Kyoya recommending Zaraki to become the Candidate Captain of the 11th Division, with Unohana being the first to object, was somewhat beyond Kyoya's expectations.
However, after Unohana stated her reasons, Kyoya understood her meaning.
As the first-generation [Kenpachi] of the Seireitei, if Unohana hadn't encountered Zaraki, she might still be that 'great evil'.
After losing to Zaraki, in Unohana's heart, Zaraki was the new [Kenpachi].
From what Kyoya knew, among the successive generations of [Kenpachi], probably only the 7th Kenpachi, Kuruyashiki Kenpachi, gained Unohana's recognition.
Although the 8th Kenpachi, Azashiro Soya, also became the new [Kenpachi] by successfully challenging Kuruyashiki Kenpachi, anyone who knew about that battle understood that Azashiro's victory was dishonorable.
On one hand, during the battle, Azashiro was in Bankai State, while Kuruyashiki hadn't even released his Zanpakuto.
The gap in their strength was so vast that even going all out, Azashiro couldn't break through Kuruyashiki's surface Reiatsu.
In the end, Azashiro used a mutually destructive move, fusing part of Kuruyashiki's Reiatsu with his own Zanpakuto's Ability, then dispersing that Reiatsu's defense to finally injure Kuruyashiki.
Later, when Kuruyashiki released his Zanpakuto, it wasn't to attack Azashiro but to stop other 11th Division's members from attacking him.
Clearly, the 11th Division's members who witnessed that battle didn't recognize Azashiro's victory either.
However, Kuruyashiki was critically injured and dying at that time, so he didn't try to take Azashiro down with him due to his own carelessness.
Instead, he calmly accepted his defeat and told the 11th Division's Shinigami not to hold a grudge against Azashiro.
Because Kuruyashiki knew that if he truly killed Azashiro, no one in the 11th Division would be qualified to inherit the [Kenpachi] Title, and it might even make Kenpachi a laughingstock throughout the Seireitei.
Whether it was carelessness or negligence, he had ultimately been severely wounded by Azashiro, so he accepted it!
But he also showed Azashiro that even in death, he still possessed the ability to kill him, ensuring Azashiro wouldn't trouble the division's members who disobeyed him.
Facts proved Kuruyashiki right.
After Azashiro turned himself in, the 11th Division's Lieutenant at that time, Gosuke Kenpachi, became the next Kenpachi and became a joke throughout the Gotei 13.
In Kyoraku's words, he wasn't even worthy of having his name remembered.
The subsequent Kenpachi, Kiganjo, also lacked both the strength and charisma to uphold the [Kenpachi] Title.
Yet, this guy relied on the Kenpachi's privileges to commit many despicable acts, wantonly venting his cruelty.
Kyoya was considered the most perfect Kenpachi in everyone's hearts.
Whether it was his swordsmanship, unparalleled in the Seireitei, or his actions after becoming the 11th Division Captain, the other Captains found him impeccable.
He even dared to draw his sword against Yamamoto to protect a subordinate he favored.
This courage and sense of responsibility were something the other Gotei 13's Captains didn't dare claim they could match.
Regarding Kyoya being a Kenpachi, Unohana acknowledged that.
And regarding Zaraki being a Kenpachi, Unohana also acknowledged that.
But in Unohana's view, Zaraki's Kenpachi was the one who defeated her, not the one who defeated Kyoya.
Zaraki could become the 11th Division's Captain anytime, but not after Kyoya, and not as a 'Candidate' Kenpachi. He must become the new Kenpachi by fairly and honorably defeating the previous Kenpachi!
Even though Unohana knew there was still a significant gap between Zaraki and Kyoya, she didn't want Zaraki to become Kenpachi in this manner.
Call Unohana stubborn or sentimental… she blamed herself entirely for Zaraki's weakened state but also didn't want him to remain that way forever.
"Captain Unohana, the current Captain of the 11th Division is me."
Kyoya narrowed his eyes and looked at Unohana.
"Apologies, Captain Kyoya, I overstepped."
Unohana was taken aback, then apologized to Kyoya.
"However, Captain Kyoya, the [Kenpachi Challenge] in the 11th Division has been passed down for nearly a thousand years."
"Changing the inheritance of the [Kenpachi] Title rashly is not a good thing for the 11th Division."
"How about this, Captain Kyoya?"
"If you truly want Zaraki to become the next Kenpachi, could you delay it for two days?"
"Then, using the Kenpachi Challenge format, have Zaraki formally challenge you. How about it?"
Hearing Unohana's words, Kyoya's eyes narrowed.
Not just Kyoya… Yamamoto, Kyoraku, Ukitake, Ginrei, and the others who knew the history between Unohana and Zaraki were startled.
How could they not know what Unohana intended to do?
She undoubtedly wanted to fight Zaraki before his battle with Captain Kyoya, using her own life to awaken Zaraki's latent power.
Then, let Zaraki face Kyoya in his full strength.
How powerful Unohana was a thousand years ago was beyond doubt.
Zaraki, who defeated her, need not be mentioned.
It could be said that if Zaraki awakened all his power, his Reiatsu might not be weaker than Yamamoto's.
Zaraki was a natural-born powerhouse!
However, doing this would put Kyoya in danger.
But...
Yamamoto pondered for a moment and asked Kyoya, "Captain Kyoya, Captain Kuchiki recommended Kuchiki Byakuya to become the 6th Division's Captain because he is advanced in age and plans to retire."
"You recommended Zaraki to become the candidate captain of the 11th Division… do you also intend to retire?"
"Correct."
Facing Yamamoto's question, Kyoya nodded, "Captain-Commander, the reason I chose the 11th Division back then was because it is the combat division of the Gotei 13."
"I enjoy combat, I relish battle..."
"But since I became the Captain of the 11th Division, there have been few battles that required my intervention."
"Such a life is not what I want."
"Therefore, I have decided to leave the Seireitei to seek out powerful opponents for a full, satisfying fight."
These words from Kyoya weren't entirely false.
Barring accidents, the next few decades would be very stable within the Seireitei, with no major incidents.
Well, perhaps the incident where 10th Division's Captain, Shiba Isshin, was lured to the Human World by Aizen's creation, White, and ultimately couldn't return to the Seireitei, could be considered the biggest event.
Kyoya naturally wouldn't disrupt such a peaceful Seireitei.
But making him stay idly in the Seireitei until the plot began made Kyoya feel somewhat weary.
Coincidentally, Kyoya also wanted to venture into Hueco Mundo to see if he could initiate the Pirate King Route there and achieve the [Yonko] Title.
As his strength grew, Kyoya also wanted to test the limits of his achievement system.
"As for the [Kenpachi Challenge]..."
Kyoya raised an eyebrow, "Then let's see what Zaraki thinks."
"If he is willing to challenge me after fighting Captain Unohana, I will wait."
Thud!
As soon as Kyoya finished speaking, Yamamoto heavily tapped his cane on the ground.
"Enough, Captain Kyoya."
"What we are discussing today is the matter of Kuchiki Byakuya succeeding as Captain of the 6th Division."
"The [Kenpachi Challenge] of the 11th Division will be put on hold for now."
For Yamamoto, who the Captain of the 11th Division was wasn't particularly important.
But who the Captain of the 4th Division was mattered greatly to the Seireitei and the Gotei 13.
Since Unohana Yachiru changed her name to Unohana Retsu and became the Captain of the 4th Division, the only one in the entire Soul Society whose mastery of Kaido surpassed Unohana Retsu was Kirinji Tenjiro, who had already been promoted to the Zero Division.
Below Unohana, there currently was no Shinigami capable of carrying the banner of the 4th Division's Captain.
If the current Yamamoto was the strongest Shinigami in the Seireitei, then Unohana was the strongest Kaido Shinigami.
If she wished, she could save every dying person.
For Yamamoto, he was unwilling to trade a super Kaido Expert like Unohana for a Shinigami who might kill Kyoya or be killed by him.
Whether Kyoya and Zaraki's battle ended in victory or defeat, it couldn't compensate for the loss the Gotei 13 would suffer from losing Unohana.
However, the unique nature of the 11th Division meant Yamamoto couldn't outright forbid the Kenpachi Challenge and he could only put it on hold for now.
"As for Captain Kyoya..."
Yamamoto pondered.
Although Kyoya wasn't very respectful towards him and had even crossed swords with him, as the Captain of the 11th Division, Yamamoto found Kyoya very competent.
Because of Kyoya's presence, the members of the Central 46 didn't dare interfere excessively with the Gotei 13.
If it weren't for the 11th Division's Shinigami disregarding the prohibitions, the nobles of the Central 46 would likely have issued many more restrictions on the Gotei 13 Shinigami.
Yamamoto also wanted to use Kyoya's influence to make the nobles rein themselves in and maintain the Seireitei's peace.
Even if it was only 'superficial' peace.
As someone who had lived through the chaotic period a thousand years ago, Yamamoto knew that even the worst order was better than chaos and disorder.
"Wait..."
"Captain-Commander, I have already made my decision. After this Captains' Meeting concludes, regardless of whether the [Kenpachi Challenge] takes place, I will leave the Seireitei."
Kyoya stepped forward, stating his position clearly.
"Moreover, I have already brought Zaraki with me. He is currently waiting outside the meeting room."
"Even if the [Kenpachi Challenge] doesn't happen, once I leave the Seireitei, Zaraki can still assume the position of 11th Division's Captain by succession."
Kyoya wasn't speaking nonsense here.
In other divisions, if the Captain was lost, the Lieutenant would be the first candidate.
But whether the Lieutenant could become Captain still depended on whether the other Captains and the Captain-Commander recognized their ability.
Only in the 11th Division, if the Captain was lost, the strongest Lieutenant would directly become the Captain.
It's just that those who became [Kenpachi] this way weren't respected by many.
The 9th Kenpachi, Gosuke Kenpachi, was an example.
Of course, everyone present knew Zaraki's strength.
Even if he assumed the position by succession, few would dare look down on him.
"I think, since Kuchiki Byakuya needs to undergo the Captain Assessment..."
"Why not have Zaraki become Kuchiki Byakuya's opponent? Use this battle as the Captain Assessment for both Zaraki and Kuchiki Byakuya, to see if they possess the ability to become Captains."
Yamamoto felt Kyoya's suggestion was good.
Since Kyoya couldn't be kept, having Zaraki become the 11th Division's Captain was the most ideal situation.
'But Kuchiki Byakuya had only recently completed his Zanpakuto's Bankai Training. How long could he last against Zaraki?'
'Or, if Zaraki got excited, would Kuchiki Byakuya be in mortal danger?'
Thinking this, Yamamoto looked at Byakuya standing beside Ginrei.
"Kuchiki Byakuya, do you agree with Captain Kyoya's proposal?"
Byakuya, still processing the news of Kyoya leaving the Seireitei, heard Yamamoto's question.
Fortunately, although distracted earlier, Byakuya had heard Kyoya's words.
He nodded immediately, "Captain-Commander, I am also looking forward about battling Lieutenant Zaraki."
"As long as Lieutenant Zaraki is willing, I am also willing to choose his as the opponent for my Captain Assessment."
Byakuya had also spent time in the 11th Division and was naturally familiar with Zaraki.
However, at that time, Byakuya's strength was far inferior to Zaraki's.
Even when gangling up on Zaraki with other division's members, Byakuya and the others couldn't gain any advantage.
Having just completed his Zanpakuto's Bankai Training, in the original plan by Ginrei and Byakuya, the final stage of the Captain Assessment was for Byakuya to demonstrate his Bankai.
But now, because Kyoya was leaving the Seireitei and pushing Zaraki forward, coupled with Yamamoto's inquiry, Byakuya agreed to the battle with Zaraki.
Simultaneously, Byakuya wanted to use this battle to display his strength to Kyoya, to let him know that his disciple had also grown up and could hold on his own!
"Then, let Zaraki enter."
"Ah, Chojiro."
"Go inform the Central 46 that the Captain Assessments for the 6th and 11th Divisions will be held in the 1st Division shortly, and Zanpakuto release will be involved."
"Yes, Captain-Commander."
Although the prohibition against releasing Zanpakuto came from the Central 46, as the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto possessed the authority to lift these prohibitions.