"How the hell is he qualified to be a Captain?!"
Soi Fon's outburst was loud enough to echo off the stone walls, her fury barely restrained despite being in full view of Sasakibe Chōjirō and several 1st Division personnel.
Sasakibe, long used to dealing with temperamental Captains, replied with a weary calm. "Captain Soi Fon, Tachikawa Shin was jointly nominated by six Captains. He possesses the strength and qualities required for the position and has passed both the Captain-Commander's and Central 46's approval. All procedures have been followed correctly."
Soi Fon snapped back, "And what of what he's done? Does the Captain-Commander simply not care? I'm sure those Captains who endorsed him don't even know the full extent of his misconduct!"
"The Captain-Commander has his reasons," Sasakibe said evenly. "If you have doubts, Captain Soi Fon, I suggest you take them up with him directly."
Her clenched fists trembled with such intensity her nails nearly pierced her palms.
There was no deep personal hatred between her and Shin. But the events beneath Sōkyoku Hill, compounded by their recent confrontation, had left the air between them tense as a drawn blade.
"Captain Tachikawa," Sasakibe continued, "please come with me. Captain Soi Fon, the Captain-Commander has called a meeting."
Shin stepped out of the cell with deliberate ease, trailing calmly behind Sasakibe.
Soi Fon, her expression darkening further, reluctantly followed.
Once they arrived at the 1st Division barracks, Shin was led to a separate room by Sasakibe, parting from Soi Fon at the entrance.
Sasakibe produced a folded white haori, the back stitched with the kanji for "Ten (十)."
Shin looked at the garment in silence for a long moment before letting out a soft, unreadable sigh. He reached out and took it, slipping it onto his shoulders.
The robe was slightly too large, its broad hem swaying awkwardly on his youthful frame. Sasakibe, watching him, felt a strange mix of nostalgia and awe.
He himself had served as Vice-Captain for over a thousand years… yet here stood a Shinigami who had graduated barely two years ago—already donning a Captain's haori.
Sasakibe gave a small, respectful bow. "Congratulations, Captain Tachikawa."
Shin grinned. "Thanks, Vice-Captain Sasakibe."
Though Sasakibe had seniority in age and service, he acknowledged Shin's new authority—an unspoken confirmation of his station among the thirteen most powerful Shinigami.
The Gotei 13 Captains—those at the pinnacle of Soul Society.
Sasakibe offered a rare, warm smile. "Given the urgency of your appointment, your haori wasn't custom-made. Feel free to have it resized later. Also, while there's no formal restriction, I should mention that the Captain-Commander isn't fond of overly flashy alterations. If you really want to change the design, he might scold you a little, but that's all. He's more understanding than he lets on."
Shin chuckled and said nothing.
After a short pause, Sasakibe added, "I overheard your previous conversation with the Captain-Commander. He's not the tyrant you may think. His actions are often driven by care—for both you and Captain Unohana. Some things aren't so simple as right or wrong. I hope you'll try to understand that… and not harbor resentment toward him."
"I do understand," Shin replied quietly.
"Then that's enough," Sasakibe said with a satisfied nod.
Shin gave a wry grin. "You're someone I respect, Vice-Captain Sasakibe. From now on, drop the honorifics around me—it feels weird."
Sasakibe simply smiled. "The other Captains are waiting."
"Alright."
Shin stepped out alone.
The 1st Division barracks were eerily quiet, the temple eaves hung with copper bells that jingled softly in the wind.
As he walked the corridor, a familiar silhouette waited at the turn.
Matsumoto Rangiku.
Her gaze, fixed on him, held a complex mixture of relief, uncertainty, and warmth.
The sky overhead was an unblemished blue, and early sakura petals drifted like snow across the garden. In the calm daylight, she stared at the young man who had once lived in Rukongai—a boy she'd seen grow, now wearing a Captain's robes.
He stepped up to her, smiled, and said, "Been a while, hasn't it, big sis?"
Rangiku looked him over, taking in the too-big haori. She didn't even flinch at the cheeky greeting—her thoughts flicked back to the first time they'd met in the outer districts.
Physically, he hadn't changed much. He just smiled more easily now.
She didn't mind that Shin was now Captain of her division. But the recent whirlwind of events left a heaviness in her chest.
After a long pause, an impulsive grin tugged at her lips. She reached out and gave his head a messy, rough rub.
"You've really made your big sis proud, you brat."
Shin frowned. "Hey—I'm your Captain now."
She burst out laughing, then straightened, brushing down her uniform. "Right, right. Please, Captain. This way."
He was Captain now. And likely would be for a long, long time.
She didn't say any of that aloud.
She simply stepped aside, allowing him to pass.
[Affection +70]
Since the Captain's meeting pertained to the 10th Division's new leadership, Rangiku—its acting Vice-Captain—was the only subordinate summoned. Even so, she was made to wait outside.
Shin's first time walking into the Captains' Chamber, every pair of eyes turned toward him.
Some held warmth: Shiba Kaien, Aizen Sōsuke, Kyōraku Shunsui, and Ukitake Jūshirō all met his gaze with approval.
Others were more reserved. Soi Fon's stare was openly hostile. Kuchiki Byakuya was unreadable as ever. Komamura and Tōsen, both masked, gave nothing away.
Zaraki Kenpachi's eyes gleamed with excitement. He stared at Shin like a predator itching to pounce.
Kurotsuchi Mayuri didn't even look up.
But Shin's attention fixed on Unohana Retsu.
She stood as still as a statue, silent and closed off. She hadn't looked at him even once. Where Byakuya's aloofness was noble distance, Unohana's felt like something deeper—like she had severed herself from the world entirely.
It was the first time he'd seen her since their battle.
As if sensing his gaze, her eyelids stirred, and she glanced over.
Her presence had changed. The soft warmth she once carried was gone, replaced by a placid stillness. Calm as a lake. Distant as winter.
But in the instant their eyes met, a flicker—just a flicker—of light flashed in her pupils.
Thud.
The Captain-Commander struck the floor with his wooden cane.
"Tachikawa Shin. From this day forward, you are the Captain of the 10th Division of the Gotei 13. Conduct yourself with restraint, humility, and honor. May you be worthy of the haori you now wear."