Bleach: I Love Making Friends

"So that's how it is…"

Haruki narrowed his eyes and then said, "Can I go take a look?"

Aizen looked up at Haruki and replied, "I was originally going to send Tanimoto to check it out, but if you want to go, that's fine too."

The 5th Division was a rescue unit, so it was perfectly normal for them to assist other divisions in times like this.

Haruki had never met Shiba Miyako before, so he didn't feel particularly sad about her death.

Haruki…

Even now, he only felt a sense of reality about this world when it came to the people close to him.

However, if Shiba Miyako had died, then Shiba Kaien would definitely seek revenge.

This meant that Shiba Kaien might also die.

This was a great opportunity to boost Shiba Kaien and Rukia Kuchiki's favorability.

Moreover, the Hollow causing trouble this time might be White. Haruki wanted to check it out. What if Shiba Kaien ended up killing White?

He hadn't raised White's favorability to 80 yet, and if he didn't, he wouldn't be able to obtain the risk-free Hollowfication ability.

Two hours later, Haruki arrived at the 13th Division.

This was also the first time he met Jūshirō Ukitake.

Ukitake's ability was… "Host."

'Host: Can integrate an object into one's soul, gaining the characteristics of that object.'

'Note: If favorability is below 80, the integrated object will be expelled after three days. If favorability reaches 80 or above, the object can be permanently integrated.'

This ability…

It suited Ukitake's identity quite well.

Ukitake was the captain of the 13th Division of the Gotei 13, but at the same time, his soul also housed Mimihagi-sama, the right arm of the Soul King.

This ability would allow Haruki to integrate an external object into his soul. Could he integrate a Zanpakutō?

If he could integrate a Zanpakutō, would that mean he could achieve the state of unity between man and sword?

It felt like a waste, though.

Haruki thought about it. He had other ways to fuse with a Zanpakutō, such as obtaining the final Zanpakutō fusion from Shiba Isshin, breaking through the limits of a Shinigami, or undergoing the ancient man-sword unity ritual in the Soul Society.

There was no need to waste the slot for the "Host" ability.

The ability's description stated that he could integrate one object into his soul, which should include both living and non-living things. This meant he could theoretically integrate another soul into his body.

If he could integrate Aizen into his soul, wouldn't that make him invincible?

Haruki chuckled inwardly, then said to Ukitake, "Captain Ukitake, Captain Aizen understands the gravity of the situation and has sent me to provide assistance. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Ukitake's face still carried a trace of sadness, as the 3rd Seat of the 13th Division had died.

He had even considered stepping down and letting Kaien take over as captain, which showed how much he valued Kaien.

When Haruki arrived, Ukitake was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Aizen to send his vice-captain to assist them.

Ukitake nodded and said, "The enemy is different from any Hollow we've encountered before. It's extremely cunning, and we're currently trying to pinpoint its location."

"I've already asked the 8th Division for help. I believe we'll find its location soon."

The 8th Division was the intelligence unit, so they were the right people to call for tracking someone down.

Haruki nodded and said, "I'll stay on standby at the 13th Division. Captain Aizen's orders are to follow your instructions."

Before Ukitake could respond, the door was pushed open, and Shiba Kaien, dressed in his Shinigami uniform, rushed in. His face was filled with suppressed anger and grief.

"Captain!"

"Let me handle this alone!"

"Captain Ukitake, Vice-Captain Kaien!" This was said by Rukia Kuchiki, who had followed Kaien in.

Rukia had run after Kaien, but when she saw Haruki in the office, she was momentarily surprised. She then stood behind Kaien and remained silent.

"…" Looking at his grieving subordinate, Ukitake sighed softly. "Kaien, this matter is no small issue."

"Thirty-four members of the 13th Division and sixteen members of the 5th Division who came to assist have all died. The enemy is no ordinary Menos. Not only is it terrifyingly powerful, but it also possesses a cunning mind! This is not something you can handle alone."

"So what?!" Kaien shouted. "Miyako is dead. If I can't avenge her myself, then what's the point of me being a Shinigami?"

"…" Seeing the determination in Kaien's eyes, Ukitake was moved.

The two of them locked eyes, and Ukitake finally nodded.

"Once we have information on the enemy's location, I'll notify you immediately."

"Thank you, Captain…" Kaien said softly.

He then turned and left.

Rukia glanced at Haruki and then ran after Kaien.

"I'm sorry. Kaien's emotions are a bit out of control because of Miyako's death," Ukitake said softly to Haruki.

"It's only natural…"

Haruki replied just as softly. "After all… the one who died was Vice-Captain Kaien's wife. That kind of grief is something no one else can truly understand."

"I'm glad you see it that way," Ukitake said. "So, this time, I accept the 5th Division's offer of assistance, but… this matter should still be handled by the 13th Division."

"I refuse," Haruki said. "Members of the 5th Division also died in this incident. I understand Vice-Captain Kaien's grief, but at the very least… I should witness the destruction of that Hollow with my own eyes."

"Very well," Ukitake nodded.

"I'll notify you once we have more information."

Haruki didn't return to the 5th Division but instead stayed at the 13th Division to wait.

That day, he saw many seated officers of the 13th Division.

He also saw the soul abilities of Kotsubaki Sentarō and Kotetsu Kiyone.

Although they were two people, their soul abilities had the same name.

'Captain's Assistant ①: When used, the user will perform their best when assisting the captain and completing tasks assigned by the captain.'

'Captain's Assistant ②: When used, the user can instantly appear by their captain's side.'

Hmm, fitting for side characters.

Although these two were somewhat notable side characters in the original story, their presence was minimal, essentially serving as Ukitake's two accessories.

It wasn't surprising that they had such abilities.

Moreover, Haruki thought both abilities were quite useful.

Captain's Assistant ① would allow Haruki to perform better when carrying out tasks assigned by Aizen.

Captain's Assistant ② would let Haruki instantly appear by Aizen's side, effectively giving him a form of teleportation.

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