Aoto Prepares for the Captain Assessment

Seikyo did indeed have some thoughts regarding the position of Captain of the 13th Division.

He had begun planning this ever since he learned that Captain Ukitake intended to pass his captaincy on to Kaien.

After all, since the main body would not allow him to stop Aizen's actions, saving Kaien's life could already be considered a partial defiance of the main body's orders.

However, Seikyo's original plan was to wait until after that event to transfer to the 13th Division, take over Kaien's position as Lieutenant, and then, once Captain Ukitake had grown accustomed to him, find a way to nudge the captain toward his own retirement plans.

He had not expected Captain Ukitake to be so decisive.

Seikyo was caught completely off guard.

But when Captain Ukitake's gaze turned toward him, Seikyo remained perfectly composed.

"Seikyo, would you be willing to come to the 13th Division?" Captain Ukitake's smile was incredibly gentle.

Seikyo bowed his head and replied, "It is my greatest wish; I would not dare refuse!"

"That settles it!" Captain Ukitake's smile finally brightened. "Then Seikyo, go and prepare for the captaincy proficiency test! You must perform well in front of the Captain-Commander!"

Seikyo nodded to show he understood.

There are three ways to be recognized as a Captain of the Gotei 13.

First, pass the captaincy proficiency test in the presence of three captains, including the Captain-Commander.

Second, receive recommendations from six captains and the consent of at least three of the remaining six.

Third, defeat the current captain in the presence of at least two hundred division members, which allows for an immediate appointment.

Of the three methods, the first is the most common. The second has almost never been used. The third belongs almost exclusively to the 11th Division.

The method Captain Ukitake asked Seikyo to prepare for was, naturally, the first.

If he were retiring voluntarily, he would not count himself among the witnesses.

However, over the past two days, he had already contacted Kyoraku Shunsui and Unohana Retsu to make the necessary arrangements.

It is worth noting that the method for appointing the Captain-Commander does not fall under these three, but is instead a direct appointment by the Central 46.

Though, to this day, that method has never been used.

When the Shinigami of the 13th Division returned to the Soul Society, the news that Captain Ukitake was about to retire and had chosen Hyakume-ki Seikyo as his successor spread instantly to everyone.

The reaction was strongest... in the 11th Division!

After all, 4th Seat Hyakume was a vital administrator for the 11th Division; if he left, the division's current administrative operations would effectively collapse.

But then again, this was an appointment to Captain, not Lieutenant or 3rd Seat, and the members of the 11th Division didn't feel they were in a position to make decisions for 4th Seat Hyakume.

Zaraki Kenpachi was not at all surprised by the news; although he was not accustomed to overthinking, he had long had a premonition.

He only regretted that he wouldn't be able to fight Seikyo while the latter was using his Bankai.

And while Madarame Ikkaku felt a bit resentful, he thought Seikyo was much more successful than Iba.

After all, not everyone was like him, wanting only to stay by Zaraki Kenpachi's side.

Iba Tetsuzaemon, the current Lieutenant of the 7th Division, had previously been a seated officer in the 11th Division, and his mother had once been a Lieutenant of the 3rd Division. He had worked hard to become a Lieutenant to fulfill his mother's wish.

However, since the Lieutenant of the 11th Division could only be Yachiru Kusajishi, Iba had accepted an invitation from the 7th Division to serve as their Lieutenant.

Seikyo was far more impressive, taking the position of Captain directly—he really brought honor to the 11th Division.

However, the one most conflicted was Ayasegawa Yumichika.

After all, if Seikyo left, the 4th Seat would become vacant, and he would naturally be expected to move up.

But he hated the number "four."

Moreover, it seemed that all of the 11th Division's administrative work would fall onto his shoulders.

Just thinking about it felt like absolute Hell!

So, upon hearing the news, Yumichika quickly ran to Seikyo's house, and after fawning over him with congratulations, he very solemnly requested that he not take Ganjuro to the 13th Division just yet.

He could let Ganjuro fill the 4th Seat vacancy; just leave one administrator for the 11th Division!

Hearing this, Seikyo couldn't help but retort, "Yumichika, you just don't want to be the 4th Seat, do you?"

Ganjuro was Seikyo's confidant, and their relationship was no less close than the one he had with Toshiro.

If Seikyo were going to the 13th Division, he would naturally take Ganjuro with him.

But given Yumichika's solemn request, Seikyo felt he made a very valid point.

So, after some thought, Seikyo chose to summon Ganjuro to ask for his opinion.

Ganjuro stated that he had absolutely no objections; he would do whatever Seikyo ordered.

"Fine!" Seikyo turned to look at Yumichika. "Let Ganjuro fill my 4th Seat position and remain in the 11th Division for five years. After five years, he will transfer to the 13th Division."

Seikyo looked at Ganjuro. "Ganjuro, I very much hope that you will serve as my Lieutenant. I will hold that position for you for five years, and I hope that by then, you will have reached the requirements for a Lieutenant."

Ganjuro's current spiritual power was still at the sixth grade, which did not meet the requirements for a Lieutenant.

If he still hadn't reached the level of a Lieutenant after five years, the position might be filled by whoever was the 3rd Seat at that time, and Ganjuro would only be able to serve as 3rd Seat!

There is actually no shortage of Shinigami with lieutenant-level spiritual pressure within the Gotei 13, and many third and fourth seats are eyeing the vacant lieutenant positions!

Although it is only a lieutenant, it is still a "captain" rank!

After Aoto became a captain, keeping the lieutenant position vacant for five years was still very eye-catching.

However, the lieutenant of each division can only be appointed by that division's captain; even if Aoto leaves it vacant, others cannot point fingers or interfere.

Upon hearing such a solemn entrustment from Aoto, Ganjuro expressed with tear-filled eyes that he would definitely meet Aoto's requirements.

He would not only reach Fifth-Grade Spiritual Power, but also Fourth-Grade!

Yumichika watched from the side, feeling a bit nauseated... was there any need to be so solemn?

But since Ganjuro was left behind, Yumichika's mission in coming to see Aoto this time was considered complete.

For the next five years, Yumichika decided to squeeze Ganjuro for all he was worth, making him train several more squad members skilled in administrative work for the 11th Division, so that even if Ganjuro left after five years, the 11th Division's situation would not collapse.

Speaking of which, Yumichika suddenly thought of another matter and hurriedly squeezed out a smile at Aoto again.

It was about those foods filled with Reishi.

If Aoto went to the 13th Division, would he still be able to provide them to the 11th Division?

"That is, of course... impossible!"

Aoto drew out the sound, smiling very cunningly, "If I become the captain of the 13th Division, how could I possibly only seek benefits for the 11th Division? Those foods will naturally belong to the 13th Division!"

As expected.

Yumichika covered his face, "Then how can you continue to provide them to the 11th Division, Aoto? And the 4th Division's share, you can't forget that either."

"This..." Aoto teased Yumichika on purpose, "Well, if you still want them, you'll definitely have to pay to buy them!"

Aoto was doing this intentionally. From the moment he started providing food to the 11th Division for free, he had been setting the bait.

Heh heh, now the fish is about to take the hook!