Commander Yamamoto was already aware of the Kuchiki family's recruitment of a son-in-law some time ago, and he had even sent Vice-Captain Chōjirō Sasakibe to extend his congratulations in person.
Unexpectedly, not long after Kuchiki Xianghe joined the Sixth Division, Kuchiki Ginrei was so eager to push him to the top.
Central 46 believed that Kuchiki Xianghe was sufficiently capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities, and on the surface, this decision appeared entirely fair.
However, Captain Yamamoto understood clearly that Central 46 was composed of nobles.
As the head of one of the Four Great Noble Houses, the Kuchiki family could easily influence Central 46's decisions.
"Ginrei… I know you're anxious, but I didn't expect you to be this impatient…"
Captain Yamamoto couldn't help but sigh softly.
The only male of the next Kuchiki generation, Kuchiki Sōjun, was born weak and destined never to become a powerful Shinigami, making it difficult for him to bear the burden of the Kuchiki family's expectations.
In order to ensure the continuity and dignity of the family, it was unsurprising that Kuchiki Ginrei entrusted important responsibilities to Kuchiki Xianghe, his adopted son and son-in-law.
Kuchiki Xianghe had only just joined the Sixth Division, yet he had already been appointed as the Third Seat.
This was undeniably a significant responsibility entrusted upon him.
If he were to remain in the Sixth Division for some years, accumulating qualifications and reputation, it would naturally be best.
However, Captain Yamamoto never imagined that the position of Captain of the First Division's Special Forces had just become vacant, and before he could find a suitable candidate, Kuchiki Ginrei would already be pushing Kuchiki Xianghe upward.
Captain Yamamoto inevitably had mixed thoughts in his heart.
Nevertheless, as this recommendation had come from Central 46, he decided to meet both parties first and listen to their thoughts.
Soon, Captain Yamamoto summoned Kuchiki Ginrei and Kuchiki Xianghe for a meeting.
"Let Xianghe be the Captain of the First Division's Special Forces?"
When Kuchiki Ginrei heard this, he was stunned.
Then, he spoke with slight hesitation:
"Xianghe's strength is naturally sufficient to shoulder this heavy duty, but his qualifications are still shallow. Is he truly ready to be the Captain of the First Division's Special Forces?"
In Kuchiki Ginrei's plans, he had intended for Kuchiki Xianghe to remain as Third Seat of the Sixth Division for a few years.
The Third Seat serves as the deputy's assistant, unlike the other seats, and is required to handle many responsibilities under the vice-captain's guidance.
Once Kuchiki Xianghe accumulated enough experience in this role, he would then be promoted to Vice-Captain.
As for the future, whether Xianghe would become the Captain of the Sixth Division, or simply protect another upcoming genius from the Kuchiki family until they matured into that role — those were considerations for a later time.
At least in these early stages, Kuchiki Ginrei had already mapped out Xianghe's entire path and arranged his life clearly.
Unexpectedly, at this juncture, Captain Yamamoto proposed appointing Kuchiki Xianghe as Captain of the Special Forces.
If Kuchiki Xianghe truly went to the First Division, it would indeed be a good thing.
However, Kuchiki Ginrei understood Xianghe's personality well. He was too upright, too young, and had yet to fully adopt a noble's measured restraint.
Thus, he often acted in ways that offended others.
Without the Sixth Division as his foundation and without Ginrei's shelter, Kuchiki Xianghe might easily commit grave errors.
Kuchiki Ginrei felt deeply worried.
Captain Yamamoto, upon hearing Ginrei's concerns, looked at him with a subtle, knowing gaze.
That look seemed to say, "You persuaded Central 46 to recommend him, and now you're pretending to hesitate in front of me?"
It was Kuchiki Xianghe who didn't understand any of this.
After hearing Captain Yamamoto's words, he was stunned for a moment before replying loudly:
"I can do it!"
This was not only an answer to Captain Yamamoto but also to his father-in-law.
Kuchiki Xianghe was, in truth, highly ambitious.
He had been born a commoner with extraordinary aptitude. From a young age, he witnessed the weakness of the commoners and the absolute dominance of nobles.
He had always wished to rewrite that inequality, but lacked the strength to do so.
By chance, when he was graduating from Shin'ō Academy, Kuchiki Ginrei approached him with an offer to marry into the Kuchiki family.
Becoming a son-in-law was often seen as a humiliating position for a man.
However, after some thought, Kuchiki Xianghe accepted.
Though it was shameful to become a son-in-law, it allowed him to enter the Kuchiki family and, with their backing, perhaps change the injustices he saw around him.
Later, when he became the Third Seat of the Sixth Division, Kuchiki Xianghe dealt with the illegal activities of nobles impartially and without mercy.
The facts proved that the Kuchiki family name was indeed a powerful shield.
He could easily eradicate injustices under its banner.
Little did he realise that it was Kuchiki Ginrei's silent protection behind the scenes that allowed him to act with such freedom.
Although Ginrei sometimes disapproved of Xianghe's ruthless approach, in the end, he reasoned that these were merely small or mid-tier nobles.
They had broken the law, and Xianghe was not wrong in punishing them.
Thus, Ginrei chose to turn a blind eye.
Kuchiki Xianghe, unaware of all this, simply believed that he had finally gained the power to display his ideals freely.
Now, faced with the chance to become Captain of a Special Forces unit — such a glorious promotion — how could he possibly let this opportunity pass?
Looking at Kuchiki Ginrei and Captain Yamamoto with firm resolve, he declared once more:
"Father, Captain — please believe in me. I can do it!"
Kuchiki Ginrei and Captain Yamamoto exchanged glances.
Finally, Ginrei spoke:
"Of course I believe in your ability. But I hope you can remember one thing — if possible, rely less on your Zanpakutō alone. Observe with your own eyes. The world is not as beautiful as you imagine it to be."
Kuchiki Xianghe was puzzled by these words.
Captain Yamamoto frowned slightly.
How could he not understand what Kuchiki Ginrei truly meant?
This world harboured too many hidden shadows.
As the Commander-General of the Gotei 13, all he could do was conceal those shadows as much as possible and prevent them from swallowing the entire Soul Society.
"The influence of the Kuchiki family is truly immense. As expected of one of the Four Great Noble Houses…"
In the Shihōin family mansion, Shihōin Yoruichi was holding a bowl of sake, speaking casually to Gosuke Shigure before her.
Indeed, Gosuke Shigure was drinking with someone again — this time, not with Kyōraku Shunsui or his usual companions, but with Shihōin Yoruichi herself.
As Yoruichi grew older, her relationship with Gosuke Shigure became increasingly casual.
They no longer interacted purely as master and disciple, but more like close friends.
"Is this related to Kuchiki Xianghe?"
Gosuke Shigure asked upon hearing Yoruichi's comment.