The Captain's Position

"Understood, I will attend on time."

Soi Fon, with her back turned, waved her hand, sending the messenger from the First Division away.

When only Omaeda, who was Ōmaeda her, Soi Fon seemed to sigh with emotion, then a cold glint flashed in her eyes.

"Ōmaeda, how many times have I told you, don't eat this junk next to me! Especially something that smells so awful!"

The cold voice sent a shiver down Ōmaeda. His lips were greasy, whether from chicken leg oil or facial fat, he thought to himself, "It's just a Captain-level's meeting, isn't it?"

What is Captain Soi Fon up to now?

After chewing twice, Ōmaeda smiled knowingly, as if he had just realized something.

I understand.

No one can hide anything from me, Ōmaeda.

"Captain Soi Fon, I know what you're thinking."

Soi Fon turned around in surprise, looking at Ōmaeda holding a chicken bone in his hand, and wondered if she could use this as an excuse to remove him from his position as vice-captain if he guessed wrong later.

Ōmaeda opened his greasy mouth and mumbled in a low voice, "I have a plan."

Even when facing the resurrected Jin'ya Tsunayashiro, Soi Fon showed no fear. But when she heard what Ōmaeda said, she gasped and her frail body trembled.

What should I do?

The Third Sage led Dōsan Hanyū to a quiet room in Central 46, and he couldn't speak too easily about what was to come.

The two sat facing each other, and the Third Sage responded, "Mr. Hanyū, no, I should address you as Captain Hanyū for now."

It was clear the moment Dōsan Hanyū accepted his suggestion.

The Third Sage finally felt a weight lifted from his heart and appeared more relaxed. "Captain Hanyū, do you have any guesses about the culprit behind the massacre of the Tsunayashiro Clan?"

Although the deaths of those madmen brought immeasurable trouble to Central 46, the Third Sage and his companions never liked the Tsunayashiro Clan from beginning to end.

Faced with the Third Sage's seemingly conciliatory tone, Dōsan Hanyū's gaze was somewhat puzzled. He thought of the Soi Fon doll lying on his bedside table and his promise to Number 360.

"I had considered doing that before."

These honest words made the Third Sage unable to hold back.

But it's actually not too bad.

He could be said to have witnessed the development of the Thirteenth Division; what kind of strange and powerful individuals hadn't he seen?

It's normal for it to be strange.

Sensing that Dōsan Hanyū seemed somewhat strained and uncomfortable with the environment, the Third Sage stopped engaging in pleasantries.

"Although your position as captain of the Shin'ō Noble Guard should be a foregone conclusion."

But before you officially assume the position of captain, the Central 46 will lead a public trial among the nobles to grant you a noble title and the Shiba Clan's veto power.

Noble titles and veto power are not granted so easily, especially when it involves the interests of all nobles. The Central 46, representing the nobles, cannot act arbitrarily.

"And before that," the Third Sage raised his chin, "I hope you will avoid conflict with the Thirteenth Division, especially with Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto."

I never want to have a conflict with him in my life!

The moment the question was asked, the Third Sage's eyes were fixed on Dōsan Hanyū's face.

The most important part of their plan was that Dōsan Hanyū could not cross the line of battle with Yamamoto, and he wanted to use his experience to understand Dōsan Hanyū's true thoughts.

In the days following the annihilation of the Tsunayashiro Clan, the only action taken by Yamamoto and the First Division was to spread an interesting message throughout the Seireitei.

Dōsan Hanyū is not as strong as I imagined.

Those who were defeated by Dōsan Hanyū.

Jin'ya Tsunayashiro was careless, Tenzō Tenjō was not yet fully recovered, and as for Kuruyashiki Kenpachi...

The First Division only gave two words.

"Hallucination"

During this period, instead of downplaying the impact of the destruction of the Tsunayashiro Clan, Yamamoto arranged for people to question Dōsan Hanyū's strength.

This move baffled everyone in the know.

It was because of this inexplicable action that the Third Sage persuaded his other colleagues.

By presenting this great gift to Dōsan Hanyū and the Shiba Clan, they also firmly bound these two forces to their own side.

As for Dōsan Hanyū's true strength, these old hands naturally knew it all too well.

Jin'ya Tsunayashiro, Tenzō Tenjō, Kuruyashiki Kenpachi.

The sages of the Central 46 knew their strength better than anyone else.

But can Dosan Dōsan Hanyū truly rival Yamamoto?

They couldn't believe it, but Dōsan Hanyū's strength was definitely the closest to Yamamoto's among the Thirteenth Division.

Most importantly, he is young.

At the age of seven, his soul strength was so high that even among nobles, it was considered beneath him to be exposed to the training of the Soul Reaper.

If we give Dōsan Hanyū more time, the one who will bear the title of the strongest in a thousand years in the Seireitei will definitely be Dōsan Hanyū.

The prerequisite is that he can endure loneliness and grow under the protection of the Central 46.

"I see."

The Third Sage glanced at it again, but didn't see anything wrong, and nodded.

During this meeting, the Third Sage didn't think Dōsan Hanyū was the type to cause trouble; in fact, the Third Sage even felt that Dōsan Hanyū was somewhat shy.

Shaking his head, the Third Sage wanted to slap himself. Defeating multiple top experts within three months— Dōsan Hanyū was definitely not that simple.

The Third Sage rose and took his leave without much hesitation.

"Our plan is in three months. We will contact you with further updates."

Seeing Dōsan Hanyū get up, the Third Sage was still somewhat worried and continued to instruct him, "During this time, you must be patient and keep a low profile, especially when facing pressure from the Thirteenth Division."

"Knew."

Dōsan Hanyū's attitude was very sincere; if possible, he hoped that life could continue peacefully.

Dōsan Hanyū's demeanor should have been reassuring, but the Third Sage, who turned to leave, felt inexplicably uneasy.

It's not because of anything else.

Older people sometimes have a premonition.

Hopefully things will go smoothly.

"Captain Soi Fon, over here."

Unohana's gentle voice roused the somewhat absent-minded Soi Fon.

"Captain Unohana," Soi Fon replied, still pondering Ōmaeda's scheme.

Well, every time Ōmaeda offers a suggestion, it seems like there's nothing wrong with it, and it's even the best option.

However, the outcome was always contrary to his prediction.

And it's a 100% certainty that it will go against the grain.

This made Soi Fon a little flustered.

Unohana sensed Soi Fon's deep unease, but said nothing, her eyes revealing a wise and world-weary light.

The Four Great Noble Clans, the Central 46, and the nobles of the Seireitei.

This is the prime suspect in the massacre of the Tsunayashiro Clan. This is the first Captain-level meeting convened by the captain of the Thirteenth Division since this major incident.

This may well be another day that changes history.