Kyoraku Shunsui felt the unkind gaze of Gosuke Shigure.
He froze for a moment, not understanding why Shigure was looking at him like that.
But he still explained the reason.
"Earlier today, in the First Division, a captains' meeting was held.
Regarding the replacement of the Fifth Division captain — Hirako Shinji, the vice-captain of the Fifth Division, passed the captain's assessment and officially became the new captain.
It won't be long before word spreads — you'll probably hear about it soon anyway."
The replacement of a captain was never a secret, so Shunsui directly explained the contents of the captains' meeting.
"After that incident, old man Yama brought up the Eleventh Division again."
One could only imagine how the old man might feel hearing Shunsui refer to him that way — calling the Head-Captain "Old Man Yama" in front of others, even during official meetings.
"The Eleventh Division is a combat corps with heavy responsibilities. The position of Kenpachi can't remain vacant for long.
Since the Kenpachi Azashiro has been imprisoned, old man Yama wants to select a strong man to succeed him as the new Kenpachi. He asked all the captains to recommend suitable candidates."
"Oh?" Shigure looked at Shunsui curiously, wanting to know whom he had recommended.
If the man had recommended someone strong, Shigure didn't mind working under such a person.
Although he had once said something about becoming Kenpachi in front of his subordinates, that had only been to lift their spirits after Azashiro's downfall — he never expected anyone to take it seriously.
"I recommended you!"
Shunsui said this with complete seriousness.
Shigure was silent for a long while, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. "Are you, the captain of the Eighth Division, joking with me?"
"What do you think?"
"I think you are joking. After all, Captain Kyoraku is not only unrestrained but also flamboyant. No matter how you look at it, you seem like the kind of man who enjoys making jokes. If it were Captain Ukitake saying this, I might believe it."
Shunsui immediately looked offended. "Hey now, am I that kind of person in your eyes? That hurts, truly. And here I was, thinking we were old friends — I've come to your aid several times!"
"Also," he added, folding his arms, "let me tell you, Jushiro isn't as pure as you think. He's got quite the dark side. I've known him for years, and I know him well."
"Hehe…" Shigure gave a faint, amused laugh but didn't argue.
After a moment, Shunsui's tone shifted, becoming serious.
"Maybe I've left a bad impression on you in the past, leading to a few misunderstandings, but I'm being honest now — this is no joke."
"I really did recommend you."
"And the other captains agreed with my recommendation."
Shigure raised his eyebrows, then relaxed them again. "Why me?"
"Why not you?" Shunsui replied with a calm smile, meeting his curious gaze. "If the Eleventh Division needs a captain and the Gotei 13 needs a new Kenpachi, why shouldn't that person be you?"
"First of all, you're the vice-captain of the Eleventh Division. You know your division better than anyone. The members respect you. If you become captain, morale won't falter in the slightest."
"Secondly — you have that strength."
When he said "strength", there was a flicker of admiration in Shunsui's eyes. His voice lowered, sincere.
"You defeated the Kenpachi Azashiro. According to the succession rules of the Eleventh Division, when you defeated him, you already became the next Kenpachi."
Shigure didn't refute it.
Of course, he was well aware of those rules — only by defeating the previous Kenpachi could one inherit the title.
But even if time were to rewind, he would still choose to defeat Azashiro.
Because at that moment, he had no choice.
In order to keep his crimes secret, the man had chosen to silence him — Shigure simply fought back.
Shunsui continued, "However, because when you defeated him, there were no witnesses — neither the two hundred members of the Eleventh Division nor any other captains — the Head-Captain can't directly appoint you as captain. To confirm your qualifications, he has decided to conduct a captain's assessment."
"I don't think it'll take long before the preparations are done. Until then, I suggest you make some mental preparations."
"What a surprising turn of events…" Shigure sighed sincerely.
Shunsui chuckled. "That's life. You never know what will happen in the next second."
Then, with a lighter tone, he added, "But honestly, I hope you do become the new Kenpachi. In you, I see the same qualities that Kuruyashiki once had. You taking up that mantle would be the best thing for the Eleventh Division."
Shigure fell silent again.
…
Since the two of them were drinking alone in a quiet, remote area, their conversation wasn't loud enough to be overheard.
No one else heard that Gosuke Shigure had once defeated the Kenpachi Azashiro — nor that the Head-Captain had decided to test him for the position.
However, Shigure's overwhelming strength had already left a lasting impression on the Eleventh Division.
They had all seen him easily kill an Adjuchas-class Menos Grande with their own eyes.
Even so, when Sasakibe Chojiro, vice-captain of the First Division, arrived at the Eleventh and personally invited Shigure to participate in the captain's assessment, the members were stunned.
"Are you for real?"
"They're taking Gosuke for a captain's assessment?"
"Are you kidding me?"
"If Gosuke can become captain, then maybe I should go take the test too!"
"Who even recommended him!?"
Not everyone could participate in a captain's assessment. A candidate had to be recommended, and the recommender had to be a sitting Gotei 13 captain.
The officers of the Eleventh Division exchanged bewildered glances, muttering amongst themselves.
Hearing the commotion, Shigure turned, smiling faintly.
"Everyone, wait for my good news." he said. "Remember — when I come back, you'll have to call me Captain."
"Tch, who wants to call you Captain!" someone immediately complained, rolling his eyes.
Even so, as Shigure was escorted away by Chojiro to face the captain's assessment, though many were still curious about the details, every one of them silently hoped — truly hoped — that he would succeed.
*****
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✓ Killed For 100 Years in Hueco Mundo, Aizen Invited Me To Soul Society!
✓ Naruto: Senmei Asahi
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