Captain Qualification

Jūshirō Ukitake nodded slightly, a gentle yet firm expression appearing on his pale face. "Captain Aizen is right. We can't judge the captains of the Gotei 13 by combat strength alone. Duty, judgment, and respect for the rules are all more important than mere fighting ability." His words were like the man himself: gentle, yet grounded in unshakable principles.

Shunsui Kyōraku pushed his straw hat back, revealing a pair of eyes that seemed carefree but were actually sharp. "Captain Hitsugaya became a captain through the proper examination process. The rules the Gotei 13 have followed for a thousand years can't be overturned so easily because of the result of one sparring match. Otherwise, wouldn't we be changing captains every day?"

Gin Ichimaru's smile never changed, like a carefully carved mask. "In that case, we could let Fifth Seat Liu Hao take the Captain Proficiency Exam too. Everyone is equal before the rules, aren't they?" His voice was as cheerful as if he were discussing the weather, but the implication of his words made several captains frown slightly.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi tapped impatiently on the armrest of his chair, the distinctive metallic tapping especially grating in the silent meeting room. "A waste of time. This boring discussion is utterly meaningless. Instead of arguing over who should be captain, we should study how to improve the combat efficiency of the entire Gotei 13."

Byakuya Kuchiki sat upright, his back straight as a pine. "The rules have been established. We need only follow them. Excessive discussion will only undermine their authority." His words were concise and cold, like the chill gleam of his Zanpakuto.

Sajin Komamura leaned his massive frame forward slightly, his voice deep and earnest. "Captain Hitsugaya has already proven his ability in his daily duties. The outcome of one sparring match cannot negate his entire worth as a captain."

Soi Fon's response was more direct. "Handle it according to the rules. The order of the Gotei 13 comes above all else."

Kenpachi Zaraki grinned, baring a row of teeth. "The weak should step aside. It's that simple. In our 11th Division, whoever's strongest is the boss. Saves a lot of trouble." His words drew several disapproving looks, but he paid them no mind and instead glanced around defiantly.

When Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto turned his gaze to Retsu Unohana, the atmosphere in the meeting room seemed to shift subtly. The Fourth Division Captain always wore a gentle smile, but everyone who knew her past knew what terrifying power lay beneath it.

"Before coming here, I looked into the matter." Unohana's voice was calm as still water. "The reason Liu Hao was able to hold his own against Captain Hitsugaya was largely that Captain Hitsugaya held back during their spar. A real battle and a spar are fundamentally different."

She paused, then continued, "Besides, Fifth Seat Liu Hao himself has said that as a Medical Guard Team Lieutenant, his primary duty is support and healing, not combat. What he needs is the ability to fulfill that duty, not to pursue captain-level combat strength. If the Fourth Division Captain has to personally deploy every time support is needed, what is the point of establishing the Medical Guard Team?"

Her words preserved Tōshirō Hitsugaya's dignity, deftly defended the Medical Corps' position, and highlighted Liu Hao's own wishes, accomplishing three things at once.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's gaze finally settled on Tōshirō Hitsugaya. The youngest captain was expressionless, but his clenched fists and slightly whitened knuckles betrayed his inner turmoil.

"I acknowledge Lieutenant Liu Hao's strength." Hitsugaya's voice was unusually calm, so calm it was unsettling. "If he wishes to serve as captain of the Tenth Division, I can step down, provided he passes the formal examination."

Several captains looked surprised. Tōshirō Hitsugaya's pride was well known throughout the Gotei 13, and such a statement was clearly out of character for him.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was silent for a moment, as if weighing something. At last, he made his decision. "Then summon Lieutenant Liu Hao. Let us hear what he has to say."

When Chōjirō Sasakibe pushed open the door to the Vice-Captain’s Lounge, Liu Hao was sorting medical reports. His movements were unhurried, as though the rampant rumors outside had nothing to do with him.

"The Captain-Commander summons you." Chōjirō Sasakibe's voice was as formal and concise as ever.

"Yes." Liu Hao put down the documents, rose, and straightened his Shihakushō before following Vice-Captain Sasakibe to the Captains’ Meeting Room.

When he pushed open the heavy wooden door, thirteen gazes focused on him at once. Some held interest, some curiosity, some appraisal, and others deeply concealed hostility. Liu Hao's expression did not change as he bowed to the Captain-Commander and the captains, his movements impeccably proper.

"You should have heard the talk circulating in the Seireitei." Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto went straight to the point. "What do you make of it?"

Liu Hao lowered his head slightly, his voice clear and firm. "I believe the source of the rumors should be thoroughly investigated. Such irresponsible talk not only damages Captain Hitsugaya's reputation, but also undermines the authority of the Gotei 13 as a whole."

"But you did win your spar with Captain Hitsugaya," Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto pressed, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Why do you call it 'false talk'?"

Liu Hao raised his head, meeting his gaze openly. "Although the spar ended with Captain Hitsugaya conceding, that does not mean I am stronger than he is. Quite the opposite: Captain Hitsugaya held back considerably during the fight, while I gave it my all. If Captain Hitsugaya had not stopped the fight in time, I fear I would have already collapsed from the severity of my injuries. Therefore, the claims that I should replace Captain Hitsugaya are false."

Several captains exchanged meaningful glances at his answer. In the history of the Gotei 13, few had willingly stepped back when presented with such an opportunity.

"Then, if you were given the chance to take the Captain Proficiency Exam, would you be willing?" Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto continued.

Liu Hao answered without hesitation. "I cannot take the Captain Proficiency Exam for two reasons. First, I have not yet mastered Bankai, a basic requirement for becoming a captain. Second, even if I barely managed to pass the exam, I could not possibly be better suited to the Tenth Division than Captain Hitsugaya. Captain Hitsugaya knows the Tenth Division's personnel, assignments, and traditions inside out. I cannot compare to him in that regard."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded slightly, the small gesture seemingly bringing the dispute to a close. "It appears, then, that Fifth Seat Liu Hao himself has no intention of challenging the existing order. As for whether Captain Hitsugaya is fit for his post, I believe there is no further need for discussion."

His gaze swept across the room. "Convey the meeting's decision and make certain the rumors are stopped. The authority of the Gotei 13 must be upheld."

"Yes!" the captains answered in unison, their voices echoing through the meeting room.

"The meeting is adjourned. Captain Unohana and Fifth Seat Liu Hao will stay. The rest of you may leave," Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto announced.

As the captains rose one after another, the atmosphere in the meeting room subtly changed. The discussion within the rules had ended, but the undercurrents outside them had only just begun to stir.

Kenpachi Zaraki strode up to Liu Hao, his towering figure almost completely overshadowing him. "Kid, I can smell blood on you." His smile was wild and direct. "The kind of smell that makes me itch for a fight to the death. You're strong, strong enough to make my sword tremble. Let's find a time and have a proper fight to the death!"

The sudden challenge made several captains who had yet to leave stop in their tracks. Kenpachi Zaraki's instincts were famously accurate throughout the Gotei 13. If even he said Liu Hao was strong, then the Medical Corps' Squad Lieutenant was certainly no ordinary man.

Liu Hao bowed slightly, respectful but unafraid. "You flatter me, Captain Zaraki. When my strength truly reaches captain-level, I will certainly ask you for guidance."

"Tch, boring." Kenpachi Zaraki curled his lip and turned to leave. "You've got fangs, but you insist on pretending to be a house cat. No fun at all."

Gin Ichimaru walked over slowly, a smile still on his face. "Even that beast can sense there's something unusual about you, Fifth Seat Liu Hao. Your potential really gives me something to look forward to." His eyes opened a sliver, an elusive light flickering in his red pupils.

Liu Hao responded without expression. "Speaking of potential, Vice-Captain Matsumoto is more deserving of attention, wouldn't you say? Her talent ranks among the very best in the Gotei 13."

As soon as he finished speaking, a cold, sharp killing intent burst from Gin Ichimaru, directed straight at Liu Hao. It vanished as quickly as it had come, lasting only an instant, but that was enough to drop the temperature of the surrounding air by several degrees.

Liu Hao did not move a muscle, as if the killing intent had been no more than a breeze brushing his face.

Gin Ichimaru's smile deepened. "Interesting. I hear you've been looking for training instructors for the Medical Guard Team. I wonder if the Third Division might have the honor of taking part?"

"You're welcome anytime." Liu Hao nodded slightly. "When the time comes, I'll make the arrangements myself to ensure the training goes smoothly."

Gin Ichimaru chuckled and turned to leave, his light steps a stark contrast to the killing intent he had just unleashed.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya was the last to approach Liu Hao, his expression too serious for a boy. "What did you mean when you mentioned Matsumoto just now?"

Liu Hao looked apologetic. "Please forgive me, Captain Hitsugaya. I'm just not used to being pushed into the eye of the storm, so I borrowed your Vice-Captain's name to strike back a little. I meant no harm."

Tōshirō Hitsugaya stared at Liu Hao for several seconds, a complex light flashing in his ice-blue eyes. "If you dare involve Rangiku in any danger, I'll never forgive you." His voice was quiet, but every word carried unquestionable resolve.

With that, the youngest captain turned and left, his white haori swaying gently behind him.