BLEACH : THE NINTH KENPACHI

"Oh? Who is it?"

Kyoraku Shunsui asked with a curious smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Gosuke Shigure didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked sideways and asked,

"What do you think of Zaraki?"

"Zaraki?"

Kyoraku repeated, raising an eyebrow.

He was no stranger to Kenpachi Zaraki. As a member of the 11th Division, Zaraki was notorious even among the Gotei 13. But what stood out more was his frequent interactions with Unohana Retsu of the 4th Division — a pairing that seemed odd on the surface.

A warrior constantly seeking battle, learning from a healer? That was unusual.

But Kyoraku, a captain with centuries of experience and keen insight, knew better than to take things at face value.

Though Unohana masked it well, her connection to Zaraki suggested something deeper. And Kyoraku knew full well that Unohana was not simply the kind-hearted "demon healer" of the 4th Division — she was once Yachiru Unohana, the original Kenpachi and the most dangerous criminal in Soul Society history.

For someone like her to take an interest in Zaraki meant there was more to him than met the eye.

"Zaraki's strength is obvious,"

Kyoraku said finally, eyes drifting to the large figure in the distance.

Zaraki was surrounded by other members of the 11th Division, laughing and drinking, his reiatsu casually leaking out like a blade pressed to the throat. He fit in perfectly — not because he behaved, but because he was the embodiment of their doctrine: might above all else.

"But is he really qualified to be a vice-captain?"

Gosuke took a sip from his large bowl — in the 11th Division, formal wine glasses were unheard of.

"And what, in your view, makes someone qualified for the position?"

Kyoraku rested his chin on his hand thoughtfully.

"The vice-captain is the captain's right hand. They assist in running the Division, help assign missions, manage paperwork, and keep order when the captain is away. Especially in squads like yours, where the captain often leads combat operations, the vice-captain's administrative role is crucial."

Gosuke smirked.

"Ah, so the leader of the Keikaku Group knows the 11th Division's nature all too well. You sure you don't want to transfer here?"

Kyoraku chuckled.

"I think I'll pass. But I'm still curious — why Zaraki?"

Zaraki hadn't been in the 11th for long. But in this Division, tenure was a minor concern. In fact, here, raw power trumped everything.

Gosuke leaned back and explained,

"Initially, I wanted someone who could manage internal affairs. Someone organized. But none of my seated officers wanted the position. They said it would keep them from fighting. They'd rather charge into Hueco Mundo than shuffle papers."

"I even considered recruiting from another Division. But then I realized something — why should the captain always be the one to take the lead in battle while the vice-captain stays behind?"

"I figured, why not reverse that?"

"I could become the administrator. Let the vice-captain take on the combat assignments. In a squad where strength is everything, civil servants are a rare breed. But warriors? We're never short of those."

"And Zaraki… he's got the strength. He's got the bloodlust. If I didn't already hold the Kenpachi title, he would've challenged for it long ago — and possibly won."

"He's reckless, but he's a force. That's what we need."

Kyoraku was stunned for a moment, then broke into a laugh.

"Gosuke… You really are a genius."

He hadn't expected this. Delegating all combat duties to the vice-captain, while the captain worked behind the scenes? It was almost backward. But given the 11th Division's structure, it just might work.

Still, he had to voice a concern.

"But… aren't you worried that this might invite criticism? That you're dodging the responsibilities of the Kenpachi?"

Gosuke replied calmly,

"Let them talk. As long as the 11th Division keeps functioning, what does it matter?"

"I didn't inherit the title of Kenpachi because they approved of me. I earned it in combat."

"Besides, you've faced criticism for decades, haven't you? And you're still here."

Kyoraku chuckled.

"Fair enough."

He was one of the most laid-back captains, often accused of negligence. But no one could dispute his strength. In Soul Society, results spoke louder than words.

If Gosuke could maintain the strength and stability of the 11th Division — even from behind the scenes — then he'd earned the right to do so his own way.

After all, the strong have their own rules.

Sometimes one decisive strike was worth more than a thousand small ones.

Elsewhere, in the Twelfth Division: Seireitei Research and Development Institute

Within the vast compound of the 12th Division, tucked into a remote wing, was a heavily sealed chamber.

This area was dedicated to the development of Shinigami Reigai and spiritual garments — including the specialized shihakushō of the Gotei 13.

Though it was officially a department, only one person worked here: Shutara Senjumaru.

Her fingers weaved threads of spiritual silk with divine precision. Despite being far removed from the public eye, her work was foundational to the Shinigami order.

As the 11th Division held a boisterous celebration, a cloaked figure silently entered her workspace.

The moment she sensed the reiatsu, her hands froze.

"You…"

Senjumaru's voice was low but tinged with nostalgia.

Though they hadn't interacted often, she recognized the visitor immediately.

The man stepped forward, his tone respectful but firm.

"Senjumaru. It's been a long time. You still haven't reconsidered?"

She said nothing, her fingers resuming their delicate weaving, threads glowing faintly with spiritual energy.

The man continued.

"I'm here on two matters. One concerns the Gotei 13."

He paused.

"The other concerns you."

"You may be content staying in this lab, but I came to ask once more — come with me to the Royal Palace. Squad Zero needs you."

"Without you, we cannot ensure the Spirit King's protection."

That name — Spirit King — finally made her pause.

Senjumaru was no ordinary artisan. As one of the creators of Soul Society's foundational systems — including much of the Shinigami uniform and technological apparatus — she was fully aware of the Spirit King's true nature.

Few knew the truth: that the Spirit King was not a god, but a lynchpin, a being whose existence upheld the balance of the three realms.

"The Quincies," she said quietly.

"Is this related to the Spirit King?"

The visitor replied with a faint smile.

"I'm afraid I can't answer that. You're not yet a member of Squad Zero."

"You know many truths, Senjumaru. But some — only the Royal Guard may know."

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