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Chapter 99, Section 096: Rumors and Gossip

The atmosphere at the scene was somewhat delicate.

The group, who had initially been eager to express themselves, now fell into an eerie silence, turning their attention to Retsu Unohana.

Kyoraku Shunsui, who had taken the initiative to strike up a conversation with her, was now laughing heartily, but his face showed a troubled expression.

How so?

As expected of a senior figure, his insightful remarks are truly remarkable.

Of course, Unohana Retsu wouldn't normally be like this. But considering the topic of this conversation, it's understandable that she's behaving unusually.

With these thoughts running through his mind, Kyoraku Shunsui glanced subtly at Ukitake Jushiro beside him.

How am I supposed to respond to what Retsu Unohana said?!

"Help----"

The latter smiled, pursed his lips, straightened his clothes, and looked up to speak.

"As a suggestion, isn't it a bit too harsh?"

Since it is a debate, there must be a distinction between right and wrong.

Jushiro Ukitake tried to defend himself from other angles.

"Ultimately, the reason we decided to block information about this matter is precisely because it's so unusual, isn't it?"

The conflict between the team leader and the students.

This is not only a difference in status, but it will also affect the reputation of the Gotei 13.

Although Jushiro Ukitake was not one of the captains from the Thousand-Year Blood War, he was, after all, a direct disciple of Yamamoto and had some understanding of the thoughts of these seniors.

"Captain Unohana, I think it's better to discuss and decide on this matter carefully before giving a conclusion."

This is a rather moderate statement, and it also demonstrates their stance in this way.

Jushiro Ukitake was inclined to maintain order.

"But the Eleventh Division is somewhat special, isn't it?"

Hirako Shinji spread out his right hand and made a very light movement.

"Unlike our other squads, this squad was specifically created to emphasize combat characteristics, wasn't it?"

In other words.

"Putting the cart before the horse seems a bit off."

Persuading others with words is never easy, let alone in a situation where everyone has their own opinion.

With Hirako Shinji taking the lead, the rest of the group began to express their opinions. Chojiro Sasakibe listened in on the whole thing and finally made a general summary and conclusion.

"Are the opinions in favor and against basically split evenly?"

In a sense, this is a reasonable outcome.

Stable and radical.

Over the centuries, with members changing, the team's original intentions may not have changed, but the environment has indeed changed a lot.

Whether it's good or bad—it's impossible to say.

Then, further discussion is needed.

"Wait a little longer, the captain won't be here for a while."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

As the captain, the other party naturally had the authority and qualifications to make the final decision.

Whenever the discussion reached a stalemate, the captain's opinion was a crucial factor that could influence the overall situation.

"Please take a short break and make yourselves at home."

Chojiro Sasaki left the office, and the slightly tense atmosphere relaxed. The captains started chatting again.

of course.

There is also a fairly obvious team bias here.

Yoruichi, who comes from a long-established noble family, and Kuchiki, the head of the family, got along very well and naturally came together.

What are your thoughts on this year's rookies?

Yoruichi Shihouin spoke in a rather casual tone.

Although there was a significant age difference between the two, for nobles, age was not a barrier to communication.

Identity is what matters.

"Perhaps he's a talented person."

Xiu Mu Yin Ling let out a soft chuckle, picked up his teacup, and took a few small sips.

"That Gui Yancheng was never a capable person to begin with, so it's a good thing to get rid of him. However, how well he performs and whether he has the qualities to become a captain are another matter entirely."

Yoruichi Shihōin couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement as she listened to his account.

"Still as picky as ever, old man~"

"You've been too lax, Headmaster Shihouin."

"That's true, but—I'm still quite optimistic about this newcomer."

"What does that mean?"

"Hey, because I'm the one who dug him up, what do you think?"

After a brief pause, Kuchiki Ginryo turned his head to the side and sighed as if it were nothing.

"That is indeed something to be happy about."

"7

the other side.

Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jushiro got together as usual.

"Spring Water, what's the approximate strength of Ghost City?"

"Everyone here is a team leader—you even have to ask me about that?"

"Ahem—I'm sorry—"

"Just kidding, don't take it so seriously."

The tone was slightly complaining, but it was just a joking remark.

It's common knowledge that this guy is frail and sickly; once an attack occurs, he'll have difficulty even walking normally, let alone attending a meeting.

"You didn't attend Oni-Ichiro's induction ceremony back then, did you? It's normal that you don't have much of an impression of that guy."

Now, back to the main topic.

"That guy's strength—"

Kyoraku Shunsui rubbed his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"To be honest, it's completely subpar."

Of course, this context is definitely applied to the normal captain system.

"That guy's Bankai has a rather tricky part to it. To be honest, if we really fought, everyone here could easily beat him because of his ability flaws."

"Ahem, then why—"

"Why he became the captain? That's a historical issue, there's no point in discussing it further, is there?"

Ukitake wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a tissue, pondered for a moment, and then nodded.

indeed so.

"I don't think that guy is worth discussing. Instead—why don't we focus on that intern we mentioned earlier?"

Kyoraku Shunsui seemed to perk up immediately, revealing a rather hearty smile.

"Because of work, after learning about the news, I did some research on it—and I discovered some very interesting things."

Work reasons —

Jushiro Ukitake recalled Kyoraku Shunsui's original job.

The Eighth Division is a special division that specializes in handling intelligence, as well as collecting and filing it.

In terms of intelligence gathering methods alone, there is probably no one in the entire Soul Society who is more skilled than Kyoraku Shunsui.

"Ahem—is there anything special about him?"

"Zanpakuto" (Soul-Slaying Blade).

Kyoraku Shunsui murmured as if in a dream.

"Normally, each person's Zanpakuto only has one form, and there aren't multiple forms—that should be considered a consensus, right?"

After saying that, Kyoraku Shunsui paused for a moment before adding.

"Of course, our situation is slightly different—but it's not as special as that young man's."

"What are you trying to say?"

"A Zanpakuto possessing completely different forms and abilities—do you think this is reasonable—or rather, possible?"