Bleach: The Two Gods of One Family

"Gotei 13 public praise?"

"I thought that after Central 46 handed down the verdict, the Captain would let this matter end there."

"Central 46's decision cannot be disputed, but team awards are still acceptable."

"Even the Commander-in-Chief can only do this, otherwise, other Shinigami will be disappointed."

Some officials who didn't know the inside story thought this secretly in their hearts.

Although it was praised by the team, many people still felt that Seireitei was unfair and felt sorry for Aiyan.

He was obviously a hero who turned the tide, but what he received was not a reward, but a trial.

Even though he was merely fined half a year's salary in the end, it still made them, the grassroots Shinigami, feel chilled and conflicted.

As strong as Aiyan was, he still received such unfair treatment just because of his Rukongai background.

What if it were them?

At this moment, they were increasingly dissatisfied with Central 46, but dared not speak out.

"In view of Captain Aiyan's contribution to Soul Society, I decided to grant him the status of an intermediate noble and the title of Shinigami Hero."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni looked down at the audience, seemingly aware of the thoughts of the Shinigami officials, and then made an astonishing announcement, word by word.

"What?"

"Wasn't it just a verbal team commendation and a mild punishment?"

"How did it end up with him being promoted and even granted noble status?"

"A few days ago, he was fined half a year's salary, and today he's promoted to a mid-level noble?"

"The extraordinary promotion of noble status requires the approval of Central 46."

"And the title of Shinigami Hero — that's a supreme honor that Seireitei has never had in thousands of years!"

Except for the Gotei captains and Lieutenants who had already learned the inside story at the dinner, the other Shinigami couldn't help but burst into an uproar when they heard about Aiyan's reward.

They had all thought Aiyan's achievements had been buried and would not be recognized.

Unexpectedly, within a few days, he transformed into a mid-level noble and obtained the title of Shinigami Hero.

This situation had never happened before since the founding of Seireitei.

However, after a brief moment of shock, all the Shinigami present smiled, feeling happy from the bottom of their hearts that Aiyan could win this honor.

No way.

Although Aiyan rose to the top in one fell swoop and became a Gotei captain after graduating, he rarely had contact with lower-level Shinigami. However, due to his astonishing promotion speed, unparalleled strength, and proud achievements, he became the Shinigami idol and pursued by those from Rukongai.

In addition, he also had a younger brother who was often active among the grassroots.

Aizen Sōsuke.

To describe it in one sentence: he was the Shinigami version of "Timely Rain."

Anyone in need of help would receive generous support as long as they turned to Aizen.

This also indirectly led to Aiyan, who had little direct contact with ordinary members and Shinigami officials, receiving unanimous praise from every Shinigami rank — captain, Lieutenant, chief officer, and ordinary Gotei 13 members alike.

Aiyan's strength and achievements.

Aizen's character and reputation.

Shinigami from Rukongai saw hope in them.

Even without a noble birth, they could still climb step by step to the top of Seireitei.

"Headmaster."

When Aiyan walked up to Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, he still called him by this unique title.

"Are you going to face me like this?"

"Where's the captain haori?"

"Don't tell me you really threw it away."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni glanced at Aiyan's clean black death uniform. As a perfectionist who cared about details, he still felt annoyed by it.

"Captain Aiyan."

At this moment, a voice came from behind the crowd.

When everyone looked back, few recognized the man's name, but from his appearance, clothing, and the iconic scarf called Silver-White Windflower Gauze — symbolizing the heir of the Kuchiki family — people instantly recognized Byakuya Kuchiki.

Although the Kuchiki family no longer held its former status among the four nobles, their background remained. In addition, Byakuya Kuchiki and Aiyan were classmates, and he still held a certain standing in the Shinigami nobles' circle.

"Your Excellency, Captains."

"Forgive my rudeness, Byakuya."

Byakuya Kuchiki first abided by etiquette and bowed to the Gotei captains, apologizing for breaking into the first squad and interrupting the ceremony. Then he quickly walked up to the loft of the first squad, holding a captain haori in both hands, all the way up to Aiyan.

"Captain Aiyan."

"This is the captain haori you left behind."

"In my opinion, only you are worthy of it."

Finished.

Byakuya Kuchiki leaned over, raised his hands high, and held the captain haori in front of Aiyan. His words and actions showed his utmost sincerity.

"Sorry to trouble you, Kuchiki-san."

Aiyan chuckled, then took the captain haori from Byakuya Kuchiki. Under the gaze of hundreds of Shinigami filled with awe, admiration, and respect — along with applause that seemed to shake the heavens — he re-draped the captain haori that he had once discarded at the Kuchiki mansion.

"The captain haori — how can you treat it like a child's toy?"

"You must never abandon it so carelessly again."

"Captain Aiyan."

After seeing Aiyan put on the haori again, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni found it pleasing to the eye no matter how much he looked at it. A small smile appeared on his originally stern face.

Of course, he still had to scold what needed to be scolded.

Otherwise, if everyone followed Aiyan's example and started throwing away haori whenever they felt like it, he would have the strength, but as the Gotei commander, he would not be able to lead properly.

"I understand, Headmaster."

Aiyan took a few steps back discreetly to avoid Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's spit from landing on his face.

"As the captain of the fifth division, it's time for you to appoint a Lieutenant."

"You can't do everything yourself."

"You have to personally handle every little thing."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni couldn't help but remind him when he saw that there was no one standing behind Aiyan. Unlike the other captains, all of whom had a Lieutenant following them.

"It's indeed time to find a Lieutenant."

After hearing this, Aiyan pondered for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

Lieutenant?

It was indeed time to appoint one, but he had no intention of choosing from Division 5 or Gotei 13.

For no other reason.

Although this generation of Gotei captains had produced many legendary Shinigami, it had also produced many hidden Talents

For example, the "Reiatsu measurement unit" Muguruma Kensei.

For example, "Shikai for bosses, Bankai for minions" Hirako Shinji.

For example, the "battlefield commentator" Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō.

And so on, and so forth.

Under the leadership of such Gotei captains, dreaming of finding a Shinigami capable of being a Lieutenant within Gotei 13 was unrealistic.

"Don't be too harsh."

"You can't expect every Shinigami to be as outstanding as your brother."

"You just need someone who can fulfill the duties of a Lieutenant."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni seemed aware that he had led many Gotei captains and officers, so this time he slightly lowered the standards for Aiyan's Lieutenant selection.

"Headmaster, I disagree with you. Soul Society still has many talents."

Aiyan shook his head and said profoundly.

Yes.

It was true that the captains, Lieutenants, and chief officers of this generation generally fell short, but that didn't hinder the fact that Soul Society was indeed full of talents.

It's just that they weren't in Gotei 13, let alone among the nobles — they were all gathered elsewhere.

Where?

Maggot's Nest.

And Rukongai.

In one sentence.

Masters is in the squad, the Hidden Talents are in prison, and the geniuses are wandering outside.

...

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