A/N

Hello!

Welcome to another update, faster than usual!

I've fixed the formatting issue from the last chapter sorry about that!

This chapter was really fun to write since I finally got to show off the rest of the captains.

It should also help clarify the timeline of events, but if anything still seems confusing, I'll break it all down in the next chapter.

Things are heating up, so get ready!

Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 7 – Gotei 13

Morning came softly over the Seireitei, the golden light filtering through the paper windows of Unohana's quarters. Squad 4 was already awake, moving through the barracks with quiet efficiency as the day's work began.

The hum of conversation, the sound of water being drawn for cleaning, and the light footsteps of medics moving through the halls created a familiar atmosphere of calm.

But for Unohana, something was off.

She had felt it before she had even opened her eyes. A shift in the very air around her, a disturbance so subtle that most would have dismissed it. But she was no ordinary captain, and her senses, honed over millennia, could detect the smallest ripples in the flow of reiryoku

Naruto.

She hadn't checked on him yet, but she didn't need to. His presence, or rather, the lack of it, was what unsettled her.

Naruto had never been subtle, not even as a child. His reiatsu had always been wild, a force of nature that resisted suppression, an untamed ocean pressing against whatever cage tried to contain it. Even back when he had no control, she had felt him wherever he was. He had been like a star brilliant, overwhelming, impossible to ignore.

And now?

There was nothing.

It wasn't just muted it was completely absent. As though he didn't exist at all. As though he had erased his own presence from the world.

A faint frown touched her lips as she rose from her futon, the silk of her haori slipping over her shoulders. She had spent centuries wishing Naruto could control himself, that he could master the storm inside him rather than let it spill into everything around him.

But now that he had achieved it now that he had reached a level of absolute suppression it only made her wonder how he had done it. And more importantly… why?

She needed answers, and she needed them soon.

Unohana made her way through the barracks, her presence as composed as ever, though her thoughts remained focused on Naruto.

She had decided not to seek him out immediately if he had changed as much as she suspected, then she needed to observe before making assumptions. And so, she walked through the familiar halls of Squad 4, taking in the morning activity as she headed toward her lieutenant.

When she stepped inside the barracks, Isane immediately straightened, her usual nervous energy contained just enough to maintain proper decorum. The young lieutenant had been with her for years now, but she still carried traces of the anxious academy student she had once been.

"Good morning, Captain," Isane greeted, pushing aside a small stack of medical reports.

Unohana nodded, seating herself gracefully. "Good morning, Isane. Have there been any reports of unusual disturbances overnight?"

Isane frowned slightly, tilting her head. "Unusual? No, nothing has been brought to my attention. Should there have been?"

Unohana's gaze remained unreadable. "Naruto was active last night."

The reaction was immediate. Isane stiffened, her confusion from the day before still fresh in her mind. She still wasn't sure who Naruto was… or why he called Unohana mother.

"I… I see," Isane said carefully, choosing her words. "Was he supposed to be?"

Unohana took a sip of her tea before answering. "Naruto has been away for a very long time. It is only natural that he would wish to reacquaint himself with his body and abilities."

Isane's lips parted slightly, hesitation flickering across her face before she finally voiced what had been weighing on her mind since yesterday. "Captain… just who truly is he?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with meaning.

Unohana set her cup down, regarding Isane with the same calm patience she had always shown her. "Naruto is my son."

The words were simple, yet they seemed to change everything. Isane visibly struggled to process them, her expression shifting between shock and disbelief before she finally settled on something closer to quiet acceptance.

"I… I had no idea," she admitted softly. "You never spoke of him before."

"There was no reason to," Unohana replied evenly. "Until now."

Isane glanced toward the open window, her fingers curling against the desk. "He… he feels wrong," she said quietly, almost as if afraid to speak it aloud. "I mean—I can't feel him at all. I didn't even know he was there yesterday until I saw him."

Unohana's gaze sharpened slightly. "You noticed as well."

Isane hesitated. "It's… unsettling. It's like he's not there, even when he's right in front of you."

Unohana nodded slowly. "That is why I will be observing him closely."

The unspoken meaning behind her words made Isane swallow. She had never seen her captain worried before. Not truly.

And yet, here she was speaking of her own son as if he were an unknown variable.

Isane shifted slightly. "Captain… do you trust him?"

Unohana was silent for a moment before she answered.

"I trust Naruto," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "But I do not yet know if I trust what he has become."

Isane exhaled. The implications were clear.

Naruto was different. And whatever had happened to him in those long, long centuries of imprisonment… it had left more than just physical scars.

Isane looked back at her captain. "What will you do?"

Unohana rose gracefully from her seat. "I will do what I must."

And with that, she turned to leave, her mind already focused on the conversation she would soon have with Naruto himself.

Because something had changed in him.

Naruto stood up looking out the window, adjusting the sleeves of the clean Shinigami uniform Unohana had provided him. The fabric was crisp, well-fitted, and a stark contrast to the rags he had worn in Shi. His reflection stared back at him, the golden morning light spilling in through the window, illuminating his pale features.

He had been awake for hours.

Sleep had not come easily, not that he had expected it to. Even with the comfort of a proper futon, even with the warmth of a real room surrounding him, his body was restless. The silence of Shi still clung to him, whispering in the back of his mind like a ghost that refused to fade. The emptiness had been his only companion for so long, and now, being surrounded by sound, by life, felt almost foreign.

But today was not a day for reflection.

Today was a test.

The Gotei 13 wanted to see if he was still fit to be a Shinigami.

The thought made his lips curl slightly, but there was no humour in it. If they wanted a spectacle, he would give them one.

His body had changed. His mind had changed. But he was still Naruto Unohana, and he was not about to let anyone dictate his worth.

He adjusted the uniform one last time before picking up his Zanpakutō from the nearby stand. The familiar weight of it in his grasp felt right as if his body had been incomplete without it. He ran a finger along the edge of the hilt, feeling the smooth texture beneath his fingertips.

"Collapse the boundary… Limitless."

The words hovered on his tongue, but he did not speak them aloud. His Shikai was his greatest asset, and while he had reacquainted himself with it the night before, today's test was not about power.

It was about control.

He had plenty of that now.

With one last glance at his reflection, he turned toward the door. It was time.

The halls of Squad 4 were already active as Naruto stepped out into the open, the crisp morning air brushing against his skin. Shinigami passed by him, going about their daily duties, yet none of them spared him more than a passing glance.

It was strange.

For a moment, he almost expected the stares, the hushed whispers, the tension that should have come with someone like him walking among them again. But there was none of that.

Because they didn't know who he was.

The thought was both amusing and bitter. He had once been a prodigy, someone whispered about in the Academy, someone whose very presence had shaken the ranks of the Gotei 13. And now?

Now, he was a ghost.

He walked through the familiar paths with a steady pace, taking in the minor differences in architecture, the new structures that had replaced the old ones. Time had reshaped the Soul Society while he had been buried in darkness.

When he reached the entrance to the First Division's barracks, he was met with a familiar presence.

Unohana was already waiting for him.

She stood with her hands folded neatly in front of her, her posture as composed as ever. Her eyes met his with quiet scrutiny, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, she inclined her head slightly. "You are prepared."

It wasn't a question.

Naruto rolled his shoulders, exhaling slowly. "Yeah."

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she finally turned. "Then let us not keep them waiting."

She walked ahead, and he followed.

The doors to the grand chamber of the First Division slid open, revealing the Gotei 13 in full force.

Naruto stepped inside, his glowing blue eyes sweeping over the figures before him.

The weight of a dozen powerful gazes pressing down upon him. The Gotei 13 had assembled in full, each captain standing in their designated positions, their expressions ranging from curiosity to caution, from cold analysis to quiet amusement.

At the heart of them all, like a mountain that had never crumbled, stood Yamamoto, the Head Captain. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, bore into Naruto with the same scrutiny that had judged countless warriors before him. The sheer weight of his reiatsu was suffocating to most. But to Naruto, it was simply… there.

To Yamamoto's left, Shunsui Kyōraku leaned slightly against his own haori, his hat tilted just enough to partially shield his expression. Despite his usual lazy demeanor, his sharp brown eyes studied Naruto carefully, the calculating mind behind them impossible to ignore.

Beside him, Jūshirō Ukitake stood in composed silence, his white hair catching the morning light. He was observant, his kind eyes hiding an intelligence that few could match.

On the other side, Byakuya Kuchiki, the embodiment of noble grace, remained still, his posture perfect, his cold gaze unreadable.

Not far from him, Soi Fon, the Captain of the Second Division, stood with her arms folded, her sharp features set in a rigid scowl. She was tense, her eyes watching him with suspicion.

Naruto's gaze flickered toward Sajin Komamura, the giant wolf-headed Captain of Squad 7, standing in absolute discipline, his heavy armour glinting in the dim light.

Then, to Kenpachi Zaraki, who stood further down, a grin spreading across his face like a man who had just found something interesting.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the twisted Captain of Squad 12, seemed mildly curious, while Tōshirō Hitsugaya, the youngest Captain present, regarded Naruto with quiet scrutiny.

Then, there were the three that Naruto had already expected to be watching him for entirely different reasons.

Sōsuke Aizen, his calm, almost too pleasant expression gave nothing away, but Naruto could feel the subtle weight of his interest. Gin Ichimaru, the ever-smirking enigma, stood nearby, his fox-like grin widened just enough to suggest amusement.

And finally, Kaname Tōsen, his expression hidden behind his dark glasses, standing firm with a quiet intensity.

It was an orchestra of power, each captain standing as a representation of the Gotei 13's highest order. And in the middle of it all stood Naruto Unohana, the ghost they had long buried.

Standing beside him, Unohana remained composed, her presence an unwavering constant. Her hands were folded neatly, her face serene, but Naruto knew her well enough to recognize the subtle tension in her stance. She had been waiting for this moment just as much as he had.

For better or worse, the past had come back to haunt the Soul Society.

Yamamoto's deep voice broke the silence.

"Unohana Naruto . You stand before the Gotei 13 to determine if you are still fit to hold the title of Shinigami."

Naruto let out a slow breath, rolling his neck slightly, feeling the fabric of his new uniform against his skin. He had expected some formal nonsense, but hearing the words still made something deep inside him twist.

He raised his head, his glowing blue eyes sweeping over the captains before landing back on Yamamoto. His lips curled slightly, a lazy smirk forming.

"I already know the answer to that."

The words left his mouth with quiet confidence, but his voice carried through the hall nonetheless.

"But go ahead. Let's see if you do."

The reaction was immediate, subtle shifts in posture and energy radiating from the assembled captains.

Kyōraku's smirk twitched upward slightly as he pulled the brim of his hat lower, clearly entertained. Byakuya's expression did not change, but there was a distinct flicker of disapproval in his gaze.

Kenpachi let out a low chuckle, his grin stretching further. "Hah, I like this guy." His voice carried over the silence, his presence still crackling with uncontained excitement.

Soi Fon, however, narrowed her eyes, visibly irritated at the blatant lack of respect in Naruto's tone. Her arms remained folded, her expression tightening. She despised arrogance, and right now, Naruto Unohana radiated nothing but confidence.

Gin let out a small laugh, his ever-present smirk widening just enough to hint at mischief. "Ooh, bold one, ain'tcha?" His voice was light, playful, but Naruto could feel the sharp edge of something else hidden beneath it.

Aizen remained silent, his posture relaxed, his lips holding a faint smile as if he were merely observing an experiment in progress. Tōsen, standing beside him, did not react visibly, but there was an unmistakable tension in the way he held himself.

Yamamoto, however, remained unmoved. His ancient eyes held no emotion, no reaction to Naruto's words. Instead, he simply exhaled through his nose, his grip tightening on the hilt of his cane.

"Arrogance does not earn you favour here, Unohana Naruto."

Naruto let out a low hum, shifting his stance slightly. "Not arrogance," he corrected, tilting his head. "Just certainty."

A brief silence stretched between them before Yamamoto finally spoke again.

"We shall see."

Yamamoto turned slightly, his gaze shifting toward Aizen. "Captain Aizen, you will oversee the first assessment."

The declaration was met with a subtle shift in the air.

Naruto's smirk faltered just slightly, but he quickly masked it, exhaling through his nose as he finally turned his full attention to the man who had whispered in the dark for centuries.

Aizen smiled. It was calm, measured, utterly unreadable.

"I would be honoured, Head Captain," he said smoothly. His eyes drifted toward Naruto, amusement dancing beneath the surface. "It has been a very long time since I last heard of you, Naruto."

Naruto's fingers twitched against his Zanpakutō. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice even. "It has."

The past stood between them like a silent battlefield.

The first test had begun.

Naruto stood in the centre of the arena, his Zanpakutō resting comfortably in his grip. The grand chamber had been cleared for this portion of his assessment, leaving only the captains and a select few high-ranking officers to witness.

At the front, Sōsuke Aizen stood opposite him, his own blade already drawn, yet his stance was relaxed, almost nonchalant. His warm smile betrayed nothing, but Naruto knew better than to trust what was visible on the surface. Aizen was always watching, always analysing.

For centuries, this man had whispered in the darkness, feeding Naruto pieces of the truth, playing his own careful game of manipulation. And yet, even after everything Aizen had told him in Shi, Naruto had no intention of acknowledging his so-called vision.

Not yet.

If Aizen was waiting for him to fall in line, he would be waiting a long time.

Yamamoto's voice cut through the quiet. "This will be a test of Zanjutsu. Captain Aizen, you will assess Naruto's swordsmanship. No Shikai, no Kido, only pure skill."

Aizen bowed slightly. "Understood."

Naruto let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders. He was fully aware that both of them would be holding back, hiding their true abilities beneath the guise of an ordinary spar. Neither of them wanted to expose too much.

Aizen wanted to maintain his facade.

And Naruto?

Naruto wanted to see for himself what the modern Soul Society had become.

Without another word, he lifted his blade, his grip loose but controlled.

Aizen's smile never wavered.

Then, in a flash of movement, their swords met.

The clash of steel echoed through the chamber as Naruto and Aizen exchanged the first set of blows, their movements fluid yet restrained. Aizen's technique was precise, each strike calculated to test rather than overpower.

Naruto, however, was not so passive.

He pressed forward, his attacks shifting between smooth elegance and unpredictable sharpness. He had spent centuries refining his control, sharpening his instincts in complete isolation. Even with just basic swordplay, his skill was something to fear.

Aizen's eyes gleamed with interest as he parried, stepping lightly to the side as Naruto's next strike came within an inch of his throat.

"Impressive," Aizen mused, his voice carrying only mild amusement. "Even after all this time, you haven't lost your edge."

Naruto smirked. "You'd be surprised what a few centuries of stillness does to your technique."

Aizen's movements remained fluid, not a single wasted motion. "Stillness sharpens the mind, but it does not sharpen the blade. Yours, however, seems sharper than ever."

Naruto chuckled, deflecting an incoming strike with a flick of his wrist. "What can I say? I'm a fast learner."

The captains watching the match remained silent, their eyes locked onto the duel.

Kyōraku observed the match with a lazy but knowing gaze, while Ukitake's expression was thoughtful, no doubt remembering the last time Naruto had spared them as a child prodigy.

Byakuya, watched with his usual detached analysis. Kenpachi Zaraki, on the other hand, was grinning, clearly itching to fight Naruto himself.

But the most notable reaction came from Soi Fon.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Naruto's movements, clearly recognizing that he was holding back just as much as Aizen was.

A test between two men who refused to reveal their full strength.

Their blades met once more, locking in place.

Naruto's smirk widened slightly. "You're not taking me seriously, Aizen."

Aizen's smile never faltered. "And neither are you."

Naruto leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough so that only Aizen could hear.

"You're not ready for me yet, and I'm not interested in you… yet."

For the first time, Aizen's smile twitched—so small that no one else would have noticed.

Naruto pressed forward once more, their blades clashing again before Yamamoto finally raised a hand.

"Enough."

Aizen stepped back smoothly, sheathing his sword with practiced ease. Naruto followed suit, letting out a slow breath before rolling his shoulders.

The Head Captain nodded. "Your swordsmanship remains impeccable." His eyes, however, remained unreadable. "But we will now test your speed."

Soi Fon stepped forward.

Naruto tilted his head slightly as he studied her.

Soi Fon, Captain of the Second Division, Commander-in-Chief of the Stealth Force.

She was disciplined, every motion controlled, every movement purposeful. She was not the strongest in terms of raw power, but in terms of speed and precision, there were few who could match her.

She unfolded her arms, her gaze sharp. "This will be a test of Shunpo and combat awareness. Try to keep up."

Naruto smirked. "I should be the one saying that."

Soi Fon's eyes flashed, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face before she vanished.

She moved with lethal efficiency, her speed almost instantaneous, appearing behind him with her blade already in motion.

Naruto, however, had already anticipated it.

With minimal effort, he sidestepped just enough to let her strike graze the air, his body moving with an unnatural ease.

The captains watching took notice.

Naruto didn't just react fast he reacted perfectly.

Soi Fon narrowed her eyes before vanishing again, flickering from multiple angles in quick succession. Each time, Naruto adjusted just barely, dodging by inches, his expression almost bored.

Kyōraku let out a soft chuckle. "Well, well… looks like he hasn't lost his instincts."

Ukitake smiled slightly, watching the exchange. "He's always had a natural understanding of movement."

Soi Fon pressed harder, appearing in front of him once more. But just as she struck, Naruto suddenly leaned forward too close, too fast his face inches from hers as he grinned.

"Too slow."

For a split second, Soi Fon froze.

Her eyes widened slightly, but before she could react, Naruto was gone, flickering out of sight before reappearing above her, landing lightly on a nearby railing.

The chamber was silent.

Soi Fon stiffened, realizing she had just been outmaneuvered in her own domain.

Naruto tilted his head, smirking. "Guess the Stealth Force lost a step while I was gone."

Soi Fon's jaw clenched.

Kyōraku laughed, shaking his head. Ukitake chuckled as well, while Kenpachi let out an impressed grunt.

Soi Fon, however, was still glaring.

Naruto smirked wider.

He had a feeling he'd enjoy messing with her.

The chamber remained silent as Yamamoto stroked his beard in thought, his ancient eyes holding an unreadable weight as they settled on Naruto. The Head Captain's words came slow, deliberate, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

"You have performed well. However, before we move forward, I would like Captain Unohana to assess your mind."

A ripple of tension spread through the room.

Naruto stiffened ever so slightly, his fingers twitching against the hilt of his Zanpakutō. He had expected scrutiny. He had expected resistance. But this? This was… dangerous.

Aizen's gaze remained passive, but Naruto could feel his amusement from across the room. He could already hear the unspoken thought behind that carefully constructed smile.

Let's see what they find, shall we?

Naruto exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to relax. He turned to Unohana, meeting her calm, steady gaze. Of all the captains in this room, she was the only one he could trust with something as intimate as this. Even so, there was something uneasy in his chest, something primal that whispered for him to resist.

But he didn't.

Instead, he forced a small, lazy smirk. "I've got nothing to hide."

Unohana stepped forward, her presence as composed as ever. "Very well," she said, voice carrying the same serene authority she had always held. "I will begin."

Naruto let out a slow breath, relaxing his stance. But inside, he braced himself.

Unohana's fingers barely grazed his temple before he felt the pull.

It was subtle at first, like dipping into a pool of still water, a calm ripple spreading outward as she probed the surface of his consciousness. Naruto remained steady, his breathing even, refusing to let any discomfort show.

But then the ripples turned into waves.

Unohana pressed deeper, peeling back the layers of his mind, skimming through memories, through pain, through centuries of isolation.

Naruto staggered, his jaw tightening as his reiatsu flared not in an attempt to attack, but as an instinctive response to the intrusion. His spiritual pressure pressed outward, distorting the very air, forcing several captains to tense involuntarily.

Even Yamamoto's eyes narrowed slightly.

Unohana, however, did not flinch.

She continued, her voice calm, steady, guiding her power with the precision of a master healer.

But as she delved deeper, her own breath caught.

She saw it.

The emptiness. The loneliness. The crushing nothingness that had swallowed him whole for centuries.

But more than that, she saw something else.

Something he had locked away even from himself.

Her fingers trembled just slightly before she suddenly withdrew, severing the connection before she could fall any further. Her expression remained composed, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes.

Naruto exhaled sharply, his breath unsteady for half a second before he forced himself to relax. He straightened, rolling his shoulders, ignoring the lingering feeling of being exposed.

Unohana turned back to Yamamoto, keeping her face neutral.

"Naruto is fine."

Naruto's glowing blue eyes flickered toward her, unreadable.

She was lying…

Lying for him…

Yamamoto studied her for a long moment before finally nodding. "Very well."

The air in the room shifted once more, and Yamamoto's gaze returned to Naruto, his voice as unwavering as ever.

"Naruto Unohana, do you still wish to continue as a Shinigami?"

The words rang in Naruto's ears, echoing louder than they should have.

Did he still want to serve an organization that had abandoned him?

Did he still want to wear the same uniform that had sentenced him to centuries of isolation?

He could feel Aizen's gaze on him.

He could feel Unohana's presence beside him.

The weight of every captain's expectation, of every thought they weren't saying aloud.

But when it came down to it, there was only one answer.

He breathed in. Then, with a voice as steady as ever, he said, "Yes."

Yamamoto nodded, as if expecting the answer. "Then which division will you serve under?"

Naruto didn't hesitate.

"Squad 4, of course."

There was no deliberation, no moment of thought.

Unohana did not react outwardly, but Naruto could sense the slight shift in her reiatsu the quiet relief beneath her otherwise composed demeanour.

Soi Fon's eyes narrowed slightly, almost as if she found the answer unexpected. Byakuya barely glanced his way. Kyōraku, however, chuckled under his breath, while Kenpachi let out an amused grunt.

Yamamoto stroked his beard. "As expected."

There was no argument. No objections.

It was as if everyone had already known that would be his answer.

Yamamoto continued, "Have you ever achieved Bankai?"

Naruto's smirk faded just slightly.

He met the Head Captain's gaze evenly.

"No."

Yamamoto studied him carefully but gave only a curt nod. "Then, as of this moment, you are reinstated as a Shinigami of the Gotei 13. Captain Unohana will oversee your reintegration. You will serve under Squad 4, and she will keep a close eye on you in the meantime."

Naruto exhaled, rolling his shoulders slightly. "That's fine."

Yamamoto let his gaze settle on him for a moment longer before finally turning back to the rest of the captains.

"This meeting is over."

The air shifted, and just like that, the tension broke.

The captains began to disperse, their reactions varied.

Kyōraku and Ukitake approached Naruto with amused smiles, their presence a welcome shift in energy.

Kyōraku chuckled, adjusting his hat. "You know, last time we saw you, you were still a brat running around the Academy. Now, you're taller than us. It's kind of rude, don't you think?"

Naruto smirked, shaking his head. "I don't know, old man. Maybe you're just shrinking."

Ukitake let out a hearty laugh. "It's good to see you back, Naruto."

Naruto shrugged. "Well, someone had to come back and remind you guys of what real talent looks like."

Kyōraku laughed, but the subtle sharpness in his gaze didn't fade. He had always been good at reading people.

Naruto knew they had questions.

They all did.

But for now, no one was asking them.

Hitsugaya, who had been silent until now, finally stepped forward. His expression remained neutral, his sharp turquoise eyes watching Naruto carefully.

Naruto regarded him for a moment before smirking. "You're a prodigy, huh?"

Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes. "I suppose so."

Naruto chuckled, his voice quieter. "You're what I could've been… if things had gone differently."

The words lingered in the air for a moment before Hitsugaya gave a small nod. "Perhaps."

Naruto exhaled, looking up toward the sky before rubbing the back of his head.

"Well. Looks like I've got a whole new world to figure out."

The walk back to the Squad 4 barracks was relatively quiet, the sounds of the Seireitei filling the space between Naruto and Unohana. The two moved at a steady pace, the morning sun casting long shadows against the white stone paths as the Gotei 13 resumed its daily operations.

Naruto, however, wasn't entirely focused on the scenery. His mind lingered on the events of the meeting, particularly Unohana's mental probe. His instincts told him she had seen something something she wasn't sharing.

She had lied to the Head Captain for him.

That meant she knew something.

But she wasn't saying anything yet, and Naruto wasn't about to push her for answers when he didn't know if he wanted them himself.

Still, he broke the silence as they walked.

"So, that was fun," he muttered, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the lingering tension of the Gotei 13's scrutiny. "Nice to know I can still hold a sword properly."

Unohana glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her hands folded neatly inside her sleeves. "You performed as expected."

Naruto chuckled. "Expected? You didn't expect me to tease the Captain of the Stealth Force like that, did you?"

Unohana remained composed, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "I expected you to make yourself known. I also expected you to hold back."

Naruto shrugged, smirking. "Wouldn't be fun if I showed them everything at once."

Unohana hummed, not pressing further.

As they neared the entrance to the Squad 4 barracks, Naruto glanced up at the building. The layout was different from what he remembered, but the atmosphere remained the same calm, controlled, distant from the other divisions.

It was a place of healing, not war.

And yet, for someone like him, it was the only place that had ever felt like home.

When they stepped inside, several members of the division paused upon seeing Unohana, standing at attention. Their gazes, however, flickered toward Naruto, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty in their expressions.

Isane Kotetsu, Squad 4's Lieutenant, was already waiting in the main hall, standing beside Yasochika Iemura, the 3rd Seat officer.

Unohana didn't waste time. "Naruto will be joining you both as co-3rd Seat officer."

Isane blinked in mild surprise but nodded without hesitation. "Understood, Captain."

Yasochika, on the other hand, seemed more visibly taken aback, adjusting his glasses with a flick of his wrist. "A co-3rd Seat, Captain?" His gaze shifted toward Naruto, studying him carefully. "That's highly unusual."

Unohana's calm gaze silenced any further protest. "It is necessary."

Naruto, however, raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. "Wait a second," he said, turning to Unohana. "Isn't seating based on strength? No offense to Isane, but shouldn't I be at least Lieutenant?"

Isane visibly tensed, her discomfort clear, though she didn't react outwardly.

Unohana remained impassive. "While you are strong, Naruto, you lack the knowledge and understanding required to be a higher officer. Furthermore, you would not suit the position of Lieutenant."

Naruto scoffed, crossing his arms. "And why's that?"

Unohana turned toward Isane. "Because Lieutenant Kotetsu is already exceptional in her role. You will see that for yourself."

Naruto glanced at Isane, who was clearly still uncomfortable with him, before clicking his tongue. "Fine, fine. I'll be the best damn 3rd Seat you've ever had."

Unohana's gaze remained steady. "I expect no less."

Then, with a shift in posture, she added, "And since you have chosen to remain in Squad 4, I also expect you to be a Kidō specialist."

Naruto grinned lazily, waving a hand. "Of course! I'm a Kidō genius. No problem at all."

Unohana studied him for a moment before closing her eyes. "I will test you at a later date."

Naruto's grin froze.

Unohana's knowing gaze met his.

"You wouldn't lie to me about something like that, would you?"

Naruto cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his head. "Never. I'm definitely a Kidō specialist. You'll see."

Unohana's lips curled just slightly before she turned back toward Isane. "Take care of my son."

The words left her as naturally as breathing, but their weight struck the room like a thunderclap.

Isane's eyes widened slightly. Yasochika's lips parted as if he wanted to ask something but knew better than to speak.

Naruto simply sighed, shaking his head.

"Way to make things weird, Kaa-san."

Unohana didn't respond. Instead, with the same elegant steps she had carried for centuries, she left, vanishing into the halls beyond.

And with that, Naruto was left alone with Isane, who still didn't seem to know what to do with him.

Isane took a slow breath, adjusting herself as she turned toward Naruto.

"Alright," she said, keeping her voice professional. "Since you'll be serving as co-3rd Seat, I'll show you around and explain your responsibilities."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Are you always this stiff?"

Isane's posture straightened even further. "I take my duties seriously."

Naruto chuckled, following her as she began leading him through the barracks. Despite her rigid professionalism, her unease was obvious.

Naruto wasn't blind. He knew he made people uncomfortable. He had just walked out of an 800-year-long imprisonment and immediately been placed into an officer position. To them, he was an unknown variable, something dangerous, something that didn't belong.

Isane was clearly trying to be professional, but the uncertainty in her reiatsu was impossible to miss.

As they walked through the halls, Naruto exhaled through his nose. "You can relax, you know. I'm not going to bite."

Isane shot him a quick glance before looking ahead again. "I'm not tense."

Naruto grinned. "You're totally tense."

"I am not."

"You definitely are."

Isane ignored him, continuing to walk. "This section is where most of our injured are housed. Squad 4 is responsible for all healing and medical treatment within the Gotei 13. That means—"

Naruto cut her off. "Yeah, yeah. I know all that. Kaa-san made sure I knew everything back when I was here before."

Isane stiffened slightly at the casual mention of Unohana but didn't comment. Instead, she turned toward him, narrowing her eyes slightly. "If that's the case, then why were you surprised about your seating?"

Naruto shrugged, his grin widening. "Because I thought strength mattered more."

Isane huffed, folding her arms. "In Squad 4, knowledge matters just as much as strength. You can't heal if you don't understand how."

Naruto's smirk softened just slightly, his glowing blue eyes flickering with something unreadable. "Yeah… I guess you're right."

For the first time, Isane saw something genuine in his expression something that made her realize that maybe, just maybe, Naruto wasn't as reckless as he pretended to be.

In a private chamber, two figures stood facing one another, their words drifting like secrets into the air.

Gin Ichimaru, leaned against the doorframe with his usual lazy smile, but his sharp, eyes held something far more calculated. His voice, playful as always, carried a subtle edge.

"So, tell me, Captain… why'd ya do it?"

Aizen glanced up, his expression remaining unreadable. "Do what, Gin?"

Gin tilted his head, amusement flickering in his tone. "Don't play dumb with me, Aizen. Why'd ya let the kid Unohana go?"

Aizen's fingers traced the rim of his tea cup, his gaze momentarily flickering toward the window. Outside, the Seireitei carried on, unaware of the deeper currents running beneath its surface.

"I didn't."

Gin's expression didn't change, but there was a slight pause before he hummed thoughtfully. "Oh? Now that's interestin." He took a slow step into the room, his sandals making a barely audible sound against the wooden floor. "So ya mean to tell me… someone else did?"

Aizen set his tea down, his calm demeanour never faltering. "Perhaps. By the time I eliminated Central 46, the decision had already been made."

Gin's smile widened, but his eyes remained unreadable. "Now that's a funny thing, ain't it? You'd think they'd be more careful 'bout releasin' a relic from the past… especially one with a grudge."

Aizen leaned back slightly, studying Gin with quiet interest. "And yet, here he is. Walking freely. Re instituted into the Gotei 13. It seems fate has its own designs."

Gin chuckled softly, folding his arms inside his sleeves. "Fate, huh? I dunno, Aizen… seems more like someone gave him a little push."

Aizen didn't answer immediately. Instead, he let the silence settle, as if savouring the weight of the moment. Then, with a faint, knowing smile, he replied,

"Perhaps."

Gin's grin didn't falter, but there was something colder in his gaze now something almost curious.

"Well, ain't that somethin'…" He rocked back on his heels, his voice still light but his mind clearly working beneath the surface. "Guess the real question is… what now?"

Aizen closed his eyes for a brief moment before speaking. "Now? Now we watch." His tone was casual, as if he were discussing the weather, but the intent behind his words was anything but.

Gin's smile remained, but there was a glint in his eyes…

The halls of the Second Division were quiet, but the presence of Soi Fon was anything but.

Her steps were sharp, precise, carrying an unmistakable weight of frustration as she moved through the barracks. Those under her command instinctively stiffened, keeping their distance as she passed, recognizing the edge in her movements.

She wasn't furious, not quite.

But she was irritated.

Irritated in a way that settled into her bones, that burned beneath her skin, that refused to be ignored.

Unohana Naruto.

That arrogant brat had walked out of Shi after 800 years, performed a mockery of a test, and had the nerve to taunt her, the Captain of the Stealth Force as if she were just another opponent to be toyed with.

She hadn't been going all out, of course. It had only been a test, an evaluation, not a fight to prove dominance. If she had been serious, she would have ended the encounter before he could have gotten a word out.

At least, that's what she told herself.

But the fact that he had dodged her with such ease, with no effort at all, that he had mocked her with his smirk and his words—

"Too slow."

Soi Fon's jaw tightened.

It wasn't the fact that he had been fast. It was the fact that he had been so damn casual about it.

The complete lack of respect, the ease in which he dismissed her skill, as if she were nothing more than a child playing a game it grated against every instinct she had.

The worst part was that he was Unohana's.

Of all people, Unohana Retsu, the most composed, one of the most feared, most respected Captain in the entire Gotei 13, how could she have raised someone so reckless, so insufferable?

Naruto carried himself with an arrogance that was undeserved, an attitude that was infuriating.

For someone who called himself Unohana's son, he certainly didn't act like it.

A sharp exhale left her lips as she stepped into her private quarters, her fingers flexing before clenching into fists. She had fought many opponents in her life, had faced enemies that had threatened the balance of the Soul Society itself, and yet.

Naruto bothered her, not just because of his skill or his attitude.

But because something about him felt wrong….

Chapter 7 – Gotei 13 End

A/N

And that's the end…

I hope this chapter fixed the flaws from the last one.

Back to the original format, so everything should have flowed better and made more sense.

Soi-Fon finally made her first appearance! It's going to be a slow romance, but trust the process, I'll make it work.

I've been planning ahead, so while some major events will align with canon (like Ichigo's arrival), things will play out very differently.

Naruto will be spending some time with Squad 4, forming new bonds, maybe even some unexpected ones…

But don't worry, I'm not rushing anything. Let's take our time and enjoy the journey!

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

byebye!