When Kisuke Urahara rushed over, he was somewhat bewildered, as requested by Yamamoto Genryusai.
"Captain-Commander, what is White bone and blood pond hell?"
"I've never heard of such a thing in the Twelfth Division."
"And... your injury...?"
"I fell," Yamamoto Genryusai said irritably. "What, do you all even interfere with whether this old man is injured or not?"
"This subordinate wouldn't dare," Kisuke Urahara quickly lowered his head. "But I truly haven't heard of White bone and blood pond hell."
"By the name, it should be a health product, and if it exists, it would be in the Fourth Division..."
"Captain Retsu Unohana, what do you think?"
Kisuke Urahara slowly raised his head, looked at Retsu Unohana, who was standing quietly beside him, and blinked at her, as if asking a question.
Retsu Unohana smiled gently.
"You guessed wrong, Captain Urahara."
"White bone and blood pond hell is not a health product; it's the strongest medical technique developed by Tenjiro Kirinji, the creator of Healing Kido."
"Even if one is paraplegic, or has damaged or lost internal organs, a soak can quickly restore them to their original state."
"Because he invented White bone and blood pond hell, Tenjiro Kirinji was promoted to Squad Zero seven hundred years ago."
Upon hearing Retsu Unohana's explanation, Kisuke Urahara became even more confused: "Since it's a medical technique, why..."
Before he could finish, Yamamoto Genryusai interrupted: "That brat is very arrogant. After inventing Healing Kido, he didn't even put this old man in his eyes."
"With his temper, he would never leave his creations in the Fourth Division, which specializes in healing. I vaguely remember him subtly mocking this old man in his reply to the Five Great Noble Families back then..."
"At that time, I didn't quite understand what he meant, but now, after this injury, this old man understands."
"That was a clue."
"A clue?"
"Indeed," Yamamoto Genryusai nodded. "He and your Twelfth Division's former captain, Shutara Senjumaru, joined the Seireitei at the same time."
"Given their relationship back then, it's quite normal for White bone and blood pond hell formula to be left in the Twelfth Division."
"Although several hundred years have passed, the item should still be there."
"This is why I called you here."
"Do you... understand?"
"I understand." Since he understood the history of White bone and blood pond hell, he would probably find it by turning the Twelfth Division upside down after returning.
However, based on Yamamoto Genryusai's description of Tenjiro Kirinji's personality... he would probably bury it underground.
Only then could it remain undiscovered for hundreds of years.
As Kisuke Urahara thought this, he was about to leave when he suddenly saw Chōjirō Sasakibe enter with a letter.
Yamamoto Genryusai took it and quickly opened it:
"Listen carefully to the part about the location."
"I know what you're thinking, but a step-by-step search is too slow."
"Time is of the essence."
"Also, don't tell Tsugikuni Yoriichi about this. This old man doesn't want him to worry..."
...
After Kisuke Urahara left, Yamamoto Genryusai let out a sigh of relief.
He glanced at his right hand, which was in a cast and bandaged, then looked back at Retsu Unohana, who was standing silently beside him, and said in a deep voice:
"Tomorrow is the Captains' Meeting, Retsu Unohana, do you have a way to make my right hand appear as good as new?"
...
Rubbing her chin with her fingers, Retsu Unohana pondered for a moment, then nodded:
"Difficult, but, worth a try."
"Speaking of which, Captain-Commander, have you truly made up your mind? To let Tsugikuni Yoriichi become the ninth division captain..."
"Regarding this matter, you haven't told him yet, have you?"
"Furthermore, Kensei Muguruma's side..."
"Is the Eleventh Division a bit unlucky lately? Three captains have been replaced in just one year..."
"Honestly, if I weren't Kenpachi anymore, I'd want to cut down all those Shinigami who defile the name of Kenpachi, especially... Kiganjo."
When Kiganjo was mentioned, Retsu Unohana's expression instantly turned cold. She had never seen such a weak Kenpachi.
She had thought he could help Zaraki Kenpachi grow, but his performance was like a clown; in a game, he wouldn't even be considered a mob.
This Kenpachi truly defiled the name of all Kenpachi throughout history. If she had his strength and were in his position, she would surely be ashamed to death and commit suicide.
Yamamoto Genryusai glanced at her indifferently.
"It's a minor matter. This old man believes the newly appointed Captain Kensei will perform better."
"As for Tsugikuni Yoriichi, this old man will explain it to him later. He will agree. The top priority is to minimize the impact of the injury as much as possible."
"Outwardly, I must maintain a state of full power to deter those monsters and demons from daring to offend."
"Retsu Unohana, come."
Yamamoto Genryusai closed his eyes slightly.
After the treatment was finished, he looked at his arm again, and in his gaze, it had indeed returned to its original state.
However, the inside was still a mess.
Just for show...
It's enough.
...
Outside, Kisuke Urahara, who had just left the Gotei 13, was walking down the road when he was suddenly stopped by a group of people.
These individuals were all dressed in black, appearing to be Shinigami, but the small part of their family crests visible indicated they belonged to a noble family.
Unsure of who they were, Kisuke Urahara's eyes narrowed slightly, and his tense muscles made him involuntarily step back half a pace, wary.
"Gentlemen, do we know each other?"
"No, but, we will soon," explained the leading Shinigami. "Our young master has invited you, Kisuke Urahara, come with us."
"Who is your young master?"
"Heh... who else could it be?" He fully revealed the family crest on his body.
That familiar pattern entered Kisuke Urahara's eyes.
Instantly.
His expression hardened.
...
The next day.
"Ah... another Captains' Meeting."
A gloomy voice sounded outside the Gotei 13. Hirako Shinji stood in the corridor, feeling annoyed.
It had been less than a month since the last one...
Which division captain was going to be replaced again?
Really...
As an old-timer, he couldn't help but lament the poor quality of Shinigami in the Seireitei in recent years.
He recalled that when he took office, a captain was replaced only once every few decades.
Now, however.
In one year.
Three.
Even suicide isn't that fast.
Aizen followed behind him, his smile gentle.
"Captain, this should be a good thing, shouldn't it? It means the Seireitei is flourishing, and strong individuals are constantly appearing, isn't that right?"
"Heh..." Hirako Shinji rolled his eyes at Aizen. Naive, too naive.
It's precisely because all Shinigami are as optimistic as you that the casualty rate remains so high.
Thinking back to the good old days... never mind, a true hero doesn't boast about past glories.
Hirako Shinji sighed.
He reluctantly pushed open the door to the Gotei 13.
Creak—
Upon entering, he saw several captains who had already arrived: Kyōraku Shunsui, Jūshirō Ukitake... these weren't important.
What surprised him was that Yamamoto Genryusai was standing at the head of the table.
Recalling yesterday's rumors, Hirako Shinji's gaze first swept over Yamamoto's arm.
Hmm... everything is intact.
Hmm?
Intact? He frowned slightly.
Who said Yamamoto Genryusai was severely beaten and now half-paralyzed? Isn't this misleading people? He had wanted to gossip about it...
Now, gossiping would probably get him beaten into eight pieces.
Hiss...
Just thinking about it hurt. Those who spread rumors deserved to die.
Hirako Shinji's eyes rippled slightly.
He stood silently in the ranks, his peripheral vision constantly fixed on Yamamoto Genryusai.
As if unsure, he looked again.
Still no change.
Shaking his head inwardly, time slowly passed as he waited.
Not long after, a red-haired young Shinigami pushed open the door of the Gotei 13 and walked in.
At the first sight of him, Hirako Shinji's drowsy, sleepy eyes suddenly perked up.
—The main character?
His slightly suspicious gaze swept over Yamamoto Genryusai's unmoving figure. Hirako Shinji wondered if something was amiss.
Just as he was guessing, the ninth division captain, Kensei Muguruma, also walked in.
At this moment, Yamamoto Genryusai, who had been meditating, slowly opened his eyes.
His opening eyes were caught by some of the captains.
The surrounding atmosphere became serious and subdued.
Thump.
The cane struck the ground, making a crisp sound.
Seeing that it was almost noon, Yamamoto Genryusai's gaze swept over everyone and he said in a deep voice:
"Has the Twelfth Division Captain, Kisuke Urahara, not arrived?"
"Um..." By the door, the Twelfth Division Vice-Captain, Hiyori Sarugaki, cautiously poked her head out and explained:
"Captain-Commander, our captain hasn't returned since he left the barracks yesterday."
"At first, we suspected you had sent him on a secret mission, but now..."
"Hmm?" Hearing this reply, Yamamoto Genryusai's brow furrowed into a tight knot.
He didn't return?
His stern gaze turned to Chōjirō Sasakibe, who was standing nearby.
The latter immediately understood, turned and withdrew to conduct a detailed investigation.
After Chōjirō disappeared from sight, Yamamoto Genryusai lightly coughed twice and said calmly:
"No need to worry. If he didn't come, then he didn't come. He isn't the main character of this meeting."
"Time's up. You may withdraw."
Creak—Boom!
The door of the Gotei 13 slammed shut as noon arrived.
Yamamoto Genryusai leaned on his cane and said in a deep voice:
"The Captains' Meeting officially begins."
"The agenda for this meeting is the assessment ceremony for Tsugikuni Yoriichi's succession as the ninth division captain, and the order for the former ninth division captain, Kensei Muguruma, to be transferred to the Eleventh Division."
"And..."
"Former Eleventh Division Captain, Zaraki Kenpachi..."
"Former Eleventh Division Vice-Captain, Kusajishi Yachiru, and former Eleventh Division, Sixth Seat and Eighth Seat—Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa's division reassignment."
"First, the first matter."
His gaze gradually grew serious, Yamamoto Genryusai looked at Tsugikuni Yoriichi, his voice deepening:
"Tsugikuni Yoriichi, I ask you, are you willing to serve as the ninth division captain and engage in a public battle with the former captain to prove both your strengths?"
Due to Yamamoto Genryusai's prior explanation, Yoriichi pondered for a moment before agreeing.
The Ninth Division was the prison division, responsible for capturing criminals on a daily basis, so their work wasn't particularly busy.
Because it was close to the Seireitei, criminals were quite rare.
Once captured, even a captain would find it difficult to escape.
It was the division Yoriichi had in mind.
Plus...
The characteristics of his Zanpakuto.
It was an even better fit.
As for the public battle, Yoriichi also had no objections.
It wasn't a battle to the death, so it naturally wouldn't cause any pain or sorrow.
In his view, it was merely a sparring match.
This sparring match could both enhance the relationships between the captains and allow both captains to integrate more quickly into their respective divisions... the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
Knowing Tsugikuni Yoriichi's attitude, Yamamoto Genryusai nodded in satisfaction.
He then looked at Kensei Muguruma.
The latter had already met Yamamoto Genryusai a month prior, so he had anticipated this matter.
Without taking much time, he also agreed.
"Very good."
"Next is the third matter." Yamamoto Genryusai stroked his beard and looked at Zaraki Kenpachi in the ranks:
"Kensei Muguruma has already agreed, Zaraki Kenpachi? Do you want to go back on your word?"
"If you go back on your word, this old man is willing to give you another chance."
"What a joke!" Zaraki Kenpachi's tone was somewhat disdainful.
His booming voice echoed in the air.
"Old man, do you think I gave up this Kenpachi position with what kind of determination!?
If I can't even defeat the opponent in front of me, what's the point of becoming Kenpachi!?
Tsugikuni, you're going to the Ninth Division, right? I want to go too!"
Yoriichi watched him silently, not speaking.
At this moment, Yamamoto Genryusai lightly coughed, interrupting him:
"Don't say those useless words. Just agree."
"Next, this old man will summon all current members of the Ninth Division and Eleventh Division located within the Seireitei."
"The battle will take place in two hours. You must be prepared. I allow you to adjust your condition as much as possible during this time."
"Are there any other matters?"
"If not..."
"Then the meeting is adjourned."
The Captains' Meeting ended quite quickly.
This was, of course, to be expected.
Because these matters had been decided in advance, they only needed to go through a formality.
To the side, Hirako Shinji clicked his tongue in wonder.
His gaze had remained fixed on Tsugikuni Yoriichi.
Because he realized that he couldn't see through this young man at all...
Even with Aizen, he could detect a slight sense of incongruity.
The perfect Vice-Captain in others' eyes was, in his eyes, nothing more than a cunning individual.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi, however, was...
It was difficult to describe the feeling.
Like a gust of wind across an open field.
It blew by, and then it was forgotten.
Interesting.
He subconsciously stroked his chin.
After the meeting ended, he had intended to go over and chat.
Suddenly.
Bang.
The door of the Gotei 13 was pushed open, and a young girl wearing a black Shinigami uniform and a red scarf rushed in.
The girl had striking green hair.
She seemed quite anxious; at first glance, Hirako Shinji knew her identity.
Ninth Division Vice-Captain—Kuna Mashiro.
Kuna Mashiro urgently shouted at Kensei Muguruma:
"Captain, why didn't you tell me, Captain! Why were you suddenly transferred to the Eleventh Division! Don't you know we..."
Her voice was filled with anxiety and grievance, as if her heart held countless feelings of unwillingness and loss.
"Annoying," Kensei Muguruma interrupted her before she could finish, his hands in his pockets.
He seemed unwilling to explain, only giving a brief reply before leaving on his own.
This attitude left Kuna Mashiro utterly bewildered.
The captain in her memory was never like this!
She stood rooted to the spot, watching Kensei Muguruma quickly disappear from sight, her nose feeling a little sore.
She took a deep breath, gathered her strength, and shouted:
"Kensei, you idiot Kensei, if you leave, don't come back!"
To the side.
"Tsk..." Hirako Shinji slightly curled his lips, as if watching a good show.
Such a decisive attitude was quite unexpected to him.
To avoid affecting his work, could he even temporarily abandon the camaraderie of old comrades?
As expected of the captain of the prison division.