Chapter 268 Captain Selection

Chapter 268: Captain Candidates

However, before Ichimaru Gin could finish speaking, Senju Makoto scratched his scalp, which was a little itchy from Ichimaru Gin constantly playing with his hand rope, and then directly put his arm around Ichimaru Gin's shoulder in a friendly manner.

Ichimaru Gin's narrowed eyes instantly opened, his expression of shock and disbelief even more exaggerated than witnessing the nuclear explosion. His tone towards Senju Makoto, however, carried a hint of barely concealed panic as he shouted.

"What... are you doing? Do you want me to take you out right now?!"

However, Senju Makoto's tone was somewhat helpless and urgent as he said.

"Gin, I've confirmed that Aizen isn't around, listen to me..."

In an instant, Ichimaru Gin fell silent, incredulously realizing that Makoto-kun had always trusted him.

However, Ichimaru Gin gritted his teeth and couldn't help but ask. "Makoto-kun... haven't you ever suspected that I really..."

Senju Makoto stared intently and sincerely into Ichimaru Gin's open, beautiful eyes, and then answered with a smile.

"If I can't even trust Gin, then who else in Soul Society is worthy of my trust?"

As soon as these words came out, Ichimaru Gin's pupils dilated, and a surge of emotion welled up in his heart.

Clearly... it was he who was receiving Makoto-kun's kindness, it was he who was doing so many things that could be misunderstood...

Yet even so, for over fifty years...

For a full fifty years, Makoto-kun still trusted him without reservation.

Even Matsumoto...

Ichimaru Gin recalled his recent seemingly unintentional meeting with Matsumoto Rangiku, and Rangiku's beautiful face still revealed a hint of sadness and incomprehension.

In that moment, the feeling of "a scholar dies for his confidant" sprouted in Ichimaru Gin's mind.

'Is Makoto-kun the only one who truly understands me, knows me, and trusts me?'

Senju Makoto's smile gradually turned gentle and kind as he said.

"I... never doubted Gin from the beginning. If Gin really has any flaws, it's only that Gin always disregards himself, easily thinking of sacrificing himself for others."

Ichimaru Gin hesitated for a long time, then lowered his head slightly and said. "Ma... Makoto-kun, thank you..."

Senju Makoto patted Ichimaru Gin's shoulder and said softly.

"No, I should be thanking Gin. I've truly felt Gin's intention to protect me many times."

After a pause, before Ichimaru Gin, who had unconsciously bitten his lip, could say anything, Senju Makoto directly said.

"However, Gin, Aizen Sōsuke is more dangerous than we thought. The changes that have occurred in Hueco Mundo this time are likely related to Aizen Sōsuke..."

Senju Makoto said, his eyes flickering slightly.

After learning about the changes in Hueco Mundo from Unohana Retsu, the only related event that Senju Makoto could think of after thinking for a long time was Aizen Sōsuke's unnoticed control of Hueco Mundo while in Seireitei.

"Gin, if I haven't predicted incorrectly, Aizen Sōsuke will definitely participate in this expeditionary force!"

Hearing this, Ichimaru Gin understood...

Makoto-kun not only kept an eye on him but also kept an eye on Aizen Sōsuke's every move.

Ichimaru Gin thought for a moment and frowned.

"Makoto-kun, but if Aizen Sōsuke participates in the expeditionary force as the captain of the Fifth Division, then I, as the vice-captain, will inevitably have to stay in the Fifth Division."

To this, Senju Makoto smiled and said. "Gin, aren't you ready to become a captain yet?"

"What?"

Ichimaru Gin subconsciously said, then said somewhat helplessly.

"Compared to Makoto-kun, I'm far behind. And although I might not give Suì-Fēng a chance to use Bankai in a life-and-death battle, that terrifying Bankai will definitely make Captain-Commander Yamamoto value her more."

Senju Makoto shook his head and said.

"Gin, your judgment that Suì-Fēng's Bankai will definitely be valued is correct, but one of your perceptions is wrong."

Ichimaru Gin looked at Senju Makoto in confusion.

"The wrong perception is that Captain-Commander Yamamoto won't let me be promoted to captain," Senju Makoto answered.

"Impossible!"

Ichimaru Gin almost unhesitatingly retorted.

"With Makoto-kun's ability, character, and qualities, plus the unanimous recommendation of so many captains, what reason does Captain-Commander Yamamoto have not to promote Makoto-kun to captain?"

Senju Makoto answered. "The reason is actually very simple, because the vacant captain positions are currently in the Second and Third Divisions."

Ichimaru Gin was slightly stunned, and then he realized...

The Second Division and the Onmitsukidō are almost one entity. As a very special division, the past captains have all been members of the Shihōin family.

Although Shihōin Yoruichi betrayed Seireitei, the Shihōin family's status remains, and Shihōin Yūshirō, as the head of the family, although young, also represents the dignity of the Shihōin family.

Perhaps the Central 46 and the First Division would consider Shihōin Yūshirō's age and the fact that the Second Division cannot be without a captain for a long time.

However, the position of the Second Division's captain is undoubtedly still in the hands of the Shihōin family. Without the Shihōin family's approval, it is almost impossible for others to become the captain of the Second Division.

Therefore, Suì-Fēng's special background and status... are undoubtedly the only candidates for the Second Division's captain.

The Third Division is the support division, responsible for various support matters, and the requirements for the captain are also inclined to be able to shoulder the heavy responsibility of support.

And Senju Makoto's Shikai ability and healing skills were undoubtedly quite suitable for the position of the Third Division's captain.

However, as Senju Makoto showed the immovable "Bankai: Senju Kannon," it was not very consistent with the conditions of the Third Division's captain.

On the contrary, Ichimaru Gin's demonstrated agility or Zanpakuto's instant-kill ability is more in line with the position of the Third Division's captain.

Of course, there is one more thing that Ichimaru Gin doesn't know... that is Unohana Retsu's attitude.

However, in Ichimaru Gin's eyes, who felt that he understood, Senju Makoto did not show any disappointment from not being promoted to captain, but instead sincerely said.

"So, Gin, I'm here to congratulate you in advance for being promoted to captain."

"Makoto-kun, I think you are far more suitable for captain than I am..."

Before Ichimaru Gin could finish speaking, Senju Makoto interrupted. "For me, Gin becoming a captain is more gratifying than me becoming a captain."

For a moment, although the so-called captain's name in Ichimaru Gin's mind was only one of the tools to achieve the goal, the captain undoubtedly represented one of the thirteen people standing at the top of the Gotei 13.

This is the symbol of power, status, prestige, and strength!

However, in Makoto-kun's eyes, is his growth more important than everything that the captain brings?

Ichimaru Gin was inexplicably moved, trying hard not to show it, but secretly couldn't help but squeeze the hand rope tightly.

Senju Makoto... scratched his head, then said with some concern.

"But in this way, perhaps Gin will also become one of the captains of the expeditionary force, then..."

(End of this chapter)