Shinigami the Unforgiven, Volume 9: What Will Captain-Commander Shiraishi Do in the Future?
This question, which I thought I could answer with a little thought, left me with a blank mind when I actually tried to think about it.
Shiraishi leaned against a park bench, his eyes gazing at the azure sky through the tall fountain.
The 21-degree sunlight shining on a 36-degree body didn't provide much warmth.
He was thinking about the future, his eyes unfocused, looking like a salted fish lying in the sun, baking in the heat.
Previously, there was the ability to upgrade hero levels, and there was the existence of Aizen, a powerful enemy.
Everything he did was aimed at defeating the other side.
Now that Aizen has fallen, his hero level has reached its maximum. As Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto said, he has reached his limit and can no longer improve.
They've also learned the Zankensoki.
Not a single Bankai form was missed.
The future enemies are Yhwach and Aizen, who may or may not Aizen.
However, having reached his own limit, he couldn't improve much by continuing to work hard. He could only intensify his training of Ichigo and try to unlock Ichigo's potential.
Become Ichigo's tutor?
Shiraishi felt that that profession was not as good as becoming the Captain-Commander.
"Uh." He let out a heavy sigh, unable to think of a specific answer at all, and decided to ask someone else.
With that thought in mind, he flipped over on the bench, his feet not touching the ground, and used the Steel Tempest towards the Second Division's base.
Smack
With his feet on the ground, he leaned over the desk, staring at Soi Fon who was handling official business in front of him.
She didn't say anything; she was reviewing team documents.
Shiraishi didn't say anything, just stood there quietly watching, admiring her long Matsuge, large cat-like face, neatly combed black hair, and fair skin as white as tofu.
Gradually, Soi Fon's sharp gaze became unfocused and scattered, and a slight blush appeared on her cheeks. Unable to hold back any longer, she said in a mix of embarrassment and anger, "What are you looking at!"
"Look at you."
Shiraishi answered truthfully.
"..." Soi Fon was speechless for a moment, unsure what to say. She put down her pen, leaned back slightly, and asked helplessly, "What did the Captain-Commander say to you?"
Shiraishi flipped across the table and landed next to Soi Fon. Before she could resist, he picked her up and sat her on his lap in a warm chair. "You've talked about a lot of things, and it's making me a little confused. I wanted to ask for your opinion."
"Is that so? Then you shouldn't touch things like that."
Soi Fon grabbed the hand that was trying to go down and pressed it against her chest, saying irritably, "If you keep acting like this, there's no way I can give you any advice."
"Oh, sorry, it's just a habit."
Shiraishi withdrew his hand and instead wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pressing his cheek close as he said, "If I were always free, would you keep me company?"
"Not good."
Without the slightest hesitation, Soi Fon retorted, "How long do you intend to remain idle?"
Even that lazy guy Kisuke Urahara is working hard to build the Arrancar network.
You've been resting for over ten days; you should find something to do.
However, your position as Thirteenth Division has been taken over by Renji Abarai, so you'll have to do other things.
"That's true, one can't be unemployed forever."
Shiraishi sighed deeply. He never expected that, after all the twists and turns, he would eventually return to his job.
He couldn't help but recall his past vows and his desire for freedom.
At that time, the freedom he envisioned was living freely without being bound by anyone.
When should we begin to change?
He thinks that it was when he met them that his dream of freedom, which had been without beliefs or constraints, began to be constrained, and he began to have a sense of belonging and a desire to settle down.
This is not a bad thing.
People change, and as long as the changes are for the better, there's no need to worry; just accept them calmly.
"Hey, Soi Fon, do you remember the first time we met?"
How could I possibly remember such trivial things from so far back?
"Really? I remember. The sky was very blue, with three white clouds floating by."
"It was a cloudy day, how could there be any white clouds?"
Soi Fon scoffed, "If you don't remember, you don't remember. Why are you making this up?"
Shiraishi retorted, "Didn't you say you didn't remember?"
"..." Soi Fon's face turned even redder, and she punched him from behind, "Stop nagging, why are you suddenly saying all this!"
"Haha, you're so cute."
Ignoring her little fists, Shiraishi kissed her cheek. "I've made up my mind. It's all thanks to you, so you deserve a reward."
"This is clearly a reward for you," Soi Fon felt her cheeks burning. Several times of frankness hadn't made her used to this kind of intimate behavior.
Every time I'm hugged and kissed, my heart races, and I feel a sweet, blissful sensation, like I'm soaking in honey.
She disliked this version of herself, yet she couldn't deny that she found a comfortable sense of security in this state.
"Then I'll reward you properly tonight," Shiraishi said, nibbling at her slightly reddened earlobe. He then placed her back in her chair, left the office, and headed to the First Division.
Soi Fon's blush hadn't faded when she sat back down in the chair, her feet dangling in the air, feeling a little lost. Was she really leaving like that?
I've never seen him so well-behaved before.
Thinking about the reward he mentioned that night, Soi Fon was practically fuming. She quickly slapped her cheeks, telling herself not to think about that and to focus on her work.
"Phew," she exhaled, then took a deep breath, shook her head to clear her mind, and began her work.
Soon, she heard the bells ringing outside the window, clear and crisp, three times in a row.
" Captain Soi Fon!"
The door was suddenly kicked open, and a tall, burly man rushed in, his face filled with panic. "That's the emergency call bell! What terrible thing has happened?"
" Ōmaeda, what are you panicking for? You're a disgrace to the Second Division!"
Soi Fon scolded, "And I've told you many times, don't slack off at work!"
Marechiyo Ōmaeda realize she was holding a half-eaten hamburger. She hurriedly hid it behind her back and stood at attention, saying, "I'm not scared. I've finally calmed down. Please don't continue fighting."
"Go to the First Division, wipe the grease off your lips, and don't embarrass me in public."
Soi Fon, with a stern face, got up from her seat and used Shunpo to walk towards the First Division.
Marechiyo Ōmaeda quickly followed, stuffing a beef burger into her mouth as well. After a few bites, she choked and could only pound her chest to try and swallow it down.
"Phew, hamburgers really do need to be paired with cola."
He shared his insights as he arrived at the First Division's base, followed by the rest of the divisions.
Soi Fon didn't say anything and just walked straight in.
Her relationship with the other captains was far from harmonious; at most, she was somewhat close to Retsu Unohana.
Speaking of friends?
The chat history inside the Heart Window" wasn't even ten lines long.
It can only be said that she respected Retsu Unohana, but that didn't include the friendship that people usually talk about.
In such formal settings, she would at most nod, but would not greet anyone verbally.
The team leaders stepped through the church doors, and sunlight streamed through the glass, transforming into a kaleidoscope of colors that shone before them.
Bathed in light, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto leaned on his sword, dressed in a black Shihakushō with his long beard flowing down his chest. His eyes remained normal in size as he watched the captains and vice-captains enter.
His gaze became unfocused.
In an instant, the distant past enveloped this place, the original Gotei 13, the second, the third...
Time keeps turning the pages, eventually settling on the generation before us.
Second Division Captain Soi Fon, Vice- Marechiyo Ōmaeda; Third Division Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, Vice-Captain Izuru Kira; Fourth Division Captain Retsu Unohana, Vice-Captain Isane Kotetsu.
Fifth Division Shinji Hirako, Vice-Captain Momo Hinamori, 6th Division Byakuya Kuchiki, Vice-Captain Rukia Kuchiki, Seventh Division Sajin Komamura, Vice-Captain Tetsuzaemon Iba.
Eighth Division Shunsui Kyōraku, Vice-Captain Nanao Ise, Ninth Division Kensei Muguruma, Vice-Captain Shūhei Hisagi.
The Tenth Division Tōshirō Hitsugaya, the Vice-Captain Rangiku Matsumoto, the 11th Division Kenpachi Zaraki, and the Vice-Captain Ikkaku Madarame.
Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the Twelfth Division, Vice-Captain Nemu Kurotsuchi, Captain Renji Abarai of the Thirteenth Division, and Vice-Captain Lisa Yadōmaru.
This wasn't the strongest generation, but it was the last generation he led.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto lowered his eyes, feeling a sense of relief.
Everyone noticed something was wrong; the Captain-Commander, who was always so strict with himself, wasn't wearing his Captain's Haori?
" Captain-Commander Yamamoto, what exactly happened?"
Retsu Unohana was the first to speak up, her eyes revealing her concern. She knew Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto better than anyone else and was one of the few captains who had never been absent from the beginning.
She understood that such a mistake could not be explained by a momentary forgetfulness; there must be some underlying meaning.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto smiled at her and said in a deep voice, "I have served as the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 for quite some time now, and it is time for me to retire from this position."
Chōjirō will also accompany me on my departure.
"What?!" "Hey, Old Man Yama, this joke isn't funny." " Captain-Commander Yamamoto, why are you suddenly saying something like that?"
winter.
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto tapped his sword sheath on the ground and said sternly, "Silence!"
The captains' questions ceased.
Shunsui Kyōraku pulled down his straw hat, his face full of helplessness. Why did he suddenly retire? They're not going to let him take over, are they?
Let him off the hook. The position of the Eighth Division is troublesome enough, but the position of the Captain-Commander carries unimaginable pressure.
"The person who will succeed me Captain-Commander is..."
Shunsui Kyōraku reluctantly raised his straw hat. Old Man Yama had made up his mind, then he had no choice but to step forward.
" Shiraishi."
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto uttered this name.
Shunsui Kyōraku was stunned. While he breathed a sigh of relief, he also felt a slight sense of loss. So, he wasn't the Old Man Yama's most favored successor after all?
Boom, Shiraishi appeared from the sky. He was wearing a black Death Domination outfit, with a pure white Captain Haori draped over his shoulders. On the back was a big word, "That's it. Please give me more advice in the future~"
"Huh?!"
Soi Fon's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. She had told the other person to find something to do, and now she'd become the Captain-Commander?!
Are you really confident you can do it well?
Retsu Unohana stared wide-eyed, utterly surprised that he had accepted the position of Captain-Commander.
"There's no other way. Old Man Yama wants to focus on the Shin'ō Academy and teach the next generation, so I have to step up and take the lead."
Shiraishi spread his hands, his eyes sweeping over the captains and vice-captains. "First and foremost, the rule is that the new era must have new uniforms. Men aside, all female Shinigami's Shihakushō must be miniskirts!"
As for stockings, black, white, blue, gray, etc. are all fine; not wearing them is not allowed!
"Also, straw sandals are too old-fashioned; female Shinigami need tall boots, while male Shinigami should wear sneakers."
I object!
Shunsui Kyōraku immediately raised his hand.
Nanao Ise was surprised; when did her captain become so righteous and awe-inspiring?
"The garter stockings should also be included, and the Shihakushō sneakers looks weird. Why not just change it to a black uniform with military shoes? The haori doesn't need to be changed."
Shunsui Kyōraku offered his opinion, stating that he was not a man who could be satisfied with just stockings.
Shiraishi thought for a moment. The lower body of the Shihakushō was a culotte, and wearing sneakers with it didn't look quite right. If he changed it to a black uniform, military shoes would be a much better match.
"Garter stockings are just as good as stockings, and even more alluring." " Captain Kyōraku, I agree with your idea. Tell Senjumaru Shutara later to prepare an improved Shihakushō."
"Hey, don't just change things according to your own whims."
Soi Fon glared angrily, thinking they were just two lecherous bastards teaming up. She turned her gaze to Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, " Captain-Commander Yamamoto, do you really think this guy can take your place?"
" Captain Soi Fon, calm down. New times call for new changes."
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto remained calm, not seeing anything wrong with such arbitrary changes.
There wasn't any grand reason for designing the Shihakushō; he simply thought it looked good, so he designed it that way.
It's perfectly reasonable for Shiraishi to take over as the new Captain-Commander and want to design a new Shihakushō.
"After my battle with Aizen, I have developed a chronic illness and am no longer suitable to serve as the Captain-Commander."
" Captain-Commander Yamamoto, your health will improve if Inoue treats you a few more times."
Retsu Unohana is quite familiar with Orihime Inoue's abilities; if she can't solve a problem in one go, she can wear it down slowly.
"Are you suggesting that I, this old man, must repeatedly rely on the power of humanity?"
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto possessed his own stubbornness and pride. When fighting, he didn't say much, only seeking to get involved as quickly as possible.
Things will be different after the battle ends.
When he was first thawed, he was shivering from the cold, but he still immediately asked Orihime Inoue to treat the others.
Aside from the heart area, it's also related to one's own pride.
He would rather rely on his own backbone to get through it than let Orihime Inoue help with the treatment.
Could a mere chill make him bow his head and submit?
"..." Retsu Unohana remained silent.
Well, sometimes older people really can't think straight; they'd rather retire than accept treatment.
However, this was based on the premise that Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was very satisfied with Shiraishi as his successor; otherwise, he would not have been able to retire peacefully.
"From now on, all affairs will be handled by Shiraishi. I've been busy my whole life; it's time for me to retire."
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto straightened up and said in a deep voice, " Chōjirō, let's go."
"Yes." Chōjirō Sasakibe bowed in response. He didn't want to be the vice-captain of the First Division, but rather to serve by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's side.
Therefore, when Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto decided to become the dean of the Shin'ō Academy, he decided to resign from his position as vice-captain and go with him.
"You've worked hard, Captain-Commander Yamamoto!"
Retsu Unohana bowed, and the other captains and vice-captains followed suit, expressing their heartfelt respect.
Shiraishi watched the two walk out the door, then clapped his hands and said, "Alright, let's, the young people, begin a new era!"