In the Seireitei of Soul Society, within the 1st Division barracks, the atmosphere was faintly oppressive.
Aside from Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, who sat at the head of the hall, the captains of the Gotei 13 were seated along both sides, passing around a letter that finally returned to the hands of 1st Division Vice-Captain Sasakibe Chōjirō.
"Alright, you've all read the letter. It concerns the Shiba Clan, one of the former Five Great Noble Houses. Current clan head Shiba Kūgehime has recommended Shiba Kurohane of a branch family to join the Gotei 13. By noble privilege, the Shiba family does indeed possess this right."
Yamamoto gripped his staff, eyes narrowing as he spoke first.
"However, forty years ago Kaien Shiba of the main family fell in battle, and fifteen years ago Isshin disappeared. For various reasons, the Shiba Clan was subsequently exiled to the Rukongai."
"So, this gathering is to hear your opinions—does the Shiba Clan still hold the right of recommendation? "
As Captain-Commander, Yamamoto wielded absolute veto power, but because this matter involved the once-prestigious Shiba Clan, the formal process had to be observed to preserve noble dignity.
"Oh? Captain-Commander, I thought you summoned us for something significant. Turns out it's just this trivial matter." Kurotsuchi Mayuri tilted his head with a chilling grin. "The Shiba have fallen. Why even consider their recommendation? This is a waste of our precious time. Or perhaps you could give him to me—I'd like to study him thoroughly."
Several captains silently nodded in agreement.
Soul Society was a world of survival of the fittest. Few captains were of noble birth. Mayuri himself had been released from the Maggot's Nest by Kisuke Urahara, while 11th Division's captain Zaraki Kenpachi was born in the most dangerous Rukongai district, North 80.
In short, the Gotei 13 were far from united.
"You freak are missing the point," Zaraki laughed, a towering, bloodthirsty grin on his face. "If he's strong enough not to die when I cut him down, then I'm all for it—at least I'll have a new toy to pass the time with."
For the battle maniac, a person's worth was measured only by the blade. Good or evil, he could tell by fighting them.
"Ahem. Captain Kurotsuchi, Captain Zaraki, you're not wrong," said Kyōraku Shunsui with an awkward laugh, his floral haori contrasting sharply with the room's solemnity. "But the head of the noble Kuchiki family hasn't raised any objections, so we shouldn't meddle. Let's simply grant the candidate a standard evaluation opportunity.
"Though the recommendation letter did mention a peculiar rule—no drinking. Is that because his drinking habits are atrocious? "
Even Byakuya Kuchiki raised an eyebrow at that. For nobles, propriety was fundamental; a bad reputation could tarnish a clan's name. Yet rejecting the recommendation over such a trivial matter might one day close off future options for the Kuchiki Clan as well.
After all, fortunes rise and fall—no family stays on top forever.
Moreover, the Shiba and Kuchiki Clans shared some history. Kaien Shiba had once saved Rukia's life, upholding Byakuya's promise to Hisana.
"Kyōraku, enough! " Yamamoto snapped, opening his eyes slightly. "Captain Kuchiki, as head of the foremost noble clan, the decision lies with you. But I urge you to consider carefully. If you have no objections, I'll have Ukitake make contact."
Each division of the Gotei 13 held distinct duties: the 6th Division was the noble-exclusive unit; the 13th Division handled purification, responsible for cleansing souls both in Soul Society and the living world—essentially a support division.
"Ahem… sorry, Yamamoto-sensei," said Ukitake Jūshirō with an embarrassed smile, scratching his head. "I assumed this didn't require a formal vote, so I already sent Rukia to meet him…"
The hall fell silent, the air heavy.
Vice-Captain Sasakibe sighed inwardly at the sight of Yamamoto's twitching facial muscles. Only Yamamoto's favored students—Ukitake and Kyōraku—would so brazenly disregard protocol.
"Fool! Are you ignoring the ironclad rules of the Gotei 13? " Yamamoto's eyes widened in fury. "I know the former vice-captain of the 13th Division was Kaien Shiba, but in major decisions you let your emotions rule you? How can you be trusted with greater responsibilities in the future?
"You will give me an explanation today! "
Boom!
Yamamoto's overwhelming spiritual pressure erupted like a storm, sweeping through the barracks.
The captains paled under the crushing force. Zaraki licked his dry lips, eyes glinting with anticipation—this was, after all, the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society's history.
"Enough. If Captain Ukitake is willing to vouch for him personally, I have no further objections. Grant him standard evaluation rights. How far he goes will depend on his own abilities," Byakuya Kuchiki said at last, rising to his feet.
Yamamoto exhaled, withdrawing his spiritual pressure. "Very well. Since even Captain Kuchiki agrees—Captain Ukitake, I'll set aside your recklessness for now. Are you willing to vouch for Shiba Kurohane?
"If you do, he will receive the right to undergo the Shinigami evaluation."
It was rare for Yamamoto to compromise, leaving many captains quietly surprised. Was there some ulterior motive at play?
Ukitake hesitated, then clasped his hands. "Many thanks, Captain Kuchiki, Yamamoto-sensei. I, Ukitake Jūshirō, am willing to vouch for Shiba Kurohane."
"No need for thanks. Should he dishonor the nobles or the Gotei 13, I will cut him down myself. If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave." Byakuya's words were as cold as his expression as he turned and departed.
The other captains exchanged glances, then followed suit.
In moments, the vast hall stood nearly empty.
To them, a man bearing only the title of a fallen noble wasn't worth their attention.
"A bunch of fools… calling you all here was a mistake. I'll wash my hands of this matter," Yamamoto muttered, slamming his staff against the floor. "Ukitake, if you want to take responsibility, so be it.
"But that man is already in North Rukongai's 80th District—a dangerous place, lately restless. I hope your operatives don't end up paying with their lives."
With that, Yamamoto left.
Kyōraku swirled his sake flask, chuckling. "Ukitake, you didn't plan this from the start, did you? Sending Rukia specifically… no wonder Byakuya was so cooperative.
"But the 80th District isn't exactly friendly. If anything happens to her, Byakuya won't forgive you so easily."
Kyōraku knew more than a little about the complicated ties between the noble families but had always kept such things to himself.
"Ahem, Kyōraku, you give me too much credit," Ukitake sighed. "You know Kaien's death has always been a thorn in Rukia's heart. She's always cared deeply about matters concerning the Shiba Clan…
"Let's just hope she returns safely.
"Oh, and I might've sent her off with two bottles of your best sake… do you think that'll cause any trouble? "