"Now then, since all the captains are present! I won't waste any more time on nonsense. The regular Captain's Meeting of the First Generation Gotei 13 officially begins..."
As the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni stood before the captains of the First Generation Gotei 13 and began the customary opening remarks for every Captain's Meeting.
Before Yamamoto Genryūsai, the captains of the Gotei 13 listened attentively.
At the very least, they all put on an attentive appearance, giving Yamamoto, their Captain-Commander, plenty of face.
At least in terms of obedience, the First Generation Gotei 13—known in this era as the strongest and reputed to be the most decisive and ruthless—was far superior to the Gotei 13 of later generations during the invasion of Seireitei by Ryoka such as Kurosaki Ichigo...
That Gotei 13 had a certain unnamed hair-gel user constantly stirring up trouble within the thirteen divisions.
As a result, every captain harbored ulterior motives and private agendas.
For no other reason than that Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, in the prime of his life, had no idea what "social niceties" were.
If someone refused to obey, he really would strike without mercy!
However, while these Gotei 13 captains were indeed giving Yamamoto plenty of face on the surface, no one knew what they were truly thinking underneath...
For example, one of Yamamoto Genryusai's personally trained disciples was seriously spacing out at that very moment.
Yes, that outstanding disciple who had drifted off while listening to Yamamoto Genryusai's speech was Araki.
"Ugh..."
Araki looked as though he were listening to his master.
In reality, he was sighing endlessly inside.
What the hell is this?!
Araki felt deeply worried about the looks of the captains from the odd-numbered divisions.
He was even feeling anxious.
Starting with Iwahara Kinra, captain of the 3rd Division, all the way to Sakagashira Saizou, captain of the 13th Division, they might not have looked outright bizarre...
But they were still hard on the eyes.
Among all the captains of the odd-numbered divisions, the only one Araki thought looked passable was the captain of the 5th Division.
There was no need to say much about Obana Danjirō, captain of the 5th Division.
With his tousled brown hair tied into a short ponytail, rugged features, and muscular build, he looked exactly like a handsome middle-aged man...
Before Araki joined the Gotei 13, Obana Danjirō had been the undisputed visual representative among the male captains of the odd-numbered divisions~
Next, among the odd-numbered captains, the only other person who looked remotely human in Araki's eyes was Iwahara Kinra, captain of the 3rd Division...
In fact, Araki had categorized Iwahara Kinra, the current captain of the 3rd Division, as one of the weirdos.
It was not because of Iwahara Kinra's face or appearance, but for other reasons entirely...
Iwahara Kinra, captain of the 3rd Division, had a slightly pale complexion and sharp-looking features.
His short light-green hair was slicked tightly against his scalp in a shiny pompadour. Though Iwahara Kinra could not be called handsome, he at least looked like a person, and his appearance was impeccably groomed! It was just that Araki really could not praise his outfit...
Araki truly could not understand what kind of mindset had led Iwahara Kinra to wear pale-yellow sunglasses identical to Kizaru's.
At the same time, around his waist over his Shinigami Robes, he had chosen to wear a green waist guard identical to Zoro's...
Or maybe it was a belt...
Either way, Iwahara Kinra's understanding of fashion had already far surpassed Araki's.
When it came to style, Araki was willing to call Iwahara Kinra the trendiest!
Of course, compared to the captains of the 7th, 9th, and 13th Divisions, Iwahara Kinra still looked reasonably human~
As for Shigyō Nobutsuna, captain of the 7th Division, Kumenai Entetsu, captain of the 9th Division, and Sakagashira Saizou, captain of the 13th Division, their appearances had already surpassed the very concept of humanity in Araki's eyes.
They were practically demons and monsters!
I really want to go stand with the captains of the even-numbered divisions!
The odd-numbered division captains are no place for someone as handsome as me...
For a moment, Araki suddenly felt lonely.
Who understood his pain? He was a gorgeous guy, yet he had been forced to stand among a bunch of demons and freaks.
He truly did not fit in~
Sometimes, Araki even felt anxious about his handsome appearance.
He was simply too handsome, making the demons and freaks around him look even uglier by comparison~
At that moment, Araki made up his mind.
He decided he should first find a way to switch divisions...
With that thought in mind, Araki's gaze settled on Sanjōji Yuhō, captain of the 12th Division, who also stood out conspicuously from the line of captains in her own group.
Araki stood out among the ugly odd-numbered division captains because he was too handsome.
Sanjōji Yuhō, captain of the 12th Division, stood out because she was simply too ugly.
Among the captains of the even-numbered divisions, who might not have been stunning beauties or handsome men but at least looked somewhat human, she was particularly out of place.
In Araki's view, it would have been perfect if he and Sanjōji Yuhō, captain of the 12th Division, switched places~
Thinking that, Araki decided that when he had time, he would ask Old Man Yama about changing his position during meetings...
"Now, Captain Araki, the newly appointed captain of the Gotei 13, 11th Division, please introduce yourself to everyone."
After rambling on about a whole lot of nothing, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni suddenly looked toward Araki in the crowd and invited him to step forward.
"Huh?!"
Araki, who had been standing in formation while spacing out, froze slightly when he heard his master's words.
Then he strode forward and came to Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's side.
"Then I'll just say a few words..."
"As everyone can see, for various reasons, starting today, I am the new captain of the Gotei 13, 11th Division!"
"From now on, I'll be colleagues with all of you. If you have any problems, feel free to come find me in the 11th Division. I don't have many strengths, but I'm always willing to help..."
When Araki said this, he kept his eyes fixed on Katori Bakuunsai the entire time.
Araki was more than happy to help with whatever trouble Captain Katori encountered.
As for the troubles of the other division captains, they should stay far away from him and not bother him!
"Anyway, since I only arrived in Seireitei half a month ago, I'm still not very familiar with the work of the Gotei 13."
"If there is anything I fail to do properly, please bear with me!"
"Of course, if you cannot find me in the 11th Division barracks during the day, you can go directly to our division's vice-captain—Officer Unohana Retsu!"
"To be honest, although I currently hold the position of captain of the Gotei 13, 11th Division, the 11th Division is still being managed by Captain Unohana!"
Araki spoke with a smile to the crowd of demons and monsters before him.
Most of what Araki said was polite filler.
He sounded gentle and pleasant, like a spring breeze.
But translated plainly, it meant that although he bore the title of captain of the 11th Division, he did not manage any of its affairs at all...
If they wanted to see him over 11th Division business, there was no need.
They could simply go straight to Unohana Retsu!
"That is probably all I have to say..."
"As for everything else, I'll hold another meeting to add it once I've thought of it~"
After saying that, Araki directly returned to his place in the formation and stood there with a smile.
As Araki's voice faded...
The expressions of the Gotei 13 captains all changed.
"What does he mean by holding another meeting once he has thought of something to add? He is acting as though he is the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13..."
Shigyō Nobutsuna, captain of the 7th Division, glanced at Araki behind him and muttered under his breath.
"More importantly, Captain-Commander Yamamoto has no intention of rebuking him. That is worth pondering~"
Kumenai Entetsu, captain of the 9th Division, stood near Shigyō Nobutsuna.
The spectacles on his nose reflected a strange glint, showing that he possessed a meticulous mind completely at odds with his appearance.
"It seems this new captain has a closer relationship with Captain-Commander Yamamoto than we imagined!"
"But there is no point in our speculation."
"The important thing is to see what Captain-Commander Yamamoto says next..."
Iwahara Kinra, captain of the 3rd Division, seemed to have noticed the faintly tense atmosphere in the air as well.
"Hehe, Captain Araki's introduction was truly excellent! Now then, does anyone have anything they wish to ask?"
After Iwahara Kinra turned his gaze toward Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni standing before the crowd, the previously silent Captain-Commander Yamamoto finally spoke...
The ever-stern Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni actually revealed a rare smile after hearing Araki's speech.
His words made no effort whatsoever to conceal his appreciation and approval of Araki.
"Hm?!"
It was like a signal.
In an instant, the captains of the First Generation Gotei 13 all understood something.
No wonder Captain-Commander Yamamoto had demanded that every captain attend this Gotei 13 Captain's Meeting and forbade anyone from taking sick leave or personal leave~
So he was introducing the 'crown prince'!
In that instant, the way the Gotei 13 captains looked at Araki completely changed.
Only then did they understand why Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had gathered every one of them here.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto had convened this Gotei 13 Captain's Meeting to support his successor!
After all, every captain of the First Generation Gotei 13 was a notorious villain renowned throughout Soul Society.
Though they all looked like obedient children before Yamamoto...
That was only because Yamamoto Genryusai was the most ruthless and wicked among them all!
If anyone else took the position of Captain-Commander, Soul Society would fall into chaos the next day. No one else could keep them under control!
"..."
For a time, all the captains fell silent.
Each of them had their own thoughts. Though no one spoke, anyone with eyes could see that they were unconvinced by Araki.
Of course, they would not say so outright.
From the moment they entered the 1st Division meeting room, the Spiritual Pressure within Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had burned like a volcano on the verge of eruption, gathering momentum... Anyone who voiced an objection now would probably be strung up and beaten senseless by Yamamoto!
"Why is everyone acting so strangely? This feels really weird..."
There was one exception: Saito Furofushi, the older chuunibyou girl.
She completely failed to understand why the atmosphere in the meeting room had become so strange.
"Read the room, will you?!"
The Gotei 13 captains no longer had the energy to mock Saito Furofushi for her total inability to read the room.
"Cough, cough..."
"Since none of you have any objections, we will end this Captain's Meeting here! Meeting adjourned!"
In the end, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, as Captain-Commander, ended this Gotei 13 Captain's Meeting with a soft cough.
It was Araki's first time attending such a meeting, and he had found it unbearably awkward.
"Let's go! Let's go!"
The moment Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni announced the end of the meeting, the captains could not wait to leave the suffocatingly oppressive and heavy meeting room...
"Huh?!"
"What exactly happened?"
"Why has the meeting already been adjourned?"
Saito Furofushi looked at the inexplicably ended meeting with a puzzled face.
She did not even know what the meeting had been about. Everything had felt utterly inexplicable.
It had begun inexplicably, then ended just as inexplicably...
"Saito, let's go~ Let's go~"
Katori Bakuunsai, who possessed a delicate, youthful face and an impressive figure, looked helplessly at the bewildered Saito standing there.
She sighed, then grabbed Saito's left arm, trying to pull her out of the meeting room.
"Wait, I still need to talk to Araki..."
Saito looked at Katori beside her and gently shook her head.
She wanted to return with Araki. Although the 6th Division and the 11th Division were not on the same route, she could make a small sacrifice and take a detour.
"Come on, let's go, let's go~"
"Captain Araki clearly still has business with Captain-Commander Yamamoto!"
"If you want to see Captain Araki, there is no need to rush right now~"
Just as Saito was about to push Katori away, only to find herself unable to do so because of Katori's abundant softness swallowing up her entire forearm...
A teasing voice sounded to Saito's right.
At the same time, Saito felt someone grab her right arm as well.
"Damn you, Sennichi!"
Saito did not even need to turn around to know that Shihoin Sennichi was the one who had spoken.
"Let's go! Let's go!"
"Well then, Captain Araki, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, we'll be leaving first~"
"You two take your time talking~"
Before Saito could say another word, Shihoin Sennichi held Saito Furofushi's right arm while Katori Bakuunsai held her left.
Together, they forcibly dragged Saito Furofushi out of the 1st Division Captain's Meeting room.
Click~
As the meeting room doors closed...
Only Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni and Araki, two captains of the Gotei 13, remained in the vast room.
"What? Are you here to ask about the matter of being my 'successor'?"
Yamamoto Genryusai asked his disciple.
"Let's put that aside for now..."
Araki gently shook his head.
"Oh?!"
Genryūsai paused, clearly caught off guard by Araki's response.
He had thought Araki would privately negotiate with him about giving up the inheritance of the Gotei 13 he had built! If that were the case, then he would probably have to teach his disappointing disciple another lesson after all these years!
Yes, Genryūsai was not afraid of Araki having ambition.
He was only afraid that Araki would live an ordinary, aimless life! Araki having no ambition at all was what would truly kill him! Even if he went to Hell in the future, he would not be able to rest in peace. He would have to fight his way out of Hell and use Ryujin Jakka to give Araki a ruthless beating...
"Old Man Yama, have you heard of the Quincy?"
"Those people who are always shooting arrows seem to have become a little restless lately under the leadership of their Quincy 'Emperor'~"
Araki did not beat around the bush with Genryūsai.
He directly revealed the information he knew.
Given the relationship between Araki and Genryūsai...
Araki did not even need to fabricate a lie about where he had obtained information on the Quincy.
Simply telling Genryūsai directly and warning him was enough...
And as Araki's master, Genryūsai would not question the accuracy of this information.
In Genryūsai's heart, as long as Araki said it, there had to be some truth to it!
That was the incredibly deep bond between Genryūsai and Araki, master and disciple.
"Oh? You are saying the Quincy have become restless?"
Upon hearing that, a hint of killing intent flashed in Genryūsai's fierce eyes.
"Then kill them! Kill them until they behave!"
"They are nothing more than mere Quincy. How dare they cause trouble in Seireitei?!"
The instant Genryūsai spoke the word "kill," the temperature of the entire meeting room seemed to plummet by dozens of degrees!
It was as though the tiny droplets and water molecules in the air had frozen into ice at that very moment...
Then the temperature abruptly surged again!
That was because Spiritual Pressure poured from Genryūsai's body. It was so powerful that it seemed to gain physical form, turning into blazing flames that filled the meeting room.
"Hehe..."
Araki merely smiled softly.
That was right. The current Genryūsai needed no excessive concern from him!
Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni was currently like a tiger at the height of his strength, capable of suppressing every enemy within the "forest"!
This chapter was 4,800 words~
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