However, although nothing like this had ever been forged before, such Zanpakutō did exist in the long history of Soul Society.
There were rare paired systems—true dual-spirited Zanpakutō—such as Sōgyo no Kotowari.
This was why Ōetsu Nimaiya had confidence he could succeed.
Zero Division — Phoenix Palace.
Here, Gosuke Shigure began the forging of a new blade.
Far below the Soul King Palace—at a distance impossible to measure—lay Seireitei.
With Hikifune Kirio now taken to the Royal Palace by the Zero Division, the captain's seat of the 12th Division had become completely vacant. Publicly, the explanation was simple:
Captain Hikifune had chosen to "retire."
When the news spread, it shocked every corner of Soul Society.
Hikifune Kirio was an ancient captain, one who had served for centuries. Did she choose retirement because she was influenced by the former 3rd Division captain?
The captain of Squad 3 had retired simply due to age.
Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō passed the Captain Proficiency Exam and became the new 3rd Division captain.
But whether she was influenced or not, this timing made no sense.
Earlier that year, not only had the 3rd Division lost a captain, but the 10th Division's captain had died in combat.
Although Squad 3 had been filled, Squad 10 remained without a captain.
Now Hikifune's retirement left Squad 12 empty as well.
Multiple simultaneous captain vacancies were a serious threat to Gotei 13's stability.
Many could not understand why she resigned at such a moment.
Others believed Hikifune stepped down because she had completed her research into Artificial Souls—her life's work—and lost interest in leadership afterward.
But for Gotei 13 itself, a more pressing issue arose:
Who would become the new Captain of the 12th Division?
Gosuke Shigure and Shihōin Yoruichi each submitted recommendations—two incredibly different candidates.
Their only similarity was that both were connected to the Maggot's Nest.
But one candidate was a prisoner… the other a jailer.
Given their difference in status, Captain-Commander Yamamoto decided to evaluate the jailer first.
Thus, Yamamoto agreed to have Urahara Kisuke enter the Captain Proficiency Exam, and the notice was passed to Squad 2.
When Urahara Kisuke heard the news, he remained calm.
Sui-Feng, standing by his side, was stunned.
"He's taking the Captain's Exam?"
"Lady Yoruichi… are you sure you didn't mishear?"
Sui-Feng—originally named Soi Fon—had been born to the lower noble Feng family. After her predecessor died in duty, the burden of the family fell onto her shoulders; if she failed to join the Executive Militia, she would have been exiled.
Fortunately, her talent far exceeded expectations.
She not only joined the Executive Militia but became part of Yoruichi's personal guard squad by her seventh year, eventually receiving the inherited name "Sui-Feng."
Because she had joined at a young age, Yoruichi had watched over her for years—treating her like a younger sister.
Because of that long association, Sui-Feng also knew Urahara Kisuke was close to Yoruichi.
At first, she quietly looked down on him.
Only later, when Kisuke demonstrated his strength indirectly, did she begin to acknowledge him.
But acknowledging him was one thing.
Hearing he would compete for a captaincy was entirely different.
Yoruichi spoke firmly.
"That's right—it's Kisuke. The Captain-Commander himself approved it."
She turned to Kisuke.
"Kisuke, this is your chance. Don't let it slip."
Urahara rubbed the back of his head.
"Well… even so, hearing I'm taking the Captain's Exam does make me a bit nervous."
Just nervous.
He had no intention of refusing.
For Urahara Kisuke, becoming a captain was an enormous opportunity—
a chance to access the secrets of Soul Society he had been barred from due to rank.
His hunger for knowledge only grew.
Becoming Captain of Squad 12, a division dedicated to science, would open countless doors.
He could conduct research legitimately, apply to Central 46 for funds, and push boundaries legally.
So under Sui-Feng's bewildered gaze, Yoruichi personally escorted Urahara to the First Division for the Captain's Exam.
The identity of a candidate is usually kept secret.
Neither Yoruichi nor Kisuke said anything at first, which only irritated Sui-Feng further.
But soon, the answer was revealed.
For Captain Yamamoto convened a Captain's Meeting.
It was a regular meeting, open to vice-captains as well.
Many captains arrived with their lieutenants.
But no sooner had they arrived in the First Division than a conflict erupted.
Hirako Shinji teased Sarugaki Hiyori, the 12th Division lieutenant—
and was immediately punt-kicked down the hall.
Like children, the two began arguing loudly.
It took Aikawa Love, the 7th Division Captain, to separate them and end the ridiculous scuffle.
Afterward, the captains and lieutenants moved toward a corridor lined with wooden attendance plaques.
Each captain flipped their plaque upon arrival.
Hirako looked at the many plaques still unturned.
"Looks like we're early."
"Really—these guys can't show up on time for once?
Among all of Gotei 13, only a few share my sense of punctuality."
Aikawa simply smiled.
Then a familiar voice spoke from behind them.
"Hirako, that's not true—I'm here as well."
Kyoraku Shunsui stepped into view.
Shinji blinked.
"Well look at that—you're early today, Shunsui."
Kyoraku laughed.
"What are you saying? I'm always the first one here."
But before he finished, his lieutenant Yadōmaru Lisa exposed him instantly.
"I dragged him out of bed."
Shunsui's expression darkened.
"Lisa… don't say unnecessary things in front of the other captains."
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