finally got a pretty female member. I must pursue her!"
"She's really cute. I think she's much better than Lieutenant Matsumoto," said Member A.
"Is that so? But I still think Lieutenant Matsumoto is better. After all, her figure is so hot, especially her... heh heh heh..." Member B trailed off with a lecherous laugh.
"Well, although Lieutenant Matsumoto is good-looking with a great figure, her personality is really hard to take. I think this new Hinamori Momo is better. Pretty and looks gentle," Member A argued.
Hearing the members discussing Momo below, Toshiro's face turned cold. He scolded loudly, "Enough! You bastards, listen up! Momo is my woman. If anyone dares bully her, I'll break their legs!"
Hearing Toshiro call Momo his woman, those who were enthusiastically chatting instantly wilted.
Toshiro looked at everyone. "Who just said they wanted to pursue Momo? Step forward."
"No, no, Third Seat Hitsugaya! You must have misheard!"
Everyone quickly denied.
Then, the 10th Division's members shouted in unison to Momo, "Welcome to the 10th Division! Mrs. Hitsugaya!"
Momo's face turned bright red, while Toshiro nodded in satisfaction. "Hmm, you know what's good for you. I'll let you off this time."