CHAPTER 51

Staring at Akira's departing figure, a rare silence filled the meeting chamber.

At that moment, many of the gathered Shinigami—whether captains or lieutenants—felt their perception of the young man shift. He was no longer just the once-in-a-millennium genius from the Spiritual Arts Academy. He had become something else. Something more.

He was now the elder brother who, for the sake of protecting his younger sibling, dared to defy the authority of a Gotei 13 captain and even challenge the hierarchical walls of the Seireitei itself. In doing so, he embodied not just strength, but heart—a brother's loyalty, unwavering and unyielding.

To some, he even evoked memories of another revered Shinigami: the quiet, brilliant Aizen Sōsuke—before the betrayal. Aizen had always seemed distant, his kindness like porcelain: perfect, but cold. Akira, however, bled conviction.

"It's almost poetic," murmured Captain Kyōraku Shunsui, adjusting his straw hat thoughtfully. "To think the Gotei 13 would come to a point where one of its own captains resembles a common thug… Hirako Shinji really outdid himself this time."

He glanced sideways at Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, whose furrowed brow had not relaxed since Akira left the room.

"Chōjirō," the Head Captain finally said, directing his words at his long-serving lieutenant, "summon the advisory council once this is resolved. We may need to review a few policies… especially regarding captain accountability."

"Understood, Captain-Commander," Sasakibe replied quietly.

Shunsui turned, his tone now more casual, but no less sharp. "Still, Master Yama… What do you intend to do? On one hand, you have Captain Hirako—well-connected, a veteran, and originally recruited by you personally during the Great Hollow Purge. On the other, you have Akira, a prodigy with sky-breaking Reiatsu, whose Shikai alone disrupted the Kidō barrier during his Academy trials."

Yamamoto remained silent. The scales were tipping in his mind.

"I'd let them sort it themselves," Shunsui finally added. "No matter the outcome, the Fifth Division will still have a captain—just perhaps not the same one."

Captain Shiba Isshin stepped forward now, his face unusually serious. "Captain Hirako's behavior was reckless," he stated. "I was present during the confrontation at the Kendo Dojo. Akira restrained himself—repeatedly. Had it not been for his brother being dragged into it, I doubt he would have challenged Shinji at all."

That blunt honesty struck like steel on stone.

Yamamoto closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing the comments from two of his most loyal captains.

His gaze turned to the only captain who had yet to speak.

"Unohana-taichō?"

Unohana Retsu, calm as always, gave a serene bow. "I am but a healer. My concern lies with survival. I will oversee the duel to ensure that it ends in blood, not corpses. Nothing more."

It was both a non-answer and a resolution. But it was enough.

Yamamoto gave a single nod. "So be it."

Seeing that the Captain-Commander had effectively sanctioned the duel, Shiba Isshin took his cue. "Then I'll take my leave. I promised to gather two hundred Shinigami for the Fifth Division courtyard. I doubt Hirako will allow a clean fight, not without every trick in the book."

With a swift flash step, he was gone.

Meanwhile, in the barracks of the Fifth Division, Hirako Shinji paced with calculated ease, a smirk playing on his lips. He had already dismissed the bulk of the division's personnel, citing a training exercise in the outer districts. Now, only his vice-captain, Sarugaki Hiyori, remained by his side.

Hiyori leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Her scowl was as sharp as ever.

"You cleared out the entire squad?" she asked bluntly. "Scared that some rookie might see you lose?"

Shinji didn't answer at first. Instead, he tugged on his haori, straightened it, and studied his reflection in a polished panel.

"I just want him to understand the gap," he finally said. "No amount of talent can close the distance between a month-old Shinigami and a captain who's served since before the Hollowfication Incident."

Hiyori didn't look convinced. "You know, I went back and checked the reports from the Kendo Gym. You might've cornered him, but Akira didn't retaliate until you went after Aizen. Even then, he held back."

Shinji's smile faded.

"I'm just saying," Hiyori muttered, voice low, "he fights for the people he loves. Not for ego. That kind of conviction's dangerous… for people like us."

Before Shinji could retort, the pressure in the air shifted.

Both of them turned toward the entrance.

From the far end of the courtyard, Akira approached slowly, dressed in standard black Shinigami attire, the Shiba clan's insignia discreetly stitched into his sleeve.

His steps were deliberate, his posture calm. But his Reiatsu… it rolled across the Fifth Division like a rising tide—quiet, yet undeniable.

Shinji stepped forward to meet him, his expression returning to smug amusement.

"Well, well. You made it. Sorry for the lack of welcome… just me and Hiyori today."

"No need for ceremony," Akira replied, his voice steady. "A farewell shouldn't require fanfare."

Shinji narrowed his eyes. "Farewell?"

"This is the last time I'll call you 'Captain Hirako.' By sunset, the Fifth Division will have a new captain."

"Talk's cheap," Shinji shot back. "Especially from someone who hasn't seen real battle. I'm curious—how many lieutenants have you beaten in a fair fight? How many Gillians have you slain? Or do you think Shikai alone entitles you to a haori?"

Akira didn't flinch. "You mistake silence for weakness. You'll learn the difference soon enough."

The courtyard crackled with tension.

Just then, Sarugaki Hiyori stepped between them, not to interfere, but to speak.

"Just don't kill each other," she said. "Or Unohana'll have my head."

Akira nodded.

Hirako Shinji simply chuckled and unsheathed his Zanpakutō slightly.

"Let's begin then, prodigy."

Akira's gaze didn't waver. "Don't blink."

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