Chapter 269: Expeditionary Corps Formation

Chapter 269: Formation of the Expeditionary Force

While Senju Makoto and Ichimaru Gin had their first candid exchange in over fifty years, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, after instructing Chōjirō Sasakibe to handle the aftermath of the captain test, continued the captain's meeting to discuss the captain promotions.

As Senju Makoto had predicted, Suì-Fēng's demonstrated strength, coupled with her extreme Bankai power and the support of the Shihōin family, quickly secured her position as the captain of the Second Division.

However, the selection for the Third Division captain sparked considerable controversy.

Aizen Sōsuke and Komamura Sajin were the most vocal supporters of Senju Makoto becoming the Third Division captain.

Their reasons, however, differed. Aizen Sōsuke stated that Ichimaru Gin's temperament was somewhat lacking and gloomy, while Komamura Sajin was completely won over by Senju Makoto's character, resolve, and strength.

Most of the other captains also leaned towards Senju Makoto.

Undoubtedly, Senju Makoto's "Bankai: Senju Kannon" had obvious flaws, but its extreme offensive and defensive capabilities were awe-inspiring.

It would be a waste to keep someone with such talent as a vice-captain in the Fourth Division, away from the battlefield.

Just as the captains' opinions were converging and Senju Makoto was about to be confirmed as the Third Division captain, Unohana Retsu, who had been silent until then, stepped forward and gently said,

"Makoto has not completed his training. As his teacher, I believe he is not yet qualified to be a captain."

"Captain Unohana, Vice-Captain Senju is already so outstanding. Are you being too harsh on him?" Komamura Sajin asked bluntly.

"Harsh? I don't think it's harsh to hold my disciple to the standards of the first generation captains. It's also to prevent unqualified individuals from becoming captains."

Unohana Retsu's statement caused most of the captains to feel awkward, as if they had been slapped in the face and called "weak" in their ears, with no way to argue back.

As captains of their respective divisions, they were well aware of their divisions' histories and the combat records of the first generation captains.

To be honest, they couldn't compare.

Even the veteran captain Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but click his tongue and remain silent.

Unohana Retsu then gave a gentle, formal bow and quietly returned to her position.

This seemingly gentle and elegant behavior was, however, seen as cunning by the other captains.

Unohana Retsu's words, when paraphrased, essentially meant, "I'm not targeting anyone, but everyone here is garbage, so it's better for Makoto not to join this pile of trash."

Seeing the atmosphere in the captain's meeting room become somewhat subdued, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni tapped his cane on the floor and announced,

"Clang~"

"Based on the opinions of many captains and Ichimaru Gin's demonstrated outstanding strength, which fully meets the requirements for the Third Division captain, I, as the Captain-Commander, announce that Ichimaru Gin will be the captain of the Third Division."

The captains' expressions varied, but they understood that the decision was final.

However, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni changed his tone and continued,

"Due to the complex situation caused by the anomalies in Hueco Mundo, the expeditionary force will be temporarily composed of three captains working together, drawing a total of one thousand elite Shinigami. Who among you is willing to lead the expeditionary force?"

Immediately, the captains' eyes flickered.

Leading the expeditionary force was undoubtedly a difficult task!

The environment in Hueco Mundo was harsh and complex, and Shinigami entering it were likely to be attacked by countless Hollows, making it extremely dangerous.

Especially with the information confirmed by the Twelfth Division, which indicated the presence of Adjuchas-level spiritual pressure reactions far beyond normal, the expeditionary force faced even greater risks and uncertainties.

Almost as soon as Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni finished speaking, Zaraki Kenpachi excitedly licked his lips and said,

"Let me go and cut down those Hollows!"

Following Zaraki Kenpachi, Komamura Sajin also spoke with a resolute tone, "To maintain the stability of Soul Society, I am willing to go to Hueco Mundo."

Tōsen Kaname, his eyes covered by a black cloth, also stepped forward and said loudly,

"Justice must be upheld. It is the unavoidable responsibility of a Shinigami to eliminate the excessive number of Menos Grande."

Kuchiki Byakuya, Aizen Sōsuke, and Shiba Isshin also stepped forward, expressing their willingness to join the expeditionary force.

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni nodded slightly, somewhat satisfied.

Perhaps, compared to the first generation captains, these captains seemed somewhat weak and inexperienced, but they were not without their merits.

At least, compared to the first generation captains, who were almost impossible to command, these captains were much easier to manage.

However, in Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's mind, the most suitable candidate to lead the expeditionary force was Kyōraku Shunsui.

But Kyōraku Shunsui seemed to completely ignore Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's gaze and remained silent.

Reluctantly, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni scanned the captains who had volunteered and finally settled on Aizen Sōsuke, who usually appeared the most calm and reliable.

"I appoint Aizen Sōsuke, the captain of the Fifth Division, as the commander of the expeditionary force..."

After a pause, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's eyes moved, and he added,

"Tōsen Kaname, the captain of the Ninth Division, and Ichimaru Gin, the new captain of the Third Division, will also join the expeditionary force. The vice-captain selections are Chōjirō Sasakibe, Ise Nanao, Iba Tetsuzaemon, Shiba Kaien, and... Senju Makoto."

When he mentioned the last name, Unohana Retsu's eyes clearly moved, but she seemed to think of something and did not object.

'A sword path without real experience in killing will always be lacking. Perhaps this will be a good opportunity for Makoto to gain experience...'

Unohana Retsu thought silently, also understanding that Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni's arrangement of the expeditionary force was quite reasonable.

Captains and vice-captains from different divisions could both supervise each other and more easily command the elite Shinigami from their original divisions.

And given the special situation of the Fourth Division, with Unohana Retsu unable to join the front line, Senju Makoto, as the vice-captain, was undoubtedly the best candidate to ensure medical support for the expeditionary force.