Bleach: The Shinigami’s Zanpakutō That Unleashed Bankai On Its Own

The news that a Vasto Lorde-level Menos Grande was hiding within Soul Society had not been made public. However, within the Fourth Division barracks, Moyu noticed that Captain Unohana Retsu was frequently summoned to First Division for captain-level meetings.

If nothing else, this likely meant the matter had been suppressed by Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai himself. Once such news spreads, it would throw all of Seireitei—and perhaps the entire Soul Society—into chaos.

According to Moyu's own sources, districts from South Rukongai's thirty-ninth to the fiftieth had suddenly become restricted. Regular Shinigami were grounded. Even seated officers required vice-captain accompaniment to enter. The issuing of such an order caused many sharp-witted Shinigami to sense that something was very wrong.

Tension rippled quietly through the ranks of Gotei 13.

But none of this had anything to do with Moyu.

At least, not at first.

"The battle to win a seat?!"

Moyu's expression froze. "Why is there such a ridiculous rule?!"

Byakuya Kuchiki sipped his tea calmly, his demeanor noble as ever. "It concerns the honor of the Kuchiki clan. This matter is not optional. Refusing would bring shame to our family."

Ever since discovering Moyu's true strength, Byakuya had begun testing his younger brother's capabilities through various methods. Before Moyu had even fully joined the Fourth Division, Byakuya had personally appeared at the barracks to propose this.

A seat-battle challenge.

"As a direct heir to the Kuchiki bloodline," Byakuya continued, "remaining an ordinary unseated officer is inappropriate. It would bring dishonor."

His pale violet eyes locked with Moyu's. "Besides... you are strong. Aren't you?"

Moyu sighed heavily. "So you want me to become a seated officer not even one month after joining the squad?"

Byakuya set his cup down with precision. "More precisely, a high-ranking seat officer."

Moyu fell silent.

Just when Byakuya assumed this meant agreement, Moyu looked up slowly.

"This is outrageous," he said. "You're deliberately challenging the sacred bond of brotherhood between us. Is our family love worth less than your so-called honor?"

Byakuya blinked, startled by the sudden dramatic tone. But he quickly turned away, looking aloof. "Are you trying to play the emotional card again?"

"Foolish. The Head Elder has already spoken. I'm merely the messenger."

Moyu's expression collapsed. "You definitely snitched!"

"My peaceful life... it's over…"

Byakuya stood, waved his sleeve, and left without another word.

—More accurately, he was kicked out.

Back at the barracks, Moyu sat cross-legged on the tatami, chin resting on one hand, brooding.

"The top seven seats... what a pain."

He didn't even know the limits of his own power anymore. But one thing was clear—no ordinary seated officer could stand against him. His doubled captain-level Reiatsu alone was enough to overwhelm 90% of the division's upper officers.

Still, he didn't want too much attention. If he exposed strength far beyond normal comprehension, it would draw eyes he didn't want watching him.

"I need the right opponent."

Running through a mental list of the Fourth Division's top five seats, Moyu soon chose his target.

"Let's go through Sister Hua."

—

Captain's Office, Fourth Division.

"The battle for the seat?" Unohana Retsu's voice was gentle, but her gaze was focused as she reviewed the application. "Aiming for the third seat already? You're quite spirited."

She smiled faintly. "Very well. I will notify Third Seat Yashiqian of Ejōmura Village."

Moyu sighed in relief.

If Unohana had accepted, then it was as good as done.

As for Third Seat Ejōmura Yashiqian... a kind soul. He likely wouldn't take such matters personally.

—

The Next Day — Fourth Division Quarters.

The most remote location: Training Ground Nine, farthest from the General Emergency Center.

Captain Unohana stood calmly before the assembled Fourth Division officers, dressed in her white haori. Her gentle voice rang clearly through the air.

"All of you know Mr. Moyu graduated early from the Spiritual Arts Academy with excellent results. After spending some time with us in the Fourth Division, he has applied to engage in a battle for a seated position."

"If he wins, Mr. Moyu will replace the current seated officer."

"This tradition has existed since the founding of Gotei 13, and all should be familiar with it."

At her words, many of the division members' expressions grew tense and conflicted.

To be defeated and replaced by someone who had been in the division for less than a month... For many of them, that was hard to accept.

And yet—those were the rules.