BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

Soul Society – 12th Division, Technology Development Bureau

In the Technology Development Bureau, Kurotsuchi Mayuri glanced at a document during a brief pause in his research.

"Speaking of which, the third seat of the 6th Division is called Aki… what was it again?"

"Akira," Nemu Kurotsuchi responded.

"Oh, Akira. He hasn't returned to Soul Society for over a week, has he?"

"Yes. The second Boundary Piercing Seal has never been successfully activated."

Kurotsuchi Mayuri nodded, a glint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. "What a pity. His Zanpakutō is still valuable research material."

As for Akira's current status, Mayuri had no doubts or hesitation in his conclusion.

After all, what happens when a mere third seat remains stranded in Hueco Mundo, surrounded by formidable enemies, for more than a week?

The answer was obvious—he must have perished, leaving nothing behind but scattered bones.

Just then—

"Ding!"

A sharp notification tone rang from the monitoring instrument.

Kurotsuchi Mayuri froze for a moment before realizing what it was—the alarm he had personally set.

The alert that would activate only when the second Boundary Piercing Seal was successfully used!

"What's this? Could it be… the second Boundary Piercing Seal was activated? At this moment?!"

His expression twisted into one of shock and disbelief.

Could it be that Akira had actually returned?!

If he had truly come back… then that meant…

Without wasting another second, Mayuri grabbed Nemu and strode forward.

"Let's go! To the 6th Division barracks!"

Hueco Mundo – A Short While Earlier

"Hey… Akira, are you really leaving?"

Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck asked, her voice tinged with reluctance.

"Yeah."

Akira turned to look at Nel and Ulquiorra Cifer.

"But don't worry—we'll meet again in the future."

Ulquiorra gave a slight nod, while Nelliel clenched her fists, her resolve strengthening.

"I have to complete my Arrancarization as soon as possible!"

Under their watchful gazes, Akira activated the Boundary Piercing Seal, stepping into the Garganta.

Hueco Mundo no longer had anything of value for him at the moment, so he decided to return to Soul Society—to find a way to resolve his existential crisis.

Upon exiting the Garganta, Akira found himself in the familiar surroundings of Seireitei.

As he made his way toward the 6th Division, he noticed numerous division members gathered, all heading toward the discussion hall.

"Hmm? What's going on? Why is the entire 6th Division assembling?"

He was puzzled. There weren't any major events scheduled after the seat test, so what warranted such a large-scale gathering?

Curious, he concealed his Reiatsu and moved stealthily to eavesdrop on their conversation.

With his mastery over spiritual pressure, even a Lieutenant-class officer would struggle to detect him if he chose to hide.

"...That third seat, honestly, I admired him quite a bit."

"Oh? And why's that?"

"Think about it—he rose from humble beginnings, but like a dazzling star, he climbed the ranks in an instant!"

At this, another soldier scoffed.

"So what? He's fallen now, hasn't he?"

"Well… yeah. Who told him to go against the Four Noble Houses? They are the ruling class of Soul Society."

The speaker sighed, shaking his head.

"In the end, he was persecuted, forced into Hueco Mundo, and probably died there—without even a grave to mark his passing."

"Going against the Four Great Noble Clans? That was a death sentence from the start! And look—he hasn't even been gone long, and the Captain is already announcing a new third seat."

Hearing this, Akira finally understood.

As third seat, he had been a high-ranking officer, second only to the Vice-Captain in authority. Naturally, choosing a replacement required the presence of the entire division for the official announcement.

A sneer formed on his lips.

"Heh… Byakuya Kuchiki. I haven't even begun settling the score with you."

With that, Akira turned toward the 6th Division barracks, ready to crash the assembly.

…

In the courtyard of the Sixth Division, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Lieutenant Renji Abarai stood at the forefront. Before them, over two hundred Shinigami of the Sixth Division had assembled, awaiting the announcement.

Byakuya surveyed the gathered officers before speaking in his usual calm, authoritative tone.

"The former Third Seat, Akira, has been presumed dead due to mission failure."

His words were devoid of sentiment or grief. Despite the loss of a division officer, there was no moment of remembrance—only a matter-of-fact statement regarding the circumstances of his demise.

"As such, a replacement will be appointed to fill the vacant position."

Byakuya's tone left no room for discussion. He continued without hesitation.

"The new Third Seat will be Kuchiki Rōdō. Does anyone have any objections?"

His sharp gaze swept over the assembled officers. The question was merely a formality—Byakuya's decisions were rarely challenged, and dissent was not expected.

Kuchiki Rōdō, standing among the division members, smirked slightly. The promotion had come faster than he anticipated.

"Since no one has raised any objections, then—"

"I object."

A cold, familiar voice rang out from outside the courtyard.

A murmur of shock rippled through the crowd.

"What?"

"Who dares to oppose the Captain's decision?"

"Who is bold enough to—"

Even Byakuya's brows furrowed slightly. The voice… it was familiar.

All eyes turned toward the entrance.

There, standing in the doorway, was a figure clad in a tattered Shihakushō. His presence alone sent a wave of astonishment through the division.

It was Akira.

Gasps and murmurs filled the air.

"He's alive!?"

"But… he was sent to Hueco Mundo alone… there was no way he could have survived!"

Yet there he stood, completely unscathed.

But there was little time to dwell on the impossible. Byakuya's cold gaze bore into him.

"You are not qualified to object," he stated icily. "Your mission required you to return to the Soul Society within three days of reconnaissance in Hueco Mundo. It is now the eighth day. You have violated direct orders."

"Therefore, not only will you be stripped of your rank, but you will also face disciplinary action for insubordination."

Anyone listening could tell that this was more than just about rules—it was a clear attempt to remove him from the division. After all, demoting a Third Seat for exceeding a mission deadline was an unusual punishment.

Akira's expression remained unfazed.

"Is that so…" he muttered. Then, with an almost indifferent shrug, he added, "Fine. I don't want the Third Seat."

His response sent another wave of confusion through the crowd.

Wasn't he the type to resist authority? Why was he backing down so easily?

Renji scoffed. "Hah… so after all that, you finally learned your place?"

But Akira wasn't finished.

With an icy smirk, he raised his sword and pointed it directly at Byakuya.

"Because… I have no need for the Third Seat." His voice was steady, unwavering. "I challenge Byakuya Kuchiki for the Captain's seat."

A stunned silence fell over the courtyard.

And then, chaos erupted.

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