Chapter 568: Shockwaves Through Seireitei
Chapter 568: Shockwaves Through Seireitei
Whoosh!!
The first to arrive was the 5th Division Captain, Hirako Shinji.
He took a step and appeared on the roof of the Kendo Court, his hands tucked into his sleeves as he looked down at the courtyard below, where Fengye and Four Seasons Yard Nightone stood. "Do you need help, Miss Nightone?" he asked.
"No, thank you," Nightone replied, glancing sidelong at Shinji.
Although he didn't yet understand the specifics of the situation, Shinji had a general idea of what had transpired—someone had successfully trained and unleashed their Bankai here.
Whoosh! Whoosh!!!
Before long, other captains arrived, including the 8th Division's Kyoraku Shunsui, the 3rd Division's Rose, and the 9th Division's Kensei.
Fengye had already ceased maintaining his Bankai, 'Eternal Moment,' but the arriving captains' gazes immediately landed on him.
"It's been a while since we've seen a new Bankai," remarked Shunsui.
"I don't recognize it at all. It can't be one of this year's students, can it? That would be terrifying," added Rose.
The captains regarded Fengye with curiosity, solemnity, and astonishment. Fengye, unperturbed, stood his ground, his eyes sweeping over the captains' faces one by one.
Time ticked by.
The Head Captain, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni, and Retsu Unohana arrived from the east and west sides, respectively, reaching the courtyard at nearly the same time.
When Unohana first laid eyes on Fengye, a glint flashed in her eyes, but she quickly closed them, concealing her reaction. When she reopened her eyes, she had regained her composure.
She recognized Fengye.
Fengye's appearance and hairstyle were unchanged from five years ago, except for a slight alteration in his attire. Despite his apparent physical form, he had mysteriously transformed into a spiritual body. Yet, she was confident she hadn't mistaken his identity.
Firstly, it was highly improbable that someone would happen to look exactly like Fengye from five years ago and had also unleashed their Bankai within Seireitei. Secondly, her intuition told her that her judgment was correct.
"Well then..." Shigekuni began.
"Does anyone know what exactly happened here?" he asked, leaning on his cane as his eyes swept over the assembled captains and the stunned first-year students of Class 1, who were struggling to get back on their feet.
Nightone glanced at the nearby students, the other captains, and then at Fengye before stepping forward and patting her forehead. "I'll explain," she offered.
...
A moment later, the captains' expressions varied as they regarded Fengye, a hint of astonishment lurking in their eyes. To attain both Shikai and Bankai on the first day of handling an Asauchi—it was unprecedented in the history of Zanpakuto!
"What a terrifying talent," Shunsui commented, adjusting his straw hat.
Shinji, with his hands in his pockets, eyed Fengye. "It's not just terrifying; it's a dangerous talent."
Jushiro Ukitake, ever amiable, said gently, "A genius Shinigami who has broken all records since the academy's establishment."
"..."
Unohana remained silent, her gaze fixed on Fengye.
"Quiet!" Shigekuni finally spoke, rapping his cane on the ground to silence the captains' discussions. "To awaken Bankai on the first day of handling an Asauchi is indeed a testament to extraordinary aptitude and talent. However, remaining at the Gotei Academy is no longer appropriate."
It would be highly unsuitable to keep a Shinigami who had mastered Bankai in the Gotei Academy, as Fengye had already surpassed all the teachers in this regard and was on an entirely different level from the students.
"Since you've already mastered Bankai, it would be more fitting for you to become a full-fledged Shinigami and continue learning about the duties of a Shinigami on the job..." Shigekuni said.
Hearing Shigekuni's words, the captains exchanged glances.
While Fengye had indeed mastered Bankai, he couldn't become a captain immediately due to his lack of experience and qualifications. Thus, he would have to join one of the divisions as a regular member.
However, a Shinigami who had achieved Bankai was a unique case and would stand out in any division. As long as Fengye performed adequately and there was a vacant captain position in the future, he would likely be promoted.
Such an individual could not be a mere subordinate.
Welcoming such a presence into one's division would boost its overall strength, but it would also bring various challenges.
Currently, it was impossible to determine whether Fengye was a stable entity or a potential future criminal capable of wreaking havoc and causing dangerous situations. As captains, they would be responsible for whatever transpired after accepting Fengye into their division.
"Join my 2nd Division," Nightone said, her hands folded across her chest as she looked at Fengye. "Rest assured, since you entered with me, I'll take responsibility for you."
Fengye shot Nightone a glance, finding her words a bit odd.
It was no surprise that three captains extended invitations; after all, a Shinigami who had mastered Bankai could very well be a future captain, and they would all be interacting regularly.
Although everyone present knew nothing about Fengye, his mastery of Bankai meant he could be a future leader, and they would undoubtedly cross paths often.
Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni nodded, about to ask Fengye which division he preferred, when a gentle and refined voice piped up.
"You can join my division too."
The speaker was none other than the 4th Division Captain, Unohana Retsu. She gazed quietly at Fengye, her invitation seeming to stem purely from an appreciation of his talent. Her dark eyes were like serene pools, clear and gentle.
Shigekuni glanced at Unohana but didn't linger, scanning the other captains instead. Seeing no further offers, he turned to Fengye and asked, "So, you have a choice between the 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 10th Divisions... Which will it be?"
Fengye's gaze met Unohana's, and he offered her a friendly smile as if they were mere acquaintances. "Captain Unohana has a pleasant voice. However, since the 4th Division is the medical unit, I think I'll go with the 2nd Division."
"Good choice," approved Yoruichi, a hint of a smile on her face. "From now on, you're a member of the 2nd Division. I'll have Hinamori step down as vice-captain and give the position to you."
Fengye's decision to join her division didn't surprise Yoruichi; after all, she was the one who had recommended him for entry into the Seireitei. However, this meant that Hinamori would have to step down from her current position.
While the other two captains had directly offered Fengye the vice-captain role, it wouldn't do for her to not offer the same, especially given his exceptional talent.
Fengye tilted his head as he looked at Yoruichi and said, "Is that really alright?"
"It's fine. He's been wanting to retire anyway," Yoruichi assured him, lifting her chin slightly. A light smile graced her face as she continued, "From now on, follow me and learn, young one!"
Although Fengye's talent was formidable, and he had already mastered Bankai, he had merely stepped onto the threshold of captain-level power. Some captains had progressed even further, taking two or three steps beyond Bankai, so Fengye still had much to learn and was but a novice in Yoruichi's eyes.
Seeing Yoruichi take personal responsibility for Fengye, Shigekuni nodded his approval and then turned his attention to Lilys, who stood not far from Fengye.
Lilys, having achieved Shikai, had also met the graduation requirements. Graduating early wouldn't be an issue, and she could continue her studies at the academy if she preferred.
"Would you like to continue your studies at the academy or join the Gotei 13 early?" Shigekuni asked Lilys.
"I only want to be with my brother," Lilys replied calmly.
Yoruichi glanced at Lilys and smiled. "Well, the bond between you siblings is truly something. In that case, you can join us too."
Seeing their exchange, Shigekuni nodded. "Very well, then. Both of you will join the 2nd Division. Yoruichi, the rest is up to you."
As the head of one of the Four Great Noble Houses of Soul Society and a highly trusted captain of the Gotei 13, Yoruichi's strength was unquestionable. If Fengye showed any signs of misbehavior, she would undoubtedly be able to restrain him, even with his newly acquired Bankai.
"Let's go," Yoruichi said, beckoning to Fengye.
"To our barracks," she added, walking out of the courtyard.
Fengye followed Yoruichi, and as they reached the entrance, he turned to Unohana and offered her a smile before walking out with Yoruichi.
Unohana watched Fengye leave the courtyard, her eyes following him until he was out of sight. She closed her eyes briefly and then turned to leave as well. "If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way," she said.
"Let's go!" called out Hirako Shinji.
With Shigekuni's tacit approval, the captains began to disperse, heading out of the courtyard.
Outside, vice-captains from the various divisions of the Gotei 13 had gathered, awaiting their captains.
"Captain Hirako, how did it go?" inquired Aizen, stepping forward to meet Hirako.
Hirako walked past Aizen without pausing, yawning as he replied, "That guy joined the 2nd Division. Captain Yoruichi will have her hands full now."
He joined the 2nd Division, huh? Aizen thought to himself as he fell into step beside Hirako.
...
News of Fengye's achievement spread like wildfire through the Gotei 13 and the noble families of the Seireitei. On his first day at the Mao Spirit Academy, Fengye had not only received his Zanpakuto but also mastered both Shikai and Bankai.
In the 101,4927th year of the Soul Calendar, 2,014 years after the birth of Zanpakuto, the first person to achieve Bankai upon receiving their Zanpakuto was born. From this moment on, his name would be etched into the history of Soul Society.
The entire Seireitei was shaken by this development!
(End of Chapter)
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