But this was either a battle sanctioned by the Central 46 or a formal duel initiated by the opposing party…
You couldn't blame Captain Akira for it.
"Apologies," Akira said calmly. "The Sixth Division will cover all costs for repairing your station."
With that, he gave a slight nod and leapt away toward his quarters.
The gathered captains watched his retreating figure, their expressions a mix of wariness and reluctant respect.
"I always assumed Akira rose to captain solely because of his overwhelming reiatsu and the unique power of his Zanpakutō," one murmured. "But I never expected his combat instincts and tactical precision to be this refined…"
"At this point, no one can deny it—Captain of the Sixth Division or not, his strength is comprehensive."
"And today marks a historic moment," another added, voice low. "A Shinigami who attained captaincy without Bankai… has finally chosen to fight in earnest."
---
Daytime.
Akira arrived at the Fourth Division barracks.
He had two purposes: first, to formally inform Byakuya Kuchiki of personnel changes within the Sixth Division; second, to check on the condition of Zaraki Kenpachi, who'd been injured during recent unrest.
"Captain Akira," came a voice laced with exasperation. "Do you have any idea how much chaos you've caused for my division?"
Unohana Retsu stood in the corridor, her usual serene demeanor edged with unmistakable reproach.
Akira gave a wry chuckle. "What was I supposed to do? Stand there and take it?"
He added, more lightly, "Besides—it was only two people, right?"
Unohana's eyes narrowed. "Only two? When you and Byakuya fought, the mere aftershocks of your reiatsu injured dozens during the evacuation. And now Kenpachi's in recovery because he tried to 'test' you afterward."
She sighed, the weight of her words softening slightly. "I never thought I'd go from treating two captains of the Sixth Division—you and Gin, back in the day—to now treating captains injured by the Sixth Division's current captain. And all within a week."
The silence that followed was thick. Akira cleared his throat.
"Well… point taken," he admitted.
Unohana gestured down the hall. "Byakuya is in the private ward. Try not to break anything else on your way in."
With a nod, she turned and left to attend to her duties.
---
Akira pushed open the door.
The room was more akin to a noble's study than a hospital ward—polished wood, silk drapes, and a low table bearing untouched tea. Of course; Byakuya Kuchiki would receive no less.
"I hope I'm not intruding, Kuchiki," Akira said.
Byakuya, seated with perfect posture, looked up. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes—gone in an instant. After a measured pause, he inclined his head.
"No, Captain. What brings you here?"
He did not dwell on defeat. Akira had claimed the Sixth Division through Gotei 13's established protocols; to question it would be beneath him.
"I've finalized the vice-captain appointment," Akira said. "I've chosen you."
Byakuya gave no outward reaction—but that was expected. Beneath the stoicism, he understood the implication: this wasn't a demotion. Among all Shinigami in the Sixth Division, none matched his discipline, lineage, or combat prowess. The position was his by right.
"I accept your trust," Byakuya replied. Then, after a beat: "What of Abarai?"
"He'll take Third Seat," Akira said. "It was my former post—so it's hardly a slight. In fact, given how close he is to mastering Bankai, it's a strong position for him to grow from."
Byakuya gave a slow, approving nod. "Abarai will serve well."
When Akira considered the future of the Sixth Division, a quiet satisfaction settled over him. With at least three shinigami of captain-level strength—and himself at the helm—the division would become an unmatched force within the Gotei 13.
"I understand. I'll return to my duties once I've recovered," Byakuya Kuchiki said with a measured nod.
The matter was settled. Akira had his reasons. The Sixth Division had always been intertwined with the noble houses, and in all of Soul Society's history, its captaincy had never been held by a commoner. Appointing Byakuya as vice-captain would not only ensure internal stability but also reassure the nobility that their influence remained intact.
After parting ways with Byakuya, Akira was heading back to the division barracks when his Observation Haki prickled—something was approaching at blinding speed.
"Captain Akira."
The presence carried no hostility, and Akira recognized the figure immediately: Chōjirō Sasakibe, lieutenant of the First Division.
"What is it? Did the Captain-Commander send you?" Akira asked.
"Yes," Chōjirō replied. "He requests the presence of both you and Vice-Captain Kuchiki tomorrow. I was tasked with delivering the message."
Thanks to the Kuchiki Clan's extensive resources, Byakuya's recovery was progressing rapidly. Though not yet fit for combat, he could move without restriction.
"Understood," Akira said.
He didn't ask for details—he already had a good idea why Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni wanted to see them. After all, it had been some time since Rukia Kuchiki was dispatched to the Human World.
That night, Akira sat in the quiet of his courtyard, watching the day fade.
[Congratulations, Host! You have survived another day and earned a lottery reward!]
Without hesitation, he tapped the interface. The wheel spun and came to a stop.
[Congratulations! You have obtained the elite ability: "Zanpakutō Talent"!]
Akira blinked in mild surprise.
It had been a while since he'd drawn an elite-tier ability. Rare, yes—but undeniably potent.
"The odds still haven't improved much… but I suppose that's inevitable. I've grown too strong—there aren't many situations that truly threaten my survival anymore."
The second reason for his surprise was simpler: he'd never seen this ability before. Was it even a standard skill?
"Zanpakutō Talent… Does this mean my connection with my zanpakutō will deepen?"
He closed his eyes and focused. Immediately, he felt it—an unmistakable resonance, sharper and clearer than before. The ability didn't just strengthen his bond with his sword; it dramatically accelerated his capacity to unlock and master its techniques.
"If this wasn't even listed in my system panel before… does that mean my natural talent was below average? No wonder I never achieved Shikai…"
He drew his still-sealed zanpakutō and studied it in the moonlight.
"This ability… This is exactly what I needed."