The First Division — Head of the entire Gotei 13.
It stood at the highest point of Seireitei, built upon the mountain peak itself. From the captain's chamber of the First Division, one could look down over the entire Gotei 13, its sprawling barracks, and the white streets of the Soul Society below.
Usually, captains' meetings were held here in the main hall.
And now, this same place had been chosen to host Gosuke Shigure's captain assessment.
Under the guidance of Sasakibe Chojiro, vice-captain of the First Division and the oldest vice-captain in Gotei 13, Gosuke Shigure was led through the quiet corridors and into the Head Captain's office.
Captain Yamamoto sat cross-legged on the tatami, a slender Zanpakutō resting across his knees.
That blade — the oldest and strongest in the fire type — was Ryūjin Jakka.
From ancient times until now, Yamamoto Genryusai had used this sword to burn away countless enemies of balance — Hollows, Quincies, even traitorous Shinigami.
Since the formation of Gotei 13 and the long peace that followed, he had disguised the sword as a wooden staff, hiding its true identity.
But today, because of the captain's assessment, Ryūjin Jakka was revealed in its true form once more.
"Captain, I have brought Gosuke Shigure." said Chojiro respectfully.
Yamamoto opened his eyes slowly, the faint light of fire reflected in them.
"Understood. You may step back."
"Yes!"
Chojiro bowed deeply and exited, leaving Shigure standing alone before the Head-Captain.
Despite the gravity of the moment, Shigure did not seem nervous.
After all, they were not strangers.
In a former lifetime, he had dealt extensively with this old man — once called Yamamoto Shigekuni — and knew that beneath the stern exterior was not a rigid old soldier but a man both fierce and compassionate.
The name "Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni" was one built from centuries of reverence and fear, his authority carved into history by fire and war.
"Gosuke Shigure." Yamamoto's deep voice broke the silence. His gaze fixed upon the younger man. "You already understand why you were called here."
"This old man will make it brief."
"The captain of the Eleventh Division has fallen. Kyoraku Shunsui recommended you for the position — and it is reported that you defeated the previous Kenpachi, Azashiro Soya."
"In order to determine whether you truly have the qualifications to bear the title of captain and inherit the name of Kenpachi, this assessment will be conducted."
He paused briefly, then added, "One more thing. Regardless of the outcome, today's proceedings must remain confidential. You are not to discuss them with anyone."
"I understand." Shigure said, nodding once.
Yamamoto rose to his feet — his movements slow yet filled with restrained power.
"Come with me."
Shigure followed him through the corridors and out into the vast training field behind the First Division's compound.
This was the main practice ground — wide, silent, and ringed with white stone walls that reflected the morning sun. Today, it was cleared for one purpose alone: the captain's assessment of Gosuke Shigure.
When they arrived, two figures were already waiting at the far end.
The first was a woman with long purple hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders, her posture graceful yet unmistakably strong. She stood among the best of Seireitei's female shinigami — the captain of the Twelfth Division, Hikifune Kirio.
Among the captains of Gotei 13, Kirio was an old senior — a technical genius whose spiritual strength matched her brilliance.
When Kuruyashiki was still alive, even after slaying a Vasto Lorde, he humbly admitted that Kirio could have done the same. That was the level of respect her power commanded.
Beside her stood another woman — dressed modestly, her long braids falling neatly down the front of her uniform. Her expression was serene, her voice soft whenever she spoke. Yet that gentleness was only a mask.
Few alive remembered that she had been one of the very first captains when Gotei 13 was born eight centuries ago — and fewer still understood that she was a legend in her own right.
In a world where countless captains had risen and perished, a shinigami who could hold that title for centuries was no ordinary being.
Among them, she was the embodiment of dread itself.
She was Unohana Retsu — captain of the Fourth Division.
"Captain Hikifune, Captain Unohana."
Shigure inclined his head respectfully.
He had never interacted with Hikifune before.
But Unohana was different.
In another life, he had crossed paths with her many times — and each encounter had carved an impression deeper than any scar.
Still, that was another life. Now, he was Gosuke Shigure, and the past was gone.
The two women acknowledged his greeting with small nods.
Yamamoto stepped forward.
"For the captain's assessment, three captains — including myself — must act as witnesses. Today, Captain Unohana and Captain Hikifune will join me as the officiators."
He looked directly at Shigure.
"Gosuke Shigure, I hope you do not disappoint me."
There was a rare trace of expectation in the old man's tone. Clearly, he wanted this man to succeed — to take up the mantle abandoned by the Azashiro Soya.
Shigure bowed slightly but said nothing.
Then, he stepped into the center of the training ground.
He glanced at the three figures — the old man with the fire blade, the serene healer, and the smiling inventor.
'I wonder,' he thought quietly, 'who among them will be my examiner?'
On the surface, they looked like one elder and two women.
But each of them stood among the strongest beings in all of Gotei 13.
The Head-Captain's strength was unquestionable. Kirio's intellect and raw power were extraordinary. And Unohana — though she now wore the face of mercy — had once been something entirely different.
Before she became the gentle captain of the Fourth Division, she had carried another name — the name of the First Kenpachi.
That thought alone sent a ripple through Shigure's chest.
If either of these women were to test him, it would not be easy.
But if Unohana herself were the examiner… then the word "assessment" would mean something far more dangerous.
*****
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✓ Killed For 100 Years in Hueco Mundo, Aizen Invited Me To Soul Society!
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