Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

—Regarding the captain selection.

"I believe, Seiya-kun, that you should compete for the captaincy of the Fifth Division instead."

Recalling the discussion from a few days prior, Aizen's faint smile surfaced in Seiya's mind.

"There are many reasons for this."

"First, you are too young. Even with the necessary strength, it would be difficult for members of other divisions to trust and follow you."

That made sense.

Strictly speaking, he was an outsider.

Did they really expect a fresh graduate to simply waltz in, rely solely on power, and command respect from an entirely new squad?

Maybe it would work in the Eleventh Division—

But that was an exception, not the rule.

"Second, compared to you, I am more suited to transferring to another division."

Aizen had the experience. After years as a lieutenant, he was well-versed in handling division affairs.

Since the Third and Fifth Divisions operated similarly, the logic was sound.

"Third, you were born into the Fifth Division. If you assume command there, you will have the easiest time managing internal affairs."

It was a natural choice, both practically and politically.

But if everyone stood to gain from this decision, did that mean it was beneficial to everyone?

Of course not.

Aizen was, without a doubt, the one making the biggest sacrifice.

"But if we go with this arrangement, wouldn't I just be reaping the benefits?"

Aizen's explanation sounded too smooth.

If anything, it was more like he was handing Seiya the position.

Aizen had spent years building his network within the Fifth Division, carefully cultivating a sense of personal loyalty among its members.

Just like in the original timeline—

Where everyone in the Fifth Division practically worshipped him.

Hinamori, despite being stabbed straight through, still couldn't bring herself to hate him.

If Aizen hadn't put effort into his influence, that level of devotion wouldn't have existed.

And now, Seiya was expected to step in and take over?

It felt… inappropriate.

Seiya had initially refused.

But, in the end, he couldn't argue against Aizen's reasoning.

His words were simply too persuasive.

In the end—

Seiya had agreed.

No helping it. Some people were just built for smooth talking.

—

Returning to the present.

As the final candidate to be introduced, Seiya's arrival subtly shifted the atmosphere.

Ukitake Jūshirō smiled, clearly pleased.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi lazily glanced over, his posture hunched, his expression indifferent.

Kenpachi… didn't care about anything. He was already yawning.

Tōsen Kaname turned his head slightly, as if listening.

Kyōraku Shunsui, looking unsurprised, simply let out a casual chuckle.

Komamura Sajin remained motionless, his imposing figure as still as a statue.

Kuchiki Ginrei lifted his chin slightly, a faint smirk forming at the corners of his mouth.

Unohana Retsu kept her gaze lowered, showing no visible interest.

Aizen, already seated, crossed his arms and maintained his usual gentle smile.

Sui-Fēng…

Her expression betrayed nothing—

But beneath the table, her fists clenched tightly.

Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni spoke in an unwavering tone.

"Do not waste time with unnecessary theatrics. Take your seat."

The old man had spoken.

No need to be disrespectful.

Nodding, Seiya quickly made his way through the gathering and took his place among the captains.

At last—

Sasakibe Chōjirō gathered his papers, folded them neatly, and took a step back.

"With all names accounted for, these individuals have been formally selected as captain candidates."

"If there are any objections, this is the time to raise them."

"This concludes the announcement."

This was an official procedure.

Each candidate had to face scrutiny, address concerns, and prove they were fit for their role.

It was akin to a public review period—

Meant to ensure transparency and prevent unresolved grievances.

If no one objected, all was well.

If anyone had lingering doubts, this was the best time to address them.

Because once the appointments were finalized—

It would be too late.

Yamamoto surveyed the room.

His gaze swept over the old and new faces alike.

Then, in a barely audible sigh—

He exhaled.

How many from my generation are even left?

Old comrades gone, new blood replacing them.

This cycle continued endlessly.

How much longer would he remain in this seat?

One day—

His time would come too.

And when it did—

Which of these captains would be the one to carry the weight of the Gotei 13?

Lost in thought, Yamamoto was about to finalize the appointments.

But then—

A clear, sharp voice rang out.

"I object."

…Who?

At first, the question was reflexive.

Even Sasakibe had been preparing for the next procedural step.

No one had truly expected someone to actually object.

The room subtly shifted.

Most turned toward the source of the voice.

The one who had spoken—

Was none other than Sui-Fēng.

Standing in the Second Division's seat, having succeeded Yoruichi Shihōin.

She raised her chin high, utterly unfazed by the gazes upon her.

Her expression was resolute.

With deliberate movement—

She raised her right hand and pointed toward one person.

"I object!"

"I do not believe this man—"

"—is fit to be a captain!"

A public declaration was, in itself, a statement of intent.

And combined with her words—

Her thoughts were made very clear.

Her expression held nothing but disgust.

Her movement was sharp, confident.

As if she had rehearsed this moment countless times.

And as eyes followed her gesture—

They all landed on a single person.

"Seiya Arima! Step forward!"

"..."

Huh?!

Seiya blinked.

Wait.

Why am I involved in this?!

He even raised a hand, pointing to himself in confusion.

Just to be sure—

"You… object to me?"

"That's right!"

Sui-Fēng's hostility was palpable.

"You lack the skill and dignity to be a captain!"

"Just like how you shamelessly flattered Lady Yoruichi—"

"You must have used similar tricks to manipulate your division into voting for you!"

"So what if you got the votes?! You fooled them, didn't you?!"

She spoke with such conviction—

As if she had witnessed it all firsthand.

For a moment—

Even Seiya started to wonder if he had somehow done something shady.

But of course, he hadn't.

Considering the situation, Seiya tried to clarify.

"Actually, the voting process was fair and transparen—"

"Silence!"

Clearly, any attempt at explanation was seen as an excuse.

Sui-Fēng's voice rose.

"You're full of lies! A manipulative fraud!"

"And I will expose you right here and now!"

The situation was spiraling.

Kyōraku watched with amusement, the corners of his lips twitching upward.

Ah, now this is entertainment~

Ukitake, in contrast, pressed a hand to his forehead and sighed heavily.

Ah… youth.

Meanwhile, the other captains reacted in their own ways.

Aizen rubbed his chin, looking intrigued.

Mayuri looked bored.

Yamamoto, however—

"SILENCE!"

The room fell into immediate stillness.

His voice was sharp, with a hint of irritation.

The old man was not pleased.

"This is not a place for personal disputes, Sui-Fēng! Watch your words!"

Perhaps because she was new—

He showed restraint in his reprimand.

Still, while she was frustrated, she bowed slightly in acknowledgment.

"Then— I request a Captain's Challenge!"

The moment she said it—

Kyōraku's grin widened.

Ukitake sighed even heavier.

Ah… youth. (x2)

The Captain's Challenge—

An ancient tradition from the earliest days of the Gotei 13.

Back when it was an assassination squad.

Back then, a captain wasn't just an administrator—

They were a warrior, a blood-soaked commander.

The strongest ruled.

Even in modern times, the rule still existed.

But it was rarely invoked.

For obvious reasons.

If two captains clashed at full power—

They could destroy Seireitei.

Sui-Fēng's challenge was impulsive, driven by emotion.

Seiya, watching her furious expression—

Understood completely.

She hated him.

For Yoruichi's disappearance.

For his mere existence.

How childish.

Seiya sighed, closed his eyes for a moment—

Then reopened them.

"Very well. I accept."

Words wouldn't reach her.

Only action would.

Smirking, Seiya turned to face her directly.

"If Lady Yoruichi didn't explain things to you, that was her mistake."

"But since she isn't here—"

"I'll discipline you myself."

Sui-Fēng's fury exploded.

"YOU DARE—?! SEIYA ARIMA, FIGHT ME!"

Yamamoto frowned.

Sasakibe started to intervene—

But seeing their determination, he stepped back.

There was no stopping this.

Yamamoto let out a heavy sigh.

"So be it."

"I approve the challenge."

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