Chapter 14: Tat for Tat

Not long after, the heavy wooden door of the meeting room swung closed with a resounding thud, leaving Su Li on the outside looking in.

As Su Li stared at the firmly shut door, a sense of helplessness washed over him. His current status as a non-member of the Thirteenth Division relegated him to waiting outside until summoned.

Resigned to his fate, Su Li chose a spot nearby and settled into a seat, bracing himself for the mundane wait that lay ahead.

Inside the meeting room, Captain Yamamoto's voice resonated clearly, drawing everyone's attention.

"While the incident did not result in any damage, its repercussions have been unfavorable," Yamamoto began, his tone steady. "Following Central 46's decision, Captain Soi-Fon of the Second Division will face a major demerit as punishment."

Regarding the wager between Soi-Fon and Su Li, Yamamoto declared it null and void, deeming it an informal arrangement.

Soi-Fon lowered her head, her expression hidden from view.

Subsequently, documents containing Su Li's information were distributed to each team leader. These documents provided an overview of Su Li's background, supplemented by Chōjirō Sasakibe's account.

Yamamoto, seated at the head of the room, continued speaking in a composed manner. "Now, I would like to hear your thoughts."

Ichimaru Gin was the first to rise, a mischievous smile gracing his features. "A genius like this would be a perfect fit for our Third Division!"

Komamura Sajin countered with a cold smile. "The Third Division may be a support unit, but it seems excessive to have Su Li join them. In my opinion, he should become a member of the Seventh Division."

"The Seventh Division, being responsible for the inner court guards, holds a vital role," he explained, "and it deserves the finest talents available."

Kyoraku Shunsui responded with a light-hearted chuckle, avoiding making a definite choice.

"Well, your Seventh Division may have a certain reputation, but in practice, it hasn't played a significant role since its inception," he remarked casually. "In my opinion, young Su Li would be better suited to my Eighth Division."

Leaning back comfortably, he continued, "We are an intelligence team, responsible for gathering critical information. As such, our Eighth Division holds a pivotal position."

Jushiro coughed softly and shook his head in disagreement. "Let's not forget, my Purification Team is of utmost importance. We are responsible for managing the souls and guiding them to the Soul Society, a task that requires exceptional talent. Therefore, I propose that Su Li joins the Thirteenth Division."

With a kind and amiable demeanor, Jushiro conveyed his suggestion.

Aizen, pushing his glasses up with finesse, voiced his opinion, "This young man's disposition aligns with my preferences. While the Fifth Division may not be the most prestigious, I believe that Su Li would make a valuable addition to our team."

However, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, positioned at the back of the room, appeared uninterested. He was more inclined toward scientific researchers than brash combatants.

In his characteristic disdainful tone, Zaraki Kenpachi made his view known. His reputation as a formidable warrior instilled silence in the room.

After all, provoking the renowned beast was ill-advised.

"I've said my piece, but I simply want another watchdog for my pack," Kenpachi asserted. "It's all very tiresome."

In Kenpachi's view, Su Li would be a perfect fit for the Eleventh Division, known for their ceaseless pursuit of combat.

"I've heard about how that kid participated in the assessment, using the rules of our Eleventh Division," Kenpachi continued, his face animated with excitement. "Fighting, endless fighting, that's the path a true warrior should follow!"

His exuberant fighting spirit emanated strongly as he advocated for Su Li's placement in his division.

"As long as he can beat me, I'll give him the captaincy of the eleventh team! There's no need to hold any bullshit meeting here!!"

"The rules of the eleventh team are that simple!" Hearing the words of the name change Kenpachi, the expressions of the other captains sank slightly. Kenpachi could bet on the captain's seat without hesitation, but he couldn't. The captains of each division must go through strict examinations before becoming the official captains. As long as one standard is not met, you cannot become a captain. Except for the eleventh team.

The captain's assessment of the eleventh division is simple and rude. As long as you defeat the current captain, you can become the new captain. Moreover, there is no more direct way to improve strength than through battle.

And the eleventh team is the epitome of the battle team! Fighting is their belief! So, in comparison, it is obviously more tempting for teenagers to join the eleventh team.

The captains of the squads had different expressions and stopped speaking. Even Yamamoto in the main position was thoughtful. Suddenly, a slender figure stood up.

"Hey, when I said you guys, did I overlook something?" Soi-Fon raised her head slowly, her face cold. "That kid is the one our second team was assessing!"

"Why join other divisions?!" Soi-Fon's words left the captains feeling astonished. They had initially assumed that after their fierce battle, Soi-Fon would harbor an intense grudge against Su Li and wouldn't consider recruiting him into the second division.

"Che, a defeated person still has the nerve to speak here," Zaraki Kenpachi scoffed.

"You're talking nonsense! I haven't lost yet! Just wait until I use my Bankai; that kid will be reduced to nothing!" Soi-Fon said angrily.

The disdain on Zaraki Kenpachi's face only grew. Soi-Fon's frustration made her face flush red. She clenched her fists and glared fiercely at Kenpachi.

Kenpachi, on the other hand, paid no attention to Soi-Fon's anger. He shifted his gaze toward Captain Yamamoto. "Captain, let that kid come to my eleventh team! I'll train him well!"

Yamamoto remained composed, accustomed to Kenpachi's fiery temperament.

"Impossible. He has been admitted to my second team, so he's a member of the second division," Soi-Fon retorted vehemently.

"You're a loser. What ability do you have to teach him?"

"I told you, I didn't lose!"

"Really? Did I hear it wrong, or is it not you who ended up flat on the ground with someone's fingerprint on your head?"

Soi-Fon stammered, "I... I slipped because the ground was wet!"

Kenpachi scoffed, "That's ridiculous! In a battle between masters, even a momentary lapse of focus can cost you your life!"

Yamamoto intervened, trying to quell the escalating argument, "Alright, enough of this. Since everyone has different opinions, it's best to leave the decision to the parties involved."

Yamamoto continued, "Let the kid in."

With a creak, the wooden door swung open, revealing Su Li's figure.