Several days passed uneventfully.
During these days, Kensei Kenzuru lived a remarkably disciplined life:
During the day, he split his time between his new home and the 12th Division. At night, without fail, he would practice Zanzen for an hour, receiving lessons on spatial manipulation from his Zanpakutō spirit, Kūkon, along with her constant complaints about Aizen.
This had resulted in Kensei involuntarily replaying that particular scene in his head whenever he saw Aizen.
As for Yoruichi, she occasionally disturbed Kensei's steadfast pursuit of the Way. Believing failure was the mother of success, Kensei would forget his training every time and fool around with Yoruichi.
One afternoon, as Kensei sprawled over a desk pondering some entertainment, a black butterfly landed before him.
"A Hell Butterfly?"
Kensei's expression turned serious. This thing was used for urgent notifications.
The next moment, the familiar voice of Yamamoto sounded in Kensei's ear, instructing him to report to the First Division's conference hall immediately.
"Old Man Yama really knows how to stir up trouble."
Grumble as he might, Kensei got up, straightened his clothes briefly, and vanished from the room.
The First Division conference hall was already gathering many Captains. As Kensei entered, he saw Yoruichi standing near the front.
Kensei walked over and stood beside her. This position was almost tacitly understood—partly due to the Captain-Commander's expectations for Kensei, and partly because everyone knew about Kensei and Yoruichi.
"What's happened?" Kensei asked quietly.
"Someone from the Royal Guard came down." Yoruichi shrugged. More details would have to wait for the old man's announcement.
Hearing "Royal Guard," Kensei raised an eyebrow. That group wouldn't show themselves unless the Soul King was threatened. Why were they in the Seireitei now?
Soon, all the Captains had assembled. Kyōraku Shunsui arrived yawning, accompanied by Ukitake Jūshirō, who was coughing intermittently. Unohana Retsu, still wearing her gentle smile, nodded at Kensei.
Yamamoto, holding his wooden staff, walked out with a grave expression. Behind—or rather, floating behind—him was a composed woman.
Seeing the six skeletal arms extending from her back like Doctor Octopus, Kensei immediately recognized her: Shutara Senjumaru, the invincible "Kami-sen" who fought one-versus-six with her Bankai during the Thousand-Year Blood War.
"I am Shutara Senjumaru of the Royal Guard. I have come at the request of the Monk to relay a message."
Shutara's eyes calmly swept over everyone present. Her voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear.
Kensei guessed she might be old. Though she looked young, her speech carried a hint of antiquity.
"A few days ago, the sealed Zanpakutō 'Ikomikidomoe' was stolen from the Phoenix Palace." Shutara's tone was flat. "This sword possesses unique abilities. The Monk hopes the Gotei 13 can make appropriate preparations."
Yamamoto's expression turned grave. He was well aware of how troublesome the abilities of that ancient Menos Grande, sealed by Ōetsu Nimaiya into a Zanpakutō, could be.
"Any leads on the perpetrator?"
Shutara shook her head slightly, the intricate golden ornaments in her hair chiming softly. "The Monk only instructed me to come deliver the message and remain to observe. All other matters are for the Gotei 13 to determine."
That was typical of the Royal Guard. In the past, they wouldn't have bothered sending someone down for such a minor issue. Even if the Seireitei were annihilated tomorrow, they might not stir.
Yamamoto was silent for a few seconds, his gaze sweeping over the Captains. Logically, such a significant matter should be handled by experienced and powerful Shinigami...
His eyes shifted between Kyōraku Shunsui and Kensei Kenzuru.
If he put Kyōraku in charge, given his personality, who knew what bizarre direction the situation might take? If he added Kensei—who was even worse than Kyōraku—Yamamoto could already imagine the farce the two would create together.
"Ukitake." Yamamoto called out sternly.
Ukitake Jūshirō was momentarily surprised, then looked at Yamamoto seriously. "Sensei."
"I intend to form a special task force dedicated to this matter." Yamamoto's gaze finally settled on Kensei. "But Ukitake, you will only assist from the side, ensuring nothing goes awry."
Kensei blinked, a pleased expression spreading across his face.
Looks like Old Man Yama knows I'm not the same self-deprecating Kensei from before. He's preparing me to succeed him early.
Seems my dream of redesigning the Shihakushō is one step closer.
Yamamoto fixed his eyes on Kensei. "Kenzuru, this is a matter of great importance. I ask you: are you confident?"
"Ho-ho, Old Man Yama, this is child's play for me." Kensei waggled a finger before him. "Saving Soul Society from peril is my specialty."
Yamamoto stared at Kensei for a few seconds, his mustache twitching as if he wanted to curse. Perhaps considering the presence of a Royal Guard member, he ultimately just nodded.
"In that case, the special task force is hereby established." Yamamoto announced gravely. "Kensei Kenzuru will have full authority and responsibility. Ukitake Jūshirō will assist. Kensei Kenzuru has the authority to mobilize any Captain and relevant members of the Gotei 13 as the situation requires."
Before Kensei could even feel joy, Otoribashi Rōjūrō, Aikawa Love, and Muguruma Kensei were the first to show delight.
This is letting Kenzuru get used to the Captain-Commander's authority early! Following Kenzuru was definitely the right move. We'll surely have a chance to shine in this operation.
Kyōraku Shunsui was even more delighted internally: As expected! Now whenever there's trouble, the old man just assigns it to the junior disciple. Looks like I can go drinking again!
"You may select the relevant members yourself, but ensure it does not significantly impact the Seireitei's operations."
"Don't worry. I'm the most measured person there is."
Kensei pounded his chest in assurance, already considering what tasks to assign to Urahara and Kurotsuchi.
Once Yamamoto finished, he looked at Shutara Senjumaru. "Lady Shutara, shall we arrange accommodations?"
"The Monk instructed me to remain and observe until this matter is resolved." Shutara's tone remained steady. "Coincidentally, Hikifune Kirio is now essentially a member of the Royal Guard. I shall temporarily reside with her."
"That works." Yamamoto nodded. "Kenzuru, remember to keep Lady Shutara informed of any progress regarding this matter."
"Understood."
Kensei nodded. He quite wanted to ask Shutara to customize a Shihakushō for him. Maybe this was his chance.
With the main business settled, the meeting was essentially over. Yamamoto added a few more instructions about formulating a plan quickly and strengthening daily vigilance before dismissing everyone.
The Captains filed out. Most offered Kensei a few words of encouragement. Some, like Kyōraku, laughed heartily without restraint, clapping Kensei's shoulder and expressing their thanks. Only Kiganjō Kenpachi, who resembled Ryōko, wore an unfriendly expression, seemingly disapproving of Yamamoto's decision.
Finally, Yamamoto called Kensei and Ukitake Jūshirō aside, feeling the need for a few more words of caution.
"Starting today, you are temporarily relieved of your division duties. Dedicate your full efforts to assisting Kenzuru with this matter until its conclusion."
Ukitake smiled gently. "I look forward to working with you, Junior Brother Kenzuru."
"I'll be troubling you lately, Senior Brother."
Kensei held great respect for Ukitake. Not only had he given Kensei a gift upon first meeting, but he was also a reliable person like himself. Unlike Uncle Kyōraku...
"Hmph." Yamamoto seemed to see through his little thoughts. "This is a serious matter. Do not act as flippantly as usual. If you encounter difficulties, you may seek my assistance at any time."
"In that case, I order you, Old Man Yama, to handle this matter for me."
Kensei showed no courtesy, making the demand outright.
"You rascal!"
Before Yamamoto could explode, Kensei had already left the room to avoid a beating.
"What's the plan?"
Yoruichi, who had been waiting outside, leaned in to ask.
"What else can we do?" Kensei walked purposefully towards home. "Go back and ask Sōsuke for ideas."
"True. She is good at this sort of thing."
"Actually, I think we could just head straight to the Tsunayashiro Clan. No one else does this kind of unscrupulous stuff."
Yoruichi first nodded in agreement, then sighed with regret. "Pity we can't just do that. The Tsunayashiro Clan is truly a rotten apple."
"Don't worry. Sōsuke will definitely have a plan."
And so, Kensei's peaceful life temporarily came to an end.
***
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