After ascending to the position of Captain-Commander, Rosse convened a captains' meeting in the Tenth Division on the very same day.
Unlike the suffocatingly solemn atmosphere that used to dominate the First Division meetings, this captains' meeting appeared far more practical and humane.
Rosse even deliberately modified a thousand-year-old iron rule, allowing the vice-captains of each division to attend and observe.
This seemed like a favor on the surface, but in reality it was also a measure born of necessity.
After all, following that brutal battle, the structure of many divisions had already been severely damaged.
Either the captain had died, or the vice-captain was gravely injured.
Not to mention that quite a few current captains had personalities that avoided administrative matters. Having the more practical and hardworking vice-captains present to listen was far more efficient than relaying everything afterward.
Inside the massive conference room of the Tenth Division, the original layout had been completely dismantled and reorganized.
A brand-new, enormous long table stretched across the center.
Rosse's seat as Captain-Commander was not elevated above everyone else the way Yamamoto Genryusai's had been. Instead, it was positioned at the head of the long table.
On both sides of him extended twelve high-backed chairs.
The left side began with the First Division, the right with the Second Division, alternating in order.
The captains sat in the high-backed chairs, while the vice-captains stood respectfully behind their respective captains.
This simple arrangement of sitting and standing silently demonstrated the still-absolute hierarchy.
"Everyone."
Rosse placed his hands together on the table and looked across the empty chairs along both sides of the table.
His voice was calm yet firm.
"This is the first meeting since I officially assumed the position of Captain-Commander. Although my identity has changed, you're all familiar with my style of doing things. I won't waste time on polite nonsense."
His gaze lingered briefly on the empty seats of the First Division, Eighth Division, and Thirteenth Division.
"It's an extraordinary time, so we'll simplify everything. Let's move directly to the first agenda item: filling the vacant captain positions."
"Currently, the captain seats of the First Division, Eighth Division, and Thirteenth Division are vacant. According to the captain selection process, I formally nominate the following three individuals to take over."
"Former First Division vice-captain Sasakibe Chojiro will be promoted to captain of the First Division."
"Former Second Division captain and head of the Shihoin family, Shihoin Yoruichi, will assume the position of captain of the Eighth Division."
"Substitute Soul Reaper Kurosaki Ichigo will take the position of captain of the Thirteenth Division."
After finishing the list, Rosse leaned back slightly and swept his hawk-like gaze across the room.
"Does anyone object to this proposal?"
The meeting room fell into complete silence.
Kenpachi Zaraki yawned in boredom. Kuchiki Byakuya closed his eyes as if resting. Kurotsuchi Mayuri fiddled with his fingers as if calculating some kind of data.
Clearly, this was only a formality.
Before the meeting had even begun, Rosse had already informed everyone privately.
"Since there are no objections, we will proceed to the voting process."
Rosse's lips curled into a satisfied smile as he spoke in a routine tone.
"According to the usual rules, if three or more captains agree, the candidate proceeds to assessment. If eight or more captains approve, the assessment is waived and the appointment takes effect immediately."
Although the procedure remained the same, its meaning had changed.
This was no longer a test of strength filled with doubt. It was an unspoken consensus.
Moreover, the strength of these three individuals was obvious to everyone.
In such extraordinary times, and under the principle that each division governed itself, no captain had any intention of opposing the proposal.
Sasakibe Chojiro had served as First Division vice-captain for a thousand years. Although his spiritual pressure was limited to the peak of third-class spiritual might due to his talent, he was still unquestionably captain-level in combat.
Shihoin Yoruichi had once been labeled a criminal, but with Kyoraku Shunsui's betrayal taking the blame for everything, her innocence had already been proven. Furthermore, she had previously served as captain of the Second Division, making her more than capable.
Kurosaki Ichigo was very young, but his combat power after Hollowfication had been witnessed by nearly every captain present. Ordinary captains were no match for him.
Although his Hollow transformation had caused serious damage to Seireitei, the destruction was limited to buildings and there were no casualties. After Shiba Kukaku expressed willingness to compensate with the Shiba family's wealth, no one pursued the matter further.
The proposals for the three captain appointments passed with remarkable speed.
"Unanimously approved."
Looking at the approval lights illuminating across the table, Rosse smiled faintly.
His voice carried through the heavy wooden doors into the corridor outside.
"Since the proposal has passed, please invite the three newly appointed captains to enter and take their seats."
Bang!
The moment he finished speaking, the conference room door was violently kicked open.
"Ahh! What a hassle. I told you we could've just skipped the formalities."
Shihoin Yoruichi walked in casually, wearing a brand-new haori with the pink lining of the Eighth Division.
She had absolutely no sense of being a newcomer. She strode straight to the Eighth Division seat, dropped down into it, and even crossed her legs.
"Tch! Rosse. I have to admit, you're much more suitable as Captain-Commander than that stiff old man," Resting her chin on one hand, Yoruichi joked openly.
"Back when I was captain of the Second Division, meetings didn't even have seats. We had to stand the whole time. My legs went numb."
Compared to Yoruichi's casual familiarity, Kurosaki Ichigo, who entered behind her, looked far more restrained.
Ichigo still wore his signature black Soul Reaper uniform, his hands pressed against the sides of his pants, his walking posture somewhat stiff.
To be honest, he was just a high school student in the Human World dealing with college entrance exam pressure. Suddenly becoming a captain commanding thousands of Soul Reapers felt surreal and unreal.
It wasn't that he thought he couldn't manage it.
It simply felt troublesome and unfamiliar.
Seeing this, Aizen, seated at the Fifth Division position, smiled gently.
He slowly stood up, picked up the prepared white haori of the Thirteenth Division, and walked to Ichigo.
Like an elder helping a child preparing for a long journey, he solemnly draped it over the young man's shoulders.
"Don't be nervous, Ichigo."
Aizen gently patted his shoulder, his tone reassuring as always.
"From today onward, you are a captain of the Gotei 13. This responsibility is heavy, but I believe you can carry it."
"Yes! Teacher! I'll definitely do my best!"
Ichigo straightened his back instinctively, his eyes filled with admiration and trust toward the man in front of him.
Even though he now sat at the same level as Aizen, he still saw himself as his student.
"You can call me whatever you like in private, but in a captain's meeting like this…"
Aizen turned his head slightly and spoke in a voice only Ichigo could hear.
"Remember to use titles. Captain Kurosaki."
The satisfaction in his eyes looked like that of a teacher watching a brilliant student graduate.
Ichigo felt so moved he nearly teared up.
"I understand, Captain Aizen!"
Ichigo took a deep breath, quickly adjusted his mindset, and under Aizen's guidance sat stiffly but firmly in the seat of the Thirteenth Division.
Finally there was the old man who had been standing behind the First Division seat all along: Sasakibe Chojiro.
He wasn't wearing a newly issued haori.
Instead, he wore Yamamoto's oversized haori draped over his shoulders like a cloak.
For his thin frame, the garment was far too large, even somewhat comical.
But he paid it no mind. He simply walked to the first seat at Rosse's left.
He did not sit immediately.
First he bowed deeply toward the empty seat, then slowly sat down.
That garment was not merely clothing. It was his remembrance of the old man.
Thus, the captain seats of the Gotei 13 were filled once more.
After everyone had taken their seats, Rosse glanced around and continued.
"Due to the previous incident, the vice-captain positions of the First Division, Seventh Division, Eighth Division, Ninth Division, and Thirteenth Division are still vacant. As these involve internal promotions within each division, other captains, including myself, will not interfere."
"Once you decide on a candidate, simply send a notice to the other divisions."
"Captain Kurosaki, do you have a question?"
Rosse looked at Ichigo, who had raised his hand high like an eager student asking a question in class.
He added another remark.
"The captain's meeting table has a row of buttons, including approve, oppose, propose, and inquire. Next time you don't need to raise your hand. Of course, if that's your style, Captain Kurosaki, I don't mind."
"Captain-Commander Rosse," Ichigo spoke somewhat awkwardly.
He was still just a student. He had heard of workplace matters like this before, but he never imagined stepping into such a role so early.
Still, since he had accepted the position, he intended to fulfill the responsibility until he could return to the Human World and someone else succeeded him.
"When selecting a vice-captain, do we need to consider strength?"
"Normally the vice-captain is the second strongest in the division. But if you, as captain, are confident enough, you can choose freely like Captain Zaraki," Rosse answered neutrally.
"Hmph! Little Rosse shouldn't underestimate my strength."
Kusajishi Yachiru muttered quietly from behind Kenpachi's chair.
She wasn't even as tall as the chair itself.
If it were anyone else, she would have run up and kicked them.
But that person was Rosse. The feeling he gave her was now almost the same as Captain-Commander Yamamoto, so she didn't dare cause trouble.
"Then I understand. I'll appoint Kuchiki Rukia as vice-captain of the Thirteenth Division. I have a bit of confidence in my own strength," Ichigo grinned.
"Captain Kurosaki, please do not assume members of the Kuchiki family are weak. Kuchiki Rukia herself already possesses the strength required for the Thirteenth Division vice-captain position," Byakuya glanced at Ichigo and suddenly spoke.
Rukia represented the dignity of the Kuchiki family. Even if Ichigo had no ill intention, as her elder brother and family head he still needed to say something.
"Haha! Sorry! Sorry! I forgot she's recovered and even gained strength from the ordeal."
Ichigo scratched his head awkwardly.
After all, calling someone weak in front of their older brother really wasn't appropriate.
"Captain Kurosaki, any other questions?"
When Rosse asked again, Ichigo hurriedly waved his hands.
"No, none! Captain-Commander Rosse, please continue!"
Toward Rosse, Ichigo still felt a bit apologetic.
Earlier he had misunderstood him and thought Rosse had harmed Kurosaki Masaki.
But later the truth proved that Kurosaki Masaki was indeed connected to Kyoraku Shunsui.
Based on what others had witnessed before, Masaki seemed to move freely and showed no signs of being forced. That contradicted what Rosse had previously said in the Human World.
Ichigo was still too inexperienced. The faint apology in his eyes was noticed by nearly everyone present.
Those who knew the truth felt amused.
Those who didn't found themselves gaining some goodwill toward Ichigo.
After all, who wouldn't want to work with a good person?
"Next, the topic concerning the noble families of Soul Society."
Rosse paused slightly and looked toward Kuchiki Byakuya, whose expression remained calm.
Regarding the nobles, Rosse himself didn't particularly care. After all, Soul Society wasn't far from destruction anyway.
But since Byakuya had personally approached him and brought up the matter, Rosse decided to address it.
"The current noble system no longer matches the present condition of Soul Society. Therefore, the noble system will undergo reform."
The moment those words were spoken, everyone's gaze immediately turned to Byakuya.
Anyone could see that without the consent of the Kuchiki family, such a reform would be impossible. Rosse had only just taken office, and it would make no sense for him to immediately attack the nobles.
Seeing Byakuya's expression of prior knowledge, the other captains showed little reaction.
After all, the nobles had nothing to do with them.
Among the captains present, only Byakuya was truly a noble. Even Shihoin Yoruichi only retained the title in name.
"After discussion with the noble representative, the Kuchiki family, the following reforms have been decided."
After giving everyone time to process the information, Rosse continued.
"First, all existing noble titles will be abolished. All previous nobles will have their status revoked. From now on, the selection of noble families will be entirely managed by the Gotei 13."
"Second, the noble rank system will remain, but there will be five top noble positions, several high nobles, several mid-level nobles, and several lower nobles."
"Third, to qualify as a top noble family, a clan must have two members serving as captains or vice-captains in the Gotei 13, or more than five Bankai users serving within the Gotei 13."
As soon as this clause was announced, everyone looked toward Byakuya again.
It was obvious that the establishment of top nobles was essentially designed for the Kuchiki family.
In the current Soul Society, only the Kuchiki family could meet that requirement.
"Therefore, the Shiba family and the Kuchiki family will become the only two top noble families in Soul Society."
'The Shiba family as well?'
The captains were momentarily stunned and instinctively looked toward Shiba Kukaku.
They knew Shiba Kukaku likely possessed captain-level strength, but she only held a vice-captain position. Even if that counted, the Shiba family was still short one captain.
Unless Rosse was counting himself as part of the Shiba family?
They wouldn't have any objections, but Rosse hadn't changed his surname. Wouldn't that be a bit strange?
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