As his gaze swept around the room, Hiroki felt a mixture of emotions.
Surprise (Aizen's 72), satisfaction (Soi Fon's 92), speechlessness (Yamamoto's 20), wariness (Ichimaru's -25, Tōsen's -50), realization (Unohana's 0, Mayuri Kurotsuchi's 85), composure (shiba's 20, Komamura's 10), and indifference (Kiganjō's 0).
The undercurrents, relationships, and hidden motives between the Captains of the Seireitei seemed to have the tip of their iceberg revealed under these cold numbers.
After finishing his assessment of everyone's attributes and satisfying his immense curiosity, Hiroki's meager attention span was completely drained by the long and tedious meeting agenda.
His thoughts began to wander uncontrollably.
"Regarding the Kidō Corps, there has been a breakthrough in the Combined Kidō formulas. The next phase of organizing large-scale testing and practical application will rely on Uchiha Izumi's oversight..." Captain Commander Yamamoto's deep and penetrating voice finally brought the lengthy agenda to a close.
"...Very well, these are the results of today's agenda discussions. Everyone must perform their duties faithfully to ensure the stability of the Seireitei. If there is nothing else, the meeting is adjourned."
As if a switch had been flipped, the Captains, who had been as solemn as statues, rose one after another.
The sounds of wooden clogs, footsteps, and the rustling of fabric intertwined within the empty hall.
Aizen whispered something to Ukitake beside him with a smile, and Ukitake responded warmly; Kyōraku Shunsui yawned, pulling his straw hat even lower;
Ichimaru Gin still wore that eternal smile, his figure sliding toward the door as silently as a ghost;
Soi Fon rose the fastest, her movements crisp and efficient as she left without looking back;
Kenpachi Kiganjō pushed his chair back somewhat roughly and strode out;
Mayuri Kurotsuchi was already nowhere to be seen, having slipped away at some unknown point;
Tōsen Kaname followed the crowd with steady steps;
Shiba Isshin gave a massive stretch, as if he were finally free;
Komamura Sajin bowed slightly toward Captain Commander Yamamoto before departing.
Hiroki, however, did not move.
He remained seated calmly in the Sixth Division's spot, gazing forward with a tranquil expression.
Once most of the Captains had left and only he and Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto remained in the vast meeting room, that invisible sense of pressure seemed to grow even heavier.
The Captain Commander remained seated at the head, like an old pine rooted in rock. His eyes, weathered by time and seemingly capable of seeing through all illusions, fell upon Hiroki. His voice was level and calm: "What is it, Captain Shihōin? Is there something else?" He still addressed him by his rank, rather than his status as Clan Head.
"Yes, Lord Captain Commander." Hiroki stood up, his posture respectful but not subservient, carrying the characteristic elegance of a noble. "Regarding the position of Captain of the 6th Division."
"Hmm, follow me."
Meeting Yamamoto's gaze, Hiroki said clearly, "There is no need to move; I can report to you right here."
He paused and stated his purpose directly: "Reporting to the Captain Commander: Kuchiki Byakuya has recently made rapid progress in his understanding of swordsmanship and his own spiritual pressure. He is not far from mastering the 'Bankai' state.
His ability, character, and sense of responsibility are all sufficient to handle the role.
Therefore, I have already appointed him as the Acting Captain of the 6th Division to handle all squad affairs as part of his training."
A flicker of understanding, and a barely perceptible... relief? passed through Yamamoto's eyes. He naturally understood Hiroki's meaning.
This young Head of the Shihoin Clan never intended to occupy the Captain's seat for long; he was more like a transitional figure and a mentor. Byakuya was the undisputed heir of the Kuchiki Clan and possessed outstanding ability. Having him take over as Captain of the 6th Division was perfectly logical and maintained the balance between the noble families.
"Oh?" Yamamoto's voice betrayed little emotion, a simple question that seemed to carry immense weight. "Is that so? Good. Good."
He repeated "Good" twice—the first was to confirm the truth of Hiroki's words, and the second was an acknowledgment of Byakuya's growth and a tacit approval of Hiroki's decision to step down.
Hiroki understood that this meant the old man agreed. He bowed slightly. "Yes, that is the situation. Then, I shall take my leave."
"Very well." Yamamoto's single word represented everything.
Hiroki said no more. He turned and walked with steady steps out of the Captains' meeting room, the symbol of the Soul Society's highest core of power.
The heavy wooden doors slowly closed behind him, isolating Captain Commander Yamamoto's solitary and majestic figure, which stood like a mountain within.
Yamamoto's gaze lingered on Hiroki's departing back, his thoughts unknown.