"Sensei, you actually know about Kuchiki Xianghe?" Yoruichi was a little surprised.
Gosuke Shigure smiled lightly: "After all, he is a rare talent. Earlier, Kuchiki Ginrei hosted a grand banquet to formally welcome Kuchiki Xianghe into the family. Naturally, I paid attention to him."
"As far as I know, after he joined Squad Six, he was directly promoted to Third Seat. During this period, he has completed many missions brilliantly and gained a lot of recognition."
"If this continues, it won't be long before he is promoted to vice-captain of Squad Six. His future is bright."
Yoruichi nodded but said: "Kuchiki Xianghe's promotion speed is indeed impressive, but it still can't compare to yours, Sensei. You became captain at an age even the Central 46 admired."
Gosuke Shigure shook his head. "Although I am a captain now, before that, I was vice-captain for several years, learning under a superior to build my foundation."
"But speaking of Kuchiki Xianghe, even if he becomes vice-captain of Squad Six, he is destined never to become the captain of that squad. Although he is an adopted son and son-in-law of the Kuchiki family, he isn't a direct blood member."
As he spoke, his sharp gaze fell on Yoruichi. "Unlike you. You are destined to become the next captain of Squad Two and Commander of Onmitsukidō."
Yoruichi did not deny it. She sighed softly: "Compared to being the captain of Squad Two, I wish the old man could remain in his post for a few more years. Becoming captain means shouldering immense responsibilities."
She was no longer the carefree princess she had been as a child. After becoming a true Shinigami, Yoruichi understood deeply how difficult her father's path had been. Under his command, the Shihouin family remained strong for centuries, a testament to his indomitable spirit.
Gosuke Shigure said gently: "Although I am an outsider and should not comment, I still want to say: you cannot escape these things, Yoruichi. This is your duty and responsibility."
"Of course I know." Yoruichi nodded seriously. As a noble, while enjoying vast resources, duty to protect and lead was inevitable.
Then she smiled slightly, "However, Sensei, there is one thing you're mistaken about."
"Oh? What is it?" Gosuke Shigure was curious.
Yoruichi explained: "You said Kuchiki Xianghe is destined not to be a captain. But in fact, he has already been promoted. Because of Central 46's recommendation, Kuchiki Xianghe was transferred from Squad Six to Squad One, serving as the captain of the First Division's special forces."
"Although it isn't the same as being a Gotei 13 squad captain, it is still the rank of captain, right?"
Gosuke Shigure was slightly stunned, then nodded with a faint smile: "That is indeed captain rank. And with the particular importance of Squad One's special forces, the captain of that unit is considered equivalent to a vice-captain in authority."
"Kuchiki Xianghe has indeed been promoted impressively."
"So, Sensei, when you said earlier that his future is bright, you were right." Yoruichi emphasised his earlier words with her elegant, teasing smile.
However, Gosuke Shigure's tone suddenly grew heavy. "Bright future? Perhaps it is not bright at all. Perhaps there is no light in his future."
Yoruichi frowned. "Why do you say that?"
He looked out at the quiet night sky. "Recently, although Kuchiki Xianghe has gained fame for his justice and impartial handling of missions, including disciplining corrupt nobles, you must understand – nobles are not people to be offended lightly."
"Although it may not be appropriate to say such things in front of a noble like you, I still must say it. For noble families, violating Seireitei's laws is not uncommon. Normally, they rely on influence to avoid judgment. But Kuchiki Xianghe exposes their transgressions to daylight."
"Such exposure is unacceptable to many. Had he been a direct heir of the Kuchiki family, the situation would be different. But he is only an adopted son-in-law."
Yoruichi's brows lifted slightly before settling again. "Since you can see this, Kuchiki Ginrei must see it as well. With him protecting from behind the scenes, Kuchiki Xianghe should remain safe."
"Perhaps after some time, Kuchiki Xianghe will adjust his ways."
Gosuke Shigure shook his head. "If he had remained in Squad Six, with Captain Ginrei to guide and restrain him, perhaps he would adapt. But now… he is in Squad One."
His tone turned introspective as he sighed, "I don't know if Kuchiki family's situation has truly become desperate to the extreme, or if Captain Ginrei has lost his composure and pushed Kuchiki Xianghe to such heights too quickly."
"Obviously, allowing him to hone his judgment longer in Squad Six would have been safer."
Yoruichi's eyes flickered thoughtfully. She recalled how Central 46 themselves recommended Kuchiki Xianghe for this promotion.
"Perhaps… this was not Captain Ginrei's original intention."
As a noble of one of the four great families, she knew well the hidden currents beneath Seireitei's calm surface. Kuchiki Xianghe, with his righteous and unyielding conduct, had offended many. In Squad Six, Ginrei could protect him. But in Squad One, even with its status, Ginrei's hand could not always reach him.
After her conversation with Yoruichi, Gosuke Shigure returned to Squad Eleven.
Perhaps because of the recent torrent of events involving noble families, even if he had not personally participated in their power plays, his past memories as a great noble made him particularly aware of these undercurrents.
As he reviewed recent events in his mind, he inevitably linked them to his knowledge of the future.
At the root of all these ripples was one event:
The decline of the Shiba family.
It could be confirmed that the Shiba clan had been expelled from the ranks of the great nobles. Besides their own internal decline, it had a deep connection with the Tsunayashiro family's schemes.
Since the age of Soul Society's founding, Tsunayashiro and Shiba families had been at odds. Their ancestral grudges continued to this day…