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Chapter 34 - The nomination

As the year neared its end, the air in Soul Society grew tense—especially within the higher ranks of the Gotei 13. A special captains' meeting had been called to decide the two new names that would be recommended for upcoming vacant captain positions. The chosen venue: Squad 13's base, a wide ceremonial hall overlooking a peaceful koi pond. The host, Jūshirō Ukitake, stood near the center, his usual gentle smile in place despite the gravity of the meeting.

The attending captains slowly took their seats. Present were:

Yoruichi Shihōin, Captain of Squad 2

Rōjūrō "Rose" Otoribashi, Captain of Squad 3

Retsu Unohana, Captain of Squad 4

Shinji Hirako, Captain of Squad 5

Kensei Muguruma, Captain of Squad 9

Shunsui Kyōraku, Captain of Squad 8

Love Aikawa, Captain of Squad 7

Arthur Kyōraku, Captain of Squad 11

(The Captain of Squad 6, Byakuya Kuchiki, was absent due to a health-related issue)Everyone sat in solemn silence, waiting for Ukitake to begin.

"Thank you all for attending," said Ukitake, folding his arms in his sleeves. "As you know, the time has come for us to submit two names to the Central 46, candidates who are deemed worthy of holding the title of Captain."

Immediately, Yoruichi spoke, "I would like to put forward my third seat—Kisuke Urahara. He's more than proven his worth. He's quick on his feet, dangerous in battle, and his intellect is among the best I've seen."

Across the room, Rose raised a hand. "I'd like to propose Mohit—Lieutenant of Squad 8. I've seen him fight during joint training exercises. He's more than capable, and… he's calm under pressure."

"I second that," said Shinji, leaning back in his chair with a lazy grin. "We trained with Mohit in the academy. He was always one of the few who could actually match us. He's no push-over."

"Count me in too," said Love, nodding. "He's got spirit—and power."

Arthur , arms folded, added with a serious look, "He's not just strong—he's smart, disciplined, and hell, he's survived things most seated officers wouldn't come back from. I vote Mohit as well."

Shunsui, sipping sake from his cup, gave a light chuckle. "Well, that makes five captains, including me. I guess we're looking at our first confirmed recommendation—Lieutenant Mohit of Squad 8."

"Hmm," murmured Kensei, tapping the hilt of his zanpakutō. "I'd like to propose Isshin Shiba—Lieutenant of Squad 10. He's got guts and raw strength."

Ukitake nodded. "Captain Yoruichi, you've seen both Isshin and Mohit in action. What's your judgment?"

Yoruichi rested her chin on her hand, eyes sharp. "Both are worthy, but Mohit's shown a will to survive that's… frightening. And his shikai abilities are evolving faster than expected. I choose Mohit.

"Very well," said Ukitake. "Then let it be official—Mohit will be the first of our two recommended names."

He looked around. "Now the second name: Kisuke Urahara or Isshin Shiba?"

Shinji scratched the back of his head. "Urahara's dangerous—he's got a creative edge that most people don't. He's the only guy I know who can turn a mistake into an opportunity in a single move."

Rose agreed. "He's more than earned it. I support Urahara."

Unohana, who had remained quiet until now, spoke calmly. "While Isshin has excellent field performance, Urahara's tactical value is significantly higher. I support Kisuke Urahara."

After a few more exchanges, it was finally settled. Urahara Kisuke was recommended for Squad 12, and Mohit for Squad 10.

"Reports will be compiled immediately," said Ukitake, "including full evaluations of their shikai, tactical capacity, battle experience, and leadership traits."

"And I'll personally deliver them to Central 46," said Shunsui, giving a warm glance toward Arthur. "We've got good talent rising these days."

Arthur smirked. "We always knew Mohit would make it. Even back in the academy, the guy was running into walls blindfolded and still kicking ass."

The captains chuckled lightly as the meeting slowly began to adjourn, the air lighter than before. The decisions were made, but one thing was certain—Soul Society was about to change.

After meeting shinji organised a party to celebrate both Mohit and Urahara nomination the party was held in a bar in which shinji rose love Mohit Arthur and Urahara were drinking and having some small talks of past

The room was loud with laughter, sake cups clinking together as the five old friends reunited—Mohit, Arthur, Shinji, Rose, and Love—gathered around a corner table. Urahara leaned nearby, quietly sipping his drink with a smirk.

They were no longer students, no longer the reckless kids of the Academy—but in this moment, it felt like nothing had changed.

Shinji, clearly tipsy, slammed his cup on the table."Man, you used to rank second in class, Mohit—and yet here you are, the last of us to get nominated for captain. Life's really not fair."

Arthur laughed, raising an eyebrow at Shinji."Bold talk coming from the guy who couldn't even keep his eyes open in Kido class. You remember the duels? I used to beat the shit out of you daily."

Shinji scoffed, pretending to be offended "You wish! I let you win so you wouldn't cry in front of teacher hans !"

Mohit smirked, leaning back with his cup."Those duels were wild though. Every week, one of you idiots ended up in Squad 4."

Love chuckled, nodding."And most of the time, it was Shinji. His ass lived there."

Rose, ever calm, added softly,"Still… all five of us made it this far. Feels surreal, doesn't it?"Urahara, listening in, finally leaned forward."It sounds like you all go way back. Were you always this tight?"

Mohit nodded."Arthur and I joined the Academy together. These three—Rose, Love, and Shinji—were already friends with him."and I became friends with love and rose

Urahara tilted his head."So Love and Rose became your friends, huh? What about Shinji?"

Mohit gave a tired expression with a grin."Shinji? Hell no. He was the most annoying kid in the entire Academy. Always laid back, always yawning, never serious. And guess who got seated next to him?"

Shinji raised his hands."Fate, baby. Fate knew I'd be your favorite headache."

Arthur clapped Mohit's shoulder."From sworn rivals to future captains. Life's weird, huh?"

Shinji narrowed his eyes."You're calling yourself captain already huh? Bold for someone I used to wipe the floor with."

Mohit grinned."The only thing you ever wiped was your own blood off your chin after I decked you in that sparring exam."Laughter exploded again. Urahara raised his cup with a smile.

Mohit lifted his glass."To captainhood, and to the idiots who made the journey worth it."

All together:"To captainhood!"As the sake flowed and memories were relived, the bonds of their youth only grew stronger—now with the weight of leadership on their shoulders, but the same fire in their hearts.

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