Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto began by summarizing the consequences of the recent war and the potential chain reactions that might follow. After outlining the post-war arrangements, he turned his gaze toward Gin Ichimaru.
"Lieutenant Gin Ichimaru."
Gin immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully, his tone calm and composed.
"Yes."
Before the Captain-Commander, he maintained complete decorum, not causing even the slightest embarrassment for Masatsuki Aozaki.
Yamamoto gave a satisfied nod before asking,
"Are you willing to take on the role of Captain of the 9th Division?"
The question immediately drew many gazes toward the hospital beds where Kensei Muguruma and Love Aikawa lay.
During the brutal battle, both had sustained critical injuries. Their Saketsu and Hakusui were damaged, and even the core of their Reiatsu and their souls suffered severe trauma. Despite Retsu Unohana's personal treatment, she couldn't fully heal them.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi had replaced several of their damaged organs using artificial organ technology. However, that was merely a life-saving stopgap, insufficient to restore them to their former peak condition.
Faced with this reality, Kensei and Love, though reluctant, took the initiative to submit resignation requests, choosing to step down from frontline duty and retreat to a supporting role.
In response to Yamamoto's inquiry, Gin Ichimaru glanced at Masatsuki Aozaki. A faint smile flickered in his eyes as he gave a slight nod.
"I am honored by your trust, Captain-Commander. I accept the position of Captain of the 9th Division."
Naturally, this major appointment had already been discussed between Yamamoto and Masatsuki in advance. After all, everyone knew Gin Ichimaru was Masatsuki's most trusted right-hand man. Masatsuki also felt the arrangement was fitting and discussed it with Gin directly. Neither of them hesitated for long before agreeing.
The 9th Division, responsible for Seireitei's communications and publications, was one of the most crucial departments in the entire organization. Though not a powerhouse in battle, it played a vital role in shaping public opinion across Seireitei, guiding the thoughts and sentiments of the people. It was an important and well-regarded post.
As for the 11th Division, even after Gin Ichimaru's departure, it still had Tōshirō Hitsugaya. Under Gin's mentorship, Hitsugaya had matured enough to handle the Division's affairs competently.
...
"As for the position of Captain of the 7th Division..."
Yamamoto paused, his eyes settling on a wild and unrestrained figure.
Kenpachi Zaraki, with beastlike instinct, instantly sensed the stare. Scratching his head and waving his hands, he spoke up.
"Not interested. I'm sticking with the boss!"
Hearing that, Yamamoto could only shake his head in resignation and sigh silently to himself.
With Zaraki's combat prowess, there was no doubt he was qualified to serve as captain. Judging from the power he'd displayed in this war, only Yamamoto, Masatsuki Aozaki, Retsu Unohana, and Sōsuke Aizen could reliably suppress him.
Oh—there were also Yoruichi Shihōin and Aura Michibane, who stunned everyone with their brief appearances. Despite limited time in action, their effortless defeat of an original captain suggested they might even surpass Zaraki in strength.
Kenpachi Zaraki could arguably be called the strongest among the rest of the Gotei 13 below those six.
But since he had no desire for the position, Yamamoto wasn't going to force him.
Yamamoto's expression remained unchanged as his gaze shifted to a tall figure.
"Sajin Komamura, Lieutenant of the Seventh Division. Are you willing to take on the role of Captain?"
"I am."
Sajin Komamura nodded without hesitation, clearly accepting the offer.
He held no resentment toward Yamamoto's earlier consideration of Kenpachi Zaraki. In terms of raw power, Zaraki truly was more qualified to lead. Besides, Komamura had always followed the old man's words without question.
Unlike ordinary people, Sajin Komamura came from a unique clan known as the Wolfman Clan—a race of beings with humanoid bodies and wolf heads. His appearance often drew strange and wary looks from others.
Back then, it was Yamamoto who had brought him back from the outside world and given him a chance. Not only did Yamamoto never reject him for his appearance, but he also personally nurtured him with great care. It was thanks to that kindness that Komamura could now stand here as a Shinigami, serving as the Lieutenant of the Seventh Division.
Normally, he wore an iron mask to conceal his face—no one had ever seen what lay beneath. But during the battle in Hell, his helmet had been damaged, revealing his true face to everyone for the first time.
From that moment on, he stopped wearing a mask and began facing others with his real appearance.
Still, in the Gotei 13—a place filled with eccentric characters—such things weren't exactly shocking. Some were curious at first upon learning that a Lieutenant was a wolfman, but over time, they got used to it.
After all, strange individuals weren't uncommon in the Gotei 13.
What truly mattered was the strength Komamura had displayed. Normally, he flew under the radar—but in this battle, he unleashed his Bankai and exhibited astonishing power. That performance convinced everyone that he had what it took to be a Captain.
...
"Then... this Captain's Meeting is concluded," Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto declared.
"I will consult with the Central 46, and the final decision will be officially announced at the end of the month's Captain's Meeting."
"That is all."
After the meeting, no one lingered for small talk. They dispersed quickly.
Masatsuki Aozaki had little interest in whatever discussions were going on between his Master and the Central 46. He'd been through too many meetings like this for such details to stir him anymore.
With the war finally over, all he wanted was to find a quiet place and spend time with his loved ones.
Achievements and honors meant nothing to him.
In this world, it wasn't merit that determined one's happiness—it was real power.
...
After leisurely strolling around the 4th Division and chatting with a few of his wives—some working, others still receiving treatment—Masatsuki unexpectedly ran into Retsu Unohana again.
She had been so busy recently that she'd barely returned home. The fact that she now had the time to come find him on her own made Masatsuki genuinely happy.
"You're not sleeping in the barracks tonight, are you?" Masatsuki asked with a smile.
"Everything's more or less taken care of. Yasochika should be able to finish up the rest."
Retsu Unohana gave a gentle smile.
"The Captain-Commander kindly acknowledged our hard work and gave me a three-day break."
"Three days? That's amazing!" Masatsuki clapped his hands in excitement.
"Let's go find Aura now. She said the Seireitei sisters are all together—only you're missing."
...
With the war's end, the mass-production Hōgyoku fusion experiments were now in full swing.
As expected of a mass-produced version, its effects couldn't match the real Hōgyoku. It was more like a simplified enhancement tool.
According to Aura Michibane's estimates, the fusion's upper limit varied depending on the individual. Using Aizen's evolution as a reference, the enhancement could push someone's strength to the first or, at best, second fusion stage of the Hōgyoku.
But even that level of power was already overwhelming.
As Aizen had put it—once reaching the second fusion stage, one already stood far above Captain-level combatants.
Of course, such strength wasn't achieved overnight. The girls hadn't reached that stage yet, and it would still take time for them to grow.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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