Ordinarily, a prodigy like Kyoraku Shimo—who had graduated ahead of schedule—would be honored with a formal welcome ceremony upon joining a Division.
However, due to Captain Unohana's overwhelming workload, the ceremony had been postponed until today.
Fourth Division Assembly Hall.
Seated officers and several squad leaders from the Healing Corps had all gathered together.
The hall was spacious, yet with so many people present, it didn't feel so roomy after all.
The crowd murmured with interest, curious about this new arrival—Kyoraku Shimo—who had joined the Fourth Division and already taken the position of Sixth Seat.
Still, most members of the Fourth Division weren't particularly ambitious or competitive.
So while there was curiosity, the overall reaction was relatively subdued.
As Unohana and Shimo entered the hall together, the low hum of conversation quickly died down.
The Fourth Division members held deep respect for Unohana.
However, their attention naturally shifted to the figure walking behind her.
A neatly-tailored Shihakushō. A simple, unadorned Zanpakutō.
There was nothing visually remarkable about Shimo's appearance.
Yet one detail caught everyone's eye—along with the Fourth Division badge on his shoulder, he also wore an insignia representing the noble Kyoraku Clan.
A noble of the highest class—Upper Noble House, the Kyoraku Family.
By tradition, nobles of such status usually chose to join the Sixth Division—the one favored by the aristocracy.
But Shimo had unexpectedly chosen the Fourth Division, a move that left everyone surprised.
Although puzzled, no one dared to step forward and ask.
The gap in status between them was like a deep chasm—one that kept them firmly on the other side.
Unohana slowly walked up to the platform, her gaze sweeping calmly over the assembly. Shimo and Seinosuke stood to either side of her.
Once she confirmed everyone had arrived, Unohana smiled and spoke:
"Yesterday, our Fourth Division welcomed a new member—Kyoraku Shimo!"
"Having passed the Kidō proficiency test administered by Vice-Captain Yamada Seinosuke, he has officially joined us as our Sixth Seat Officer."
Although most squad members didn't particularly concern themselves with seat rankings…
As captain, Unohana still felt obligated to offer an explanation.
After a brief introduction of Shimo, her tone shifted, steering the gathering toward its true purpose.
Her left hand rested gently on the hilt of her Zanpakutō, and her expression turned solemn.
"As you all know, Soul Society has long upheld a certain tradition."
"Although Shimo has directly assumed the Sixth Seat, he still retains the right to challenge for a higher seat through an official Seat Challenge Duel."
"Yesterday, he formally submitted his request to me."
"So today, in addition to the welcome ceremony—we shall also conduct a Duel for the Seat."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of unease rose in Seinosuke's heart.
He turned a cold gaze toward Shimo beside him—only to meet his calm and composed eyes directly.
That serene gaze, like sunlight through morning mist, made Seinosuke all the more uneasy.
"From this point onward, Shimo may issue a challenge to any officer ranked Fifth Seat or above."
"If he wins, he will replace them in that seat."
Unohana's eyes drifted across the officers present.
Some looked nervous. Others remained indifferent.
Unlike other Divisions known for their fierce internal rivalries, the Fourth Division had always been relatively peaceful.
As for the authority and status that came with being a seated officer…
Even Yamada Hanatarō, the current Seventh Seat, wasn't treated with more respect than an average squad member.
Some squad leaders within the Healing Corps—appointed directly by Unohana—held authority comparable to seated officers.
The only true position of distinction was the Liutenant.
Many of those present had already realized this.
Which was why their gazes gradually shifted toward Seinosuke.
At that moment, Seinosuke's expression was clouded, his eyes darting uncertainly—no one could guess what was going through his mind.
Unohana then turned her gaze to Shimo, speaking gently:
"Shimo, please go ahead and choose your opponent. Don't hold back."
Hearing this, Shimo glanced at Seinosuke beside him, then smiled—his lips spreading into a crescent grin, revealing a row of neat white teeth.
"Liutenant Yamada—please accept my challenge!"
Seinosuke's expression darkened further, but he said nothing.
Unohana continued smiling serenely, as if entirely unsurprised.
She had long anticipated Seinosuke's eventual departure from the Fourth Division. It was only natural to prepare for someone to take his place.
"Seinosuke, you know our Division has its own traditions."
Unohana looked at him and asked calmly:
"In a Seat Challenge Duel, the defender may choose the format of the battle."
"Would you prefer a Kaido contest or standard combat?"
Seinosuke flinched at the mention of Kaidō, recalling the impressive healing techniques Shimo had already demonstrated.
Even after serving as Liutenant for so many years, he still didn't feel confident he could surpass this freshly graduated newcomer in Kaidō arts.
"…I choose standard combat!"
After careful consideration, Yamada Seinosuke made his decision.
But in the next moment, he saw something strange—
A peculiar smile creeping across Shimo's face.
And it unsettled him more than anything else.
*Ps: Sorry for the late upload of bonus chap✌️
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