After being appointed as the captain of the 11th Division, the very first thing Sōya Azashiro did wasn't to communicate with his subordinates. Instead, he used his new title as Captain of the 11th Division to immediately request an audience with the Central 46.
The Central 46 is the Soul Society's supreme judicial body, composed of forty sages and six judges representing the realm's highest authority. Even the Gotei 13 answers to them. Every single member hails from noble lineage—not a single commoner among them—each representing one of the 46 great noble families.
Arrogant, self-important, and deeply elitist, they're the embodiment of the ruling class. Under normal circumstances, Azashiro as the heir of a minor noble family, would never have been granted an audience. But everything changed the moment he defeated Kuruyashiki Kenpachi and claimed the title of the 8th Kenpachi. Even these haughty rulers were forced to acknowledge the voice of a Division Captain.
"Sōya Azashiro—no, the 8th Kenpachi, Kenpachi Azashiro," one of the sages spoke. "Tell us: why have you come before us?"
"I've come to present a plan," Azashiro replied.
"I respectfully request the Central 46's permission to reform the residents of Rukongai into warriors capable of fighting Hollows, and to organize an army that will march on Hueco Mundo."
"To wipe out Hueco Mundo completely—and restore lasting peace to the Three Realms."
He stood as a sign of respect to the chamber.
Silence followed.
"Pffft…"
"Ahaha…"
"Surely, you jest…?"
"Hahahaha…"
Laughter echoed faintly in Sōya Azashiro ears.
"Did you say… you want to make who into warriors?" a judge sneered.
"The residents of Rukongai," Zaraki answered calmly, expression unmoved.
"Azashiro… do you know why we are born nobles—and why no matter how hard they try, the people of Rukongai will always remain commoners?"
"Let me educate you. We nobles are born with spiritual pressure those peasants could never hope to reach. That's why nearly every Captain and Lieutenant in the Gotei 13 comes from noble families. Those commoners—even the ones lucky enough to become Shinigami—struggle to play any meaningful role in fighting Hollows."
"As a noble, surely you understand what I'm saying, Azashiro?"
One of the judges, pretending to show concern, added:
"Honestly, I had hopes for you. That 11th Division captain's seat had been left in the hands of clueless commoners for far too long. Now that it's back with the nobility, don't squander the opportunity—"
"I disagree!" another judge cut in. "Kenpachi Zaraki—if you truly believe you can do this, then go ahead."
"I'm actually quite curious to see how you plan to turn those people into warriors."
The first judge's face twisted slightly in irritation as he was interrupted, but soon noticed the amused expressions of his peers. Most of them didn't take Zaraki seriously—they were waiting to see him fail.
"Thank you for your approval," Zaraki said. "I'll bring you the results when they're ready."
He had no illusions—he knew the first judge's words of "support" were laced with condescension. Those who spoke against him were the ones who truly believed he might succeed. But none of it mattered.
He knew he could do it.
And when he did—every one of them would eat their words.
"Azashiro!"
The first judge sighed, frustrated, calling after him.
As Sōya Azashiro exited the Central 46 compound, he ran into Tokinada, waiting leisurely outside.
"Yo~," Tokinada said casually, waving a hand.
Azashiro, ignored him and continued walking.
"Hahaha… don't be so stiff," Azashiro, chuckled, trailing behind.
"What do you want?" Azashiro, asked curtly after a few steps, turning with a cold glare.
"Nothing much," Tokinada smiled. "I'm just curious about you."
"Are all heirs of the Five Great Noble Houses this idle?" Tokinada asked with a frown.
"Pretty much," Azashiro, replied with a relaxed grin.
"If you've got no business with me, then leave. Otherwise, I'll charge you with obstruction of a captain in duty and personally remove you."
Azashiro, tone was ice cold. He clearly had no patience for Tokinada.
"No need to get so hostile," Tokinada said. "I just overheard what you said in there and thought I'd give you a friendly warning."
"You'll probably be thrown into Muken soon. Thought I'd talk to you while I still can. Not every day I get to chat face-to-face with a soon-to-be prisoner."
He said it with a smile—like a fox savoring the moment.
Azashiro, paused, said nothing, then turned to leave.
"Don't be so heartless," Tokinada continued. "I came here with good intentions. In fact, I even prepared an escape route for you."
Azashiro, turned back, only to be met once again by Tokinada's infuriatingly calm face.
"Tch…" Azashiro, clicked his tongue in irritation.
"Sōya Azashiro," Tokinada said with sudden seriousness. "Join us. Become part of the Five Great Noble Houses. When the true King, born once every million years, finally rises—when the false sacrifice is cast aside and he takes his rightful place in the sky—I want you to be by his side."
His eyes gleamed. He extended his hand.
Azashiro, stood silent for a long moment.
"…Not interested."
Without so much as a glance, he brushed past Tokinada.
"Hahahaha… I've been rejected?" Tokinada laughed. "First time I've ever been turned down by someone outside the Five Houses."
Watching Azashiro, figure disappear down the hall, a sly smile crept onto Tokinada's face.
"We are all just chasing after the footsteps of the true King, Azashiro, You'll return to us… and soon."
"Because soon—you'll need me."
With those words, Tokinada turned and strolled back toward the 6th District—the nobles' quarter.