BLEACH: SURVIVAL SYSTEM

Zaraki Kenpachi's sudden entrance was beyond everyone's expectations—yet, at the same time, entirely in character.

After all, how could Zaraki Kenpachi possibly ignore the presence of a powerful Reiatsu? The mere scent of a strong opponent was enough to make his blood boil.

Those who had witnessed Akira's battle firsthand, such as Hitsugaya Tōshirō and Komamura Sajin, couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

"This is just like Zaraki," Hitsugaya muttered. "No tricks—just pure brute strength."

Akira, however, remained fearless. Even after decisively defeating Byakuya Kuchiki, his Reiatsu was still at least half intact. He had no reason to back down from another fight.

"So, you're the captain of the Eleventh Division?" he asked, his tone laced with provocation. "If you want to challenge me for the title—like Byakuya Kuchiki just did—I have no objections."

His words were filled with tension, fueling the anticipation in the air. Zaraki Kenpachi's grin widened.

"Yeah! If you can beat me, the captain's position is yours!"

"Nonsense!" A stern voice cut through the moment. "No one has ever been captain of two divisions at once!"

It was Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni. His voice carried the weight of absolute authority as he added, "This discussion is over."

The message was clear—Zaraki Kenpachi was not allowed to act recklessly. But the captains present all knew better. Since when did Kenpachi ever listen to orders?

For a moment, Zaraki fell silent. Then, to everyone's shock, he said, "Forget it. No fight today."

Everyone: "?!"

Had they misheard?

Zaraki Kenpachi, backing down willingly? Even Yamamoto raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

But, of course, Kenpachi was still Kenpachi.

"You already had a fight, didn't you?" he continued. "Your Reiatsu's been drained. If we fight now, it won't be fun." His eyes gleamed with excitement. "I'll give you a day to recover. Then we'll fight tomorrow. I'll come find you in the Sixth Division."

With that, Kenpachi leapt away, leaving as abruptly as he had arrived.

Watching him go, Tōshirō sighed. "This is going to be a disaster… Captain Akira, good luck."

Recognizing Akira as the new Sixth Division captain, personally appointed by the Head Captain, Tōshirō and the others quickly adjusted their perspectives.

Before departing, Yamamoto gave a final order. "As captain, you have the right to appoint your own lieutenant. Make your choice and handle the transition accordingly."

As the crowd dispersed, members of the Fourth Division arrived, led by Captain Unohana Retsu herself, who oversaw Byakuya Kuchiki's emergency treatment.

"I've heard what happened," Unohana said, glancing at Akira. "Being targeted by Captain Zaraki is never a good thing."

Before leaving, she paused, considering her words carefully.

"When he comes for you, as he surely will, don't hesitate to admit defeat if necessary," she warned. "It's not a shame to yield to him."

Then, with a small, knowing smile, she added, "After all, I'd rather not have to treat two Sixth Division captains in a row."

Even after witnessing Akira's overwhelming victory against Byakuya, Unohana had no illusions about what a battle against Zaraki Kenpachi truly meant.

Her caution wasn't baseless—it was the judgment of the First Generation Kenpachi.

After all, Zaraki Kenpachi was the bearer of a title that meant only one thing—the strongest swordsman in Soul Society.

Akira remained noncommittal, knowing that his previous battle had not required his full strength. His most powerful technique, Thunder Fruit, was his trump card—one he had no intention of revealing for a mere victory over Byakuya Kuchiki.

"If it's Zaraki Kenpachi next… things could get tricky without Thunder Fruit."

While Akira pondered this, members of the 6th Division cautiously approached, their expressions filled with awe. They had just witnessed history—an upheaval in the leadership of their squad. The sheer power Akira had displayed was now seared into their memories.

"Captain… what are our next orders?"

Abarai Renji spoke with difficulty, still grappling with the reality of Akira as his new superior. He had never imagined that in the blink of an eye, his captain would change, and that the man standing before him would be the one to take Byakuya Kuchiki's place.

"What else?" Akira shot him a glance. "Go back to your duties. Everyone, return to your posts."

Following his command, the 6th Division members dispersed.

As for Akira, his next task was to formally assume his position as captain. His current quarters—barely lived in—would now be upgraded to the 6th Division Captain's estate, an elegant residence with a vast courtyard and pristine gardens. The Gotei 13 captains were at the top of Soul Society's military structure, and their privileges reflected that.

Because Byakuya Kuchiki had always resided in the Kuchiki Clan estate, the 6th Division's captain's quarters had remained untouched. Now, they belonged to Akira, in a pristine state, awaiting his occupancy. After instructing the attendants to prepare the residence, he went to receive his captain's haori—the white robe signifying his newfound rank.

Returning to his quarters, Akira draped the haori over his shoulders. The large "六" (Six) on the back fluttered in the wind—a clear declaration of his authority as the 6th Division Captain.

However, before he could fully settle in, an unexpected visitor arrived.

Standing at the entrance was a man clad in a captain's haori, his composed demeanor complemented by neatly framed glasses and a warm, easygoing smile.

The two 6th Division guards at the door immediately stiffened, saluting him with visible unease.

The man simply raised a hand, dismissing formalities with a polite wave. Then, in a calm and measured tone, he addressed them:

"Would you be so kind as to inform Captain Akira… that Aizen Sōsuke, Captain of the 5th Division, has come to visit?"

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