So It Was the 'Crown Prince'!

"Alright, now that all the captains are here! I won't waste any more time; the Gotei 13 Captains' Regular Meeting is officially beginning…"

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, as the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, stood at the very front of the original Gotei 13 captains, commencing the opening remarks for every captains' meeting.

Before Yamamoto Genryusai, the captains of the Gotei 13 listened attentively, or at least they all feigned an attentive posture, giving Captain-Commander Yamamoto due respect.

In terms of obedience, at least, the current 'strongest' and most decisive original Gotei 13 was much stronger than the later Gotei 13 during Kurosaki Ichigo and other Ryoka's invasion of the Seireitei…

That Gotei 13, where every captain harbored their own ulterior motives because a certain unnamed hair-gel enthusiast was constantly stirring up trouble within the thirteen divisions, was far inferior!

For no other reason than that Yamamoto Genryusai, in his prime, didn't understand what 'social graces' were. If someone disobeyed, he truly showed no mercy!

However, while these Gotei 13 captains outwardly showed Yamamoto respect, what truly went on behind the scenes was anyone's guess…

For example, a certain highly skilled disciple personally taught by Yamamoto Genryusai was currently severely zoning out.

Yes, that disciple zoning out while listening to Yamamoto Genryusai speak was none other than Araki.

"Sigh…"

Araki appeared to be listening to his master speak, but inwardly, he was constantly sighing.

"What is all this?!"

Araki felt a deep concern, even anxiety, about the appearances of his odd-numbered division captains.

From Captain Iwahara Kinra of the Third Division all the way to Captain Sakagashira Saizou of the Thirteenth Division, their appearances, if not outright grotesque, were certainly an eyesore.

Among all the odd-numbered division captains, the only one Araki found presentable was the Captain of the Fifth Division…

There's not much to say about Obana Danjirō, Captain of the Fifth Division. With his short, messy brown hair tied into a small ponytail, coupled with a rugged face and muscular physique, he was completely the picture of a handsome older man…

Obana Danjirō was considered the most attractive male captain among the odd-numbered divisions before Araki joined the Gotei 13.

Next, among these odd-numbered captains, the only other one Araki considered somewhat normal-looking was Captain Iwahara Kinra of the Third Division…

In fact, Araki classified the current Captain of the Gotei Third Division, Iwahara Kinra, as a weirdo not because of Iwahara Kinra's appearance, but due to other reasons concerning him…

Captain Iwahara Kinra of the Third Division had a slightly pale face and somewhat sharp features. His light green short hair was slicked back tightly against his scalp into a greasy, shiny pompadour. While Iwahara Kinra couldn't be called handsome, he was at least presentable, and his appearance seemed meticulous! It was just Iwahara Kinra's outfit that Araki truly couldn't compliment…

Araki simply couldn't understand Iwahara Kinra's mindset to choose to wear Kizaru-style light yellow sunglasses while also wearing a Zoro-style green waist protector—or perhaps a belt—over his Shinigami Robes, roughly around his midsection…

In any case, Iwahara Kinra's understanding of fashion had far surpassed Araki's.

In terms of coolness, Araki was willing to call Iwahara Kinra the trendiest! Of course, Captain Iwahara Kinra of the Third Division was still more presentable than the captains of the Seventh, Ninth, and Thirteenth Divisions.

As for Captain Shigyō Nobutsuna of the Seventh Division, Captain Kumenai Entetsu of the Ninth Division, and Captain Sakagashira Saizou of the Thirteenth Division, in Araki's opinion, their appearances were beyond human comprehension; they were simply monstrous!

"I really want to go to the even-numbered division captains' side! This lineup of odd-numbered division captains isn't suitable for someone as handsome as me…"

Araki suddenly felt a bit lonely.

Who understands, my family? He, a great handsome man, is actually forced to stand among a group of monsters. He truly doesn't fit in!

Sigh, sometimes, Araki also feels anxious about his handsome appearance. His excessive handsomeness only makes the surrounding monsters appear even uglier.

Suddenly, a decision formed deep within Araki's heart: he decided to first find a way to switch divisions.

Thinking this, Araki's gaze fixed on Captain Sanjōji Yuhō of the Gotei Twelfth Division, who, like him, seemed incredibly out of place in her own division's ranks.

It was just that Araki was out of place in the odd-numbered captains' lineup, where everyone else was a mess, because he was too handsome!

And Captain Sanjōji Yuhō of the Twelfth Division was out of place in the even-numbered Gotei divisions' captains' lineup, where everyone else was at least somewhat presentable if not handsome or beautiful, because she was simply too much of a mess.

In Araki's opinion, if he and Captain Sanjōji Yuhō of the Twelfth Division swapped places, it would be perfect!

Thinking this, Araki decided that when he had time, he could go ask Old Man Yama about how to switch standing positions during meetings…

"Now, please, Captain Araki, the new captain of the Gotei Eleventh Division, introduce yourself to everyone."

After rambling on about a lot of unnecessary things, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni suddenly looked at Araki in the crowd and invited him to come forward.

"Eh?!"

Araki, who was zoning out in the ranks, was slightly startled upon hearing his master's words, then strode forward to stand beside Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

"Then I'll just say a few words…"

"As you all can see, due to various reasons, starting today, I am the new captain of our Gotei 13's Eleventh Division! From now on, we will be colleagues. If anyone has any problems, feel free to come find me at the Eleventh Division. I have no other virtues, save for being warm-hearted…"

Araki spoke these words while looking at Katori Bakuunsai the entire time.

Regarding the troubles Captain Katori faced, Araki was very happy to help. As for the troubles faced by other division captains, they should stay far away and not bother him!

"In short, because I only arrived in the Seireitei half a month ago, I'm not very familiar with the work of the Gotei 13. Please bear with me if there's anything I don't do well!"

"Of course, if you can't find me in the Eleventh Division barracks on a regular day, you can directly go to our division's vice-captain — Squad Member Unohana Retsu!"

"To be honest, although I am currently the captain of the Gotei Eleventh Division, in reality, the Eleventh Division is still managed by Captain Unohana!"

Araki spoke with a smile to the monsters before him.

Most of what Araki said was polite formality, seemingly gentle, making those who heard it feel refreshed and incredibly comfortable!

But in reality, translated, it meant that although he currently held the title of Eleventh Division captain, in actuality, the affairs of the Eleventh Division were not under his management at all…

If they were looking for him regarding Eleventh Division matters, there was no need; they could just go directly to Unohana Retsu!

"That's probably all I have to say…"

"As for the rest… I'll think about it and add to it at the next meeting~"

With that, Araki returned to his place in line and stood there with a smile.

As soon as Araki finished speaking...

The expressions of all the Gotei 13 captains changed.

"What does he mean, 'I'll think about it and add to it at the next meeting'? He's practically acting like the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13…"

Shigyō Nobutsuna, Captain of the 7th Division, muttered under his breath as he glanced at Araki behind him.

"The most important thing is that Captain-Commander Yamamoto didn't refute him. That's quite intriguing~"

Kumenai Entetsu, Captain of the 9th Division, who stood next to Shigyō Nobutsuna, had his glasses reflecting a peculiar light. Clearly, he possessed a meticulous mind, completely contrary to his outward appearance.

"It seems the relationship between this new captain and Captain-Commander Yamamoto is even closer than we imagined!"

"But our speculations are actually meaningless! The most important thing is to see what Captain-Commander Yamamoto says next…"

Iwahara Kinra, Captain of the 3rd Division, also seemed to sense the slightly heavy atmosphere in the air.

"Heh heh, Captain Araki's self-introduction was truly outstanding! So, everyone, do you have any other questions?"

Just as Iwahara Kinra looked toward Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, who stood before everyone, the usually silent Captain-Commander Yamamoto finally spoke…

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, who was always so stern, uncharacteristically showed a hint of a smile after hearing Araki's speech. His words openly conveyed his admiration and approval for Araki.

"Hmm?!"

This seemed like a signal, directly making all the original captains of the Gotei 13 present understand something.

"I wondered why Captain-Commander Yamamoto insisted that all thirteen captains attend this Gotei 13 captain's meeting, and why no one was allowed to take sick leave or personal leave~ So it was to introduce his 'successor'!"

In an instant, the way the captains looked at Araki changed. They finally understood the purpose of Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni gathering everyone for this meeting. It turned out Captain-Commander Yamamoto had called this Gotei 13 captain's meeting to endorse his successor!

After all, all of them, the original captains of the Gotei 13, were infamous villains throughout the Soul Society. Don't let their 'obedient' demeanor in front of Yamamoto fool you…

That was because Yamamoto Genryusai was the most 'ruthless' and 'evil' among them all! If anyone else were in the Captain-Commander's position, the Soul Society would fall into chaos the very next day; no one else could keep them in line!

"…"

For a moment, all the captains fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Although they didn't speak, anyone with discerning eyes could tell that they were not convinced by Araki.

Of course, they wouldn't say it directly. After all, from the moment they entered the 1st Division meeting room, the Spiritual Pressure emanating from Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, who stood before the captains, was like a volcano about to erupt, burning intensely and poised to unleash… It was likely that anyone who raised an objection at this moment would be mercilessly beaten by Yamamoto!

"Why is the atmosphere so strange? It feels quite odd…"

However, there was one exception: Saito Furofushi, the elderly chuunibyou girl. She completely failed to grasp why the atmosphere in the room was so peculiar.

"Could you at least try to read the room?!"

At this, the captains of the thirteen divisions were already too exhausted to complain about Saito Furofushi, who was completely oblivious to the atmosphere.

"Ahem…"

"Since there are no objections, this captain's meeting will conclude here! Meeting adjourned!"

In the end, it was Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni who, with a soft cough, brought an end to the Gotei 13 captain's meeting, which was Araki's first time attending and which he found exceptionally awkward.

"Let's go! Let's go!"

After Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni announced the adjournment, the captains immediately and eagerly left the meeting room, whose atmosphere was oppressively heavy…

"Huh?!"

"What just happened?"

"Why was the meeting dismissed so suddenly?"

Saito Furofushi looked at the inexplicably dismissed meeting with a confused expression. She had no idea what was discussed during the meeting; everything felt so random.

It started inexplicably, then ended inexplicably…

"Saito, let's go~ Let's go~"

Katori Bakuunsai, with her delicate, childlike face and impressive curves, sighed helplessly as she watched Saito standing there in a daze. She then took 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 walk back with Araki. Although the 6th Division and 11th Division weren't exactly on the way, she could sacrifice a little and take a detour.

"Oh, come on, let's go~"

"Captain Araki clearly still has something he needs to discuss with Captain-Commander Yamamoto!"

"There's no rush for you to talk to Captain Araki right now~"

Just as Saito was about to push Katori away, but couldn't because Katori's ample chest completely enveloped her forearm, making it impossible to get a grip…

A slightly playful voice sounded from Saito's right, and at the same time, Saito felt her right arm being grabbed as well.

"Damn you, Sennichi!"

Saito didn't need to turn around to know that the voice belonged to Shihoin Sennichi.

"Let's go! Let's go!"

"Well then, Captain Araki, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, we'll be leaving now~"

"You two chat amongst yourselves, then~"

Before Saito could say more, Shihoin Sennichi and Katori Bakuunsai each grabbed one of Saito Furofushi's arms—Sennichi his right and Bakuunsai his left—and practically dragged him out of the First Division's captain's meeting room.

Thud~

The sound of the meeting room door closing echoed!

Suddenly, within the large meeting room, only Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni and Araki, the two captains of the Gotei 13, remained.

"What, you want to ask about the 'successor'?"

Yamamoto Genryusai asked his disciple.

"Let's not talk about that for now…"

Araki shook his head slightly at the words.

"Oh?!"

Genryusai was momentarily stunned, Araki's words clearly surprising him. He had thought Araki would privately discuss with him abandoning the legacy of the Gotei 13 that he had built! If that were the case, he might have had to teach his wayward disciple a lesson after a long while today!

Yes, Genryusai wasn't afraid of Araki having ambition; he was only afraid of Araki living a mediocre life. If Araki had no ambition, that would truly be the death of him! Even if he went to Hell in the future, he wouldn't rest easy; he'd have to break out of Hell and then use his Ryujin Jakka to severely chastise Araki…

"Old Man Yama, have you heard of the Quincy?"

"Those archer guys, it seems they've been getting a bit restless lately under the leadership of their Quincy 'Emperor'~"

Araki didn't beat around the bush with Genryusai; he directly revealed the information he knew.

Given the relationship between Araki and Genryusai…

Araki didn't even need to fabricate any lies about where he got his information regarding the Quincy! Simply stating it and warning Genryusai was enough…

And Genryusai, as Araki's master, wouldn't question the accuracy of Araki's information. In Genryusai's heart, anything Araki said was bound to have some truth to it!

This was the incredibly strong bond between Genryusai and Araki, master and disciple.

"Oh? You're saying the Quincy are restless?"

At Araki's words, a murderous glint suddenly flashed in Genryusai's tiger-like eyes.

"Then kill! Kill until they quiet down! They are merely Quincy; how dare they cause trouble in the Seireitei?!"

The moment Genryusai uttered the word "kill," the temperature in the entire meeting room seemed to drop by tens of degrees! It was as if the tiny water droplets and molecules in the air within the meeting room instantly froze into ice…

Then the temperature rose instantly! That was because of the Spiritual Pressure pouring out of Genryusai's body. That Spiritual Pressure, being excessively powerful, seemed to gain substance, transforming into raging flames that filled the meeting room.

"Heh heh…"

Araki chuckled softly at this.

That's right, he didn't need to worry too much about the current Genryusai!

The current Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni was like a mighty tiger in its prime, capable of suppressing all enemies within the 'forest'!

This chapter is 4,800 characters~