CHAPTER 16:Yamamoto Accepts Apprentices and Confirms the Vice-Captain Seat

Listening to Su Li's answer, the captains of other teams were disappointed. It was truly a pity that such a promising seedling didn't join the squads that had tried to recruit him. Sui-Feng regained her usual cold demeanor, though a hint of imperceptible pride flickered in her eyes.

Captain Yamamoto pondered slightly, thoughtful, then looked up at Su Li with kindness in his eyes.

"Son, I don't know if you would be willing..." The captains quieted, watching Yamamoto closely. "Are you willing to become my disciple?"

Boom.

The entire room erupted.

After a thousand years, Captain Yamamoto was accepting an apprentice again. Kyoraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake were visibly shaken. Ever since their master accepted them as disciples, he had vowed never to take another. Over centuries, countless geniuses had risen, but never once had the teacher been moved. Yet now, because of this boy, the old flame stirred again.

Even Sui-Feng was shocked. Her face turned pale in a rare moment of panic. If Su Li became Yamamoto's disciple, he would likely join the First Division. How could she calmly watch such an evil White Hits talent slip through her fingers? She clenched her fists, anxious, but powerless. After all, who could contest Yamamoto?

Even Zaraki Kenpachi was speechless.

"Tch..." He turned away, frustrated. If it had just been the Second Division, he could've fought to poach Su Li later. But if Yamamoto accepted him as a disciple, Su Li was as good as bound to the old man.

The captains were overwhelmed by various emotions, but most were simply stunned.

Su Li too was surprised.

Become Yamamoto's disciple?

The mentor of Shunsui and Ukitake?

That didn't sound bad at all. He could learn directly under Yamamoto, rapidly improve his strength, and gain a semi-detached position in Soul Society. Even if he never exploited that status, it would come in handy if Central 46 ever caused him trouble. A shield like Yamamoto was no small advantage.

However, there was still a problem.

"Captain Yamamoto, if I agree to be your disciple, do I have to join the First Division? I'd prefer to go to the Second..."

Su Li said hesitantly.

Yamamoto smiled slightly.

"You don't need to join the First Division. As long as you're willing to learn from me, it doesn't matter what division you serve under."

Su Li exhaled with relief.

Sui-Feng was even more relieved. The tension in her shoulders faded as the anxiety in her heart settled.

"Then I'm willing to become your disciple."

A bright smile appeared on Su Li's face.

Yamamoto's expression softened, clearly satisfied.

Shunsui and Ukitake were just as pleased. Though they hadn't recruited Su Li into their squads, he had become their junior disciple—closer than any ordinary team member. A brother in arms and name.

The apprenticeship ceremony commenced.

Chōjirō Sasakibe served freshly brewed tea under the watchful eyes of the captains. The ritual was simpler than Su Li imagined. No kneeling, no bowing.

Su Li offered tea. Yamamoto accepted and drank.

The ceremony was complete.

"Teacher," Su Li bowed slightly.

"Good tea, good disciple, hahaha." Yamamoto laughed heartily, rare joy in his voice.

"Yahahaha! From now on you're our little junior brother!" Shunsui stepped forward with a grin, slinging his arm over Su Li's shoulders. "You'll have to hang out with us a lot more!"

Jūshirō, usually frail and pale, looked brighter than usual, the color returning to his cheeks. One more brother was one more bond—one more reason to smile.

The other captains came forward to congratulate Su Li.

Their eyes burned hotter than ever.

Becoming Yamamoto's disciple meant one thing—Su Li was destined to be a heavyweight in the Soul Society. Possibly even the next Head Captain.

Congratulations echoed throughout the room. The captains pulled out every good word they knew.

Only one man stood silent.

Aizen stood behind the crowd, cold light flickering across his lenses. His face betrayed no emotion.

Eventually, the congratulations faded.

"Now, there's just one last matter," Yamamoto said calmly, his gaze settling on Su Li.

The room quieted at once.

"According to Su Li's test results and his performance during the second round, the Division has decided to grant him the seat of Vice-Captain of the Second Division. Any objections?"

Silence.

All captains approved. Even Sui-Feng showed no reaction, quietly agreeing.

Su Li's strength had already been recognized. No one objected.

Yamamoto nodded in satisfaction.

"Then after the internship period, Su Li will officially assume the position of Second Division Vice-Captain."

According to tradition, all graduates of the Spiritual Arts Academy underwent a one-year internship before officially joining the Gotei 13.

But for Su Li, one year was too long.

"Teacher, I want to apply to shorten the duration of the internship," Su Li said suddenly.

Yamamoto paused, then nodded.

"A one-year internship would indeed be a waste of time for you. Then let's shorten it to three months."

"It's still too long," Su Li replied.

"Then how long do you want?" Yamamoto asked, surprised.

"One month."

The captains stirred.

Internships weren't ceremonial—they involved completing real assignments. Was one month enough?

"Very well. One month," Yamamoto decided after brief thought. "But if you fail to complete the requirements, you'll be punished."

"Don't worry, Teacher," Su Li said with a confident smile.

Yamamoto looked at that smile and softened again.

"Good. Then it's settled. Come to my office tomorrow. I'll teach you some things before you head out. I don't want you so focused on missions that you neglect your training."

"Understood, Teacher."

The other captains couldn't help but feel envy.

Su Li would begin learning from Yamamoto immediately.

Yamamoto rose slowly and tapped his cane once.

"Then, today's meeting is concluded."

"The meeting is over."