Chapter 157: Captain Commander Takeru's Working Style
Time flew by, and soon it was time for the routine Captains' Meeting at the end of the month.
First Division Meeting Hall.
"...That's the general outline. Since everything is still in the preparation stage, if anyone has a better suggestion, feel free to speak up."
Takeru sat in the main seat, his presence commanding.
Suì Fēng stood to his left, and the Divine Bird sat to his right.
Behind him, two scrolls of calligraphy hung on the wall, one on each side, both solemnly explaining the principles of the Gotei 13 in characters clearly written by the previous Captain Commander.
The chair itself had originally been made for the Captain Commander.
For whatever reason in its design, the back of the chair was exceptionally high, nearly reaching the ceiling like a partition.
At this late hour, the wall lamps were still burning brightly, and the curtain bore the symbol for "One," giving the room an elegant look while creating a quiet atmosphere, as if one were standing within a sacred spiritual ground.
Like a priest presiding over a rite, Takeru announced the new decisions to everyone present.
The Lieutenants were all waiting next door in the adjutants' room, awaiting the results.
Not a single Captain was absent. Every one of them was present. After all, even Ukitake, who used to take frequent sick leave, had already stepped down.
It was likely that from now on, it would be rare to see an absentee.
That alone marked a difference from Yamamoto Genryūsai's era.
There was another difference as well.
The Captains, who previously had to stand, now had chairs once more.
"Captain Commander Takeru really is more considerate toward his subordinates. The moment Old Man Yama came back, he got rid of all the tables and chairs, saying standing would keep us sharper... but he himself often brought a chair to sit in, which really made people envious."
"Now it's much better. Ever since Captain Commander Takeru took office, everyone's had a chair again."
"And he even intends to lighten each division's burden by cutting away unnecessary administrative work. The name is a little intimidating, but with the Captain Commander himself concurrently serving as the head of the new institution, it's actually very reassuring. So as for suggestions... naturally, I have none. On the contrary, I think it's a good thing."
Kyōraku was the first to speak.
As always, he made his position known in a joking tone.
The others all reacted in their own ways, some agreeing deeply, some indifferent, some absentminded, some confused. But regardless, no one rose to oppose the creation of the "New Forty Six Council" and the "Golden Seal Chamber of Commerce."
"In that case... it's settled."
Takeru was equally decisive and immediately began assigning tasks.
"The selection of personnel for the [New Forty Six Council] will be handled jointly by the Eighth Division, the Fifth Division, and the First Division."
"Understood."
Kyōraku and Aizen both rose to acknowledge the order.
"The [Golden Seal Chamber of Commerce] project will be handled by the Second Division and the Sixth Division."
"Understood."
Yoruichi and Byakuya stood as well and accepted.
"Next, there is one more issue. It also concerns the future development of the Gotei 13."
As soon as one topic ended, Takeru moved straight into the next.
"I believe everyone has already felt it during these busy days. We are short on manpower."
The moment those words were spoken, everyone visibly sharpened their focus.
Even the cold natured Byakuya and Mochizuki.
Even Kenpachi and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who cared little for external turmoil and only pursued their own interests.
Not one of them minded having more subordinates.
Because it would make everything far more convenient.
If there were troublesome and tedious matters, they could be handed down, allowing them to focus on what they considered more important work.
Of course, there were also those who simply wanted more manpower so they could share the burden.
For example, Amagai and Ichigo, who had somehow acquired dark circles under their eyes.
They were both diligent and responsible leaders who did not want to let their subordinates down, and so they carried greater pressure than the other Captains.
"Although the Gotei 13 will be able to return to its original duties once the [New Forty Six Council] is established, that proposal was only made recently. It will take at least a year before it is formally implemented."
"That is because it involves a comprehensive evaluation of certain individuals' work abilities, multiple rounds of review, and a number of necessary trial operations. In short, it cannot be done quickly."
"The same applies to the Spirit Arts Academy. It is unrealistic to expect enough manpower immediately. But if we begin now and make the necessary changes, then within the next few years we will see results. At that point, if war breaks out again and we face a similar situation, the same problem of insufficient manpower should not arise."
Takeru swept his gaze over everyone, his attitude toward reform unwavering.
"Captain Commander."
Amagai rose abruptly, his expression serious.
"I suggest that while the selection for the New Forty Six Council is being carried out, we also begin a thorough survey of the entire Rukongai."
"During my time with the Expeditionary Force, I encountered many residents of Rukongai who possessed spiritual aptitude but either failed to become Shinigami or had never even thought of trying."
"I believe we can guide these individuals into the Spirit Arts Academy, or even follow the precedent of the Eleventh Division and directly recruit those with considerable strength as immediate combat personnel."
"Very good. Submit a formal report later. If it passes review, I will leave that task to you."
Takeru agreed without hesitation.
Several more perceptive people immediately changed the way they looked at Amagai.
The idea itself was sound, but it would be a stretch to believe that the always resourceful Captain Commander had never considered it.
"Yes!"
Amagai, however, noticed none of that. His eyes burned with determination.
As a newcomer, he was eager to prove himself.
Not just to prove his own ability, but to make a concrete contribution to the Gotei 13.
He did not want Captain Commander Takeru's goodwill to be wasted.
Nor did he want to fail the expectations his grandmaster had placed in him after they had privately acknowledged one another and put their misunderstandings to rest before parting.
No matter what, he had to seize this mission.
"Reporting."
At that moment, Mochizuki raised his hand.
"Speak."
Takeru turned toward him.
Mochizuki rose slowly and said in a calm voice, "I believe the [Vanguard Project] can be initiated. Whether we modify Shinigami or residents of Rukongai, both are acceptable choices. If all else fails, there is always the option of [reigai]."
The room went dead silent.
Everyone looked at the newly appointed Captain of the Ninth Division, formerly a prisoner of Muken, with very subtle expressions.
The proposal was criminal almost by instinct.
As expected of a true professional.
"Mochizuki... do you want to be sent back to Muken to cool your head?"
Yoruichi asked dryly.
"I am perfectly calm, and I see nothing wrong with that method. Of course... if you are unwilling, I will not act on my own."
Unlike Kōga, Mochizuki had only ever committed attempted crimes. He had been imprisoned because his ideas were too dangerous. As a result, if someone were willing to guarantee for him and accept responsibility, releasing him had never been impossible.
Even after several centuries in Muken, he had not changed much. His thinking was just as dangerous as before.
But he no longer acted without authorization.
That much had changed.
And that was enough.
Dangerous thoughts that remained only as speech were not really a problem. In truth, they caused far less trouble than the kind of recklessness Mayuri Kurotsuchi or Kenpachi often displayed.
More importantly, that rare self restraint could become true determination in a crisis. If a deadlock ever emerged, Mochizuki's dangerous way of thinking might well be exactly what broke it.
So even if no one agreed with his ideology, as a comrade, he strangely inspired a sense of reliability rather than disgust.
"No."
Takeru shook his head almost at once.
It was not because the suggestion violated moral principles.
It was because, "The kind of manpower created through that method has limited potential and limited capability. In terms of cost effectiveness, it cannot compare to the regular process."
"..."
Everyone looked at Takeru with mixed expressions.
That kind of reasoning sounded somewhat cold.
Yet after hearing it, Mochizuki fell into thought, then slowly revealed an expression of agreement.
"I see..."
Everyone understood.
A direct refusal would have worked.
But making Mochizuki genuinely accept the answer was far better.
That was exactly what Takeru had done.
So rather than coldness, there was a strange kind of humanity in it.
"The same goes for Captain Amagai. These old fox tactics are truly terrifying. Whether it was Old Man Yama or Sōsuke kun, both of them raised an absurdly capable Captain Commander. I'm just glad this position didn't end up on my head, or it really would've been embarrassing."
Kyōraku was still lost in that thought when Takeru issued another order.
"Regardless of whether Captain Amagai's report passes review, the propaganda work to guide Rukongai residents into becoming Shinigami will be assigned to the Ninth Division."
"Understood."
Mochizuki nodded and sat back down.
He was genuinely interested in the task.
After all, after being fused with Seireitei itself for centuries and becoming aware of every ripple within it, he was practically a walking "resource database."
The position of editor in chief of the Seireitei Bulletin was the one most suited to his strengths.
And his cooperation with his Lieutenant complemented him perfectly.
It was far more comfortable than his old days as Captain of the Eleventh Division.
As expected... trusting Takeru had been the right decision.
"Second, Third, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth... six Captains are clearly under heavy burdens already. What about the rest of you? Do the remaining Captains have any views on the manpower shortage?"
Takeru's eyes moved across Unohana, Komamura, Tōshirō, Kenpachi, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Ichigo.
"Captain Commander, I have a request!"
Komamura suddenly stood, his fierce and heroic canine features filled with unmistakably human sincerity.
"Speak."
Takeru lifted a brow.
"As you know, I come from the Werewolf Clan. I came to Seireitei because I was dissatisfied with a life of seclusion, and afterward I was taken in by Lord Genryūsai... Although I am now a Captain, I have never forgotten my origins, nor do I wish to abandon my homeland and my kin."
Komamura's voice was low. Everyone present, Takeru included, could more or less guess what was coming.
"The Werewolf Clan has lived in seclusion in the mountains for generations under the leadership of my great grandfather. They survive by mining gemstones and trading them with nearby villages for supplies. Their living conditions are extremely harsh... Yet even so, most of them do not complain much, because many, like me, were born into this form through reincarnation as sinners cast into the Animal Realm."
"But... there are also children born naturally within the clan, children who were not reborn through punishment. They are innocent. There is no reason they should have to live that kind of life simply because they were born there."
"Therefore, I ask the Captain Commander to recruit these innocent children of the Werewolf Clan. Every member of the Werewolf Clan possesses spiritual aptitude. They can become Shinigami like I did, and they can fight for justice like I do."
His words rang with conviction, like an oath hammered into steel.
And Komamura himself was the one carrying that blade.
No one doubted that he meant every word.
No one doubted the sincerity of the emotion behind it, either.
And yet, when Takeru looked at Komamura, his expression did not change in the slightest.
"Captain Komamura."
"Yes!"
"Regardless of whether the Werewolf Clan's younger generation wishes to leave, have you considered whether their joining Seireitei would lead to ethnic conflict? Furthermore... whether the current head of the Werewolf Clan would even allow his clan members to break their traditions and leave in large numbers is also an issue."
"..."
Komamura's voice caught for a moment, and shame appeared on his face.
"My apologies. I was too simplistic in my thinking... If nothing else, gaining my great grandfather's approval would be difficult. I truly do not know how to persuade the old gentleman."
"Takeru... no, Captain Commander."
Ichigo frowned and spoke with a trace of urgency.
"It is unreasonable to treat Captain Komamura's people as a threat before they've done anything wrong. If the ones recruited are all werewolves like Captain Komamura, then conflict shouldn't happen at all."
"In fact, even if conflict did arise, it definitely wouldn't be their fault. It would be our own fault, ours, the ones who look normal but carry prejudice against our comrades. We would be the ones who should reflect."
"Captain Kurosaki..."
Komamura was visibly moved.
The others also fell into thought.
"Exactly... I think so too."
Takeru spoke calmly.
That single sentence interrupted everyone's thoughts and left both Komamura and Ichigo momentarily stunned.
"Don't misunderstand. The issues I pointed out do exist. But that does not mean they cannot be solved. In fact, solving such problems, retaining the good while eliminating the harmful, is exactly my duty as Captain Commander."
"So, I approve this request."
"As for how to recruit the younger members of the Werewolf Clan and establish a long term communication channel with them, I will leave the specifics to you, Captain Komamura. Do not worry. I will assist you."
"...Does that mean you intend to personally intervene, Captain Commander?"
Komamura's joy was obvious.
The others looked somewhat surprised as well.
"No. I will not personally intervene."
Takeru shook his head.
"After all, it is not a matter serious enough to justify that level of mobilization."
Komamura's expression dimmed slightly, but before the disappointment could settle, Takeru continued.
"It will be enough to have the Headmaster of the Spirit Arts Academy, Lord Genryūsai, handle the matter."
"What?!"
Komamura's eyes widened.
The others were equally stunned.
And he says that isn't a major mobilization.
If negotiations went badly, that Werewolf mountain might turn into a mountain of flames.
"Since we are speaking of recruiting the younger members of the Werewolf Clan, I believe Lord Genryūsai, who once took in a werewolf himself, has the relevant experience. Furthermore, once they are recruited, they will be trained at the Spirit Arts Academy anyway. So it is only fitting for Lord Genryūsai, as Headmaster, to handle the coordination."
"Moreover, he is a man of immense prestige and broad life experience. I believe he will be able to find plenty of common ground with the elders of the Werewolf Clan."
"With Headmaster Genryūsai's assistance, this matter should be resolved smoothly. However, once those young werewolves enter Seireitei, Captain Komamura, they will need you to serve as their guardian and discipline them strictly. I sincerely hope... that like Captain Kurosaki said, they will eventually become outstanding Shinigami by following your example."
"And if they can truly do that, then I personally guarantee they will never suffer unfair treatment."
"As you command!"
Komamura's voice shook with excitement.
Ichigo was happy for him too.
At the same time, he could not deny it.
When faced with a problem, Takeru always saw it clearly, never backed away, and found a solution.
That had always been his style.
Ichigo could only blame himself for having been so overworked lately that he had momentarily forgotten it.
He really shouldn't have.
"Are you done? Then it's my turn."
Mayuri Kurotsuchi rose with obvious impatience.
"Captain Commander, may I ask why the report I submitted requesting an investigation into Hueco Mundo was rejected?"
"I was just about to ask you the same thing, Mayuri..."
Takeru's sharp gaze fixed directly on him, making Mayuri visibly uneasy.
"What progress has been made on the [Dead Demon Technique]? The bodies of more than five hundred Shinigami who died in battle are still lying in the underground storage chambers of the Technical Development Bureau. I did not hold you responsible for the missing Quincy corpses. But as for the remaining bodies... if those people can be restored to life as soon as possible, then even if the success rate is only one third, the manpower shortage will be eased considerably."
"Leaving such an important project unfinished so you can run off to Hueco Mundo to investigate something... I do not know what exactly you intend to investigate, but I suggest finishing the work in front of you first. Otherwise, if you stretch yourself too thin, there may come a day when your funding suddenly dries up."
...!
Mayuri's expression instantly turned ugly.
The others simply watched the show.
Kenpachi, in particular, did not bother hiding his glee.
"I I am going to Hueco Mundo for the sake of completing the [Dead Demon Technique] as well."
"Really? Then I approve the request."
Even though Takeru said so, Mayuri did not feel the slightest bit happy. If anything, his sense of foreboding grew even stronger.
"Captain Commander... what exactly are you trying to imply?"
"I mean nothing else. I have complete confidence in your ability."
Takeru leaned back in his chair, fingers laced atop one knee, his posture relaxed and his eyes bright.
"Ninety percent of the advanced reishi technology in Seireitei comes from the Technical Development Bureau. As its former head, Urahara Kisuke, and as its current head, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the two of you can no longer be separated from the very history of Soul Society."
"That is the current consensus among the great majority of Shinigami."
"While such words sound flattering, I believe they are in fact insulting to Captain Kurotsuchi."
"A traitor who founded the Technical Development Bureau and served as Captain of the Twelfth Division for less than ten years is viewed by the world as having achievements and standing equal to Captain Kurotsuchi, who has held the same post for a full century."
"One served for ten years. The other has served for a hundred. One is a traitor. The other is the current Captain."
"The difference is enormous, and yet the reputation remains the same. How is that not incomprehensible?"
No one answered Takeru's question.
Everyone was holding back laughter as they watched Mayuri's face twist with fury.
Some even chose to add fuel to the fire.
"Captain Kurotsuchi, I can personally confirm that the Captain Commander isn't exaggerating. That really is how everyone sees you and Kisuke."
Yoruichi raised a hand and said it with mock seriousness.
"Damn it! How could I possibly be on the same level as that man? There should be a limit to ignorance!"
Mayuri finally lost his composure and snapped.
"It can't be helped. Not everyone is a great scientist like you who can properly understand the gap in talent."
Takeru spoke as though the two of them were merely chatting over tea.
"So... if you can restore those fallen Shinigami as quickly as possible, I believe everyone will acknowledge from the bottom of their hearts that you are the greatest scientist in Soul Society."
"After all, no matter how remarkable Urahara Kisuke's inventions may have been, he cannot bring the dead back to life. Therefore, the moment you achieve such a feat, you will undoubtedly have surpassed him."
"This isn't empty praise. It is simply... an inevitable fact."
"But I know fame and reputation don't actually matter to you, so you can pretend you never heard any of that. I'll sign the paperwork later. I wish you great success in Hueco Mundo."
"..."
Mayuri ground his teeth and glared at Takeru resentfully.
Did Takeru really think he couldn't see through such an obvious provocation?
But the anger itself was real.
Because he, too, had countless surveillance devices hidden all over Seireitei, so naturally he was aware of public opinion.
Before this, he had never thought much about it.
Wasn't it enough for people to put him on the same level as Urahara?
He himself had always seen it that way.
That was why he wanted to surpass him.
But after hearing Takeru's words, he abruptly realized something was wrong.
He had spent over a hundred years in the Twelfth Division and the Technical Development Bureau, yet in the eyes of the masses he still had not surpassed Urahara's ten short years.
That was not merely an insult.
It was the greatest insult of all.
And somehow, it infuriated him even more than being outplayed by Urahara in Hueco Mundo.
"I understand. No matter what, within six months... no, three months... one month. Within one month, I will make those corpses walk again beneath the sun, illuminated by the light of my wisdom."
"Don't rush too much. Be careful not to exhaust yourself. In fact..."
Takeru casually offered a warning, then turned toward Unohana.
"The Fourth Division will assist in full."
"After all, this concerns the dead from every division of the Gotei 13. There is no reason the Twelfth Division should fight this battle alone."
"Very well."
Retsu Unohana rose gracefully. And after agreeing, she even gave Mayuri a gentle smile.
"Captain Kurotsuchi, please take care of me for the next month."
"Tch... unnecessary."
He said that, but anyone could see that his expression had softened somewhat.
Even for Mayuri, a one month deadline was clearly pushing the limit.
With such a schedule, failure or accidents would be easy.
But if the Fourth Division fully supported him, the situation changed completely.
At that point, the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Twelfth Divisions all had tasks assigned.
The remaining ones, the Tenth, Eleventh, and Thirteenth, had been left out on purpose.
They were being kept in reserve.
For emergencies.
However, what Takeru had not anticipated was that those "reserves" he had intentionally left free would refuse to remain idle.
The meeting had barely ended when Tōshirō was the first to visit the First Division office.
"Captain Commander, I also have a request."
"..."
Sitting behind his desk, Takeru looked thoughtful.
"Let me guess... you want to apply to use the [hyperbolic time chamber]?"
"...?!"
Tōshirō was visibly startled.
That reaction alone told Takeru he had guessed correctly.
"I do not mind. In truth, there is no benefit in simply barring others from using it. As Captain Commander, I also want my subordinates to become stronger."
"Captain Commander..."
Tōshirō inhaled deeply, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "I don't just want to use it once. I want permission to use it once every month... for the next year."
Takeru raised an eyebrow.
After mastering [Word Spirit: Heaven and Earth as a Furnace], he had already set aside time to repair the [hyperbolic time chamber], which had been damaged by Bankai.
Using it again was no issue.
Even if someone used it for an entire year, it would not cost him any of his own time.
After all, no one could enter more than once per month.
As long as it did not interfere with his own use, it would not matter if ten or twenty more people wanted access.
The only issue was this.
"One year. Once every month. That means twelve years inside. The training would be extremely grueling."
"No matter how grueling it is, I can't continue letting you, Captain Commander, and everyone else shoulder everything alone."
Tōshirō spoke with complete seriousness.
"I am also a Captain. And I possess the strongest ice and snow Zanpakutō. I should have shouldered far more responsibility than I have. But I was too weak. That is why I need time to grow, and the [hyperbolic time chamber] is the best choice. So no matter what, Captain Commander, please grant this request."
"..."
Takeru tapped his fingers on the desk, thought for a long while, then narrowed his eyes.
"I don't mind allowing subordinates to become stronger. But some people paid a very real price in exchange for the right to use that place. If I grant you this for free, it won't look good when word gets out."
"So... if you want twelve uses within one year, then for the next one hundred and twenty years, your base salary will be docked entirely. You will keep only your hazard pay."
"If that is acceptable to you, then I approve it."
"Fine. Done. I have no objections at all."
Tōshirō agreed so fast there was not even a moment's hesitation.
He even looked at Takeru with naked gratitude in his eyes.
A Captain's salary for one hundred and twenty years sounded like a great deal.
But in practice, he had nowhere to spend money.
He lived in the division barracks.
He ate in the division barracks.
And he already had considerable savings.
He would still retain his hazard pay, too.
Even if that somehow proved insufficient, couldn't he just borrow money from his Lieutenant?
Compared to twelve full years of growth, growth equivalent to a hundred and twenty years of ordinary progress, that price was almost trivial.
Rather than worrying about what others might think, it felt more like a way to repay some of the debt weighing on his heart.
Unlike Ichigo.
Captain Commander Takeru was practically a saint.
Once Tōshirō left in high spirits, Kenpachi came looking for Takeru next.
"You want me to prevent Lieutenant Kusajishi from disappearing?"
Takeru stared at the man before him, the same man he had once cut down in a single blow, and who now somehow felt slightly different.
That unfamiliarity did not come only from the missing bells in his hair, or the replaced eyepatch.
It also came from the thing he had once lacked altogether.
A serious expression. A man's face.
Not the face of a beast obsessed only with battle.
"Yeah. I've thought it over. If there's anyone I can trust to do it, it's you."
Kenpachi had come alone.
The inseparable Yachiru was nowhere to be seen.
Perhaps she was eavesdropping somewhere nearby, or perhaps she had simply run off to play.
Because of that, Kenpachi spoke of the matter without the slightest hesitation.
But another reason had finally pushed him to come.
"I can feel it. As I keep fighting, my strength is coming back. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say it's returning. And that means Yachiru is getting closer to disappearing. Even if she doesn't want that, and even if I don't want that, we won't be able to stop it forever."
"So... we can't keep putting it off."
"Unohana can't do anything about it. Ukitake can't even cure himself, so there's no point burdening him. I don't trust Mayuri. So other than you, I don't know who else to ask."
"...How rare. Hearing the word 'ask' come out of your mouth really is unusual."
An emotion too subtle to read passed through Takeru's eyes. Then he straightened slightly and answered in all seriousness.
"Fine. Since you came this far to ask, I won't let you leave empty handed, no matter what."
Kenpachi's eyes widened.
"You... actually have a way?"
"Because I happen to have a lot of cards in my hand, it is easier for me than most to find solutions."
As he spoke, Takeru swiftly drafted a document.
His pen moved quickly. It took only a few minutes.
"Take this."
He handed the document over.
"Bring it to the Kidō Corps headquarters and find Yushima Oshu. Have him and Kagerōza help you convert Yachiru into... a modified soul."
"A modified soul?"
Kenpachi took the paper and glanced at it. The formulas and theoretical notes packed across the page made his head hurt immediately.
"Yes. The simplest solution would have been to leave it to Mayuri, but he already has enough piled on his plate, so forget that. Yushima and Kagerōza are both highly skilled in this area as well. For this specific plan, they are more than capable."
Then Takeru briefly explained the principle.
"Lieutenant Kusajishi is the manifestation of your Zanpakutō, so it is natural for her to return to it. But she is not a normal manifested spirit. By taking advantage of that uniqueness and converting her into a modified soul, she can fuse with you at critical moments, allowing you to release your full power."
"And once your Bankai ends and you return to normal, she can leave your body again and continue existing outside it."
"More importantly, it will not create side effects for her. She can be understood as an independent life form separated from you."
"An Arrancar Ichigo once defeated fought in exactly that style. Before using Resurrección, they existed as two separate beings. Once Resurrección was activated, they merged into one, with one of them becoming a weapon. Incidentally... the one who turned into a weapon was also a little girl."
"So? Isn't that convenient?"
Kenpachi's eyes grew brighter with every word.
Because Takeru's explanation was so direct, even someone like him, who knew nothing about science, could understand it.
"Thanks. I owe you one. Yushima Oshu, right? I'm going to find him now."
"..."
Takeru and the Divine Bird, who had been looking up in mild confusion, exchanged a glance as Kenpachi jumped straight over her head and out through the corridor.
Really, one couldn't expect too much from a beast.
But still...
"Even beasts protect and cherish their own companions. In that regard, they're often more trustworthy than ordinary people."
Takeru rose and walked out to the corridor, placing both hands on the railing as he looked down over the vast domain below.
The haori on his body stirred in the wind.
So did the character [One] upon it, sharp and stirring like a blade drawn halfway from its sheath.
"Hitsugaya... Zaraki... once they mature further, they truly will not be inferior to the Gotei 13 of Captain Commander Yamamoto's era."
"My era has only truly begun now, with the arrival of this day."
.....
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