Kensei Kenzuru slid open the wooden door of the First Division captain's study, poking half his head in first to look around.
The room contained only Yamamoto, seated upright before the low table. Perhaps knowing Kensei would come, Yamamoto was not practicing calligraphy. He simply held a cup of hot tea, eyes closed in repose.
"Old Man Yama." Kensei squeezed his body through the doorway, his tone light. "Why is it just you, an old geezer? Where's that Royal Guard beauty, Senjumaru?"
Yamamoto's eyelids lifted slightly. Several cracks appeared on the surface of the fine teacup in his hand. "Lord Senjumaru is staying temporarily with Captain Hikifune. The detailed report of this operation you will need to deliver personally later."
He raised the cup and took a sip before continuing. "Some matters, as your teacher, I naturally should know before others. Moreover, some words are not convenient to say in Lord Senjumaru's presence."
Kensei immediately understood. "Got it. Afraid I'll slip up in front of a beauty, right? Since it's just the two of us here, you could've just said so earlier."
Yamamoto shot Kensei a glance, not taking the bait.
Kensei pursed his lips and began reporting the details of dealing with the Tsunayashiro Clan. Honestly, there wasn't much to tell. Mainly, Tsunayashiro Jin truly posed little threat and ended up dying in a rather abstract way. Had thought there'd be some grand, evenly matched battle, but he tried to mimic Kūkon and ended up killing himself.
"As for the secret weapon the Tsunayashiro were researching..." After some thought, Kensei felt that this time, only that experimental subject counted as an unexpected factor. "It woke up early while I was dealing with Tsunayashiro Jin. Now, it's disappeared somewhere in Hueco Mundo."
Kensei spread his hands, putting on an innocent expression.
Yamamoto set down his teacup, his expression serious as he looked at Kensei. "Explain in detail."
"Just an experimental subject the Tsunayashiro cooked up using special materials. Forcibly blended Shinigami and Hollow, and also got tangled up with Ikomikidomoe." Kensei described it lightly. "With Tsunayashiro Jin's meager abilities, what world-shaking thing could he possibly create?"
Yamamoto pondered for a moment before slowly speaking. "Meaning, this potential threat remains in Hueco Mundo, its whereabouts unknown."
"Basically, yeah." Kensei stroked his chin, judging that probably only Szayelaporro could do something with that thing. "But I'll be heading back to Hueco Mundo soon anyway. I'll take care of it then."
Yamamoto didn't respond immediately, merely sipping his tea a few more times—the same treasure Kensei had procured from Unohana last time.
After a long while, he set down the cup and made a decision. "In that case, this operation is not yet concluded. The various authorities previously granted to you remain in effect. The matter of the experimental subject remains your responsibility."
Kensei's eyes instantly lit up.
He didn't have to return the authority! Didn't that mean he was now the Acting Captain-Commander?
As expected! Old Man Yama knew he was old and befuddled, unfit for the great responsibility, and was preparing to abdicate in advance, handing the Soul Society over to him—the virtuous, talented, pure, and flawless Crown Prince of the Soul Society.
"Yamamoto, you've really done me a disservice!"
Yamamoto, looking at his disciple's face—the expression of someone desperately trying to hold back laughter yet unable to stop the corners of his mouth from lifting—could easily guess what the brat was thinking. He snorted coldly. "Don't celebrate too soon. If that experimental body causes any trouble, I'll hold you accountable first."
"Understood, understood." Kensei patted his chest. "Even if something happens to you, Sensei, nothing will happen to the Soul Society!"
"Enough. Remember to go find Lord Senjumaru at Captain Hikifune's later to report." Yamamoto waved his hand. He couldn't listen to Kensei's aggravating words any longer; he already felt his blood pressure rising. "Say what needs to be said. What shouldn't be said... you figure it out yourself."
"Roger that."
Kensei turned to leave. Reaching the doorway, he turned back, a rather punchable smile on his face. "Old Man Yama, remember to show me some respect from now on. Otherwise, I'll make you work overtime every day."
The strength in Yamamoto's hand increased. A few more cracks appeared on the teacup's surface. "Get out."
"Yes, sir!"
Kensei nimbly slid the door open and slipped out, his walking gait becoming swaggering, like a crab that just crawled ashore.
"Well, if it isn't our great hero? Finished reporting?"
Just as Kensei was immersed in the fantasy of the Crown Prince overseeing the kingdom, a lazy voice came from the side.
Kensei turned to see Shunsui Kyōraku leaning against a pillar in the corridor, one hand holding a sake flask he was tilting into his mouth. Beside him stood the gentle-faced Jūshirō Ukitake, nodding at Kensei with a smile.
"Kyōraku-oji-san, Ukitake-senpai."
Kensei greeted them politely.
"Hey, you called me 'senpai' when you needed my help, but now that the trouble's solved, it's back to 'oji-san,' is it?"
Kyōraku dissatisfiedly patted Kensei's shoulder, then leaned in mysteriously, lowering his voice. "The reward you promised earlier..."
"Don't worry. Home delivery later."
Kensei gave Kyōraku a look. The other immediately understood.
"Hahaha, little junior brother, from our first meeting, I thought you were much more brilliant than Old Man Yama." Having received a definite answer, Kyōraku laughed heartily. "Don't worry. When the time comes, this senior brother will definitely support you in kicking Old Man Yama off the Captain-Commander's seat."
"Kyōraku, we are still in the First Division."
Ukitake coughed lightly twice, reminding Kyōraku to watch his words, then walked up to Kensei.
"Kensei, this time at the Department of Research and Development, I heard from Urahara and Kurotsuchi that you used my name to ask them to develop some kind of... vitality-boosting tonic..."
Kensei's expression instantly became subtle. He had used Ukitake's name before when treating Kuchiki Sōjun's illness. Now the person himself had come knocking.
Seems I didn't give Urahara and Kurotsuchi enough work, leaving them free time to say such unnecessary things.
"Uh... about that. My deepest apologies."
This wasn't easy to explain, especially since he'd promised Kuchiki Ginrei not to tell others. He could only apologize honestly.
Ukitake, seeing Kensei's serious expression, couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry, I'm not blaming you. Just... next time you want to use my name for something, it's best to give me a heads-up first."
"Definitely! Absolutely!"
Kensei nodded repeatedly. Ukitake-senpai was truly a good person. He'd have to see if he could help cure his illness later. If not, he'd just go to the Soul King Palace and beg the Soul King.
Ukitake coughed a few more times, patting Kensei's shoulder happily. "You did well this time. With the Tsunayashiro trouble resolved, the Seireitei can enjoy peace for a long while. You've worked hard."
"Not hard at all. Just serving the Seireitei."
Watching the two enter Old Man Yama's study, Kensei strode outward.
Now, to find Senjumaru Shutara. Needed to think of a way to have her custom-make a Shihakushō. Couldn't keep wearing these non-standard clothes—didn't match his style at all.
Since Kensei never officially graduated, he either wore the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy uniform or clothes Yoruichi gave him. He really didn't look like a proper Shinigami.
As for this Enrakyōten...
Kensei lifted the Zanpakutō in his hand. He'd forgotten to mention it to Old Man Yama just now. But since he hadn't asked, it meant this thing belonged to him now. He'd just toss it to Urahara and the others to study later.
Mulling over how to use his newly acquired authority to throw his weight around, Kensei headed towards the Twelfth Division.
***
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