In the days that followed, the Seireitei was peaceful and harmonious, as if mirroring the clear sky of Soul Society.
Everything within the Gotei 13 seemed undisturbed by the change in leadership.
The Shinigami appeared remarkably calm about such a significant event; even the important matter of the new Captain-Commander taking office was not met with any celebratory activities.
However, Aozaki had not been idle these past few days.
Orders were issued from his hand, swiftly reviewed and approved by Central 46, and then delivered to each Squad by the Advance Team.
Thus, in this short period, the Gotei 13 once again underwent a personnel change.
First, the Eleventh Division Vice-Captain, Zaraki, was promoted to Eleventh Division Captain.
Although he was determined to follow Aozaki, there was an inherent subordinate relationship between a Captain and the Captain-Commander.
Under the persistent persuasion of the Squad members, he ultimately accepted the position.
After all, in the eyes of the Squad members, with Aozaki absent, he was the most suitable person to take over as Captain.
Who told him he had the biggest fist?
Next, Third Division Captain Aizen was transferred to the First Division to serve as Vice-Captain.
The vacancy in the Third Division was filled by Eleventh Division Vice-Captain Hitsugaya Tōshirō.
Finally, former Eleventh Division Third Seat Kurotsuchi Nemu and Ninth Division Third Seat Nanao Ise both joined the First Division, becoming the Captain-Commander's secretaries.
By then, the Gotei 13's new power structure had been established, retaining some personnel adjustments from the previous Captain-Commander's era while also implementing Aozaki's new initiatives.
Everyone simply took it as the 'new official's three fires' phenomenon.
After all, to become an excellent leader, establishing one's authority is a crucial step.
Previously, their Captains, upon taking office, also demonstrated their abilities through various means to gradually gain the recognition and respect of their Squad members.
However, it had to be admitted that this new Captain-Commander indeed possessed extraordinary charisma and ambition.
He even managed to make a dignified Captain willingly lower himself to serve as his Vice-Captain!
It should be known that the Gotei 13 had never established the position of Vice-Captain-Commander.
Although the First Division Vice-Captain held considerable power, in terms of status, he was still slightly inferior to other Squad Captains.
But since the person concerned, Aizen himself, had no complaints, then others naturally had nothing to say.
With the strength Aizen displayed this time, no one would again think of him as a good-natured person who could be taken advantage of by anyone.
Yet, even such a strong individual, capable of fighting two First Generation Captains simultaneously, had to obediently listen to His Excellency the Captain-Commander.
It was truly impossible not to be impressed.
"It's already dinner time… Hmm? Why am I working here today?"
Ever since Aizen joined the First Division, Aozaki had almost never handled any official business.
Instead, he always entrusted all matters to Aizen, as if Aizen were the true Captain-Commander.
Meanwhile, Aozaki idled away his days, never bothering with Squad affairs.
Currently, managing the Thirteenth Division's affairs was indeed busier than before, but Aizen was completely different from Aozaki.
He was enthusiastic about this work, even enjoying it thoroughly.
However, this fellow was too trusting; how could he so confidently leave everything to him? Wasn't he worried that he might abuse his power?
This idiot simply didn't realize the importance of power!
Aizen shook his head helplessly.
"Heh heh, check if what I wrote has any issues, and help me polish it up."
Aozaki stood up, handing out a letter with one hand and lightly tugging at his hem with the other.
He softly said:
"This haori doesn't fit well, so I plan to ask a friend to make a new one."
Doesn't fit well? Aren't haoris always loose-fitting?
Even if Aozaki was taller and more robust than the old man, it shouldn't lead to a poor fit, right?
Moreover, if he wanted a new haori, why not seek out a professional tailor or make it himself?
Why choose to write a letter to ask someone instead?
Aizen pondered silently, unsure where to begin complaining.
At his strong insistence, from the ordinary Arrancar of Las Noches to the current Hueco Mundo Emperor, everyone's attire was personally designed by him.
He did not want the prestige of the dynasty he had painstakingly created to be lowered by this whimsical fellow.
Anyway, the Emperor only needed to indulge in luxury and extravagance within his three palaces and six courtyards; professional matters should be handled by professionals.
"Wait, something seems off about this letter… You're looking for Senjumaru and Hikifune Kirio?"
"That's right. Lately, I've suddenly become too lazy to cook, but I still want to eat, so I thought I'd call her down too."
Aozaki said as if it were the most natural thing.
"That's not important, is it? They are Zero Division members; even if they wanted to come down, they wouldn't be allowed, would they?"
Aizen asked, frowning.
"Let's try it; how will we know if we don't try?"
Aozaki reached out and thoughtfully poured a cup of tea for his Vice-Captain.
"You only know the result after you do something. If you don't do it, you truly gain nothing, not even knowing if it can succeed."
Aozaki earnestly told Aizen.
His words were impactful, and Aizen nodded slightly as he listened.
He was right; when he first created the Hōgyoku, he was like a headless fly, but he never gave up.
If he hadn't discovered the Soul King's fragments in the Soul of Aozaki's classmate, he probably wouldn't have reached his current level.
Thinking about it this way, it seems that Reiji was indispensable from the very beginning for him to create the Hōgyoku.
"I say, this whole thing today, it wasn't your doing, was it?"
After discussing for a while, the two left the office.
The dining hall was bustling with people, lively and vibrant.
The wooden floor was filled with antique and elegant tables and chairs, and all sorts of delicacies, fine wines, and gourmet dishes had been brought out.
Not only were the First Division Squad members gathered, but even the Eleventh Division Squad members, led by Kenpachi, came to show their support.
"It was Rangiku Third Seat's idea; I merely assisted from the side."
The Vice-Captain pouted, gently patted Aozaki's shoulder, and said with a smile:
"Becoming Captain-Commander is a big deal. Even if the entire the Seireitei doesn't celebrate, it's only natural for our Squad's brothers and sisters to want to take this opportunity to celebrate properly."
"Your Excellency the Vice-Captain is truly understanding. I'll go over there first."
Aozaki said with a hint of teasing, then turned and walked towards the crowd, and the Vice-Captain also happily followed behind him.
"Don't misunderstand. As Vice-Captain, I naturally must share joys and hardships with the Squad members; this is also my duty."
Aozaki gave him an annoyed look, muttering to himself that this guy was always so contradictory.
Following the hallway, he pushed open the wooden door, and the clamor instantly filled his ears.
His gaze swept across the room; whether they were First Division Squad members or Eleventh Division Squad members led by Zaraki, he was intimately familiar with all of them.
Upon seeing him, everyone enthusiastically greeted him.
And he smiled back at everyone, showing no signs of becoming arrogant just because he was the boss.
Of course, without being arrogant, the Captain-Commander's authority was still essential.
A good-natured person couldn't control this unruly bunch.
When he walked to the head seat and sat down, looking around, the scene before him could only be described as "chaotic."