As expected… being too outstanding isn't necessarily a good thing. Exceptional strength only leads to isolation… Itachi Uchiha's words apply just as well in the world of Bleach!
Out of the corner of his eye, Fūjin Taichi quickly glanced at the vice-captains standing stiff and silent nearby. The slight joy he had felt at becoming a captain had already vanished without a trace.
He had thought that becoming a captain would earn him everyone's recognition—but in reality, only those who are recognized by everyone can become captain.
So even though Kaname Tōsen had been branded a "traitor" by Soul Society, the influence he left behind in the Ninth Division—and even within the Seireitei—had not diminished in the slightest.
That was because Tōsen had become captain of the Ninth Division strictly through Seireitei's formal selection process, step by step. Everyone had acknowledged him from the bottom of their hearts.
As for Fūjin Taichi, he had originally been a First Division vice-captain with questionable legitimacy. On top of that, his previous "rebellious" actions had left a poor impression on many.
Then, during the battle at Sōkyoku Hill, although he had slain Tōsen without injury, such an act of a subordinate killing a superior left an uncomfortable mark in people's minds.
Especially afterward, when he had been nearly beaten to death by Yamamoto Genryūsai in just a few moves—those vice-captains who didn't know the full story began to feel his strength was "overrated."
Thus, the vice-captains gathered in the antechamber once again harbored deep doubts about his sudden rise to captain:
Could this guy… be the Captain-Commander's illegitimate son or adopted child or something? Otherwise, why do all the good things keep falling into his lap??
"..."
Fūjin Taichi, of course, had no idea what they were thinking. He only felt that the looks they gave him were growing increasingly strange—as though he'd been stripped naked and laid bare before them.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the antechamber door. A loud voice followed from outside:
"Fūjin Taichi, successor to the Ninth Division Captain—please proceed to the entrance of the assembly hall immediately!"
"Finally, I'm free…"
Taichi instantly felt lighter. Rising to his feet, he walked toward the door of the antechamber. After a brief pause, he turned and scanned the room once more, thinking to himself:
Just as I thought—Hisagi Shūhei isn't here… Looks like I'd better prepare early.
Tap… tap… tap.
With a faint sigh, he followed the First Division officer to the main entrance of the assembly hall. Staring at the two tightly shut wooden doors before him, a trace of gravity flickered across his eyes.
If even the vice-captains who used to be close to him were unfriendly now… then the proud captains of the Gotei 13 would be even worse.
Especially Sajin Komamura—that self-proclaimed champion of "justice," and Tōsen's close friend. He was the most likely to challenge him.
As the saying goes: "Strike first and gain the advantage; hesitate and suffer." Since he's the one most likely to target me, I'll seize the initiative instead…
"Captain Fūjin, once the Captain-Commander completes the introduction, you may enter."
After quietly delivering the message, the First Division officer withdrew, leaving Taichi alone before the doors, waiting for Yamamoto's summons.
Whoosh—
Time flew by in the blink of an eye, and the scene shifted back to fifteen minutes earlier inside the assembly hall—
"Silence!"
With a thunderous shout, Yamamoto Genryūsai cut off the last whispers in the hall. His deep gaze swept slowly across the ten captains seated on either side before he spoke solemnly:
"Until a new Central 46 is established, I shall temporarily oversee all affairs of the Seireitei. Now, I will render decisions regarding the recent events."
"!!!"
The captains were startled, focusing intently on him. Even Kenpachi Zaraki, who usually showed little interest in captains' meetings, paid attention.
"First: The false accusations against Saitō Tsukuyomi are hereby rescinded.
Second: Effective immediately, Saitō Tsukuyomi and Saitō Keichirō are reinstated to their positions and shall enjoy priority in promotion and assignment.
Third: Effective immediately, former Third Division Captain Gin Ichimaru, former Fifth Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen, and former Ninth Division Captain Kaname Tōsen are expelled from the Gotei 13. The Seireitei will issue special-class warrants for their capture.
Fourth: The charges that the Ryoka led by Ichigo Kurosaki pose a threat to Soul Society are dismissed. After this captains' meeting, they will be returned to the Human World.
Fifth: Effective immediately, Ichigo Kurosaki is officially granted the title of Substitute Shinigami, assisting Soul Society in managing affairs in the Human World—including, but not limited to, Hollow purification, Soul Burials, and confronting sinners.
Finally… the successor to the Ninth Division Captain has been confirmed—
Former First Division Vice-Captain Fūjin Taichi shall assume the position!"
"?!"
Every gaze in the assembly hall snapped toward the entrance.
Ordinarily, upon Yamamoto's declaration, the new captain would appear immediately—
Yet to everyone's surprise, the doors of the assembly hall were already open when they looked over…
And still, Fūjin Taichi was nowhere to be seen.
"Mm?!"
Yamamoto Genryūsai's right eye widened as he stared fixedly toward the entrance of the assembly hall. The curved wooden cane he gripped with both hands creaked loudly—creak, creak.
"My apologies~ First time being a captain—I didn't time it quite right… Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Captain Soi Fon, Captain Unohana, Captain Tōshirō—"
"Enough!"
Yamamoto slammed his cane heavily against the floor and barked, unable to hold back his anger:
"How long did you intend to keep everyone waiting, Captain Fūjin?!"
"Ah… my sincerest apologies, Captain-Commander! But allow me to ask one presumptuous question—"
Walking against the light into the slightly dim assembly hall, Fūjin Taichi stepped into the center, glanced left and right, and then asked innocently:
"So… where exactly am I supposed to stand?"
"What kind of stupid question is that, Taichi!"
Second from the end in the even-numbered row on the left, Kaien Shiba raised his left hand to cover his mouth and whispered a reminder:
"You're the Ninth Division Captain. You should stand over there!"
"Oh… so that's how it is, Captain Kaien!"
Tilting his head slightly, Taichi sized up the captains in the odd-numbered row on the right, then spread his hands.
"But it seems someone isn't too pleased about that. So tell me—is he biased against me? Or… does he have an issue with the Captain-Commander's arrangement?"
"!!!"
Sajin Komamura felt his heart jolt. Seeing everyone's eyes turn toward him, his face immediately darkened.
Fūjin Taichi, you brat… what do you take me for?!
Yes, Kaname Tōsen and I were close! But he long ago strayed from the path of loyalty and justice… How could I possibly hold a grudge against you for killing him?!
So what's with that direct stare at me?! Do you really suspect I'd go against the Captain-Commander's will just to trip you up, you bastard?!
"Tch… this is interesting."
The corner of Kenpachi Zaraki's mouth split into a crooked grin. Raising an eyebrow, he called out sideways to Komamura:
"Hey! Big guy—move over a bit and let the Ninth Division Captain stand here."
"Zaraki... you!!"
Komamura fumed inwardly.
What you're implying makes it sound like I'm deliberately making things difficult for the new captain out of personal resentment! Damn it—
"Captain Komamura, just give him a little space… What's the big deal?" said Tōshirō Hitsugaya, arms folded, sounding impatient.
"Hitsugaya... even a blunt kid like you is kicking me while I'm down?!"
With a dark expression, Komamura shifted two steps toward Hitsugaya, instantly opening up a wide gap between himself and Kenpachi.
"Well then, thank you very much, Captain Komamura!"
Taichi nodded toward Komamura and slipped silently into the space, taking his place beside Kenpachi.
"Hmph... nonsensical brat." Yamamoto withdrew his gaze from Taichi and addressed the room once more.
"Very well. The meeting will continue. Next… I will arrange the new postwar order of the Seireitei—"
"!!!"