Before the Start of Canon: Captain Era
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First, regarding the outcome of the previous events.
About Miyako-san, to state the conclusion first, she is still working as a Soul Reaper.
For a while, it was tough for her, being constantly under surveillance and all.
After all, she went through the outrageous experience of being "taken over by a Hollow" once.
Even though I said "I removed everything," they naturally said "Show us proof."
There was a lack of support and guarantees.
What if we release her without proof, and she gets controlled again the next moment!? That became the issue.
So Squad 12 examined Miyako-san's body to check for safety, and surveillance eyes were constantly shining to ensure she wasn't controlled again.
By enduring such restrictive treatment, she somehow won her innocence.
However, it took quite a long time, and since a responsible position was problematic, she was removed from her seated officer position and became something like a chore person.
But perhaps I should say, that's Miyako-san for you. Even though she was a chore person, she apparently became something like "Squad 13's Mom."
It seems wearing an apron and cleaning suited her very well.
However, cooking was prohibited because poison might be mixed in. Too bad, I wanted to see Miyako-san cooking too...
Next is Kaien-san's Zanpakuto.
In the end, it didn't return after a night, a week, or even a month.
So it was decided that he would formally inherit Miyako-san's Zanpakuto.
We got permission from above too.
It seems Captain Ukitake worked hard. He was able to show a bit of his Captain-like side.
Well, both Ukitake-san and Kaien-san.
Right after that incident, there was a period where they were... spectacularly depressed.
Apparently, they were spectacularly lectured by Miyako-san after returning home.
Other than that...
That Hitsugaya from Squad 10 became a Captain.
Isn't that fine? Captain Isshin seemed to just be playing around anyway.
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"Airi, it is time to depart."
"Yes, Captain!"
Today, I am accompanying the Captain to Squad 1 from the morning.
However, I haven't heard what the business is. A little while ago, the Captain just told me, "I am going to Squad 1 on this day, so you come too."
Well, not stating the business means it's probably nothing major for me.
Along the way, the plum trees were blossoming.
It's already spring, after all. Soon, new students will enter the Academy. Newcomers will enter Squad 4 too.
I'm preparing properly for that side too.
I was surprised by the surprise enlistment of Hinamori-san and Kira-kun before.
I won't make the same mistake again!!
Arriving at the Squad 1 barracks... oh my, there's somewhat of a strange atmosphere.
"Airi, this way."
"Eh? Isn't that the courtyard...?"
"It is fine. Today, we are meeting here."
Prompted by the Captain, I walk.
I completely thought a Captains' meeting or something was scheduled.
So I thought the Captain would head to the usual room.
I thought a Vice-Captain like me would wait in the waiting room.
What event is happening in the courtyard...?
...Ah! Come to think of it, the Head Captain holds regular tea parties.
I had never participated, but that must be it!
I don't know manners or etiquette at all, but will I be okay...?
Thinking about that, I followed the Captain and proceeded through the courtyard—
"...Eh?"
—There, excluding Captain Unohana, all the Captains of each squad were assembled.
Everyone is lined up in a row, drifting somewhat of a tense atmosphere.
Um... what on earth is this air...?
"You are late, Unohana."
"I apologize. However, she is the guest of honor today. Please forgive this much."
"Guest of honor? ...Um, Captain? Did something happen?"
"...Don't tell me, you did not inform her of any details!?"
"In modern terms, it is called a 'surprise.' Besides, in this child's case, this much is fine."
"You..."
The Head Captain is holding his head in his hands.
The Captains around are also surprised like "You're kidding, right!?"
Amidst that, only Captain Unohana has a really nice smile.
I know that smile... I've seen it a few times...
Like when I was appointed Vice-Captain, or when Hinamori-san and the others enlisted...
At this point, I have absolutely nothing but a bad feeling!!
"Well, fine... we cannot pretend it did not happen now. The schedule afterward is packed, so we will perform the ceremony as planned."
...Tt!? Wh-What is going to happen!?!?
"Then, from now, we shall conduct the appointment ceremony."
Wow, the bad feeling has broken through the limits.
"Those present here may know, but—"
I didn't know.
"The other day, from Squad 4 Captain Retsu Unohana and other Captains, a recommendation was received for Squad 4 Vice-Captain Airi Yukawa to become Captain."
I didn't know?
"Receiving the recommendation, approval was also obtained from more than half of the other Captains. To begin with, the person in question has abundant experience as a Soul Reaper, and there are no problems with either track record or character. I have also heard from the Captain of the same squad that she has awakened Bankai, and decided that there are no objections, including the spiritual pressure dwelling in her body."
I didn't know!?
"Therefore, here, Squad 4 Vice-Captain Airi Yukawa's rank is advanced, and she is appointed as the new Captain of Squad 4."
"...Hah!? Eh...!?"
I understand we're in the middle of an important ceremony, I understand, but...
I let out a strange voice.
"Is something wrong? New Captain Yukawa?"
"N, No...! I apologize. Because it was so sudden, I was confused... I humbly accept the appointment of new Captain!!"
For the time being, I give a reply and attitude that are harmless.
A Vice-Captain being promoted directly to Captain is one of the common cases.
It's not particularly rare enough to make a fuss about.
What I'm concerned about is "then what happens to the current Captain."
Normally, the current Captain retires, so please take care of being the new Captain. That is common.
However, there is no way Captain Unohana would do something so common!
Because she even made the new Captain appointment a surprise!?
Then surely, something even more outrageous is waiting in the wings!!
No, scary... I don't want to hear... I want to go home...
"...No, should I call you Captain Yukawa? Congratulations. A load is off my mind as well."
"Thank you very much..."
Captain Unohana... or should I say former Captain?
Anyway, I listen to her words with a somewhat dazed mind.
What words will pop out next... it's a fear that puts a poor jack-in-the-box to shame!
"Um... if I am the new Captain of Squad 4, what will you do, Captain Unohana?"
"Ufufu... oh my, Captain Yukawa. The current me is not a Captain or anything. If anything, I am just a ronin (masterless samurai), you know?"
...There is no one whom those words suit less...
"T-Then, what will Unohana-san, who has become that ronin, do? A leisurely retirement life, or something?"
"No, no, I have finally become free. I thought I would clean up my lingering regrets."
"Lingering... regrets...?"
She answered while taking off the captain's haori, which is also proof of a Captain...
What on earth are lingering regrets? Just as I tilted my head—
"...Tsk!?"
"Tsk!!"
"Raaaah!!"
—I instinctively jumped back from the spot due to the dense presence that swelled up.
When I realized, Unohana-san was slashing at Captain Zaraki with her Zanpakuto in one hand, and Captain Zaraki had also drawn his sword with an instant reaction and blocked that blow.
What!? What happened!?
"Captain of Squad 11, Kenpachi Zaraki! I have kept you waiting. The time has finally come! I will take that head and the seat of Captain!!"
"...Heh!! I thought it was a boring event, but it suddenly got interesting!!"
So it came to that...
The two Soul Reapers were exchanging ferocious smiles over their Zanpakutos.
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