Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

As Makoto and Gin engaged in their first honest conversation in over fifty years…

Yamamoto instructed Chōjirō to properly handle the aftermath of the Captain's test. Meanwhile, the Captain's Meeting continued its discussions regarding the promotion of new captains.

As expected, Soi Fon's overwhelming display of strength, coupled with the sheer destructive power of her Bankai and the backing of the Shihoin family, made her appointment as the new Captain of the Second Division a foregone conclusion.

However, the selection of the Third Division Captain became the center of heated debate.

Aizen and Komamura were among the most outspoken supporters of Makoto's appointment as the new Third Division Captain. Yet, their reasoning differed.

Aizen straightforwardly criticized Gin's temperament as being somewhat lacking and overly secretive. On the other hand, Komamura was thoroughly convinced by Makoto's character, determination, and strength.

Most of the other captains present also leaned towards Makoto's appointment.

There was no doubt that while Makoto's Bankai: Shinjo Kabutsu had its flaws, its devastating offensive and defensive capabilities were nothing short of astounding. Allowing someone with such talent to remain a mere Vice-Captain in the Fourth Division, away from the battlefield, seemed like an enormous waste.

As consensus gradually formed and Makoto's promotion to the Third Division Captain appeared imminent, Unohana, who had remained silent throughout, stepped forward from the ranks and spoke in her gentle voice.

"Makoto has yet to fully graduate. As his mentor, I believe he is not yet ready to become a captain."

Komamura, ever straightforward, frowned. "Captain Unohana, isn't that being a bit too harsh? Vice-Captain Senju is already exceptional."

"Too harsh?" Unohana smiled faintly. "I merely hold my disciple to the same standards as the first-generation captains. I do not consider it excessive. If anything, it ensures that captains are not appointed carelessly."

At her words, the atmosphere in the room became awkward.

It felt as if they had all just been slapped across the face, only to hear a voice in their ear saying, "You are all unworthy." And the worst part was—they couldn't argue against it.

As captains, they were well aware of their divisions' histories and had read about the fearsome strength of the first-generation captains.

Even the seasoned veterans like Kyōraku Shunsui clicked his tongue but chose to remain silent, unwilling to challenge the truth of Unohana's words.

After delivering her statement, Unohana bowed gracefully and stepped back into formation. However, to the other captains, this seemingly elegant gesture carried an undeniable sense of sharpness.

Her words, when slightly rephrased, essentially translated to:

"I am not singling anyone out, but all of you here are inadequate. So, perhaps Makoto should avoid joining this group of mediocrity for now."

Sensing the increasingly subdued atmosphere, Yamamoto tapped his staff against the floor, his voice steady as he made his announcement.

"Based on the opinions of the captains and Gin's demonstrated excellence in meeting the requirements, I, as the Captain-Commander, hereby appoint Ichimaru Gin as the new Captain of the Third Division."

The captains' expressions shifted, though none objected. They understood that the decision was final.

Yet, before anyone could fully digest the news, Yamamoto continued.

"Due to the complex developments in Hueco Mundo, an expeditionary force will be assembled, consisting of three captains working in cooperation, with a total of one thousand elite Shinigami. Who among you is willing to command the expedition?"

At this, the captains' eyes flickered with hesitation.

The position of Expeditionary Force Commander was undoubtedly a thankless task.

Hueco Mundo was a treacherous place, its environment hostile and unpredictable. Any Shinigami who set foot there would be met with relentless attacks from Hollows. The danger was self-evident.

Moreover, the intelligence gathered by the Twelfth Division indicated that spiritual pressure readings within Hueco Mundo had detected several Adjuchas-level Hollows far beyond normal expectations, further increasing the risks and uncertainties of the mission.

However, the moment Yamamoto finished speaking, Zaraki Kenpachi licked his lips in excitement and was the first to step forward.

"Let me go. I'll cut down every single one of those Hollows!"

Immediately after Zaraki, Komamura spoke in his usual resolute tone.

"For the stability of the Soul Society, I am willing to go to Hueco Mundo."

Next, Tōsen Kaname, his eyes covered in cloth, stepped forward and proclaimed,

"Justice must be upheld. As Shinigami, it is our duty to eradicate these Hollows."

One by one, Byakuya, Aizen, and Shiba Isshin also volunteered to join the expedition.

Yamamoto nodded slightly in approval.

Though these captains lacked the sheer might of the first-generation captains, they at least demonstrated loyalty and willingness to act. Compared to the older generations, who had often operated with autonomy, these captains were much easier to command.

Still, in Yamamoto's mind, the ideal choice for Expeditionary Force Commander was Kyōraku.

Unfortunately, Kyōraku seemed completely oblivious to Yamamoto's pointed gaze, remaining as carefree and silent as ever.

With no other options, Yamamoto's gaze swept over the captains who had volunteered. His eyes finally settled on the most composed and reliable among them—Aizen Sōsuke.

"I appoint Aizen Sōsuke, Captain of the Fifth Division, as the Expeditionary Force Commander."

Pausing for a moment, Yamamoto's gaze shifted slightly before he added,

"Tōsen Kaname, Captain of the Ninth Division, and the newly appointed Captain of the Third Division, Ichimaru Gin, will also be part of the expedition. The vice-captains selected for this mission are Chōjirō Sasakibe, Ise Nanao, Iba Tetsuzaemon, Shiba Kaien, and… Senju Makoto."

At the mention of the last name, Unohana's expression subtly shifted. However, after a brief moment of contemplation, she chose not to voice any objections.

'A sword without true battle experience will always be lacking. Perhaps this will be a good opportunity for Makoto's growth…' she mused, acknowledging that Yamamoto's decision was valid.

With vice-captains from multiple divisions assigned to the mission, they could oversee their own squads while ensuring proper coordination among the forces.

Furthermore, given the unique nature of the Fourth Division, Unohana's presence on the frontlines was impossible. In such circumstances, Makoto, as Fourth Division's Vice-captain, was the most suitable candidate to oversee medical support for the expedition.

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