"Captain Aizen, is Uchiha Yusuke truly one of your subordinates?" Tōsen Kaname posed the question to Aizen within his private chamber. He'd
"Captain Aizen, is Uchiha Yusuke truly one of your subordinates?"
Tōsen Kaname posed the question to Aizen within his private chamber. He'd wanted to clarify this point ever since overhearing Aizen's conversation with Hirako, but hadn't had the chance.
Aizen's usual smile was absent, replaced by a dark, brooding expression.
If not for Hirako's accidental revelation, he wouldn't have known his actions might have been observed.
"Uchiha Yusuke is not one of us," Aizen stated gravely.
"What! Then he must be aware of all our actions."
Gin Ichimaru and Hegawa Miler remained impassive, but Tōsen's exclamation betrayed his shock.
Aizen carefully observed his subordinates' reactions, equally concerned about the possibility of a Yusuke informant among them.
Miler, a recent recruit with limited knowledge, was less suspect. This left Aizen uncertain about the loyalty of Tōsen and Gin Ichimaru.
His gaze swept over the two. Tōsen appeared visibly agitated, while Gin Ichimaru remained his usual inscrutable self, leaving Aizen even more perplexed.
Gin Ichimaru, deeply familiar with Aizen's personality, understood the unspoken implications of Aizen's gaze. He knew he hadn't leaked any information, and he even began to suspect Tōsen of betrayal.
The atmosphere became tense, a palpable sense of mistrust hanging in the air. Aizen understood the fatal consequences of such an atmosphere within a team.
His smile returned. "Don't worry. I will personally test Uchiha Yusuke. Since he didn't expose us to Hirako, he must have his own agenda. Besides, the Central 46's judgment has already been delivered. Even if he wanted to betray us, he has no concrete evidence."
Aizen glanced at the clock on the wall. "Tōsen, Gin, it's almost time. We should head to the Captain's meeting."
In the Gotei 13's main hall, all the current captains were assembled.
Compared to previous meetings, the number of captains in their white haori was significantly reduced.
The soul disappearance incident had severely weakened the Gotei 13's high command, eliminating nearly half of its core strength.
With some captains unable to attend, their vice-captains were present in their stead. Divisions where both captain and vice-captain were absent were represented by the highest-ranking seated officer.
With everyone present, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto began summarizing the soul disappearance incident and conveying the Central 46's decision.
Following the Central 46's decree, Urahara Kisuke (falsely accused of the Hollowfication experiments), the victims (like Hirako), and those deemed Urahara's accomplices (Yoruichi and Tessai) were all declared deserters.
Any sighting of them warranted immediate arrest; resistance would result in immediate execution.
The verdict clearly illustrated the expendability of even Gotei 13 captains and vice-captains in the eyes of the Seireitei's higher-ups.
Despite knowing Hirako and the others were victims, the Central 46 hadn't considered rehabilitation, opting for extermination.
"That concludes the Central 46's final judgment on this incident. We will now discuss how to address the vacancies left by the numerous missing captains and vice-captains," Yamamoto stated calmly.
Many present showed their displeasure at Yamamoto's announcement of the Central 46's verdict, particularly Suì-Fēng, the 2nd Division's vice-captain, who was visibly enraged.
"Impossible! Captain Yoruichi would never desert the Seireitei. I refuse to accept the Central 46's judgment!"
Suì-Fēng, overcome with emotion, broke formation and confronted Yamamoto.
Despite her usual deference to the Captain-Commander, the thought of her revered captain being declared a deserter had overwhelmed her.
However, she was met with Yamamoto's intensely sharp gaze.
An immense wave of spiritual pressure bore down on Suì-Fēng, making it difficult to breathe.
With a thud, Suì-Fēng, who had been so defiant moments before, knelt, unable to control her body.
Sweat poured down her face, her eyes wide with fear.
Those who still harbored resentment instantly silenced themselves, bowing their heads. The hall fell deathly silent.
In similar situations, Captain Shunsui Kyōraku of the 8th Division would usually intervene to defuse the tension.
He was one of Yamamoto's most favored students, and Yamamoto would typically grant him some leeway.
However, Kyōraku's expression was grim; he was consumed by self-reproach.
Due to his recommendation, Lisa Yadomaru, the 8th Division's vice-captain, who should have been uninvolved, had become a victim and was now also considered a deserter.
"Lisa…as her captain, did I make a grave mistake?" Kyōraku reflected inwardly.
At that precise moment, Yusuke stepped forward, shielding Suì-Fēng, calmly absorbing the spiritual pressure directed at her.
The pressure lifted from Suì-Fēng, the oppressive feeling instantly vanishing.
Looking up, Suì-Fēng saw a tall figure in a white captain's haori bearing the number '6,' signifying his identity.
Seeing Yusuke, usually reticent during Captain's meetings, intervene on Suì-Fēng's behalf, Yamamoto said, his expression unreadable, "Captain Uchiha, do you also object to the Central 46's decision?"
Yusuke smiled. "I do not intend to dispute the Central 46's judgment, but I wish to address your earlier comments regarding filling the vacant captain and vice-captain positions."
Yamamoto showed slight surprise, nodding. "Then please, Captain Uchiha, share your thoughts."
Turning to Suì-Fēng, still kneeling, Yusuke said, "Vice-Captain Suì-Fēng, please return to your position. I have something to report to the Captain-Commander."
Suì-Fēng, understanding Yusuke's intervention, looked at him with gratitude before returning to her place.
However, subdued by Yamamoto's earlier display of power, she remained silent, her gaze fixed on her feet.
Once Suì-Fēng had resumed her position, Yusuke addressed Yamamoto. "Captain-Commander, Byakuya Kuchiki, the 6th Division's vice-captain, has completed his Bankai training and is fully capable of assuming the captain's responsibilities. Therefore, after careful consideration, I have decided to relinquish the 6th Division captaincy to him, and I will assume command of another division."
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