The First Division—Squad 1.
It stood at the pinnacle of the Gotei 13 in more ways than one. Geographically, it was situated at the highest elevation of the Seireitei, and politically, it held authority over all other Divisions. The First Division compound was built upon the central mountain, towering above the other Divisions. From the Captain-Commander's chamber, one could overlook the entire breadth of the Gotei 13.
Typically, all Captain's meetings convened within the First Division barracks, particularly in the Grand Hall.
And today, Gosuke Shigure's captain proficiency evaluation—the formal "Captain's Proving" test—was scheduled to be conducted here.
Led by Chōjirō Sasakibe, the long-serving lieutenant of Squad 1 and the most senior of all lieutenants in the Gotei 13, Gosuke arrived first at the Captain-Commander's quarters.
Seated cross-legged in meditation, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the founder and supreme commander of the Gotei 13, awaited them. Resting across his lap was his Zanpakutō—Ryūjin Jakka, the oldest and most powerful fire-type Zanpakutō in Soul Society's recorded history.
With this blade, Yamamoto had personally slain countless threats across multiple wars—Hollow hordes, traitorous Shinigami, and invading Quincy alike. Since founding the Gotei 13, he had led them into an era of relative peace. In public, he often disguised Ryūjin Jakka as a humble wooden cane, concealing the blade's true, fiery nature.
But today, it was laid bare.
"Captain-Commander, I've brought Gosuke Shigure," Chōjirō said reverently.
Yamamoto's eyes opened calmly. "Very well. You may leave us, Sasakibe."
"Yes, sir." The silver-haired lieutenant bowed respectfully and exited, leaving Gosuke Shigure alone in the Commander's presence.
Surprisingly, Gosuke wasn't nervous.
Despite the overwhelming spiritual pressure that Yamamoto naturally exuded, he was not unfamiliar to Gosuke. They had crossed paths many times in the past. Gosuke had long seen past the man's austere image. Beneath Yamamoto's fearsome demeanor was a complex and calculating leader who carried centuries of scars and decisions on his shoulders.
"Gosuke Shigure," Yamamoto said in a low, unwavering tone. "You should already understand why you were summoned."
"Indeed."
**"Then I shall be brief. With the post of Eleventh Division Captain vacant, Captain Kyoraku has recommended you, on the basis that you defeated the previous Kenpachi—Murasame of Mole City—**in direct combat."
"In accordance with the Eleventh Division's tradition, to claim the title of Kenpachi, one must defeat the current Kenpachi in battle. However, due to a lack of witnesses—specifically, no captains present and fewer than two hundred Eleventh Division members to validate the duel—your claim cannot be honored without formal vetting."**
"Thus, a Captain's Proving is required."
Yamamoto's expression sharpened.
"Be advised, however—regardless of the outcome, this examination and everything discussed here is classified. It shall not be spoken of to any soul outside those present today. Do you understand?"
"Understood," Gosuke nodded firmly.
Yamamoto rose to his feet in one fluid motion, impressive for a man of his apparent age, though his reiatsu betrayed no signs of frailty.
"Follow me."
He led Gosuke through a corridor toward the expansive, walled-off First Division training grounds—a space rarely used by anyone outside the First and Zero Divisions.
For today, the grounds were cleared for one purpose: to host the Captain's Assessment.
Waiting within the arena were two other individuals—both women, both captains.
The first was a tall woman with flowing purple hair, a voluptuous frame, and a confident aura. Her eyes shimmered with mischief and wisdom in equal measure. This was Hikifune Kirio, Captain of the Twelfth Division.
Though known for her contributions to the field of Reiryoku nourishment and technical innovation, Kirio was no stranger to combat. Years later, she would be promoted to the Royal Guard—the Zero Division—for her scientific advancements and formidable strength.
The second woman was more subdued in appearance, with her hair tied into two neat braids resting along her chest. Her composure was calm, her demeanor soft—but that was merely a façade. She was Unohana Retsu, the Captain of the Fourth Division.
While she served as the Gotei 13's head medic and combat nurse, she held a darker legacy. Known in secret as Yachiru Unohana, she was the very first Kenpachi—a title granted only to the strongest Shinigami of their generation. In her prime, she had been the most lethal combatant in Soul Society's blood-soaked history.
Few alive knew the truth. But Yamamoto did. And now, so did Gosuke.
"Captain Hikifune. Captain Unohana." Gosuke gave a respectful nod.
He had not interacted much with Hikifune, but Unohana was a different matter. Their histories had crossed once, perhaps even clashed. Yet the past belonged to another lifetime.
This life was different. Gosuke Shigure was a man reborn, and there was no need to resurrect buried tensions.
Both captains acknowledged his greeting with a silent nod.
Captain-Commander Yamamoto turned to Gosuke and addressed him solemnly.
"Per regulation, three captains must witness a candidate's Proving. Today, myself, Captain Unohana, and Captain Hikifune will serve as your overseers."
"Gosuke Shigure, do not disappoint us."
Though his tone was neutral, Gosuke detected a subtle note of expectation. Yamamoto believed he could pass—and possibly even hoped for it.
Without a word, Gosuke stepped into the center of the field.
His eyes moved from Hikifune to Unohana, then back to Yamamoto. All three exuded calm, but it was the deceptive kind that preceded devastating power. Their spiritual pressure was suffocating, and yet controlled.
This was the standard he was expected to meet.
Three captains. Three powerhouses.
Who among them would be his proctor? Who would face him in combat?
He briefly considered Yamamoto himself. Then, perhaps Hikifune—whose brilliance masked dangerous potential. But most of all, he wondered if Unohana would be the one chosen.
She was said to have abandoned combat centuries ago to focus on healing.
But legends like her... never truly let go of the blade.
And Gosuke knew better than most—still waters hide the sharpest daggers.