Chapter 25

Well, since all the squad captains are here! No more nonsense—I won't say more here. The Thirteen Court Guard Squads' squad captains' meeting, officially begins……

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, as the Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, stood among them at the forefront of the first-generation squad captains, and began the opening remarks of each squad captains' meeting.

Before Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the squad captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads listened attentively—at least on the surface they all put on an act of listening seriously, giving Yamamoto this Captain-Commander full face.

At least in terms of obedience, the currently so-called 'strongest' and known as the most decisive first-generation Thirteen Court Guard Squads are far superior to the later generations—Ichigo Kurosaki and others, the 'calamity' who invaded Soul Society……

Because there is someone who refuses to reveal their name, a hair gel user who constantly stirs up trouble in the Thirteen Squads, all the captains harbor hidden motives, each with their own thoughts—making the Thirteen Court Guard Squads far stronger!

Not for any other reason, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, in his prime, doesn't understand what 'worldly affairs' means—if someone doesn't listen, he truly comes down hard on them!

However, although the squad captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads indeed gave Yamamoto face on the surface, what really goes on behind the scenes is unknown……

For example, a high-ranking disciple personally taught by Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni is currently spacing out badly.

Yes, the high-ranking disciple who is spacing out while listening to Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's talk is none other than Araki.

Sigh……

Araki appears to be listening to his master's speech, but in his heart he is constantly sighing.

"What the heck is this all about?!"

Araki feels deep concern, even anxiety, about the looks of the odd-numbered squad captains.

Starting with Squad 3's captain Yan Yuan Jin Lei and going all the way to Squad 13's captain Niggu Cazang, each one, though not outright bizarre in appearance, is still hard to look at.

Among the odd-numbered squad captains, Araki only finds one bearable to look at—the captain of Squad 5……

As for the captain of the Fifth Division, Weihua Dan'er Lang, there's no need to say more—he has a head of brown, messy hair plus a short ponytail braid, paired with a rugged face and sturdy muscles, completely the look of a handsome uncle……

Weihua Dan'er Lang was, before Huangmu entered the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, the face value representative among the male captains of the odd-numbered divisions~

Furthermore, among these odd-numbered division captains, the only one who actually looks like a person, in Huangmu's view, is the captain of the Third Division, Yan'yuan Jinle……

In fact, Huangmu's reason for classifying the current captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads' Third Division, Yan'yuan Jinle, as a monster is not because of Yan'yuan Jinle's appearance or looks, but due to other reasons on Yan'yuan Jinle's person……

The captain of the Third Division, Yan'yuan Jinle, has a slightly pallid complexion, somewhat harsh features, a head of light green short hair pressed tightly to the scalp, styled into a shiny, oily pompadour; although Yan'yuan Jinle cannot be called handsome, he still has a personal appearance, at least his looks are impeccable! It's just that Yan'yuan Jinle's outfit, Huangmu really can't praise……

Huangmu simply cannot understand what mindset Yan'yuan Jinle has to choose to wear the same pale yellow sunglasses as 【Huangyuan】, while over his death-garb outfit, approximately at the waist, he also chooses to wear the same green waist guard as 【Suolong】……

Oh, it might also be a belt…… In any case, Yan'yuan Jinle's understanding of fashion has far surpassed Huangmu's.

In terms of trendiness, Huangmu would call Yan'yuan Jinle the trendiest! Of course, the captain of the Third Division, Yan'yuan Jinle, compared to the captains of the Seventh, Ninth, and Thirteenth Divisions, still has a somewhat personal appearance~

As for the captain of the Seventh Division, Zhixing Naiwugang; the captain of the Ninth Division, Jiumian Jingyantie; and the captain of the Thirteenth Division, Niggu Cazang—their appearances, in Huangmu's view, are no longer comprehensible as human beings; they are simply demons and monsters!

"I really want to go to the even-numbered division captains' side! This lineup of odd-numbered division captains is not suitable for someone as handsome as me……"

Huangmu, for a moment, suddenly felt a bit lonely.

"Who among family would understand? He's a big handsome guy, yet forced to stand among a crowd of demons and monsters—truly out of place~"

Sigh, sometimes Huangmu also feels anxious about his own handsome appearance; being too handsome only makes the surrounding demons and monsters look even uglier~

In a moment, Huangmu made a decision deep inside; he decided to first think of a way to switch divisions, then talk about it……

Thinking this, Huangmu's gaze locked onto, similarly to himself, standing out conspicuously out of place in his own formation, the captain of the Twelfth Division of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, Shanding Si Youbin.

It's just that Huangmu, because of his past handsomeness, stands out somewhat out of place among the lineup of odd-numbered division captains, all of whom are melons and cracked dates!

And the captain of the Twelfth Division, Shanding Si Youbin, is so utterly melon-faced and cracked-date-like that, while not exactly handsome or beautiful among the crowd, he still has a somewhat human appearance, yet stands out somewhat out of place among the lineup of even-numbered division captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

In Huangmu's view, if he swapped places with the captain of the Twelfth Division, Shanding Si Youbin, it would be perfect~

Thinking this, Huangmu decided that when he had some free time, he could go ask Old Man Shan how to arrange seating when switching shifts……

"Well then, please have the new captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads' Eleventh Division, Captain Huangmu, introduce himself to everyone."

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo, after rambling on about a bunch of nonsense, suddenly looked toward Huangmu in the crowd and invited him to come forward.

"Eh?!"

Huangmu, who was spacing out while standing in the formation, upon hearing his master's words, first blinked slightly, then strode forward to stand beside Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo.

"Well then, I'll just say a couple of things……"

"As you all see, for various reasons, starting today I am the new captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads' Eleventh Division! From now on, I will be your colleague; if you have any problems, feel free to come to the Eleventh Division to find me—I have no other merits, just a warm heart……"

While Huangmu was saying this, he was looking at Luqu Baiyunzhai the whole time.

Regarding the troubles faced by Captain Luqu, Huangmu is still happy to help; as for troubles faced by other division captains, stay far away from him—don't bother him!

"In short, because I only arrived at the Seireitei half a month ago, I still don't fully understand the work of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads; if there are any shortcomings, please bear with me!"

"Of course, if you can't find me in the Eleventh Division's barracks during daily duties, you can directly go first to our division's vice-captain—Officer Maozhi Lie!"

"To be frank, although I currently hold the position of captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads' Eleventh Division, in reality the Eleventh Division is still being managed by Captain Maozhi!"

Huangmu, smiling, addressed the crowd of demons and monsters before him.

Most of what Huangmu said were pleasantries; sounding gentle, they made people feel like they were basking in a spring breeze, utterly comfortable!

But in reality, the translation is that although he nominally holds the title of Eleventh Division captain, actually the affairs of the Eleventh Division are completely not under his management……

If you're looking for him regarding Eleventh Division matters, there's no need—just go directly to Maozhi Lie!

"That's about all I wanted to say……"

"As for the rest, whatever, I'll think it over and add it in a later meeting~"

After Huangmu finished speaking, he directly returned to his formation and stood there with a faint smile.

As Huangmu's words fell……

The leaders of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads all changed expression.

"What do you mean 'I'll think it over and add it in a later meeting'? That's practically acting like the commander-in-chief of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads……"

The captain of the Seventh Division, Zhixing Naiwugang, glanced sideways at Huangmu behind him and muttered under his breath.

"Most importantly, Commander-in-Chief Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo has no intention of rebutting, which is quite worth pondering~"

Standing near the Seventh Division's captain Zhixing Naiwugang, the Ninth Division's captain Jiumian Jingyantie, with his glasses perched on his nose bridge refracting strange light, clearly has a mind that is delicate and utterly opposite to his outward appearance.

"It seems that the relationship between this newly arrived captain and Commander-in-Chief Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo is even closer than we imagined!"

"However, our speculations actually mean nothing at all! The most important thing is still to see what Commander-in-Chief Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo will say next……"

The captain of the 3rd Division, Yan Yuanjin Lei, also seemed to notice that the air carried a somewhat solemn atmosphere.

Hehe, Captain Araki, that self-introduction of yours was splendid! So, everyone, is there anything else you'd like to ask?

Just as Yan Yuanjin Lei turned his gaze toward Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni standing before everyone, the ever-silent Captain-Commander Yamamoto finally spoke……

Seeing the usually stern Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, after hearing Araki's remarks, he rarely showed a hint of a smile, his words utterly unguarded, revealing his appreciation and affirmation of Araki.

Huh?!

This seemed like a signal, directly letting those present—the captains of the first generation of the Gotei 13—understand something.

I was saying, why did Captain-Commander Yamamoto insist that all the captains of the Thirteen Divisions must attend this captains' meeting and not allow any sick or personal leave? Turns out it was to introduce the 'Heir Apparent'!

In an instant, the gazes of all the Thirteen Division captains as they sized up Araki changed; only then did they realize Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's purpose in summoning everyone to this meeting. It turned out the Captain-Commander aimed to give his successor a stage!

After all, these captains of the first-generation Gotei 13 are all notorious villains who echo through Soul Society; don't let their obedient front in front of Yamamoto fool you……

Moreover, Yamamoto Genryūsai is the fiercest and most wicked among them! If anyone else stood in the Captain-Commander's position, Soul Society would be in chaos the very next day, and no one else could keep them in check!

……

For a moment, all the captains fell silent, each lost in thought; though they spoke not a word, anyone could see they were dissatisfied with Araki.

Naturally they wouldn't say it outright, after all, from the moment they entered the First Division conference room, the spiritual pressure emanating from Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni standing before the captains was like a volcano about to erupt, constantly burning, building up…… At this point, anyone who raised an objection would likely be strung up and beaten by Yamamoto!

Why is everyone's atmosphere so weird? It feels really strange……

However, there is one exception: Saito Burou Bushi, this middle-schooler‑aged chuunibyou girl, who completely fails to grasp why the atmosphere at the venue is so weird.

Hey, at least try to read the air!

As for that, the Thirteen Division captains have no energy left to retort; Saito Burou Bushi simply can't read the air at all.

Ahem……

Since nobody has any objections, let's end this captains' meeting here! Dismissed!

In the end, it was Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni who, with a light cough, concluded this captains' meeting—the first Araki had ever attended, which left him feeling extraordinarily awkward.

Let's go! Let's go!

After Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni announced the dismissal, the captains immediately hurried out of that oppressively heavy, gloomy conference room……

Huh?!

What on earth happened?

How did the meeting just disband like that?

Saito Burou Bushi stared at the bafflingly adjourned meeting before her, looking utterly confused; she had no idea what had been discussed, everything seemed nonsensical.

It began nonsensically, and ended nonsensically……

Saito, let's go~ let's go~

With her childlike charming face and alluring curves, Rokutori Baku'un Sai gazed at the dazed Saito standing in place, sighed helplessly, then grabbed Saito's left arm and tried to pull her out of the conference room.

Wait, I still have something to discuss with Araki……

Saito glanced at Rokutori beside her, shook her head slightly, thinking of heading back with Araki; though the Sixth and Eleventh Divisions aren't on the way, she could bear a slight detour.

Come on, let's go, let's go~

Captain Araki, it's obvious you still have business with the Captain-Commander!

You want to see Captain Araki, but there's no rush at all~

Just as Saito was about to push Rokutori aside, but found herself unable to get a grip because Rokutori's ample bosom had completely engulfed her forearm……

At that moment, a teasing voice sounded from Saito's right, and she felt her right arm also being seized.

Damn it, Chigusa!

Saito didn't need to turn around to know that voice belonged to Shihoin Chigusa.

Let's go! Let's go!

Well then, Captain Araki, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, we'll be off now~

Take your time chatting~

Without letting Saito say another word, Shihoin Chigusa and Rokutori Baku'un Sai each took one of Saito's arms—one her right, one her left—and forcibly dragged Saito Burou Bushi out of the First Division captains' meeting room.

Click~

Along with the sound of the conference room door closing!

For a moment, the vast conference room held only Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni and Captain Araki, the two Thirteen Division captains.

How come you want to ask about the 'heir' matter?

Yamamoto Genryūsai asked his disciple.

Let's not talk about that for now……

Araki, upon hearing that, lightly shook his head.

Oh?!

Genryūsai froze upon hearing that, evidently Araki's words had surprised him; he had thought Araki would privately consult him and give up inheriting the mantle of the Gotei 13 he had built! If that were truly the case, he'd probably have to give his wayward pupil a long‑overdue lecture today!

Indeed, Yamamoto isn't afraid Araki has ambition; he fears Araki will spend his life accomplishing nothing! Araki lacking ambition would truly be the death of him! Even if Araki someday fell to hell, he wouldn't rest there—he'd have to claw his way out and then, with the flames of his Ryūjin Jakka, give Araki a sound thrashing!

Hey, old man Yamamoto, have you heard of the Quincy?

Those archery‑loving folks, lately they seem to have gotten a bit restless under the leadership of their Quincy 'Emperor'~

Araki had no intention of beating around the bush with Yamamoto; he simply laid out the information he knew.

Given the relationship between Araki and Yamamoto……

Araki didn't even need to fabricate anything—no matter where he got that Quincy intel, a lie or not—just stating it outright to warn Yamamoto would suffice……

And as Araki's teacher, Yamamoto wouldn't doubt the accuracy of that information; in his mind, whatever Araki says must have some basis!

This is the profound bond between Yamamoto and Araki, teacher and pupil!

Oh? You're saying the Quincy have become restless?

Yuan Liuzhai heard the words, his tiger eyes suddenly flashing with a hint of killing intent.

"Then kill! Kill them until they behave! They're merely insignificant exterminators—how dare they cause trouble inside the Tranquil Spirit Court?!"

The instant Yuan Liuzhai uttered the word "kill," the temperature in the entire meeting room seemed to drop dozens of degrees; it was as if the tiny droplets and water molecules in the air condensed into ice at that moment.

Immediately afterward the temperature shot up! This was because the spiritual pressure pouring out from Yuan Liuzhai's body, being overwhelmingly strong, seemed to take on substance, turning into raging flames that filled the meeting room.

"Hehe……"

As for that, Huangmu gave a light smile.

Exactly, the present Yuan Liuzhai fundamentally doesn't need him to worry too much!

The present Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo is like a mighty tiger at its zenith, capable of suppressing all foes within the 'Forest'!

This chapter is 4,800~

(End of chapter)