Thinking of this, Aozaki suddenly understood; no wonder everyone had looked at him strangely along the way.
Where was Sasakibe Chōjirō?
The person who always stood by the door during meetings, ready to be summoned, why was he nowhere to be seen today?
He was a loyal supporter of the old man and would never easily agree to such a decision.
Quickly stand up and dissuade this muddled old man!
Just then, Yamamoto leisurely spoke:
"Boy, are you looking for Chojiro? Don't bother."
"Heh heh, he withdrew from the Gotei 13 yesterday and was transferred to an important position in the Central District."
Hearing this, Aozaki's eyes widened, and a bad premonition welled up in his heart.
Transferred to an important position in the Central District—wasn't that just retirement?
Yamamoto continued: "So I advise you, don't harbor any unrealistic fantasies; find a suitable person to replace his work as soon as possible."
He didn't even leave me a Vice-Captain; isn't this clearly trying to work me to death!
Aozaki was incredibly shocked and subconsciously turned to look at the door behind him.
Normally, a middle-aged man with a small mustache would be standing there waiting.
But this time, the doorway was empty; there was no one there at all.
Taking over as Captain-Commander was actually not unacceptable.
After all, Yamamoto hadn't died; he had merely retired.
Aozaki had been a Captain for a long time.
Whether being a Captain or Captain-Commander, in his opinion, it was all pretty much the same; there wasn't much difference.
What's more, if he became Captain-Commander, his status would be higher, his power greater, and it would be easier to do as he pleased in the future.
But to make him start working seriously, that was a huge deal!
Why did he train highly skilled talents like Ichimaru Gin and Hitsugaya Tōshirō?
Wasn't it just to be lazy!
Aozaki didn't have time to think too much.
Just then, Unohana, Shunsui, Ukitake, and Aizen all stepped forward simultaneously.
They bowed deeply to Aozaki with the etiquette of subordinates greeting a superior.
Seeing this, the other Captains also bowed without hesitation.
This Captains' meeting concluded quickly, and no one raised any objections to Aozaki becoming Captain-Commander.
In reality, the entire the Seireitei had long tacitly acknowledged that Aozaki would be Yamamoto's successor.
After the Captain-Commander passed away, Aozaki was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the position.
Now, it was just a matter of moving that timeline forward a bit.
After all, Aozaki was a genuine, the strongest Shinigami!
Not only that, he could also be said to be the most important figure in the Three Worlds today!
Aside from his strength, which surpassed Yamamoto's, simply reviewing the series of past events was enough to prove his lofty status and prestige in everyone's hearts.
Whether it was quelling rebellions, fighting the Wandenreich, participating in the Quincy war, or suppressing Hell, each time was an incredibly glorious achievement.
Just the act of suppressing Hell, it's unknown if it was unprecedented, but it will likely be difficult for anyone to follow.
If Yamamoto was compared to a towering tree, silently shielding people from wind and rain.
Then Aozaki was like a dazzling sun.
When everyone looked up at the sky, even if they couldn't see its full extent, they knew that after the long night, it would surely rise.
And that warm and bright sunlight, whether he cared or not, would always fall upon the Human World.
However, Aozaki didn't care if he glowed or not!
At this moment, he was staring at his bad friend, Aizen, whose face showed a sly smile (from his personal perspective), and a brilliant idea suddenly flashed through his mind.
Hey, hasn't this guy always wanted to create his ideal world?
Then let him start by managing the Gotei 13; it'll be a good test of his abilities.
Before Aozaki could praise his own wit in his heart, he saw his senior brother approach with a lecherous expression.
"Congratulations, Aozaki! You finally took down the old man and became Captain-Commander; it's truly what everyone wanted!!"
"Senior Kyōraku don't you think it's a bit late to be flattering your Junior Brother now?"
Aozaki showed a dangerous expression.
This guy had caused him no small amount of trouble regarding his relationship with Nanao Ise.
Now, he was finally in his hands.
"Hehehe... What are you talking about, Junior Brother? We're like brothers; every word I say is the truth; there's no flattery involved."
Shunsui was incredibly thick-skinned; he seemed to completely disregard Aozaki's threat, instead revealing an even more lecherous smile.
"Every word is the truth? You didn't even tell me about such a big matter as taking over as Captain-Commander; is that what you call the truth?"
"You can't blame me! Central 46 released the news a long time ago; everyone in the Seireitei should know, so I thought you already knew!"
"..." Aozaki was speechless for a moment.
He had been messing around in the Human World and Hueco Mundo for the past month; it would be strange if he paid attention to this.
Shunsui coughed twice:
"Never mind all that, at least the outcome is good."
"And I just heard that a new shop opened in the Noble District; want to go and have some fun, celebrate properly?"
"This..."
Aozaki's eyes flickered.
Don't misunderstand; they certainly weren't talking about any strange places.
The Noble District was home to a bunch of people who considered themselves high-class; if you wanted to open that kind of shop, you should go to the pleasure district.
The place Shunsui was talking about was a tavern; the group activities he usually organized, besides drinking, had almost no other option.
However, although the names were different, the taverns in the Noble District also had similar functions.
There would be a group of workers called geisha in the shop, who would provide entertainment services while guests drank.
They were all performers, not prostitutes.
Of course, if there was mutual affection, that was another matter.
"Hurry up and decide, Jūshirō is ready; time waits for no one."
Shunsui urged with a strange chuckle.
Aozaki was startled; Ukitake was really indulging himself now.
While it wouldn't go as far as mutual affection with an unfamiliar woman, drinking had truly become a major hobby of his.
He didn't even need to think; he was definitely led astray by Shunsui; this guy was truly a bad influence.
Just then, a soft voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Captain Kyōraku, where are you taking Reiji? If possible, could you take me along too?"
Unohana clasped her hands in front of her lower abdomen, gently took Aozaki's hand, and then showed a kind smile to Shunsui.
Immediately, cold sweat broke out on Shunsui's forehead.
Your smile is beautiful, but why are you emitting black aura?
Aozaki, save me, I doesn't want to die! Your Senior Brother will agree to anything you want!!
Shunsui wailed in his heart.
Really?
Really!
The two quickly exchanged glances, and Aozaki coughed twice.
"Actually, Senior Kyōraku wanted to discuss Nanao's matter with me. He agreed to let Nanao move over, and he wants me to pack her things."
"!?"
Shunsui was dumbfounded.
This kid's ability to lie through his teeth was truly first-rate; he didn't even blush or breathe heavily. No wonder the old man chose him to be Captain-Commander.
But, the niece's happiness, to be protected by the uncle...
"Is that so, Captain Kyōraku?"
Unohana tilted her head, asking very cutely (from Aozaki's perspective).
"That's right."
Shunsui swallowed, subconsciously nodding.
Then, two seconds later, he turned to Aozaki and said:
"Aozaki-kun, whatever you do, don't die."
Is he referring to the Ise family's curse?
Although I know you mean well, you really don't know how to talk.
Why don't you turn around and look again? Maybe you're about to die right now!
Aozaki felt a bit helpless; even he could feel the chill beside him now.