"Thank you for your trust, Captain Aozaki. I will do my best to fulfill my duties as a Lieutenant."
Shūsuke Amagai bowed deeply toward the spot where Masatsuki Aozaki had just departed, his expression brimming with gratitude.
"That’s enough, Amagai-sama. No need to overdo it."
A cold voice cut in from the side.
Makoto Kibune leaned against the wall, adjusting his glasses as he looked at the man who was still maintaining his bow.
Hearing this, Shūsuke Amagai’s face, buried so deeply that his expression was hidden, curved slightly at the corners of his mouth, forming a faintly cold smile.
That expression was a stark contrast to the bold, friendly, and approachable demeanor he had displayed just moments ago.
"Haha, Kibune-kun, don’t be so impatient," Amagai said softly. "I just find this kind of performance amusing."
Makoto Kibune frowned, clearly displeased with Amagai’s attitude, but he suppressed his emotions and said,
"You’re certainly in high spirits, Amagai-sama. Just don’t get so caught up in the fun that you forget our objective."
Shūsuke Amagai slowly straightened, his gaze shifting toward the window, where a mocking glint flashed in his eyes.
"There were a few minor hiccups, but the plan is progressing smoothly."
Adjusting his uniform, he stepped toward the window, looking down at Masatsuki Aozaki and Nemu Kurotsuchi patrolling the barracks.
"I thought it would take longer to gain the trust of the Captain-Commander’s prized student," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly in satisfaction.
"But I didn’t expect him to have such blind faith in that senile Master of his—he doesn’t even suspect us in the slightest."
He shook his head with a cold smile.
"Looks like we can move forward with our plans sooner than expected."
His reflection in the glass remained expressionless, his dark eyes deep and unreadable.
"So, what are my orders now, Lieutenant Amagai?"
Makoto Kibune stood beside him, also gazing in the direction Masatsuki Aozaki had disappeared. Disdain and resentment flickered in his eyes.
An ignorant fool. Sooner or later, he’ll pay the price for his stupidity.
"As always, just do what you do best, Kibune," Amagai said with a chuckle, then turned toward the Lieutenant’s office.
"That Masatsuki Aozaki holds significant prestige in the 11th Division. To the members, he’s already seen as the strongest Shinigami, surpassing Yamamoto himself."
"He seems like a dangerous individual. Best not to provoke him for now."
"If we want control of this squad, we’ll have to start elsewhere."
"Win over the trust and support of the others. Leadership isn’t just about strength."
"If we have the people on our side, they’ll follow us willingly. The division will be ours."
Shūsuke Amagai shifted his gaze toward Kibune, a faint smile playing at his lips.
"For someone like you, that shouldn’t be difficult, right?"
Makoto Kibune gave a small nod of agreement, letting out a cold chuckle.
"Naturally."
Amagai nodded in satisfaction. "Then I’ll leave it to you."
He flashed a broad smile.
Over the past few days, Amagai had been observing the 11th Division, and what he had learned had surprised him.
Three Lieutenants.
A squad of this size, yet all its affairs were managed by the Lieutenants, while Captain Masatsuki Aozaki was frequently absent.
It was absurd.
But for Amagai, it was exactly the kind of situation he had hoped for.
With a Captain who was practically idle, the true authority within the squad lay with the Lieutenants.
That meant his only competition came from the other Lieutenants.
With the right strategies, they wouldn’t have to be obstacles—he could make them assets.
And if there was one thing Makoto Kibune excelled at, it was sowing discord.
A knowing smile flickered in Amagai’s eyes.
This division was the perfect choice.
At the same time, a wave of scorn washed over him.
That fool trusted a complete stranger without the slightest doubt or caution.
Such naivety—it was laughable.
Like Master, like student.
A bunch of idiots.
...
On the way to the Aozaki residence, Nemu Kurotsuchi couldn’t help but ask,
"He just arrived, and you’re already acknowledging him as a Lieutenant so easily? Is that really okay?"
"If the team members are dissatisfied, it could stir up trouble."
"And in the end, won’t you be the one dealing with the mess?"
Honestly, Nemu didn’t quite understand. fr\(e)ew(e)b.(n)o (v)(e)l.com
According to the 11th Division’s rules, shouldn’t newcomers have to prove their strength in front of the squad first?
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