Restricted Death

Chapter 125 The New Captain
Gin Ichimaru, who was being pointed at by countless tridents from all directions, couldn't help but gasp.

How can I block this...?

His mind raced as he considered all the defensive demonic arts.

Number 81's Sky-Splitting Strike might be able to block a few shots, but with dozens of water columns all over the field, if the attack intervals are not staggered, he might really die here.

In fact, when he injured Shiba Kaien, he could have taken the opportunity to kill him directly.

But if I actually did that, it would be like playing all my cards.

Shiba Kaien's strength was indeed a bit stronger than he had expected, and it could be said that he was on par with him.

But this battle...

Gin Ichimaru opened his eyes slightly and glanced out of the corner of his eye at the location of Captain Aizen.

He sighed softly, then sheathed the knife and raised his hands.

"You win."

The entire audience was stunned by the silence. The result was somewhat unexpected, yet also reasonable.

After all, the power and ferocity of Shiba Kaien's attack were simply too terrifying, so it was only natural for Ichimaru Gin to concede defeat.

A moment later, all the water columns that covered the entire arena dissipated, turning into countless streams of glowing spiritual particles, which were sucked away by the instruments next to the killing intent stone pillars at the edge of the arena.

Shiba Kaien then revealed himself. After deactivating his Bankai, his Zanpakuto returned to its normal Asauchi form. However, he looked extremely exhausted and panting heavily.

Shiba Kaien was secretly relieved that Ichimaru Gin had been scared into surrendering by this move. If his opponent had chosen to continue to hold on, Shiba Kaien would have fainted on the spot from overexertion after launching his attack.

The outcome would be uncertain then. Shiba Kaien was not sure if his remaining spiritual pressure would be enough to unleash this final attack. If Ichimaru Gin survived the attack, then Shiba Kaien would be the one to lose.

When Gin Ichimaru saw Kaien Shiba looking like this, he had similar thoughts.

However, since things have come to this point, there's no going back.

Off the court.

After the two contestants on stage decided their match, the crowd couldn't help but show various expressions.

"I didn't expect Vice-Captain Shiba to be so strong. Even if I were to fight myself, I wouldn't have much of a chance of winning," Aizen exclaimed, his words full of praise. "Gin's loss was well-deserved."

Ukitake said, "Captain Aizen, you are too modest. Kaien has only mastered Bankai for a short time, and his Zanpakuto is of the same water type as yours, Aizen. No matter what, he could never be your match."

Aizen laughed: "This result is quite good. If Gin had left, I would have had to choose a new vice-captain, and I don't have a good candidate yet."

The other team leaders also discussed the outcome.

Chojiro Sasaki stepped onto the stage, along with several members of the Fourth Division who had been waiting for a while. They helped Kaien Shiba treat his shoulder injury and checked Gin Ichimaru's condition.

During the battle, Gintoki Ichimaru was hit hard by Kaien Shiba and coughed up blood.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto was discussing something with several members of the 46th Division.

Although the outcome of the battle was already decided, the scene remained very quiet, with only very low whispers. Everyone was waiting for the captain to announce the final result.

Shin glanced at Shiba Isshin and saw that he was sitting there calmly.

He then glanced at Aizen, whose expression was also normal, with a smile and a hint of regret. This demeanor made Shin admire him; his acting was superb!
Time passed quietly. Suddenly, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni got up and left the scene. Then, Chojiro Sasaki came to inform all the captains present to go to the meeting room for a captains' meeting.

The rest of the people waited outside.

After the team captains left, the people present began to discuss among themselves.

While discussing the shock and danger of the battle just now, some felt sorry for Gin Ichimaru, whose strength was clearly not weak, but he just missed by a hair's breadth.

Shin approached Shiba Kaien, who was surrounded by a crowd, and said to the members of the Fourth Division, "Let me do it."

He then drew his Asabu from his waist and activated the power of his Zanpakuto, restoring Kaien's shoulder injury to full health in just a moment.

Shiba Kaien stretched his right arm and exclaimed, "That's amazing."

He had heard such words many times before, so he just smiled and said, "Congratulations, Captain Haiyan."

In front of everyone, Shiba Kaien appeared very humble: "I just won by luck."

A large number of people had gathered here, including most of the squad's vice-captains, and even Matsumoto Rangiku. This was thanks to Shiba Kaien's good reputation accumulated over the years.

Everyone was congratulating Shiba Kaien on his victory, and Kotetsu Kiyone was especially excited, chattering away nonstop.

On the other hand, Gin Ichimaru only had a member of the Fourth Division who was healing his injuries and some officers from the Fifth Division by his side.

After a moment's thought, Xin took the initiative to approach him.

"How's the injury?"

"His lungs were injured by the shockwave," the fourth squad member replied.

Shin took over his teammate's position, gently placing one hand on Gin Ichimaru's chest. As he unleashed the Returning Path, he also activated the Zanpakuto's power.

【Matsumoto Rangiku】

【Favourability: 68】

The sudden change in the system page made Xin's eyes flicker slightly, and he caught a glimpse of Matsumoto Rangiku looking in their direction.

It was a pleasant surprise.

"Thank you," said Gin Ichimaru after feeling his body had healed.

His gaze was somewhat complicated, but he still wore a faint smile.

He hadn't expected Tachikawa Shin to come and help him with his treatment; their relationship should have been quite ordinary.

Although he was defeated by him in the previous exchange conference, he did not dislike Tachikawa Shin, and even admired Shin for the strong strength Shin displayed.

"You're welcome, it was nothing," Xin said with a smile.

Gin Ichimaru resumed his smiling demeanor and said, "I didn't expect to lose two matches in such a short period of time. This is really embarrassing."

Xin tilted his head and chuckled, "You would care about these things?"

Gin Ichimaru smiled and said, "You make it sound like you know me very well, Shin-kun."

He said, "I just feel that a person who has both talent and strength will naturally have a much broader mind and greater capacity than ordinary people."

"Is Xin-jun describing himself as that kind of person?"

“No,” Xin replied casually, “I’m just a bit petty.”

Gin Ichimaru paused for a moment upon hearing this, then chuckled. Shin also suddenly noticed at that moment that Gin had a pair of light blue eyes, equally bright and clear.

However, it was only for a moment; he quickly narrowed his eyes again. This posture was actually not very likable, giving people a sense of cunning and treacherousness, which inevitably made people feel distant.

"Actually, you look better when you don't smile, Vice Captain Ichimaru."

"..."

Gin Ichimaru remained expressionless and did not reply.

Shiba Kaien then walked over: "Vice Captain Ichimaru."

Gin Ichimaru smiled and congratulated Kaien Shiba: "Congratulations, Vice-Captain Shiba, no, I should call you Captain Shiba now."

Upon hearing this, Shiba Kaien scratched his head and laughed, "Vice-Captain Ichimaru should know that my victory was just by chance. If we were to have another match, the outcome would be very difficult to predict."

This was his honest opinion; firstly, the two were not on equal footing in terms of intelligence.

Shiba Kaien had witnessed Ichimaru Gin's Bankai, but this was the first time he had shown his own Bankai to an outsider.

After this battle, Shiba Kaien's deepest impression was that Ichimaru Gin's Zanpakuto was incredibly fast, especially his Bankai. He was injured because he couldn't react in time. If Ichimaru Gin's sword had deviated even slightly, it probably would have pierced his body on the spot.

Looking back now, Shiba Kaien feels lingering fear. At the same time, he can't understand the battle between Shin and Ichimaru Gin. Shin dodged Ichimaru Gin's attacks more than once, and even reached out and grabbed the latter's Bankai.

Shortly after, the team leaders came out.

Upon seeing this, everyone present immediately gathered around. Captain-Commander Yamamoto, with a solemn expression, stepped forward and said, "Shiba Kaien."

Shiba Kaien's expression hardened, and he immediately stepped forward.

"exist!"

"After consultation between the Central 46 and all the captains, it has been determined that you possess the strength and ability to be a captain of the Gotei 13, and it has been decided that you will serve as the captain of the 3rd Division of the Gotei 13. It is hoped that you will continue to reflect on yourself, strive for excellence, perform your duties diligently, and shoulder heavy responsibilities!"

Upon hearing this, Shiba Kaien took a deep breath.

"Yes!"

Afterwards, all the captains congratulated Shiba Kaien. Kyoraku Shunsui was the first to speak, calling him "Captain Kaien," which prompted the other captains to follow suit and address Shiba Kaien as "Captain Kaien."

Shiba Kaien responded humbly to each question.

Shiba Ichizane looked at Shiba Kaien from among the crowd, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

This was only a verbal appointment for Shiba Kaien; the formal captain inauguration ceremony will be held two days later.

On the day of Captain Shiba Kaien's inauguration ceremony, the Third Division barracks became lively again after a long time.

Many people came to offer their congratulations that day, including the Grim Reaper, Shiba Kukaku, and Ganju.

With such a joyous occasion, the newly appointed Captain Haiyan looked radiant with confidence and high spirits.

Shiba Kaien also announced her wedding date on the spot, set for a month later, and invited everyone to attend.

Many people don't understand why Shiba Kaien was able to become the captain. It's not a question about Shiba Kaien's strength, but simply because the Thirteenth Division already had a Shiba captain.

This involves many old stories, the reasons for the decline of the Shiba family, and so on.

But those who couldn't understand could only keep their questions to themselves.

It seems that the Shiba family is about to experience a second spring.

That evening, Shiba Kaien hosted a dinner party for many friends at the Third Division, including Captains Shiba Isshin, Ukitake Jushiro, and Kyoraku Shunsui.

The three captains sat together chatting. Shiba Kaien was in high spirits and drank quite a bit of alcohol. At that moment, he had his arm around Hitsugaya Toshiro's shoulder.

"Toshiro, how about joining our Third Division? I can give you a seat commander position right away."

Matsumoto Rangiku immediately retorted without hesitation: "Captain Kaien, you really don't take our 10th Division seriously at all. You're poaching our members right in front of me and our captain!"

Everyone burst into laughter upon seeing this.

Shiba Kaien pouted: "You can't say that. I invited Toshiro back when he hadn't even graduated yet, but who knows what tricks you used to steal him away."

Hitsugaya looked helpless. He wasn't a seat officer yet, and he wasn't originally qualified to attend this kind of gathering. He was only brought along because the captain valued him.

Because of the previous exchange conference, everyone had a deep impression of him.

Shiba Kaien then turned his attention to Shin: "Shin, why didn't you get Toshiro into the 13th Division back then? Did you forget your duty because of a pretty face?"

Shin held a wine glass in his hand and said innocently, "I didn't favor either of you at the time. It was Toshiro who made the choice. Besides, these kinds of things should respect the wishes of the people involved."

That's true. He really didn't favor either the 10th Division or the 13th Division at the time; he just gave Hitsugaya some advice.

Going to the 10th Division was truly Hitsugaya's own choice.

Xin no longer cares about the course of history; what is meant to happen will happen, and there's nothing he can do about what he can't change right now.

Shiba Kaien and Matsumoto Rangiku argued about Hitsugaya for a while, but in the end Hitsugaya himself said that he was doing well in the 10th Division, and that was the end of it.

Matsumoto Rangiku happily ruffled Hitsugaya's hair upon hearing this: "You're such a grateful boy. I haven't spoiled you for nothing, unlike some other guy."

"..."

Shin always felt that the person Rangiku was referring to was himself.

This woman needs to be taught a lesson sooner or later!
The internal personnel structure of the Third Division has also undergone some changes. Shiba Kaien's fiancée, the former Third Seat of the Thirteenth Division, came to the Third Division with Shiba Kaien and became the Vice-Captain. The two completed the formalities on the same day and it went very smoothly.

Each captain has absolute power within their own squad and can freely appoint vice-captains and executive officers.

Shiba Kaien originally wanted to promote Togakushi Riku to the position of vice-captain along with his fiancée, considering Togakushi Riku's great contributions to the Third Division, but Togakushi Riku declined. Shiba Kaien did not insist on this.

During the banquet, Shiba Kaien, despite being the captain, was very approachable and joked around with everyone. Just as everyone was enjoying themselves, Shin was suddenly called to the three captains by Kyoraku Shunsui.

"Three captains, is there anything I can help you with?"

"It's nothing, we were just talking about you," Ukitake said with a light laugh.

Xin's expression shifted upon hearing this: "Oh?"

He noticed that Shiba Isshin was smiling at him without saying a word, and he began to make a guess in his mind.

Kyoraku and Ukitake probably already know what Isshin Shiba has done, and are aware of their promise to Isshin Shiba.

"I'm curious about something."

Kyoraku Shunsui looked at Shin with a smile, his gaze somewhat playful, as if he wanted to see right through Shin.

Xin felt uncomfortable under that gaze.

"what's up?"

(End of this chapter)