CHAPTER 22

Kenpachi is a title bestowed upon the strongest Shinigami of each generation.

Although every Gotei 13 captain holds immense power and authority, the captain of the 11th Division has always been uniquely defined by sheer combat prowess. This distinction is enshrined in the division's succession rules, which starkly differ from the standard procedure.

Ordinarily, a captain is appointed after passing the Captain Proficiency Test (Taishū Kentei), gaining the recommendation of at least six captains, and receiving no objection from three others, with the final approval from the Head-Captain.

But for Kenpachi, the rule is absolute and unyielding—one must defeat and kill the current Kenpachi in combat to claim the title.

This is the sole sanctioned exception to Soul Society's stringent prohibition on internal killings among Shinigami. The reasoning behind such a brutal tradition lies in the belief that only through this method can the strongest of warriors rise, ensuring that every new Kenpachi surpasses the last in power.

Kūriya Ei, the seventh Kenpachi, claimed the title by defeating and killing his predecessor. Later, Mōjō Kenpachi—also known as Kenpachi of Mole City—killed Kūriya Ei, becoming the eighth Kenpachi.

Now, with Mōjō Kenpachi imprisoned in Muken (the lowest level of the Central Underground Great Prison), the question naturally arises: how can there be a Ninth Kenpachi when the Eighth still lives?

This contradiction weighed heavily on the captains assembled in the First Division's assembly hall.

Hirako Shinji, the newly appointed Captain of the 5th Division, joined the conversation promptly. "I'm aware of the 11th Division's unique tradition," he said, his sharp yellow eyes glancing around the room. "But with Mōjō Kenpachi imprisoned in Muken and still alive, we can't apply the standard succession. The position demands a true warrior, someone worthy of the name Kenpachi."

"How do we choose a new Kenpachi, then?"

The question hung in the air.

Veteran captains—Hikifune Kirio, Kyōraku Shunsui, and Ukitake Jūshirō—exchanged silent glances before turning, almost reflexively, toward Unohana Retsu.

Unohana, ever serene and unreadable, met their gaze. Her calm tone broke the silence. "It's true the tradition is ancient, but not all Kenpachi rose through direct challenge. The title began somewhere—before the First Kenpachi, there was none."

Hirako's brow lifted. "You mean... the First Kenpachi—Yachiru Unohana—was appointed, not through challenge?"

A faint flicker passed through Unohana's eyes, but she quickly masked it. "Precisely. Which means that in rare cases, the precedent allows flexibility. What matters now is whether we have a Shinigami strong enough to bear that name."

Everyone in the room understood. With Mōjō Kenpachi imprisoned for crimes against Soul Society, the position of 11th Division captain was vacant, and they needed to appoint a successor who could uphold the division's legacy.

"Captain Unohana is right. That's the real issue here," Ukitake said, his gentle voice carrying the gravity of experience.

The captains pondered in silence. The Gotei 13 certainly had Shinigami of great strength—some even among vice-captains. For instance, Sasakibe Chōjirō of the 1st Division, though quiet and unobtrusive, had served since the founding of the Gotei 13 and was of undeniable captain-class strength.

But appointing someone strong wasn't the only criteria. The captain of the 11th Division had to be a Kenpachi—not just strong, but the embodiment of relentless combat.

"I have someone in mind," Kyōraku Shunsui spoke up.

The room turned toward him. Despite his laid-back attitude, no one ever doubted Shunsui's insight when it mattered.

"Who, Shunsui?" Captain-Commander Yamamoto asked directly.

"Vice-Captain of the 11th Division—Gōsuke Shigure."

Murmurs rippled through the chamber. Gōsuke Shigure wasn't an unknown name. He had served loyally under both previous Kenpachis. A dependable officer, but never before considered for the captain's seat—let alone the title of Kenpachi.

"If I recall," said Shihōin Kōkan, the sturdy captain of the 2nd Division, "he was the last to make contact with Mōjō Kenpachi before the latter turned himself in."

Shunsui nodded. "Correct. After the incident, he was detained in the Repentance Cell as a suspect, but later cleared when Mōjō's crimes were confirmed. However... there's more."

"What more?" someone asked, skeptical.

"He defeated Mōjō Kenpachi."

Stunned silence followed.

"Impossible…" one captain murmured.

But Shunsui's expression remained serious. "It's no joke. Captain Unohana can verify it. The truth is, it wasn't just Gōsuke. I was there too. The two of us confronted Mōjō together and subdued him. But it was Gōsuke who dealt the critical blow."

Heads turned to Unohana.

She gave a small nod. "Yes. Kenpachi came to the 4th Division shortly after. His injuries were grave—nearly fatal. At the time, we did not yet know the charges he faced, so we treated him as we would any wounded captain. But the injuries were not sustained in battle with Hollows or Arrancar. They came from a duel... against Gōsuke Shigure."

The chamber was silent again, but the tone had shifted. Doubt turned to contemplation. The name "Kenpachi" wasn't given lightly. But if Gōsuke had truly defeated the previous bearer in fair combat…

Then tradition was fulfilled—even if Mōjō yet lived, his defeat had already passed the torch.

Shunsui spoke again. "I know this might be hard to accept, but think about it. We can't leave the 11th Division leaderless. The title of Kenpachi must be carried by someone who has proven their strength not only in battle, but in resolve. Gōsuke didn't ask for this. He earned it."

"Perhaps we should convene an assessment," Hirako suggested, though even he sounded thoughtful.

"No need," Yamamoto said at last, his voice firm and final. "If it is true that Gōsuke Shigure has defeated the previous Kenpachi in one-on-one combat, then the title is his by right. The rules are ancient and unambiguous."

"And the man has already borne the weight of suspicion, duty, and conflict," Unohana added softly. "He did not seek glory. That may make him more suitable than any."

With that, the Gotei 13's highest officers reached a quiet understanding.

Though unconventional in presentation, the result remained true to tradition.

The name Kenpachi would not be forgotten—because Gōsuke Shigure would soon rise, not just as captain of the 11th Division...

But as the Ninth Kenpachi of the Gotei 13.