Bleach: Soul Society Domination Through Check-ins

At dusk, orange sunlight cascaded across Seireitei's pristine white walls, casting Shigure's elongated shadow.

He walked with measured steps, his expression impassive.

The Acting Captain position represented both fortune and burden for him at present.

The advantageous aspect lay in his acquisition of authority equivalent to other captains—henceforth, he would wield considerably more influence across various matters.

The disadvantageous aspect, however, was how this position had effectively shackled him.

Captain meetings had essentially become mandatory obligations.

For someone who preferred acting according to his own volition, this created an unmistakable sense of constraint.

Nevertheless, upon careful reflection, he could comprehend the reasoning.

Yamamoto Genryūsai's placement of him in this position carried dual significance—both promotion and supervision, expectation intertwined with oversight.

He hoped Shigure would rapidly mature into a razor-sharp blade for the Gotei.

"'That old man certainly has his share of schemes'... that's what you're thinking right now, isn't it, Segawa?"

Just as Shigure contemplated these matters, a familiar voice materialized beside his ear.

Kyōraku Shunsui appeared at his side, wearing his characteristic languid smile.

Shigure's gaze shifted as he smiled faintly: "Doesn't Captain Kyōraku need to return to his division promptly today?"

Kyōraku Shunsui chuckled upon hearing this: "Little Nanao has quite the demanding task today, so I've managed to steal half a day's respite."

"Perfect timing—I'll accompany you to the Thirteenth Division barracks to visit Ukitake."

Hearing Shunsui's words, Shigure nodded lightly.

Given the intimate friendship between Kyōraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jūshirō, such gestures were hardly unusual.

"So, Segawa, you were indeed thinking exactly that just now, weren't you?" Shunsui suddenly inquired.

Shigure startled slightly, immediately grasping that he referred to the Yamamoto Genryūsai matter.

However, seeing no reason for concealment, he nodded and spoke candidly: "I believe... the Captain-Commander acted somewhat precipitously this time."

"Precipitously?" Shunsui smiled knowingly. "I hardly think so... Rather, I suspect this was something he'd contemplated long beforehand."

These words sent Shigure's heart racing as a sudden hypothesis crystallized in his mind.

Today at noon, he had coincidentally been dispatched as Ukitake's replacement due to the latter's illness.

Yet... upon returning from the completed mission, Yamamoto Genryūsai had appointed him Permanent Acting Captain based on his achievements.

Shigure had initially attributed these events to Yamamoto Genryūsai's impulsive decision-making.

However, Shunsui's words suddenly illuminated a different possibility.

Were these developments... truly mere coincidences?

From temporary Acting Captain to the concealed fourteenth captain.

Would someone as prudent as Yamamoto Genryūsai truly make such consequential decisions on impulse...?

Observing Shigure's expression, Shunsui burst into laughter.

"It appears you've reached the correct conclusion, Segawa..."

Shigure lifted his head, studying Shunsui for an extended moment before breaking into a rueful smile.

"So Captain Ukitake... already knew the Captain-Commander would make this decision?"

Shunsui smiled enigmatically, swaying as he continued forward. "Such matters become clear when you ask directly, don't they? Come along..."

...

Shortly thereafter, the pair arrived at the Thirteenth Division barracks.

The Thirteenth Division members showed no surprise at Shunsui's arrival, though many gazed at Shigure with unmistakable admiration.

Presumably they had learned of the Valley of Screams events from those who had participated in the Hollow extermination unit.

Kyōraku Shunsui walked forward while chuckling:

"It seems that even without that position, Segawa, you would still command captain-level respect."

The Thirteenth Division members' reactions made this abundantly clear.

News of Shigure single-handedly annihilating the Hollow swarm would likely permeate all of Seireitei before long.

Hearing Shunsui's observation, Shigure smiled without comment.

They approached Ukitake's quarters, finding the door firmly closed. Though initially preparing to knock, Kyōraku Shunsui casually pushed it open without ceremony.

Beyond the threshold, Ukitake Jūshirō sat reading a tome, completely absorbed.

Upon hearing the door's opening, he recognized the visitor before even glancing up.

"Kyōraku, I'm curious—when you visit sensei's quarters, do you always announce yourself with such... courtesy?"

Ukitake turned his head while smiling warmly.

His gaze then shifted to Shigure, his expression brightening: "You worked admirably today, Segawa."

Shigure observed him carefully. Ukitake's complexion remained somewhat pallid, though he clearly appeared far healthier than during their noon encounter.

Recognizing this discrepancy, Shigure chuckled and shook his head.

"I truly never expected someone as forthright as you, Captain, to possess such theatrical talents..."

Ukitake blinked in momentary confusion before immediately comprehending Shigure's implication.

Before he could respond, Shunsui interjected.

"Segawa speaks truly—you even deceived me."

Ukitake immediately smiled with chagrin. "I had little choice. This was sensei's stratagem."

He proceeded to elaborate:

"Shortly after Segawa departed the Muken and joined my Thirteenth Division, I paid sensei a visit."

"During that meeting, he expressed his desire to elevate Segawa's standing within Seireitei."

Shigure's attention sharpened upon hearing this revelation.

He hadn't anticipated that Yamamoto Genryūsai's machinations had commenced so early.

"Observing sensei's apparent frustration with the situation, I proposed utilizing the Acting Captain position as a vehicle."

"After all, I frequently miss meetings due to my health..." Ukitake smiled sheepishly.

"Following my suggestion, sensei instructed me to identify an appropriate captain meeting opportunity for Segawa to serve as proxy."

"Today, I recognized that moment had arrived, prompting me to send you in my stead, Segawa."

Ukitake regarded Shigure with an apologetic expression.

Having heard the complete explanation, Shigure naturally grasped the entire conspiracy's scope.

This revelation explained Yamamoto Genryūsai's unusually resolute authority during today's meeting.

Shigure lowered his gaze, contemplating internally.

"It seems my assessment of Captain Ukitake requires considerable revision going forward..."

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