In a secluded garden near the main hall, a captain and a vice-captain stood side-by-side: Yusuke and Aizen. "Captain Uchiha, you've been in
In a secluded garden near the main hall, a captain and a vice-captain stood side-by-side: Yusuke and Aizen.
"Captain Uchiha, you've been in the Gotei 13 for over fifty years now, haven't you?" Aizen remarked with a smile.
Yusuke chuckled. "Indeed. Even for a Shinigami, time flies. Before I knew it, I'd become one of the elder captains."
Aizen shook his head slightly. "That's due to exceptional circumstances. If not for Captain Urahara's clandestine Hollowfication experiments, resulting in the loss of so many captains and vice-captains, it would be quite common for a captain to serve for hundreds, even thousands of years. Take me, for instance; I've been the 5th Division's vice-captain for over four hundred years."
Since yesterday's events, Aizen had been mostly occupied with Miler, and Yusuke hadn't yet received any reports from him. He was unaware that Aizen had already discovered Yusuke and Nagato Yū's ability to see through his Kyōka Suigetsu and had noticed his unusual behavior during his conversation with Hirako.
Despite this, Yusuke sensed a probing undercurrent in Aizen's words.
Without directly responding, Yusuke smiled. "Vice-Captain Aizen, what might you require of me?"
Instead of commenting on Aizen's mention of Urahara's Hollowfication experiments, Yusuke directly addressed Aizen's purpose.
Aizen sighed. "I merely find it...unexpected. Just yesterday evening, I was conversing with Captain Hirako and Captain Uchiha, and yet, not long after, Captain Hirako was attacked."
Aizen's mention of the previous evening, when Yusuke and Nagato Yū encountered Hirako and the Aizen imposter, was a subtle attempt to gauge Yusuke's reaction.
Yusuke felt a chill run down his spine, realizing Aizen had likely noticed something.
Under Aizen's scrutinizing gaze, Yusuke remained composed, quickly analyzing the situation.
During their encounter with Hirako and the imposter, Yū's reaction to the imposter's identity was noticeable, even if fleeting. Hirako, perceptive as he was, likely noticed something.
Therefore, Hirako's immediate suspicion upon awakening was that Yusuke was Aizen's accomplice, and Aizen's suspicion stemmed from noticing clues during his exchange with Hirako.
Yusuke knew feigning ignorance would be futile.
Adjusting his glasses, Yusuke smiled. "I don't recall seeing Vice-Captain Aizen when I met Captain Hirako yesterday."
Aizen's certainty that Yusuke had observed his unusual behavior was confirmed.
A barely perceptible glint of malice flashed in his eyes. Aizen smiled. "Captain Uchiha, you can indeed see through my Kyōka Suigetsu. Yet, during the Central 46's questioning of the captains and vice-captains last night, why didn't you expose me?"
Yusuke responded calmly, "And why would I have exposed you?"
Aizen's brow furrowed slightly at Yusuke's ambiguous answer, leaving him uncertain whether Yusuke was truly monitoring his actions.
Was Yusuke in the Seireitei for his own purposes, having inadvertently discovered Aizen's actions? Or was he secretly watching, waiting for the opportune moment to strike?
Looking at Aizen's silent contemplation, Yusuke smiled. "Vice-Captain Aizen, unless there's something else, I shall return to my barracks. I need to inform Byakuya of my recommendation for him to become the new 6th Division captain."
Yusuke turned to leave, encountering Gin Ichimaru, returning from probing Nagato Yū, en route to report to Aizen.
Gin Ichimaru bowed to Yusuke, who nodded, and they passed each other.
Approaching Aizen, Gin Ichimaru whispered, "I've tested her. Nagato Yū can see through your Kyōka Suigetsu. Her ability seems to perceive the truth directly, but she doesn't detect the unusual spiritual pressure fluctuations of your Kyōka Suigetsu."
Aizen nodded grimly. "I understand."
Gin Ichimaru watched Yusuke's retreating figure. "Did you discover anything from your conversation with Captain Uchiha?"
Aizen said slowly, "He did notice our irregularities, but he hasn't chosen to expose us yet. Whether or not he's hostile, we must proceed with greater caution."
Gin Ichimaru showed surprise. "Since he isn't exposing us, he must have his own motives. Should we assign someone to approach him?"
Aizen shook his head. "Approaching him now would be too obvious. Let's wait. The most important thing is to avoid him and Nagato Yū in our future actions."
When Yusuke returned to the 6th Division barracks, Nagato Yū had already finished her patrol and was waiting for him.
Nagato Yū looked anxious. Upon seeing Yusuke, she immediately recounted Gin Ichimaru's attempt to probe her.
"I'm sorry. I lost my composure and revealed my ability," Nagato Yū apologized.
The usually impassive Nagato Yū looked close to tears.
Yusuke smiled, stroking her head gently. "Don't worry, it's not a major setback. Aizen is an incredibly perceptive individual; any clue will attract his attention. Our exposure was inevitable."
Yusuke's expression turned serious. "However, now that they know about your ability, they might target you. Be cautious. If you detect anything unusual, use the cursed crow mark to contact me immediately."
"Yes, I understand," Nagato Yū nodded.
Two days later, the Central 46 and the Gotei 13's Captain-Commander approved Byakuya Kuchiki as the new 6th Division captain.
Unlike Yusuke, who was an outsider requiring a demonstration of strength, Byakuya Kuchiki's display of Bankai secured immediate approval from the Central 46 representative.
The two-day delay was merely a procedural formality.
For the nobles of the Central 46, having the Kuchiki clan, one of Soul Society's five noble families, as their protectors provided a strong sense of security.
"Captain Yusuke, I would rather serve under you than become captain. Your guidance over these years has been invaluable,"
In the 6th Division barracks, Byakuya Kuchiki spoke sincerely to Yusuke, who was packing his belongings.
While packing, Yusuke smiled. "How will you grow if you remain under my command? As captain, you should pass on your experience and knowledge to deserving seated officers and younger generations, guiding them to become independent Shinigami like yourself."
Byakuya Kuchiki's expression showed understanding.
"Deserving seated officers and younger generations?"
Byakuya Kuchiki pondered, glancing at his uncle, 3rd Seat Kōga Kuchiki, before shaking his head, pretending not to see him.
"Alright, I'm almost done packing. I should head to my new barracks. The 6th Division is in your capable hands now,"
Yusuke brushed dust from his hands, standing to address Byakuya.
Two assistants carried large bags as they followed Yusuke out.
The barracks courtyard was filled with 6th Division members. Except for those on patrol or guard duty, everyone was present.
Seeing their sadness and tears, Yusuke felt touched.
Just as he was about to give a heartfelt farewell speech, the members began to cry out.
"Yū-chan, you can't leave us!"
"Yū-chan, what will I do without you?"
"Yū-chan, I want to go to the 3rd Division with you!"
Yusuke realized they were lamenting Nagato Yū's departure. He hadn't expected the outwardly cold Yū to be so popular.
Looking at Nagato Yū, who was being taken to the 3rd Division, he noticed she seemed unaffected by their cries, simply adjusting her glasses.
However, from Yusuke's angle, he could see a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Leaving the 6th Division, Yusuke arrived at the 3rd Division barracks, where the seated officers, assembled by Vice-Captain Chikane Iba, awaited their new captain.
Chikane Iba was an older female Shinigami and the mother of 7th Division seated officer Tetsuzaemon Iba.
As her name suggested, she possessed a strong, unwavering personality.
Former 3rd Division Captain Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, despite being her superior, had been quite afraid of her, often needing her approval for decisions.
This wasn't due to Chikane's lust for power but her inherent personality; she was a strong-willed woman.
As the 3rd Division's longest-serving member, Chikane Iba's contributions far surpassed anyone else's.
In the meeting hall, Yusuke greeted the seated officers warmly, observing their abilities and potential.
The 3rd Division, frequently involved in supporting other divisions, possessed strong members, but Yusuke didn't find anyone exceptionally outstanding.
"Captain Uchiha, welcome to the 3rd Division. Our focus is combat support. When other divisions are short-staffed, that's when we shine,"
"We work most closely with the 5th Division, which handles rescue operations. We often collaborate on dangerous or urgent missions requiring support,"
Once seated, Chikane Iba introduced the 3rd Division's responsibilities and the seated officers' roles.
The 3rd Division's support role extended beyond combat, including assisting the 4th Division with medical care and the 9th Division with prison security.
The work was diverse, with each seated officer specializing in support for one or two divisions.
After Chikane Iba's explanation, Yusuke nodded. "Vice-Captain Iba, I will personally oversee future collaborations with the 5th Division."
The 5th Division was now under Aizen's control, and he would soon reveal his Bankai and become captain.
Yusuke preferred to personally handle anything related to Aizen.
Turning to Nagato Yū, Yusuke smiled. "Yū, learn from Vice-Captain Iba and familiarize yourself with the 3rd Division's operations as quickly as possible."
Due to her age and the fate of the former captain, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, Chikane Iba had decided to retire.
This suited Yusuke, who was accustomed to having Nagato Yū as his second-in-command.
Over the next decade, Aizen, Tōsen Kaname, Gin Ichimaru, Kōmamura Sajin, and Suì-Fēng gradually revealed their Bankai, and several acting vice-captains were promoted to captain.
Of course, Aizen and the others' "mastery" of Bankai was merely a strategic revelation of their already possessed abilities.
Somehow, Aizen managed to convince Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai and the Central 46, transferring to the 12th Division as its captain and head of the Research and Development Institute, with Gin Ichimaru taking his place as 5th Division captain.
Learning of Aizen's ascension to head the Research and Development Institute, Yusuke regretted taking Kurotsuchi Mayuri away, inadvertently creating this opportunity for Aizen.
The Central 46 and Yamamoto Genryūsai's decision was, without a doubt, self-destructive.
The Research and Development Institute's advancements were integrated into various aspects of Soul Society.
From combat and defense to surveillance and medical care, the Institute's products were ubiquitous.
With control of the Research and Development Institute, Aizen's influence over the Seireitei reached unprecedented levels!
"Dealing with Aizen will be even more difficult," Yusuke mused. "Fortunately, Miler is highly valued by him. He even brought Miler into the Research and Development Institute; that's good news."
At that moment, Byakuya Kuchiki arrived at the 3rd Division barracks, his face etched with urgency, seeking out Yusuke.
Accompanying him was a girl who bore an uncanny resemblance to his late wife, Hisana Kuchiki.
After years of searching, Byakuya Kuchiki had finally found his sister-in-law, Rukia.
When Hisana Kuchiki abandoned Rukia in the Rukongai, Rukia was merely an infant.
They hadn't considered the possibility of Rukia resembling Hisana, thus overlooking that clue.
Rukia's discovery was entirely accidental.
Rukia's friend from the Rukongai, Renji Abarai, had been selected for the Shinigami Academy years ago due to his exceptional spiritual pressure.
Recently, he'd secured an internship in the Gotei 13 and, in celebration, took Rukia to a restaurant they couldn't normally afford.
The restaurant was frequented by noble Shinigami.
One who had met Hisana Kuchiki was startled by Rukia's resemblance and informed Byakuya Kuchiki.
Byakuya Kuchiki, realizing it was likely his wife's long-lost sister, quickly located Rukia.
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