Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!-Chapter 103: The Arena!

After several days of treatment in the Fourth Division, Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri of the Twelfth Division came in person.

He had received word in advance and brought with him a serum designed to accelerate the regeneration of human organs.

Everything went smoothly. After a joint effort by the Twelfth and Fourth Divisions, Ukitake's lungs were finally restored to health. All that remained was a brief period of observation and recovery.

Naturally, this outcome was met with joy from all sides.

Tachikawa Shin received further thanks from the Thirteenth Division.

During Ukitake's stay in the Fourth Division, the scheduled friendly spar between the Fourth and Thirteenth Divisions took place.

The format mirrored the earlier event with the Eleventh Division, but thanks to the previous experience, the Fourth Division was better prepared. This time, even more members stepped forward to volunteer.

However, Kaien Shiba had only brought regular soldiers—no seated officers at all. This left Shin slightly dissatisfied.

Ironically, the results leaned in the Fourth Division's favor.

Shin suspected Kaien had held back as a way to repay the favor of saving Ukitake. Letting the Fourth Division claim some victories was his subtle way of expressing gratitude.

Shin had mixed feelings but didn't fault Kaien for it.

Ukitake himself observed the entire sparring event and showed no signs of disappointment over his division's loss. Instead, he praised the Fourth Division's new atmosphere and rising martial spirit.

With that settled, the day of the Vice-Captain Reporting Assembly arrived.

Shin accompanied Kotetsu Isane once more to the First Division barracks.

The meeting, as always, involved mundane updates from each squad. Shin listened with glazed eyes, nearly nodding off alongside Ikkaku Madarame.

But just as the meeting concluded, Sasakibe Chōjirō unexpectedly called Shin aside.

"The Head Captain wishes to see you."

Shin was momentarily startled.

He couldn't help but wonder why—had this to do with the Soul King's right hand? The matter hadn't been raised again after Yamamoto last examined his Zanpakutō.

Shin had assumed that was the end of it—no further questions, no judgments passed. Just quiet conclusions drawn by those above.

Upon arriving at the Head Captain's office, Shin found Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni alone.

"Head Captain," he greeted with a bow.

Yamamoto didn't speak immediately, nor did he offer Shin a seat.

At length, the old man began:

"What you said to me last time... I've thought it over. Indeed, the Fourth Division deserves support."

Shin blinked, then smiled. "Thank you, Head Captain. Does this mean... you're agreeing to distribute the cleaning duties across the other Divisions?"

But Yamamoto's aged, sharp eyes remained focused. Calm and slow, he explained:

"That duty has always belonged to the Fourth Division. There are two reasons. First, in the early days, Soul Society was far more unstable. War was constant. The Fourth Division had far more personnel than now—while the work was heavy, they stayed in the rear and could afford the time."

"Second, compared to the Fourth, other squads had significantly higher risk and mortality. The original Captain of the Fourth Division volunteered to take on the cleaning duties."

Shin responded evenly, "But times have changed. Soul Society has become more stable. Shouldn't we refine such traditions as well?"

Yamamoto gave a slight chuckle. "And if I order other squads to share the duty, what then? Do you think there won't be complaints? Would the Fourth Division not face backlash?"

Shin paused, reading the implication behind the words.

"Do you have a better method, then, Head Captain?"

Yamamoto abruptly shifted the topic.

"This idea of frequent inter-squad sparring... That was your proposal, wasn't it?"

Shin's mind sharpened.

"Yes, sir. I raised it, and Captain Unohana approved."

It wasn't surprising the Head Captain knew. As Kaien had warned him, once the duels became regular, the higher-ups were bound to notice.

Shin had even thought Sasakibe might address it during the meeting—but nothing had been said.

He explained again: the matches were meant to transform the Fourth Division's internal culture, strengthen its combat readiness, and erase the image of its members as liabilities in battle.

"Next month... you're challenging the Tenth Division, correct?"

Shin nodded. He'd already spoken to Rangiku Matsumoto, and she'd agreed.

Yamamoto gave a rare, approving nod.

"A good thing. Inter-division sparring can build camaraderie and motivate improvement. As long as you keep things balanced, continue."

"Thank you for your support, sir."

Then Yamamoto continued in that measured tone:

"As for the cleaning duty you mentioned, it needs to be addressed in a way all can accept."

Shin had expected this and paused briefly before saying:

"I understand. What if we determine which Division takes on the duty each year through a Gotei-wide tournament? A public contest of strength and skill. Whoever loses—cleans."

Yamamoto shook his head. "Monthly would be too frequent. Once a year is sufficient. But your squad may continue private duels as you please."

"As you say," Shin nodded. Then added, half-smiling, "But I hope the Fourth Division gets some favor, considering we've carried the burden for so long."

Yamamoto arched an eyebrow.

"And what kind of favor do you mean?"

Shin's grin widened.

"Allow me to draft the rules for this tournament."

Yamamoto gave him a long look of faint surprise.

Truth be told, he had expected Shin to back down. He had offered the tournament as a way to quietly end the matter. After all, the Fourth Division was unanimously considered the weakest of the Thirteen. What could they hope to achieve in a formal competition?

"You're not planning to include healing kido in the scoring, are you?"

"Of course not, sir. That would be uncouth."

Yamamoto narrowed his eyes.

"Then speak."

"The core structure is simple," Shin said with a calm confidence. "No need to delve into the fine print for now—just make it an arena format. One-on-one matches. Martial skill versus martial skill."

Yamamoto blinked for a moment, then a glimmer of intrigue sparked in his gaze.

This boy...