First Division Barracks.
Yamamoto was reviewing the casualty report.
With over a thousand Shinigami dead, this represented Seireitei's greatest loss in a millennium, and the war with the Wandenreich was far from over.
Even with the assistance of the Visored, the Arrancar, and the humans led by Shin, Seireitei had suffered a crushing defeat.
Yamamoto now had to seriously consider stepping down as Captain-Commander.
Just as Mayuri had pointed out, his decisions were riddled with errors. He had failed to heed his subordinates' advice and couldn't even discern the true identity of Yhwach.
He had been unable to prevent Aizen's betrayal or Yhwach's assault.
The repeated defeats of Yamamoto, who had long been considered invincible, undoubtedly dealt a severe blow to Seireitei's morale.
A new, authoritative Captain-Commander was desperately needed to lead the Gotei 13. Oherwise, Seireitei would face an even more complete defeat in the Wandenreich's next invasion.
Regarding the selection of his successor, Yamamoto had only two candidates in mind.
The first candidate was Shunsui, his former disciple, whom he knew inside and out.
Although Shunsui usually appeared frivolous and lazy, he actually possessed keen insight and was capable of making sound decisions.
Furthermore, Yamamoto was well aware that Shunsui's strength was among the highest echelon of the Captains.
The only thing that gave Yamamoto pause was Shunsui's lack of strict adherence to rules, a trait clearly demonstrated during the previous Ryoka invasion incident.
The second candidate was Unohana, whom Yamamoto himself had personally recruited into the Gotei 13 a thousand years prior.
Before that, Unohana had been known as the "Greatest Criminal," but she had not drawn her blade since transferring to become the Captain of 4th Division.
Unohana was exceptionally calm and composed, always capable of making the right judgment calls in emergencies, and possessed ample leadership skills.
Before the current conflict with the Wandenreich, Yamamoto had always worried that Unohana would be unable to control her killing intent once she drew her blade. However, that issue seemed to have been resolved by Shin.
This time, Unohana not only killed members of the Sternritter but also annihilated a large number of Quincy Soldiers, alleviating the pressure on the regular Shinigami.
Most crucially, Unohana maintained a very good relationship with Shin.
Although Yamamoto was reluctant to admit it, Soul Society had benefited greatly from Shin's assistance.
Shin's power was sufficient to make both Aizen and Yhwach wary, and his help would be essential in future clashes with the Wandenreich.
Moreover, during this battle, another powerful, unidentified young woman had appeared alongside Shin.
Furthermore, Ichigo and the others in the Human World placed greater trust in Shin.
Considering all these factors, Yamamoto was temporarily unable to decide which of the two was the more suitable successor.
Just then, a report came from outside the barracks.
"Captain-Commander, Captain Kyōraku of the 8th Division requests an audience."
Yamamoto replied, "Let him enter."
A few moments later, Shunsui, wearing an eye patch, entered. He, too, had refused to let Orihime heal his injured eye.
"Old man, how are you holding up?" Shunsui asked, looking with concern at the haggard Yamamoto lying on the cot.
Yamamoto asked, "I am fine. Kyōraku, what brings you to see me?"
Shunsui began, "I mainly wanted to inquire about your plans for the future. The Wandenreich's invasion won't simply stop, the next assault will only be fiercer."
Yamamoto certainly understood that logic. "I am considering that very matter. Have Urahara and Kurotsuchi's research yielded any results yet?"
"Not yet."
Yamamoto remained silent for a moment, then asked, "Kyōraku, do you have any other business?"
Shunsui nodded. "Yes, there is one more thing. I was thinking that you, old man, should ask Captain Unohana to train Captain Zaraki."
Unohana held Yamamoto in high regard, which was why Shunsui wanted Yamamoto to personally request her assistance.
Yamamoto's eyes narrowed upon hearing this.
Shunsui seemed oblivious and continued, "Captain Zaraki, as one of the Six Special War Powers, single-handedly defeated two Sternritters in this operation. If we can restore him to his peak strength and allow him to master Bankai, our chances of victory will increase dramatically."
The information regarding the Six Special War Powers had already spread throughout Soul Society, primarily leaked by members of the Sternritter.
"The Six Special War Powers?"
Yamamoto recalled Yhwach mentioning them in passing.
Shunsui explained, "Yes, they are the individuals Yhwach supposedly designated as obstacles to his plans: Aizen, Zaraki, Nohara, Urahara, Ichigo, and Ichibe."
"Regarding the training of Captain Zaraki, what are your thoughts, old man?"
Yamamoto asked, "Do you know what will happen once Captain Unohana and Captain Zaraki fight?"
Shunsui's face became solemn, and he sighed, "Only one of them is destined to survive."
Then, changing his tone, he added, "But there can only be one Kenpachi in an era."
If Shin were here and heard that, he would certainly spray Shunsui right in the face.
"I understand. You may leave now." Yamamoto closed his eyes.
"Understood."
Shunsui said nothing further and promptly took his leave.
Yamamoto had already made his decision.
—
The following morning.
"Send Chōjirō in."
Yamamoto spoke to the area outside the barracks.
Chōjirō quickly arrived at the bedside.
"Genryūsai-sama, did you summon me?"
Yamamoto sighed feelingly, "Chōjirō, by my reckoning, you have served and assisted me for over two thousand years now."
"Yes, Genryūsai-sama."
Chōjirō was slightly confused about Yamamoto's intentions.
"Now is the time for me to retire. I hope you will remain as the Lieutenant of the 1st Division and assist the new Captain."
Yamamoto finally stated the reason he had summoned Chōjirō.
Chōjirō's eyes widened in shock. "But... Genryūsai-sama, why? How can Seireitei possibly function without your leadership?"
"Chōjirō, I am old. Remaining as the Captain-Commander will only be detrimental to Soul Society, not beneficial."
"But..." Chōjirō tried to interject.
Yamamoto cut him off. "Just think of it as me wanting to rest. I will be moving to Shin'ō Academy from now on."
"In that case, I am willing to follow you, Genryūsai-sama."
Yamamoto waved his hand dismissively. "Chōjirō, you are my right-hand man. With your assistance, the new Captain-Commander will be able to take over matters much faster."
"Once the new Captain-Commander is settled, I will no longer stand in your way."
Hearing this, Chōjirō ceased his protest.
"Then, Genryūsai-sama, who is the choice for the new Captain-Commander?"
Yamamoto looked up at the ceiling and slowly stated, "Captain Unohana of the 4th Division."