Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Captain's Meeting Room!

This was nominally the highest decision-making meeting of the Gotei 13. It convened regularly or was initiated in response to emergencies deemed severe enough by the Captain-Commander of the First Division

Unlike the Central 46, a council comprising forty wise men and six judges, the Captain's Meeting was reserved exclusively for the thirteen captains—individuals who stood at the pinnacle of prestige, status, and strength within the Soul Society.

As the doors to the conference room slowly creaked open, a beam of light emerged from within, gradually illuminating the scene before Makoto's eyes. The interior of the room came into focus.

Seated at the highest position was the venerable Head Captain, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni. Though he appeared aged and frail, his imposing presence was undeniable. Below him, standing in two rows, were the captains adorned in their signature haori, each with a Zanpakutō tied at their waist.

Unohana Retsu, Aizen Sōsuke, Kuchiki Byakuya, Komamura Sajin, Kyōraku Shunsui, Tōsen Kaname, Shiba Isshin, Zaraki Kenpachi, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, and Ukitake Jūshirō.

With the Second and Third Division Captain positions vacant, this particular Captain's Meeting marked a rare occasion where every other captain was present.

As the doors opened, the gazes of the assembled captains swept over in unison, falling upon Makoto.

Among them, the majority were familiar faces to Makoto.

Even though none of them deliberately unleashed their spiritual pressure, the sheer presence of ten captains gathered in one room was enough to make even a Gillian-class Hollow falter under the weight.

Makoto instinctively took half a step back, unsure whether it was an unconscious reaction or mere happenstance. To his surprise, Soi Fon and Gin Ichimaru, standing to his left and right, subtly nudged him forward, placing him conspicuously at the center of attention.

Under the watchful eyes of Yamamoto and the other captains, Makoto could only muster the courage to step forward. He advanced down the aisle between the captains and stopped at a suitable spot.

With the Second and Third Division Captain positions still unfilled, the nearest captains to Makoto's sides were Unohana and Aizen.

Before Makoto could fully process the situation, Yamamoto lightly tapped his staff—housing the Zanpakutō Ryūjin Jakka—on the floor.

Thud.

The Captain-Commander's sharp, commanding gaze landed on Makoto, Gin, and Fon. Slowly, he began to speak.

"Senju Makoto, Vice-Captain of the Fourth Division, has been recommended for promotion to captain by the captains of Fifth Division, Sixth Division, Seventh Division, and Eight Division."

"Gin Ichimaru, Vice-Captain of Fifth Division, has been recommended for promotion by the Captain of the Ninth Division."

"Soi Fon, a soldier of Second Division, has been recommended for promotion by the Captain of Tenth Division."

Upon hearing this, Makoto was completely dumbfounded.

Why did Gin and Fon only require one recommendation each, while he—a self-proclaimed marginal figure—received endorsements from four captains?

Aizen… Well, he was probably scheming something against him; that much Makoto could comprehend.

But Byakuya? Could he have already discovered that marriage was the graveyard of love and was now taking revenge on him?

As for Komamura Sajin and Kyōraku Shunsui… What on earth were they thinking?

Despite Yamamoto's imposing presence, Makoto couldn't help but glance at Komamura and Kyōraku out of the corner of his eye, searching for answers.

To his astonishment, both captains seemed to understand his unspoken question and openly responded.

Komamura straightened up and solemnly declared, "I made a fair and objective judgment. I believe Vice-Captain Senju possesses the talent and moral character to shoulder the responsibilities of a captain. There is no need for gratitude; simply dedicate yourself to justice from now on."

What?!

Makoto was stunned.

Big Dog, well… thanks, I guess?

Kyōraku, on the other hand, wore a sly smile. He mimed drinking from a cup with his hand, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Makoto immediately understood.

This wasn't Kyōraku hinting at some future invitation for drinks—it was because of that one time.

Out of curiosity, Makoto had once wandered into Kyōraku's favorite izakaya, only to be spotted by the captain himself. Kyōraku's eyes had lit up as he enthusiastically tried to drag Makoto off to enjoy some "fun and games."

Makoto, of course, refused, maintaining an air of righteous indignation. But ever since that encounter, Kyōraku seemed to harbor some sort of misunderstanding, repeatedly inviting Makoto to join him for drinks at those dubious establishments. In Kyōraku's eyes, Makoto had somehow become a "kindred spirit."

Makoto couldn't shake the suspicion that Kyōraku's recommendation was entirely self-serving—an attempt to recruit another captain to share the pressure from Yamamoto.

Makoto could even imagine Kyōraku's defense: "See? I'm not the only captain who enjoys this lifestyle. Captain Senju is a fellow connoisseur!"

As Makoto noticed Unohana shooting a scrutinizing glance at Kyōraku, he felt a cold sweat trickle down his back.

No… actually, what was more concerning now was how the combined recommendations of four captains had created an impression that Makoto's promotion was the will of the majority. This made the situation much trickier to handle.

Even though Makoto could sense Aizen's calculating gaze on him, his primary worry was that rising to the rank of captain would draw excessive attention—not only from within the Gotei 13 but also from external threats like the elusive Royal Guard and the ominous Yhwach.

In the hierarchical world of the Gotei 13 Squads, many individuals who had mastered Bankai—such as Rukia Kuchiki, Ikkaku Madarame, and Renji Abarai—had avoided undue scrutiny by remaining below the rank of captain.

Makoto was weighing how to tactfully decline the offer when Yamamoto, in an unmistakably commanding tone, issued his verdict.

"In light of the need to urgently assemble an expeditionary force to Hueco Mundo, the captain positions of the Second Division and the Third Division will be filled from among the three of you."

"To validate your abilities, you will engage in a three-way battle under the witness of the captains. The first to fall will be eliminated from consideration."

At this moment, Zaraki stepped forward, his battle lust palpable. "There's no need for something so complicated. Let me be their opponent. Whoever falls first loses—simple as that!"

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