The original Captain's haori bore a diamond-shaped insignia on the back, with the squad number written in large kanji at its center.
At this moment, the haori worn by Captain Akira was unlike any seen before. Instead of the standard design, it featured two overlapping rhombus-shaped sharp corners, forming a pattern that resembled an angular infinity symbol.
For the first time, it displayed the kanji for both "three" (三) and "six" (六).
"Eh…? Ehhh!?"
Upon seeing this modified haori, Matsumoto Rangiku and Ise Nanao were completely stunned.
What… what the hell is this!?
Even more baffling was the fact that Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai and Captain Unohana Retsu showed no visible reaction to it.
Everyone knew that Unohana was not someone to question lightly, but Captain Yamamoto was notorious for upholding the tradition and dignity associated with the captains' haori. Losing one's haori by accident could result in a severe reprimand—let alone altering its very design!
"What's going on here? Are we still under Aizen's hypnosis?"
"I don't know either… Hasn't anyone else noticed Captain Akira's haori?"
Matsumoto Rangiku and Ise Nanao whispered in disbelief, half-wondering if they were hallucinating.
"Silence."
Yamamoto Genryūsai's voice, stern and heavy, echoed as he tapped his cane against the ground. The weight of his authority made them fall silent, though their minds remained filled with questions.
Just then, another vice-captain arrived—Omaeda Marechiyo of the Second Division.
"Greetings, Captain-Commander. Captain Akira. Captain Unohana."
After respectfully saluting, Omaeda lifted his head—and his small eyes immediately widened in shock.
"Huh!? Captain Akira, what happened to your haori!? Did you put it on wrong?"
His loud voice rang out, before he instinctively covered his mouth, realizing the weight of his words. Cold sweat dripped down his back.
Meanwhile, Matsumoto and Nanao screamed internally—Finally! Someone said it out loud!
"I didn't put it on wrong," Akira replied with a calm smile. "You'll understand soon enough."
The room fell into puzzled silence, and all eyes turned toward Kuchiki Byakuya, who stood behind Akira as the vice-captain of the Sixth Division.
To be frank, Byakuya's position as a vice-captain was already considered beneath his noble status as the head of the Kuchiki Clan—one of the Four Great Noble Houses. Given his rigid adherence to decorum, if Akira had done anything inappropriate, surely Byakuya would have spoken against it.
Yet, facing the room's expectant gazes, Byakuya's expression remained unreadable.
"The Captain-Commander will explain shortly," he said flatly.
Though still recovering from his injuries, his authoritative tone was enough to make the other vice-captains hold their tongues.
"Now that everyone is present, let us begin the first assembly," Yamamoto declared.
"This meeting will oversee the reconstruction of the Seireitei… and additionally, address personnel changes.
"Due to his decisive actions in the recent crisis, Captain Akira will receive a promotion—"
At these words, the vice-captains reacted in shock.
A promotion? But Akira was already a captain—one of the highest-ranking officers in the Gotei 13.
Could this mean…?
Would he be made the next Captain-Commander!?
But when they thought about Akira's captain Haori, speculation immediately surged in their minds.
As expected, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni continued:
"In addition to continuing to serve as the captain of the Sixth Division, Akira will also take command of the Third Division at the same time!"
A murmur of shock spread through the assembled officers.
"A Dual Captain!"
"This is something that has never been done in the history of the Gotei 13!"
"Wait… please wait!"
As expected, the Vice-Captains found this difficult to accept. Tetsuzaemon Iba stepped forward anxiously.
"Captain-Commander, please forgive my objection!"
"In the entire history of the Gotei 13, no one has ever led two divisions at once! This goes against our established regulations!"
Yamamoto Genryūsai regarded him with an impassive gaze and stated, "While it is true that no such precedent exists, there is likewise no rule forbidding it."
"The most important thing is that Akira has performed a great service to the Gotei 13. To leave such a debt unpaid would bring shame upon us."
Iba's protest was immediately stifled.
After all, it was Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni himself—the founder of the Gotei 13—who had set these rules. And if he decreed an exception, then none could dispute it.
"Furthermore," Yamamoto continued, "this decision was made in light of the recent betrayal by the former captains of the Fifth, Third, and Ninth Divisions—Aizen Sōsuke, Ichimaru Gin, and Tōsen Kaname."
"The Gotei 13 now faces a severe shortage of captains, and these vacancies must be filled swiftly by capable individuals. If there is no precedent for this, then Akira shall be the first."
His words silenced the room. It was a decree, a final decision that none could overturn.
Akira had been informed beforehand, and his emotions were a mix of resignation and amusement.
So this was Yamamoto's so-called 'compensation' to him?
A promotion, an increase in authority, and a broader scope of influence… but it also meant double the responsibilities.
The emergency captains' meeting had taken place mere hours after Aizen's defection, as there was no time to delay.
By the time Akira returned to his quarters after such a long absence, the month was already drawing to a close.
"It must be close to midnight," he mused to himself. "Looking back… today was beyond exhausting."
But at least, he had survived.
More importantly, he had developed new techniques that ensured his survival.
And in his world, surviving an extreme crisis only meant one thing—his chances at a new reward were now sky-high.
"I wonder what it'll be this time?"
Akira smirked, anticipation brimming in his chest. Without hesitation, he gave the command:
"Start the lottery!"
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