Given his ability to collect fragments, his first choices were naturally Squad 8, responsible for intelligence, and Squad 10, responsible for security patrols.
These roles offered a relatively high degree of freedom and a wide range of movement, which was clearly more conducive to his activities.
He could use his duties as an excuse to visit other squads and wander between them to gather fragments. Just thinking about it felt great.
Although Squad 2 also had patrol units, its operating principles were centered on secrecy, efficiency, and absolute obedience.
Furthermore, the squad's rules were strict, focusing more on covert surveillance and internal purging.
For him, such a squad under a tight system would be more restrictive than convenient, so it wasn't his first choice.
Now, facing Shihoin Yoruichi's blunt and forceful recruitment, Ren's mind raced.
He glanced toward the seemingly relaxed Captain of Squad 8, Kyoraku Shunsui.
At that moment, Ren noticed that this captain, who always wore a casual smile, was also looking him over thoughtfully.
Their eyes met in the air, a faint, strange spark flickering between them.
Ren's heart stirred.
'Could it be...'
'Is Captain Kyoraku also interested in recruiting me?'
At this thought, he steadied himself and cleared his throat.
"Regarding this matter, I have also given it some thought. If we talk about interest and suitability, perhaps Squad 8's duties..."
"Oh my, that really is a shame. Squad 8 has been overcrowded lately; there are no vacancies."
Ren froze for a moment.
"Then... what about later?"
"Not later either."
Kyoraku Shunsui's smile didn't change, and his tone was categorical.
Hearing Kyoraku Shunsui's cold words, a giant question mark slowly formed in Ren's mind.
'Then why the hell were you looking at me with that expression just now?'
Seeing the inexplicable look of shock on Ren's face, Kyoraku Shunsui felt a bit more satisfied.
'You little brat, thinking you can join Squad 8.'
'Fat chance!'
'Good thing I caught it in time.'
'If I hadn't paid attention and let this kid sneak into Squad 8, I'd have to watch him and Nanao acting all lovey-dovey every day right under my nose...'
Just the thought of that scenario made Kyoraku feel his blood pressure rising.
It would be better to take this opportunity to shove the kid into Squad 2. Out of sight, out of mind.
With that, Kyoraku Shunsui began to chime in.
"Speaking of which, the Stealth Force is on the same level as the Kido Corps, an independent power organization outside the Gotei 13."
"To receive a personal invitation from Commander Shihoin is such an honor. Do you really want to refuse? Student, your standards might be a bit too high."
"Exactly."
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes, her gaze on Ren becoming undeniably sharp.
"Could it be that you have some other ideas?"
Soi Fon, standing by her side, didn't speak, but her small frame straightened slightly.
Her cold eyes instantly locked onto Ren, invisibly emitting a hint of danger.
Ren was startled.
'Damn it, why is this old geezer Kyoraku putting me on the spot?'
'Turns out he's not a good guy after all.'
'When did I even offend him?'
Looking at the two women, one taller and one shorter, staring him down, Ren felt immense pressure.
Squad 8 was out of the question now; the captain himself had personally blocked his path. And he didn't have any acquaintances in Squad 10 to lean on.
That meant no one was willing to go against the pressure of the Head of the Shihoin Clan, one of the Four Great Noble Families, to pull him out.
If he refused now, his future path in the Gotei 13 would probably be very difficult.
Thinking of this, Ren bowed slightly.
"I appreciate Captain Shihoin's favor. It's just... I'm concerned that graduating early and joining Squad 2 might draw unnecessary attention and speculation."
"I hope to complete my studies at the Shin'o Academy. Upon graduation, I will naturally apply to join the Stealth Force."
Yoruichi looked at the agreeing Ren, the curve of her lips deepening.
As long as he agreed, things were easy.
"Fine, I'm not an unreasonable person. In that case, let's both take a step back."
"You can stay at the Academy to finish this year's courses. Anyway, after the fifth year, it's mostly about guiding juniors and consolidating your own cultivation. With your conditions, whether you participate or not doesn't make much difference."
"After this year's courses end, you will apply for early graduation and take Squad 2's special entrance exam. Do you have any objections to that?"
Ren knew this was the maximum concession Shihoin Yoruichi would make.
Staying at the Academy for one more year didn't mean much to him anyway.
Joining the Gotei 13 sooner would also allow him to improve the efficiency of obtaining fragments as quickly as possible.
Thinking of this, he bowed again.
"Thank you for your understanding, Captain Shihoin. I have no objections."
"Good. When the year is over, I'll be waiting for you in Squad 2. Soi Fon, show him out."
Yoruichi clapped her hands.
Ren then followed Soi Fon out.
The inquiry regarding Ren had finally come to a conclusion.
As for the result, Ren could accept it.
When he had decided to kill that Hollow, he was already prepared to deal with all the changes that would follow.
On the way out, Soi Fon walked beside Ren, her gaze occasionally fixed on him.
Whenever Ren looked over, she would avert her eyes.
"Soi... Fon? I heard Captain Shihoin call your name just now. May I address you that way as well?"
"As you wish."
"You seem to have been looking at me. Is there something on my face?"
Soi Fon finally met his gaze.
"I'm just curious why Lady Yoruichi would be interested in you."
Hearing this, Ren sighed inwardly.
He had some guesses about this matter.
Perhaps it was because of his mentioned relationship with Shiba Kaien.
Or perhaps Shihoin Yoruichi felt he was someone worth observing.
Just as Hirako Shinji kept Aizen by his side, she chose to keep him in the closest possible position where she could see him.
They were all old foxes who had lived for hundreds of years; none of them were easy marks.
Then, Soi Fon's voice sounded again.
"If you really enter Squad 2 in a year and join the Punishment Force, you'd better seize every moment to improve yourself."
"The Punishment Force is primarily responsible for the execution and assassination of rebellious Soul Reapers. It is the unit within Squad 2 that faces the most heinous criminals and has the highest casualty rate."
"If your strength isn't great enough, then... you won't live long."
Ren looked at Soi Fon's back, his heart stirring.
He had heard of the dangers of the Punishment Force.
It certainly needed to be taken seriously.
"You're right. Thank you for the warning."
Soi Fon turned to watch Ren for a moment, then looked away and stopped speaking.
As Ren and Soi Fon turned a corner, they were met by a tall, broad figure.
The newcomer had a brown pompadour and was adorned with various gold ornaments that dazzled the eyes.
It was the current Lieutenant of Squad 2, Omaeda Marenoshin.
"Yo, Soi Fon. Is Captain Yoruichi in the meeting room?"
"Yes, Captain Hirako and Captain Kyoraku are also there."
"Good, I just happened to bring the person over."
Omaeda stepped aside, revealing the person behind him.
Aizen Sosuke stepped out from the shadows.
When he saw Ren opposite him, a gentle smile played on his lips.
"Student Hasumi Ren, it's been a long time."