The 1st Division barracks of the Seireitei was heavy with an unusual tension. Every Captain present seemed aware that something more than routine business was underway.
At the head of the hall sat Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, his presence alone commanding silence. Along both sides of the hall, the other Captains had passed around a letter, which now rested in the hands of Chōjirō Sasakibe, Lieutenant of the 1st Division.
"Alright," Yamamoto began, gripping his staff and narrowing his eyes, "you've all read the letter. You know what it says. It concerns the Shiba Clan, one of the former Great Noble Families. Kūkaku Shiba, the current head, recommends Kuroha Shiba—a branch family member—for the Gotei 13. By right, the Shiba Clan can make this recommendation."
He let the silence hang a moment, letting the weight of his words settle. "However, after the main family's Kaien fell in battle forty years ago, and Isshin disappeared fifteen years ago, the Shiba family was, for certain reasons, exiled to the Rukongai. I've called you all here to hear your opinions. Does the Shiba family still deserve this recommendation?"
Yamamoto's gaze swept across the room. Though he held absolute veto power as Captain-Commander, matters involving a former Great Noble Family required careful procedure. It was a formality, a nod to the dignity of those who once ruled.
"Oh, Captain-Commander Yamamoto," Mayuri Kurotsuchi said with a dark chuckle, tilting his head. "I was curious why you'd summon all of us. And… this is it? This trivial nonsense?"
"Since the Shiba family has fallen, why bother with their recommendation? Waste of time," he continued, tilting his head with a grin. "Or perhaps send him to me. I'd love to… examine him properly."
Several Captains nodded silently. In the Soul Society, the strong preyed on the weak. Few of the seated Captains came from noble backgrounds. Mayuri had been freed from the Maggot's Nest by Kisuke Urahara, while Kenpachi Zaraki hailed from the most dangerous district of North Rukongai, Zaraki 80. Their opinions rarely aligned.
"That guy's full of it," Kenpachi boomed, the grin on his face wide and feral. "If he's strong enough and survives me, I don't care who he is. I'd welcome him. Another toy to kill time with."
Shunsui Kyōraku, lounging in his flowery robes, let out a soft, dry laugh. "Both of you have points… but the head of the noble families hasn't objected. Best we don't interfere. Let him go through the standard process."
He tilted his head. "Though… the letter mentions no alcohol? Can his drinking really be that bad?"
Byakuya Kuchiki, ever composed, raised an eyebrow. Nobles were expected to maintain proper conduct. Still, vetoing a recommendation solely over etiquette might set a dangerous precedent. And history mattered—the Shiba and Kuchiki families shared a past. Kaien Shiba had once saved Rukia. Without that, the promises to Hisana Kuchiki might never have held.
"Kyōraku, enough!" Yamamoto barked sharply.
He turned his gaze to Byakuya. "Captain Kuchiki, as head of the noble families, the decision rests with you. Consider carefully. If you raise no objection, Jūshirō will make the necessary arrangements."
"Ahem… Captain Yamamoto," Jūshirō Ukitake spoke, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "I… I thought this didn't require a full meeting. I already sent Rukia to receive him."
The room fell into tense silence. Sasakibe noticed the twitch in Yamamoto's cheek. Only Ukitake and Kyōraku—Yamamoto's prized students—would dare act so unpredictably.
"You fool, Ukitake! Are you ignoring the Gotei's rules?!" Yamamoto's eyes flared. "Kaien Shiba may have been your former lieutenant, but official decisions cannot bend to emotion! How can you handle greater responsibilities if you act like this?"
"Explain yourself—NOW!"
Boom!
The spiritual pressure in the hall exploded like a gale. Captains shifted uneasily. Even Kenpachi's grin flickered with anticipation for a fight. The power of the strongest Soul Reaper in history was undeniable.
"Enough," Byakuya said quietly but firmly, standing from his seat. "If Captain Ukitake personally vouches for him, I raise no objections. Let him proceed through the standard examination. How far he goes will depend on his own merits."
Yamamoto's expression darkened, but the pressure receded. "Fine. If Captain Kuchiki says so, I'll overlook your rashness, Ukitake. Are you certain you can vouch for Kuroha Shiba?"
"If you are willing to guarantee him, Kuroha Shiba will obtain the qualification to take the Soul Reaper exam."
The concession stunned the room. Yamamoto, who rarely yielded, had done so.
"Thank you… Captain Kuchiki, Captain Yamamoto," Ukitake said, clasping his fists. "I… I will vouch for Kuroha Shiba."
"Thanks are unnecessary," Byakuya replied coldly. "If he disgraces the Gotei or nobility, I'll handle it myself. That is all." With that, he turned and left.
Other Captains soon followed, leaving only a few behind. A fallen noble's endorsement alone wasn't enough to hold their attention.
"Truly a bunch of scoundrels," Yamamoto growled, his face sinking as he watched the Captains shirk responsibility. "Summoning you all was a mistake. I won't manage this either."
"Ukitake, handle it if you wish. But it seems that individual has already arrived in the Rukongai's 80th District, Zaraki. That's no good place, and it's been rather restless lately. I hope the person you sent to receive him doesn't end up losing her life as well."
With that, Yamamoto departed.
Kyōraku shook his half-empty gourd. "You didn't plan that from the start, did you? Sending Rukia… on purpose? No wonder Byakuya was so accommodating."
"Still, Zaraki 80 isn't forgiving. If Rukia runs into trouble, Byakuya won't let you off easily," Kyōraku added knowingly.
"Ahem… Kyōraku, you flatter me," Ukitake coughed weakly. "Kaien has always weighed on Rukia's heart. She's… always concerned about the Shiba family. I just hope she returns safely."
"I had her take two bottles of your sake… think that might cause… problems?" Kyōraku smirked, shaking his head.