Talks Of Assessment
"The key to this incident…"
"It's about a freshman named Saikyō!"
Sasakibe Chōjirō, the silver-haired vice-captain, uttered the key clue.
"Saikyō?"
Captain Yamamoto's dark and ancient eyes remained calm, like an undisturbed pool. Despite his overwhelming aura, it was impossible to decipher what he was thinking.
As the Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Shigekuni Genryūsai, known as the "Strongest Shinigami," wielded the most powerful fire-type Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka. Like Zaraki Kenpachi, Yamamoto was considered "invincible." The difference between them, however, was that one ruled Rukongai while the other governed Seireitei.
"Saikyō, whose full name is Shihōin Saikyō, is Captain Yoruichi's younger brother and a new student at Shin'ō Academy," Sasakibe explained further.
Long before this meeting, he had already investigated Saikyō's background and his deeds.
"The Academy's greatest prodigy." With this title alone, combined with his connection to the Shihōin Clan, Saikyō naturally drew the attention of the higher-ups!
"Yoruichi's younger brother? It's said he possesses great talent, even surpassing the power of the average soldier?" Yamamoto's eyebrows raised with intrigue.
"Yes. In the incident during field training, it is said that Saikyō single-handedly defeated a Menos Grande from Hueco Mundo." Even though Sasakibe already knew about this, he couldn't help but sound astonished.
A freshman who had been enrolled for less than half a year, managing to defeat a Menos Grande alone? This news was truly astonishing!
"Hmm. To possess such strength is indeed remarkable," Yamamoto's eyes finally showed a hint of reaction.
Of course, apart from Saikyō's achievements, what truly concerned the Commander was another matter—the mention of the Menos Grande from Hueco Mundo!
As the founder of the Gotei 13, having lived for over two thousand years, Captain Yamamoto's knowledge of Soul Society and its enemies was unparalleled. Hueco Mundo, in particular, was a region with which he was intimately familiar.
In the last few centuries, clashes between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo had occurred several times, leading to numerous skirmishes between Shinigami and the Menos Grande. The mention of Hueco Mundo was, thus, not something to be taken lightly!
"Sasakibe, if I remember correctly, there hasn't been an invasion from the Menos Grande for many years, right?" Yamamoto's wise eyes reflected the weight of his age.
"Yes, Commander. It's been quite a few years," Sasakibe responded respectfully.
"Hmm… many capable Shinigami were lost in those battles," Yamamoto said, his long, wispy eyebrows drooping as he exuded an air of superiority and authority.
"Commander, do you mean…?"
Sasakibe murmured under his breath, sensing there was more to Yamamoto's words.
"Sasakibe, Shinigami and Menos Grande are eternal enemies. After so many years of peace, it's time we make our move," Yamamoto declared firmly.
"Commander, perhaps we should approach this carefully?" Sasakibe asked cautiously.
"Hmm. Arrange a special meeting. Summon all officers ranked lieutenant and higher to the First Division's meeting room," Yamamoto ordered decisively.
"Understood."
Sasakibe nodded respectfully.
"Go."
"Prepare everything. I plan to personally visit Shin'ō Academy. It's been years since I last went there."
Leaning on his cane, Yamamoto's wrinkled face showed a rare expression of nostalgia.
Besides being the founder of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto was also the first headmaster of Shin'ō Academy, having trained numerous Shinigami, including two of the current Captains, Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō.
So, it was only natural for him to feel a sense of attachment when mentioning the Academy.
"Understood, Commander. Leave everything to me."
With that, Sasakibe hurriedly left the meeting room.
---
Three Days Later
At Shin'ō Academy, within the special training class…
"Saikyō, come with me."
While resting in the classroom, Saikyō was suddenly summoned by Hiyori.
"Sensei Hiyori, what's with all the secrecy? Is it some kind of surprise?" Saikyō followed behind Hiyori, observing her expression carefully.
From what he knew of her, Saikyō could tell something out of the ordinary was happening.
"Hmph. Saikyō, you're about to meet someone important. Honestly, I can't believe it's real." Hiyori stopped in her tracks, her face suddenly serious.
"Someone important?"
Saikyō was puzzled.
Someone from the Academy's upper ranks? It didn't seem likely.
Given that Hiyori was a lieutenant herself, even the highest officials at Shin'ō Academy would have to show her respect.
The Gotei 13, though…
There were very few people who could be considered that important.
"…"
A possibility dawned on Saikyō.
"Sensei Hiyori, by any chance, are you talking about Captain Yamamoto?" Saikyō asked jokingly, testing the waters.
"How did you figure that out?!"
Hiyori's pupils dilated in shock.
For all her arrogance and rough demeanor, she had a reputation for being notoriously difficult to deal with. However, in front of Yamamoto, all of that disappeared instantly.
In his presence, she was like a well-behaved kitten. Gone were her trademark flip-flops, and even her breathing became more controlled.
"Besides one of the oldest captains, no one else would make you this cautious," Saikyō chuckled.
"You're sharp. But let me warn you, Saikyō. When you meet the Commander, don't say anything foolish." Hiyori gave a stern warning.
Even the current captains of the Gotei 13 were cautious around Yamamoto.
After all, the pressure from the strongest Shinigami in a millennium was like an invisible mountain, looming over everyone.
"I understand. But why is Captain Yamamoto coming here all of a sudden?" Saikyō asked, genuinely curious.
There had been no prior indication of this.
As the Commander, Yamamoto's appearance at the Academy was certainly out of the ordinary.
"Do you really want to know?"
Hiyori paused and looked back at Saikyō, a smirk on her face.
"Of course!"
Saikyō nodded eagerly.
Hiyori finally revealed the answer.
"That's because…"
"The Commander plans to personally assess you!"