Yuanzi Hall — the prototype of the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy, and one of the roots of Yamamoto Shigekuni's title "Genryūsai."
To their credit, the Central Forty-Six honored their promise. That very afternoon, they delivered supplies—more than twice the amount on Haruto's list.
No one could claim the Gotei 13 had taken them by force. The nobles had "willingly" complied.
Along with the resources came a sealed land grant, ceding the entire outer ring of Seireitei to the Gotei 13 for construction.
They now had wealth and territory. What they lacked were people.
And, most importantly, thirteen captains.
Yamamoto's voice was steady.
"Haruto… how should we select our captains?"
A leader is the soul of a division; captains, the soul of the Gotei 13. This choice would shape everything.
Haruto unfolded a prepared document.
"To become a captain of the Gotei 13, one must meet one of three conditions:
Pass the Captain's Proficiency Test under the supervision of three existing captains.
Be jointly recommended by six captains, with no more than three objections from the remaining seven.
Defeat the current captain in front of the Captain-Commander and at least two hundred division members."
"Any flaws in these?" Haruto asked.
Yamamoto thought for a long moment, then shook his head. "We'll proceed with this."
That night, sake flowed and laughter carried deep into the night.
By morning, the Tsunayashiro and Shihōin families had each dispatched a hundred retainers to assist Haruto in spreading word through Rukongai.
Two hundred messengers stood ready. Haruto addressed them:
"For safety, you'll travel in groups of three. Most souls here can't read—you'll explain clearly the benefits of joining the Gotei 13. Be respectful. If any of you mistreat the locals, I will deal with your family head directly. Once."
Faces paled. None dared to disobey.
Soon, the groups dispersed into Rukongai.
Haruto, meanwhile, had other priorities.
Finding a broad-limbed tree, he leapt into its branches, stretched out, and shut his eyes.
"There's nothing more important than slacking off. Drank too much last night… time for a nap."
Strengthening the Gotei 13 was, after all, an investment in his retirement. The stronger the organization, the better his pension.
Two or three hours passed in a pleasant haze before a voice called his name.
Cracking one eye, Haruto wondered if Yamamoto had caught him slacking.
Instead, it was Sasakibe Chōjirō, rushing toward him, pale-faced.
"Chōjirō? You're back? Where's Kirinji Tenjirō?" Haruto asked, rubbing his eyes.
Chōjirō's voice was tight with guilt.
"Haruto-dono… something's happened."
Haruto sat upright at once. Tenjirō's strength was not yet at its peak, but even now it rivaled a captain's.
"From the start," Haruto ordered.
Chōjirō swallowed.
"Hanazuki Rei and I went with Kirinji-sensei to gather herbs. The first two days were fine. On the third, he noticed someone following us. We tried to lose them—no success. While we rested, they seized Rei. Kirinji-sensei pursued them and told me to return with the report."
Haruto's expression hardened. So soon after their founding, someone dared to strike at the Gotei 13? They were either bold… or fools.
From his sleeve, he drew a flare arrow and shot it high.
A black-clad figure appeared in a flicker of Shunpo, kneeling before him.
"Master Haruto. Your orders?"
Haruto eyed him. His step was too sharp for a mere servant.
"Your name?"
"Kazenami Haru, low-ranked servant of the Shihōin family."
"Trained in assassination techniques?" Haruto guessed.
"Yes, sir. Do you wish someone eliminated?"
Haruto waved it off.
"No. Return to the Gotei 13 and deliver this message: Kirinji Tenjirō has been attacked outside Seireitei. I'm moving to support him and may be gone several days."
"Yes, sir."
Before he could leave, Haruto added, "With your skill, you could join the Gotei 13. Lower-noble status would suit you far better than a lifetime of servitude."
Kazenami's eyes glimmered. Noble status meant protection for his family.
Haruto reached out, gripping Chōjirō by the waist.
"Lead on. Let's bring Rei back."