Yamabuki Haruto and Yamamoto sat in a dim cave, the faint smell of earth and ash mixing in the air. Between them, Ryūjin Jakka blazed lightly.
"All things in the universe turn to ash—Ryūjin Jakka."
Flames danced along the blade, the glow reflecting in Yamamoto's stern eyes. He skewered two sweet potatoes on the Zanpakutō with practiced ease. In moments, the air was filled with the warm, smoky aroma of roasting potatoes.
A must-have for home and travel, Haruto thought. I need one of these.
"Since I've already joined the organization," Haruto said, "can I retire now? This is very important to me."
"Retire?" Yamamoto frowned. "What's that?"
"It means… getting paid without working."
"That's not possible," Yamamoto said flatly. If I had money, would I be roasting sweet potatoes here with you?
"Alright, fine," Haruto sighed. "At least tell me who's in the Gotei 13 right now."
Yamamoto raised one thick finger and pointed to himself. Then he pointed at Haruto.
"Our manpower has doubled. From one… to two. More will join."
"…So you really were just trying to get free labor this whole time?"
"In my vision, the Gotei 13 will have thirteen Captains. You can take any seat you want."
Haruto's mouth twitched. Generous, old man. But I'm not throwing myself on the front lines for free.
"I'll pass. Vice Captain sounds better."
"Vice Captain?" Yamamoto repeated, as if tasting the words for the first time.
"It means you have someone to handle things when you're not around."
"Good. Then from today, you're my Vice Captain. Now eat—these are ready. After that, we have work to do."
Haruto's stomach growled. He bit into the steaming potato, savoring the sweetness. Yamamoto tossed him the second one.
"You haven't eaten in a while, have you? Eat your fill."
Huh. Not bad for a boss.
After their meal, they set off toward Seireitei.
Seireitei, One Thousand Years Ago
Thirty minutes later, Haruto stopped in his tracks.
It's… right here? This close? And I couldn't find it before?!
No high walls, no shimmering barrier—just the sprawling heart of Soul Society laid bare, patrolled by squads in noble livery. Yamamoto explained they were the guards of noble families, protecting their masters from "commoner threats."
The Five Great Noble Clans lived at the center. Lesser nobles lived farther out—and in times of danger, those same "lesser" nobles were expected to shield the higher-ranking ones or lose their status entirely.
Haruto's lips curled. Yeah… I know exactly what kind of trash you people are. Especially the Tsunayashiro clan.
"Is it okay for us to just walk in?" Haruto asked.
"What's there to be afraid of with me here? Let's go."
They made it ten steps inside before a guard barked, "Stop! Commoners from Rukongai aren't allowed here! Leave now, or—"
Yamamoto cut him off. "Yamabuki. Handle it."
"…Huh?!"
Apparently, Yamamoto's plan was just to fight their way in. And to have Haruto do it.
If it weren't for my retirement plan, I'd be halfway to Rukongai by now.
Still… with his current strength, this was nothing.
Haruto stepped forward. His spiritual pressure flared—crushing, suffocating.
The guards dropped to their knees instantly, weapons clattering to the ground.
For them, facing a Vice Captain's reiatsu was like staring into the sun.
And Haruto? He hadn't even drawn his sword yet.