Chapter 38

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Following the captains, Yoruichi also entered the room. 

Like Kaelith Yurei, she had been directly involved in last night's events. 

Due to her status as the head of one of the Five Noble Clans, no one dared to leave her waiting outside, so she was simply invited in as well. 

As she entered the room, Yoruichi glanced around. When her eyes landed on Kaelith, they lit up with recognition. 

After nodding slightly toward Yamamoto in greeting, she made her way to Kaelith's side and nudged him with her elbow. 

"Hey, Kaelith, how does it feel standing here?" 

"My feet hurt. I'd rather sit," Kaelith replied with a shrug. 

Yoruichi couldn't help but smile. 

This guy truly had no regard for formalities. 

She herself was often scolded by the elders for being too carefree and unrestrained. 

Even so, she'd never dare imagine sitting down during a captains' meeting. 

Many of the captains had noticed Yoruichi's interaction with Kaelith and shifted their attention toward him. 

Their reactions varied. 

Most were simply curious, wondering what kind of disciple the Head Captain had taken under his wing. 

Unohana and Ukitake offered Kaelith polite nods, smiling warmly. 

Kirio Hikifune blinked playfully and gave him a wink. 

The Eleventh Division Captain, a short, dark-skinned man with several scars across his face, exuded an intimidating aura. He squinted at Kaelith, then dismissively curled his lips. 

Kaelith gave him a curious look but didn't dwell on it. 

Instead, his attention focused on Kuchiki Ginrei. 

The elder appeared as ancient as Yamamoto himself, with a deeply wrinkled face and snow-white hair. 

Yet, like Yamamoto, his power had not diminished with age. 

After synchronizing with Aizen's abilities, Kaelith's intuition had sharpened considerably. 

For most captains, he could gauge their strength fairly well. 

But Ginrei was like a deep, unfathomable abyss. 

Observing Ginrei's calm demeanor, Kaelith felt a slight sense of relief. 

It didn't seem like anything was wrong with Ginrei's son, Sōjun Kuchiki. 

If something had happened to his son, no matter how composed Ginrei was, it would've shown in some way. 

Sensing Kaelith's gaze, Ginrei suddenly turned his head, locking eyes with him. 

Kaelith froze for a moment before attempting a polite smile. 

Ginrei, however, showed no reaction. After staring at him for two seconds, he looked away, his expression impassive. 

"Tch, this old man," Kaelith muttered under his breath, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes. 

This old geezer had offended him today. Someday, he'd get even. 

Yes… perhaps he'd take Sōjun to a lively entertainment district for some fun. Knowing Ginrei's personality, hearing about such an outing would likely spike his blood pressure. 

The thought brought a mischievous grin to Kaelith's face. 

Meanwhile, Ōmaeda Marechiyo, Vice-Captain of the Second Division, was watching from the sidelines, somewhat surprised. 

He'd heard rumors about Lady Yoruichi being unusually close with a young man. 

There were even whispers that she had allowed this person into her private study—a place no one else had entered. 

Initially, he'd dismissed the rumors as baseless gossip. 

But now, seeing Yoruichi's casual demeanor around Kaelith, his mind raced. 

He recognized this young man. Before Yamamoto formally took him as a disciple, Ōmaeda had been tasked with investigating his background. 

A commoner with no backing or connections. 

Now, as Yamamoto's official disciple, his future was limitless. 

If Yoruichi and Kaelith became closer, it would undoubtedly be a significant boon for the Shihōin Clan. 

As a member of a subsidiary family to the Shihōin, Ōmaeda felt this could only be a good thing. 

His impression of Kaelith immediately improved. He resolved to get closer to him after the meeting. Though, taking Kaelith to a lively district was out of the question—Lady Yoruichi would never let him hear the end of it. 

After some thought, Ōmaeda had a better idea. 

If Kaelith were to marry into the Shihōin Clan, he would inevitably join the Second Division. 

By teaching him skills useful for the division ahead of time, Ōmaeda could solidify a meaningful bond. 

Perhaps, when he grew older, he could even rely on Kaelith to mentor his rather foolish son. 

Yes, this plan seemed ideal. A token of appreciation in the form of gifts wouldn't hurt either—just a small gesture to leave a favorable impression. 

Satisfied with his thoughts, Ōmaeda hummed to himself, his spirits lifted. 

The sound of Yamamoto's wooden staff tapping gently on the ground brought everyone's attention to the center of the room as the captains' meeting officially began. 

The focus of the discussion was, naturally, the events of the previous night. 

With all eyes on him, Yamamoto's lieutenant, Chōjirō Sasakibe, stepped forward to recount the events. 

When it was confirmed that Shinchira Renzosuke had truly turned traitor, the captains' expressions darkened. 

Upon hearing that both Kaelith and Yoruichi had confronted him, many captains exchanged surprised looks. 

They were familiar with Yoruichi's strength, but it wasn't enough to take down Shinchira alone. 

Which meant that Kaelith, in such a short amount of time, had already grown strong enough to hold his own against a captain-level opponent. 

Even though Shinchira wasn't particularly skilled, and the encounter had been brief, it was still impressive. 

No wonder Yamamoto, who hadn't taken a disciple in centuries, had made an exception. 

If they were in Yamamoto's position, they wouldn't let such talent slip through their fingers either. 

The Eleventh Division Captain furrowed his brows, lost in thought. 

Ginrei Kuchiki raised his eyelids slightly, casting another glance at Kaelith. 

As the room settled, Yamamoto continued, "Regarding Shinchira Renzosuke, the Central 46 has issued a verdict. 

"Shinchira Renzosuke, former Captain of the Third Division, has committed grave crimes. Effective immediately, he will be imprisoned in the Nest of Maggots for 514 years and stripped of his title as Third Division Captain." 

"Today's meeting is to discuss a successor for the position of Third Division Captain." 

At this, all eyes turned to the Third Division's Vice-Captain, Iba Chikane. 

Stepping forward, Chikane respectfully addressed Yamamoto, "Head Captain, I have a recommendation for the new captain of the Third Division." 

"Third Seat of the Third Division—Rose Ōtoribashi." 

Yamamoto narrowed his eyes slightly. "Ōtoribashi… Rose, is it?" 

The name was familiar among the captains. Before Shinji Hirako's appointment, the Fifth Division Captain had been Maika Ōtoribashi. 

"Can Ōtoribashi Rose wield Bankai?" Yamamoto asked. 

Chikane nodded firmly. "Yes, Head Captain. He has already mastered it." 

"Very well," Yamamoto said with a nod. "In ten days, we will hold the Captain Promotion Ceremony." 

With the matter of the Third Division's captain settled, Kaelith assumed the meeting was nearing its end. 

Just as he thought this, Yamamoto suddenly turned to look at him. 

Caught off guard, Kaelith stared back in slight confusion as Yamamoto spoke slowly: 

"Kaelith Yurei, student of Shin'ō Academy." 

"At the end of this month, apply for the early graduation exam." 

"Once you have your diploma, report to the First Division." 

"The position of Fifth Seat in the First Division has been vacant for half a month. You will assume this position!" 

Hearing this, Yoruichi's expression immediately shifted. (t/n he stole your man...pause)