The new Captain of the 10th Division was undoubtedly Toshiro.
None of the other Captains were surprised to see him. After Isshin's disappearance, no one in the entire Soul Society was more suited to succeed him than Toshiro. Having served in the 10th Division for years, frequently handling division affairs on Isshin's behalf, and possessing strength surpassing most Captains, everything made Toshiro's succession seem perfectly natural.
"Cough."
Yamamoto cleared his throat and continued, "Everyone, former 10th Division's Third Seat, Hitsugaya Toshiro has passed the captaincy examination under the witness of myself, Captain Unohana, and Captain Komamura. I believe he is fully capable of serving as the 10th Division captain. Therefore, I hereby formally appoint Hitsugaya Toshiro as Captain of the 10th Division."
There are three methods to become a Captain:
Pass the captaincy exam witnessed by at least three Captains, including the Captain-Commander.
Receive recommendations from at least six Captains and gain approval from at least three others.
Defeat the current Captain of a division in front of at least 200 division members.
Toshiro chose the first method. Yesterday, witnessed by Yamamoto, Unohana, and Komamura, Toshiro successfully passed the captaincy exam.
Today, Yamamoto convened the Captains' Meeting to officially announce the decision.
"Of course, if any of you present have doubts about my decision, you may raise objections," Yamamoto said, scanning the captains.
"No, no, no! How could there be objections? I fully support Toshiro becoming the 10th Division's Captain," Kyoraku, Captain of the 8th Division and well-acquainted with Toshiro, immediately spoke up.
Seeing Kyoraku step forward, Ukitake also said, "I agree with Shunsui. I support Toshiro succeeding as the 10th Division's Captain."
After Kyoraku and Ukitake, other Captains voiced their positions.
Sui-Feng nodded. "No objections."
Gin said with narrowed eyes, "Ara, if it's the genius Hitsugaya, then of course there's no problem."
Unohana smiled 'gently'. "Naturally, I agree."
Aizen said mildly, "I believe Hitsugaya's strength fully qualifies him for the captaincy."
Byakuya stated coolly, "Regarding Hitsugaya Toshiro, I fully agree."
Komamura said, "I trust the Captain-Commander's judgment."
Tosen subtly 'glanced' towards Aizen's direction and said, "Agree."
Zaraki laughed. "Hahaha! If Toshiro isn't qualified to be a Captain, then I'm even less qualified!"
Mayuri showed no particular reaction.
Regarding Toshiro's succession, not a single Captain present objected. Of course, even if someone did, it wouldn't matter. Toshiro had passed the captaincy exam witnessed by three Captains, including the Captain-Commander. Without valid reasons, even if most Captains opposed, Toshiro could still become Captain.
Seeing no objections, Yamamoto declared, "Since there are no objections, from now on, Hitsugaya Toshiro is the Captain of the 10th Division."
"Meeting adjourned!" Yamamoto concluded the meeting briskly.
Today's meeting was primarily to announce Toshiro's captaincy, and there were no other matters.
Afterwards, Toshiro left the meeting room with the other captains.
Kyoraku and Ukitake intentionally walked alongside Toshiro.
"Yo, Toshiro… no, should I call you Captain Hitsugaya now?" Kyoraku grinned.
Toshiro waved a hand. "No need to be so formal. Just call me Toshiro like before, Shunsui."
Yamamoto had also instructed Toshiro in training, so Toshiro, Kyoraku, and Ukitake shared a close, almost brotherly relationship in private.
Hearing this, Kyoraku dropped the formality.
"By the way, Toshiro, I recall you're just over a hundred years old, right?"
"Yare yare, becoming a Captain at such a young age... that's never happened in the Soul Society before!"
"Tsk tsk, you seem to have accidentally broken another Soul Society's record, becoming the youngest Captain in the history of the Gotei 13!" Kyoraku marveled.
Toshiro replied indifferently, "Well, seems that's the case."
Toshiro had already broken numerous Soul Society records. Now, even breaking another record to become the youngest Captain barely stirred his emotions.
Kyoraku patted Toshiro's shoulder, "Anyway… let's find time to have a drink to celebrate!"
Toshiro nodded. "Sure. But I need to handle some 10th Division's matters first. How about tomorrow?"
"Deal. See you tomorrow then." With that, Kyoraku and Ukitake went their separate ways.
As the Captains' Meeting ended, the adjacent Lieutenants' Meeting also concluded. Rangiku, who had accompanied Toshiro, stood nearby. Seeing Toshiro emerge, she intended to approach but noticed him conversing with Kyoraku and Ukitake, so she waited.
After they left, Rangiku walked over. "Toshiro, since the meeting's over, let's head back."
Hearing her, Toshiro frowned slightly and coughed lightly, "Cough, Rangiku, be more serious. I'm a Captain now, not a Third Seat below you like before. Show some respect. Call me 'Captain-sama', understand?"
"Hmph, putting on airs," Rangiku snorted, giving no respect. She turned and walked away.
"Hey, Rangiku! How dare you be so disrespectful! Believe me, I'll remove you as Lieutenant!"
"Hey! Rangiku, don't walk so fast! Wait for me!"
10th Division.
"Third Seat Hitsugaya, no, Captain Hitsugaya!"
Walking through the 10th Division, a member who usually greeted Toshiro noticed he now wore the Captain's Haori. Recalling Toshiro had taken the captaincy exam, they realized Toshiro had become their division's Captain.