Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Chapter 274: NZNT: Chapter 274

Yusuke’s statement that Byakuya Kuchiki had mastered Bankai caused a ripple of astonishment among those present. Not only did Yamamoto Genry

Yusuke’s statement that Byakuya Kuchiki had mastered Bankai caused a ripple of astonishment among those present.

Not only did Yamamoto Genryūsai show surprise, but the other captains, the vice-captains and seated officers standing in for absent captains, all displayed expressions of disbelief.

Byakuya Kuchiki hadn’t been in the 6th Division long, and by Shinigami standards, he was still young. No one present had anticipated his mastery of Bankai.

”If Captain Uchiha’s statement is accurate, it is indeed excellent news. The Kuchiki clan has always led the 6th Division, and Byakuya Kuchiki is a suitable successor as captain,” Yamamoto Genryūsai said slowly.

Turning his gaze to Yusuke, Yamamoto continued, ”Captain Uchiha, with several captaincies now vacant, which division do you intend to lead?”

Feigning deliberation, Yusuke smiled. ”I possess some aptitude for research and development.

Might I be considered for the 12th Division?”

Since Urahara Kisuke’s establishment of the Research and Development Institute, the 12th Division was practically synonymous with it.

While Yusuke considered his chances of securing the 12th Division captaincy slim, he still proposed it.

There was always a chance Yamamoto Genryūsai might agree.

As Yusuke expected, his request was immediately rejected. Yamamoto Genryūsai shook his head without a moment’s hesitation.

”The 12th Division and the Research and Development Institute are implicated in forbidden experiments. This soul disappearance incident is also undeniably linked to the 12th Division.

I will not be appointing a captain to that division for the time being; its future will be determined in consultation with the Central 46.”

Yamamoto Genryūsai’s stated reason was only a partial explanation.

Yusuke’s relatively short tenure and mysterious origins were also significant factors.

The position of head of the Research and Development Institute was too crucial and sensitive to be entrusted to a Shinigami who had only been in the Seireitei for around fifty years.

While Urahara Kisuke’s time as captain of the 12th Division was also short, he had served in the 2nd Division’s execution squad for centuries beforehand, a key factor in Yoruichi’s successful recommendation.

Yusuke had anticipated Yamamoto’s refusal.

Without lingering on the 12th Division, Yusuke feigned further consideration, smiling. ”In that case, might I join the 3rd Division? The 3rd Division’s role is support, and while my abilities are modest, I believe I can still contribute to the Gotei 13.”

Aizen, standing in for the 5th Division captain, remained outwardly calm, but inwardly felt a surge of alarm.

The 3rd Division’s support role involved extensive collaboration with other divisions, making it a prime target for Aizen’s ambitions.

He had intended for Gin Ichimaru to assume the 3rd Division captaincy, but Yusuke had acted first.

Yamamoto Genryūsai, after considering Yusuke’s suggestion, found it suitable.

Yusuke’s demonstrated strength was considerable, and his presence in the support-oriented 3rd Division would enhance their capabilities in future conflicts.

”Captain Uchiha’s dedication to duty is admirable. I believe the 3rd Division will not disappoint under your leadership. However, before the transfer is finalized, both your abilities and Vice-Captain Kuchiki’s will require evaluation by myself and the Central 46,” Yamamoto Genryūsai stated.

His objective achieved, Yusuke said no more, bowing respectfully to Yamamoto before returning to his place.

Suddenly, Yusuke felt a gaze upon him.

Turning, he met Aizen’s smiling eyes.

Yusuke returned the smile with a subtle nod.

The remainder of the meeting focused on filling the remaining vacant captain and vice-captain positions.

After deliberation, it was decided to temporarily promote existing vice-captains and seated officers to maintain the functioning of each division.

The temporary arrangements were as follows: 2nd Division Captain—Suì-Fēng (acting); 3rd Division Captain—Uchiha Yusuke; 5th Division Captain—Aizen (acting); 6th Division Captain—Kuchiki Byakuya; 7th Division Captain—Kōmamura Sajin (acting); 9th Division Captain—Tōsen Kaname (acting); 12th Division Captain—vacant.

Aizen, Tōsen Kaname, and Gin Ichimaru did not claim the captaincy despite their mastery of Bankai.

The simultaneous emergence of two vice-captains and a seated officer achieving Bankai would be too sudden and might raise suspicions.

They would wait, ”mastering” Bankai individually before seeking promotion.

Aizen still needed to consider Gin Ichimaru’s future role after losing the 3rd Division captaincy to Yusuke.

After the meeting concluded, as Yusuke prepared to leave for the 6th Division barracks, Aizen called out to him.

Meanwhile, Gin Ichimaru, tasked by Aizen to probe Nagato Yū, had an ostensibly chance encounter with her in a Seireitei corridor.

Nagato Yū, en route to inspect the Central 46, felt a chill upon seeing Gin Ichimaru approaching, but maintained a composed expression.

She knew Yusuke closely monitored Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Tōsen Kaname, with Gin Ichimaru, and his unsettling smile, being the most worrisome.

Instinctively, he felt profoundly dangerous.

The corridor was narrow; avoiding him was impossible.

Preparing to walk past him, head down, she was surprised when Gin Ichimaru greeted her.

”Isn’t this Nagato, the 4th Seat of the 6th Division? Are you on your way to inspect the Central 46?” Gin Ichimaru asked with a smile.

Nagato Yū couldn’t feign ignorance. ”Yes, Senior Lieutenant Ichimaru.”

Gin Ichimaru nodded and passed her, appearing as if he’d simply engaged her in casual conversation. ℴℴ𝘮

Nagato Yū didn’t suspect anything and continued her patrol when she heard voices behind her.

”Vice-Captain Aizen, good day!”

The mention of Aizen struck Nagato Yū as odd. Was Aizen here?

Turning, she saw a Shinigami bowing respectfully to Gin Ichimaru.

A cold dread washed over Nagato Yū; she realized she had inadvertently revealed her ability to see through his disguise.

Gin Ichimaru was, in fact, under the influence of Aizen’s Kyōka Suigetsu; those who saw him perceived him as Aizen.

Nagato Yū, however, wasn’t affected due to her possession of the ”Jōrinmaru” (purifying orb), instantly recognizing Gin Ichimaru.

Gin Ichimaru exchanged pleasantries with the Shinigami, then turned the corner at the end of the corridor.

Before disappearing, he gave Nagato Yū a knowing smile.

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