Chapter 50: Third seat in the first division, Uehara Shiroha!

Inside the First Division's captain's office, the air was thick with tension as the latest battle report was discussed.

Seated at the center of the gathering, Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni remained unreadable, his expression as unshakable as a mountain.

Then, suddenly—

"Well done, Uehara Shiroha!"

A deep, booming voice rang through the room.

7th Division Captain Komamura Sajin clenched his massive fist, his wolf-like features brimming with pride.

"The Captain-General was right!" he added, his voice filled with admiration.

Komamura was a simple-minded man—he didn't dwell on deeper implications.

For him, this was great news.

It was proof that Yamamoto's judgment was absolute.

At the other side of the room, Aizen Sōsuke quietly observed.

So, Uehara Shiroha had been hiding his true strength all this time…

Aizen had long suspected that the man wasn't as ordinary as he appeared.

But this level of power?

Fascinating.

A small, almost imperceptible smirk formed on his lips.

Uehara Shiroha was still in Hueco Mundo.

Perhaps…

This was the perfect chance to test him further.

Would he reveal even more surprises?

Meanwhile, the 9th Division Captain, Tōsen Kaname, remained expressionless, his true thoughts hidden behind a mask of indifference.

The 6th Division Captain, Kuchiki Ginrei, sat in silent contemplation.

The words "I want to retire" might as well have been written across his face.

Across the room, the acting captain of the 12th Division, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, sneered.

His grating, mocking voice cut through the discussion.

"According to the records," he said with clear disdain, "Captain Suì-Fēng had already activated her Bankai before Uehara Shiroha engaged the Vasto Lorde."

He folded his arms, his golden eyes narrowing.

"A Shinigami who hasn't even achieved Bankai—taking down a Vasto Lorde? Impossible."

He scoffed.

"This so-called victory… it must have been mere opportunism."

Then, with an insidious grin, he added,

"I've also heard that Captain Kyoraku has a deep friendship with Uehara Shiroha.

Coincidence?"

The implication was clear—

Had Kyoraku exaggerated the young Shinigami's achievements?

"Are you questioning the Captain-Commander's judgment?!"

Komamura's voice boomed as he glared at Mayuri.

Tension crackled in the air.

Before things could escalate, Aizen stepped in, his voice smooth and composed.

"Captain Kurotsuchi's concerns are… understandable."

He turned to Komamura.

"But I believe Captain Kyoraku would not falsely report Uehara Shiroha's achievements simply due to personal bias."

His words were measured—calm, diplomatic.

Neither Mayuri nor Komamura had any objections to Aizen's reasoning.

With a huff, the two ended their argument.

At that moment, a voice broke the silence.

"Captain-Commander."

All eyes turned toward the speaker.

It was Izuru Kira, the acting captain of the 3rd Division.

He stepped forward without hesitation and declared:

"Uehara Shiroha is more suited for the position of 3rd Division Captain than I am.

I propose that he replace me as the acting captain immediately."

A murmur spread through the room.

During the Hollowfication Incident, the 3rd, 5th, and 9th Divisions had suffered massive losses.

The 9th Division was practically rebuilt from scratch.

During this transitional period, Izuru had been appointed as acting captain.

However, he had never been enthusiastic about the role.

Now, seeing Uehara Shiroha's incredible achievements, he was eager to step down.

Yamamoto finally spoke.

"Uehara Shiroha has not yet achieved Bankai.

He is not qualified to be a captain."

His words were final.

But everyone in the room knew—

That was just an excuse.

Ordinarily, achieving Bankai was a requirement for captaincy.

However, there were exceptions—

For example, defeating the reigning Kenpachi and claiming the title.

And with Uehara Shiroha's current level, it was only a matter of time before he unlocked his Bankai.

In reality, Yamamoto had other reasons.

He saw Uehara Shiroha as another Shunsui Kyoraku—

A free-spirited genius who still needed refinement.

Such a prodigy required more polishing before being given a captain's seat.

However, Yamamoto did acknowledge his strength.

Thus, he issued a new order—

"Promote Uehara Shiroha to 3rd Seat of the 1st Division.

He will be responsible for Hueco Mundo affairs."

At these words, Vice-Captain Chōjirō Sasakibe's expression turned… complicated.

He was happy that a young genius had emerged in the 1st Division.

But at the same time…

He felt a strange pressure.

No matter what, his position as Yamamoto's right-hand man was secure.

Yet the fact that a twenty-something-year-old Shinigami was already making waves…

It was unnerving.

After a long pause, Sasakibe finally chuckled to himself.

"Well… at least I can rub this in the Fourth Seat's face."

The thought amused him greatly.

As news of the Hueco Mundo battle spread, Uehara Shiroha's name shook the Soul Society.

Flower Street, which had been quiet since the departure of two major figures, was lively once more.

Shinigami officers and vice-captains alike were in awe of Uehara Shiroha's achievements.

Especially those from Rukongai—

To them, Uehara Shiroha was an inspiration.

A symbol of what a commoner could achieve.

Even the noble clans, who had previously dismissed him, were forced to acknowledge his existence.

Among them, the Tsunayashiro family, who once looked down on him, now saw him as a valuable ally.

After all—

A captain-level Shinigami was a precious asset.

And befriending one was never a bad investment.

At the Expeditionary Army headquarters, Uehara Shiroha sat with an easygoing expression as he received the latest appointment.

Across from him, Kyoraku Shunsui held out a parchment and grinned mischievously.

"Congratulations, Brother Shiroha!" he teased. "You're now officially the Third Seat of the First Division."

He watched Uehara's reaction carefully before adding,

"How does it feel? A little disappointed, maybe?

If you had listened to me and applied for the Third Division's captaincy, you might be wearing a captain's haori by now."

Uehara Shiroha lazily waved a hand.

"Being a captain is too much work." He took the parchment without enthusiasm.

"Whoever wants the haori can have it—I'm fine with being Third Seat."

Titles didn't mean much to him.

As long as he kept getting stronger, whether he was Captain, General Commander, or even King of Soul Society, it wouldn't make a difference.

If he ever revealed his full strength, he could already picture it—

When the Thousand-Year Blood War came, the captains would probably be shivering and saying, "It's cold, someone give him a General Captain's haori to keep warm."

Kyoraku Shunsui sighed dramatically, shaking his head.

"Well, it's up to you. As long as you're happy."

Then, with a sly smirk, he continued,

"That said, you're not off the hook just yet.

The Expeditionary Army's mission is almost complete, and the main force will be withdrawing soon…

But you, as the newly appointed Third Seat, need to stay behind in Hueco Mundo a little longer."

Uehara Shiroha blinked, then scoffed.

"So that's why they promoted me. They were setting me up."

Shunsui chuckled.

"You caught on quick."

The mission to slaughter Hollows was to maintain the balance of souls between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo—and to protect the human world.

Now that Uehara had massacred an entire army of Hollows, the mission was basically complete.

What remained was merely clean-up work and security maintenance.

In truth, after the main forces evacuated, it was no longer necessary to keep anyone stationed here.

Uehara rolled his eyes.

"I don't mind coming to this damn desert once in a while, but I don't plan on living here."

Compared to Soul Society, Hueco Mundo was beyond boring.

If not for the training opportunities and a chance to test his abilities, he would have never set foot in this wasteland.

But now that he had leveled up, he wanted freedom again.

Shunsui adjusted his bamboo hat, his voice carrying a knowing amusement.

"I figured you'd say that.

But don't worry—you don't have to stay here forever.

Finish the job, build a solid team, and you can delegate the grunt work."

Uehara Shiroha smirked.

"Well, if I have to recruit people, I want talent—not just anyone."

Shunsui raised an eyebrow. "Got someone in mind?"

"I want the Kidō Corps."

Shunsui let out a low whistle.

"That's a bold choice."

Uehara shrugged.

"Science is power."

Just look at Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi—

They created monsters like the Hōgyoku and the Blood Cages during the Thousand-Year Blood War.

With enough research backing, anything was possible.

Uehara Shiroha had zero patience for research himself, but that didn't mean he couldn't gather experts to do it for him.

He was ready to enjoy the life of a 'client dad.'

Shunsui gave him a thumbs-up.

"You have good taste."

Then, with a smirk, he muttered,

"If this keeps up, the Kidō Corps will cease to exist."

Even as he joked, inwardly, he was relieved.

For years, he had disliked the existence of separate armed divisions like the Kidō Corps.

Their power structure allowed nobles to act too arrogantly.

If they ended up under Uehara Shiroha's control, it would prevent Kurotsuchi Mayuri from hoarding them, which was a win-win.

As the Hueco Mundo gate opened, the departing Expeditionary Army prepared to leave.

Standing at the threshold, Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru Kusajishi turned back, giving Uehara "resentful" looks.

Uehara chuckled.

"Don't stare at me like that. If you miss me, you can always come visit."

Then, with a smirk, he added,

"Oh, and it's getting cold. Make sure to put on extra layers."

"Hmph!" Kenpachi scoffed, gripping his Zanpakutō and stepping into the gate.

Nearby, Suì-Fēng approached.

She bowed her head slightly, her cold, serious expression unchanged.

"Thank you for saving me."

Then, with sharp determination in her voice, she added,

"I will repay this debt—but more importantly, I will surpass you."

Her pride was still intact.

She was grateful, but she refused to be overshadowed forever.

Even if she knew it would be difficult, she would not back down.

Uehara admired that about her.

He smirked and teased her,

"I have high hopes for you.mIf you keep working hard, you might reach my current level… in your next life."

Suì-Fēng's expression froze.

Then, without another word, she turned on her heel and left.

Behind her, a few remaining Onmitsukidō personnel followed silently.

The ones from noble families had all perished.

With the main forces gone, Uehara Shiroha surveyed his new recruits.

Former Kidō Corps members, looking at him with expectant expressions.

Ise Nanao, standing beside him, adjusting her glasses.

For the first time, he thought—

Maybe… this arrangement isn't so bad after all.

Being far away from Soul Society, with authority over his own domain, had its perks.

His position in Soul Society meant he couldn't stir up too much trouble.

But here, in Hueco Mundo?

He could do whatever the hell he wanted.

Daily duties? Minimal.

Luxurious entertainment? Abundant.

Uehara Shiroha had already made arrangements with Kyoraku Shunsui to meet at their usual spot in Flower Street that evening.

Of course, every time he used the Dangai Gate to return to Soul Society, it consumed a significant amount of resources.

But since the Gotei 13 was footing the bill?

Not his problem.

The more Uehara thought about it, the more he realized—maybe running a little operation in Hueco Mundo wasn't such a bad idea.

And if, one day, he found himself bored of the Gotei 13…

He could always switch sides and become the "Father of the Ten Espada."

The only issue?

Aizen had a terrible track record of dealing with "traitorous Shinigami."

The only two defectors he had personally executed were Tōsen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin—his own men.

Meanwhile, the Shinigami who had actually opposed him had all survived.

Honestly, it was outrageous.

At that moment, Ise Nanao approached him, her energy renewed after staying behind.

"Mr. Uehara, what are our next steps?" she asked, adjusting her glasses.

She had volunteered to remain in Hueco Mundo, not just to assist in finishing the mission, but because she was reluctant to leave Uehara Shiroha.

She wanted to continue learning Kidō from him.

And deep down, she found the work here more fulfilling than the endless bureaucracy of the Soul Society.

Uehara Shiroha didn't hesitate.

"Your job is extremely important," he said.

"First, learn everything about the Gate from the Kidō Corps experts.

Then, strengthen both the gate and the barriers around the base."

This place was too valuable to simply abandon.

He had put effort into establishing a foothold in Hueco Mundo, and it would be a waste to let it go.

Since anyone in Hueco Mundo can claim territory, why shouldn't I?

At this point, he had already started seeing this entire base as his personal property.

Ise Nanao nodded immediately.

"Yes, Mr. Uehara!"

She never questioned his orders—only followed them without hesitation.

As his subordinates busied themselves, Uehara Shiroha decided to take action himself.

Aizen was right… The Shinigami are too arrogant.

If they had been smarter, they would have fortified Hueco Mundo long ago.

Instead, they let it fester, making no attempts to regulate it.

Luckily for them, Barragan was just a reclusive "king" with no ambition.

Had he been a true visionary, Hueco Mundo could have been industrialized—and Soul Society's survival would have been at risk.

Well… not that Hueco Mundo could sustain an economy anyway.

The inner ecosystem of Hollows was a disaster.

Their evolution was limited—any major damage to their masks or souls could halt it permanently.

Without Aizen's Hōgyoku, their abilities remained primitive, centered around survival skills like Hierro (steel skin) and regeneration.

But for now, that was Aizen's problem, not his.

His focus was simple—

Use this base, kill time, and grow stronger.

To solidify his newhold, Uehara personally walked the perimeter, reinforcing the Kidō barriers.

Then, he retrieved something he had been saving for a long time—

The Five Thunder Curse Talisman.

It was only a C-rank artifact, but lightning-based techniques were especially effective against Hollows—just like Sun Breathing.

He affixed the talisman to the barrier's core, setting up a continuous energy loop to power it.

Now, if any Adjuchas-level Hollow tried to breach the barrier, they'd be reduced to ashes before they even touched it.

Taking a step back, he admired his handiwork.

The barrier now flashed intermittently with blue sparks—a visible deterrent.

Satisfied, he clapped his hands.

Time to go.

Before departing, he gathered the remaining Kidō Corps members.

"No one," he instructed, "enters or exits through the Gate without my direct command."

He knew this wouldn't stop Aizen if he really wanted in.

But that wasn't the point.

This was a declaration.

A way to say—

This place belongs to me now.

With that, he and Ise Nanao stepped through the gate, returning to Soul Society.

The moment Uehara Shiroha arrived in Soul Society, he headed straight to Flower Street, where Kyoraku Shunsui had prepared a grand banquet in his honor.

Laughter, music, and the scent of fine sake filled the air.

Uehara, who had been absent for some time, was greeted like royalty.

The moment he stepped inside, it was as if the king had returned.

The courtesans surrounded him eagerly, their voices filled with excitement.

One of them giggled.

"Shiroha-sama, it's been too long! You haven't forgotten about us, have you?"

Another wrapped her arms around his, purring,

"You always leave without saying goodbye… It breaks my heart!"

Uehara smirked, raising his sake cup.

"How could I ever forget you?"

The atmosphere was electric—a stark contrast to the barren wastelands of Hueco Mundo.

This was where he truly thrived.

As he relaxed into the night's festivities, someone whispered nearby—

"The legend continues…"

"The courtesans come and go… but Uehara remains forever."

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