Among the vice-captains of the Gotei Thirteen, only Komamura Sajin had truly mastered Bankai. Moreover, Komamura was once the captain of the Seventh Division—his appointment as the new captain of the Ninth Division was perfectly fitting.
As for Abarai Renji, his Bankai remained incomplete, still far from true mastery. Madarame Ikkaku's Bankai, meanwhile, was a secret known only to himself.
"What about the opinions of the other captains?" Yamamoto Genryūsai raised his eyes slightly and asked in a deep, measured voice.
"Ah, old man Shan," Kyoraku Shunsui replied with a lazy grin beneath his straw hat, "Shiraha and I share the same thought. Komamura's vice-captain has more than enough ability to lead the Ninth Division."
Following the proposals from Shiraha and Kyoraku, the other captains quickly voiced their agreement. The consensus was clear—Komamura Sajin would take command of Division Nine.
Of course, the final decision on the matter rested solely with the Head Captain, Yamamoto Genryūsai.
"Then it's settled," Yamamoto declared, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Komamura Sajin will assume the position of Ninth Division Captain. Vice-Captain Sasakibe will inform the entirety of Seireitei. The captaincies of the Third and Fifth Divisions will remain vacant until suitable candidates arise."
His sharp gaze softened slightly as he spoke, the flames of authority flickering in his ancient eyes. In truth, Yamamoto had long considered Komamura for the role. No one in the Gotei was more suited. Finding successors for the Third and Fifth Divisions, however, would not be easy. At present, no other officer possessed the strength befitting a captain. Those divisions would remain unfilled for now.
"Captain Shiraha," Yamamoto continued, turning toward him, "who do you believe should serve as the vice-captain of the Seventh Division?"
With Komamura's transfer finalized, the Head Captain allowed Shiraha to appoint his own second-in-command—a rare privilege, and one that served as quiet recompense for the reshuffling.
"Captain," Shiraha replied with a faint smile, "I believe Tetsuzaemon's strength is more than sufficient for the position."
Tetsuzaemon Iba had previously served as the Seventh Division's third seat. When Komamura was promoted to vice-captain, Iba had respectfully stepped aside. Now that Komamura was gone, the vacancy suited him perfectly. Kira Izuru and Hinamori Momo, though capable, lacked the raw strength required for such a role.
"Very well," Yamamoto said, nodding once in approval.
With a heavy thud, he struck his wooden staff against the floor, the sound echoing through the hall. His eyes narrowed as he addressed the captains. "That concludes today's meeting. Although Seireitei's recent crisis has been resolved, we must not lower our guard. Each division is to remain vigilant and prepared for any future threat."
He paused, his tone deepening. "The reconstruction of Central 46 will be overseen by the First Division. All other squads are to conduct thorough investigations throughout Seireitei and ensure that no remnants of Aizen's accomplices remain. Given the current state of affairs, I will refrain from assigning additional personnel. Each captain may decide their own deployments. The meeting is dismissed."
Later, Shiraha returned to the Seventh Division barracks. With a sweep of Observation Haki, he sensed the familiar presences waiting inside—Komamura Sajin, Tetsuzaemon Iba, Kira Izuru, Hinamori Momo, and several other members. They had been waiting for some time.
Komamura had already shed his iron mask, his true face revealed. During his duel with Zaraki Kenpachi, the mask had been destroyed, forcing him to fight unhidden. The sight had initially startled his subordinates, but they had long since grown accustomed to it.
"Captain Shiraha!"
The assembled officers straightened at once, bowing respectfully as Shiraha entered.
He raised a hand lightly. "You've all heard Vice-Captain Sasakibe's announcement."
Word of Komamura's appointment had spread quickly throughout Seireitei after the meeting.
"Yes, Captain!" everyone answered in unison.
Shiraha smiled faintly. "Captain Komamura, congratulations. You've earned this. When time allows, don't forget to visit the Seventh Division."
Komamura bowed deeply. "Captain Shiraha, my thanks."
He had already learned from others during the meeting that Shiraha was the first to propose his promotion. The gesture had not gone unnoticed.
"You needn't thank me," Shiraha replied with a slight grin. "You deserve it. Even if I hadn't spoken up, someone else would have."
Indeed, Yamamoto would have appointed him regardless. For Shiraha, the recommendation had been a simple, natural act.
"Captain Shiraha," Komamura said respectfully, "I have already handed over the affairs of the Seventh Division to Tetsuzaemon. I'll take my leave for the Ninth Division."
The reason he had waited was twofold—to express his gratitude, and to complete the handover personally.
"Go on," Shiraha replied with an easy smile.
Komamura nodded once, then turned and strode out of the barracks.
Shiraha faced the remaining officers. "Shoji, from now on, you'll serve as the vice-captain of the Seventh Division. Kira, you'll take the third seat. Hinamori, you'll be fourth."
Tetsuzaemon, Kira, and Hinamori bowed together, their faces bright with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain!"
"Tetsuzaemon," Shiraha continued, "I'll rely on you to manage the division's affairs from now on."
"Yes, Captain Shiraha," Iba replied, though his expression held a trace of exasperation. With a captain like Shiraha—one so detached from paperwork—he wasn't sure whether to feel honored or burdened.
"If anything arises that you can't handle alone, ask Kira and Hinamori for assistance," Shiraha added.
"Understood, Captain," Iba said with a firm nod.
"Good. Everyone else, resume your duties." Shiraha's tone softened.
After saluting, the other members filed out one by one, leaving the hall quiet once more.
Moments later, a familiar spiritual pressure approached. Rukia stepped into the barracks, her steps light and steady. When she reached him, she smiled brightly. "Brother."
The Seventh Division members, already familiar with Rukia's connection to Shiraha, allowed her through without question.
"Rukia," Shiraha said, slightly puzzled, "what brings you here?"
"My lord," Rukia replied, her tone cheerful yet gentle, "I haven't fully recovered my spiritual power yet. Captain Ukitake asked me to rest a few more days before returning to the Thirteenth Division."
Shiraha smiled faintly. "So you came here to see me?"
Rukia nodded. "Brother, I have something to ask of you."
Her voice softened as her eyes met his.
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