That last sentence finally struck a chord with Shunsui Kyoraku.
Before his eyes, the image of that old man seemed to surface again—the one who always wore a stern face, harshly scolding him for slacking off, yet standing like an immovable mountain in front of everyone during critical moments.
Yes, Old Man Yama was gone.
With responsibility looming ahead, if even he backed down, who would be left to protect Old Man Yama's home?
Shunsui Kyoraku sighed and slowly removed the bamboo hat he had worn for a century, revealing his deep, profound eyes.
He casually set the hat on the ground, straightened his floral haori, and bowed deeply to Kirio Hikifune.
"...I understand."
Shunsui's voice was no longer lazy; it carried a steady weight, as if he were about to shoulder the burden of the entire world.
"I, Shunsui Kyoraku, humbly accept this order. Until Head Captain Yamamoto returns, I will protect the Seireitei in his stead."
Seeing Shunsui finally take things seriously, Kirio Hikifune's expression softened.
"Good. Considering you are newly taking on this heavy responsibility, there will be many troublesome matters involving negotiations with the nobles."
"For the foreseeable future, I will remain in the Seireitei to assist you with the transition of division duties and authority," Kirio said. "Do what you must. With me backing you up, even if some nobles try to use this opportunity to cause trouble, they won't be able to make any waves."
"Thank you, Kirio-senpai," Shunsui nodded with a bitter smile.
He knew his days of living a carefree life were completely over.
Having settled the most important personnel appointment, Kirio unrolled the scroll once more.
"Next is the second decree."
She turned her gaze to Shinji Hirako and the others standing to the side, as well as Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin in the back.
"The Hollowfication Incident from back then has been investigated by the Soul King Palace. It was, in fact, a conspiracy orchestrated entirely by Sosuke Aizen."
"Shinji Hirako, Rojuro Otoribashi, Kensei Muguruma, and the others, along with Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin, are all victims who were falsely accused."
"As for the risks of Hollowfication, we have already confirmed them." She cast a meaningful glance at Shinji and chuckled. "They have perfectly controlled the mutations within their bodies, so please do not worry."
Upon hearing this, a slight commotion rippled through the atmosphere in the hall once again.
Although everyone was already well aware of the truth behind the events of the past, having this exoneration officially declared by Squad Zero carried an entirely different weight.
Soi Fon bit her lip tightly, looking at Yoruichi's back with a complex gaze.
She had once been filled with confusion over Yoruichi's betrayal, and even more so with anger and resentment for being left behind.
But now, with the truth fully revealed, she didn't know how to face the woman who had once been her idol.
"In the name of the Soul King," Kirio read aloud. "All charges against those involved in the Hollowfication Incident are pardoned immediately, and their reputations are restored."
"At the same time, given the current depletion of the Gotei 13's combat forces, we are formally requesting your input."
She looked at Shinji. "Are the three of you willing to don the Captain's haori once more and resume your posts as the Captains of the Fifth, Third, and Ninth Divisions?"
Kensei crossed his arms and scoffed coldly. "...Tch, fine. Seeing as the Seireitei is in such a pathetic state right now, I'll reluctantly come back and help out."
"Those brats in the Ninth Division must have had their brains washed out by that guy Tosen over the years. I'll need to whip them back into shape."
Rojuro elegantly ran a hand through his wavy blonde hair. "Although putting on a Shihakusho again somewhat ruins my artistic aesthetic, this is, after all, the arrangement of the symphony of fate... I accept."
Shinji stroked his chin, glancing at the empty spot in the lineup for the Fifth Division Captain.
That was the position that had once belonged to him.
"It's about time I personally take back what that bastard stole from me all those years ago."
"I accept the position of Fifth Division Captain."
"Excellent," Kirio nodded in satisfaction, then turned her gaze toward Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin.
"What about you two? Can you return to the Twelfth and Second Divisions? Or if you wish to join other divisions, that can be discussed as well."
"The Seireitei currently is in dire need of your wisdom and strength."
However, faced with this olive branch extended to him, Kisuke merely covered half his face with his folding fan and let out a light chuckle.
"Oh my, we appreciate your kind intentions, Kirio-senpai, but..."
Kisuke glanced at Yoruichi beside him, and the two exchanged a knowing look.
Yoruichi stepped forward, resting her hands on her hips with the carefree demeanor of a wildcat in the woods.
"Just like I told Shunsui earlier, we only came back this time to back up these poor guys and clear our names while we were at it."
"As for clocking back in to work as a Captain..."
She waved her hands repeatedly, a look of distaste on her face. "Spare me. I'm used to living freely in the World of the Living. I can't stand all this red tape in the Seireitei."
"The Second Division is doing just fine with Soi Fon in charge now. They don't need an old woman like me bossing them around."
Hearing this from within the crowd, Soi Fon's cheeks flushed red, and she quickly turned her head away.
Kisuke chimed in, "That's right. My little shop might be shabby, but at least I'm my own boss. I don't have to answer to anyone else."
"Besides, there are still plenty of interesting shows waiting for me to watch in the World of the Living. And isn't the Twelfth Division lively enough with Director Kurotsuchi running things now?"
Mayuri let out a sinister, cold snort from the side, clearly unamused by Kisuke's praise.
"However, please rest assured," Kisuke said, folding his fan as his expression turned serious. "Although we don't plan on officially rejoining the ranks, if there is any operation against Aizen, or if the Seireitei faces a crisis..."
"As allies of justice, we will absolutely not stand idly by. We will fully support the Gotei 13 from the shadows."
Kirio looked at their resolute attitudes and knew she couldn't force them, so she sighed.
"Very well... to each their own. As long as your hearts are still with the Soul Society, it doesn't matter where you are."
Having dealt with the matters concerning these old acquaintances.
Kirio finally shifted her gaze from the center of the hall to the out-of-place black-haired young man.
Asuka.
The atmosphere in the entire assembly hall became delicate once again.
How to handle Asuka was indeed a thorny issue currently facing the Seireitei.
He possessed combat strength far exceeding that of an ordinary Captain, and he acted without any scruples, seemingly completely disregarding the rules of the Soul Society.
What was even more troublesome...
None of his power originated from the Seireitei, and no one could clearly explain his origins.
If they tried to forcefully imprison him, it might trigger a tragic and bloody battle.
But if left unchecked, having such an unstable element with immense Soul Reaper powers roaming outside was simply a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any moment.
Therefore, whether it was the seasoned veteran Shunsui, or the younger generation like Soi Fon and Byakuya.
Over the past few days, they had all tacitly avoided causing trouble for Asuka, precisely because they wanted to see what arrangements the Soul King Palace would make.
"The third matter."
Kirio looked at Asuka, a smile on her chubby face.
"It is regarding you, Asuka of the Rukongai."
'Is it finally here?'
Hearing his name, Asuka let out a long breath.
'This boring meeting is finally coming to an end...'
"Let's hear it," he said calmly.