Bleach: The Template System Chose Me, The Forgotten Kuchiki

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For a moment, everything was still, the courtyard drowned in absolute silence as every eye remained fixed on the center of the devastation. Komamura Sajin—the captain of the Seventh Division—had been defeated effortlessly, his Bankai shattered, and his body broken.

"He lost... Captain Komamura actually lost... to Third Seat Kuchiki?"

"You idiot, he's not Third Seat anymore. He's Captain Kuchiki now!"

"Unbelievable... Even a seated captain couldn't stop him."

"And did you notice? Komamura-taichō... he's not even human."

Whispers erupted among the two hundred stunned members of the Seventh Division, their voices laced with disbelief and awe. The image of Komamura lying defeated, even after unleashing his Bankai, was something none of them could comprehend. His revealed canine form left them confused, yet none dared question it aloud; they had just witnessed a one-sided battle that redefined the boundaries of their understanding.

"What are you standing around for?" barked Vice-Captain Iba Tetsuzaemon, his voice snapping the squad from its paralysis. "Get Captain Komamura to Squad Four, now!"

Responding at once, several team members executed Shunpo, reaching Komamura's side, lifting him with care, and vanishing in the direction of the Fourth Division's barracks. With that, the shock began to settle, and the realization of what had transpired started to take root.

Moments later, the remaining captains, led by Head Captain Yamamoto Genryūsai, appeared before Shiraha, their expressions unreadable. Though the tension from combat had faded, a heavier air lingered—one not born of danger, but of recognition.

"Ah, ah... Kuchiki Third Se—no, I suppose it's Captain Kuchiki now," Ichimaru Gin said with his ever-present smirk, clapping lazily as he stepped forward. "Didn't think you'd actually take down Captain Komamura. Color me impressed."

"Captain Ichimaru," Shiraha replied calmly, voice steady and tone light, "just call me Shiraha. I wouldn't want to be confused with Byakuya-niisama."

When he had still been a third seat, the formality hadn't mattered. But now, standing as a newly acknowledged captain, the title 'Captain Kuchiki' carried different weight. Sharing it with his brother would blur lines he wished to keep clear.

"Well then, Captain Shiraha," Ichimaru said with a closed-eye smile, "this wasn't luck—you earned it."

Shiraha turned toward the Head Captain. "Captain-Commander," he said with a respectful bow, "with Captain Komamura defeated, may I now assume my role as the official captain of the Seventh Division?"

He knew Yamamoto's acknowledgment was all that remained to trigger the system's recognition. Once that confirmation arrived, Shiraha's mission would be fulfilled, and the next stage of his evolution would begin.

"Kuchiki Shiraha," Yamamoto finally said, his deep voice calm but laced with measured surprise, "Komamura Sajin has indeed been bested by your strength. From this moment, you are the Seventh Division's captain. Carry the weight of that name well, and protect the Gotei."

"I will not disappoint you, Captain-Commander." Shiraha bowed again, voice unwavering.

And as if cued by his words, the system echoed within his mind:

> "Check-in complete. Mission reward received: Fujitora no Isshō template progress increased by 10%."

"Fujitora Template Progress: 90%."

"Abilities: Observation Haki (Perfect), Armament Haki (Perfect), Swordsmanship Mastery (Perfect)."

"Exclusive Techniques Unlocked: Advanced Gravity Manipulation (up to 50x gravity within 100,000 meters), Weapon Gravity Infusion, Gravity Suppression, Gravity Blade: Tiger Fang, Anti-Aerial Gravity Light, Hell Brigade."

As the system prompt concluded, Shiraha immediately felt the shift. His awareness sharpened, his physical control deepened, and his command over gravity expanded in both scale and nuance. While most of his signature techniques remained familiar in form, their strength surged, refined through another leap in template mastery. The limit on his manipulable gravity had increased yet again—this time by fivefold—but what truly mattered was the steady rise of his core capabilities.

Still, Shiraha knew his true breakthrough—the qualitative leap—would only come when the template reached 100%. At that level, he believed he might stand toe-to-toe with captains like Byakuya. For now, his victories would be over those with more defined weaknesses: Komamura, Mayuri, and even a restrained Zaraki. The stronger captains—Shunsui, Ukitake—still loomed as distant summits.

"I'll have Vice-Captain Sasakibe inform Central 46 of your promotion," Yamamoto said as he turned away, the butt of his cane echoing across the stone. "With that, today's meeting is concluded."

And with a flicker of movement, both Yamamoto and Chōjirō Sasakibe vanished into the wind via Shunpo.

One by one, the remaining captains dispersed as well. Suifeng, Aizen, Tousen, Gin, and Mayuri departed without further word, their gazes lingering only briefly on Shiraha before they left.

But a few remained.

"Heh... Kuchiki Shiraha," said Zaraki Kenpachi, his wild grin spreading ear to ear, "once I'm healed up, I want a rematch."

"Captain Zaraki," Shiraha sighed, rubbing his temple, "why don't you challenge the Kido Corps commander instead? He'd be more your style."

He knew Zaraki well enough—once that battle-lust was kindled, the man was impossible to shake. Shiraha could already tell this wasn't the last time they'd cross paths.

"Hey, hey, don't look at me!" Kyoraku Shunsui cut in, laughing nervously as he nudged Ukitake forward. "I'm just a frail old man. If anyone's fighting Kenpachi, it's Shiraha."

He ducked slightly behind his friend, making Ukitake chuckle softly.

"Tch. Whatever," Zaraki growled. "Don't get comfortable, Shiraha—I'll be back."

With a final glare of anticipation, he vanished.

"Shiraha," said Ukitake with a warm smile, "that was a remarkable battle. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Captain Ukitake, though I was fortunate. Komamura's Bankai had a natural disadvantage against my gravity control."

It was the truth. Without the direct counter that his gravity manipulation posed, the fight would have been much more difficult. Komamura was no weakling—but his vulnerabilities were simply too exploitable.

"Well, Shiraha," said Shunsui with a sly grin, "when you've got time, swing by Squad Eight. Bring some sake—we'll toast properly. Jushiro and I are heading out."

The pair raised their hands in a lazy wave before disappearing, leaving the courtyard finally quiet once more.

Byakuya Kuchiki stepped forward at last, posture as regal as ever, but this time, something rare flickered across his face—a quiet, approving smile.

"Well done, Shiraha. Grandfather will be pleased. Once your matters here are settled, return to the manor."

It was rare to see even a hint of emotion from Byakuya. Since Hisana's passing, his face had remained unreadable. Only when speaking to Shiraha did even the slightest warmth return.

"I will, brother," Shiraha said with a bow, his tone respectful but easy.

Byakuya gave a subtle nod, then disappeared in a single flash step.

The last figures in the courtyard were now Vice-Captain Tetsuzaemon and the assembled members of the Seventh Division. Their former leader defeated, all eyes turned to the one who stood tall in his place.

"Captain Shiraha!" Iba called out, stepping forward and bowing deeply. The others followed in unison, their voices silent but their posture clear.

Shiraha gave a small nod. "Take me to the Seventh Division's barracks."

"Of course, sir," Tetsuzaemon said, already turning on his heel. "This way."

He led the way down the pathway, while Shiraha followed at a measured pace, surrounded by his new division. The moment felt heavy but right—like a blade sliding cleanly into its sheath.

And not long after, the news erupted across all of Seireitei.

Kuchiki Shiraha, a former third seat fresh from the Academy, had defeated a seated captain in official combat—and claimed command of the Seventh Division.

A storm had begun to stir.

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