Kyoraku Shunsui felt the sharp, questioning gaze of Gosuke Shigure.
He paused, momentarily unsure why Gosuke was looking at him that way.
Nevertheless, he spoke up, offering an explanation.
"Earlier today, in the 1st Division headquarters, a Captain's Meeting was held. Regarding the vacancy in the 5th Division, Hirako Shinji—who had been serving as the lieutenant—passed the formal Captain's Proficiency Exam and has officially been appointed as the new Captain of the 5th Division. It won't be long before this news spreads."
The change of a captain was no confidential matter, so Kyoraku Shunsui plainly shared the contents of the meeting.
"Following that, the topic of the 11th Division came up again."
One can only imagine what the Head Captain Yamamoto might think if he knew Kyoraku referred to him as "Old Man Yama." In front of other captains, he would respectfully use Sōtaichō, but privately, he reverted to a more informal tone.
"The 11th Division is Gotei 13's primary combat force. The position of Kenpachi can't remain vacant for long."
"Since Kenpachi from Muguruma City—er, I mean Mūken—was incarcerated, Old Man Yama decided it's time to choose the next Kenpachi. He asked each captain to put forward any viable candidates."
"Oh?" Gosuke Shigure raised an eyebrow in interest, clearly curious who Kyoraku had chosen to recommend.
If it truly was a powerful candidate, then serving under such a leader might be acceptable.
Although Gosuke had once declared his intent to become Kenpachi in front of the 11th Division, it had been more about rallying the troops than a serious ambition.
He underestimated just how seriously the Eleventh Division had taken his words.
"I recommended you."
Kyoraku's voice carried a rare tone of gravity.
Gosuke Shigure fell silent for a long time. Then, his lips twitched in disbelief.
"Captain Kyoraku, are you messing with me?"
"What do you think?"
"I think you are messing with me. You're not exactly known for your seriousness. You're stylish, flamboyant, and too easygoing. No offense, but if Captain Ukitake said something like this, I might believe it."
Kyoraku frowned, clearly displeased. "Hey now, am I really that untrustworthy in your eyes? That stings. We've known each other for a long time, and I've helped you plenty."
"Also, for your information, Jūshirō isn't as pure-hearted as he looks. I know that man better than anyone."
"Heh..." Gosuke chuckled, not giving a direct answer.
After a moment, Kyoraku grew serious again. "Look, maybe I gave off the wrong impression in the past, but this time, I'm not joking."
"I genuinely recommended you."
"And what's more—other captains agreed with my choice."
Gosuke raised his eyebrows, then relaxed them slowly. "Why me?"
"Why not you?" Kyoraku said, meeting his eyes. "The 11th Division needs a captain. The Gotei 13 needs a new Kenpachi. So why shouldn't that person be you?"
"First, you're already the lieutenant of the 11th Division. You understand the team's nature and inner workings. The members trust you. If you become their captain, morale will remain steady."
"Second—and more importantly—you have the strength."
At the word "strength," Kyoraku's gaze sharpened with sincerity. "You defeated Kenpachi Muguruma."
"By the 11th Division's succession rules, if one defeats the current Kenpachi in combat, they inherit the title. By rights, you are the next Kenpachi."
Gosuke Shigure didn't refute him.
Indeed, he knew the 11th Division followed the ancient tradition of passing the title of Kenpachi through mortal combat.
And when he fought Kenpachi Muguruma, it hadn't been a matter of choice.
The former Kenpachi had sought to silence him to protect a secret, leaving Gosuke no option but to fight back with lethal force.
Kyoraku added, "However, because your duel wasn't witnessed by at least 200 squad members—nor any current captains—the Captain-Commander can't immediately name you captain."
"To resolve this, the Head Captain has ordered that you undergo the official Captain Proficiency Assessment."
"I imagine preparations will be complete soon. You should start getting ready."
"What a surprise," Gosuke muttered, half to himself.
Kyoraku chuckled, "That's life. You never know what's around the corner."
He sipped his sake, then added more thoughtfully, "Still, I hope you really do become the next Kenpachi."
"In you, I see the same presence that Takujashiki once had. If you become the new Kenpachi, it would be the best outcome for the 11th Division."
Gosuke Shigure fell silent again.
...
Because they had separated from the others to talk in private, no one overheard their conversation—not even the nearest squad members.
The majority of the Eleventh Division remained unaware that Gosuke had once defeated Muguruma Kenpachi—or that the Captain-Commander had decided to test him as a candidate.
Still, Gosuke's overwhelming power had already left a lasting impression on the division.
After all, he had slain an Adjuchas-class Menos Grande before their very eyes.
Even so, when Chōjirō Sasakibe, the long-time Lieutenant of the 1st Division, arrived at the 11th Division barracks and formally summoned Gosuke Shigure for the captain's exam, the reactions were immediate and explosive.
"Wait—seriously?"
"They're sending Gosuke for a captain's test?!"
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"If he can be a captain, I should take the test too."
"Who the hell recommended him?!"
Becoming a captain wasn't something just anyone could attempt. A formal recommendation from an existing Gotei 13 captain was the minimum requirement.
The division's senior officers erupted in speculation and disbelief.
Hearing the commotion, Gosuke Shigure turned and grinned at them.
"Everyone, wait for my good news."
"Remember—when I come back, you'll have to call me Captain."
"Tch, don't count on it!" someone shouted back.
Still, despite the jabs and sarcasm, many of the 11th Division members sincerely hoped Gosuke would succeed.
Even if their mouths said otherwise, their hearts already acknowledged the possibility.