RNP Page 90
Page 90
Although he was usually unkempt, he wasn't stupid.
As soon as Retsu Unohana spoke, he roughly understood the purpose of this captain's meeting.
Before long, another captain arrived.
This time, the team leaders present were not so friendly; they simply gave a perfunctory greeting and said nothing more.
This annoying captain is none other than Kenpachi Oni, the so-called strongest but actually weakest member of the 13th Division's combat division.
Note: On the surface, Kenpachi means "the strongest." "Tch, these guys."
Kiyan Chengjian leaned against the side, his eyes narrowed, a nameless anger rising in his heart, but he dared not vent it.
After his arrival, the previously harmonious atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly turned cold and stiff.
This strange and awkward atmosphere lasted for quite a while before the main person in charge of the meeting finally arrived.
An elderly man leaning on a cane slowly walked in from the side, followed half a step behind by a gentle-looking man, and behind them were three death gods with distinct styles.
Aizen and Ira returned to the captain's ranks, leaving the other three standing to the side with Captain-Commander Yamamoto.
*Snap!* Yamamoto Genryu Rongyu, who habitually tapped his cane, said in a calm, low voice, "The purpose of this meeting is to continue selecting team leaders, and these three are the targets of this assessment."
"Murazumi Jin is strong, proficient in swordsmanship, and has mastered the D-style."
"Dong Zhang, with his unique style of fighting, is highly experienced in combat and has mastered the art of debunking."
"Gin Ichimaru possesses unique slashing techniques, excels in speed, and has mastered D-type techniques."
After a brief introduction, Yamamoto explained the purpose of the meeting.
Everyone present except for Oni Yanshiro Kenpachi had already figured it out, leaving only Oni Yanshiro Kenpachi with a bewildered expression.
However, this introduction...
Aizen lowered his eyes, a cold smile creeping onto his face.
That old geezer isn't entirely without guile, is he?
Logically speaking, compared to the two who stormed into the Soul Society and caused trouble, the one with the most promising talent, Gin Ichimaru, should have been valued more, but that wasn't actually the case.
On the surface, Yamamoto's introduction seemed perfectly reasonable, but his words actually revealed the degree of closeness or distance between them.
The solution to D goes without saying; under normal circumstances, if someone can't even solve D, they're basically not qualified to be a team leader.
However, according to this wicked old man's introduction, Mura was a master of swordsmanship, while Ichimaru Gin became a master of swordsmanship, with his own style of swordsmanship, Higashi Jo. Ichimaru Gin was only unique in that he was excellent in strength, and his speed was just something he was good at.
Aizen also knew the reason.
Gin Ichimaru seems to be the right person for the job: Masakazuki, but Yamamoto doesn't like Gin's usual demeanor and personality.
Furthermore, after graduating, Gin Ichimaru personally killed the former third seat of the Fifth Division as a pledge of loyalty, infiltrating his own side to take over the third seat's position. Although he handled the matter flawlessly afterward, it's impossible that there wasn't even the slightest suspicion.
Whether Yamamoto doubted himself or not, Aizen didn't know.
However, Gin Ichimaru's perpetually enigmatic attitude would surely make Yamamoto suspicious.
In contrast, although Murakami and Joe Higashi joined the Soul Society by accident, they have grown up under Yamamoto's watchful eye over the years and have developed some affection for each other.
Compared to Kyoraku Shunsui's two direct disciples, these two could also be considered Yamamoto's nominal disciples. In addition, given Sasakibe's special admiration for Higashi Joe, Yamamoto naturally held them in high regard.
Most importantly, both of them are straightforward and honest, and Yamamoto believes they are not the kind of traitors who would easily betray others.
However, Aizen suddenly felt an urge to laugh.
Indeed, these two aren't traitors like Gin Ichimaru, but they weren't initially loyal to you, you old codger.
"Reporting to the Chief Commander."
Therefore, Aizen, the captain of the 5th Division, and Gin Ichimaru, the vice-captain of the 3rd Division, became the captain of the 3rd Division, with the selection method being a combat strength assessment!
Before the Captain-Commander could speak, Aizen stepped forward first, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, securing the first opportunity for Gin Ichimaru.
The Captain-Commander's eyes widened slightly as he looked at Aizen with some surprise, a hint of dissatisfaction creeping into his heart.
Actually, he knew Aizen's intentions from their previous meeting, but he didn't actually want Gin Ichimaru to become the captain.
It wasn't that he had any particular problem with Gin Ichimaru; it's just that there really weren't enough spots in the Gotei 13 right now.
If Gin Ichimaru of the 2nd Division dares to interfere, the Shihōin clan will dare to organize a group of upper and lower nobles to cause trouble. At that time, the Central 46 will definitely side with the Shihōin family.
With only three or seven vacancies remaining, Yamamoto naturally hoped that his students would be promoted.
He believed Aizen understood this, and that the others also understood it.
But Aizen's attitude was sudden; he saw reluctance and encouragement in Aizen's eyes as he looked at Gin Ichimaru.
Yamamoto was slightly taken aback, then suddenly understood.
Aizen's actions were not wrong; for Aizen, Gin Ichimaru was the one he was truly close to.
It's true that Gin Ichimaru was a super genius who graduated in a year, quickly rose to the third seat, and became the vice-captain in less than ten years. However, after joining the team, he was always guided and taught various experiences and knowledge by Aizen. In a sense, Aizen was also Gin Ichimaru's teacher.
How was this any different from his own feelings? In an instant, Yamamoto's dissatisfaction with Aizen vanished, and he began to admire Aizen even more.
However, while he admires Aizen, he won't easily change his opinion of Gin Ichimaru, as he also wants to fight for opportunities for his students, and this is something he can't compromise on.
".
Village is introverted and has unresolved issues, so the Seventh Division of the Inner Court Guard is a better fit for him.
On the contrary, Joe Higashi, although more composed, has a more outgoing and flamboyant personality, with some youthful impetuosity. Let him compete for the Third Division, which is on the front lines of battle.”
Glancing at the village and then at Higashijo, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni muttered to himself, secretly making up his mind to compete.
"Well, I think Dongzhang is also very suitable."
"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency Yuan Liuzhai."
"I don't want to become the captain of the Third Division."
Chapter 152 D: The God-Slaying Spear (5/18)
Before Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a somewhat boastful remark.
"Dongzhang"
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes, his tone becoming more serious as he said in a deep voice, "Why are you unwilling? Do you think you're inferior to Gin Ichimaru?"
A hint of helplessness flashed in Joe's eyes, but he still smiled and said, "That's not it. I just feel that the Third Division isn't really suitable for me."
But I will definitely become the captain today.
After hearing his words, Yamamoto was so angry he wanted to blow his beard.
If the Third Division isn't suitable for you, does that mean the Seventh Division... the Inner Court Guard is more suitable? Or is the Second Division, which commands the Xing Army, more suitable? At least among the remaining three Third Divisions, the Third Division is the most suitable for Joe Higashi.
A few seconds later, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni seemed to sense something different, and his eyes widened slightly, showing some surprise and uncertainty.
The other team leaders weren't stupid either; they quickly noticed something was wrong.
No one can take the 2nd Division away from us, so if Joe Higashi doesn't fight for the 3rd Division, he can't very well go and compete with his good friend Muramasa for the captain's position.
Suddenly, old man Yamamoto noticed that Joe's gaze had inadvertently glanced at Kenpachi Onigeki.
"This brat," Yamamoto thought to himself, secretly alarmed.
To be honest, Yamamoto now dislikes Oni Kenpachi quite a bit, and is even considering how to get rid of him and replace him with someone else.
However, he never intended for Joe Higashi and Mura to become the captains of the Eleventh Division.
The Eleventh Division is nominally the strongest of the Gotei 13, but the position of captain of the Eleventh Division is also the most brutal historical change.
Kenpachi
Only one captain can exist in each era! In other teams, even if the previous captain is defeated by the new captain, unless the latter has a grudge against the former, they will generally not face a life-threatening situation.
But the Eleventh Division is different. Once the Eleventh Division starts its Captain Challenge mode, the challenger can decide whether to live or die depending on the mood of the original captain. However, if the current Kenpachi loses, he will die! So far, only two Kenpachis have escaped death.
One is Unohana Yachiru, who voluntarily resigned and transitioned from a soldier to a nurse.
One was Mole City Shuangye, who was imprisoned in the deepest hell because he voluntarily surrendered himself after violating the rules.
None of the remaining Kenpachi players survived! And all of them died at the hands of rookie captains.
The Ninth Kenpachi, whose name isn't even worth remembering by the other captains, clearly possesses captain-level strength; otherwise, even if Kenpachi Azajo were imprisoned, they wouldn't have just randomly chosen someone to be the "strongest captain."
.
However, because he did not rise to the position of captain by challenging the captain, and his own strength was only barely at the captain's level, even Kyoraku Shunsui did not take him seriously.
As times progress and geniuses emerge one after another, who can guarantee that Joe won't be challenged one day? Yamamoto certainly admires Joe, and Joe's strength has lived up to expectations, reaching the level of a true captain in his mind. However, this strength is not enough for Joe to stand out from the crowd and ignore any challengers.
If Joe Higashi possessed his own strength, or even that of Unohana, Yamamoto wouldn't hesitate for a second.
The Eleventh Division is yours! Nobody else can take it away anyway.
Unfortunately, Higashijo didn't have that ability.
The scene was quiet for a moment.
Kenpachi Oni, who was being targeted, was yawning idly, completely unaware of the deeper meaning hidden in this captain's assessment.
However, seeing Joe's unwavering gaze, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni did not immediately utter a word of refusal.
With a deep frown, Yamamoto asked in a low voice, "Are you sure about your decision? If you change your mind now, you still have a chance. Otherwise, if Ichimaru Gin passes the test, the only way you can become the captain of the Third Division is by challenging Ichimaru Gin."
"Hey, hey, hey, this is way too biased!"
Kyoraku Shunsui muttered to himself.
While this statement may seem like a warning to Joe Higashi that there is no chance for regret, it is actually a suggestion that if Joe wants to back out, or lacks the confidence to challenge and defeat the other current captains, he can still turn around and defeat Gin Ichimaru to oust him.
Those who saw through this favoritism were speechless.
"The captain really is..."
Even the usually composed Gin Ichimaru's lips twitched slightly at this.
Could you at least try to cover up your intentions a little more for me?
Joe scratched his head sheepishly, but his expression remained unchanged as he said, "Ah, I've already decided."
"Okay, then."
With a sigh, Captain-Commander Yamamoto didn't say anything more.
He knew he had gone a bit too far by saying so much; as the captain-in-chief, forcing someone to become captain would not be in line with his position.
The Gotei 13 are an organization dedicated to protecting Soul Society and purifying Hollows, not a one-man show run by Yamamoto.
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Yuanliuzhai."
"Gin Ichimaru's captain assessment has officially begun!"
This is one of the three formal assessments, unlike the previous emergency assessment.
One method only requires recommendations from six team captains. This method does not require assessment or combat, but it requires the approval of the other team captains.
Another option is a straightforward captain's challenge, where you simply defeat the captain while 200 members of your team are watching.
The last option is a compromise between the two methods mentioned above, requiring an assessment witnessed by at least three team leaders, including the chief team leader. The assessment content is not that complicated.
The process remains the same: a captain is chosen to fight, and there's no need to determine a winner or loser; all that's needed is for the other captains to approve.
"Hehe, then I'll choose the captain of our strongest squad."
With a smile on his face but a nameless fire rising in his heart, Gin Ichimaru immediately looked at Kenpachi Onige with a mocking tone.
Seeing this, Aizen raised an eyebrow slightly.
Since the Third Division does not have a captain, it is certain that one of the three tests will be disqualified.
Therefore, he only had two choices. Considering that the other captains might not recommend Gin Ichimaru as well, Aizen naturally chose the combat ability test for him.
One reason he wanted to see just how much patience Gin Ichimaru could muster was also his desire to see.
Unexpectedly, this guy picked the weakest one right away.
More importantly, this was the original target for Dongzhang.
However, Aizen showed no intention of stopping it; on the contrary, he looked forward to what would happen next with great interest.
"Ha Challenge Grandpa"
The ghost Yan Chengjian, who was watching the show, was stunned for a moment, then said in a deep voice with a fierce look in his eyes.
"I don't think this request is against the rules."