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Yoruichi's description contained a good deal of exaggeration, taking credit for killing the Captain-class rebel, while Aozaki Reiji had only provided a small amount of assistance under her direction.
Of course, this wasn't about stealing credit, but about helping Reiji reduce potential trouble and danger.
Because she couldn't be sure if any of the Captains present had ties to the Tsunayashiro Family.
Aozaki Reiji understood her meaning and said nothing more, even feeling a bit touched.
Merit wasn't important; in the Gotei 13, status was earned through strength.
Yamamoto, Retsu Unohana, and Ginrei Kuchiki, who knew the truth, remained silent, seemingly acquiescing to Yoruichi's actions.
While Yoruichi Shihouin explained the situation to everyone, Aozaki Reiji began to observe the other Captains.
Each Captain had their own unique characteristics, especially Hikifune Kirio; her broad chest always drew Aozaki Reiji's attention.
Hikifune Kirio seemed to sense Aozaki Reiji's gaze and turned to give him a kind smile.
Aozaki Reiji returned the smile.
He didn't seem to expect this Captain to be so generous and decided to communicate with her more often in the future.
Unfortunately, according to rumors, she would be promoted to the Zero Division before long, so there might not be much time left to spend with her.
Besides Hikifune Kirio, another person who could distract Aozaki Reiji was Kensei Muguruma.
This famous combat unit (crossed out) Captain-class strongman of the Shinigami world, as Unohana said, had indeed reached Third-Class Spiritual Power.
Sensing his gaze, Kensei Muguruma turned to look at him.
What beautiful eyes.
—This was his first reaction.
But he quickly realized something was off; he felt that these beautiful eyes seemed to harbor a deep malice towards him.
It wasn't about plotting against him, but more like... inflicting spiritual harm upon him.
Is it an illusion? This should be our first meeting...
He shook his head, and this very unrealistic feeling was quickly cast aside.
While Aozaki Reiji was busy observing the Captains and occasionally exchanging glances with Yoruichi, Yamamoto spoke:
"Regarding the rebels captured in this operation, the Central 46 has issued an order."
"The rebel faction, for their treason and subversion, are guilty of heinous crimes, and it has been decided to sentence them to death. Effective immediately, they are to be imprisoned in the Palace of Penitence to await execution!"
"In recent days, the rebels have become increasingly rampant. All Squads must exert their utmost efforts to sweep away the rebel faction."
At this point, the matter had reached its final conclusion.
Of course, this was only on the surface; how the two great families would contend in secret was not something the Gotei 13 should meddle with.
Yamamoto also had no interest in the disputes between nobles; the duty of the Gotei 13 was not to be a tool for noble power struggles.
As long as it wasn't too excessive, to the point of threatening the safety of the Seireitei or even the world, it was fine.
However, based on Yamamoto's understanding of his good friend, although his son was ambushed, he didn't die after all, so he would likely choose to settle the matter after punishing the attackers.
The Kuchiki are not like the lunatics of the Tsunayashiro Family.
Their status is equally supreme, yet they restrain themselves with rules and take it upon themselves to maintain the stability of the Seireitei, not trampling on order for personal reasons.
Even if they were to deal with the Tsunayashiro Family, they would not violate the rules of the Seireitei.
But in contrast, if someone from the Tsunayashiro Family encountered such a thing, the Tsunayashiro Family wouldn't care about any damned rules; they would surely turn into a mad dog and bite wildly.
To use the words of that ancient Western great power on the other side of the Human World, it is that a gentleman can be deceived by propriety.
And his good friend was just such a person who could be deceived by propriety.
Yamamoto sighed, scanning the crowd.
"Today, all Captains are representing their respective Squads at this meeting, but only the Captain's position of the Third Division remains vacant. Do any of you have recommendations?"
This was the true purpose of his meeting today.
The Third Division, as a support Squad, is responsible for replenishing casualties in other Squads during battle, which is undeniably important.
The position of Captain of the Third Division had been vacant for over ten years, and due to the inability to find a suitable candidate, Vice-Captain Chikane Iba had been handling Squad affairs.
Now, during this turbulent period, it would be best if someone could fill the vacancy.
As soon as he said this, everyone instinctively looked at Chikane Iba.
Under everyone's gaze, Chikane Iba shook her head slightly.
Yamamoto was a little disappointed, but it was also within expectations.
If there was a good candidate, the person would have reported to him in advance, no need to wait until today.
Yamamoto scanned the other Captains, and not one of them stood up to speak. He already had a conclusion in his heart and could only say faintly:
"Very well, the matter of the Captain will be discussed later. For now, Vice-Captain Iba is granted the position of 'Acting Captain' and will temporarily handle the affairs of the Third Division."
Although Chikane Iba had been managing the Third Division for many years, Yamamoto's order finally formally confirmed her legitimacy in managing the Third Division.
The Captains had no objection to this; they had seen her many years of dedication, and this was what she deserved.
Aozaki Reiji calculated in his mind that the meeting should be nearing its end, and he was ready to leave the meeting room at any moment.
However, Yamamoto did not dismiss the meeting. Instead, he turned to look at him and slowly spoke, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority:
"Aozaki Reiji, student of the Shin'o Academy."
"Before the end of this academic year, apply for early graduation and participate in the Soul Burial Internship."
"After graduating from the Shin'o Academy, report to the Second Division with your graduation certificate."
"Last night, the Third Seat of the Second Division applied for retirement and deregistration due to a change in duties. You will take over this seat at that time."
Upon hearing this, Aozaki Reiji was stunned.
He had considered that Yamamoto would let him graduate early, and even after Kuchiki Soujun was attacked, the Old Man had asked for his opinion more than once, and his reply was to accept the arrangement.
But he had expected Yamamoto to let him join the First Division, or at the very least, the Eighth Division or the Thirteenth Division.
After all, these three Squads were "his own people," and he really hadn't expected the Old Man to actively put him in the Second Division.
By the time Yamamoto was halfway through his words, he had already imagined the scene where Yamamoto ordered him to join the First Division, and then Yoruichi would cry and make a fuss, demanding that he fulfill his promise.
Yoruichi Shihouin revealed a triumphant smile, while also making an "OK" gesture to Aozaki Reiji.
Yamamoto, who had been angry all day, now had a hint of a smile in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth even curled up slightly.
Recalling the Third Seat of the Second Division, whose duties just happened to change last night, no one would believe that they hadn't planned this long ago.
Aozaki Reiji suddenly realized—
There's a conspiracy! Yamamoto sold me out!
Aozaki Reiji's eyes reddened, and he looked at Old Man with a look of grief and indignation.
He tried to ask Yamamoto why he had betrayed him through his deeply emotional gaze.
Yamamoto pondered for a moment, opened his mouth, and was about to speak...
Aozaki Reiji immediately replied, "Thank you for your trust, Teacher. I will surely strive to become an excellent Shinigami and will not let down your great expectations."
Looking at the respectful Aozaki Reiji, Yamamoto nodded slightly after a long silence, then turned and said:
"Captain Shihouin, Aozaki Reiji is now entrusted to you."
Yoruichi Shihouin quickly bowed: "Please leave him to me, Captain-Commander!"
Yamamoto grunted and nodded slightly.
He then admonished the Captains a few more words, to pay attention to the rebels' movements in the near future, and then announced the official end of the Captains' meeting.
The Captains all bowed to Yamamoto in salute, then turned and left.
"I went to great lengths to find out about your early graduation."
Walking down the long corridor, Yoruichi Shihouin chuckled and nudged Aozaki Reiji with her elbow.
"Now you can't escape. Don't forget your promise: when I become the Captain of the Second Division, you'll be my Third Seat."
"How dare I disobey my teacher's command?" Aozaki Reiji laughed, "Besides, I've never forgotten the agreement between us, just make sure you don't forget what you promised."
"Otherwise... I might have to take you as collateral."
The last sentence, Reiji whispered into Yoruichi's ear.
Yoruichi felt a tickle in her ear, and her earlobes instantly turned red. The blush slowly spread to her neck, a lovely reddish-black hue.
She patted Reiji's shoulder, flustered, and said:
"Don't worry, in a few years, that child will also join the Squad, but I'll only introduce you two. I won't get involved in anything else."
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