Just a few days after Aizen and Yūshirō Shihōin parted ways—
The 11th Division, known throughout the Gotei 13 for its unmatched offensive power and combat prowess, was unique. Its captain did not require the usual recommendation or appointment by the Central 46. Yet this did not lessen the prestige of the role. On the contrary, every captain of the 11th Division bore the title of Kenpachi, "the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society."
Only by defeating the previous captain could one inherit that title. In theory, each new Kenpachi was destined to surpass the last—until the iron rule was broken by the 9th Kenpachi, a man named Gosuke.
Unlike his predecessors, Gosuke did not defeat the 7th Kenpachi, Kiganjō, or the 8th Kenpachi, Kuruyashiki. Instead, he rose from obscurity—so unimpressive even among the lieutenants that few remembered his face—and inherited the mantle by default when both stepped down. Thus he became known as the weakest Kenpachi in history. The only Kenpachi to have never crossed blades with his predecessor.
And yet, though his strength was frail, Gosuke clung to the position for decades, staking his very life to uphold the name of Kenpachi. His survival baffled and frustrated many.
But no one's luck lasts forever.
That day, a fearsome fighter from Rukongai appeared before the 11th Division barracks. Muscular, towering, skin darkened like weathered stone, and features twisted into a savage visage—he looked like a brute carved for battle.
"So, you're the man they call the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society?"
The Rukongai warrior sneered, clearly unimpressed by the fragile figure before him.
"I am far from worthy of such a title," Gosuke answered calmly. He knew his own limits well—that humility was the only reason he had endured so long as Kenpachi.
The warrior laughed. "It doesn't matter whether you admit it or not. That title will be mine soon enough!"
Steel rang out as both drew their Zanpakutō.
Though Gosuke denied being the strongest, he had no intention of surrendering the name without a fight. After all, the title of Kenpachi was something he had inherited from a man he deeply respected.
Blades clashed, sparks flying. Their movements blurred faster and faster, Zanpakutō cutting with the precision of limbs themselves. Blood sprayed across the wooden floors of the division, sweat stinging wounds, nerves frayed to the breaking point.
The duel raged on. From noon until the sun began to sink, the two fought relentlessly—weaklings in reputation, but warriors in truth.
At last, when dusk painted the sky in fading crimson, one collapsed.
"Such trash could be called Kenpachi?"
Imprisoned deep within Muken, the 8th Kenpachi, Kuruyashiki, roared in fury, watching the battle through surveillance. His fists clenched with the desire to cut them both down himself.
Gosuke fell to his knees. "I… I've lost." He admitted freely that the warrior before him far outclassed him.
Breathing heavily, the victor lowered his blade. His hair hung wild down to his chin, his receding hairline marking his rough features. No longer just a nameless thug from Rukongai, he was now the 10th Kenpachi—Onigashira, the new strongest Shinigami of Soul Society.
"Out of respect for you," Onigashira said, "I will end your life with my blade."
Gosuke smiled faintly. "To die at your hands… I suppose I can call this life fulfilled."
The killing strike descended—
Only for a tall man in black to appear between them, halting Onigashira's sword with a single raised finger.
"Who the hell are you?!" Onigashira shouted, sweat beading on his brow. "Why do you interrupt a duel fought under the name of Kenpachi?"
The towering figure, over two meters tall and broad like a bear, sighed lazily. "A duel? Don't make me laugh. To call this pathetic exchange a battle for the name of Kenpachi is an insult. Every Kenpachi before you would weep at the sight."
Onigashira grit his teeth, sensing the man's overwhelming presence but unable to measure his strength.
Gosuke, however, trembled. "I… I know you. I could never mistake you. You're… you're the 7th Kenpachi—Kuruyashiki Kenpachi!"
The man waved him off. "Don't say my name. I'm no one."
Still, Gosuke bowed in reverence, tears brimming in his eyes.
"Kenpachi Kuruyashiki…"
The man cut him short. "This fight ends here. You've already claimed the title of strongest. Let this poor man go."
Reluctantly, Onigashira sheathed his blade. "Tch. Fine. I'll spare your lives—for now."
The black-clad man turned and strode out, Gosuke chasing after him desperately.
"Captain! Captain! I knew you would return! You are the only one worthy of leading the 11th Division!"
The man stopped and looked back, exasperated. "Gosuke… you still call me your captain?"
"Always!" Gosuke said firmly. "You are my captain forever!"
The man sighed, then said gravely: "Then hear my last order to you—as your former captain."
Gosuke straightened his back, awaiting glory. Perhaps at last, he would fight beside his captain again, just as in the past.
Instead, the words cut deeper than any blade:
"Gosuke… quit being a Shinigami."
Gosuke froze. His smile faltered. "What… what did you say?"
"You're not fit to be one. You're too soft. Join the Kidō Corps, or go into logistics. But never call me captain again. The past is gone, and it will never return."
With that, Kuruyashiki walked away, never looking back.
Gosuke sank to his knees, laughing brokenly. "Hahaha… so you really are dead. You must be… this man's just a fake…"
As he crumbled, a gentle voice came from behind. A young Shinigami with short brown hair, smiling kindly like a brother next door, knelt beside him. "You seem unwell. Are you in pain?"
Meanwhile, across Seireitei, word spread quickly: the 9th Kenpachi had fallen. The 10th Kenpachi, Onigashira, had risen from the slums of Rukongai.
Reactions were mixed—some mocking, others wary.
At the 5th Division, Shinji Hirako lounged idly, golden hair fanning across his haori, scowling. "So the 11th got a new Kenpachi, huh? Tch. That Gosuke guy was useless. But why would the Head Captain let a thug like Onigashira lead the 11th?"
"Maybe because the Gotei 13 always needs one or two monsters like him," replied Aizen, his brown eyes smiling faintly behind polished glasses.
Shinji narrowed his gaze. "Aizen… you always have a way with words. Maybe you should be the one sitting in my chair."
Aizen raised his hands humbly. "Ah, Captain, don't joke. My strength could never replace yours."
Shinji smirked. "We'll see about that."
Their smiles carried unspoken blades.
Later that evening, Kuruyashiki returned quietly to the 2nd Division's special unit quarters. Only Tsunayashiro Tokinada remained inside, mopping the floor.
"Well, if it isn't Kuruyashiki," Tokinada said with a sinister grin. "So, did you settle your little matter?"
Kuruyashiki frowned. "…Where's everyone else?"
"They left with Yūshirō Shihōin hours ago. It's already past seven."
"…I see." Kuruyashiki turned to leave.
Tokinada chuckled darkly, watching him go.
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