I Want to Test the Taste of Cao Ze
Yamamoto Genryūsai was no tyrant. He understood that Ukitake Jushiro's frail health made it difficult for him to continue serving as captain, and his insistence on keeping him in the role stemmed from genuine care.
He knew his student well. Ukitake's sense of responsibility had kept him fighting the disease far longer than most could manage. Without it, his condition would have worsened long ago.
Thus, even though Ukitake couldn't fully perform the duties of a captain, he remained in position.
"Captain Yamamoto," Ukitake began, attempting to protest. He wanted to discuss finding a proper successor.
Yamamoto Genryūsai tapped the ground with his cane, expression unreadable. "There's no need. Unohana, please report the casualties."
Ukitake reluctantly stepped aside.
Unohana Retsu approached, presenting a concise report on the battle's casualties.
Meanwhile, Matsumoto Rangiku's mind wandered. She couldn't stop thinking about the sudden appearance of a new captain—Shiraishi. What kind of person was he?
Her thoughts concluded he must be brave and righteous. After all, he had infiltrated the Maou Underground Prison to rescue Shiba Kūka, risking his life without hesitation.
"Vice-Captain Matsumoto," Yamamoto's deep voice called her attention.
"Yes?" Rangiku responded, instinctively lifting her chest and forcing a composed expression. She realized too late she hadn't been paying attention to the discussion.
"Tomorrow, you will go to West District 10 and inform Shiraishi of the captains' decision," Yamamoto instructed.
"Oh… understood." Rangiku exhaled with relief. At least her distraction hadn't been noticed.
"Dismissed."
Unlike the Central 46, Yamamoto did not drag meetings out unnecessarily. Once matters were settled, the captains were free to leave.
Rangiku followed Kurotsuchi Mayuri outside. The sky was deep black, dotted with countless stars, a bright moon casting silver light across the land. The evening breeze was warm, and everyone returned to their respective teams.
For Matsumoto Rangiku, this mundane atmosphere was familiar. She quickly returned to the 10th Division barracks, the advantage of a vice-captain's flash step making travel near instantaneous.
Arriving, she pushed open the captain's room door. "I'm back! Was anything decided at the team leaders' meeting?"
Hitsugaya Tōshirō looked up from the documents on his desk, hoping the matter involved only administrative issues.
Rangiku tilted her head, spread her hands, and said, "I'm not sure about the rest, but the captain told me that Shiraishi will be acting captain of our team."
"What?" Hitsugaya's green eyes widened. "Isn't that guy a wanted criminal who has killed many Shinigami?"
Rangiku casually sat on the sofa, crossing her legs. "Mad King Munemasa and Evil Doctor Genjiro were both taken down by him. Captain Ukitake believes he deserves a chance."
Hitsugaya frowned. "Then why is he being made acting captain?"
"I'm not sure," Rangiku admitted, completely distracted and oblivious to the finer details Yamamoto might have mentioned.
A vein throbbed on Hitsugaya's forehead. He wanted to slam his face against the desk but quickly dismissed the idea. Sorting the scattered documents would be worse.
"When will he start?" Hitsugaya asked.
"I'll pick him up tomorrow at West District 10," Rangiku replied, casually pouring a glass of wine.
Hitsugaya sighed and returned to his work. Acting or not, having a captain would help lighten the workload. Serving as third seat in Squad 10 was far too demanding.
Rangiku didn't return to her room that night, sleeping on the captain's office couch to appear "diligent."
The next morning, Hitsugaya tapped her forehead with a document. "Get up. We're picking up the acting captain today."
"Hmm…" Rangiku tilted her head sleepily. "I'll sleep a little longer."
"Don't be lazy. The new captain's haori and death suit are here," Hitsugaya reminded her.
"Fine," Rangiku said, rising reluctantly. The gray blanket slipped from her shoulders.
Turning to Hitsugaya, she added playfully, "Just making sure you wouldn't use a cold as an excuse to slack off."
Hitsugaya frowned. "Stop nagging. Let's move."
Rangiku stretched, her figure gracefully arching, a natural allure she carried without effort. Hitsugaya, still too young to fully comprehend such matters, simply ignored it.
"Let's go," Rangiku said, disappearing instantly. Using her vice-captain privileges, she exited through a side door and headed west to West District 10.
Half an hour later, she arrived, realizing she didn't have a detailed address for the captain. She paused, scanning the forested mountains and releasing her Reiatsu to signal her presence.
A figure appeared before her. "Oh, what an honor to meet such a beautiful lady in the mountains. I am Shiraishi. What a name!"
"Matsumoto Rangiku," she replied. He seemed too casual for a serious post—just the kind of headache a vice-captain didn't need.
Shiraishi smiled. "Miss Rangiku, what brings you here? If you want to buy me a drink, I won't refuse."
Rangiku, never one to indulge naïve charm, became serious. "I'm here to convey the decision of the team leaders' meeting on behalf of Captain Yamamoto. You will be acting captain of the Tenth Division."
Shiraishi blinked in surprise. "Isn't it the Thirteenth Division?"
Rangiku spread her hands. "I don't know. This is Captain Yamamoto's decision."
"Very well," Shiraishi said with a smile. "Please guide me in the future."
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