Renji's response caught Hitsugaya off guard. Although he had never admitted it to anyone, not even Momo, his reasons were the same. He hadn't even wanted to become a Shinigami until she goaded him into it. He was the captain he was because it put him in a position where he could protect her, because some childish notion inside of him told him that he "So did I," he replied, just as quietly, before shaking it off. What was getting into him? Why was he feeling so weak today?

No, there had been other reasons for his becoming a captain. He wasn't just there to protect Momo, he was there to knock some sense into the 10th Division. He was there to actually get things done that needed to be done. It wasn't just about Momo. That wasn't it at all.

Clearing his throat, he added much louder. "Well, idiot, maybe you should start thinking about it. You don't get your bankai without some expectations for the good of Soul Society. When we get back, you have my recommendation."