At the Arima Estate, the ceremony to choose a new family head had reached its climax.
A pale-skinned young man ascended the platform, surrounded by his clansmen, and took hold of the golden blade that represented the Arima Family's highest authority.
Countless guests watched, their gazes friendly or respectful.
The Arima Family had produced a captain, after all. While Arima Shintaro was alive, his standing had equaled Kyōraku's. Even now, the family still commanded respect. And with the Shiba Clan's influence rising over the past fifty years, no one dared bully the Arima Clan.
In the innermost courtyard, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto stroked his beard and suddenly asked, "What's the boy's name?"
"Arima Kengo," Shiba Kazuo said softly. "Shintarō's own grandson."
"You must know him well, Yi Xiong."
"He has talent. He can't compare to geniuses like Captain Yato or Captain Gin, but after a dozen years of training in the Gotei 13, he could serve as a lieutenant. But—"
"But what?"
"Captain-Commander, to be honest, the boy has decent talent, but he lacks resolve. He's rather weak-willed. I don't much care for him."
"Hahaha—" Old Man Yamamoto shook his head in amusement. "Yi Xiong, anyone would look weak-willed beside you. Don't be so hard on the young. And you ought to do something about that temper of yours."
The Captain of the Tenth Division bowed slightly, his expression unchanged.
Even while attending the ceremony at the Arima Estate, Captain-Commander Yamamoto had not forgotten to warn Shiba Kazuo.
The Shiba Clan and the Kuchiki Clan had been feuding far too fiercely these past few years.
The captains had an unspoken agreement never to leave Byakuya and Yi Xiong alone together, for fear that a few ill-chosen words would send them reaching for their swords.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto fell silent as he