Chapter Twelve: The Invitation from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads

"My deepest apologies!" Chojirou bowed to Yamamoto, who was standing before him. Apologizing was the very first thing Chojirou did after his body had fully recovered.

"I've told you already, there's no need to keep apologizing for this," Yamamoto replied, seated quietly on the tatami mats. Since their previous fight had completely burned down the old wooden house, they had to relocate.

...

"R-really, I'm sorry... Lord Fumizusai..." Not long ago, after another persona of his had just finished battling Yamamoto, Chojirou, battered and utterly drained, struggled to half-rise from the floor, offering broken apologies to Yamamoto Shigekuni.

"There's no need to apologize."

Yamamoto walked over to the now-recovered Chojirou, hoisted him onto his shoulder, and said, "This isn't your fault." His deep gaze swept over the land around them, scorched by fire and lightning.

"It's all because..."

...

"Even if you say so..." Chojirou looked awkward, neither angry nor upset; he truly couldn’t grasp Yamamoto Shigekuni’s current thoughts.

"More importantly than this..."

"Yes?"

Yamamoto lifted his eyes, regarding the uncertain Chojirou before him. Calmly, but with a hint of seriousness, he spoke: "Shouldn't you have something else to explain?"

Chojirou fell silent. He certainly knew what Yamamoto meant; he also knew that Yamamoto had already realized his true identity—at least, that he was not the real Chojirou Sasakibe. But as for his status as a transmigrator, he didn’t want to reveal that to anyone, not even to Yamamoto Shigekuni.

"Is that so?" Yamamoto closed his eyes. Even though Chojirou said nothing, he understood. There was no need to force words from someone unwilling; when the time came, Chojirou would speak. Yamamoto was certain of it.

"Forgive me, Lord Fumizusai..."

He felt even more apologetic toward Yamamoto now...

"I've told you, there's no need to apologize for this sort of thing."

*Knock, knock, knock!*

"!"

"!"

Yamamoto had barely finished speaking when a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?"

Yamamoto stood up. It was not the time for the private school to admit students, so visitors were rare.

"Excuse me, Lord Yamamoto Shigekuni."

The paper door slid open from outside. A middle-aged Soul Reaper knelt at the entrance, head slightly bowed in a humble gesture.

"My name is Ichigen Anba. I come at the request of the Central Forty-Six and the Head Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads to specially invite Lord Yamamoto Shigekuni to take up the position of First Division Captain and Head Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads."

"Wha—what?!"

Chojirou jumped in shock.

What was going on? Why would they invite Yamamoto Shigekuni to become Head Captain under such circumstances? He had thought it would be centuries before this happened.

"Um... Lord Fumizusai..."

The arrival of Ichigen Anba cooled the entire atmosphere, leaving Chojirou uncomfortably at a loss for words.

"Then, please, seriously consider this, Lord Yamamoto Shigekuni."

Interrupting Chojirou, Anba placed both hands on the floor and bowed deeply, showing the utmost respect for Yamamoto Shigekuni.

Of course—who in the Soul Society didn’t know this Soul Reaper of tremendous power? His name and reputation rivaled even that of the current Head Captain of the Seireitei.

The paper door slid shut softly, restoring calm to the room.

"Lord Fumizusai, are you really planning to go?" Chojirou was somewhat uneasy.

Because of himself, he might have seriously affected Yamamoto Shigekuni’s state of mind. He was truly afraid—if Yamamoto Shigekuni declined to become Head Captain because of him, then even knowing the manga’s developments would be pointless.

Wouldn’t his own life hang by a thread at any moment?

"This is something that cannot be refused," Yamamoto Shigekuni replied with a trace of melancholy, exhaling deeply. Turning to Chojirou, he added, "You'll come with me too, Chojirou."

"Eh? Me?"

This was an invitation from the Head Captain and the Central Forty-Six—surely it wasn’t appropriate for a nobody like him to tag along... These were thoughts he kept to himself, lacking the courage to voice them.

But Chojirou’s expression said enough.

This youngster still had much to learn.

Yamamoto smirked inwardly.

"As my right hand, being present at a time like this is the least you can do."

As his right hand... Did that mean Yamamoto Shigekuni still acknowledged him?

"Yes, sir!"

Hand resting on the hilt at his waist, Chojirou hurried after Yamamoto...

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Seireitei.

As the power that protected not only the Soul Society but the living world as well, it was always revered by every soul in existence.

Among its core, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads’ thirteen captains represented the highest fighting force in all of Soul Society.

The Head Captain was the supreme authority ruling and leading this core strength. Not even the Central Forty-Six could directly command these thirteen captains.

To transfer the position of Head Captain to Yamamoto Shigekuni signified an immense recognition and respect from all of Soul Society.

First Division Captain’s Office.

"Welcome, Yamamoto Shigekuni."

An elderly man with hair as white as snow stood in the center of the room. The moment Yamamoto Shigekuni and Chojirou entered, his gaze fell upon them.

Sharp eyes, a straight posture, and an air of overwhelming strength radiated from this old man whose true power was unknown.

"It’s been a long time, Lord Yasuda." A smile curled at Yamamoto Shigekuni’s lips; it was the first time Chojirou had ever seen him smile.

Yamamoto Shigekuni knew this formidable elder?

"Idiot..." Chojirou muttered to himself. What a foolish question. Who in Soul Society didn’t know Yamamoto Shigekuni? And the title of Head Captain was no small matter either—of course these two would know each other.

"And this young man is...?"

Head Captain Yasuda glanced at Chojirou, raising a brow slightly. He knew Yamamoto Shigekuni’s character well; any youth who earned his respect could not be ordinary.

"My follower."

"That’s too disrespectful, Lord Fumizusai!"

To call him a mere follower without hesitation—did he really have so little standing?

"Ha ha, keep your composure, young man," Head Captain Yasuda chuckled, eyes narrowing. "There aren’t many whom Yamamoto Shigekuni would call his follower. It seems you have something special about you as well."

"Uh, well..." Chojirou scratched his head awkwardly. He did indeed have something special—his identity as a transmigrator...

"Back to the matter at hand—you’ve met my vice-captain, I presume? So..."

Yasuda slightly opened his eyes, a strange fervor glinting within.

"What is your answer, Yamamoto Shigekuni?"