Iba Tetsuzaemon stood frozen, his mouth hanging open in shock.
He had always called himself a "man's man," yet when he first joined the Seventh Division, he had been thoroughly defeated by Komamura Sajin's raw strength. From that moment onward, he fully acknowledged his new captain.
But now… an even more terrifying person had appeared.
Fourth Division's Lieutenant—Kyōraku Shimo.
And he had just overpowered Komamura Sajin in a pure contest of strength… without the slightest effort.
"This… this can't be real…"
Iba felt his entire worldview shattering.
He had once discussed Shimo with his friend, Ikkaku Madarame. At the time, Ikkaku spoke of Shimo with extreme admiration, calling him "the strongest person I've ever met."
Iba had been skeptical then.
But once Shimo's accomplishments spread through the Seireitei, all doubts vanished.
And now, what he was witnessing completely redefined his understanding.
After thinking hard, the only verdict Iba could form was:
"He's a walking cheat!"
---
Leaving the Seventh Division, Shimo returned once again to the First Division barracks.
When he handed the three approval letters to Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the old man's half-closed eyes revealed a flicker of surprise.
"Very well," Yamamoto said.
"From this moment on, you shall assume the position of Captain of the Third Division."
He paused, then added:
"But there is one matter I am greatly curious about."
Shimo showed mild confusion.
"Please ask, Head Captain."
Yamamoto looked hesitant for a brief moment, but eventually spoke:
"Kyōraku Shimo… what is your Bankai?"
Hearing the question, Shimo's expression instantly stiffened.
"Head Captain… to be honest…"
"I still don't know my own Bankai."
Yamamoto immediately coughed violently.
"What?! You do not possess a Bankai?!"
Sasakibe Chōjirō beside him looked equally stunned.
"This…"
But Yamamoto, through sheer discipline, managed not to lose composure.
He had seen far too many shocking things recently; his tolerance had grown considerably.
Shimo gave a bitter smile.
"That's how things are. I can't force it."
Yamamoto sighed, unsure how to respond.
Comfort him?
Impossible.
This man killed Tōsen Kaname in one strike with just his Shikai. Whether he had a Bankai or not hardly mattered.
Still, for a captain, being unable to wield Bankai was indeed… regrettable.
Though, compared to Kenpachi—who couldn't even use Shikai—Shimo's situation was actually better.
"No matter. You have already proven your strength."
Yamamoto moved on.
"Chōjirō, prepare the Jigokuchō. Notify all captains and lieutenants."
"One hour from now, we will hold the Third Division Captain Installation Ceremony in the First Division courtyard."
...
Word spread quickly.
Captains and their lieutenants began assembling in the courtyard.
In the past, they might have wondered who the new captain would be.
But now, the answer was obvious.
The name Kyōraku Shimo had already swept through the entire Seireitei—his feats discussed by every unit, even Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō members.
Renji followed behind Byakuya, and to his surprise, felt as though his captain's footsteps were… slightly lighter than usual.
"Must be my injuries messing with me," Renji muttered.
"There's no way Captain Byakuya would walk lightly."
"What are you mumbling about, Renji?"
The cold voice instantly froze him.
Renji bowed his head.
"It's nothing, sir. Just… thinking. Shimo and I were from the same Shin'ō Academy class. And now he's becoming a division captain."
Byakuya nodded, a faint—almost unnoticeable—smile on his lips.
"Shimo is… quite something."
He didn't finish the sentence, his eyes drifting into memory.
"Captain Kuchiki."
A soft voice came from behind.
Renji turned to see Captain Unohana accompanied by Kotetsu Isane.
After Shimo left Fourth Division, Isane had taken over as lieutenant.
"Captain Unohana," Byakuya greeted.
"I overheard you speaking of Shimo-kun," she said with pleasant curiosity.
"I heard you have known him for a long time—perhaps even as friends. Would you tell me more about him?"
Byakuya sighed helplessly.
"Hardly friends. More like… a troublesome acquaintance."
Renji nearly fainted.
Captain Kuchiki was showing emotions other than anger and calm. Impossible!
...
Soon, all captains and lieutenants had gathered.
Yamamoto stepped onto the platform, surveying the assembly.
"Since all are present… we shall begin."
Silence fell.
"Recently, traitors Aizen Sōsuke and his cohorts abandoned the Soul Society, leaving three captain positions vacant.
"At our previous gathering, Captain Kyōraku Shunsui and five others unanimously recommended former Fourth Division Lieutenant, Kyōraku Shimo."
"Today, he has acquired the remaining three captain approvals, completing all requirements."
"Thus, we hereby declare—"
"Kyōraku Shimo shall serve as the new Captain of the Third Division."
Lieutenant Kira Izuru was the most shocked at first, but his expression soon relaxed.
He had seen Shimo's strength with his own eyes—he had no objections whatsoever.
"Enter, Captain Shimo."
As Yamamoto's voice fell, the courtyard doors opened.
Shimo stepped inside, wearing the white captain's haori.
For a moment, many forgot to breathe.
Shimo, dressed in a captain's coat, radiated an entirely new presence.
His smile remained the same—gentle, relaxed… yet somehow overwhelmingly charismatic.
Only now did the captains realize that Shimo's natural charm far exceeded that of most people.
—
The ceremony itself was far simpler than Shimo expected.
Only captains, lieutenants, and members of the Third Division attended.
Back in the Third Division barracks—
The entire division was buzzing.
They had been curious about their new captain… until they saw his face.
Recognizing him instantly, they fell completely silent.
Joy, worry, dissatisfaction—none dared speak.
Shimo's reputation had long been burned into their minds.
A legend of the Seireitei—
A Shinigami who cut down powerful foes one after another.
A man who embodied what a Shinigami should be: defeating strong enemies and forging a name through battle.
Shimo walked through their respectful gazes into the captain's office.
The room was simple yet elegant—surprisingly tasteful compared to Gin's personality.
Kira Izuru was already waiting, holding a massive stack of documents.
"Captain Shimo."
Shimo glanced at the stack and felt his eyebrow twitch.
"And that… is what?"
Kira blinked.
"Compiled reports, mission evaluations, supply records, budget distributions—"
"Tch—!"
Shimo sucked in a breath.
"Being a captain means dealing with all this?!"
Kira nodded blankly.
Shimo immediately turned around.
"Captain, where are you going?!"
"Back to the Head Captain. I'm returning this job."
Kira nearly panicked and dragged him back into the chair.
"Captain, please—your decision is far too hasty!"
He had already seen Shimo's total refusal toward paperwork.
And he suddenly remembered the notorious saying about the Kyōraku clan:
"Kyōraku men only work if everybody else is dead."
It was meant as a joke… but reflected reality.
Neither Shunsui nor Shimo had the slightest interest in actual labor.
Among all captains, they were the ultimate slackers.
Shimo rubbed his temples.
"These documents alone are giving me a migraine."
Kira sighed.
"You don't have to worry. I can handle most of the paperwork."
"You only need to sign at the end."
Shimo's eyes lit up.
"Do you know Ise Nanao?"
Kira instantly felt dread.
"…Lieutenant of the Eighth—?"
Snap.
Shimo snapped his fingers.
"Tomorrow, go to the Eighth Division and ask Ise Nanao for advice on managing a division. Tell her I sent you."
Kira's face collapsed.
Shimo's intentions were extremely clear.
Nanao practically ran the Eighth Division by herself—and everyone knew it.
Shit. Holy shit.
Just as Kira was silently suffering, a voice called from outside.
"Captain, Lieutenant—"
"Head of the Iwakami Clan, Iwakami Kazuya, requests an audience!"
Shimo frowned.
"Iwakami Kazuya?"
The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it.
Kira whispered:
"A lower noble. Good reputation in the Seireitei. I believe he's running in the Central 46 elections."
Shimo recalled the list of candidates.
"So his 'good reputation' is just his own advertisement…"
Iwakami arrived shortly after—polite, respectful, and attempting to bribe Shimo for his vote in the upcoming election.
Shimo neither accepted nor rejected him.
He had his own plans for the Central 46.
After Iwakami left, several more nobles arrived—some of them even high nobility.
Shimo immediately ordered Kira to block all visitors.
But soon Kira returned, looking pained.
"Captain… I believe this next guest is someone you should see."
Shimo frowned.
"Who?"
Kira swallowed.
"A lower noble… from the Fon family."
----------------------------///
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