Hearing Genryūsai's question, Retsu Unohana lowered her head slightly.
"That's correct, Head Captain."
"At the time, I noticed Segawa's expression and kept him behind to discuss the strange aspects of Aizen's corpse."
"He had indeed told me in advance about Aizen's trio's conspiracy."
"That's why at the Sōkyoku Hill, I could understand why he needed to stop the execution."
Retsu Unohana spoke with lowered eyes, her tone gentle and serene as she explained.
Hearing this, Genryūsai fell silent for a moment, then closed his eyes.
His body leaned back slightly as he spoke slowly:
"If that's the case, what do you captains think?"
As his words fell, the meeting hall immediately fell silent.
Whenever this happened, it meant Genryūsai had already decided to compromise.
Next, the captains only needed to voice symbolic opinions.
After all, if the Head Captain wanted to pursue punishment, he would have forcefully announced his decision.
After a moment, Soi Fon spoke first.
"I believe... Acting Captain Segawa is innocent."
Shigure's eyes moved. He hadn't expected her to speak first. He smiled and looked over, nodding lightly.
Feeling Shigure's gaze, Soi Fon immediately looked away.
Then Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake began voicing their opinions, naturally all absolving Shigure.
In the end, only Kenpachi Zaraki hadn't expressed his view.
Genryūsai looked over. "Captain Zaraki, do you have a different opinion?"
Hearing this, Zaraki lifted his chin slightly and grinned:
"That stuff doesn't matter either way..."
"What I'm curious about is... what about these three vacant captain positions?"
"Are we gonna become the Gotei 10 from now on? Huh?"
At his words, the captains' expressions shifted.
The topic had finally been steered here.
Hearing Zaraki's words, Retsu Unohana immediately frowned.
"Captain Zaraki, please don't say such disrespectful things."
Zaraki's expression changed. "Tch."
"Captain Zaraki is being rather impatient," Shunsui Kyōraku looked up with a smile, speaking leisurely.
"The rebellion in Seireitei just ended. Even Central 46 hasn't been reestablished yet."
"Isn't it too early to discuss new captains?"
At his words, Jūshirō Ukitake was momentarily stunned, about to speak.
But he saw Shunsui Kyōraku reveal a sly smile.
"However, I see one candidate who'd be very suitable."
At these words, all the captains' heads turned toward Shigure in unison.
Instantly, nine gazes focused on his face.
Actually, when Zaraki brought this up, the captains had already settled on their choice.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Mayuri Kurotsuchi at the end of the line suddenly laughed strangely.
"Hehe... seems like we don't need Central 46's appointment, right?"
"Isn't the result obvious now?"
He grinned wider, showing an even more exaggerated expression.
"Who would be more qualified for captain than someone who simultaneously suppressed three captains?"
"Right, Captain of the 8th Division?"
Mayuri looked toward Shunsui Kyōraku.
Shunsui immediately smiled awkwardly:
"Captain Kurotsuchi, don't make such a scary face..."
"Though the person I wanted to mention is also Segawa."
"But doing this... seems somewhat against regulations, right, old man Yama?"
As Shunsui spoke, he suddenly looked toward Genryūsai sitting upright at the front.
Ukitake beside him showed a gentle smile:
"Shunsui, you're really cunning. Though Segawa is indeed qualified to become captain."
"But aren't you cornering Teacher Genryūsai with your words?"
Seeing this performance, Shigure also chuckled softly.
Clearly, they wanted to establish Shigure's position in the Gotei 13 before the new Central 46 was formed.
To prevent any complications arising from the Sōkyoku incident later.
Realizing this, Retsu Unohana also smiled with narrowed eyes.
Genryūsai raised his eyes slightly. He naturally understood his two students' intentions.
Bypassing Central 46 to directly appoint a new captain was indeed against regulations.
But now, Seireitei desperately lacked talent and urgently needed strong individuals to fill captain vacancies.
Segawa Shigure taking office now was completely reasonable.
"Thud!"
Genryūsai struck his cane on the ground once:
"Since you captains have brought up the captain vacancies and all seem inclined to recommend Segawa..."
"Then..."
Genryūsai looked over, speaking evenly: "Segawa Shigure, what's your opinion?"
Hearing this, Shigure lowered his head slightly: "I'll follow the Head Captain's arrangements."
At these words, Genryūsai slowly raised his eyes.
"Good. Then tomorrow morning, come here directly to prepare for the captain appointment evaluation."
Hearing this, Shunsui Kyōraku and Ukitake exchanged smiles.
They both realized their worries had been unnecessary.
The usually rule-abiding Genryūsai had indeed abandoned many regulations when it came to Shigure.
They hadn't needed to perform that little act at all.
Shigure lowered his head, his expression unchanged: "Yes, Head Captain."
The matter was settled.
Genryūsai narrowed his eyes again, speaking gravely:
"With this, today's captain meeting's three topics are all concluded."
"Though the court has returned to tranquility, you captains must not relax and should always prepare to resist new crises."
"Rebuilding Central 46 will be handled by the 1st and 6th Divisions."
"Meanwhile, the other divisions should also begin searching for traces of the traitors Aizen and others."
"Investigate whether they've hidden any unknown contingencies within Seireitei."
"Given the current situation, I won't assign specific personnel. You may decide among yourselves."
"After deciding, report back to me."
"Meeting dismissed!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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