Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"Um… thank you for taking care of me these past few days."

The other person remained silent.

Seiya scratched the corner of his mouth awkwardly, offering an uneasy smile.

"And… could you please pass a message to Captain Unohana? Thank her for all her kindness as well..."

The figure stopped in their tracks, half-turned, and gave him a rather disdainful look.

"You should've said that first."

Seiya immediately understood.

Another one of Captain Unohana's fanboys, huh?

His mind wandered as Unohana, now riding Minazuki, landed at her destination.

She stepped into a wide, serene courtyard—a familiar gathering place for her.

Waiting there were several Shinigami, their expressions grave. They stood on either side of the path, watching as Unohana sheathed her zanpakutō and walked forward.

Bowing low, they greeted her with utmost respect.

"Captain Unohana, this way, please..."

"Thank you all for your efforts."

Though it was a routine occasion, the air remained solemn and dignified.

This was in line with the philosophy of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, and all visitors to this place were expected to adhere to its decorum.

Unohana was no exception.

Following the guidance of the attending Shinigami, Unohana entered a spacious hall.

Within the room stood dozens of figures, tall and short, slim and stout, each with their own distinct aura—some even conflicting sharply with one another.

As Unohana arrived, their gazes shifted toward her, acknowledging the last Captain to appear.

No one spoke.

Seated high on the dais, the elder opened his eyes slowly.

His frail frame, white beard, and gnarled cane gave the appearance of a man well past his prime.

Yet his eyes still shone brightly as he surveyed the room, resting briefly on Unohana before sweeping over the others.

Finally, he spoke in a deep, steady voice.

"Everyone is here. Let us begin."

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

He tapped his cane against the floor, the sharp sound echoing through the hall.

The irregularly scheduled Gotei 13 assembly was now in session.

"Let us first hear from Lieutenant Sasakibe regarding the summary of recent activities. Please pay attention to matters concerning your divisions."

Normally, lieutenants did not participate in Captain-level meetings.

However, Sasakibe Chōjirō was an exception, having served as Yamamoto's right-hand man for many years. His capabilities and expertise were widely acknowledged.

Stepping forward, the black-mustachioed, sharply dressed Sasakibe began his report.

It was brief, no more than ten minutes of administrative updates.

Once the formalities were completed, Yamamoto let out a contemplative hum, signaling the transition to the next phase of the meeting.

"Good. All of you should continue to work diligently and uphold your duties to protect the Court of Pure Souls."

"With the main matters settled..."

"Now, if there is anything requiring collective discussion or decision—"

Yamamoto's calm, measured voice seemed to formally open the floor for deliberations.

"Do not hesitate to speak."

"Understood!"

The collective reply, resounding from all present, was a display of the Gotei 13's discipline. Even the most rebellious individuals stood solemnly, adhering to protocol.

A moment of silence.

It was soon broken by a figure stepping forward from the line.

"Ah… I apologize if this might embarrass someone, but as a matter of responsibility, I can't hold my tongue today."

The speaker, a spirited man with a round afro and white-framed sunglasses, pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. His tone carried a hint of disdain.

"Four days ago, a certain someone caused quite a commotion in the inner districts."

"While I won't name names, I hope they'll own up to it themselves."

The speaker was Love Aikawa, Captain of the 7th Division.

Half the room's eyes instinctively turned toward a single figure.

Standing near the end of the line, Kiganjō, who had been lost in his own thoughts, flinched.

"Huh?!"

Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Kiganjō's reaction was explosive.

"It was just a little misunderstanding! Why are you making such a big deal out of it?!"

"This 'misunderstanding' caused a major disturbance in the inner districts! Do you have any idea how much trouble it caused us in the Internal Guard?!"

Aikawa's retort, just as loud and fiery as Kiganjō's, left no room for compromise.

Kiganjō's forehead began to bead with sweat as he felt the pressure mounting. He wasn't used to dealing with equals on such terms, having grown accustomed to bossing around subordinates.

"And the person you picked a fight with… wasn't he just a student at the Shin'ō Academy?"

The interjection came from a blonde-haired man standing with arms crossed, one hand lazily twirling a strand of his hair. He smirked mockingly.

"Starting trouble, only to get injured yourself, and now we're discussing it at a formal Captain's meeting…"

"Pfft. Just imagining it makes me want to crawl into a hole. It's pathetic."

This was Rose Otoribashi, Captain of the 3rd Division.

Damn it!

Kiganjō wanted to snap back, but under Yamamoto's stern gaze, he could only suppress his frustration and attempt to justify himself.

"I didn't even use my full strength! Besides, that brat was slippery as hell… he must've used Shikai!"

"So you're saying you needed to focus all your attention to deal with a mere Academy student who just learned Shikai?"

The light, teasing tone came from another Captain, one whose smile was as sharp as the words he spoke.

Shinji Hirako, Captain of the 5th Division, laughed boldly.

"A Captain losing to someone who isn't even a seated officer… and then trying to excuse himself here. You're just making yourself look worse."

Hirako leaned back with a relaxed posture, his casual taunts filled with biting sarcasm.

"Forget your little scuffle. What about the fact that you've killed so many of your own division members over the years?"

"Shinigami who don't die to Hollows or on missions end up dead at your hands. What are your subordinates to you—your personal property?"

"Sure, a Captain has the authority to discipline their subordinates, but let's be honest…"

"Everyone here probably hates your guts."

Hirako raised his hand high in mock cheer.

"So, who's with me?"

A moment of silence.

Then, a soft but deliberate voice broke through.

"Um..."

The speaker, a scruffy man with a beard and a mature air, raised his hand tentatively.

Kisuke Urahara.

Though his demeanor was humble, his words struck Kiganjō like a hammer.

"I have to agree—this behavior really isn't acceptable."

Though Urahara's statement was mild, his agreement carried weight.

Four voices had already spoken against Kiganjō.

This was unprecedented.

What's going on? Have I really done something unforgivable?

I've always been like this—why am I being criticized now?!

Cold sweat poured from Kiganjō's brow, though it was unclear whether it was due to his injuries or the mounting pressure.

Then came the final blow.

A slender figure standing beside Yamamoto stepped forward.

"Losing to someone weaker than a seated officer and then making excuses to cover your past misconduct... Truly disgraceful."

Yoruichi Shihōin.

Draped in the haori of a Captain, her arms crossed, she gazed down at Kiganjō with an air of authority.

"The 11th Division is a place where strength reigns supreme. Your behavior was tolerated because of that."

"But losing to a no-name Academy student and twisting reality to save face? Aren't you even a little ashamed?"

Yoruichi's confident smile widened. Her words sent a chill down Kiganjō's spine.

"If you still have any pride left, why not commit seppuku right here?"