Since the establishment of the Central 46 Chambers, the faces within its council had changed countless times over the years. Similarly, the captains of the Gotei 13 had come and gone across generations.
Yet, two figures had endured the test of time.
One was the Commander-General, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, founder of the Gotei 13. The other was Unohana Retsu, currently the gentle captain of the Fourth Division.
But before taking the mantle of healer, she bore a far more fearsome identity: Yachiru Unohana, the First Kenpachi, and the original captain of the Eleventh Division.
Such truths were buried deep, unknown to the average citizen or low-ranking Shinigami—but Central 46, comprised of Soul Society's most entrenched nobles and scholars, was not so blind. They knew exactly who Unohana truly was.
So, when she vouched for Zaraki Kenpachi with the personal endorsement of Yamamoto Genryūsai himself, even the typically rigid Central 46 had little choice but to defer.
Still, despite that approval, Zaraki became a figure of interest. His presence had been brought directly to their attention by Yamamoto. If this man was to truly become the sharpest blade protecting Seireitei in the future, then Central 46 would make sure he was not ignored.
While Captain Yamamoto handled the political front, Unohana took Zaraki to the 12th Division—where the current captain, Hikifune Kirio, had not yet ascended to the Royal Guard.
There, she crafted for Zaraki a custom Reiatsu Limiter. Unlike the crude spiritual limiters later created by Kurotsuchi Mayuri, Hikifune's limiter was refined: a polished bracelet with adjustable gears, each controlling the suppression level.
The highest setting could reduce Zaraki's overwhelming Reiatsu by up to 80%, while the lowest lifted all restrictions completely.
This was not unlike the Gentei Kaijo protocol—a seal used on lieutenant-level and above Shinigami entering the human world to prevent damage from their spiritual pressure. In the Human World, even Vice-Captains must operate at no more than 20% of their full power.
But Zaraki was such an anomaly that even within Seireitei, a limiter was necessary.
Furthermore, Hikifune noted Zaraki's spiritual perception was extremely poor—he had vast spiritual energy but lacked the ability to control or sense it accurately. To aid him, she created a sensory assistance tool: bundles of hair tied with small spirit-sensitive bells, each tuned to vibrate in response to fluctuations in spiritual pressure, helping Zaraki notice subtle changes in the environment.
Though initially reluctant to change his hairstyle, Zaraki grew to accept it after seeing himself in the mirror—finding the new look surprisingly in tune with his aesthetic sensibilities.
With Zaraki now frequently present in the Seireitei, a new kind of buzz spread among the ranks—be it admiration, fear, or confusion. Seireitei grew more animated as rumors swirled about the wild man from the 80th District of North Rukongai.
But this excitement didn't last.
When Zaraki began training directly under Yamamoto Genryūsai, expectations soared. Yet within half a day, the Commander-General expelled Zaraki from his personal tutelage. The fervor died instantly, leaving behind only confusion.
Why would Yamamoto—who had seen such potential in Zaraki just days ago—suddenly cast him aside?
No one knew. No details emerged. Only one thing was certain: Yamamoto's interest in Zaraki had ended, abruptly and decisively.
Fortunately, Unohana Retsu, ever patient, continued to guide him in her own quiet, terrifying way. With the limiter suppressing his chaotic power, the Fourth Division's facilities were no longer at risk of collapsing from his outbursts.
Meanwhile, Gosuke Shigure, as Eleventh Division's captain, took advantage of his team's stability to occasionally visit the Fourth for Kaidō training, continuing his growth.
These peaceful days continued, tranquil if fleeting.
But tranquility, in the Soul Society, rarely lasted.
Before Gosuke could finally enjoy the sake he'd been promised by Shihouin Yoruichi, a sudden crisis disrupted the quiet.
"Bang bang bang!!"
Urgent knocking resounded through the barracks, followed by the fluttering of Hell Butterflies across all divisions.
Then came the booming voice of Captain Yamamoto, echoing through every corner of Seireitei:
"All captains and vice-captains, assemble in the First Division immediately. This matter is of the utmost urgency."
When Yamamoto used such language, it was never exaggeration. All knew that something serious—potentially catastrophic—had occurred.
In the Eleventh Division barracks, Gosuke Shigure sighed in annoyance. He had just been flipping through the newest edition of the Seireitei Communication Journal, a magazine filled with gossip and lighthearted interviews. But now he had to toss it aside and head for the First Division.
Although Zaraki's progress had been notable, Gosuke hadn't yet appointed him as vice-captain. Promotions required more than raw power—they required trust, leadership, and time. Premature promotion would stir resentment among the other Eleventh Division members.
As a result, Eleventh Division remained without a vice-captain.
When Gosuke arrived at the First Division barracks, he stood out. Other captains were flanked by their vice-captains, but Gosuke came alone.
He had little interest in most of them. Not even the Fourth's vice-captain, who helped teach him Kaidō, nor Chōjirō Sasakibe, Yamamoto's lifelong second-in-command, drew much of his attention.
Only one vice-captain stood out—someone new.
Aizen Sōsuke, the freshly appointed vice-captain of the Fifth Division.
After Hirako Shinji had been promoted to captain, Aizen—previously the division's Third Seat—had risen due to his exceptional performance.
He wore rectangular glasses and had a refined, scholarly appearance. At this time, he looked younger than how he appeared during the events of the original manga. There was still a touch of youthful earnestness to him, but his demeanor remained composed.
"I wonder…" Gosuke thought, glancing at him. "Has he already begun his… experiments?"
As his gaze lingered, Aizen maintained a passive expression. Walking behind Captain Hirako, he appeared modest and deferential—his head slightly bowed, posture impeccable.
His eyes, however, were unreadable—deep, calm, and unsettling.
To the others, Aizen was merely a respectful vice-captain—loyal, intelligent, forgettable. Not one of them suspected that the man quietly standing in their midst would one day upend everything the Gotei 13 stood for.
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