As the thought hit him, Masatsuki Aozaki suddenly understood—no wonder everyone had been giving him strange looks on the way here.
Where was Chōjirō Sasakibe?
That man, who always stood outside the meeting room ready for orders, was nowhere to be seen today. He was one of the old man's most loyal followers. There's no way he would've agreed to a decision like this so easily.
Come on, hurry up and show yourself already! Talk some sense into this senile old man!
Just then, Yamamoto spoke with a calm tone,
"Looking for Chōjirō, are you? Don't bother."
"He resigned from the Gotei 13 yesterday. Transferred to a key position in the Shin'ō District."
Masatsuki's eyes widened. A heavy sense of unease rose in his chest.
Transferred to a key post in the Shin'ō District? That's basically retirement!
Yamamoto continued,
"So take my advice—don't waste time on unrealistic hopes. You'd best start thinking about who'll replace him."
Not even leaving me a Lieutenant? Are they trying to work me to death?!
Masatsuki was stunned. He instinctively turned to glance at the doors behind him. Normally, a mustached middle-aged man would be stationed there.
But now, the doorway was empty—no one in sight.
Honestly, becoming Captain-Commander wasn't something he couldn't accept.
After all, it's not like the old man had died. He just retired.
Masatsuki had been a Division Captain for a long time. Whether it was being a Captain or Captain-Commander, it didn't make much difference to him.
If anything, being Captain-Commander came with more authority and higher status—it'd just make goofing off easier in the future.
But if it meant he actually had to start working seriously? That was a whole different problem!
What was the point of grooming talents like Gin Ichimaru and Tōshirō Hitsugaya?
He trained them so he could take it easy!
But Masatsuki had no time to dwell on it.
At that moment, Retsu Unohana, Shunsui Kyōraku, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Sōsuke Aizen stepped forward in unison.
They bowed deeply to Masatsuki with the formal etiquette of subordinates greeting a superior.
Seeing this, the other captains followed suit without hesitation.
The captain's meeting ended quickly. No one raised any objections to Masatsuki Aozaki taking over as Captain-Commander.
In truth, all of Seireitei had already silently accepted him as Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's successor.
With the old man's passing, Masatsuki was clearly the most fitting choice.
Now, they had simply pushed the timeline up a little.
After all, Masatsuki Aozaki was the real deal—the strongest Shinigami alive.
Not only that, but he was arguably the most important person in the Three Worlds right now.
Forget surpassing Yamamoto in strength—just looking at his past achievements made it obvious how highly regarded he was.
From quelling rebellions, to battling the Wandenreich, fighting in the Quincy War, and even suppressing Hell—every single event was a shining accomplishment.
Just the feat of subduing Hell alone might be unprecedented—And it was hard to imagine anyone pulling it off again.
If Yamamoto was a towering tree, shielding people from the wind and rain...
Then Masatsuki Aozaki was like the radiant sun.
Even if no one could fully look upon it, everyone knew—after a long night, it would rise again.
And that warm, brilliant light, whether he cared or not, would always shine down on the world.
Not that Masatsuki Aozaki cared whether he shined or not.
Right now, he had his eyes on a certain smirking "friend"—Aizen, whose face was (in Masatsuki's opinion) practically oozing scheming energy.
Suddenly, a brilliant idea sparked in his mind.
Heh. This guy always talked about building his ideal world, didn't he?
Then why not start with managing the Gotei 13? Perfect chance to test his abilities.
Masatsuki hadn't even finished patting himself on the back mentally...
When he saw his dear senpai approaching with that same sleazy grin.
"Congratulations, Junior! Truly, congratulations! You finally took down the old man and became Captain-Commander. Everyone saw it coming!"
"Senpai, don't you think it's a little late to start kissing up now?"
Masatsuki Aozaki gave him a dangerous look.
This guy had never stopped meddling in his business with Ise Nanao. Now, finally, he was at his mercy.
"Hehehe... what are you saying, Junior? We're like brothers! Every word I said is the truth—flattery doesn't even enter into it."
Shunsui Kyōraku's shamelessness knew no bounds. He acted as if Masatsuki's threat didn't bother him at all, and even flashed a more lecherous grin.
"Every word is the truth? You call hiding something as big as me becoming Captain-Commander 'being truthful'?"
"That's not on me! The Central 46 Compound already made it public. Pretty sure everyone in Seireitei knows about it. I figured you already heard."
"..."
Masatsuki was speechless.
He'd spent the past month messing around between the World of the Living and Hueco Mundo—like he'd been keeping up with the news.
Shunsui coughed a couple of times.
"Forget it. At least it all turned out fine in the end."
"Anyway, I heard a new place opened in the Noble District. Want to check it out? Seems like a good excuse to celebrate."
"Hm..."
Masatsuki's eyes shifted.
Don't get the wrong idea—it's not some sketchy place.
The Noble District was full of people obsessed with status and reputation. Anyone looking to open that kind of establishment should try the red-light district.
What Shunsui was referring to was a sake house. Pretty much the only kind of group outing he ever organized revolved around alcohol.
Of course, while they're called something else, sake houses in the Noble District often served a similar function.
There'd be a group of entertainers—geisha—offering refined company while guests drank.
They sold art, not their bodies.
...Well, unless both sides were really into each other. That was different.
"Hurry up and decide already. Jūshirō's all set. Time waits for no one."
Shunsui chuckled darkly as he urged him on.
Masatsuki paused.
Jūshirō Ukitake really had loosened up lately.
It wasn't like he was getting cozy with some stranger, but drinking had genuinely become one of his favorite pastimes.
No doubt, that was entirely Shunsui's influence. The guy was a menace.
Just then, a soft voice came from behind.
"Captain Kyōraku, where are you taking Masatsuki? If it's okay... could I come too?"
Retsu Unohana gently clasped her hands over her abdomen, then reached out and took Masatsuki's hand with a soft smile.
She looked kindly at Shunsui Kyōraku.
And in an instant, cold sweat beaded on Shunsui's forehead.
The smile was lovely, sure...
But why was she radiating black aura?
Junior, save your senior! I don't want to die! I'll do anything, I swear!
Shunsui screamed internally.
Seriously?
Seriously.
Their eyes met briefly. Masatsuki coughed.
"Actually, Shunsui-senpai wanted to talk about Nanao. He agreed to let her move in. He asked me to go help her pack."
"!?"
Shunsui's eyes widened in disbelief.
This kid could lie without even blinking. Not a blush, not a twitch. No wonder the old man picked him to lead the Gotei 13.
Still, as her uncle, it was his job to protect his niece's happiness...
"Oh? Is that so, Captain Kyōraku?"
Unohana tilted her head slightly, looking adorably curious. (Masatsuki's perspective.)
"...Yes, that's right."
Shunsui swallowed and nodded on reflex.
Two seconds later, he turned to Masatsuki.
"Junior... just don't die, okay?"
Was that a reference to the Ise family curse?
Masatsuki knew the guy meant well, but seriously—what a terrible way to say it.
Maybe try turning your head again. You might be the one in danger here.
Masatsuki let out a sigh. Even he could feel the chill coming from right beside him.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake