Kensei walked at the very back of the group—after all, he was the junior.
The moment he stepped into the conference hall, Kensei could feel a solemn atmosphere. They're all Captains now, so they must be much steadier. Besides, who'd have the guts to fool around under Old Man Yama's watchful eye? "Ikotsu" warning.
Then Kensei spotted Yoruichi, standing at the Second Division Captain's position, winking and smiling as she waved him over. Kensei glanced up at Yamamoto, who was still making his way to the head seat, and stealthily made his way to Yoruichi's side.
"When did you become Captain?"
"When you were having your little 'alone time' with Soi Fon."
This was Yoruichi's first formal Captain's meeting. As a noble, she was no stranger to such formal settings and didn't feel particularly nervous. Though it would probably have been rather boring without Kensei.
"So, what are your thoughts on attending a Captain's meeting, Junior who-is-not-a-Captain?"
"I want to sit down. After I kick Old Man Yama off his throne, I'll put twelve chairs here."
Honestly, how stingy can the old man be? If he's really that broke, he could just ask the Kuchiki family for a little sponsorship. Getting a few chairs would be a piece of cake. Look at Aizen—when he held meetings with the Espada, his subordinates mostly got to sit.
Yamamoto is just a stubborn old fogey! Following Aizen is where the real future lies!
Kensei waved a greeting to Retsu Unohana and Kirio Hikifune. The two had put in a lot of effort while he was injured; he'd have to personally visit them later to thank them. Oh, and the Kuchiki family too. I wonder if Byakuya Kuchiki has been 'manufactured' yet.
Thud—
Yamamoto's staff struck the floor, a reminder to certain individuals who were currently… getting a little too familiar. The other Captains who noticed the small exchange between Yoruichi and Kensei simply stared at their own noses, though they inwardly sighed, Ah, youth.
"Captain-Commander, apart from the Third and Seventh Division Captain positions which are currently vacant, all others are present."
After his report, Chōjirō Sasakibe bowed and withdrew, leaving the space to the Captains.
"Kuchiki Kōga, you begin. Report on the recent progress in suppressing the rebellion."
As the Captain of the Special Forces, Kuchiki Kōga was temporarily permitted to attend this Captain's meeting.
"Yes, Captain-Commander." Kuchiki Kōga stepped forward, slowly recounting the recent successes. "Since the last operation, with the assistance of Lady Yoruichi and Kensei, which led to the capture of the traitors Kishita and Shirakura, and with the reinforcements from Captains Kyōraku and Ukitake, our Special Forces have significantly compressed the rebel forces' territory. However, considering potential counterattacks, we have temporarily slowed the pace of the suppression."
"Of course, our Special Forces are prepared for the final assault, awaiting only your command, Captain-Commander."
"Hmm, well done."
After hearing the report, Yamamoto nodded, offering a word of praise. It seemed the compliment pleased Kuchiki Kōga immensely; he was struggling to contain his joyful expression.
"In that case, first dispatch a reconnaissance unit to thoroughly investigate the internal situation of the rebel forces. Confirm the safety parameters before launching the final assault."
"Yes, sir!"
As Kuchiki Kōga stepped back after receiving his orders, Jūshirō Ukitake stepped forward.
"Captain-Commander, regarding the rebel matter, I have some additional intelligence to report." Receiving a nod from Yamamoto, Ukitake began, "Recently, many of our subordinates engaging the rebels have encountered a mysterious individual. This person possesses considerable strength, and his Zanpakutō's release ability is unknown, preliminarily inferred to induce hallucinations."
"However, this individual has not yet inflicted harm on our side's members. He seems to specifically target the rebels."
Listening to Ukitake's description, a familiar figure surfaced in Kensei's mind. That mysterious person wouldn't be Aizen, would it?
Yamamoto's fingers tapped rhythmically against his staff. His narrowed eyes swept over everyone present, finally settling on Ukitake.
"A mysterious person specifically targeting the rebels? Any other distinguishing features besides that?"
Ukitake's pale face wore a thoughtful expression. He shook his head and replied, "From the accounts of those who encountered him, there are no descriptions of his appearance. His movements are erratic. However, he seems to intentionally collect the corpses of rebel soldiers, though the specific purpose is unknown."
Got it. It's definitely Aizen, using the rebels for experiments. But given that guy's character, shouldn't he have already cleaned up all the witnesses? Looks like I've managed to reform him a bit. A great deed indeed.
"We will leave him be for now. However, dispatch a team to search for traces of this mysterious person." A sharp, imposing aura radiated from Yamamoto, making Kensei, who had just been letting his thoughts wander, inwardly sweat for Aizen. "After dealing with the rebels, we will apprehend this rat hiding in the gutters."
"Old man, what if the other party isn't an enemy? Wouldn't this just force them to stand against us?"
Shunsui Kyōraku adjusted his hat, his tone teasing.
"Hmph!" Yamamoto snorted coldly, standing up. His powerful presence made all the Captains feel a momentary difficulty in breathing. "Whoever he is, this old man will not permit anyone who poses a potential threat to the stability of the Soul Society."
"Captain Mashō of the 9th Division, you personally lead the pursuit of this individual on the battlefield."
"Meeting adjourned!"
Watching Yamamoto stride away, Shunsui Kyōraku muttered, "The old man's terrifying," before waving goodbye to Kensei and also leaving the conference hall.
"So Captain's meetings are this boring, huh?"
"What did you think it was? A party? Should we find you a troupe of dancing girls for entertainment?"
Hearing Kensei's complaint, Yoruichi rolled her eyes in exasperation and pushed him out the door.
"Lord Kensei Kenzuru, a moment of your time, please."
Ginrei Kuchiki stood before the two, offering a slight bow before handing Kensei an invitation and explaining his purpose.
"Lord Kensei assisted Kōga the other day. Unfortunately, the timing was not ideal previously, so we are only now extending this invitation. We would be honored if you could visit the Kuchiki residence so we may express our gratitude. Of course, Lady Yoruichi is also most welcome."
After speaking, Ginrei Kuchiki turned and left without waiting for a response. Despite his apparent age, his speed was not slow in the slightest.
"So, what do you say?"
"Let's go."
The two exchanged a glance, the decision made. Ginrei Kuchiki wasn't going to harm anyone, and the Kuchiki family had also provided many medicinal herbs previously, so Kensei ought to visit and thank them properly.
"Alright, I need to head back and reorganize the Second Division. We lost quite a few people last time; there's a lot to do lately."
Giving Kensei's backside a light slap, Yoruichi vanished from his sight with a laugh. Feeling the lingering sensation, Kensei thought that ever since their hot spring soak, Yoruichi had become increasingly bold.
Kensei rushed back to the dormitory at full speed and breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Aizen still there. Good, the silly kid hasn't run off somewhere. Who knows where I'd have to look for him otherwise.
"Why the rush?"
"Nothing. Just attended a Captain's meeting today, hurried back to let you hear about it, broaden your horizons."
Casually picking up the water cup on Aizen's desk, Kensei gulped it all down in one go.
"Heard there's a mysterious person lately who specializes in killing rebels. At today's Captain's meeting, Old Man Yama decided to hunt this person down, saying he'll deal with him after the rebels are taken care of."
Kensei leaned in mysteriously, whispering into Aizen's ear, which made it itch. Aizen was about to push him away but froze for a moment upon hearing the news.
"You better not go out much lately. Who knows, that mysterious person might be hiding right among us. With that shady look on your face, they might mistake you for a rebel and haul you away."
Though not a single word was pleasant, hearing Kensei's underlying concern for him, Aizen nodded deeply in agreement.
"Indeed. I will be careful lately."