Bleach: I Love Making Friends

"Hmm…"

Haruki offered a mysterious smile. "Maybe I'm just naturally gifted in this area," he said, his tone humble but vague.

"Who knows? If I ever tire of being in the squad, I might consider becoming a teacher at the Spiritual Arts Academy."

Hitsugaya gave him a long, thoughtful look. There was something about Haruki that felt enigmatic. Despite his claims of being an ordinary Shinigami, Hitsugaya sensed a hidden depth—something extraordinary about him.

While Hitsugaya didn't have much experience with Shinigami, Haruki stood out as someone unique. Whatever the truth, Haruki had guided him to the path of becoming a Shinigami, so Hitsugaya chose to trust him. Perhaps Haruki simply preferred to remain low-profile.

...

Hitsugaya wasn't there for training that evening but rather to thank Haruki. However, during the impromptu "evening class," he was astonished to discover that under Haruki's guidance, he made incredible progress. Every lesson clicked instantly.

This man… is terrifying.

The realization strengthened Hitsugaya's suspicion: Haruki was far from ordinary.

Meanwhile, the other three—Renji, Kira, and Hinamori—focused on their training without overthinking Haruki's mysterious nature. Haruki noted that Renji's favorability was steadily increasing. Soon, he might permanently acquire Star Chaser.

However, the special teaching buff from Stern Master-Apprentice Bond was about to expire. Without it, Haruki knew he wouldn't be as effective at teaching, and his improvised lessons would have to stop.

...

That night, Haruki bid farewell to the four of them. The following day, he wouldn't need to patrol Rukongai, leaving him with time to focus on his training. He also planned to strengthen his relationship with Tanimoto Tetsu. Destructive Death Beam was a formidable ability, and Haruki had already experienced its effectiveness against Metastacia.

...

The next morning, Haruki arrived early at the Squad Five barracks, eager to begin training.

With Prodigy active, Haruki felt his spiritual energy absorption rate soar. Though it had only been three days since he transmigrated, he already felt himself nearing the level of a seated officer. By his estimation, his combat strength was equivalent to that of an eighth or ninth seat Shinigami.

...

As he trained, a familiar voice interrupted him. "You're quite diligent, Haruki-kun."

Startled, Haruki turned to see Aizen Sōsuke approaching with a gentle smile.

"Captain Aizen!" Haruki immediately straightened and bowed respectfully. "It's nothing special. I'm just trying to make up for my lack of talent by working harder than others."

"An admirable mindset," Aizen said warmly. "If every Shinigami in the Gotei 13 shared Haruki-kun's resolve, Seireitei would be truly invincible."

"You flatter me, Captain," Haruki replied modestly. "I only wish to restore my family's honor. My aspirations are modest."

Aizen studied him for a moment, then asked unexpectedly, "Would you be interested in becoming a seated officer?"

Haruki blinked in surprise. "A seated officer? But… doesn't the squad already have a full roster?"

"Southfield-san, our Ninth Seat, was attacked by a Hollow yesterday," Aizen explained with a faint sigh of regret. "His position is now vacant."

An attack by a Hollow? Haruki thought skeptically. This has Aizen's fingerprints all over it.

Still, he masked his suspicion, instead smiling brightly. "I'd be honored, Captain Aizen! But… is my current strength adequate for the role?"

"Don't worry," Aizen assured him. "I have faith that Haruki-kun will rise to the occasion."

"I'll do my best!" Haruki said with conviction, his voice echoing across the training grounds.

...

After Aizen left, several squad members gathered around Haruki, congratulating him on his promotion.

"Congratulations, Haruki! You're our new Ninth Seat!"

Among the lower-ranking Shinigami, few possessed soul abilities, but Haruki believed it was wise to maintain good relations with everyone. Who knew who might grow stronger in the future?

With a friendly smile, he declared, "This is all thanks to Captain Aizen's support. To celebrate, drinks are on me tonight!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd. "Oh yeah! Haruki's treating us!"

...

Even the seated officers who overheard the news were pleasantly surprised. Haruki had always been well-liked in the squad for his friendly demeanor, and his promotion felt well-deserved.

Organizing a gathering to celebrate his promotion wasn't cheap, though. With Squad Five consisting of over 400 members, even accounting for absentees due to missions, at least 100 people were likely to attend. Covering their food and drinks would cost a small fortune.

Fortunately, Haruki's background as a minor noble with some savings made this possible. He viewed the expense as an investment in building camaraderie and goodwill.

...

By the end of the day, Haruki's efforts were already paying off. Many squad members' favorability toward him had risen significantly, and he couldn't help but feel satisfied.

"Making friends and avoiding enemies—that's the way to live in Seireitei," he thought. And now, I've taken another step forward.