In the Soul Society, the difference between the security of Seireitei and Rukongai could not be greater.
Although there were differences in degree among the various Rukongai districts, after the seventieth, every area was filled with the glint of blades, the scent of blood, and the shadow of death that never faded. Residents there lived every day beside the edge of a sword.
As for Seireitei, the paradise of shinigami and nobles, though it teemed with intrigue and political deceit, it rarely bore the scent of violence.
However, even in such a city, there existed one place that smelled faintly of iron and blood, like Rukongai itself — the domain of the Eleventh Division, a squad made up of rude, wild, and battle-hungry warriors.
That place was known as Bride Town. Apart from the shinigami of the Eleventh Division, the residents of the surrounding area shared the same coarse temperament, living in sharp contrast with the refined nobility elsewhere.
This was a natural result of the Eleventh Division's influence over the years.
The division's barracks, bearing the emblem of sawgrass, stood at the heart of Bride Town, and its very presence dyed the entire district in a violent hue.
Yet, when Gosuke Shigure returned to the Eleventh Division this time, he did not feel even a trace of that usual wild energy.
Instead, the entire division was heavy with the smell of alcohol.
Many members sat slumped within the barracks, drinking quietly, their faces clouded with gloom. Because of the habits left from the Kuruyashiki era, there were still many female members in the Eleventh Division, and at this moment, even they were drinking side by side with the men, creating a chaotic, desolate scene.
Someone with sharp eyes noticed Shigure at the entrance. His expression lit up for a moment before dimming again, but he still raised his voice to greet him.
"Vice-Captain, you're back!"
The words spread quickly, and soon the entire barracks stirred. Heads turned toward the door.
Those who weren't close to him called him "Vice-Captain." while those who were more familiar simply said, "Gosuke."
Among them was Gomisawa Yumi, the Ninth Seat — the first shinigami Shigure had met after his rebirth. Her steps were unsteady from drink as she approached, the strong scent of sake surrounding her.
"Gosuke, about the captain…"
"It's true."
Shigure knew what she wanted to ask and answered without hesitation.
The moment those three words left his mouth, the mood in the room fell completely silent.
Many of the division members lowered their heads, unable to accept it.
Although Azashiro Soya had been Kenpachi for only a little over a year — having gained the title by killing Kuruyashiki — the Eleventh Division was not one to fear death. They were warriors who valued combat above all else, and what mattered to them was not survival but strength.
What they cared most about was whether Azashiro Soya was worthy of the name Kenpachi.
And over that year, he had proven it beyond doubt. Cold and withdrawn as he was, he never hesitated in battle, and every fight ended in victory.
Even if most of them had never grown close to him, they had accepted him in their hearts as their captain — as Kenpachi.
And now, reality had dealt them another cruel blow.
Their Kenpachi was not a hero, but a sinner who had committed unforgivable crimes.
When Azashiro surrendered himself and Shigure was imprisoned in the Palace of Repentance, many investigators from other divisions had come to probe the Eleventh Division, spreading word of Azashiro's crimes to everyone.
It had left deep pain in them all.
"Have you been drinking here the whole time?" Shigure asked, glancing around at the reeking barracks before his eyes rested on Yumi.
Yumi forced a bitter smile. "What else can we do but drink?"
"The captain's been imprisoned for committing a felony, and the vice-captain — you — were also locked up under suspicion. The division lost both pillars at once. We didn't know what to do. Drinking's the only thing left."
Shigure fell silent.
Seeing his quiet expression, Yumi let out a shaky laugh. "But at least there's some good news. You're back now, and you're fine."
Shigure gave a small nod. "Yes."
"That's great." Yumi said softly. "Our Eleventh Division couldn't take losing both the captain and vice-captain at the same time."
As she mentioned the captain, her voice trembled slightly, and the same sadness spread through the others who listened.
Shigure understood that sadness well.
More than a year ago, when Kuruyashiki died, they had felt the same way. Now, they were mourning the loss of another Kenpachi.
Back then, the former Shigure had been crushed by grief too — but the man standing here now was no longer the same.
"Although we've lost another Kenpachi," Shigure said, looking over the group, "as long as the Eleventh Division exists, a new Kenpachi will always be born. The name of Kenpachi will be passed down forever."
The heavy air in the barracks wavered slightly at his calm, steady voice.
Then Shigure added, in a tone that carried quiet resolve, "What do you all think of me becoming the next Kenpachi?"
For a brief moment, everyone froze.
Then laughter suddenly burst from somewhere in the crowd.
"Gosuke, don't joke like that! You're doing fine as vice-captain, but you've got a long way to go before you can be Kenpachi!"
More laughter followed.
They all knew his reputation — a vice-captain strong and dependable, but more interested in keeping the division running than charging into battle. It was they who had forced all the team affairs on him.
Of course, they recognized his strength — but Kenpachi was another realm entirely.
And they all knew how few could truly bear that name.
The title of Kenpachi was glory — but one that demanded power above all else.
So when they heard Shigure say such a thing, it sounded like arrogance, or at least, an impossible dream.
Still, for the first time in weeks, their grief began to fade.
The oppressive gloom of the Eleventh Division lifted slightly, replaced by the faint hum of laughter and voices.
For now, even if only for a fleeting moment, Shigure's words had brought light back to Bride Town.
*****
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