You Report, I Approve the Note, Plan to Eliminate the Mole

Everyone had long been mentally prepared for this conclusion, so they appeared quite calm on the surface.

As for the so-called inspection and review Yamamoto Genryusai mentioned, that was entirely just formal rhetoric.

As the organization responsible for guarding the safety of the Seireitei, the Gotei 13 had always been extremely rigorous in selecting its captains.

Every person who served as a captain had been carefully chosen through layer upon layer of selection.

Yet what they guarded was not merely the Seireitei, but more importantly, the noble clans behind it and the Noble Clan Council.

Even Central 46 ranked below the Noble Clan Council in importance.

As a result, becoming a captain required not only formidable strength, but also scrutiny of one's abilities, character, and other qualities.

However.

There were still a few exceptions.

For instance, Squad 6 had always been led by the current Family Head of the Kuchiki Family.

The Eleventh Division, meanwhile, was led by the successive Kenpachis, and its selection process was the bloodiest of all.

They fought to the death. The victor became the new generation's Kenpachi, while the loser had only death awaiting them.

Besides that, there was also Squad 2.

The successive Family Heads of the Shihoin Family would take over the Punishment Force, but a small problem had arisen with the twenty-third Family Head, Yushiro Shihoin.

Because of Yoruichi Shihoin, he had neither taken command of the Punishment Force nor become the captain of Squad 2.

The selection of captains for these squads generally did not undergo assessment by Yamamoto Genryusai or the other captains.

And given Su Feng's own identity—

As the heir of the Tsunayashiro Family, the foremost of the Five Great Noble Clans, the interests protected by the Gotei 13 were precisely his own.

Any so-called assessment had thus become utter nonsense.

"The appointment ceremony is now concluded."

Yamamoto Genryusai was not one for needless words. "Does Captain Su Feng have any concerns regarding his duties?"

Once again, everyone turned their eyes to Su Feng, scrutinizing their new colleague.

Su Feng stood tall and met the captains with a gentle smile, showing not the slightest hint of nervousness.

Rangiku Matsumoto, the lieutenant who had transferred in behind him, seemed somewhat less imposing by comparison.

Being stared at by so many powerful Shinigami was a first for her. Coupled with what the two had done on the way here, she naturally felt somewhat guilty.

"I do."

"Since there are none, then this old man will—"

Yamamoto Genryusai noticed Su Feng's wording and found himself at a loss for words.

What captain would embarrass him like this during an appointment ceremony? Any concerns could have been raised privately.

"Captain Su Feng, speak freely."

Yamamoto Genryusai coughed twice to conceal his embarrassment, his expression returning to normal.

"Regarding Captain Komamura's earlier proposal, I think it was quite good."

Su Feng smiled and nodded toward the big dog standing not far to the side. "Since he finds Fifth Seat Tosen's defeat so regrettable, why not arrange his transfer now?"

Seeing Su Feng bring up the earlier matter again, Sajin Komamura felt a trace of dissatisfaction and irritation rise in his heart.

He lowered his voice and said heavily, "This old man was not targeting Captain Su Feng."

"It was only because Tosen is one of this old man's few friends that I felt regret on his behalf."

Su Feng nodded slightly at that, speaking as though it were only natural. "That is precisely why I made this suggestion."

"Since you are friends, why not spend your days together? It would not only help deepen your bond, but also improve work efficiency."

Isshin Shiba, standing nearby with his arms folded, said thoughtfully, "I see. No wonder Miss Rangiku applied for a transfer as well."

"This is the bond between friends!"

Sajin Komamura fell silent. He was not good with words and had no idea how to answer.

In fact, under Su Feng's persuasion, he began to feel that this might not be a bad idea.

If Kaname Tosen transferred to Squad 7, the two of them could often hold tea gatherings or drinking parties, exchanging their views on justice.

Thinking about it that way, he suddenly felt full of motivation...

Yamamoto Genryusai lowered his gaze, looking distinctly uninterested.

"This is a matter between your two squads. Discuss it among yourselves."

The Gotei 13's captains possessed considerable authority. Aside from certain important matters, things like transfers could generally be approved on their own.

They merely needed to submit a supplementary report to Squad 1 regarding personnel changes afterward.

"This old man has no objections."

After a brief consideration, Sajin Komamura decisively agreed to Su Feng's proposal.

"Refreshing."

Su Feng nodded in satisfaction. "Once Fifth Seat Tosen recovers from his injuries, he'll report to Squad 7."

The suggestion to transfer Kaname Tosen had actually only occurred to him on the spur of the moment.

The justice Kaname Tosen upheld had already strayed from the proper path under the nourishment of hatred.

Although the Tsunayashiro Family was the primary cause of that change, Su Feng had no habit of keeping an informant by his side.

At this point in time, Kaname Tosen was utterly loyal to Aizen. There was no chance whatsoever that he would betray him.

Unless Su Feng openly killed that bastard Tokinada Tsunayashiro right now, while also taking on Central 46.

That was simply far too difficult.

With his current strength, dealing with even one Tokinada Tsunayashiro would be a struggle, let alone making an enemy of all Soul Society.

Besides, he had no interest in Kaname Tosen.

Weren't soft, sweet female Shinigami better?

Behind his iron mask, Sajin Komamura wore a strange expression, feeling that something about this development was off.

Yet he could not put his finger on what exactly was wrong.

But in any case, Sajin Komamura was fairly satisfied with how things had turned out.

Kaname would probably be happy once he learned of this as well...

The Captain Inauguration Ceremony was not particularly grand, causing only a small stir among the captains and within the Ninth Division.

Of course, before the ceremony began, the relevant news had already spread throughout the Seireitei.

Su Feng's formidable performance in the Assessment Battle had also become known to those with an interest in such matters.

Thus, after the ceremony ended, Shunsui Kyoraku, draped in a pink Captain's Haori, walked alongside Su Feng.

"It really is quite moving."

Shunsui Kyoraku casually glanced at Su Feng, his gaze unreadable. "I can still vividly remember when you came to me through the Noble Clan Council to ask for guidance in your training."

"It feels as though it happened only yesterday."

"Yet in the blink of an eye, you've already become the captain of the Ninth Division."

"Talent really is something difficult to explain."

Though the Kyoraku Family had few members, as an upper noble clan, its standing within the Noble Clan Council was not low.

Furthermore, with Shunsui Kyoraku serving as captain of the Eighth Division and being Yamamoto Genryusai's most valued disciple, the Kyoraku Family's status had risen accordingly, vaulting it into the ranks of upper noble clans second only to the Five Great Noble Clans.

Su Feng was well aware of Shunsui Kyoraku's true strength. Before becoming a student of the Soul Reaper Academy, he had sought his guidance on how to train and grow stronger.

The two were fairly close.

That was also why Shunsui Kyoraku called Su Feng a brat.