Transcendent Flame

As the appointed hour drew near, an air of anticipation settled over the First Division courtyard. Shinigami in neatly formed ranks shifted only slightly, whispering last-minute reassurances or checking their zanpakutō and supplies. The low murmur was cut through by the sound of measured footsteps: Viktor, in his pristine haori, stepped calmly into the courtyard. A wave of near-silence followed his arrival, as each squad turned to acknowledge the commander who had orchestrated this grand undertaking.

He paused in the center of the courtyard, letting his gaze move across the four assembled contingents: Chōjirō's western-bound party, Isane's group poised for the east, Shunsui's men and women set to travel south, and Sajin's formidable unit prepared for the north. The morning sun highlighted the crisp lines of Viktor's uniform, and the faint breeze ruffled the hem of his haori, carrying the promise of the journeys ahead.

Allowing a moment for the hush to settle, Viktor addressed them, his voice resonating despite its calmness. "Today, you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in the Soul Society's history. Each of you carries the responsibility of extending our protection, our guidance, and our unity into corners of the Rukongai that have not felt our presence in far too long. These missions are not merely about recruiting or enforcing order; they are about forging bonds and proving that we, as the Gotei 13, will stand with every soul under our watch."

A ripple of focus passed through the squads, the quiet shifting of armor and cloth echoing in the stillness. Viktor's gaze lingered on Chōjirō first, then swept to Isane, Shunsui, and Sajin, his expression reflecting both resolve and trust. "The challenges you face will differ for each quadrant. Some of you may meet resistance in unfamiliar terrain; others will contend with lawless enclaves or negotiate with local leaders. Remember that we are healers as much as protectors, diplomats as well as warriors. Rely on your comrades. Show those in the Rukongai that we are not distant overseers, but allies in this new era of cooperation."

He paused briefly, letting the weight of his words settle. "When you venture out, carry the spirit of Soul Society with you. Let compassion temper your strength, and let purpose guide your every action. From the moment you arrive, let the people know we are there to serve, not subjugate. Their future—and ours—depends on this understanding. You have been chosen for your skill, your judgment, and your capacity to inspire trust and unity. Do not doubt yourselves. You have all that you need to succeed."

A faint breeze ruffled the gathered shinigami, many straightening their posture, finding renewed confidence. Viktor allowed a small, encouraging smile to curve his lips. He nodded once to Chōjirō, who stood quietly at the helm of the western contingent, Aya and Hisoka at his side.

Next, he turned to Isane, who offered a respectful bow, flanked by Momo and healers ready to embark eastward. Takeshi stood among them, a subtle grin on his face, poised to lend his strength wherever needed.

Shunsui tilted his hat in a playful salute from the southern group, while Daigo beamed calmly beside him. Finally, Sajin lowered his head in silent acknowledgment from the northern contingent, his Fifth Seat stepping into line with resolute confidence.

"Go forth," Viktor concluded, his voice underscoring the finality of the moment. "And do your best to bring safety, growth, and hope to the Rukongai. I trust in each of you to uphold our values and to return with the bonds of unity forged stronger than ever."

With that, he stepped back. The courtyard fell silent for a heartbeat before bursting into a structured flurry of motion. Officers and enlisted shinigami snapped to attention, then pivoted smoothly in four distinct directions.

Under Chōjirō's command, the western group disappeared through the great gates leading out of the courtyard, their footsteps organized and purposeful. Isane's contingent followed an eastern passage, subdued but filled with a gentle, determined energy. Shunsui guided his squad toward the southern roads, light banter in the ranks contradicting the gravity of their mission. Komamura, towering over his subordinates, moved north with a steady pace, his 5th seat quietly relaying final orders.

In a matter of minutes, the courtyard emptied, the echoes of disciplined footsteps fading into the labyrinthine streets of the Seireitei. Viktor stood at the center of the now-vacant space, letting the quiet reclaim it.

A subtle sense of pride swelled within him—this was the future he believed in: a Soul Society that reached out to every corner under its protection, transforming not just the Rukongai but itself in the process. He took in a slow breath, scanning the ancient walls of the Seireitei. Their imposing height and the subtle sheen of their Seki Sekicomposition had always impressed him, but today, they seemed to tug at his attention more than usual.

With a final glance toward the gates where the last members of the Rukongai Draft Implementation Contingents disappeared, Viktor turned and walked back through the corridors of the First Division. It wasn't until he reached his office and settled behind the low, lacquered table that he noticed the neatly folded parchment waiting for him—a set of requirements for the Human World Communications and Combat Centre that Chōjirō submitted before leaving.

He took up the parchment and unrolled it carefully. By the flicker of lamplight, he read the meticulously outlined specifications: advanced communication arrays, dimensional stabilization units, sensor grids capable of pinpointing hollow traces, and training facilities for shinigami stationed in Karakura Town.

The list was comprehensive, well-planned, with budget estimates and resource allocations painstakingly detailed in Chōjirō's precise handwriting. Viktor nodded in approval at his lieutenant's thoroughness; nothing here seemed superfluous, every piece serving a function in ensuring the Human World base could respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.

As he read, Viktor's gaze drifted up—once more catching a glimpse of the massive Seireitei walls through the broad, open window. The silver-gray structure rose in the near distance, glowing faintly under the midday sun. It struck him as odd, recalling how the official records indicated that these Seki Sekiwalls, nearly indestructible and laced with protective wards, were never meant to remain in the Seireitei indefinitely. By original design, they belonged to the Royal Guard—blocks of sanctified stone that should have been returned to the Royal Palace once the immediate danger that had prompted their use was resolved.

He frowned, setting the parchment aside. Why had the original Yamamoto never questioned the permanence of these walls? For someone so meticulous about Soul Society's security, such an oversight felt entirely inconsistent. He had read enough of the old commander's records to know that every threat, every detail of defense, was usually reviewed with an unforgiving eye. Yet here the walls stood, unchallenged, never returned to the place they belonged.

"Strange," he muttered, half to himself. "What did the old man overlook, or choose to ignore?"

The System's voice hummed in the back of his mind. "Interesting line of thought, Viktor. Perhaps the original Yamamoto had reasons you've yet to uncover."

He considered responding, but before he could gather his thoughts, the abrupt sound of sandals sliding across the polished floor announced a forceful presence. A moment later, Zaraki barged in, his unruly hair and wild grin instantly flooding the calm office with a crackling energy. Perched on his shoulder was Yachiru, who clapped her hands in delight as soon as she caught sight of Viktor.

Behind them, Shin'etsu attempted to intercept, his voice taut with concern. "Captain Zaraki, the Sōtaichō is—"

Zaraki gave a boisterous laugh, ignoring Shin'etsu's protest. "Old man! Finally not busy, eh? I thought I'd wait until all that Rukongai fuss was outta the way. Now we can pick up where we left off, yeah? Your schedule must be free for a good scrap!"

Yachiru giggled, swinging her legs as she clung to Zaraki's shoulder. "Ken-chan's been dying for a fight, y'know! And you're the only one who got him serious last time."

Viktor exhaled, setting the parchment down completely. He could sense Shin'etsu's exasperation in the corner of his eye. The new aide was trying to maintain decorum, but Kenpachi's unstoppable enthusiasm overshadowed any attempts at formality. The System chimed in mentally with a wry chuckle. "Well, this should be fun. Things are about to get interesting."

"Captain Zaraki," Shin'etsu started again, stepping forward and bowing with forced politeness. "The Sōtaichō has a schedule to maintain—I must insist—"

Viktor raised a hand, stopping Shin'etsu's protest. "It's all right," he said calmly, glancing up at Zaraki. "I gather you've been waiting for a chance to resume our last session. I'd prefer you not rampage through the Seireitei, so how about we take this somewhere less… vulnerable?"

A feral grin spread across Zaraki's face. "The Muken, then. That's the only place we can let loose without breakin' half the city."

Shin'etsu looked flustered, about to object again, but Viktor stood, brushing off his haori. "You've done well," he told the aide gently. "I'll handle things from here. Head back to your duties and ensure the squads remain in contact if anything arises."

Reluctantly, Shin'etsu bowed, backing out of the room. Zaraki cackled with excitement, hefting Yachiru more securely onto his shoulder as Viktor moved past them, leading the way into the dim corridors of the underground passage that would eventually descend to the Muken.

Yachiru clapped. "Muken time! Ken-chan's so excited!"

Viktor let out a low hum. His mind still churned with questions about the Seki Seki walls, the Royal Palace, and the old Yamamoto's mysterious oversight. Yet for now, he had to shelve that puzzle. There was a match to be fought, and Kenpachi was not one to be denied. Perhaps, in the depths of the Muken, Viktor might even find a fleeting moment of clarity in the clash of steel.

He nodded internally at the System's quiet remark. "Yes. Things are about to heat up indeed."

Without another word, the three of them vanished down the torchlit corridor, their footsteps echoing as they descended into the Muken's depths, leaving the question of the Seireitei's unreturned walls waiting in the flickering shadows above.

And Cut!

That'sit for this chapter folks.

AN:

Done! For those who may call the first part to be redundant and was uselessly added, it was added to keep the narrative consistency. I don't want people who read this after a week or however long away to comeback and feel like, what? What's happening here and go back to previous chapter to get a hold of what's going on. If you don't want to re-read, skip it, that's why I made the note there.

Moving on, this is a very fun chapter to write, especially considering all the changes that Viktor implemented. As per the chapter plan, this chapter supposed to have Viktor Vs Zaraki fight as well, as we will get the first glimpse of the true beast Prime Yamamoto and Zaraki are, but since I went into details on other scenes, I didn't add it here. As I want that spar to be an epic one. I'm very excited to write lol.

Imagine, Viktor is about to unleash his Shikai and Zaraki goes: Unleash the Beast: Nozarashi! (The above release phrase is not his real release phrase, lol.)

What do you think about the new Judicial system of Soul Society? Better? Worse? Redundant? Let me know.

Accounting for current adjustment, next chapter will have Viktor Vs Zaraki 'spar' and then we will take a dip and check what our favourite manipulator is doing in Hueco Mundo.

As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!

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Black Infinity 1289,

Ja Ne.