Marrying Unohana Retsu from Bleach

"Alright, since all the division leaders are present, I'll skip the pleasantries. Let us officially begin the regular meeting of the Gotei 13 captains."

Standing at the forefront of the group, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and founder of the organization, began his customary opening remarks for the captains' meeting.

Before him, the captains of the Gotei 13 appeared to listen attentively. At least on the surface, they all feigned serious attention, giving Yamamoto the respect he was due as Captain-Commander.

In terms of obedience, the current Gotei 13—famed as the strongest and most decisive iteration—was significantly more disciplined than the version during Kurosaki Ichigo's time, when "ryoka" invaded the Seireitei.

That era was marked by a certain pompadour-wielding troublemaker who constantly stirred up internal strife among the divisions, leading to captains with divided loyalties and hidden agendas.

The current captains, on the other hand, were a different breed altogether. Yamamoto, still in his prime, had no tolerance for disobedience. Anyone who dared defy him would be met with merciless discipline.

However, despite their outward appearances of respect, the true thoughts of these captains remained unknown.

For example, one of Yamamoto's most promising disciples was currently… daydreaming.

Yes, the student zoning out during the Captain-Commander's speech was none other than Araki.

"Ugh..."

Though he appeared to be listening intently, Araki was inwardly sighing repeatedly.

"What is even going on here?!"

Araki was deeply concerned about the aesthetics of the captains from the odd-numbered divisions. Their appearances left him both distressed and bewildered.

From the Third Division Captain Kinroku Izuhara to the Thirteenth Division Captain Saizō Sakahone, nearly all of them were, to put it mildly, unpleasing to the eye.

Among the odd-numbered division captains, he felt that only one was remotely acceptable: the Fifth Division Captain, Danjirō Obana.

Obana had short brown hair tied into a small ponytail, a chiseled face, and a muscular physique—essentially the epitome of a ruggedly handsome middle-aged man.

He was, in Araki's opinion, the sole "pillar of good looks" among the male captains of the odd-numbered divisions before Araki joined the Gotei 13.

Second to him was Kinroku Izuhara of the Third Division. Though not particularly handsome, his appearance was at least passable.

Araki didn't categorize Kinroku as a "weirdo" because of his looks but rather due to his eccentric fashion choices.

Kinroku had pale skin, sharp features, and neatly combed light-green hair slicked back with an excessive amount of gel. While his meticulous grooming was commendable, his choice to pair a pale yellow visor with a green waist sash (à la Zoro) over his shihakushō left Araki utterly baffled.

"Maybe it's a belt?" Araki thought. Regardless, Kinroku's understanding of "style" far surpassed Araki's comprehension.

In terms of fashion boldness, Araki grudgingly acknowledged Kinroku as a trendsetter. Still, compared to the grotesque appearances of the Seventh, Ninth, and Thirteenth Division captains, Kinroku was at least presentable.

As for the Seventh Division Captain Nobutsuna Shigyō, the Ninth Division Captain Entetsu Kumoi, and the Thirteenth Division Captain Saizō Sakahone, Araki felt their appearances defied human comprehension and veered into the realm of monstrosity.

"How I wish I were among the even-numbered captains! The odd-numbered captains' group is no place for someone as handsome as me."

Araki sighed inwardly, feeling isolated.

"Does no one understand my plight? A man as dazzling as me, stuck amidst a crowd of monsters—utterly out of place."

Sometimes, Araki's striking good looks were a source of anxiety for him. His handsomeness only served to highlight the unattractiveness of those around him, making their flaws all the more glaring.

Determined to find a solution, Araki's gaze landed on the captain of the Twelfth Division, Uhin Zenjōji.

Unlike Araki, who stood out due to his exceptional looks, Uhin was the odd one out in the even-numbered divisions for the opposite reason—his appearance was so unremarkable it dragged down the group's overall aesthetic.

In Araki's mind, if they could swap places, it would be perfect.

With this in mind, Araki resolved to bring up the possibility of changing his standing position with Yamamoto at the next opportunity.

"Now, let us hear from the new captain of the Eleventh Division, Captain Araki. Please introduce yourself."

Yamamoto's words snapped Araki out of his reverie. Blinking in surprise, he stepped forward to stand beside his master.

"Ahem, I'll keep it brief," he began.

"As you all can see, due to certain circumstances, I am now the captain of the Eleventh Division. From today onward, we are colleagues. If you have any questions, feel free to visit me in the Eleventh Division. I'm a very approachable person."

While speaking, Araki's gaze was fixed on the Tenth Division Captain, Batsu'unsai Katori, implying his willingness to help only select individuals. 

As for the rest? Keep your problems to yourselves.

"Since I've only recently joined the Gotei 13, there might be areas where I'm inexperienced. I ask for your patience and understanding."

"And, should you ever find me absent, you can always approach my lieutenant, Yachiru Unohana."

He concluded with a polite smile, his words veiling his true intent: to delegate all Eleventh Division affairs to Unohana while maintaining only a titular leadership role.

"That's all for now. If I have anything else to add, I'll bring it up at the next meeting."

With that, he returned to his spot, still smiling as though nothing had happened.

The other captains, however, exchanged uneasy glances.

"What does he mean by "next meeting'?" Does he think he's the Captain-Commander now?!"

The Seventh Division Captain Nobutsuna Shigyō grumbled under his breath.

"More importantly, Yamamoto didn't even object. That's very telling."

Ninth Division Captain Entetsu Kumoi adjusted his glasses, his expression thoughtful.

"It seems the relationship between this new captain and the captain-commander is closer than we imagined."

The Third Division Captain Kinroku Izuhara, catching the tense atmosphere, couldn't help but smirk.

"Interesting. Captain Araki's self-introduction was certainly unique. Any questions, anyone?" Yamamoto finally spoke, breaking the silence.

The Captain-Commander's rare smile and evident approval of Araki sent a clear signal to the group: this wasn't just any new recruit—Araki was someone special.

"So this is why everyone had to attend without exception," the captains realized. "Yamamoto wasn't just introducing a new captain. He was presenting his successor."

With that revelation, the room grew even heavier, the captains' silent discontent palpable.

—

As the meeting adjourned, Araki approached Yamamoto with a cryptic question.

"Have you heard of the Quincy lately? Their 'Emperor' seems to be stirring unrest."

Yamamoto's expression darkened, his voice cold. "If they dare act against the Seireitei, we'll annihilate them."

And so the seeds of the next storm were sown.

==============

And so, we are about to enter the Quincy arc...

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