Back at Squad Eleven.
Ignoring the strange looks from new recruits, Gosuke Shigure walked straight to his captain's quarters, still reeking faintly of sake. Over the years, this room had been remodeled to fit Gosuke Shigure's unique style.
Aside from the standard desk for paperwork, a shelf stood against the rear wall. On it were fresh bonsai and small flower arrangements. After all, dealing with endless documents for long periods easily induced irritation. Keeping plants here not only purified the air but also made his body and mind more comfortable.
Of course, the comfort only applied if the shelf wasn't overshadowed by his wine table.
On that wine table, sake bottles, cups, tea sets, and drinking records were scattered carelessly.
That wasn't all.
In the corner of the room lay a tatami mat.
Gosuke Shigure often napped there.
He had long treated his office as his home. If, back when he was just a lieutenant under Muguruma Kensei, he still acted with some restraint, then now, after years as Kenpachi, he fully embraced his identity as Squad Eleven's master, remodeling the captain's room freely to his liking.
In comparison, his approach wasn't too much at all.
When it came to excessive behavior, look no further than Kyoraku Shunsui—covering his captain's haori with a floral blanket and often neglecting his official duties entirely.
"Although these days are relatively peaceful, Seireitei is not as calm as it appears."
Thinking of the Shiba family, Gosuke Shigure couldn't help sighing.
In his previous life, many insidious calculations occurred openly. Now, the seemingly stable Seireitei actually hid far darker undercurrents. The downfall of the Shiba clan was merely the most public recent event. Because the Shiba were once among the Five Great Noble Families, their name was widely known.
Yet in places hidden from public sight, countless eerie and vile deeds were still unfolding.
"However, as long as the fire doesn't burn my own house, it's fine."
After a moment of thought, Gosuke Shigure comforted himself.
In this life, he had only wanted to be an ordinary Shinigami at first. But, for the sake of Squad Eleven members, he chose to become Kenpachi. Even so, as Kenpachi, he still sought a peaceful life. For example, now that he had strong subordinates, he lived far more leisurely than most other captains.
If possible, Gosuke Shigure hoped to remain so.
At present, Squad Eleven was extremely peaceful. Many members sparred daily to sharpen their strength.
Except for Zaraki.
Zaraki had gone out to cut down enemies again.
Every so often, Hollow from Hueco Mundo would cross into Soul Society. This frequency was quite high. Unsurprisingly so, for while the World of the Living had Hollows, the low reiryoku concentration there meant the chance of Menos Grande appearing was minimal. Ordinary patrol squads could handle stray Hollows.
But Soul Society was different.
The number of souls here far exceeded the World of the Living, and many had spiritual power akin to Shinigami—making them irresistible targets for Hollows, especially Menos Grande.
Even though Soul Society was Shinigami headquarters, not every Hollow could resist the temptation. Those who crossed over were detected by the Twelfth Division's monitoring units, then reported to Squad Eleven for "purification."
Initially, whenever a Menos Grande appeared, Gosuke Shigure personally led the squad to battle. However, after Zaraki became vice-captain, Gosuke entrusted these tasks entirely to him.
Zaraki loved fighting. He completed every mission with zeal.
As time passed, Zaraki began refusing to bring squad members along. Cutting down the enemies himself was far more satisfying. Letting others claim kills only dampened his joy.
Thus, in recent years, whenever a Hollow appeared, Zaraki requested to go alone and rejected any accompanying squad members.
Naturally, many members disagreed. First, opportunities to fight were rare and they didn't want to miss out. Second, they worried for Zaraki's safety.
Still, Gosuke Shigure trusted Zaraki fully.
In the end, all objections were overruled, and Zaraki was allowed to engage alone.
Zaraki never disappointed.
Over time, most members came to believe Zaraki truly possessed the power to face large Hollow hordes solo. Though it frustrated them deeply, there was nothing to be said.
Unable to fight Hollows, they could only continue sparring within the squad.
However, today, an uninvited guest broke into Squad Eleven's barracks.
The visitor was tall and burly.
Holding a long katana, he swept a contemptuous gaze over the sparring squad members.
"So this is Squad Eleven? Who are you lot? Go fetch Gosuke Kenpachi. I'm here to challenge him."
The intruder's arrogance was palpable. His cold voice held no politeness.
"Who are you?" asked one squad member.
Over the years, some new recruits grumbled about Gosuke Shigure's avoidance of battle, but veteran members clearly knew his strength. Only someone worthy of the Kenpachi title could bear its burden.
And today, an arrogant stranger dared demand a duel with their captain.
"Shinigami, remember my name. I am Oniwajo—the man who will become your new Kenpachi."
Grinning widely, Oniwajo looked utterly disdainful.
Then, with a single slash, he struck down two Squad Eleven Shinigami who had been sparring nearby.
The two staggered back, blood splattering across the practice yard.
This Oniwajo indeed possessed real strength. He easily defeated the two and inflicted heavy injuries.
Other Squad Eleven members soon noticed the disturbance and rushed forward to fight him, but were also swiftly cut down, unable to withstand his blows.
It didn't take long for news of the chaos to reach Gosuke Shigure.