Seireitei, First Division Barracks, Shin'ō Hall.
All thirteen division captains were present, standing on either side according to odd and even division numbers. Each kept their expression in check as they studied the figure standing in the central aisle.
The lieutenants had gathered in the waiting room next door, awaiting word of the meeting's outcome.
The lieutenants gathered in the adjutants' waiting room and waited.
The Commander-in-Chief sat in the chair at the center.
Yoruichi Shihōin stood alone in the aisle at the center of the hall.
Her deep-purple ponytail was tied high. Since she was appearing before the Commander-in-Chief, she carried herself with restraint.
"Yoruichi Shihōin."
Today, she wore a peculiarly styled Shihakushō. Its back was open, exposing a broad stretch of firm muscle from the nape of her neck to her waist. The cut was consequently close-fitting, drawing forward from both shoulders and crossing over to fasten at her chest.
Such a style had never appeared in Seireitei, nor did any dress regulation permit such a cut.
But today she stood here as a guest, and the person who had recommended her was Shihōin Qianri.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto did not immediately take issue with it.
"Qianri said you could take over as Second Division Captain."
There were several ways to select a captain for the Gotei 13, but the simplest was to learn Bankai.
As long as their Bankai was recognized, the remaining qualifications, achievements, and credentials could be built up afterward.
And Yoruichi Shihōin, the 22nd Generation head of the Shihōin Clan and Shihōin Qianri's granddaughter, had clearly already been deemed qualified by Qianri.
"Then."
Yamamoto's voice was not loud, but it carried clearly into every corner of the spacious Shin'ō Hall. "Show us your Bankai."
Yoruichi bowed slightly. "Commander-in-Chief, my Bankai is rather troublesome. I can't