Makoto Kibune’s Misstep  

Shunsui Kyōraku, with the aid of the Eighth Division's intelligence network, had been analyzing Shusuke Amagai's behavior. On the surface, Amagai appeared affable and easygoing, genuinely caring for his subordinates and fostering a sense of camaraderie within the Third Division. He had quickly earned their respect and loyalty.

However, Kyōraku sensed a discordant note in Amagai's actions, a subtle incongruity that he couldn't quite place. Ailin's words, "too eager," had finally illuminated the source of his unease.

Amagai was indeed too eager. A captaincy, barring unforeseen circumstances, was a position held for centuries. There was no need for such a frantic effort to rehabilitate the Third Division's image. Even a decade or two of dedicated work would have sufficed. Yet, Amagai was resorting to borrowing missions from the Fifth Division, desperate to prove his division's worth as quickly as possible. Why?

A flurry of possibilities raced through Kyōraku's mind. He reviewed the intelligence reports, searching for clues. Amagai's history, his two-century service in the Hueco Mundo Expeditionary Force, was well-documented, even his time at the Shin'ō Academy.

Curiously, Amagai's academy records painted a picture of a capable, if not exceptional, student, who had graduated with honors and received an invitation to join the Gotei 13. For most students, such an invitation was a dream come true, the culmination of years of hard work.

Amagai, however, had refused, opting instead for the hardships of the Expeditionary Force. Furthermore, Kyōraku knew that Amagai hadn't been the first choice for the Third Division captaincy. Another legion commander had been initially selected. Something had happened, something that had paved the way for Amagai's return.

What could have driven a young man, so eager to leave the Seireitei two centuries ago, to claw his way back, even resorting to questionable methods?

Strength. The young Shusuke Amagai had been weak. The current Shusuke Amagai, however, possessed captain-level reiatsu, a force to be reckoned with in both the Seireitei and Hueco Mundo. This realization made many things fall into place.

Kyōraku suspected "Shusuke Amagai" was an alias. Amagai likely had another name, one that carried weight within the Seireitei, a name he had abandoned out of necessity. Using his true name would have exposed him, potentially putting his life in danger. Whatever enemy he had faced must have been incredibly powerful to force him into such drastic measures. Now, with the strength to protect himself, he had returned, seeking retribution.

He also knew that his deception wouldn't hold forever. The Seireitei, if they chose to investigate, would uncover the truth eventually. He was racing against time, determined to achieve his goals before his identity was exposed. Without concrete evidence, however, the Seireitei couldn't act. Accusing him based on mere suspicion would undermine their authority. If Amagai could be apprehended without proof, who else might be targeted next? Such methods were beneath even the nobles.

While the nobles were known for their ruthlessness, they always maintained a veneer of legitimacy, fabricating evidence, manipulating circumstances, to justify their actions. They also possessed a convenient loophole for their own transgressions.

Tokinada Tsunayashiro, for instance, had murdered his wife two centuries ago, but the Central 46, citing the noble families' autonomy, had deemed it a family matter, beyond their jurisdiction. Only the Tsunayashiro family could judge him. And since Tokinada was the sole surviving member, he had effectively declared himself innocent.

Kyōraku, despite his suspicions, hadn't been able to find a way to expose Amagai. Ailin's words, however, had provided the missing piece. With a sigh, he finished his sake.

"Thank you, Ailin. Your insight has been invaluable. I was struggling to understand Amagai's motives, but now… I believe I'll have his true identity within a fortnight."

"Indeed. With your abilities, Kyōraku, uncovering his identity within two weeks should be easy," Ailin agreed. Yamamoto's ability to maintain order within the Seireitei was largely due to Kyōraku's intelligence network. "But Kyōraku, are you sure you want to know?"

"What do you mean?" Kyōraku asked, surprised. "Do you know who he is?"

"Yes," Ailin replied, swirling the remaining sake in his cup. "I know who he is, and I have a good idea of what he intends to do. Kyōraku, take my advice and leave it be. While you might be able to stop him now, once you know his true identity, you'll be forced to stand aside, unable to intervene, watching as he does things you might not approve of. You'll lose your standing."

Kyōraku paused, setting down his empty cup. He trusted Ailin's judgment, but he preferred to make his own choices, even if those choices were painful. He wouldn't blindly follow, even if it meant becoming an unwitting accomplice. He suspected, from Ailin's words, that Amagai's identity was somehow connected to him.

"Thank you for your advice, Ailin. But I'd rather face the truth, however unpleasant, than remain ignorant, a pawn in someone else's game."

"Very well. Good luck, Kyōraku." Ailin wasn't surprised by Kyōraku's choice. He knew Kyōraku wouldn't feign ignorance.

"One more thing, Ailin," Kyōraku said as Ailin turned to leave. "I need to know where you stand on this matter."

As he spoke, he realized how much he had begun to consider Ailin's perspective when making decisions. Ailin's influence, it seemed, had seeped into his subconscious. He had even given up on the notion of Yamamoto being able to defeat Ailin. The thought was unsettling, but he quickly suppressed it. As long as Ailin didn't threaten the Seireitei, he wouldn't oppose him. But if Ailin did become a threat, he would fight, even if it meant certain defeat.

Ailin sighed. "Kyōraku, I owed a debt to Amagai's father. I've repaid that debt. His actions are his own. As long as he doesn't harm the Fifth Division or meddle in my affairs, I won't interfere."

With that, he left the tavern.

Kyōraku refilled his cup, watching Ailin's retreating figure. Ailin, it seemed, had chosen neutrality. But he hadn't left empty-handed. Ailin's words had confirmed a connection between him and Amagai's father. With that information, he was confident he could uncover Amagai's true identity.

…

"Third Seat Kibune is amazing!" the Third Division Shinigami exclaimed, watching as he effortlessly dispatched a Gillian. Kibune's Zanpakutō was a bizarre weapon with axe-like blades flanking a central spear point.

"He's even stronger than Lieutenant Kira!"

Kibune smirked. He was Captain Amagai's true lieutenant. Kira, despite his title, had been relegated to coordinating missions with the Fifth Division, effectively sidelined. Kibune, in Kira's absence, had been showcasing his strength, subtly undermining Kira's authority within the division. And it was working. Within days, he had supplanted Kira in their eyes. Soon, when the Third Division's reputation was restored and Kira returned, he would find himself replaced.

The thought of his former comrades, those who had ostracized him, now treating him as if he were invisible, fueled his resentment. They had dismissed him, believing him to be a failure, unworthy of their attention. He longed to… make them pay.

Swish!

Perhaps because he was distracted for a moment, when he spotted a Shinigami struggling against a Hollow, he charged forward. The blade sliced through the Shinigami's chest, continuing its arc to bisect the Hollow behind him.

"Wait, Third Seat Kibune!"

"He's lost control! Run!"

Kibune, snapping back to his senses, felt a flicker of annoyance. His carefully crafted persona had been shattered. But then, he smiled. Yes, he was too powerful, his strength uncontrollable. A few… accidental casualties were to be expected.

With a renewed sense of purpose, he spun his Zanpakutō faster, its whirling blades a deadly dance, drawing in both Shinigami and Hollows.

Screams and howls echoed death and destruction.