Chapter 16: Dissatisfaction From Other Captains
"Captain Tokikaze is truly impressive..."
A 9th Division member was speechless as he watched them disappeared into the horizon in an instant, muttering to himself subconsciously, "This time, Inuzuri really hit the nail on the head."
"Vice-Captain Matsumoto's transfer request was never a good intention from the beginning."
Rumors about Tokikaze quickly spread among the 9th Division members, causing this matter to rapidly circulate among the other Divisions' members.
...
On the way to the 1st Division barracks, Tokikaze, used Reishi to construct footholds and briefly hovered in the air.
As Shunpo was activated, his posture becomes more elegant.
The haori fluttered, producing a rustling sound behind him.
Thanks to his hairpin, only a few strands of his hair fell, while the rest fluttered on his cheek.
Due to their positions, Kyoraku Shunsui's gaze happens to fall on Tokikaze's face.
Eyebrows like ink, eyes like bright stars, handsome and graceful...
Even after growing up with him so many years, she still thought that Tokikaze was handsome.
Although they couldn't be considered childhood sweethearts, they had been together for decades.
Back in Rukongai, when Kyoraku Shunsui collapsed due to hunger and lay on the barren land waiting to die, a sudden figure and the gentle smile that occupied her entire field of vision were deeply engraved in her heart.
"From now on, follow me."
The boy's smile was like the first light after dawn, coloring the entire world.
"I am Tsunayashiro Tokikaze. Nice to meet you!"
The flashback made Kyoraku Shunsui's delicate face also reveal a smile.
After a moment of daze, she lifted her slender arm, gently resting it on Tokikaze's neck, leaning close to his ear, and whispered, "Captain, make sure to hold me tight."
"I don't want to be left behind..."
Feeling the warm and squeezing feeling, Tokikaze also adjusted his arm, bringing the two closer.
"Such a thing definitely won't happen."
They passed through building after building in a matter of seconds.
Tokikaze's unrestrained spiritual pressure also causes quite a commotion in the Seireitei.
However, this process didn't last too long, as the two landed in the 1st Division barracks almost immediately.
...
At the same time.
1st Division barracks, inside the Captain's meeting room.
Several familiar figures gathered here, and some of them chatted casually.
"The inauguration ceremony is about to begin, is Tokikaze going to be late again?"
Kyoraku Shunsui mumbled vaguely while chewing a grass he picked from somewhere:
"Even though he has become someone responsible for upholding the laws of the Soul Society, he still completely disregards the rules."
Upon hearing this, Ukitake Jushiro, who stood beside him, instinctively glanced at Yamamoto Genryusai.
Upon seeing that their teacher was still calm, Ukitake Jushiro reminded, "Ahem, Shunsui, don't cause unnecessary trouble to Captain Tokikaze. After all, this is his inauguration ceremony."
"Well, I understand the severity of the situation. Old man Yama is probably used to that kid's way of doing things."
Shunsui's voice becomes even more unclear, "Why does my mouth feel so numb..."
"Uh, I thought you were using a lipstick."
Ukitake Jushiro said, "Your lips have changed from normal color to black-purple."
"Captain Kyoraku, please spit out the grass in your mouth."
A gentle voice sounds behind the two.
Unohana Retsu smiled and reminded Kyoraku Shunsui, "The ziziphus plant is generally used to numb patients' nerves for operation, and its effects even surpass some Bakudo, but if you casually swallow it without any precautions, you might get poisoned..."
After finishing her words, Kyoraku Shunsui immediately spat out the ziziphus plant from his mouth in a panic.
"After the inauguration ceremony, I advise you to go to the comprehensive treatment ward of the 4th Division to get the prescription for the antidote." Unohana Retsu said softly with a smile still on her face.
As the current Captain of the 4th Division, she treated all injured and ill people equally regardless of how foolish the mistakes they made.
"I understand, thank you Captain Unohana," Kyoraku Shunsui said. He seemed somewhat upset as he rubbed his still numb mouth
"Is Captain Tokikaze late again?"
A voice came from under the komuso hat that belonged to quite a distinguishable Captain as he towered over the other Captains.
"Another man who doesn't care about rules."
Komamura Sajin expressed his disdain without holding back. "I think Tosen is more suitable to be the Captain of the 9th Division."
As one of Tosen's few good friends, Komamura Sajin and Tosen share similar ideologies to some extent. Because of this, the two often had discussions and exchanged their views on justice.
The fact that Tosen could not become the Captain of the 9th Division made Komamura Sajin feel somewhat upset. Moreover, Tokikaze's disregard for rules contradicted his principles of loyalty and righteousness, further deteriorating Komamura Sajin's impression of Tokikaze.
"You shouldn't say that," Aizen interrupted with a smile. "The assessment battle was a test that so many Captains in the past have gone through. Since Captain Tokikaze defeated Tosen, his position as Captain should be acknowledged by everyone."
As the famous amiable person in the whole Soul Society, Aizen's supportive words for Tokikaze didn't come off as a surprise everyone.
"Even so..." Komamura Sajin still harbored some dissatisfaction. "I just feel sorry for Tosen!"
At that moment, a voice interrupted the Captains' conversation.
"Since Captain Komamura feels sorry for Fifth Seat Tosen…." Tokikaze entered, pushing the door open with Matsumoto Rangiku following closely behind, "Why don't you request his transfer to 7th Division, and I'll approve the transfer!"
Even facing the odd gazes of the Captains, Tokikaze remained calm, responding with a confident smile on his handsome face.
"Good morning, everyone!"
Under the sunlight, the two figures stepped into the meeting room at a leisurely pace.
Tokikaze looked at the classic clock on the left side of the meeting room. "The timing is just right; I'm not late this time."
In the center of the meeting room, Yamamoto Genryusai held his cane, slowly opening his slightly closed eyes.
The next moment, a majestic Reiatsu swept through the entire meeting room, suppressing all movement.
Yamamoto Genryusai's aged voice echoed within:
"I believe all the Captains should have received the notification before this."
His stern gaze swept over everyone.
"Seven days ago, the assessment battle took place to select the new Captain for the 9th Division."
"After the discussion between me, Captain Kuchiki, and Captain Unohana, we unanimously agree that the results of the assessment battle meet the requirements."
"Therefore..."
Yamamoto Genryusai heavily struck the cane on the ground, and a loud sound reverberated in the meeting room.
"As of now..."
Yamamoto Genryusai's voice shook the room:
"I appoint the former Third Seat Tsunayashiro Tokikaze as the new Captain of the 9th Division!"