Not long after, the meeting room doors shut with a dull thud.
Su Li stared at the closed wooden doors, his face showing helplessness.
Because he wasn't yet an official member of the Gotei 13, he could only wait outside to be summoned.
He found a spot nearby and sat down, beginning a long and uneventful wait.
Inside the meeting room.
Captain Yamamoto's voice echoed calmly, yet it carried immense weight.
"Although the incident caused no direct damage, its impact was unacceptable. After review and decision by Central 46, Sui-Feng, Captain of the Second Division, will be penalized with a major demerit. As for the duel between Sui-Feng and Su Li, it is void due to its informality. Su Li's assignment will be determined separately."
At his side, Sui-Feng bowed her head in silence. Her face was unreadable, but shame simmered beneath the surface.
A document was distributed among the captains, detailing Su Li's background.
As each leader reviewed the report, their expressions shifted slightly. Coupled with Chōjirō Sasakibe's briefing, a collective impression of the boy began to form.
Yamamoto surveyed the room with a steady gaze.
"Now, share your opinions."
Ichimaru Gin stood first, flashing his usual fox-like grin.
"A genius like that belongs in the Third Division, don't you think?"
Komamura Sajin scoffed beneath his helm.
"Your Third Division focuses on support. That talent would be wasted under you. He should join the Seventh Division. We guard the inner court. Our duties demand only the best."
Kyoraku Shunsui chuckled lazily, his hat tilted as usual.
"The Seventh Division is all form and no substance. My Eighth Division, as the intelligence unit, plays a more essential role behind the scenes. Su Li would thrive there."
Jushiro Ukitake coughed gently before interjecting.
"Let's not belittle each other. The Thirteenth Division's purification role is vital. We cleanse the living world of hollows and guide souls to the Soul Society. It requires responsibility and heart. I believe Su Li belongs with us."
From his seat, Aizen Sosuke adjusted his glasses with a composed smile.
"The boy's temperament appeals to me. Though the Fifth Division isn't particularly outstanding, I'd be honored to welcome him."
At the back, Kurotsuchi Mayuri showed little interest.
"Pointless. I need researchers, not brutes."
Zaraki Kenpachi finally leaned forward, sneering.
"Useless bickering."
Silence fell instantly. His reputation as a wild beast kept most from interrupting.
"All this talk is just about who gets a new lapdog. Boring. The Eleventh Division is where he belongs. Fighting is all that matters. That's what makes you strong."
Kenpachi's eyes burned with excitement.
"I heard how he handled the assessment. That's our code. If he can beat me, he can take the captain's seat. No need for some boring meeting. That's the Eleventh's way."
The other captains looked grim. Kenpachi could gamble his position. They could not.
Most divisions required rigorous captain tests. The Eleventh only needed one rule: defeat the current captain.
In terms of training and raw improvement, nothing surpassed real combat. The Eleventh lived for that.
Young talents often dreamed of fighting alongside them.
Yamamoto remained pensive. The room fell quiet.
Suddenly, a cold voice broke through.
"Have you all forgotten something?"
Sui-Feng stood, her face calm but firm.
"That boy went through the Second Division's assessment. He belongs to us."
The captains glanced at each other, surprised. After what happened, they thought she would reject him entirely.
"Hmph. You still dare speak?" Kenpachi sneered.
"You lost."
"I did not!" she snapped. "Had I used my Thunder Whip, he'd be dust."
Kenpachi laughed.
"Still making excuses?"
Sui-Feng's face flushed red.
"I haven't lost! He only caught me off guard!"
"Oh? Wasn't it your back that hit the floor?"
"My foot slipped!"
Kenpachi smirked.
"In a real battle, hesitation means death. Slippery floors won't save you."
"I don't care! He belongs in the Second Division!"
Kenpachi bared his teeth.
"You're unreasonable. Let's settle it. Whoever wins decides where he goes."
"Fine by me! Let's fight now!"
"You got it, you stingy, bossy woman!"
"You brainless brute! You can't even find your way to the meeting room!"
The two captains squared off, fury rising.
Yamamoto rubbed his forehead and sighed.
"That's enough."
His voice, calm and firm, silenced the bickering.
"Since opinions differ, let the boy decide for himself. Bring him in."
The heavy wooden doors creaked open.
Su Li entered the room. Every eye turned toward him.