One week later.
Accompanied by Rangiku, Toshiro headed to the 1st Division to attend the captains' meeting.
"Captain, what exactly is the purpose of this Captains' Meeting convened by the Captain-Commander?" Rangiku suddenly asked on the way.
"I don't know," Toshiro replied succinctly.
"You don't know? But didn't you say last time it was related to you?" Rangiku said, displeased.
Toshiro also said helplessly, "The Captain-Commander said it's related to me, but he didn't tell me the specifics either!"
"Huh?"
Toshiro suddenly saw several people ahead. It was Kyoraku, his Lieutenant, Ise Nanao, Ukitake, and 13th Division's Third Seat Kotetsu Kiyone.
After the former 13th Division's Lieutenant, Shiba Kaien's death, the Lieutenant position in the 13th Division had been vacant. It was concurrently held by Acting Lieutenants Kotetsu Kiyone and Kotsubaki Sentaro, both also Third Seats.
Kiyone was the younger sister of 4th Division's Lieutenant, Kotetsu Isane, but her short brown-yellow hair made her look like a boy.
In his previous life watching the Bleach anime, Toshiro once thought Kiyone was a boy until he accidentally discovered later that she, like her sister, was female.
"Yo, Shunsui, Jushiro." Toshiro stepped forward and greeted.
"Oh, Toshiro. Let's walk together," Kyoraku invited.
"Sure." Toshiro nodded.
As they walked, Kyoraku complained to Toshiro, "That Old Man Yama, really... Everything's fine lately, there's no major incidents. What's the point of calling a Captains' Meeting? I wanted to take leave and skip it, but got a good scolding instead."
Generally, during Captains' Meetings, if a Captain had matters preventing attendance, they could request leave. Of course, if it was something important, that was another matter.
Kyoraku thought about it; peace reigned recently, no major events. So he wanted to slack off and skip it, but ended up getting a stern reprimand from Yamamoto.
Hearing Kyoraku got scolded by Yamamoto, Toshiro felt too embarrassed to say the meeting was called specifically for matters related to him.
Toshiro said seriously, "Cough, Shunsui, I think Genryusai-sensei must have important matters, which is why he didn't want you absent."
"Well, perhaps..." Kyoraku said noncommittally.
Meanwhile, Captains from other divisions also headed towards the 1st Division, just like Toshiro and the others.
1st Division, Meeting Room.
Toshiro stood beside Kyoraku and Ukitake.
Toshiro surveyed his surroundings. He noticed that aside from Yamamoto, all thirteen Captains of the Gotei 13 were present without exception.
It showed how seriously Yamamoto regarded this Captains' Meeting.
'What exactly is this about?' Toshiro wondered inwardly.
Thud!
Yamamoto suddenly tapped his cane on the floor.
"Since everyone is present, let us begin!" Yamamoto said solemnly.
"Tch, really... What is this about? Why call a Captains' Meeting suddenly? Nothing major has happened in the Soul Society lately, right?" Mayuri said with some displeasure.
Today, Mayuri originally had an important experiment planned. As for the Captains' Meeting, he intended to request leave and skip it.
After all, aside from scientific research, Mayuri had little interest in anything else. Therefore, he rarely offered constructive opinions during Captains' Meetings.
In the past, even if he requested leave due to other matters, Yamamoto seldom bothered him, as long as he could produce what the Gotei 13 needed.
But this time, Yamamoto specifically ordered that no one could be absent.
Hearing Mayuri's words, the other Captains also looked at Yamamoto.
Yamamoto then said with a grave expression, "The reason I required everyone's presence this time is to announce a matter of great importance concerning the Gotei 13, even the Seireitei and the Soul Society."
Upon hearing Yamamoto's words, everyone's expressions turned serious.
Yamamoto continued, "One week ago, I engaged in a battle with 10th Division Captain, Hitsugaya Toshiro within the Dangai."
"What?!"
"With Captain Hitsugaya?"
All the Captains couldn't help but look at Toshiro.
Aizen, looking very curious, asked, "What was the outcome of the battle?"
Aizen's question voiced everyone's thoughts.
Toshiro's strength was exceptionally powerful, that was undeniable. Judging by the imposing aura displayed during his previous breakthrough, within the entire Gotei 13, aside from Yamamoto, probably no one was Toshiro's match (of course, they didn't know Aizen's true strength).
As for Yamamoto, there was no need to elaborate. After all, he's hailed as the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years.
In everyone's view, the battle between Toshiro, the Soul Society's number one prodigy, and Yamamoto, its strongest Shinigami, must have been spectacular. Not witnessing it up close was truly a great loss in life.
Thus, they cared even more about the outcome. Though in their view, Yamamoto should have won in the end. After all, he was the strongest Shinigami, right?
But what if?
What if the prodigy Toshiro staged a comeback and defeated the veteran powerhouse Yamamoto?
"As for the battle result... there was no result!"
"Hitsugaya Toshiro's strength is exceptionally formidable, not much inferior to my own. If we forced a decisive victory, it would inevitably lead to mutual heavy injuries."
"Moreover, the main reason I fought Captain Hitsugaya was to gauge his strength. So after achieving that purpose, I naturally concluded the battle," Yamamoto explained.
Hearing Yamamoto's words, these usually lofty Captains immediately started discussing like common folk.
Although they knew Toshiro was very strong, truly hearing that his strength could rival Yamamoto's still left them shocked.
"Cough, silence!" Yamamoto said solemnly.
"After my previous battle with Captain Hitsugaya, I believe he possesses the full capability to protect the safety of the Seireitei and the Soul Society. Therefore..."
"I hereby declare that 10th Division's Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro shall officially become the designated successor to the position of Captain-Commander. Do any of you... have objections?" Yamamoto looked at everyone and asked.