Acting Captain?
The land was a scene of devastation. Charred remains from lightning strikes and deep craters from Hollow Flash scarred the terrain. From above, the North 30th District looked like a vast expanse of coal.
Black particles drifted from Shiraishi's body as he exited his Bankai, the Nightbringer, returning to his normal self.
"Phew… I'm so tired."
He wiped the sweat from his hand and checked his progress—seven hundred experience points gained. His current total was 1,190, just a few hundred from the next level. It had been a fruitful day—but also exhausting. Fighting almost nonstop from Hueco Mundo to Soul Society, Shiraishi let out a long sigh of relief.
Suifeng spoke weakly, "Squad 4's reinforcements should be arriving soon. Carry me over."
Shiraishi glanced at her, puzzled. "Are you still able to move?"
"Just be gentle."
She panted, desperate for rest, though she knew now was not the time. Shiraishi crouched and carefully extended his hand.
"Ah… it hurts, be gentle," she muttered, brows furrowed.
"I'm being gentle. It's your poor health making you cry out at the slightest movement," he replied.
"Nonsense," she groaned, her voice thick with exhaustion.
Shiraishi placed his palm on her forehead. Instantly, warmth spread like a heat pad. "Wait, I'll get the Fourth Division members over."
Just as he moved to leave, a small hand clutched his sleeve. "Don't go…"
With her last strength, Suifeng clung to him, helpless and endearing. Shiraishi sighed, pausing.
A tan man with dreadlocks appeared, spiritual pressure radiating sharply. "Captain Suifeng, are you all right?"
"She's almost dead," Shiraishi replied curtly.
Tōsen Kaname raised a brow. "I'll fetch the Fourth Division. Please handle this place."
"Understood." Shiraishi watched them leave, then sat again beside the unconscious Suifeng, gently touching her burning forehead. "I wish you were this spoiled when awake."
"Ahem."
Startled, he pulled back his hand. It wasn't a fake cough. Calmly, he added, "Ukitake, it's been a while. You're still so ill."
"It's the same as always," Ukitake Jushiro replied, strolling over and sitting. "Thank you. Without you, we could never have stopped Genjiro."
Shiraishi shrugged. "If you really want to thank me, why not ask the Seireitei to cancel my arrest warrant?"
"No problem," Ukitake Jushiro agreed. The Seireitei could handle such matters tactfully. If every offense were taken seriously, captains like Kenpachi Zaraki or Mayuri Kurotsuchi would have long been imprisoned.
"Really?" Shiraishi asked skeptically.
Ukitake Jushiro nodded. "If you're interested, you could even act as captain of Division 13."
"Not interested," Shiraishi replied, laughing. "I'm free outside. You expect me to run Division 13?"
Undeterred, Ukitake continued, "What if it's a position you can accept or leave at will?"
Shiraishi hesitated, then shook his head. "No way. Yamamoto Genryusai wouldn't approve. Captaincy is no joke."
"If you agree, I promise to convince Genryusai-sensei," Ukitake said gravely.
Shiraishi smiled. "Then maybe I'll experience being acting captain for a bit."
"Great," Ukitake said with relief. Though the idea was spontaneous, he intended to execute it seriously. His health had been declining, and he feared not living long enough to train a successor for the 13th Division.
Shiraishi's ability and bravery qualified him for captaincy. Ukitake admired such people.
"If you like it, you could become permanent."
"Haha, no way. Kūkaku would eat me alive," Shiraishi laughed.
"How's Kūkaku lately?" Ukitake asked.
"Who knows? She ran off wanting to make fireworks. What a willful woman," Shiraishi replied.
Ukitake smiled. Suddenly, his gaze shifted to approaching black figures. "The Fourth Division is here."
"Hmm… another familiar face," Shiraishi murmured, sensing the spiritual pressure.
Shortly after, Kotetsu Yuune arrived. She hadn't used flash due to the treacherous terrain. Hollow Flash craters left only narrow paths, and missing a step could be fatal.
"Shiraishi, why are you here?"
"To see you," he smiled.
Kotetsu Yuune blushed, then returned to work. "I need to check Captain Suifeng's injuries. Don't peek."
Shiraishi turned away, uninterested. He glanced at his own chest and shook his head—his physical condition had declined compared to before.
"She's got broken bones everywhere, still running a fever. A bone may have pierced her lung. Not good. We'll do staged surgery to stabilize her, then take her for full treatment," Kotetsu assessed solemnly.
Taking a deep breath, she began treating Suifeng, determined to perform flawlessly despite the severity of the injuries.
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