Chapter 16: Yamamoto accepts apprentice

Listening to Su Li's answer, the captains of other teams were disappointed for a while. It's really a pity that such a good seedling didn't join the fan team that was recruited into him.

Soi-Fon regained her cold demeanor, with a hint of imperceptible pride in her eyes.

Captain Yamamoto pondered slightly, thoughtfully.

Then he looked up at Su Li with kindness in his eyes.

"Son, I don't know if you want to..."

The surrounding captains fell silent, their attention fixed on Captain Yamamoto.

"Are you willing to become my disciple?"

Yamamoto asked with a gentle gaze.

Boom!

The captains at the scene immediately exploded!

After thousands of years, Captain Yamamoto was actually considering accepting apprentices again!

Kyoraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake looked shocked.

Ever since their teacher had accepted the two of them as apprentices, he had vowed not to take on any more. Despite the countless talented geniuses born in the past thousand years, their teacher had remained steadfast.

Unexpectedly, this time, their teacher was willing to make an exception because of this boy!

The talent of this young man had even moved their teacher's heart, prompting him to consider accepting him as a disciple!

Soi-Fon was also shocked, and her face suddenly showed panic.

"Captain Yamamoto, this..."

If Su Li accepted Yamamoto's offer and became his apprentice, it was highly likely he would join the first team!

Soi-Fon couldn't help but feel anxious, watching a person with such incredible talent slip away from her grasp.

She appeared impatient, but in the face of Yamamoto's decision, there was little she could do.

Even Zaraki Kenpachi, below all the commotion, found himself at a loss for words.

"Cut..."

With a displeased expression, he turned his head, realizing he was out of the action. Originally, Su Li joining the second team wasn't a significant issue, but the real challenge would be snatching him back later.

Becoming Yamamoto's disciple meant a high likelihood of being assigned to the first team. The captains of each team displayed various emotions, most wearing expressions of shock on their faces.

Upon hearing the offer, Su Li was taken aback.

Become Yamamoto's disciple?

To mentor Kyoraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake?

This... it seemed like an opportunity too good to pass up!

Becoming Yamamoto's disciple meant not only learning from a legendary figure but also a faster path to strength. Furthermore, it offered a prestigious status in the Soul Society, a card Su Li could potentially play if Central 46 posed problems in the future.

All in all, it was a gain without apparent drawbacks.

However, the issue at hand was that Su Li wasn't particularly keen on joining the first team.

"Captain Yamamoto, if I agree to be your disciple, would I be required to join the first team?" Su Li asked hesitantly. "I'd prefer the second team..."

Yamamoto smiled gently.

"You need not join a team based on your preference," he reassured. "As long as you're willing to learn from me, the choice of team is yours."

Su Li breathed a sigh of relief at this response.

No team commitment required.

Soi-Fon, standing nearby, visibly relaxed, her earlier anxiety dissipating. The weight on her shoulders finally lifted.

"Alright, I'm willing to be your disciple," Su Li declared, a bright smile gracing his face.

Yamamoto nodded in approval.

Kyoraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake wore expressions of surprise and satisfaction.

Though they hadn't succeeded in recruiting Su Li to their own team, he had become Yamamoto's disciple, forging an even closer bond.

The apprenticeship ceremony followed.

Chōjirō Sasakibe served freshly brewed tea as the captains observed.

The ceremony, much to Su Li's surprise, was simpler than he had imagined, without the need for kneeling and kowtowing. Su Li offered tea, and Yamamoto accepted it.

"Teacher," Su Li said, savoring the sound.

Su Li smiled and gave a slight bow to Yamamoto.

"Excellent tea, esteemed mentor," he said with a grin.

Yamamoto's expression radiated satisfaction, a rare sight as his beard trembled with laughter. He appeared genuinely delighted.

"Hahaha, good tea, good disciple!" Yamamoto chuckled heartily. "From now on, you are our junior brother! You must spend more time with us!"

Kyoraku Shunsui stepped forward with a hearty laugh, playfully slinging an arm around Su Li's shoulders.

Jūshirō Ukitake, his face, which had been pale due to illness, now bore a joyful flush. He, too, wore a delighted expression.

For them, gaining a new junior brother felt like gaining an additional family member, and their happiness was evident.

The other captains joined in the congratulations, their gazes upon Su Li growing even more fervent.

Su Li's apprenticeship with Yamamoto meant that this young teenager would undoubtedly rise to prominence in Soul Society's future—a heavyweight figure. He might even become Yamamoto's captain successor in due time.

Congratulations and well-wishes poured in from the captains, each sharing their wisdom accumulated over a lifetime.

Among the crowd, only one individual remained somewhat subdued.

Aizen stood at the back, his lenses glinting with a cold light.

His face remained expressionless.

After a prolonged silence, the chorus of congratulations gradually tapered off.

"Very well, there's one last matter to address today," Yamamoto declared, his eyes filled with pride as he looked at Su Li by his side.

The meeting room hushed.

"Based on Su Li's test results and his performance in the second round," Yamamoto continued, "the committee has decided to appoint Su Li as the vice-captain of the second division."

He paused, scanning the room. "Are there any objections?"

The room remained in tranquil agreement.

All the captains displayed expressions of approval, and even Soi-Fon, with her typically stoic demeanor, showed no signs of dissent. Su Li's abilities had won unanimous recognition.

Yamamoto surveyed the room, nodding in satisfaction.

In a subdued tone, he announced, "Following the conclusion of your internship period, Su Li will officially assume the role of vice-captain of the second division."

Traditionally, graduates from the Spiritual Arts Academy completed a one-year internship before formally joining the Thirteenth Team. While just a year, it felt a bit too long for Su Li.

"Teacher," Su Li said suddenly, "I'd like to request a reduction in the duration of the internship."

Yamamoto was initially taken aback by Su Li's request but swiftly grasped its significance.

"A full year of internship might be excessive for someone of your talents, wasting valuable time," Yamamoto acknowledged. "So, how short would you like it to be?"

Su Li shook his head. "Three months is still too long."

Yamamoto raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Then, what duration do you have in mind?"

"One month," Su Li replied.

His abrupt request left those present slightly surprised. Internships involved significant tasks and responsibilities. Could everything be completed in just one month?

"Very well, we'll shorten it to one month," Yamamoto conceded after considering Su Li's determination. "However, if you fail to meet the internship standards, there will be consequences upon your return."

"I won't disappoint you, teacher," Su Li replied with a confident smile.

Yamamoto observed the unwavering assurance in Su Li's expression and softened his stance.

"Agreed, then it's settled," Yamamoto declared. "Tomorrow, come to my office, and I'll impart some knowledge before your departure. I don't want you to be entirely preoccupied with tasks in this world and neglect your training."

"Thank you, teacher," Su Li nodded appreciatively.

The other captains watched with a tinge of envy. Su Li was starting his training with Yamamoto so quickly.

With deliberate grace, Yamamoto rose from his seat and leaned on his cane.

"Then, let's conclude today's meeting," he announced. "Meeting adjourned."