The Infinite Hell  

"I believe if Third Seat Urahara takes over as the 12th Division Captain, it will bring some positive changes to the Seireitei," Ailin said.

After his last trip to the World of the Living to mentor Kugo Ginjo, Ailin realized that realm had progressed down the path of "modernization."

Kisuke Urahara frequently snuck into the World of the Living to establish new research facilities for his studies. Of everyone in the Seireitei, Urahara likely understood the World of the Living best.

Ailin figured once Urahara took over the 12th Division, things like computers, cell phones - referred to as "messenger devices" in the Soul Society - and other such innovations would make their debut there.

"With his abilities allowing him to heal Aunt Haruko's injuries, Third Seat Urahara's skills are undoubtedly formidable," Byakuya Kuchiki said. "Thus, I also support recommending him as the new 12th Division Captain."

After Ailin, Byakuya was the next to voice his agreement in recommending Kisuke Urahara. Besides Ailin and Yoruichi Shihoin, Byakuya was the only other captain present who was somewhat familiar with Urahara.

Decades ago when Ginrei Kuchiki was on his deathbed, Ailin had brought Byakuya to Urahara to train in achieving Bankai. That invention allowing one's reiatsu to pre-materialize their Zanpakuto's form in place of the Shinigami still astounded Byakuya.

Completing Bankai training within three days - who would believe such a claim?

Moreover, when Byakuya had clashed with his Zanpakuto Senbonzakura and unleashed that final Kido-striking blow, that man had easily blocked it with the 81st Bakudo, Danku, without even incantating.

This alone proved that man's strength had indeed reached the captain level, as Yoruichi had said.

"Excellent, we now have three captains - Yoruichi Shihoin of the 2nd Division, Byakuya Kuchiki of the 6th Division, and Ailin Kenpachi of the 11th Division - jointly recommending Kisuke Urahara for the 12th Division Captain position.

Then I shall hereby announce Kisuke Urahara of the 2nd Division as the candidate for the 12th Division Captain.

Captain Shihoin, since Urahara is a member of your division, please have him prepare. Three days from now, we will administer the captain's proficiency test. Once he passes, Urahara will officially become the 12th Division Captain."

Urahara was following the first path to Gotei 13 captaincy - being recommended by three sitting captains, then taking the proficiency test witnessed by the Head Captain.

"This meeting is now adjourned."

...

Three days later, Ailin received a summons to the 1st Division barracks. Under the escort of the 1st Division's Lieutenant Chojiro Sasakibe, Ailin soon arrived at the division's training grounds.

At first glance, he spotted the somewhat timid and meek-looking Kisuke Urahara.

Ailin shook his head. Having known Urahara for many years, he recognized this demeanor was not an act.

As a researcher, Urahara rarely interacted with outsiders. The inmates of the Nest of Maggots he was most familiar with just needed to be subdued, not engaged in much dialogue. In unfamiliar company, Urahara could be quite socially awkward.

"Yo Urahara, long time no see!" Ailin strode up and clapped him hard on the back, stumbling Urahara forward a step and making him wince in pain.

Seeing a familiar face clearly put Urahara more at ease, his expression relaxing. "Captain Ailin, if I'm not mistaken, didn't Captain Shihoin also recommend you for the captain's position?" Urahara asked. "Does that mean you now owe Captain Shihoin a favor as well?"

Rolling his eyes, Ailin didn't bother continuing that line of conversation. "Just forget about it, consider that debt paid."

Then Ailin suddenly asked, "By the way Urahara, you're here but where is Captain Shihoin?"

Urahara shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. Three days ago she just notified me to come here for the captain's proficiency test. I have no idea how I even became a candidate. I looked everywhere for her last night but couldn't find her location. With the test time approaching, I had no choice but to arrive at the 1st Division early for the evaluation."

Ailin laughed heartily. He could guess Yoruichi's intentions in handling it this way.

Urahara likely suspected too, otherwise he wouldn't have come alone to the 1st Division for the test.

Patting Urahara's shoulder reassuringly, Ailin said, "Urahara, just do your best out there. Don't embarrass me and Captain Shihoin. If you can't even pass this captain's test... I'll never let you live it down."

Urahara smiled wryly, knowing Ailin was fully capable of doing exactly that. But thanks to Ailin's playful ribbing, Urahara's nerves had calmed considerably.

Soon after, Byakuya Kuchiki of the 6th Division, Yoruichi Shihoin of the 2nd, and finally Head Captain Yamamoto himself entered the 1st Division training grounds.

As Urahara's recommenders, the three captains would witness his proficiency test along with the Head Captain.

"Head Captain," they greeted Yamamoto respectfully before taking positions behind him.

Then the Head Captain slowly began speaking, "Kisuke Urahara. Due to the recommendations of the 2nd Division Captain, 6th Division Captain, and 11th Division Captain, I will now administer your captain's proficiency test in their presence. Are you prepared?"

"I am prepared, Head Captain."

"Very good."

Yamamoto nodded, then continued addressing Urahara. "The captain's proficiency test is to confirm if one possesses the strength worthy of a captain's standing. There are two evaluation methods.

The first is to demonstrate your Bankai before us, proving you have attained captain-level power.

The second is to battle one of the captains present here. If your abilities earn their acknowledgment, you can also qualify for the rank.

A forewarning - if you choose the first method and your Bankai's destructive force is exceptionally powerful, we will relocate the test to the Precipice World to avoid damage.

If you select the second option, to prevent havoc in the Seireitei, your battle will take place in the Muken underground prison. Now Urahara, tell me which evaluation you choose?"

Glancing at the three captains behind Yamamoto, Urahara scratched his head. "I will challenge one of the captains present, Head Captain."

For a researcher, the importance of intelligence gathering could not be overstated. If he could collect information on his opponent first, Urahara had many ways to potentially defeat or even kill someone far stronger than himself.

Though he knew the four individuals here were unlikely to become his enemies, his instincts still made him hesitant to reveal his Bankai abilities.

Hearing Urahara's choice, Byakuya's expression stiffened slightly. Surely this man didn't intend to challenge him?

Scanning the other three, Byakuya had to admit he did seem the most appealing target of opportunity.

The 2nd Division Captain Yoruichi was Urahara's childhood friend and had over two centuries of experience in the role.

The Head Captain Yamamoto was the millennia-old strongest Shinigami - only a madman would purposely challenge him.

The 11th Division Captain Ailin was Byakuya's uncle-in-law, a formidable individual who had rejected an invitation from the Royal Guard according to that visitor's comments.

"Is that so?" Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto's eyes opened a bit wider.

Willing to challenge a captain instead of demonstrating Bankai implied the 2nd Division's recommendation for this 12th Division candidate was no ordinary soul.

This was someone confident his Shikai alone could defeat the other captains present. After all, if your original intent was to conceal your Bankai abilities but you were forced to reveal it during battle, wouldn't that just invite mockery?

Among the four captains witnessing the test, even the weakest Byakuya Kuchiki ranked in the middle tier of the Gotei 13 captains' strength.

He was stronger than the likes of Rōjūrō Otoribashi of the 3rd Division, Love Aikawa of the 7th, and Kensei Muguruma of the 9th.

However, Byakuya was weaker than Yoruichi Shihoin of the 2nd Division, Shinji Hirako of the 5th, and Isshin Shiba of the 10th.

If Urahara could truly defeat Byakuya with just his Shikai, then his strength may well exceed the likes of Shunsui Kyoraku of the 8th Division and Jushiro Ukitake of the 13th.

Scrutinizing Urahara deeply, Yamamoto said, "Very well. Of we four captains witnessing this test, which one do you wish to challenge?"

"I choose Captain Kuchiki..."

No one present seemed particularly surprised by Urahara's selection.

Challenging his childhood friend Yoruichi could impair Urahara's performance due to their familiarity, causing the Head Captain to deem him unqualified.

Challenging Yamamoto or Ailin would likely force Urahara to use Bankai regardless, negating the purpose.

"Very well, let us proceed to the Muken then..."

With Yamamoto's authority, only a word to the Central 46 Chambers was needed to gain access to the underground prison Muken for Urahara's evaluation.

To swiftly administer the captain's test, the five made their way under the Head Captain's lead to the lowest level of Muken.

A heavy clang echoed as the sturdy doors opened, dim light slicing through like a blade and casting an eerie glow into the dark, gloomy depths of the infinite underground prison Muken.

"Oh? We have visitors?"

As the doors parted, a refined voice called out from the deepest recesses of Muken. Then, the sound of footsteps approaching.

Hearing the nearing footfalls, Byakuya's brow furrowed in consternation. "Head Captain, if my memory serves, there are no guards stationed within Muken itself to watch over the prisoners, correct?" he asked. "Then why would there be someone mobile down here?"