In front of Shutara Senjumaru, Gosuke Shigure did not conceal his intentions.
There was no need.
The two had known each other for a very long time long enough that meaningless pretenses were unnecessary.
Gosuke Shigure calmly explained his next plan to her, laying out every step without reservation.
After listening quietly, Shutara Senjumaru finally spoke.
"…So that's what you've decided?"
Gosuke Shigure nodded.
"For Soul Society, my existence as a captain especially as the holder of the title Kenpachi is not as irreplaceable as people think," he said evenly.
"If I were truly weak, I would have been killed long ago and replaced. Soul Society would not have stopped turning simply because I was gone."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"This time, the Gotei Thirteen suffered an unprecedented blow. Six captains vanished at once. It plunged the entire organization into chaos and weakness."
"But it also allowed me to see something clearly."
Gosuke Shigure's eyes sharpened.
"I am not suited to remain a captain."
"The name Kenpachi is far heavier than I once thought. I don't believe I am capable of bearing it any longer."
"If I had truly resolved myself to carry that name to the end, then this incident would never have reached this stage. Any danger should have been cut down the moment it sprouted by my blade."
Gosuke Shigure was not someone who often exposed his inner thoughts.
Most of the time, even those close to him only saw the calm, detached exterior.
But at this moment, standing before Shutara Senjumaru, he made no attempt to hide anything.
These were his genuine thoughts.
After hearing him out, Shutara Senjumaru did not refute him.
"If that is your decision," she said calmly, "then follow your heart."
She looked at him with a faint, knowing expression.
"Long ago, you were someone who yearned for freedom. But because of your origins your connection to the Tsunayashiro bloodline that freedom was never truly yours."
"In this life, you became a captain of the Gotei Thirteen. Even if you appear lazy, the weight of that position has always been another form of restraint."
"If you believe you are no longer suited to that role, stepping away may be the most honest choice."
Among all people, Shutara Senjumaru understood Gosuke Shigure best.
Hearing her words, Gosuke Shigure nodded slowly.
The Senkaimon-type gate reserved for Squad Zero did not remain open indefinitely.
As its time limit approached, Shutara Senjumaru prepared to return to the Royal Realm.
Before leaving, she gave Gosuke Shigure one last look.
"Whatever path you choose," she said quietly, "don't regret it."
The gate closed.
Gosuke Shigure stood alone in the wilderness for a moment before turning back toward Seireitei.
After returning to the Eleventh Division, Gosuke Shigure remained silent for a long time.
That night, he wrote a letter.
A letter of resignation.
The next day, Gosuke Shigure personally went to the First Division Headquarters and submitted his resignation to Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
After reading the letter, Yamamoto's expression was unusually grave.
"Captain Gosuke," Yamamoto said slowly, "do you understand what you are doing?"
Gosuke Shigure replied without hesitation,
"I understand perfectly. It is precisely because I have experienced so much that I made this decision."
Yamamoto's voice grew heavier.
"Then you also understand the situation the Gotei Thirteen is currently facing."
"That incident cost us six captains in an instant. Including the long-vacant Tenth Division, that makes seven divisions without leadership."
"With only six captains remaining, maintaining basic operations is already difficult."
"And under such circumstances, you intend to resign?"
"Are you truly aware of how dire this moment is?"
"I am," Gosuke Shigure answered calmly.
"That is why I have already chosen my successor."
Yamamoto's gaze sharpened slightly.
Gosuke Shigure spoke firmly:
"Zaraki is qualified to inherit the name Kenpachi."
"For years, as vice-captain of the Eleventh Division, he has charged into battle at the forefront of every conflict."
"In contrast, I despite holding the title have remained in the rear far too often."
"If we speak of someone who truly embodies the spirit of Kenpachi… then it is Zaraki."
"The real Zaraki Kenpachi."
Yamamoto did not immediately object.
After a long silence, he finally said,
"…He does possess the necessary temperament."
Then he sighed deeply.
"But why now?"
"Why not wait until the vacant captain positions are filled?"
"Why choose this moment?"
Gosuke Shigure's expression grew solemn.
"This decision was not made on impulse."
"Captain-Commander," he continued, "you know as well as I do that this world is not as peaceful as it appears."
"The hidden Quincy empire we discovered. The enemies lurking in shadows. This incident itself."
"All of it proves one thing."
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes.
"Speak plainly."
Gosuke Shigure did not hesitate.
"The Gotei Thirteen alone is no longer sufficient to protect the balance of the world."
"There will come a day when threats emerge that cannot be handled from the light alone."
"The Gotei Thirteen stands openly in the world. That makes it impossible to deal with enemies who hide in darkness."
"There is only one way to fight such enemies."
"You must become the darkness as well."
Yamamoto's expression hardened.
He did not agree.
He believed in his own strength believed that any evil daring to surface would be incinerated by Ryūjin Jakka, the oldest and most powerful Zanpakutō.
But Gosuke Shigure was not a reckless youth.
He had served as a captain long enough to understand the weight of this conversation.
Seeing Yamamoto remain silent, Gosuke Shigure continued:
"I am not saying the Gotei Thirteen should abandon its principles."
"I am saying that someone must act where the Gotei Thirteen cannot."
Yamamoto exhaled slowly.
"…Continue."
Gosuke Shigure understood.
Yamamoto was listening not rejecting him outright.
And that alone meant this conversation was not yet over.