Time.
It had been a full month since that earth-shattering battle.
Place.
Soul Society — within the barracks of the 1st Division, in the newly built New Seireitei.
Characters.
Sasakibe Chōjirō meticulously organized the documents in his hands, cross-referencing them repeatedly with the agenda for today.
Beside him, several newly recruited 1st Division members stood stiffly, their nervousness practically written across their faces.
Such reactions were not unexpected.
"Relax a little,"
"Today, you are only here to observe and familiarize yourselves with the proceedings."
Most of the operations would be handled by the vice-captains.
—Even so,
The rookies couldn't help but nod stiffly, tension plainly visible.
Sasakibe chuckled softly, shaking his head.
Not everyone could be like that man.
Sighing lightly to himself, he passed the papers around, sharing his extensive experience with them.
"As the 1st Division, responsible for all affairs, our meetings must be solemn and orderly."
"No slacking off, no losing focus. For the next three hours—"
"Stay fully attentive to your duties."
Each word seemed to freeze the air.
One of the rookies couldn't help trembling and raised a hesitant hand.
"Um... Vice-Captain Sasakibe..."
"Speak."
"If we're... really too nervous, what should we do?"
An honest, fragile question.
Sasakibe did not scorn him — instead, he smiled warmly.
"The courage to voice your fear is already commendable."
As for advice...
He recalled a memory from decades ago,
of a certain man who had once cheerfully patted his own head and said—
"When you feel overwhelmed..."
"Just straighten your back."
Sasakibe paused, then lightly patted the recruit's back.
"Humans are simple creatures. With courage comes the strength to face anything."
"Believe in yourself before others doubt you."
"Encourage yourself."
His calm, warm words seeped into the young soldiers' hearts like a balm.
"Yeah... yeah!"
"I feel... a lot better now!"
"Vice-Captain Sasakibe, this method really works!"
Sasakibe, though well past the age of being flattered easily,
couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
"Just a small thing. More importantly, get used to it."
One rookie eagerly exclaimed.
"You must have used these words to inspire others before!"
"Of course."
He briefly drifted back into old memories.
When was the last time he had said such words to someone?
A certain familiar face flashed in his mind,
and for a moment, his smile faded, replaced by a trace of melancholy.
But enough.
"Alright, everyone, tidy your uniforms."
"We must enter before the Captain-Commander."
"Stand tall — we represent the dignity of the 1st Division."
"Are you ready?"
Led by Sasakibe, the group stepped through the doors.
The newly built Seireitei was broader and grander than before,
even the barracks shone with new refinement.
The hall was already surprisingly crowded.
Not just current Captains,
but many Vice-Captains and top-seated officers were present.
This was no ordinary meeting.
Even Sasakibe, despite mental preparation, couldn't help a slight stir of unease.
Captain-Commander...
If this is your will, I shall obey.
But can this truly gain everyone's approval?
Suppressing his worries, Sasakibe stepped forward and lightly cleared his throat, gathering everyone's attention.
"Since the Captains are here, let's review today's agenda."
"First, the appointment and reassignment of new Captains."
"Second, matters regarding..."
Before he could finish, a voice interrupted.
"Pardon me, Vice-Captain Sasakibe—"
"How is Captain-Commander Yamamoto's condition?"
It was Komamura Sajin, Captain of the 7th Division,
speaking urgently.
"Since the battle with the traitors, we've heard nothing. It's hard not to worry..."
A loyal heart speaking from duty.
But naturally, there were those who viewed things differently.
Especially at a moment like this.
"Silence, Komamura Sajin."
Kuchiki Byakuya, Captain of the 6th Division,
spoke icily, his eyes half-lidded.
Born of noble blood, Byakuya always stressed decorum and dignity.
Yet today, his aura was colder and sharper than ever before.
"This is the first formal meeting after the reformation of the Gotei 13."
"It demands utmost seriousness. Your casual interruption—"
"Disgraces the order of things."
He had a point.
But his manner was almost too harsh.
This wasn't the Byakuya they knew—
it was as if something inside him had shifted.
Even Renji behind him looked worriedly at his captain.
Maybe...
Maybe that man had become Byakuya's heart's shadow.
Whenever related matters arose, Byakuya became unnervingly sharp.
Komamura, however, did not back down.
"What kind of reasoning is that, Byakuya?!"
He slammed a fist into the round table.
Boom!
Tea cups clattered everywhere.
"The Captain-Commander is the soul of the Gotei 13!"
"If he remains unwell, how can we calmly discuss the future?!"
His righteous anger overflowed.
Even his own Vice-Captain struggled to restrain him.
Of course—
Someone had to pour oil on the fire.
"When will this monkey show finally end?"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division sighed dramatically,
staring at the spilled tea with dismay.
"This was supposed to be a new flavor developed by the Research Bureau..."
"Such uncultured apes."
Beside him, Nemu silently poured a new cup of tea.
"Here you go, sir. Best enjoyed after five minutes."
"Oho! Nemu, you're improving~"
Elsewhere, Soi-Fon stood with arms crossed, clearly disinterested in the drama.
Ukitake stood serenely, like a living Buddha.
Meanwhile, Yachiru rummaged inside Kenpachi Zaraki's clothes.
"Stop stuffing things into my pockets!"
"But I found a persimmon!"
Tōshirō Hitsugaya clearly wanted to intervene,
but gave up after hearing Rangiku shouting behind him:
"Don't go picking fights again!"
The entire scene—
A chaotic, yet strangely familiar mess.
Wasn't this exactly what the Gotei 13 had always been like?
The rookies looked around, wide-eyed, utterly overwhelmed.
"Vice-Captain Sasakibe, what do we do?!"
Sasakibe sighed, raising a forced smile.
He was about to speak—
When another Captain stepped forward.
With a tired, almost amused tone, Kyōraku Shunsui spoke.
"Everyone, why don't we settle down a little?"
Kyōraku raised a hand toward Mayuri's side.
"Sorry, Nemu-chan, could you brew a fresh batch for everyone?"
The meeting must continue, no matter the squabbles.
Thus—
Someone had to guide them back on track.
Ukitake exchanged a glance with Kyōraku,
who shrugged helplessly.
"Alright, alright— I know everyone has strong feelings."
"But this is our new start. Let's reflect and move forward."
"I'll start."
Spreading his hands in mock defeat, Kyōraku said:
"Since Seireitei's been rebuilt, I'll... cut down my drinking to twice a month!"
Behind him, Nanao adjusted her glasses.
"We of the 8th Division will faithfully record this commitment."
Ah...
The situation had defused,
for now.
And that was enough.
Time to move forward.
"Captain Unohana— you must know the Captain-Commander's condition better than anyone. Could you please update us?"
Unohana bowed gracefully, then opened her eyes.
Her voice was calm, like still water.
"The Captain-Commander's injuries are severe."
"When fighting Seiya Arima, he could not afford to hold back."
"Not just skin and muscles — some internal organs were sliced through."
"Without his extraordinary willpower, he would have lost consciousness immediately."
A gasp rippled through the room.
They had thought Yamamoto merely exhausted—
not grievously wounded.
Even now—
The mention of Seiya Arima's name cast a dark cloud over the assembly.
That man had changed too much.
In the uneasy silence that followed,
someone seemed about to speak.
But before that—
Footsteps echoed outside.
The Captain-Commander—
was coming.
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Powerstones?
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