On this day, Gosuke Shigure and Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni spoke at length within the First Division Captain's Office.
Because the hidden Schatten Bereich beneath Seireitei—the Quincy shadow domain had been exposed prematurely, the remnants of the Quincy forces lurking there were forced to withdraw.
As a result, there was no longer any need to worry about being constantly observed within Seireitei.
For that reason, Gosuke Shigure was finally able to speak openly with Yamamoto about matters he could never previously discuss aloud.
During their conversation, he brought up an incident from over a hundred years ago the large-scale Quincy purge carried out by the Gotei Thirteen.
That operation was something only a handful of individuals truly understood.
Because of his exceptionally close relationship with Shutara Senjumaru, Gosuke Shigure had learned fragments of the truth behind that event.
The true cause traced back to Ichibē Hyōsube, the leader of Squad Zero, who had once glimpsed a possible future.
At the same time, a fluctuation occurred within the state of the Soul King itself.
Under those circumstances, Kirinji Tenjirō delivered orders to the Gotei Thirteen to eliminate the Quincy threat within the human world.
Not long after, Shutara Senjumaru was summoned to the Royal Guard, officially joining Squad Zero.
That historical context was precisely why Gosuke Shigure raised the matter before Yamamoto now.
He was issuing a warning.
"The Quincy threat was never completely erased," Gosuke Shigure said solemnly.
"The surviving Quincy forces hidden within the shadow realm have proven that fact."
"A hundred years ago, the Quincy king active in the world was not the true root of all calamity."
"The Quincy remnants we are now tracking those who concealed themselves from history are the real danger."
"The Monk's foresight may yet prove accurate."
He paused, then continued.
"And now, the Hollowfication incident involving multiple captains has revealed something even more troubling."
"The Quincy are not the only enemy moving in the dark."
"There is another undercurrent, another force hiding beyond our sight."
Gosuke Shigure looked directly at Yamamoto.
"Captain-Commander… are you prepared for what's coming?"
After saying those words, Gosuke Shigure left the First Division Headquarters.
Yamamoto remained standing alone.
His hand tightened around the wooden staff he carried.
Hidden within that cane was his Zanpakutō—Ryūjin Jakka, the oldest and most destructive flame-type blade in existence.
Gosuke Shigure's words refused to leave his mind.
Eleventh Division
The Eleventh Division was renowned throughout Seireitei.
It was a squad born for combat.
When missions arose, its members fought fiercely for the right to be first on the battlefield.
And when there were no missions, the Shinigami of the Eleventh Division entertained themselves with constant sparring.
At present, the undisputed king of these battles was the vice-captain—Zaraki.
Except for his past duel with the captain whose outcome no one could clearly define—Zaraki had never lost.
Later, Tsunayashiro Ryana joined the Eleventh Division, earning the ominous nickname Flower of Cruelty.
Even so, she remained no match for Zaraki.
Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika, who joined afterward, were likewise battle-obsessed warriors.
In stark contrast, Gosuke Shigure, the division's captain, preferred tea to combat and rarely participated in sparring.
He was an anomaly among them.
Today, however, Gosuke Shigure walked directly onto the Eleventh Division's training grounds.
At that moment, Zaraki was locked in combat with Madarame Ikkaku.
Ikkaku was clearly outmatched.
Even so, he showed no sign of retreat, recklessly swinging his Zanpakutō with a manic grin.
Some Shinigami noticed Gosuke Shigure's arrivalbut paid it little attention.
By past standards, the captain would observe briefly and leave.
Yet today, he remained.
Before long, Ikkaku was defeated.
Zaraki stood victorious in the center of the ring.
Then
"Zaraki."
"Fight me."
The voice echoed across the training ground.
Shock spread instantly through the Eleventh Division.
Because the speaker was their captain—Gosuke Shigure.
Tsunayashiro Ryana folded her arms, eyes gleaming with interest.
"…Now this is unexpected."
Since meeting Gosuke Shigure, she had never seen him accept a challenge.
Yet today, he initiated one.
Zaraki felt his blood surge.
Years ago, it was Gosuke Shigure who defeated him and told him that stronger opponents existed within the Gotei Thirteen prompting Zaraki to join the Eleventh Division.
But ever since then, every challenge he issued had been rejected.
Now, unexpectedly, Gosuke Shigure stood before him.
"Captain," Zaraki grinned, raising his Zanpakutō.
"Let's have a real fight."
Nearby, Kusajishi Yachiru pumped her fists excitedly.
"Ken-chan! Do your best!"
Gosuke Shigure smiled faintly and stepped into the ring.
The battle ended almost instantly.
Far faster than Zaraki's fight with Ikkaku.
Gosuke Shigure's movements were simple,almost crude.
Within a few exchanges, Zaraki's blade rested against Gosuke Shigure's neck.
Silence fell.
The Eleventh Division stared in disbelief.
Even Zaraki himself froze.
This wasn't right.
Back then, Gosuke Shigure had been nothing like this.
"When did you get weaker?" Zaraki muttered.
The division erupted in confusion.
Asido recently returned from Hueco Mundo
narrowed his eyes slightly.
He sensed something was wrong.
Gosuke Shigure stepped back and spoke calmly.
"Zaraki… you've grown strong."
"Strong enough that I can no longer defeat you."
Zaraki lowered his blade, eyes sharp.
"…That's not the truth."
"You didn't fight seriously."
Gosuke Shigure didn't answer.
Instead, he smiled.
"According to the Eleventh Division's law, only one who defeats the current captain may inherit the name Kenpachi."
"Before all of our comrades here… you have defeated me."
He turned toward the gathered Shinigami.
"From this moment onward"
"Zaraki is the new Kenpachi."
The battlefield fell utterly silent.
The era of Gosuke Shigure as Kenpachi had ended.