Yoruichi's account was heavily embellished, making it seem as though she had taken down the captain-level rebels herself, while Aozaki Masatsuki had only provided minor assistance under her command.
Of course, this wasn't about stealing credit—it was a way to shield Masatsuki from potential trouble and danger. After all, she couldn't be certain if any of the captains present had ties to the Tsunayashiro Clan.
Aozaki Masatsuki understood her reasoning and didn't argue. In fact, he felt somewhat touched. Credit didn't matter; in the Gotei 13, status was earned through strength.
Those who knew the truth—Yamamoto, Unohana, and Ginrei Kuchiki—remained silent, tacitly approving of Yoruichi's approach.
While Yoruichi continued explaining the situation to the others, Masatsuki began observing the captains. Each had their own distinct presence, but one in particular stood out—Kirio Hikifune. Her warm and open demeanor always seemed to draw his attention.
Sensing his gaze, Kirio Hikifune turned and offered him a kind smile.
Masatsuki returned the gesture.
He hadn't expected such generosity from her and decided he should interact with her more in the future. Unfortunately, according to rumors, she would soon be promoted to the Zero Division, meaning they likely wouldn't have much time to get acquainted.
Besides Hikifune, another person who managed to catch Masatsuki's attention was Kensei Muguruma.
This captain, known throughout the Soul Society for his combat prowess, had a Reiatsu level classified as Third Rank, just as Unohana had mentioned.
Sensing Masatsuki's gaze, Kensei turned to look at him.
His first thought was—what beautiful eyes.
But almost immediately, he sensed something off. There was something hidden beneath those eyes—something dark and unsettling.
It wasn't hostility, not in the physical sense. Rather, it felt like a deep, lingering intent to cause him psychological harm.
…Am I imagining things? This should be our first meeting.
Shaking his head, Kensei quickly dismissed the strange thought.
...
As Masatsuki continued observing the captains and exchanging the occasional glance with Yoruichi, Yamamoto finally spoke.
"The Central 46 has issued its verdict regarding the captured rebels."
"For treason and insurrection, they have been sentenced to death. Effective immediately, they will be detained in the Senzaikyū until their execution."
"In recent days, rebel activity has grown rampant. Each division must do everything in its power to eliminate them."
With that, the matter was officially concluded.
Of course, that was only on the surface. Behind the scenes, how the noble families waged their battles was not the Gotei 13's concern.
Yamamoto had no interest in aristocratic power struggles. The duty of the Gotei 13 was to maintain order, not serve as a tool for noble rivalries. As long as their conflicts didn't escalate to a level that threatened Seireitei—or the world—he would not interfere.
That being said, Yamamoto knew his old friend well. Though his son had been ambushed, he had survived. Once the attackers were punished, he would likely choose to let the matter rest.
The Kuchiki Clan was not like the lunatics of the Tsunayashiro Clan.
They, too, held an exalted status, but they bound themselves to rules and upheld the stability of Seireitei. They would not trample over order for personal vengeance.
Even if they sought to move against the Tsunayashiro Clan, they would do so within Seireitei's laws.
The Tsunayashiro Clan, however, was another matter entirely. If their people were attacked, they wouldn't care about laws—they would lash out like rabid dogs, indiscriminately biting at anything in their path.
To borrow a saying from an ancient Western kingdom in the World of the Living: "A gentleman may be taken advantage of precisely because he is a gentleman."
And his old friend—he was just such a man.
Yamamoto let out a quiet sigh and swept his gaze across the room.
"Today, all captains are gathered to represent their respective divisions at this meeting. However, the position of Third Division Captain remains vacant. Do any of you have recommendations?"
This was the true purpose of today's meeting.
As a support unit, the Third Division played a crucial role in reinforcing other squads by compensating for battlefield casualties. Its importance could not be understated.
The position of Third Division Captain had been left unfilled for over a decade, with Lieutenant Chikane Iba handling its affairs due to the lack of a suitable candidate.
Now, in a time of turmoil, finding someone to fill the vacancy would be ideal.
At Yamamoto's words, everyone instinctively turned to look at Chikane Iba.
Under their gazes, Iba shook her head slightly.
Yamamoto felt a twinge of disappointment, though it was expected.
If a suitable candidate had been available, it would have been reported in advance—there would be no need to bring it up today.
Scanning the room, Yamamoto saw that none of the other captains stepped forward to speak. He already had his answer. With a calm and indifferent tone, he declared,
"Very well. The matter of the captaincy will be discussed at a later date. For now, I appoint Lieutenant Iba as Acting Captain, temporarily overseeing the Third Division."
Though Iba had been managing the squad for years, this official decree solidified her authority.
The captains had no objections. They had all seen her dedication and efforts firsthand—this was a position she had earned.
Masatsuki Aozaki calculated that with this, the meeting was likely coming to an end. He was already prepared to leave at any moment.
However, Yamamoto did not adjourn. Instead, he turned his gaze toward him and spoke in an unmistakable tone.
"Shin'ō Academy student, Masatsuki Aozaki."
"Before the academic year ends, apply for early graduation and take part in the Konsō training exercise."
"Upon graduating, report to the Second Division with your diploma."
"Last night, the Third Seat of the Second Division submitted a resignation due to a position transfer. You will assume this seat upon your arrival."
Masatsuki Aozaki was momentarily stunned.
He had anticipated that Yamamoto might push for his early graduation. After all, ever since Sōjun Kuchiki was attacked, Yamamoto had asked for his opinion multiple times, and Masatsuki had always answered that he would comply with any arrangements.
However, he had assumed that Yamamoto would assign him to the First Division—or at the very least, the Eighth or Thirteenth.
Those squads were "safe choices," filled with allies. The last thing he expected was to be placed in the Second Division.
When Yamamoto was halfway through his announcement, Masatsuki had already envisioned the scenario in his head—Yamamoto ordering him into the First Division, followed by Yoruichi throwing a fit, demanding he uphold his promise.
Now, Yoruichi was grinning triumphantly, flashing an "OK" hand gesture at him.
Even the ever-serious Yamamoto, who had been fuming all day, seemed to have a glint of amusement in his eyes, his lips curling slightly at the corners.
And as if on cue, the sudden transfer of the Second Division's Third Seat the night before—
There was no way this wasn't premeditated.
Masatsuki Aozaki came to a realization—
He had been sold out. That old man Yamamoto had set him up!
His eyes reddened, staring at Yamamoto in deep anguish, silently questioning why he had been betrayed.
Yamamoto pondered for a moment, opened his mouth as if about to explain—
But before he could, Masatsuki immediately cut in.
"Thank you, Master, for your trust. I will do my utmost to become an exceptional Shinigami and will not disappoint your expectations."
Yamamoto studied him in silence for a long moment before nodding slightly. Then, turning away, he said,
"Captain Shihōin, Masatsuki Aozaki is in your hands now."
Yoruichi straightened up and bowed swiftly. "Leave it to me, Captain-Commander!"
Yamamoto gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
After a few final instructions to the captains—primarily regarding the need to monitor rebel activity—he officially declared the meeting adjourned.
The captains bowed in salute before turning to leave.
...
"I went through a lot of trouble to find out about your early graduation," Yoruichi chuckled, nudging Masatsuki with her elbow as they walked down the corridor.
"Now there's no escape. Don't forget your promise—if I'm the Captain of the Second Division, you're my Third Seat."
"How could I possibly disobey Master's orders?" Masatsuki replied with a grin. "Besides, I've never forgotten the agreement between us. Just make sure you don't forget your end of the deal either."
"Otherwise… I just might make you pay me back."
The last line was whispered directly into Yoruichi's ear.
A ticklish sensation ran through her, and her ears instantly turned red. The blush spread down her neck, a rare and oddly adorable sight.
Flustered, she smacked Masatsuki's shoulder.
"Don't worry. In a few years, that kid will join the squad too. But I'll only introduce you two—you're on your own for anything beyond that."
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake