BLEACH : THE NINTH KENPACHI

While Gosuke Shigure was talking with Kyōraku Shunsui, two more figures swiftly arrived on the scene.

Captain of the Second Division, Shihōin Yoruichi.

Captain of the Thirteenth Division, Jūshirō Ukitake.

Shihōin Yoruichi bore the distinguished traits of the Shihōin Clan, a noble family of the highest rank. Her complexion was dark, typical of her lineage, and though she currently served as Onmitsukidō Commander, she retained her sharp reflexes and commanding presence.

As for Jūshirō Ukitake, his presence was unmistakable—tall, dignified, and marred by his ever-present ailment, his pallor stark against his long white hair.

"Captain Shihōin, Ukitake—you both came as well," said Kyōraku Shunsui, his tone easy as ever.

As one of the most charismatic captains, Kyōraku was at ease speaking with almost anyone. Upon spotting his comrades, he immediately greeted them with a casual wave.

"Shunsui, what's going on here?" Ukitake asked, his curiosity piqued and his expression tinged with concern.

Yoruichi, standing beside him, raised an eyebrow but remained silent—waiting for the explanation.

Kyōraku Shunsui exhaled slowly and gestured toward the damaged barracks.

"To be honest, even though I arrived early, I don't have the full picture. But going by the sheer scale of the Reiatsu, Captain Gosuke and I speculated that someone may have activated Bankai inside the Fourth Division."

Gosuke Shigure blinked. He hadn't realized Kyōraku Shunsui was dragging him into this theory.

Still, he nodded calmly. "Yes, that's our working theory."

Ukitake's brow furrowed at the idea.

Sensing his long-time friend's concern, Kyōraku gently added, "Don't worry. Captain-Commander Yamamoto arrived first. He's already handling things."

Ukitake's furrow deepened, then relaxed slightly. With Yamamoto Genryūsai present, there wasn't much to be concerned about—especially with Captain Unohana on the scene as well.

Between those two, no situation would be allowed to spiral out of control.

Given the Captain-Commander's involvement, none of the other captains ventured further.

Soon after, the sliding doors to the inner barracks opened.

Yamamoto Genryūsai stepped out with a stern look, his ever-present cane tapping against the wood beneath his feet.

His eyes scanned the group of captains, and his voice thundered with calm authority. "If you have no direct involvement, you are dismissed from the area."

That firm order caused a ripple of surprise across the group.

Kyōraku Shunsui, Jūshirō Ukitake, Yoruichi, and Gosuke Shigure all exchanged glances. Though curious, none dared question the will of the Captain-Commander.

"Yes, sir," came their collective reply.

Even if they wanted to know the source of the sudden outburst of spiritual pressure, Yamamoto's reaction made it clear: whatever had happened would remain classified.

Gosuke Shigure, however, could make an educated guess.

Unohana Retsu had most likely informed Yamamoto of the truth.

To ordinary observers, the origin of that oppressive Reiatsu was a mystery. But to Gosuke, the answer was obvious.

It was Zaraki.

Though he possessed no knowledge of Shikai or Bankai, Zaraki's raw spiritual pressure had already surpassed the levels of many captains.

And now, with Unohana guiding him, some of that power had likely been coaxed out—causing the earlier disruption.

But Yamamoto had made it clear he wished to keep Zaraki's potential hidden. If that was the case, Gosuke had no reason to reveal anything either.

Leaving the Fourth Division, he joined the others as they stepped into the afternoon sun.

Kyōraku turned toward them with a grin. "Since we've all gathered here, how about heading to a bar for a drink?"

Yoruichi chuckled lightly. The Shihōin Clan had always been informal compared to the rigid Kuchiki family, and she didn't mind mingling casually with fellow captains. Despite her youthful appearance, she was centuries old and treated Kyōraku as a junior by age.

"Since it's your invitation, how could I refuse?" Yoruichi said with a smirk.

Jūshirō Ukitake nodded, his tone mild. "I'll join, but only a drink or two."

With those two agreeing, the spotlight shifted to Gosuke Shigure.

Kyōraku's amused glance made it clear that he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I was planning to train," Gosuke admitted, "but seeing you all gathered, it'd be rude to decline."

He added, almost as an afterthought, "But this round's on me."

The day Gosuke became captain, Kyōraku had welcomed him warmly, even treated him to drinks. Now, it seemed fitting to return the gesture.

Kyōraku grinned. "No need. This one's on me. I wouldn't let the newest Kenpachi pay."

He meant it. As head of the prestigious Kyōraku family, money was never a concern for him.

Soon, the four of them arrived at a traditional izakaya, found a private booth, and ordered sake.

After a few drinks, Yoruichi looked between Kyōraku and Gosuke curiously.

"I never realized you two were this close," she remarked.

Kyōraku and Ukitake were well-known as close friends, having attended the Shin'ō Academy together and risen through the ranks side by side. Their bond was no surprise.

But Gosuke's rapport with Kyōraku seemed unusually familiar.

Kyōraku chuckled. "Back when Gosuke was still just a seated officer, I used to drop by the Eleventh Division to drink. We hit it off. I guess you could say we've been friends ever since."

He paused, sipping from his saucer.

"Honestly, I never expected Kiganjō to fall to Zaraki… and then for Gosuke to rise as Kenpachi after that."

"That puts him among the strongest in history."

Kyōraku said this without hesitation. And he didn't flinch at the mention of the deceased Kiganjō Kenpachi, knowing full well Gosuke had long made peace with his predecessor's passing.

Yoruichi sighed. "Kiganjō was fearsome, and Zaraki even more so. I didn't expect either to fall so soon. But to think Captain Gosuke triumphed in the trials…"

She lifted her sake bowl.

"To the Kenpachis of every era, and to the heroes who rise to carry the name."

Gosuke Shigure offered a humble smile, raising his own bowl in return.

"Captain Yoruichi, you're too kind. Cheers."