Naruto: Just Want To Be A Death God

Naruto stood up to greet him, a bit surprised. "Captain Ukitake? What brings you here?"

It was well-known that the Captain of the Thirteenth Division rarely left his quarters.

As he spoke, Naruto activated his Kagura Shingan.

Ukitake Jūshirō shook his head. "I'm Ukitake Jūshirō."

Though he hadn't been present that day, Shunsui and Naruto had explained everything to him afterward.

He knew part of Naruto's surprise came from that misunderstanding.

He deliberately spoke to clarify his identity.

The emotional feedback confirmed it—Naruto smiled. "You could've just sent Kaien to call me over."

"I came to ask you a favor," Ukitake Jūshirō replied with a shake of his head. "If I'd had Kaien bring you over only to speak afterward, that would've been impolite."

"My body might be weak, but I can still walk."He coughed into his hand. "It's better to visit in person."

Naruto helped him sit. "What's the matter that it needed you to come in person?"

"One of the Thirteenth Division's stationed Shinigami in the World of the Living, at a high spiritual site, has been out of contact for nearly half a year," Ukitake said seriously. "If that were all, we'd just treat it as a standard missing-person case."

Deployments to the World of the Living are some of the most dangerous missions in the Gotei 13.

While a Shinigami's strength matters, the real problem is their isolation.

Each area is handled by a single Shinigami working alone. If an intelligent Hollow gets the opportunity to trap them or seal their spiritual transmission, making it impossible to call for help from the Soul Society—

That Shinigami is essentially doomed.

So, the deployments operate on a rotation—usually ten or twenty years. High spiritual sites rotate even more frequently.

This is to ensure safety and constantly reassess the World of the Living.

Despite that, Shinigami still go missing every year—most are eventually confirmed to have died in battle.

The Gotei 13 is used to this reality.

"But this case is... different," Ukitake continued. "Although the Shinigami is missing, the 12th Division reports that the area still shows signs of Hollows being cleansed and souls being sent on."

"In other words, Shinigami duties are still being carried out."

Naruto was stunned.

"So there are two possibilities," Ukitake sighed. "One, the Shinigami is alive but refuses to contact the Soul Society. That would be..."

He paused briefly, then carefully spoke the word: "Desertion."

There's a concept of "retirement" for Shinigami who've served a long time—relinquishing their position, surrendering their Zanpakutō for sealing, and living freely within Soul Society under their division's jurisdiction. They can be recalled when necessary.

But the key points are: surrendering their Zanpakutō, and remaining within Soul Society.

Leaving Soul Society and continuing to act independently is not allowed.

Such behavior is always treated as desertion.

"But he's still performing Shinigami duties," Naruto said thoughtfully. "Killing Hollows, performing Konso... that doesn't sound like a deserter."

Deserters usually try to erase all traces of themselves—doing things that would attract the Soul Society's attention is the last thing they'd do.

Ukitake nodded. "That's exactly what I thought."

"There may be some misunderstanding."

"If we send the 2nd or 9th Division, it would make things too formal."

"The Thirteenth is currently tied up with duties. Kaien can't get away."

"So I have no choice but to ask you, Naruto. If it's you, I know you'll handle it well."

Naruto nodded. "No problem."

"Which area in the World of the Living?"

Ukitake spoke softly. "A place called Karakura Town."

In the World of the Living — Karakura Town

This was a well-known high spiritual site, monitored closely by the 12th Division.

Hollows appeared more frequently here—and they were stronger than usual.

In a small alleyway…

A monkey-like Hollow was leaping between buildings, chasing a Shinigami who was fleeing ahead.

"Why are you running?" the Hollow growled, laughing wildly. "You were just so bold, drawing your sword on me."

"But now…"

"You're running like a little mouse."

"Is that what Shinigami are?"

The fleeing Shinigami didn't respond, running frantically through narrow alleyways.

The Hollow followed close behind.

But the alley dead-ended—a tall wall blocked the escape route.

Clinging to a wooden utility pole, the Hollow licked its lips. "Too bad—no more path to run."

"You've tried so hard…"

"But fate decided you'll become my food."

It lunged.

The Shinigami raised his sword in defense, but his posture was amateurish. After a few exchanges, he was clearly outmatched.

"Still resisting?" The Hollow, enjoying the upper hand, became more arrogant. "This is fate!"

"Accept your fate!"

"You're destined to become—!"

The Hollow didn't finish its sentence.

The Shinigami looked up—his sharp gaze like a blade beneath his eyebrows. "Did you know?"

"Sometimes showing weakness to an enemy... isn't cowardice."

"It's a tactic."

"Like now—you've walked into my trap."

The Hollow froze.

A trap?

Was someone else lying in wait?

But… there was no other spiritual pressure!

In that moment of confusion—

The Shinigami took off the cross-shaped necklace around his neck.

Power twisted from it—

And in an instant, it transformed into a large sword. In the mere three-step gap between them, the blade thrust forward and pierced the Hollow's throat before it could react.

The Hollow stared in disbelief.

Another sword?

When did he get a second weapon?!

And how did it come from the necklace? Was that a Shinigami's Shikai?

The man dropped his original sword, gripped the new one with both hands, and cleaved horizontally—killing the Hollow.

As the spiritual particles dispersed—

He let out a breath of relief and wiped the blood from his wounds.

That was a tough opponent. If he hadn't baited it into this narrow space and lured it into close combat…

That sneak attack with the second sword wouldn't have worked. He'd probably be dead.

He started to leave.

But then—

A gentle voice suddenly spoke near his ear. "That was a smart tactic."

Soft, but in the silence of the alley, it echoed clearly.

"But…"

"That second sword… it doesn't seem like a Shinigami's power."

The man froze.

Impossible. He turned slowly, body stiff.

Someone?

Since when was he here?

He had checked with spiritual energy when he entered this alley—there was no one else!

First thing he saw—golden hair.

Over the standard black Shihakushō was a white haori.

Not very tall—maybe around 160 cm.

The boy stood atop the wall, looking down at him.

Even though he saw him with his eyes, spiritually—he still sensed nothing.

He'd probably been watching the entire fight from the beginning.

Such a small frame…

Carrying such immense pressure.

"Who are you?" the man asked nervously, swallowing hard.

"You've obtained Shinigami power," Naruto said, jumping down from the wall and walking toward him. "But you don't know what this outfit means?"

The man shook his head.

"Then how did you get that power?" Naruto asked, calmly.

The man had black hair and strong features.

Around his neck was that cross necklace, now back in its original form.

"I inherited it from a certain old man," he said quietly, lowering his head, not daring to meet Naruto's eyes.

Naruto waved his hand kindly. "No need to be nervous."

"Just tell me everything. I've got all the time in the world to listen."

The man nodded and took a deep breath.

Since Naruto wanted everything explained—

He started from his childhood.

He had been able to see spirits from a young age, though early on they were blurry shadows. As he grew older, he could see them more clearly.

Occasionally, he saw terrifying monsters—what were known as Hollows.

A few years ago, he met a man wearing a Shihakushō who fought Hollows in the city. He helped the man out during a battle, and over time, they became familiar.

But half a year ago—

They encountered a very powerful Hollow. The Shinigami was defeated, and in his final moments, he transferred his powers to the young man.

With those powers, he defeated the Hollow and gained the Shinigami's strength—and his Zanpakutō.

"I see," Naruto nodded.

The black-haired man stood stiffly.

He had some idea now—this blonde boy must be the "Captain" the Shinigami had mentioned?

Even though he was gentle, just speaking to him made one feel an overwhelming presence.

The man spoke quietly. "I'm telling the truth… but I have no way to prove it."

"I know you're telling the truth," Naruto said, flashing a bright smile. "I can tell."

"By the way, I didn't get your name."

The man stood up straight and declared loudly, "Kugo Ginjo!"

"My name is Kugo Ginjo!"

(End of Chapter)