Fujimiya Makoto's voice was steady, his eyes locking with Saito's.
Due to countless memories, his recollection of the original story was clear.
In the memories of the Thousand-Year Blood War, there was a scene where Yhwach stood atop a pile of corpses.
Jakūhō's ambush, Yamamoto's beheading.
That blazing strike represented the Shinigami's victory over the Quincies.
Yet, few remembered that before that scene, the camera had panned over the 'surviving' captains.
Only half of the original captains remained.
Yamamoto, Gengetsu, Kensei, Kumoi, Kumoi, Unohana.
Thirteen captains, only six left.
Saito was not among them.
If he had just arrived in this world, Fujimiya Makoto could have cared less, even finding a corner to wait for the war between the Shinigami and Quincies to end.
But now, he was deeply rooted in this world.
Fujimiya Makoto didn't want those he cared about to die in this meaningless war.
Moreover...
Saito's spiritual power was second-class.
If she died, she could only be sent to hell through the Soul Burial Ceremony, a place of neither life nor death.
Though he knew every captain's final destination was hell,
Fujimiya Makoto still didn't want to witness it.
Perhaps sensing his rare seriousness, Saito Shikizō's eyes met his, and she seemed to pause, as if feeling something.
"Pfft!"
The next moment, she smirked, revealing a small fang.
"Idiot—"
Saito's voice unintentionally carried a hint of coquettishness: "Those who draw their swords must be prepared to die."
"Rather, dying in the grandest war is my wish!"
"Alright, alright, get lost!"
The girl laughed: "If I die, you'd better avenge me!"
"If you succeed, my Kyokasuigetsu is yours!"
When discussing life and death, even someone as reckless as Saito Shikizō didn't joke about tabi or stockings.
For a girl who lived for battle, her Zanpakutō represented everything.
To entrust her Zanpakutō to someone after death, that person must be the most important to her, right?
However, the girl's tone remained light.
As Saito said,
from the moment she drew her sword, life and death were already cast aside.
Saito Shikizō sought only the ultimate battle and the ultimate death.
Fujimiya Makoto looked at her carefree smile, wanting to say more but finding it unnecessary.
"Never mind."
"I'll do it."
He exhaled, as if making a resolution.
"Huh?!"
Saito was stunned: "You bastard! You're trying to steal my kill, aren't you?!"
"I won't let you!"
Fujimiya Makoto, however, seemed to have let go of something, smiling lightly:
"Who knows?"
Perhaps noticing their whispering, Unohana Retsuzō turned and looked in their direction.
Kumoi Kutsuzawa had been watching them with a suppressed smile from the start.
Interesting!
Finally, after they had argued enough, Yamamoto observed them for a long time before his sword sheath fell with a 'thud.'
"Due to the current shortage of Thirteen Court Guard Squad members, there are only four slots for Yhwach's assault team."
"The rest will handle the remaining Quincy elites."
"Now, those willing to go, step forward."
The moment the words fell,
four figures stepped into the center.
Saito Shikizō (Sixth).
Kensei Muguruma (Seventh).
Ōtoribashi Wakasa Noeki (Tenth).
Zendōji Ubin (Twelfth).
All eyes turned to them.
Saito happily slung her sword sheath over her shoulder, looking proud.
Everyone knew this was a near-suicidal mission.
But for these madmen, was there anything more exhilarating than dancing on the edge of life and death?
Yamamoto nodded slightly.
The only thing that made him proud of these fools was their disregard for life and death.
However, just as he was about to confirm the list, another figure stepped out from the crowd.
Yamamoto's expression froze.
Yet, his voice remained calm:
"Fujimiya Fifth Seat, what is it?"
Fujimiya Makoto stepped out of the ranks, his voice as usual, calm and gentle:
"Captain-Commander."
"To ensure the plan's success, aside from the four captains forming the first line of defense, a second line should be established."
"To ensure the four captains can fight without interference, or to replace them if they all fall."
Hearing this, Yamamoto sighed in relief, refusing:
"I've already emphasized that the Thirteen Court Guard Squad is short-handed."
"Four is the maximum number we can deploy."
"This matter is closed."
However, Fujimiya Makoto didn't step back, interrupting:
"One person!"
"The second line of defense only needs me, one person, to be enough."
As the words fell, all eyes shifted from the four captains back to Fujimiya Makoto.
He stood tall, calm, meeting everyone's gaze.
Including Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's.
"Fujimiya Fifth Seat, this is a captain's meeting."
Yamamoto struggled to suppress the rising anger in his chest, his voice heavy and hoarse: "Not a place for your antics!"
"Do you know what you're saying?"
Such arrogance, even from his chosen successor, was intolerable.
Military orders were no child's play.
Yet, Fujimiya Makoto showed no sign of backing down, his voice rational, almost cold:
"In the next three days, I'll remove all my restraints, aiming to reach a level infinitely close to first-class spiritual power."
"After three days, I ask the Captain-Commander to test me."
"If I fail, dispose of me according to military law."
As the words fell, everyone stared at him in shock.
Even Yamamoto's usually half-closed eyes widened slightly, his gaze cold.
Fujimiya Makoto, sensing the sharp gaze, raised his head without flinching, meeting Yamamoto's eyes.
His calm gaze was resolute.
Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni stared at him for a long time, the room silent, a pin drop audible.
Finally, the corner of Yamamoto's lips beneath his beard slowly curled up.
To face an invincible opponent alone...
As his successor, he must have this level of courage!
"Approved."