It wasn't until Unohana Yachiru fought him again, allowing Zaraki's Reiatsu to be fully restored, that Zaraki actually heard his Zanpakuto's name, completing the liberation of his Zanpakuto.
Before that, Zaraki's Zanpakuto had always manifested physically by his side, accompanying him constantly. He gave it the name that left the deepest impression on him… Yachiru!
And what about Kyoya?
He can already release his Zanpakuto, though his Reiatsu hasn't yet reached the level required for Bankai.
However, as long as Kyoya demonstrates absolute strength, the 11th Division will have no choice but to acknowledge him.
The Gotei 13, though part of the same organization, is ultimately a military force maintained by Yamamoto to uphold the stability of the Seireitei.
As long as each division fulfills its respective duties and maintains the peace and order of the Seireitei, the divisions operate like separate entities, neither subordinate nor interfering with one another.
In name, the 2nd through 13th Divisions are under the jurisdiction of the 1st Division.
However, under normal circumstances, the Captain-Commander Yamamoto does not interfere with the internal affairs of each division.
In other words, Kyoya already sees the position of 11th Division Captain as his for the taking.
…
"Kyoya-sama."
The next morning, as soon as Kyoya stepped out of his quarters, he found Suzuki waiting for him.
"Suzuki? What are you doing here?"
"Kyoya-sama, you only became the 11th Division's Lieutenant yesterday. Aside from those who witnessed your prowess on the training grounds, many members of the division still don't know you."
"I will follow you to ensure that those ignorant fools do not dare to disrespect you."
Seeing Suzuki's deferential attitude, Kyoya nodded in understanding.
Within the Gotei 13, bullying also exists… and because everyone possesses considerable strength, the severity of it far exceeds what happens in the Shin'o Academy.
The 11th Division is no exception.
From their interactions the previous day, Suzuki was a clerical officer in the 11th Division, responsible for guiding new recruits, registering them, assigning barracks, and distributing Shihakusho.
Such a role placed him at the very bottom of the 11th Division's hierarchy, a division full of battle-crazed brutes.
It wasn't hard to imagine the kind of treatment Suzuki endured daily.
The weak always gather around the strong, seeking their protection while handling minor inconveniences for them in return.
Previously, the factions within the 11th Division were already established, leaving no room for someone like Suzuki to join.
But now, things were different.
Kyoya's arrival introduced a new faction… one that stood just below Kiganjo's.
While other Shinigami were still hesitating, Suzuki went all-in, pledging his loyalty to Kyoya.
After all, from Suzuki's perspective, he would never catch Kiganjo's eyes.
Rather than continue suffering under the current conditions, it was better to align himself with the new Lieutenant, Kyoya.
At the very least, until the power struggle between Kiganjo and Kyoya was settled, the Shinigami from other faction wouldn't dare to mess with him.
It's not a joke, after all, former Lieutenant, Ichinose was still lying in the 4th Division's infirmary.
Who would be foolish enough to provoke a rising powerhouse like Kyoya?
With Kyoya's talent, he is destined to become one of the greatest captains standing at the pinnacle of the Gotei 13 in the future.
Even if he doesn't become the Captain of the 11th Division, he could still take up the position in another division.
Offending such a figure would be disastrous… even if Kyoya himself forgot about them, there would still be ambitious Shinigami under his command who might use them as stepping stones for their own advancement.
"Suzuki, are you sure you want to follow me?"
"You know, even though I'm now the Lieutenant of the 11th Division, Captain Kiganjo's attitude yesterday made it clear he has quite a few grievances against me."
"Aren't you afraid he'll make your life difficult?"
"Hehe…"
"Kyoya-sama, you jest."
Suzuki forced a dry laugh, beads of sweat forming on his forehead: "Since I've chosen to serve you, I've already entrusted my life to your hands."
"Besides… someone as insignificant as me would never even register in Captain Kiganjo's sight…"
"Haha, you're quite honest."
Kyoya chuckled and said, "But I might disappoint you, Suzuki."
"This time, I plan to make sure Captain Kiganjo notices you."
"Huh?"
After hearing Kyoya's words, Suzuki froze for a moment before his expression brightened with excitement.
'Did Kyoya-sama just accept me?'
'But, what exactly did he mean by making Captain Kiganjo notice me?'
"Please enlighten me, Kyoya-sama."
"Go and inform Captain Kiganjo and the rest of the division."
"Tell them that tomorrow, I will challenge Captain Kiganjo for the title of [Kenpachi]."
"All members of the 11th Division currently in the Seireitei should gather to witness our battle."
"What?!"
Suzuki's face instantly turned pale.
'Was this some kind of joke?'
'What was Kyoya-sama thinking?'
'There was no denying that Kyoya-sama had the potential to become a Captain.
'But potential was just that… potential. It wasn't yet fully realized strength. Right now, Kyoya-sama's power was still far below Captain Kiganjo's.'
'Challenging him like this… was Kyoya-sama trying to get himself killed?'
In the 11th Division, seat officer challenges might allow for some restraint.
But a Kenpachi challenge was a fight to the death… a sacred duel where only one side emerged victorious and alive!
Kenpachi was the title of the strongest Shinigami in the Seireitei.
Only one Kenpachi could exist in each era!
The rise of a new Kenpachi was always built upon the corpse of the previous one.
That was the legacy Unohana had hoped to pass down… that each generation of Kenpachi would surpass the last.
Unfortunately, after her defeat by Zaraki and her name change to Unohana Retsu, the title had been inherited, but few of the subsequent Kenpachis had truly lived up to the meaning of the Strongest.
"Kyoya-sama… could you reconsider?"
"You must understand… Captain Kiganjo has already mastered Bankai."
"All these years, none of his enemies have survived."
"His strength is on a completely different level compared to Lieutenant Ichinose…"
Suzuki swallowed hard, still trying to persuade him.
"Suzuki, you know how strong Captain Kiganjo is."
"But how do you know that what I showed yesterday was my full power?"