Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami, Hitsugaya Toshiro

"Then how should we divide into groups, Captain?"

Rangiku asked.

There were seven people in total: Toshiro, Nel, Rangiku, Sojiro, Ashido, Renji, and Rukia. To split into five groups, some would have to act alone, while others would act in groups.

Toshiro thought. "Hmm... for grouping... Nel has almost no combat ability. To ensure her safety, she should probably be in my group."

"Yes, yes! Nel will be in Toshiro's group!!"

Hearing Toshiro's words, Nel eagerly nodded, wanting to be in his group.

Nel's reason for wanting to be in Toshiro's group wasn't because he was the strongest and could best ensure her safety, but simply because she wanted to be with him.

No one objected to Nel being in Toshiro's group. After all, Nel was a child with seemingly no combat ability. Apart from Toshiro, no one else was confident they could protect Nel while fighting an enemy.

"Besides Nel, Rangiku, you'll also be in my group."

Toshiro said.

"Me? Why?"

Rangiku asked, puzzled.

"Cough... as everyone knows, Nel is just a child and can't walk very fast. Someone needs to carry her while we travel. I've been carrying Nel so far. But if we encounter an enemy, I can't very well fight while holding her, can I? I could handle ordinary enemies, but not if we run into an Espada or even Aizen."

Toshiro explained.

"Ha? So you're saying I'm just a babysitter?"

Rangiku looked utterly speechless.

"What's wrong with babysitting? Babysitting is contributing too. You take care of the child in the back, so I can fight without worry in the front."

Toshiro said seriously.

"Fine, fine, Captain. I'll babysit. Just stop nagging. I feel like our conversation is getting weird."

Rangiku said helplessly.

In fact, Rangiku understood that Toshiro's reason for choosing her to 'babysit' was mainly because her strength was too low.

By staying close to him, he could protect her.

And even though Rangiku knew Toshiro's thoughts, she had no choice but to be in his group.

Firstly, someone did need to 'babysit'. Secondly, because her strength was too weak, if she acted alone, she might not only be unable to help but also cause everyone else to worry about her.

"If Rangiku and Nel are in my group... that leaves Sojiro, Ashido, Renji, and Rukia, four people. Although that would make exactly five groups, Rukia, you'll also be in my group."

Toshiro said hesitantly.

"Why, Captain Hitsugaya? That wouldn't make five groups then!"

Rukia asked, puzzled.

If Toshiro was in a group with Nel, Rangiku, and Rukia, that would leave only three people. Even if each of the remaining three acted alone, that would make only four groups total. But there were five branching paths.

"Hey hey, Captain, aren't you putting all the girls in your group?"

Rangiku teased.

"What! Captain Hitsugaya, are you really thinking that?"

Hearing Rangiku's words, Renji couldn't sit still anymore.

Nel and Rangiku were one thing, as one was Toshiro's friend, the other was his subordinate in the 10th Division, not much of Renji's concern. But Rukia... Rukia really wouldn't do!!

"What nonsense are you talking about!!"

Toshiro had a vein popping on his forehead. "The reason I want Rukia in my group is that her strength is relatively low. Although it's not nice to say, aside from Nel, who is a child, Rangiku and Rukia are the weakest here. Sojiro, Ashido, and Renji all have at least Captain-class strength. If they act alone, they can best ensure their own safety. But Rukia..."

"Captain Hitsugaya!"

Rukia suddenly interrupted Toshiro. Her expression was very serious. "Captain Hitsugaya, I am very happy that you are concerned for my safety. But please do not underestimate me! I came here to fight, not to be protected!!"

"Although I am a woman, I am also a warrior of the Gotei 13! To fear death on the battlefield is an insult to a warrior!!"

"So, please, Captain Hitsugaya, say no more about my acting in your group!!"

Rukia stared intently into Toshiro's eyes, her attitude unyielding.

Even Renji, upon hearing Rukia's words, stopped his inexplicable jealousy and spoke for her. "Captain Hitsugaya, Rukia is right. Everyone here was already prepared, putting their lives on the line, the moment they decided to come to Hueco Mundo. So don't worry so much. Let Rukia act alone!"

"Sigh!"

Seeing how insistent Rukia and Renji were, Toshiro couldn't say anything more. He sighed helplessly. "If you insist, then I'll permit you to act alone. But please be careful. If you really can't defeat an enemy, run away. There's no shame in that. Ensuring your own safety is the top priority!"

Since Rukia and Renji had put it that way, Toshiro didn't force it. Although he was still worried about Rukia's safety, she was, after all, the female lead in the original work. Even if she acted alone, she probably wouldn't die so easily.

"Heh, Hitsugaya Toshiro sounds like an old woman nagging."

Rukia couldn't help but laugh.

"Sigh, seeing Rukia, I'm tempted to act alone too."

Rangiku suddenly sighed.

She and Rukia had similar strength, both at the Lieutenant level. Yet Rukia was acting alone, while she could only 'babysit' by Toshiro's side. People might think she, Rangiku, was afraid to die.

"Enough, Rangiku! Don't make things worse!!"

Toshiro said, a bit exasperated.

'Rukia is one thing… at least she's the female lead in the original work, protected by plot armor, able to turn misfortune into fortune. But who do you think you are, Rangiku? Just stay put by my side!!' Toshiro thought to himself.

"Alright, there are five branching paths. Since Captain will be in a group with Nel-san and Lieutenant Matsumoto, the remaining four of us will each take one path. Let's proceed accordingly!"

Sojiro said.

"Alright! Then before we split up, let's recite the incantation!"

Renji suddenly said, full of energy.

"Incantation?"

The others were momentarily confused.

"Yeah, an incantation used before a final battle. It's a tradition of the Gotei 13. No division really holds the ceremony anymore, but I think it's perfect for this occasion!"

Renji explained.

"Oh, you mean that. Yes, it does fit the situation well."

The others understood.

"Then let's do it together!"

Toshiro was the first to extend the back of his right hand.

The others also reached out, stacking their hands on Toshiro's. Even Nel joined in.

Then, everyone said solemnly in unison, "We now go to the place of the final battle! Believe in ourselves! Our swords will not break! Believe in ourselves! Our hearts will not falter! Even if we are separated, our steel-like resolve remains together!!"

"I swear: Even if the world collapses, we will… return here alive!!!"