Central 46, as the highest judicial authority of Soul Society, holds absolute power over all rulings and judgments.
No matter whether a Shinigami commits an offense in the Human World or within Soul Society, all crimes are judged by Central 46.
If a ruling requires military force, a sealed directive is sent through a secret communication passage, delivering encoded orders to the Gotei 13 or other enforcement units.
Shimo himself had once received such a directive—though later he realized it must have been forged by Aizen.
Back then, Aizen accompanied him to the Human World under the pretext of apprehending Hinamori Momo. In truth, Aizen had likely wanted to test him.
Whether Aizen achieved whatever goal he had that day… Shimo still had no way of knowing.
Time Rewind was not an ability suited for disguise. Its strength lay elsewhere.
While Shimo was immune to Kyōka Suigetsu, he was also incapable of pretending he wasn't immune. He had long suspected that Aizen had tested him repeatedly—and after discovering that Kyōka Suigetsu had no effect on him, Aizen simply activated a new plan.
Returning to the topic of Central 46—
Once Central 46 issued a judgment, even Yamamoto Genryūsai could not object.
To many, the judicial body seemed rigid, stubborn, and self-important.
Not only Shimo—countless Shinigami throughout Soul Society held deep dissatisfaction toward them. They only obeyed outwardly because they had no choice.
Now, all members of Central 46 had been slaughtered by Aizen. Their bodies had only been disposed of two days ago.
The most urgent matter now was selecting new members to rebuild Central 46.
Yet among those present, there wasn't a single person who seemed willing.
In all of Soul Society's long history, there had never been a precedent of a captain being promoted into Central 46.
But that didn't mean captains had no influence over the selection.
Central 46 consisted of forty wise men and six judges—selected from all corners of Soul Society.
They included members of noble clans, enforcement units… and in rare cases, even influential souls from Rukongai.
The last category was extremely rare.
After all, the noble clans had no desire to see a commoner rise above them.
Power was best kept in their own hands.
Yamamoto observed the indifferent expressions on all the captains' faces and couldn't help feeling displeased.
The purpose of this meeting was not to discuss Shimo's promotion to captain.
That matter had already been settled, and none of the remaining captains objected.
The true purpose was the selection for Central 46.
"Everyone, this selection is no trivial matter.
There are many considerations involved. I urge you to take this seriously."
No sooner had he spoken than a loud, impatient voice interrupted him.
"Old man, does this election have anything to do with fighting?"
The speaker was none other than Zaraki Kenpachi of the Eleventh Division.
His entire body was wrapped in bandages, his ferocious aura slightly diminished.
But those who knew him understood—
Kenpachi injured was even more dangerous than normal.
Like a wounded beast, the scent of blood only made him more violent.
Yamamoto was momentarily speechless.
Is that a question a normal person would ask?!
Selecting the highest judicial officials, and he asks whether it involves combat?
Anyone with a functioning brain wouldn't ask something like that.
He had a dozen reprimands ready, but the moment he saw Kenpachi's disinterested expression, all his words died.
Kenpachi, as always, was a walking disaster waiting to happen.
"It has nothing to do with combat," Yamamoto finally forced out.
"Oh."
"In that case, I'm leaving."
Kenpachi stated his disdain openly.
"See you, everyone!"
From his back, Yachiru waved cheerfully.
"Each captain and lieutenant holds voting authority. If you leave, you must designate another captain to cast your votes."
Yamamoto's voice hardened.
Kenpachi paused.
"Then give them to Shimo."
Without looking back, he walked off.
Shimo blinked, expression flat.
Why am I suddenly being dragged into this?
He had no interest in Central 46's selection whatsoever.
That entire organization was now less trustworthy than a decorative ornament.
After Aizen's deception, Central 46's credibility had plummeted.
In truth, raw strength was far more reliable than any courtroom.
"Kyōraku Shimo," Yamamoto said solemnly,
"since Kenpachi has spoken, you now hold three votes."
Shimo nodded, though his thoughts stirred.
In fact, he possessed more than just three.
As a member of the Kyōraku clan and the next heir, he also held one hereditary vote.
Four votes total.
Which meant he held the most voting power in the entire room.
Kyōraku Shunsui's face twitched as he considered this.
"Four votes… enough to choose a wise men single-handedly."
Eligible individuals with voting rights were few—besides the Gotei 13, there were the Kidō Corps, the Onmitsukidō, and certain noble houses.
Now Shimo alone held four votes—completely disrupting the balance.
Feeling the captains' stares, Shimo blinked innocently.
"Uh… this wasn't my idea."
"Should I go fetch Kenpachi and Yachiru back here?"
"Absolutely not," Yamamoto cut him off immediately.
"Seireitei cannot withstand another round of destruction."
He knew full well that if Shimo actually went to get Kenpachi, a fight was guaranteed. And then the recently repaired buildings would have to be rebuilt again.
A headache pressed at Yamamoto's temples.
Even as the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, he had only one vote.
Shimo alone had four.
The political chaos this would cause was obvious.
Anyone eligible for Central 46 would now seek Shimo out—trying to win his favor.
The only way to control the situation was to keep this information confidential.
With that decided, Yamamoto continued:
"This selection includes one hundred candidates."
"They come from noble clans, enforcement units, and Rukongai."
As he spoke, Sasakibe distributed sheets listing all the names to the captains.
"Review them carefully. You must choose wisely."
Yamamoto's narrowed eyes glinted with intensity.
"Meeting adjourned."
The captains immediately dispersed, each returning to deal with the mountain of work left in the wake of the Aizen incident.
Shimo turned to leave—only for Yamamoto to call out:
"Kyōraku Shimo. Remain for a moment."
Shimo raised an eyebrow.
Yamamoto speaking politely to him was… unusual.
He stepped back into place.
"What does the Head-Captain require?"
Yamamoto hesitated for a beat before asking:
"Regarding your choice of division—I wish to hear your reasoning."
Shimo had already informed Kyōraku Shunsui two days ago.
Clearly, the information had reached Yamamoto.
Shimo explained without hesitation:
"It's simple."
"The Third Division is flexible."
"As a support division, its members can go anywhere in the Gotei according to mission needs."
"A captain is no exception."
"If the division encounters something they can't resolve… I would step in."
Yamamoto nodded.
A logical explanation—but not the answer he had expected.
"Truthfully," Yamamoto said, "I wished for you to succeed the Fifth Division."
"They cannot even select a lieutenant at present."
Shimo scratched his head helplessly.
"Spare me, Head-Captain.
"You've seen how I worked in the Fourth Division."
"If Kira weren't so competent, I wouldn't even pick the Third."
Thud.
Yamamoto struck the ground with his staff.
"Do you truly see the position of captain as so burdensome?"
Shimo tilted his head, tapping his chin.
"I wouldn't say that."
"It's just… my personality doesn't match tedious tasks."
"I have no patience for busywork."
Yamamoto could not refute him.
Despite Shimo's unorthodox thinking, he had earned great merit.
Killing Tōsen across dimensions—something even Yamamoto himself could not accomplish—had restored the Gotei 13's lost prestige and deterred certain restless factions.
Yamamoto finally said:
"I understand."
"As you know, captains may be appointed through several methods."
"Given Seireitei's current state, the Captain Proficiency Test is suspended."
"You need only receive recognition from all nine remaining captains."
Shimo paused.
"All nine must acknowledge me? Out loud?"
Yamamoto nodded firmly.
"Correct."
"Three captains have defected. Only nine remain."
"Therefore, all nine must approve your succession."
Shimo nodded slightly.
"I see."
"In that case… it depends on Mayuri and the others."
Shimo left the First Division barracks, weighing the pros and cons of becoming captain.
Overall, the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
For that, he was willing to make a few small concessions.
He headed to the Twelfth Division.
Inside the Research and Development Bureau—
Mayuri Kurotsuchi stared at Shimo, who was lounging with his legs casually crossed.
A look of utter helplessness twisted Mayuri's painted face.
"Shimo-kun."
"As for the fact that you refused to assist me previously… I have chosen to forget it selectively."
"So tell me—why have you come today?"
After hearing about Shimo's true strength, Mayuri had abandoned all previous schemes against him.
If he struggled against a mere Ryoka… he certainly had no desire to fight someone now regarded as Seireitei's strongest combatant.
"It's nothing," Shimo replied coolly, picking at his nails.
"I need the approval of all nine captains to assume command of the Third Division.
You're the first captain I've come to."
Hearing that Shimo needed something from him, Mayuri's scheming nature immediately resurfaced.
"So that's why you're here."
A sinister smile curled across his painted features.
"I have a question for you as well."
"Concerning the power of your Zanpakutō—"
CRASH!
Before he could finish, Shimo's Zanpakutō flashed from its sheath—slicing the machine beside Mayuri cleanly in half.
Electric sparks erupted. Exposed circuitry sizzled.
Mayuri twitched violently, horror and heartbreak flickering in his eyes.
That machine was brand new.
Shimo sheathed his sword with deliberate calm.
His gaze sharpened.
"What did you just say?"
"Repeat it. Slowly."
Mayuri froze.
And swallowed.
Hard.
-----------------------------///
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