The Opinion of the Person in Question

The Captain's Meeting.

Given the participants and its nature, the seriousness of this assembly was undeniable.

Even someone as carefree and nonchalant as Shihōin Yoruichi would choose her words carefully, ensuring she did not offend anyone present.

But today…

Things were different.

Yoruichi's brow arched slightly as she leaned forward, her gaze crossing the seated captains until it landed on the elder man.

"Old man, your squad is a noble-exclusive division, isn't it?"

Her tone was exceedingly polite.

Yet, considering the current topic, her words carried an unmistakable implication—

Arima Seiya, who neither possessed noble blood nor had any ties to the Kuchiki family, had no logical reason to serve in the 6th Division.

Unless…

Was Seiya planning to marry into the Kuchiki family?

Oh? If that were the case, Yoruichi might just explode on the spot.

What the hell, kid?

So, the women of my Shihōin family aren't good enough for you?

What, does the Kuchiki clan really have that much more charm?

You're telling me you can't appreciate the beauty of dark skin?

That you prefer those pale, sickly-looking Kuchiki types?!

There are limits to bad taste!

As Yoruichi's expression began to turn dangerously unreadable, Urahara Kisuke—standing not far away—quickly raised his hands in a placating gesture.

Calm down. Calm down. CALM DOWN.

Impulsiveness is the enemy.

Without words, the tension eased slightly, allowing the conversation to continue.

—

"I find it inappropriate."

Words alone do not carry weight.

But when spoken by a man of status, in a setting such as this, they became strikingly heavy.

Even Yamamoto Genryūsai, who had been resting his eyes as if in meditation, now turned his attention to the speaker.

Kuchiki Ginrei.

A noble who embodied restraint and composure, he had always carried himself with the quiet dignity befitting his lineage.

Unlike Yoruichi, he had never demonstrated ambition, nor sought to change anything.

In battle and in thought, he was steadfast.

A guardian, not a reformer.

A man who preserved rather than pushed forward.

And perhaps that was not a flaw, but a virtue in itself.

After all, maintaining tradition is no easy task.

Ginrei did not speak immediately.

He allowed time for the weight of his words to settle before he continued.

"To speak plainly—during Seiya's time training in the 6th Division, he formed a close bond with my grandson."

"I will not hold this position forever. However, my grandson is still too young to bear the full responsibility of leadership."

"Thus, I wish for Seiya to serve as his Vice-Captain, guiding him through the difficult years ahead."

Ginrei paused.

"Three to five years would suffice."

With that, he turned slightly toward Yoruichi.

"Once Byakuya is prepared to assume full responsibility, you may take Seiya then. That, at least, is my request."

A slight nod accompanied his words.

But the reactions of the captains varied widely.

Kyōraku Shunsui sighed, exchanging a glance with Ukitake Jūshirō, who grimaced as if nursing a headache.

"This is a mess, Jūshirō."

"Yeah… I never thought I'd see Lord Kuchiki lower his head to the Shihōin family in a public setting."

Among the noble houses, friendships existed, but there were limits.

One noble should never bow to another.

Pride demanded it.

Tradition required it.

Even among aristocrats, certain lines were never crossed—

The last family that attempted such a misstep had long since been erased from Seireitei's history.

Tension filled the room.

Kyōraku glanced around at the other captains and sighed.

"I was planning to recruit Seiya into my squad, but I guess that's not happening now."

Ukitake coughed, averting his gaze.

"Don't start trouble at a time like this, idiot."

"Fair enough~"

The other captains had their own thoughts.

Urahara's brows furrowed slightly, lost in contemplation.

Muguruma Kensei and the others were visibly taken aback.

Otoribashi Rōjūrō, covering his mouth, murmured in mild amusement—

"I never thought I'd see such a solemn man lower his head to someone else."

Beside him, Love Aikawa remained still, but he muttered—

"Stay out of it. This is a noble affair."

Even Hirako Shinjirō, who usually looked half-asleep, seemed surprised.

"Man… this doesn't happen often."

At this point, even if he had planned to recruit Seiya himself, it was clear that interfering would be unwise.

It was amusing, though—

The kid hadn't even officially joined the Gotei 13 yet, and already he was at the center of a political storm.

If this continued for a few more centuries, would he be competing for Yamamoto's position next?

But despite Ginrei's insistence, Yoruichi did not immediately respond.

She slowly crossed her arms, her brows furrowing slightly.

The room held its breath.

Even without words, everyone felt the shift in atmosphere.

Then—

"Kuchiki-dono."

Her voice was steady, but her question was razor-sharp.

"Are you making this request as the head of your clan, or as an individual?"

Silence.

Pure, unfiltered tension.

Kyōraku let out a long whistle, adjusting his straw hat.

"Not good. Not good. This is starting to feel like a full-blown courtroom drama~"

As a noble himself, Kyōraku had a keen sense for these matters.

Ukitake looked as if he wanted to interrupt, but before he could open his mouth, Kyōraku subtly tugged at his sleeve.

"Don't get involved. You'll regret it."

"But someone needs to de-escalate this!"

"Tch. Since when did you get such a strong sense of duty?"

Ukitake ignored him, glancing toward Unohana Retsu.

Among the captains, she had the standing to intervene.

Even though she wasn't from a noble family, her tenure and influence within the Gotei 13 commanded deep respect.

But just as she was about to speak—

"Enough."

Yamamoto's voice cut through the room.

Even a single word was enough to command complete attention.

Sasakibe Chōjirō, standing beside him, quietly stepped back, fading into the background.

"How pitiful."

His tone was calm, yet carried an unmistakable weight.

"To think nobles would lower themselves to this over a mere youth."

"Tell me—does this not shame your ancestors?"

Silence.

With both Yoruichi and Ginrei subdued, Yamamoto continued.

"I understand that capable men are scarce, and that each division seeks strength."

"But the Soul Society is vast. Even a so-called genius is merely a product of time and circumstance."

"As nobles, you should know shame."

"Do not speak so lightly of matters that should never be spoken."

His words landed like heavy stones.

Tension dissipated, and some captains exhaled in relief.

"At least we avoided a full-blown disaster," Ukitake murmured.

Kyōraku shrugged.

"Sure, but the actual problem isn't solved yet."

"What do you mean?"

"We still don't know which division Seiya's actually going to."

"…"

That was the problem, wasn't it?

Yoruichi and Ginrei had stopped fighting—

But the decision hadn't been made.

Seiya's placement was the issue.

It needed to be handled carefully.

And yet—

After a long silence, Yamamoto exhaled.

"If it is such a concern—why not ask the boy himself?"

The room stilled.

No one had considered that.

New recruits usually had no say in their placement.

But then again—

Normal graduates filled out applications, didn't they?

This entire situation had spiraled out of control.

Perhaps it was only natural to let the person in question decide.

And so—

At that very moment, oblivious to the debate unfolding among the captains—

Seiya sat before the assignment form.

With steady hands, he wrote down his choice.

"5th Division."

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Powerstones?

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