After Kirio Hikifune made her decision,
she went directly to meet Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
Yamamoto was not surprised by her choice.
The arrival of Squad Zero members in Seireitei was rare, but understandable—Hikifune's creation of the Artificial Soul (Gikon) represented a breakthrough in the structure of souls themselves, an accomplishment so monumental that promotion to the Royal Guard was almost inevitable.
Likewise, Yamamoto offered no criticism of her decision.
Had Hikifune refused the offer, she would have simply continued as Captain of Squad Twelve.
But since she accepted the summons, Yamamoto's role was to ensure a smooth transition.
"Have you chosen a successor for the captain's seat?" Yamamoto asked.
Seireitei had enjoyed long years of stability, but recent events had shaken that equilibrium.
First, the Third Division Captain had retired.
A suitable successor had been found, yet his formal captain's test had not been conducted.
Then the Tenth Division Captain had recently fallen in battle—
a man who had risen from the common districts to replace Shiba Isshin, yet who ultimately could not overcome a foe beyond his limits.
Now the Tenth Division was captain-less.
The Third Division's seat was not yet filled.
And now, with Hikifune's promotion, the Twelfth Division would also lose its leader.
"I have not yet chosen a specific candidate," Hikifune answered honestly.
"There is no one within my division suited for the position."
Yamamoto's brow lifted.
"Then we must consult the other captains and see if anyone can be recommended."
Her promotion had to be announced to the captains—
while lieutenants and lower officers would not be informed until the proper time.
A sealed message from Yamamoto was soon sent to all captains of the Gotei 13.
One by one, they arrived at the Head Captain's chamber, none accompanied by their lieutenants.
This was a closed council—one high in secrecy, restricted to captains alone.
As the current Kenpachi, Gosuke Shigure naturally attended the meeting.
The moment the captains assembled, Yamamoto began without preamble:
"Captain Kirio Hikifune of the Twelfth Division is to be promoted to the Zero Division. Once she ascends, her captain's position will be vacant. If anyone has a suitable recommendation, speak."
A ripple of shock passed through several of the newer captains.
Though all captains were aware of the Royal Guard's existence, many had never witnessed a promotion in real time.
One captain in particular—Muguruma Kensei—looked visibly stunned.
He had only recently regained his position and now faced a development of extraordinary rarity.
By contrast, Yoruichi Shihōin, though young, was not shaken; her birth in the Shihōin clan meant she had known many royal secrets since childhood.
After the first jolt, she exhaled softly.
A promotion to Squad Zero was not something that happened easily.
The requirements were severe.
That Hikifune achieved it spoke volumes about her brilliance.
"Promoted at a time like this, huh…" Ukitake murmured, brows tightening.
As one of the most veteran captains, Jūshirō Ukitake understood the gravity.
This timing was far from ideal.
The Third Division lacked a captain.
The Tenth Division lacked a captain.
Now the Twelfth would, too.
Losing three captains simultaneously was a serious blow.
Shunsui Kyōraku spoke from beside him:
"It can't be helped, Jūshirō. The Zero Division summons on their own terms. If Hikifune had a choice, she probably would've preferred to stay longer."
Ukitake gave a slow nod.
One by one, the captains began answering Yamamoto's question.
Most shook their heads.
There were many talented Shinigami suitable for combat divisions…
but not for the Twelfth Division, which required deep proficiency in spirit-tech, soul structure, and experimental development.
A captain of Squad Twelve needed scientific brilliance—not only strength.
Voices quieted as the difficulty became clear.
Yoruichi's eyes sharpened as she suddenly remembered someone—
a certain man she believed suitable for the role.
She opened her mouth to speak…
…but hesitated.
Her expression shifted, and instead she glanced subtly at Gosuke Shigure.
"…Teacher," she whispered.
Shigure understood immediately.
He knew exactly whom Yoruichi intended to recommend.
And though he planned to mention that person, a mischievous impulse flickered across his mind.
So instead, he raised his voice.
"I do have a suitable candidate."
"Oh?"
Eyes turned toward him—surprised, curious.
Shigure had served many years as Kenpachi; he was a veteran among the captains, well-respected.
If he had a candidate, everyone wanted to hear whom the strongest captain would put forward for Squad Twelve.
He began:
"Beneath the Second Division is a facility known as the Maggot's Nest—a prison overseen by the Onmitsukidō Monitoring Unit.
It holds individuals deemed dangerously unpredictable under Seireitei law."
He paused.
"The person I recommend is one such prisoner."
The room stiffened.
"His name… is Kurotsuchi Mayuri."
Shock rippled through the chamber.
A prisoner from the Maggot's Nest—recommended for a captaincy?
Even Yoruichi was stunned.
When she heard "Maggot's Nest," she expected Shigure to recommend Urahara Kisuke—
but instead he spoke a name even she had never heard before:
Kurotsuchi Mayuri.