Originally, when Shiba Kaien believed he would be the only participant in the Captain Proficiency Test, he felt a certain degree of unease.
Although he had long been recognized as an outstanding vice-captain, Kaien was not entirely certain whether his strength had truly reached the captain level required to command a division of the Gotei 13.
Passing the captain's examination was not a simple matter.
It required recognition from multiple captains and the demonstration of overwhelming combat capability.
However, when he discovered that Ichimaru Gin was also participating in the examination, Kaien's hesitation gradually transformed into something else
Competitive spirit.
If Ichimaru Gin, a genius widely acknowledged throughout Seireitei, was his rival, then Kaien had even more reason to succeed.
He wanted to pass the captain's test.
He wanted to prove that he was no weaker than Ichimaru Gin.
More importantly
He wanted to demonstrate that he was the more suitable candidate to become Captain of the Third Division.
This was not merely personal pride.
For Kaien, it was tied to his greatest responsibility.
He was the head of the Shiba Clan, a once-great noble family that had fallen from prominence. Reviving the prestige of the Shiba name had always been his goal.
Becoming a captain of the Gotei 13 would be a significant step toward restoring that honor.
Coincidentally, Ichimaru Gin also had his own reasons for seeking the captain's position.
Years earlier, when he was still a child living in Rukongai, Gin had witnessed a terrifying scene.
A man, Aizen Sōsuke had taken something from Matsumoto Rangiku, leaving her weakened and collapsed.
Although Gin had managed to rescue Rangiku afterward, that moment had etched itself deeply into his heart.
From that day onward, Gin had made a decision.
One day, he would take back from Aizen everything that had been stolen from Rangiku.
To achieve that goal, the carefree boy of Rukongai had abandoned his old life and entered Seireitei.
His talent quickly became apparent.
Gin graduated from the Shin'ō Academy in just one year, an extraordinary achievement even among prodigies.
After graduating, he deliberately chose to join the Fifth Division, where Aizen served.
Just as he had expected, his exceptional ability soon caught Aizen's attention.
Over the years, Gin had remained by Aizen's side, presenting himself as a loyal subordinate.
He had carried out many tasks on Aizen's behalf, even participating in actions that most Shinigami would consider unforgivable.
But the closer he remained to Aizen, the clearer one truth became.
Aizen Sōsuke was an extremely dangerous individual.
Ambitious, calculating, and deeply suspicious of everyone around him.
Even now, after rising to the position of Captain of the Fifth Division, Gin knew that Aizen still did not fully trust him.
He was valuable but value did not equal trust.
Therefore, if he wished to move closer to his ultimate goal, he needed to prove himself even more useful.
When Aizen recommended him for the Captain Proficiency Test, Gin immediately understood the implication.
Aizen wanted him to become the Captain of the Third Division.
And Gin intended to succeed.
Even though Shiba Kaien's presence was somewhat unexpected, Gin did not view him as a serious obstacle.
This time, he would certainly pass the examination.
Only by doing so could he continue gaining Aizen's trust.
Soon afterward, the captain's examination began.
Because there were two candidates, the tests were conducted separately.
Shiba Kaien was evaluated first.
During the assessment, he demonstrated his abilities before several captains.
By the end of the examination, the results were clear.
Shiba Kaien had passed.
This meant that the Vice-Captain of the Thirteenth Division had already reached the level of combat power expected of a captain.
Under normal circumstances, passing the examination would almost guarantee appointment to the vacant position.
However, this situation was unusual.
Since Ichimaru Gin had also been nominated as a candidate, it was impossible to ignore his evaluation.
Therefore, Gin underwent the same examination.
Once again, several captains observed his performance closely.
The result
Ichimaru Gin also passed the captain's examination.
Now the situation became complicated.
Both candidates had successfully demonstrated captain-level capability.
In other words, both were qualified to lead the Third Division.
Among the captains present, some couldn't help but sigh in astonishment.
If these two had appeared earlier
Decades ago, when the Gotei 13 had suffered severe losses and many captain positions remained vacant, finding suitable leaders had been extremely difficult.
Now, after most positions had already been filled, two equally qualified candidates had appeared simultaneously.
It truly felt like unfortunate timing.
In the past, both of them could have become captains without issue.
But now only one of them could be chosen.
The captains present exchanged glances before turning their attention toward the man who would ultimately decide.
Head-Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
Yamamoto stood silently for a moment, his gaze deep and contemplative.
Soon, he made his decision.
If he personally selected one candidate over the other, it would inevitably appear unfair.
Therefore
He would allow them to decide the matter themselves.
After all, the world of Shinigami had always respected strength.
The solution was simple.
The two candidates would fight.
Whoever emerged victorious would become the new Captain of the Third Division.
The method might seem straightforward, even crude, but under the circumstances it was the most appropriate choice.
Neither Shiba Kaien nor Ichimaru Gin objected.
Both had absolute confidence in their abilities.
Thus, under the watchful eyes of the assembled captains, the two vice-captains stepped forward and began their duel.
In some ways, the situation resembled the succession ceremony of the Eleventh Division, where the title of Kenpachi passed to whoever defeated the previous holder.
However, because multiple captains were present, the duel was conducted under supervision.
It was far less brutal than the traditional Kenpachi succession.
Even so, the battle was intense.
Both Kaien and Gin demonstrated the strength expected of captain-level combatants.
Yet when the duel finally concluded
The result surprised many observers.
Although Shiba Kaien had fought fiercely, Ichimaru Gin proved to be stronger.
Kaien was ultimately defeated.
With that outcome decided, the result was clear.
Ichimaru Gin would become the next Captain of the Third Division.
Returning to the Thirteenth Division, Shiba Kaien reported the outcome to Captain Ukitake.
After hearing the story, Ukitake sighed softly.
"Ichimaru Gin truly is a remarkable genius," he said. "I knew he was talented, but I didn't realize he had already reached such a level."
Then he looked at Kaien seriously.
"Don't be discouraged."
"You successfully passed the captain's examination. That alone proves you already possess captain-level strength."
"Although you weren't selected this time, positions within the Gotei 13 change more often than people think. If you continue improving yourself, another opportunity will appear sooner or later."
It was not the most comforting statement, but it was the truth.
Throughout the long history of the Gotei 13, captain positions had changed hands many times.
Only a few individuals had remained captains for more than a century.
Kaien forced a faint smile.
"Don't worry, Captain. I'm not discouraged."
"If Ichimaru Gin defeated me, it simply means he's stronger right now."
"But I don't believe I'll lose forever."
His eyes hardened with renewed determination.
"As long as I keep training… I'll win next time."
Being defeated by Gin was undeniably frustrating.
But Kaien did not allow the setback to break his resolve.
First, he had experienced helplessness against Metastacia.
Now, he had lost to Ichimaru Gin.
Both events told him the same thing.
His strength was still insufficient.
As the head of the Shiba Clan, Kaien carried the responsibility of restoring his family's honor.
Ichimaru Gin, after all, had risen from Rukongai as a commoner.
For Kaien, who had sworn to revive the Shiba name, accepting defeat like this was impossible.
The only solution was simple
Train harder.
And become stronger.
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