Chapter 53

Only six people remained: Unohana Retsu, Kyoraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jushiro, Kenpachi Zaraki, Kuchiki Bai Zai, and Shiba Isshin.

Now.

The most critical moment had already arrived!

The Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

Were in urgent need of fresh blood.

"Regarding the captain duties of Urahara, Yoruichi, Hirako Shinji, and others — select from the lieutenants as a priority."

"For squads whose vice-captains also fled, have the third seat step up!"

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni wore an expressionless face, decided the future promotions, and at the same time gently raised his head.

He gazed at the sky outside the window, narrowing his eyes.

Fifty years.

Kuchiki Senya, haven't you rested enough yet?

Below.

Each captain nodded in succession.

Even the most arrogant Kenpachi fell silent at this moment.

"If you have suitable candidates, you may also recommend them."

"Meeting adjourned."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni said softly.

Then, leaning on his cane, he walked out of headquarters, heading straight toward Senya Pavilion.

……

Not long after.

In front of Senya Pavilion.

Head Captain Yamamoto was dressed in an ordinary old man's clothes, leaning on his cane, looking at the bevy of beauties before him.

He slightly furrowed his brow.

According to the intelligence personnel's description, Kuchiki Senya was here right now.

Then.

He stepped inside with great difficulty.

Above.

Kuchiki Senya was drinking, and upon seeing an old man with an X-shaped scar on his head and snow-white beard, the corner of his mouth curled into an interested smile.

Old Man Yamamoto, you come to a place like this too?

"Send two girls over to entertain him."

……

When Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni left, his legs were trembling, and his beard was sticking straight up!

This Kuchiki Senya — if not for his talent, he would have just drawn Ryujin Jakka right then and there!

Thinking of the price he had just discussed with Kuchiki Senya.

Even the old man felt immense heartache.

However.

Being able to win over Kuchiki Senya — everything was worth it!

And Kuchiki Senya watched the old man's retreating back, holding in his hand a jet-black token inlaid with gold edges.

The token was blank.

This was the captain's token of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads — as long as he wished, he could be the captain of any division!

Originally.

He had refused.

But the conditions the old man offered were simply too tempting.

First.

He would only hold the title of captain, with the right to refuse any order, and daily duties would all be handled by the lieutenant.

However.

He would still be the highest commanding officer of a division, able to command and deploy all combat forces within the division.

And.

After discussion between the old man and the Central Forty-Six Chambers, the former territory of the Tsunayashiro Clan was allocated to him.

Although the Tsunayashiro Clan's wealth, after their destruction, had been divided up among the remaining three great noble families and the upper-rank nobles.

However.

In the noble district where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold, even just the Tsunayashiro Clan's mansion was a staggering fortune.

"They really put their money where their mouth is." The corner of Kuchiki Senya's mouth curved up slightly.

He himself.

Had only given up the title of captain — no one would bother him on a daily basis, no official business to handle, and he could still drink and amuse himself as he pleased.

However.

He had obtained, out of thin air, the combat strength of an entire division, plus the Tsunayashiro Clan's mansion worth a fortune.

Not bad.

Not bad at all!

Kuchiki Senya felt gratified in his heart, so he shifted his position and continued to lie there.

Tomorrow.

Was the day he would take up the position of captain.

He could choose one division to take over.

……

The next day.

The Thirteen Court Guard Squads, headquarters.

A drunken, swaying figure swaggered in through the door.

He wore a gold-trimmed shirt, a bottle of liquor in his hand, and a lazy, drunken expression on his face.

"Kuchiki Senya…"

Countless members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads recognized that figure.

Before.

He had single-handedly cut down dozens of Menos Grande, two captain-level combatants, and the strongest shield in Soul Society.

He was hailed as Soul Society's number one genius.

The wielder of the strongest offensive Zanpakuto, Heaven-Severing Myriad Forms — Kuchiki Senya!

Even so.

He looked like nothing more than a drunkard.

Not a single person dared look down on him; they all sized him up with reverent gazes.

"Go report to the captain! The Head Captain!"

……

Not long after.

Kuchiki Senya, received by Unohana Retsu, arrived at the captains' meeting room.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni sat high at the head.

And below.

Were six captains lined up in order.

Captain of the Fourth Division, Unohana Retsu.

Captain of the Sixth Division, Kuchiki Bai Zai.

Captain of the Tenth Division, Shiba Isshin.

Captain of the Eighth Division, Kyoraku Shunsui.

Captain of the Eleventh Division, Zaraki Kenpachi.

Captain of the Twelfth Division, Ukitake Jushiro.