Shinigami: Medicine Can't Save The Soul Reaper Society

Undeniably, when it came to anything beyond combat, Zaraki's intellect often seemed to take an extended vacation. But his suggestion, to be fair, wasn't without merit.

Having Zaraki himself validate their strength could effectively dispel any doubts that Makoto , Fon, and Gin were merely "weaklings pecking at each other." Even if they were promoted to captain, this would ensure they wouldn't be dismissed as unworthy placeholders.

Thus, even though Yamamoto raised an eyebrow at Zaraki's brash and informal tone, he didn't immediately reprimand him. The Captain-Commander'seemed to be deliberating.

"Cough, cough…"

A series of weak coughs broke the tension as Ukitake Jūshirō, who had maintained a low profile throughout, took a step forward and spoke up.

"I believe Captain Zaraki's proposal is inappropriate. Beyond the potential for personal bias, the sequence of battles could unfairly influence the results. That would hardly be just."

Immediately, Zaraki turned a hostile gaze toward Ukitake, his intent clear.

Thud!

Before Zaraki could say something unsavory, Yamamoto's staff struck the floor with authority. His stern, commanding presence silenced Zaraki, compelling him to retreat to his place among the captains.

Then, in a voice that brooked no dissent, Yamamoto announced, "The decision stands. The battle will commence immediately. The three candidates for captaincy, prepare yourselves."

Without further delay, Yamamoto turned and began leading the group through a passageway at the back of the conference room. The captains, along with Makoto, Gin, and Fon, followed him towards the First Division's expansive training grounds.

Under the watchful eyes of the captains, Makoto had no opportunity to exchange even a word with Gin or Fon. This left him feeling increasingly uneasy.

On the surface, this was a three-way battle for two captain positions. In reality, it felt like a premeditated conspiracy centered around Makoto—a scheme to infiltrate and seize influence within the Gotei 13.

However, without a chance to communicate with Gin and Fon, Makoto feared the situation was veering off course. He could easily foresee the two, unaware of each other's allegiance, throwing everything they had into defeating one another, thereby forcing Makoto into the captain's role by default.

Before he could formulate a plan, Makoto, Gin, and Fon found themselves each standing in a corner of the vast, barrier-enclosed training grounds. Still, there was no opportunity for Makoto to speak.

In the other corners of the training grounds, ten captains stood by, observing and supervising the battle.

Yamamoto, his voice strong and unwavering, declared, "Let the battle begin!"

The atmosphere in the training grounds shifted instantly, thick with tension. All three candidates drew their Zanpakutō.

Without hesitation, Gin and Fon simultaneously transformed into blurs, dashing toward each other.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

A barrage of rapid, razor-sharp clashes echoed through the grounds.

Both Gin and Fon displayed fighting styles reminiscent of assassins. The difference lay in their approach: Fon's speed came from her mastery of Shunpo, while Gin's speed was rooted in his lightning-fast strikes.

As their furious exchange unfolded, their movements became indistinguishable, reduced to shadows colliding and sparks flying from their blades.

The captains watching nodded occasionally, their approval evident.

Even without releasing their Zanpakutō, Gin and Fon demonstrated a level of skill far exceeding that of an average vice-captain.

Meanwhile, Makoto, stationed at another corner of the training grounds, found himself in an awkward position.

Though this was meant to be a three-way battle, Gin and Fon seemed to have tacitly agreed to leave Makoto out of the fray. It felt as though he'd been given a VIP seat to spectate.

Drawing his sword to insert himself into the duel felt unnecessary, yet standing idly made him feel redundant.

What troubled him most was that doing nothing might lead him to become the first captain in Soul Society's history to ascend to the position simply by "going with the flow."

Makoto couldn't accept this. Becoming a captain was one thing, but not like this—not in such an undeserved manner.

Thus, while maintaining a gentle smile and an air of composure, Makoto simply stood his ground, carefully observing Gin and Fon's duel for any openings or patterns.

It didn't take long for the observing captains to notice Makoto's unusual behavior.

"Hmm? What's with Makoto?"

"Could it be that both Soi Fon and Gin think Makoto is the tougher opponent?"

"Or, maybe, they see him as no threat at all. Perhaps they're using this opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the captains," one of the captains speculated.

Tōsen Kaname, arms crossed and voice steady, added, "This battle is fundamentally about demonstrating the capability and qualifications to lead as a captain. While the rules state that the first to fall will lose their candidacy, it doesn't guarantee that the victor will be appointed as captain."

He paused before continuing, "In that sense, Soi Fon and Gin have proven themselves to be shrewd. They've discerned the true nature of this trial from the Captain-Commander's words. On the other hand, Makoto's passive stance only reveals his shortsightedness and lack of awareness."

To be fair, Tōsen's analysis seemed logical and well-founded.

But as a blind man commenting on someone else's shortsightedness, it carried an ironic air of "humblebragging."

Nearby, Kyōraku Shunsui couldn't help but silently assign Tōsen a label in his mind: Makoto's "Little Hater."

In Kyōraku's experience, Tōsen always found ways, both subtle and overt, to belittle or criticize Makoto. This puzzled Kyōraku since Tōsen typically upheld justice with unwavering integrity, embodying the ideal of righteousness alongside Komamura Sajin. Yet, when it came to Makoto, Tōsen seemed to harbor a peculiar bias.

Makoto, for his part, was well aware of the implications of Tōsen's analysis. However, that awareness only deepened his dilemma.

In Soul Society, power was like an ocean—vast and boundless. Even a small misstep could reveal depths far exceeding that of an average captain.

Makoto realized that if he wasn't careful, his actions might inadvertently expose his true strength.

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