Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"If we're discussing this topic, please allow me to listen in as well."

Unohana Retsu, who had been sitting quietly with a calm expression, suddenly spoke, smiling at Kyōraku Shunsui.

"After all, these will be our future colleagues. Knowing a little in advance will help us prepare accordingly."

At the same time—

Kuchiki Ginrei, who usually refrained from speaking and maintained a detached stance, also chimed in.

"That's true. If there is relevant information on this matter, please do share it with me."

Not far away, Kenpachi remained indifferent, turning his head slightly as if uninterested in the discussion.

Kyōraku Shunsui, the scheming old fox, let out a nervous chuckle as cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

Are you kidding me? Even the silent types are suddenly getting involved…

He had only intended to share some private gossip with Ukitake.

But with so many captain seats vacant, even idle conversation easily attracted attention.

Behind him, Ukitake Jūshirō was clearly stifling a laugh.

With a sigh, Kyōraku removed his straw hat and began fiddling with the strands of hair hanging over his forehead.

"It's not exactly top-secret intel. Just bits and pieces of chatter, really."

"To summarize, it's actually quite simple~"

"The Second, Fifth, Ninth, and Twelfth Divisions will be appointing their captains through internal selection, voting, and final evaluation within their ranks."

Despite his usual carefree attitude, when it came to business, he could be surprisingly reliable.

Hearing this, everyone immediately grasped the significance of the information.

Kuchiki Ginrei mused thoughtfully,

"I see. So there's a possibility that these appointments are merely emergency measures?"

In other words—

These appointments were more akin to interim positions.

This often happened when no viable external candidates were available.

A classic example was the Eleventh Division—when a captain was chosen internally, they gained the squad's approval but lacked a formal selection process.

As a result, once the crisis passed, an external recruitment process could still take place.

Of course, such occurrences were rare.

Seireitei had existed for less than two thousand years, and the total number of captains throughout history likely hadn't even reached a hundred.

Kyōraku rolled his newly curled strand of hair between his fingers, then half-turned toward Kuchiki Ginrei with a playful smile.

"Theoretically, yes. But Old Man Yama isn't fond of unnecessary trouble, so I doubt he'll go through the hassle of rearranging everything later~"

Ukitake, however, had a different opinion.

"Don't be ridiculous. The Gotei 13 is Seireitei's backbone. Captain-Commander Yamamoto would never be so careless with its leadership."

"You're overthinking it, Ukitake. It's a time of crisis, and the old man isn't some stubborn traditionalist. He'll take shortcuts where needed~"

As he spoke, Kyōraku suddenly paused, as if something had just dawned on him.

"Ah, right. There's another interesting rumor going around."

"One of our new colleagues might be a very promising young talent…"

Ukitake sighed in exasperation.

"And this is exactly what I mean when I say your attitude—"

Bang!

The door burst open.

Sasakibe Chōjirō strode into the room, scanning the gathered captains.

"The Captain-Commander will be arriving shortly."

Unohana closed her eyes, placing her hands together serenely, her composure as tranquil as the moon.

Kuchiki Ginrei straightened his posture, lifting his chin and tensing his facial muscles.

Kyōraku held his straw hat in front of his face, bowing his head and closing his eyes in feigned contemplation.

Ukitake pressed his lips together, his brows furrowing, as if holding back something unsaid.

The previously lighthearted atmosphere grew solemn.

Moments later—

The steady, deliberate sound of approaching footsteps echoed from outside the room.

Gripping his long staff, clad in his captain's haori, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni entered the hall and proceeded directly to the central seat.

Once he stood in place—

The old man inhaled deeply, then lifted his head.

"Everyone, we are gathered here for one reason."

"The vacancies left by the Hollowfication incident."

"These captain seats—must be filled today."

With the shortage of personnel—

The usual bureaucratic processes had been streamlined, leaving only this direct, effective approach.

Thud.

A deep, resonant sound filled the room.

Yamamoto's voice carried an even heavier tone.

"Over the past three days, internal selections and voting have taken place."

"The following individuals have been chosen…"

"…to assume command of their respective divisions."

"According to the votes, decisions, and confirmations, the selections will now be announced."

"However, these choices are not final. As current captains, you are free to raise objections or concerns."

This was both a captain's right and their duty.

A brief pause.

Yamamoto's eyes opened slightly.

"All of this… is for the safety of Seireitei."

Sasakibe, seemingly in sync, stepped forward and unfolded the documents in his hands.

With a firm voice, he read aloud—

"By internal vote, the newly appointed Captain of the Twelfth Division… Kurotsuchi Mayuri!"

Boom!

Dressed in normal attire for once, Mayuri strode into the room.

"Tch. Wasting my precious research time for something like this? Making me get up early just to prepare… My examinations on Nemu have already been delayed!"

Ignoring his complaints—

Kyōraku glanced at his flamboyant outfit and muttered,

"See? That's the guy I mentioned earlier. Originally from the Maggot's Nest, but his research skills are undeniable—he may even rival Urahara."

Keeping his voice low, he continued,

"…Though it'd be nice if he dressed normally."

Not gonna happen.

Sasakibe pressed on.

"By internal vote, the newly appointed Captain of the Second Division… Sui-Fēng!"

Thud!

With a cold expression, the slender woman strode forward, her hair neatly tied, exuding a sharp, disciplined aura.

She took her place where Yoruichi once stood, standing tall, hands clasped behind her back, eyes unwavering.

She bore a striking resemblance to Sasakibe in terms of strict formality.

Kyōraku smirked.

"You know, the original plan was to have Yūshirō take this position."

"Logically, it made the most sense. I even agreed with it. But… why isn't he here?"

"Because he nominated her."

Tilting his head, Kyōraku chuckled.

"Said this girl has the potential to match Yoruichi in the future."

High praise indeed.

Whether or not it was true—

Time would tell.

"By internal vote, the newly appointed Captain of the Ninth Division… Tōsen Kaname!"

Hiss…

Unlike the previous two, Tōsen quietly pushed the door open and walked in without a sound.

Low-profile, composed, steady—

The kind of demeanor that old-school figures preferred.

Steady individuals were easier to trust.

"He was the top-ranked candidate within the division, with overwhelming support."

Ukitake gave Tōsen a long look.

"For someone blind to have reached this level… remarkable."

Regardless, his respect was genuine.

"By internal vote, the newly appointed Captain of the Seventh Division… Komamura Sajin!"

Thud!

A towering figure entered, clad in heavy armor, his face obscured by a mask.

A massive presence, solemn and imposing.

"This one was also chosen internally. Though he doesn't reveal his face, I hear he has some history with the old man."

"Another student of the Captain-Commander?"

"Not quite—just someone he looked after in the past."

(Note: While Komamura's entry into the Gotei 13 remains unclear, even Shinji acknowledged him, suggesting he was already in the division.)

"By internal vote, the newly appointed Captain of the Third Division… Aizen Sōsuke!"

Rustle.

As the doors swung open, a composed, gentle-looking man entered, flashing a warm smile.

There was no need for words—he would have plenty of time for introductions later.

For now, taking his seat was the priority.

And Kyōraku's commentary continued.

"He was the Fifth Division's lieutenant, but unexpectedly transferred to the Third Division."

"No one knows why, but he was very insistent about it."

Beyond that—

There was little additional information.

Ukitake frowned slightly, as if something had dawned on him.

"Wait… If Aizen left, then the only person remaining in the Fifth Division is…"

Exactly.

Me.

Without a hint of emotion, Sasakibe made the final announcement.

"By internal vote, the newly appointed Captain of the Fifth Division… Arima Seiya!"

Clap.

The door was thrown open.

Dressed in his Shihakushō, Zanpakutō at his side, Seiya strode in, his high ponytail swaying as he flashed a bright, confident smile.

What should he say?

There wasn't much time.

So he kept it simple, but meaningful—

"Long time no see."

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