"Now then... Do any of the Captains have opinions to share?"
Yamamoto Genryusai asked calmly, his eyes half-closed.
Unless the situation was extremely urgent, Yamamoto rarely made unilateral decisions during meetings.
As soon as he finished speaking, a rough voice immediately broke the silence.
"Oi, old man, is there even a need to ask?"
Kenpachi Zaraki stepped forward, grinning widely.
"The 11th Division alone is more than enough for this!"
"After all, isn't the so-called combat division meant for situations like this?!"
Yamamoto raised his eyes slightly.
"Captain Kenpachi, you may go, but... it cannot be just your division."
"The Captain-Commander is correct," came the deep voice of Sajin Komamura, Captain of the 7th Division.
"Captain Kenpachi, your recklessness could lead to unnecessary casualties if you fall into a trap."
"This is why tactics are important."
"Hah?!" Kenpachi raised his chin with disdain.
"Traps? Tactics? What a load of crap... Only the weak fall for that nonsense!"
"Oh my, oh my... It seems Captain Kenpachi is fully immersed in his battle obsession," Gin Ichimaru chuckled.
Seeing the situation, Retsu Unohana spoke softly,
"Captain Kenpachi, this battle concerns all of Seireitei, not just you. Please don't be so stubborn."
Hearing her words, Kenpachi glanced at her briefly before stepping back.
"Tch, fine, bring along some dead weight if you want. But in the end, it'll still be the 11th Division that wipes out the Hollows."
With that, he returned to his place in the lineup.
Yamamoto nodded slightly and scanned the room.
"Are there any other Captains willing to lead the mission?"
At this moment, Shigure Segawa prepared to step forward.
However, before he could speak, Soi Fon, Captain of the 2nd Division, stepped up.
"Captain-Commander, I am willing to lead the Stealth Force to handle tactical coordination."
"The 11th Division under Captain Kenpachi can focus on direct combat with the Hollows."
"But not all personnel are capable of independently fighting Hollows. If the situation becomes dire, the Stealth Force can provide rapid support."
Hearing this, Shunsui Kyoraku smiled and said,
"Oh, oh, Captain Soi Fon's idea is quite sound... I agree."
"Hmm..." Yamamoto nodded.
"Since this is a Hollow outbreak, a comprehensive tactical approach is indeed necessary."
Turning to Retsu Unohana, he added,
"Captain Unohana, please select some skilled Kaido (healing arts) practitioners to form a medical team. They will accompany Captain Soi Fon's unit to assist the 11th Division."
"Understood, Captain-Commander," Unohana replied with a slight bow.
At this point, Shigure realized that if he didn't speak up now, he might lose his chance to join the mission.
Stepping forward decisively, he bowed and said,
"Captain-Commander, I would like to request permission to join the mission."
His words caught not only Yamamoto but also the other Captains off guard.
Shunsui Kyoraku chuckled awkwardly.
"Hey, Segawa, are you serious...?"
With his head slightly lowered, Shigure replied,
"Yes, Captain Kyoraku. Since joining the Gotei 13, I have yet to fulfill my duties as a protector of the Court of Pure Souls. I hope to seize this opportunity to join Captain Soi Fon and Captain Kenpachi on this mission."
"Hah?!" Kenpachi interjected.
"What kind of reason is that?"
Shigure, however, remained silent, awaiting Yamamoto's decision.
After a moment of contemplation, Yamamoto raised his eyes slightly and said,
"The 13th Division does have fewer administrative duties, and Vice-Captain Segawa's strength is sufficient for self-preservation. What do the other Captains think?"
Shunsui Kyoraku grinned.
"Well, well, Captain-Commander, you've already made up your mind, haven't you? I have no objections. I approve of Vice-Captain Segawa joining the mission."
Retsu Unohana nodded immediately.
"It is commendable for Vice-Captain Segawa to have such a mindset. I also approve of his participation."
She then added,
"However, I suggest that Segawa lead a purification squad from the 13th Division to focus on purifying the Hollows. This could alleviate some of the pressure on Captain Kenpachi and Captain Soi Fon's units."
Her proposal earned a nod of agreement from Yamamoto.
"Captain Unohana makes a valid point."
With the senior Captains expressing their support, no one else voiced any objections.
Finally, it was Kenpachi Zaraki's turn to speak.
"Tch, what a hassle! Just don't slow me down, Segawa."
Shigure smiled faintly and replied,
"I will make sure to keep my distance, Captain Kenpachi."
"Thud!"
Yamamoto tapped his staff on the ground and declared,
"Then it is decided as follows."
"Captain Kenpachi of the 11th Division will lead his division as the main combat force, working with the edge-guarding unit to eliminate the Hollows."
"Captain Soi Fon of the 2nd Division will lead the Stealth Force and the medical team to provide tactical and medical support."
"Vice-Captain Segawa of the 13th Division will lead the purification squad to focus on purifying the Hollows."
"That is all."
"Do any of the Captains have objections?"
The room remained silent, signifying unanimous agreement.
"Very well. The specific operational strategy for this Anti-Hollow Task Force will be left to the three of you to decide."
With that, Yamamoto stood up.
"Meeting adjourned!"
After leaving the 1st Division barracks, most Captains returned to their respective divisions.
The only ones who remained were the three members of the Anti-Hollow Task Force.
Kenpachi Zaraki glanced at Soi Fon with irritation.
"Why are we still standing around? This is a waste of time."
Already familiar with his personality, Soi Fon ignored him and turned to Shigure.
"Vice-Captain Segawa, assemble your squad and meet us at the West Rukongai gate in twenty minutes. Any issues?"
Shigure nodded slightly.
"No issues, Captain Soi Fon."
Satisfied, Soi Fon turned to Kenpachi.
"And you, Captain Kenpachi?"
"Tch, yeah, yeah, I got it. Annoying as hell!"
With that, Kenpachi turned and walked away.
Soi Fon, on the other hand, disappeared with a flash step, leaving Shigure to prepare for the mission ahead.
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