Iba Tetsuzaemon stood frozen, his mouth hanging open in shock.
He had always called himself a "man's man," yet when he first joined the Seventh Division, he had been thoroughly defeated by Komamura Sajin's raw strength. From that mont onward, he fully acknowledged his new captain.
But now… an even more terrifying person had appeared.
Fourth Division's Lieutenant—Kyōraku Shimo.
And he had just overpowered Komamura Sajin in a pure contest of strength… without the slightest effort.
"This… this can't be real…"
Iba felt his entire worldview shattering.
He had once discussed Shimo with his friend, Ikkaku Madara. At the ti, Ikkaku spoke of Shimo with extre admiration, calling him "the strongest person I've ever t."
Iba had been skeptical then.
But once Shimo's accomplishnts spread through the Seireitei, all doubts vanished.
And now, what he was witnessing completely redefined his understanding.
After thinking hard, the only verdict Iba could form was:
"He's a walking cheat!"
---
Leaving the Seventh Division, Shimo returned once again to the First Division barracks.
When he handed the three approval letters to Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the old man's half-closed eyes revealed a flicker of surprise.
"Very well," Yamamoto said.
"From this mont on, you shall assu the position of Captain of the Third Division."
He paused, then added:
"But there is one matter I am greatly curious about."
Shimo showed mild confusion.
"Please ask, Head Captain."
Yamamoto looked hesitant for a brief mont, but eventually spoke:
"Kyōraku Shimo… what is your Bankai?"
Hearing the question, Shimo's expression instantly stiffened.
"Head Captain… to be honest…"
"I still don't know my own Bankai."
Yamamoto imdiately coughed violently.
"What?! You do not possess a Bankai?!"
Sasakibe Chōjirō beside him looked equally stunned.
"This…"
But Yamamoto, through sheer discipline, managed not to lose composure.
He had seen far too many shocking things recently; his tolerance had grown considerably.
Shimo gave a bitter smile.
"That's how things are. I can't force it."
Yamamoto sighed, unsure how to respond.
Comfort him?
Impossible.
This man killed Tōsen Kana in one strike with just his Shikai. Whether he had a Bankai or not hardly mattered.
Still, for a captain, being unable to wield Bankai was indeed… regrettable.
Though, compared to Kenpachi—who couldn't even use Shikai—Shimo's situation was actually better.
"No matter. You have already proven your strength."
Yamamoto moved on.
"Chōjirō, prepare the Jigokuchō. Notify all captains and lieutenants."
"One hour from now, we will hold the Third Division Captain Installation Ceremony in the First Division courtyard."
...
Word spread quickly.
Captains and their lieutenants began assembling in the courtyard.
In the past, they might have wondered who the new captain would be.
But now, the answer was obvious.
The na Kyōraku Shimo had already swept through the entire Seireitei—his feats discussed by every unit, even Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō mbers.
Renji followed behind Byakuya, and to his surprise, felt as though his captain's footsteps were… slightly lighter than usual.
"Must be my injuries ssing with ," Renji muttered.
"There's no way Captain Byakuya would walk lightly."
"What are you mumbling about, Renji?"
The cold voice instantly froze him.
Renji bowed his head.
"It's nothing, sir. Just… thinking. Shimo and I were from the sa Shin'ō Academy class. And now he's becoming a division captain."
Byakuya nodded, a faint—almost unnoticeable—smile on his lips.
"Shimo is… quite sothing."
He didn't finish the sentence, his eyes drifting into mory.
"Captain Kuchiki."
A soft voice ca from behind.
Renji turned to see Captain Unohana accompanied by Kotetsu Isane.
After Shimo left Fourth Division, Isane had taken over as lieutenant.
"Captain Unohana," Byakuya greeted.
"I overheard you speaking of Shimo-kun," she said with pleasant curiosity.
"I heard you have known him for a long ti—perhaps even as friends. Would you tell more about him?"
Byakuya sighed helplessly.
"Hardly friends. More like… a troubleso acquaintance."
Renji nearly fainted.
Captain Kuchiki was showing emotions other than anger and calm. Impossible!
...
Soon, all captains and lieutenants had gathered.
Yamamoto stepped onto the platform, surveying the assembly.
"Since all are present… we shall begin."
Silence fell.
"Recently, traitors Aizen Sōsuke and his cohorts abandoned the Soul Society, leaving three captain positions vacant.
"At our previous gathering, Captain Kyōraku Shunsui and five others unanimously recomnded forr Fourth Division Lieutenant, Kyōraku Shimo."
"Today, he has acquired the remaining three captain approvals, completing all requirents."
"Thus, we hereby declare—"
"Kyōraku Shimo shall serve as the new Captain of the Third Division."
Lieutenant Kira Izuru was the most shocked at first, but his expression soon relaxed.
He had seen Shimo's strength with his own eyes—he had no objections whatsoever.
"Enter, Captain Shimo."
As Yamamoto's voice fell, the courtyard doors opened.
Shimo stepped inside, wearing the white captain's haori.
For a mont, many forgot to breathe.
Shimo, dressed in a captain's coat, radiated an entirely new presence.
His smile remained the sa—gentle, relaxed… yet sohow overwhelmingly charismatic.
Only now did the captains realize that Shimo's natural charm far exceeded that of most people.
—
The ceremony itself was far simpler than Shimo expected.
Only captains, lieutenants, and mbers of the Third Division attended.
Back in the Third Division barracks—
The entire division was buzzing.
They had been curious about their new captain… until they saw his face.
Recognizing him instantly, they fell completely silent.
Joy, worry, dissatisfaction—none dared speak.
Shimo's reputation had long been burned into their minds.
A legend of the Seireitei—
A Shinigami who cut down powerful foes one after another.
A man who embodied what a Shinigami should be: defeating strong enemies and forging a na through battle.
Shimo walked through their respectful gazes into the captain's office.
The room was simple yet elegant—surprisingly tasteful compared to Gin's personality.
Kira Izuru was already waiting, holding a massive stack of docunts.
"Captain Shimo."
Shimo glanced at the stack and felt his eyebrow twitch.
"And that… is what?"
Kira blinked.
"Compiled reports, mission evaluations, supply records, budget distributions—"
"Tch—!"
Shimo sucked in a breath.
"Being a captain ans dealing with all this?!"
Kira nodded blankly.
Shimo imdiately turned around.
"Captain, where are you going?!"
"Back to the Head Captain. I'm returning this job."
Kira nearly panicked and dragged him back into the chair.
"Captain, please—your decision is far too hasty!"
He had already seen Shimo's total refusal toward paperwork.
And he suddenly rembered the notorious saying about the Kyōraku clan:
"Kyōraku n only work if everybody else is dead."
It was ant as a joke… but reflected reality.
Neither Shunsui nor Shimo had the slightest interest in actual labor.
Among all captains, they were the ultimate slackers.
Shimo rubbed his temples.
"These docunts alone are giving a migraine."
Kira sighed.
"You don't have to worry. I can handle most of the paperwork."
"You only need to sign at the end."
Shimo's eyes lit up.
"Do you know Ise Nanao?"
Kira instantly felt dread.
"…Lieutenant of the Eighth—?"
Snap.
Shimo snapped his fingers.
"Tomorrow, go to the Eighth Division and ask Ise Nanao for advice on managing a division. Tell her I sent you."
Kira's face collapsed.
Shimo's intentions were extrely clear.
Nanao practically ran the Eighth Division by herself—and everyone knew it.
Shit. Holy shit.
Just as Kira was silently suffering, a voice called from outside.
"Captain, Lieutenant—"
"Head of the Iwakami Clan, Iwakami Kazuya, requests an audience!"
Shimo frowned.
"Iwakami Kazuya?"
The na sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it.
Kira whispered:
"A lower noble. Good reputation in the Seireitei. I believe he's running in the Central 46 elections."
Shimo recalled the list of candidates.
"So his 'good reputation' is just his own advertisent…"
Iwakami arrived shortly after—polite, respectful, and attempting to bribe Shimo for his vote in the upcoming election.
Shimo neither accepted nor rejected him.
He had his own plans for the Central 46.
After Iwakami left, several more nobles arrived—so of them even high nobility.
Shimo imdiately ordered Kira to block all visitors.
But soon Kira returned, looking pained.
"Captain… I believe this next guest is soone you should see."
Shimo frowned.
"Who?"
Kira swallowed.
"A lower noble… from the Fon family."
----------------------------///
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