Bleach: The Strongest Shinigami

"Please join my Second Division."

The dark-skinned girl in the crowd spoke first, raising her Zanpakutō with a grin that revealed glimpses of her sharp, white fangs.

"Thanks to you, it has fully accepted me now. Once I become Captain of Second Division, I'll make you my Lieutenant. Together, we'll take over all the young, beautiful girls in Second Division!"

Hearing this, Akira's eyes lit up.

Even now, he still remembered that Yoruichi owed him for the Suzumebachi.

Beside them, Genryūsai's face darkened, the scene reminding him of Shunsui from many years ago.

When it came to causing trouble, Akira was even worse.

Moreover, Yoruichi was no saint either. This future Captain of Second Division had developed a cat transformation technique merely to sneak out of her house to play.

Though it hadn't caused major problems, it had made things difficult for Marenoshin. To catch her, he had practiced various Bakudō day and night. Now he could masterfully execute multiple Bakudō simultaneously.

If these two troublemakers joined forces, the Seireitei would descend into complete chaos.

Just thinking about what might happen made Genryūsai's chest tighten and his breathing grow heavy.

Although a teacher shouldn't interfere with a student's love life, for the future of Seireitei, he absolutely couldn't let Akira join 2nd Division!

Having made his mind up, Genryūsai gripped his cane tightly, lowered his eyelids, and waited silently for the next person to speak.

Jūshirō had come merely as a formality to recruit, having no intention of competing with the others.

Meanwhile, his fellow disciple and friend Shunsui was stroking his chin thoughtfully while observing the youth standing in the center of the meeting room.

He saw a familiar shadow in Akira.

After pondering for a moment, Shunsui scratched his head with a helpless expression. Having him alone in 8th Division was enough to give Lisa headaches; adding another would surely cause serious trouble.

Never mind, let old man Yama deal with the headache.

"Lord Kisaragi, your performance yesterday was truly impressive." Said the white-haired elder wearing a Kenseikan and wrapped in silver-white windflower silk, Ginrei, "No wonder Sōjun often mentions your name and has shared many stories about you with me."

These were merely polite pleasantries; Ginrei had no intention of inviting Akira to join 6th Division.

There was no other reason than status difference.

6th Division, being a noble Division, was responsible for protecting the Sixth District of Seireitei — the noble quarter — essentially serving as the official representatives of the nobles in Soul Society. Its members were almost exclusively nobles, with commoners admitted only rarely as exceptions.

This was both rule and tradition.

Though a genius like Akira could technically be recruited into 6th Division, or even the Kuchiki family, Ginrei could see that the likelihood of him joining this Division was too low.

To maintain his dignity, he simply chose not to discuss the topic.

"How is Sōjun lately?" Akira asked, still caring about his major client.

The sales of just a few protective talismans had been enough to make him wealthy.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Kisaragi." Despite their status difference, Ginrei maintained a courteous demeanor throughout.

After all, Soul Society was a world that respected strength, and Akira's performance yesterday had already earned widespread respect.

"Sōjun has been busy with training matters..."

The two kept their conversation brief.

Then Tessai extended another invitation to Akira, promising several conditions — including that after his retirement, Akira would become the next Grand Kidō Chief.

Hearing this, everyone in the meeting room looked surprised. They hadn't expected such a bold promise from Tessai.

It was well known that the Central 46 appointed positions like Grand Kidō Chief. Though the current Chief could make recommendations, they had little influence over the decision.

Yet Tessai's confident manner suggested complete faith in Akira.

As for Unohana, she simply watched the youth in the center with gentle eyes.

To others, it appeared as the care of a superior for their junior, an elder for a younger one.

But Akira could sense the killing intent behind that gentleness — a clear message: "Choose Fourth Division or I'll kill you."

Very well, this was exactly like Unohana.

Akira kept his thoughts hidden, maintaining a neutral expression.

Only now did he realize that excellence could bring its own troubles. No wonder Aizen always deliberately concealed his strength.

The last unfamiliar face belonged to Gosuke Kiganjō, the current Acting Captain of 11th Division.

After Kenpachi Azashiro's retirement, he had transferred all 11th Division duties to Gosuke, even instructing that the title of Kenpachi should go to Akira.

Initially, Gosuke hadn't believed it. But after witnessing yesterday's battle, he no longer doubted Sōya's final arrangement.

After all, what kind of good person could beat a Hakuda-skilled Vice-Captain to death?

Gosuke's insight was keen — no one in Soul Society was more suited for the title of Kenpachi than Akira.

His expression revealed desperate hope that Akira would join 11th Division and take over, allowing him to escape this hell. If he continued in his current position, the endless stream of challengers would eventually claim his life.

He remembered how, during Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's captaincy of 11th Division, challengers would constantly issue death duels — all for that coveted title of Kenpachi, staking everything they had, including their lives.

After stating his request briefly, Gosuke bowed slightly, leaving the choice to Akira.

Akira found himself troubled. He was drawn to both 2nd Division and 4th Division — joining either would make for quite a poetic life.

Tessai's Kidō Corps was also appealing. Working alongside other Kidō prodigies would let him quickly implement his ideas about the art.

The 8th and 13th Divisions under Shunsui and Jūshirō were out of the question — why burden his own allies? After all, Akira was counting on these two senior disciples to help him overthrow Genryūsai's tyranny in the future.

6th Division wasn't even worth considering. With his personality, working among those arrogant nobles would land him in a cell next to Sōya in no time.

This process of elimination was working well; he'd reach a decision soon.

Just as Akira was about to announce his choice, an elderly authoritative voice echoed through the meeting room.

"That's enough discussion. I've made my decision about Akira's placement. I'll notify everyone via Jigokuchō later." Genryūsai tapped his cane, dismissing the group.

Akira sighed helplessly. While he didn't mind being assigned somewhere, the old man's expression suggested difficult days ahead.

"Akira Kisaragi, stay behind."

As he turned to leave, Genryūsai's voice stopped him.

Akira's expression shifted, and he was about to make an excuse when those commanding eyes fixed on him, wisps of flame dancing along the walking stick.

Seeing this, he swallowed his words.

Damn it, this bald eagle is bullying me because I'm young and powerless!

Soon, only master and disciple remained in the meeting room.

Genryūsai got straight to the point, "You want to join Second Division, right?"

Akira nodded. His little schemes couldn't escape this old fox's eyes after all.

"Are you ready to pick a side then?"

The old man's question brought a confused expression to his face.

"Remember what I told you about factional interests? The Shihōin clan represents not just their family's interests, but those of their affiliated nobles — the Fēng family, Ōmaeda family, and other lesser noble houses. If you join Second Division, you're aligning with the Shihōin-centered interest group. When that happens, opposing factions will move against you, including assassination attempts."

Akira narrowed his eyes, finding this scene oddly familiar.

"Do you want me to join First Division instead?"

Genryūsai shook his head, "First Division is too strict with discipline — not suitable for you."

After spending time together, he had figured out this kid's personality.

As long as it didn't involve paperwork, he could handle any task with ease.

Simply put: He had brains… just not many.

Looking at the characteristics of each Division, only 11th Division would suit him. They valued martial prowess and respected strength.

With Akira's current abilities, he would thrive there like a fish in water. It wouldn't even be too much for him to become Captain directly.

If only it wasn't considered too shocking to do so...

"What about Fourth Division?" Akira was still using process of elimination.

Genryūsai shook his head and advised, "Stay away from Fourth Division when possible. This old man doesn't want to bury someone younger than himself."

"But you're literally the oldest—"

Bang!

After punching the tactless fellow, Genryūsai felt the anger in his heart dissipate considerably, feeling much more relaxed.

"The Kidō Corps isn't suitable for you either." After collecting his thoughts, he continued, "Their work mostly involves maintaining Seireitei's stability — it's backend work. Places with Kidō barriers like the Central Great Underground Prison, Shakonmaku, and Nest of Maggots are all managed by the Kidō Corps."

{T/N: Shakonmaku is the Soul-Warding Membrane, the Kidō barrier that protects Seireitei.}

Akira suddenly understood.

No wonder Kidō Corps members were rarely seen in Seireitei — they were all doing behind-the-scenes work.

In that case, the only suitable place left seemed to be...

"Eleventh Division?"

Genryūsai nodded.

Akira fell into deep thought.

It wasn't that he had anything against 11th Division.

Though Sōya had often caused trouble despite his good intentions, he was actually quite decent. He had not only handed over his assets but also bestowed the coveted title of Kenpachi that countless others desired.

If he joined 11th Division, with his rate of improvement, becoming Captain and reaching the peak of his career wouldn't take long.

Looking at it this way, it seemed promising.

"Eleventh Division doesn't have much paperwork." Genryūsai said calmly, "Most importantly, the Captain doesn't need to deal with too many complicated relationships. The only two duties of an Eleventh Division captain are getting stronger and cutting people!"

"From any perspective, it's the most suitable division for you. Besides, if you find yourself unable to adapt to life there, you can tell me, and I'll help you transfer to another division."

Hearing this, Akira finally made up his mind.

"Then that's the one!"

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

Word of Akira Kisaragi's assignment to 11th Division spread swiftly among the Gotei 13's leadership.

The news sparked varied reactions throughout the divisions.

Though disappointed, Yoruichi remained optimistic. The close proximity between 2nd and 11th Division's barracks meant she could easily visit Akira whenever she wished.

Unohana accepted the decision gracefully. After all, 11th Division members frequently required 4th Division's care — she would still see plenty of Akira, even if not as her direct subordinate.

Gosuke was overjoyed. He had resigned himself to years more as acting Captain, but relief had come far sooner than expected.

Only Tessai showed genuine disappointment, though he took solace in having another prospect in mind.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

At the Shin'ō Academy library.

Tessai regarded the young man before him with concern.

"The Kidō Corps would be a perfect fit for your talents." He said hesitantly.

Aizen offered a slight bow, "I apologize, Tsukabishi-sensei, but I've already submitted my application to Twelfth Division. Captain Hikifune has approved it."

Tessai sighed, "That's truly unfortunate. Your gift for Kidō could have taken you far."

Aizen merely smiled in response.

Tessai departed with slumped shoulders.

Having failed to recruit either of the promising talents he'd set his sights on left him deeply disappointed.

⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬

"You actually joined Twelfth Division?" Akira stared at his friend in shock.

"Yes. Twelfth Division has an excellent research environment, and their comprehensive materials across various fields will help me learn and improve." Aizen replied calmly, his expression unchanging.

Akira furrowed his brows and began circling around his friend.

Just as Aizen's patience was wearing thin, Akira stopped abruptly and spoke with conviction.

"Well, Twelfth Division isn't bad at all — it's close to Eleventh Division's barracks. With our talent and strength, once I become Captain of Eleventh Division and you become Captain of Twelfth Division, we'll expand our influence and create a new legacy!"

"Dominating Soul Society and standing at its pinnacle — it's only a matter of time!"

⤫⤬⤫

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