Soul Society, Seireitei.
In the main hall of the First Division, the elderly Yamamoto sat in his chair at the center, his face filled with shock and a terrifying killing intent that permeated the entire room.
Before him stood Ren, radiating a killing intent no less potent, though neither was directed at the other.
"Are you certain about this information, Kurosaki Ren?" Yamamoto asked in a booming voice, his ancient eyes snapping open sharply.
"I am 100% sure that the Emperor of the Wandenreich, Yhwach, is still alive," Ren nodded, his voice dripping with cold murderous intent and deep hatred. "He resides in Seireitei's Shadow with his army, and although he has not yet fully regained his power, he intends to destroy the world once he does."
"He even left a prophecy before his disappearance, which reads: The sealed King of the Quincy. Over 900 years, he shall recover his heartbeat. Over 90 years, he shall recover his intellect. Over nine years, he shall recover his power. And over nine days, he shall recover the world."
"This prophecy has been passed down among the Quincies for over a thousand years. While many believe it to be mere legend, I am certain it is true, for I also possess Quincy blood. As you know, all Quincies carry Yhwach's blood, and through this connection, I was able to uncover much," Ren continued. Although he didn't reveal the full truth, he wasn't lying—he had obtained all this information thanks to Mikazuki, who had devoured the remnants of Yhwach's soul.
"I see…" Yamamoto nodded silently, closing his eyes again. Silence filled the hall as neither he nor Ren spoke, standing in absolute stillness.
Although Yamamoto had fought Yhwach a millennium ago and left him nearly at death's door, the possibility of his survival was not impossible—especially since at that time, another great war with the three factions was ongoing. Yamamoto had no way to confirm Yhwach's death, as he had escaped at the brink of death, and Yamamoto had no time to pursue him, needing to focus on the more urgent war.
"Let all Captains heed my orders and gather in the main hall of the First Division," Yamamoto's majestic voice echoed throughout the Gotei 13. He enhanced his voice with reiatsu, producing a pressure so intense it terrified all who heard it.
"Sasakibe, summon the Captain of the 2nd Division and Kurosaki Ichigo," Yamamoto opened one eye and stared at the elegant man with silver hair and a simple mustache, speaking calmly.
Although Suì-Fēng was busy in the Human World due to the peace treaty with the three factions, they currently had neither the time nor the trust to leave anyone behind.
As for Ichigo and Ren, though not officially Captains, their strength was no less than any of the others.
"As you command," Sasakibe bowed respectfully to the old man, then his image blurred and vanished to contact the two concerned parties.
"Kurosaki Ren, your contribution of this information is worthy of recognition and reward," Yamamoto said after Sasakibe departed, turning his gaze back to the silver-haired, crystalline-eyed teenager before him. "From now on, you will be promoted to Captain of the 5th Division. If there is any other reward you desire, do not hesitate to ask. And fear not, I do not intend to bind you to remain in Seireitei, as you will take Suì-Fēng's place as Captain. The 2nd Division's headquarters will return to Seireitei, and the 5th Division's headquarters will be relocated to the Human World."
"I will work diligently to honor this position," Ren nodded seriously to the old man. Though in the past he had been incredibly arrogant toward him, he now respected Yamamoto, for the old man truly deserved it. "As for the reward, I wish for Ichigo and myself to meet Nimaiya Ōetsu and have him craft custom Asauchi for each of us. Additionally, I hope the Shiba Clan can regain their status as one of Seireitei's great noble houses."
The opportunity was before him, so Ren did not hesitate. Kūkaku had greatly aided them in the past, so he intended to use this chance to help her. Even if the Shiba Clan did not regain their noble status directly, he was confident they would eventually reclaim their rightful place over time.
However, this was secondary. The main priority was the Asauchi, as Mikazuki had shared extensive information this time, most importantly that his and Ichigo's Zanpakutō were formed from Spiritual Pressure and not true Zanpakutō. Thus, it was impossible for them to fully manifest their true power, making it necessary to obtain Asauchi crafted by the original creator of the Zanpakutō and Asauchi concepts: Nimaiya Ōetsu.
Although Nimaiya Ōetsu now resided in the Royal Guard at the Soul King Palace, Yamamoto had a way to communicate with him and could easily persuade him to create two custom Asauchi, one for Ren and one for Ichigo.
Yamamoto opened his eyes again, a faint, barely visible smile appearing beneath his wrinkled lips—not one of joy, but an implicit acknowledgment of the value of the request.
"A bold… and clever request. I would expect nothing less from a mixed-blood heir."
He tilted his head slightly as if weighing matters in his mind.
"As for the Shiba Clan, that is something I can arrange easily. They have been pillars of the Gotei 13, and their return has long been overdue."
He paused briefly, then added in a deeper tone:
"As for the other request—the meeting with Nimaiya Ōetsu—that will require formal procedures. However… as we stand on the brink of an unavoidable war, it would be foolish to leave the swords without a true identity."
Yamamoto rested his hand on the wooden armrest of his chair before speaking slowly:
"I will send a direct request to the Royal Palace. Not as a plea… but as an order of mobilization before the war."
Ren nodded slightly. Before he could speak, Yamamoto's eye suddenly opened, and sparks of his ancient reiatsu surged once more.
"However… do not misunderstand. Once you obtain the true Asauchi… you will not be allowed to hide behind titles—who is stronger and who is not."
Ren raised his head slightly, meeting the old Captain's gaze directly.
"I have never hidden."
His voice was steady, confident, as if stating an undeniable truth.
"...Good."
As Yamamoto spoke the word, a new spiritual surge rose throughout Seireitei—signaling the arrival of the Captains called by the emergency summon.
Rapid footsteps, followed by the thunderous opening of massive doors.
One by one, the Captains' energies filled the hall like waves of spiritual pressure:
Byakuya, walking with calm composure.
Kyōraku, with his traditional hat and weary smile.
Ukitake, exuding gentle, serene aura.
Komamura, with heavy, iron-clad steps.
Hitsugaya, radiating icy precision in every movement.
Zaraki, a lurking murderous grin on his lips.
Dozens of eyes immediately fixed on Ren at the front of the hall.
Shock, suspicion… and some quiet respect.
"What is happening here, Silver Demon Head?" Zaraki muttered, staring at Ren with a half-smile filled with restrained excitement.
Ren did not reply.
There was no time for jokes or mockery.
Yamamoto raised his hand, and complete silence fell over the hall.
"Before we explain the details of this summon… both Ichigo and Suì-Fēng must arrive."
He then turned to Ren again.
"From now on, Kurosaki Ren is the Captain of the 5th Division, as he meets all standards, from strength to background. A formal inauguration ceremony will follow later."
Ren stepped forward with steady steps, standing beside Byakuya and Unohana, who smiled softly at his sight, for she had been his mentor and cherished teacher.
His crystalline eyes reflected all the gathered energies…
And the tension of the coming conflict, the first real war announcement in a thousand years.
The beginning… had already been declared.
...
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