Chereads / Bleach: the shades of darkness / Chapter 22 - chapter 22: Meeting the head captain

Chapter 22 - chapter 22: Meeting the head captain

Within moments, the First Division headquarters came into view. The building was imposing, its architecture reflecting the weight of the centuries it had stood. Yami had never been this close to it before, and the sight made him acutely aware of the significance of the place. This was the heart of the Gotei 13, where the seat of the most powerful shinigami in the soul society resided .

 Captain Ryoma slowed as they approached the massive doors that led to the Head Captain's office, his expression becoming more serious. Yami landed softly beside him.

As they reached the door, it swung open, revealing a man standing in the doorway. He was of average height, with short silver-gray hair, a small black handlebar mustache, and pupil-less eyes that gave him an almost ethereal appearance. His lightly tanned skin contrasted with the white jinbaori he wore over his standard Shinigami shihakushō. Long white arm guards extended up his forearms, and a white turtleneck peeked out from under his uniform. The lieutenant's armband on his left arm marked his rank unmistakably.

Yami's looked at the man with a calm look and thought to himself that there was no mistaking who this was:, Sasakibe Chōjirō, the lieutenant of the First Division and the man who most shinigami don't know had given Head Captain Yamamoto the scar on his head a testament to his skill and strength.

Sasakibe's eyes flicked between Ryoma and Yami, his expression calm but inquisitive. He greeted Ryoma with a respectful nod. "Captain Ryoma, welcome. Head Captain Yamamoto is expecting you."

Ryoma returned the nod. "Thank you, Sasakibe. We're here to report on the mission in Hueco Mundo."

Sasakibe's gaze shifted to Yami, his expression betraying a hint of confusion. It was clear he hadn't been informed of Yami's presence here. He looked back at Ryoma, his eyebrows raised slightly in a questioning manner.

Ryoma, noticing the unspoken question, responded with a grin. "Sasakibe, this is Yami, my new lieutenant. He's here to report with me and receive his lieutenant badge."

Sasakibe's expression softened into a smile, and he gave Yami a nod of approval. "Ah, I see. Welcome, Lieutenant Yami. I am Sasakibe Chōjirō, Lieutenant of the First Division." His voice was smooth and composed, carrying a subtle authority.

Yami bowed deeply, his respect for the man evident. "It is an honor to meet you, Lieutenant Sasakibe. I am Yami, Lieutenant of the 11th Division."

Sasakibe's smile widened slightly, and he gestured toward the doors. "Please, come in. We're just waiting for Captain Akiro."

As if on cue, the sound of footsteps approaching quickly reached their ears. Captain Akiro, his usual easygoing demeanor in place, appeared around the corner. He waved cheerfully, though there was a slight sheepishness in his smile. "Sorry I'm late! Got caught up in some paperwork."

Sasakibe merely smiled in response, stepping aside to allow them to enter. "No need to apologize, Captain Akiro. The Head Captain is ready to see you."

With that, Sasakibe led them through the doors and into the inner sanctum of the First Division. The hallways were quiet, the walls lined with ancient tapestries depicting the long history of the Gotei 13. Yami couldn't help but feel in awe of the centuries of tradition as they walked down the hallway and thought to himself how most of the stuff he has seen wasnt shown in the anime .

The journey to the Head Captain's office felt both brief and eternal. Before long, they reached the massive double doors that marked the entrance to the Head Captain's private chambers. Sasakibe stepped forward and knocked lightly, the sound barely audible in the thick silence.

A deep, gravelly voice called from within, "Enter."

Sasakibe pushed the doors open, and they stepped inside.

The room was vast, yet sparse, the space dominated by the presence of a single figure seated at the far end. The man sat in a meditative posture, his back straight, shoulders squared, and head bowed slightly. His bald head gleamed in the low light, and his long white beard, secured by a purple band, flowed down his chest. His shihakushō was traditional, but the captain's haori draped over his back was of a size that seemed almost exaggerated, as if it had been made for a giant.

Yami's breath hitched as he took in the sight of the man before him. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the Head Captain of the Gotei 13, was the epitome of power and authority. Even in his seated position, with his old, frail appearance, there was an undeniable aura of strength surrounding him,an overwhelming spiritual pressure that made the air in the room thick and heavy as well as the air in the room dry.

The most striking feature, however, was the pair of long scars that crossed above Yamamoto's right eye, one of which Yami knew had been left by Sasakibe himself in a fierce spar where Chōjirō displayed his bankai to Yamamoto for the first time. These scars served as a reminder of Yamamoto's vast experience and indomitable spirit, despite his advanced age.

As Yami's eyes took in every detail of the Head Captain, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and excitement . This was the man who had led the Gotei 13 for over a thousand years, the strongest Shinigami in the Soul Society. Despite his slouched posture, Yamamoto's presence filled the room, making it clear that he was a force to be reckoned with.

Ryoma and Akiro immediately dropped to one knee, bowing their heads in deep respect. Yami, following their lead, knelt as well, his calmness observing the Head Captain. Yami knew even though he had faced a few powerful opponents before, nothing yet had compared to the sheer presence of the Head Captain.

"Head Captain Yamamoto," Ryoma began, his voice steady but respectful. "We've returned from Hueco Mundo and are here to give our report."

Akiro echoed the sentiment, his usual lighthearted tone tempered by the gravity of the situation. "Head Captain, it's good to see you again. We've successfully completed our mission."

Yami, feeling the weight of the moment, spoke up as well, his voice slightly lower than usual. " Greetings Head Captain Yamamoto, I am Yami, the new lieutenant of the 11th Division. It is an honor to meet you ."

Yamamoto, who had been silent until now, opened his eyes and looked directly at Yami. His gaze was piercing, his red eyes seeming to bore into Yami's very soul. For a moment, Yami felt as though he was being weighed and measured, his every flaw and strength laid bare before the Head Captain.

Yamamoto's expression remained inscrutable, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Yami. There was no malice in his gaze, but the intensity was enough to make Yami's heart race. After what felt like an eternity, Yamamoto gave a single nod, acknowledging Yami's presence.

"Lieutenant Yami," Yamamoto's voice was deep, carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom and authority. "I see. So you are Ryoma's new lieutenant." His tone was neutral, but there was an undercurrent of something Yami couldn't quite place,curiosity, perhaps. Yamamoto turned to Ryoma and said, "I thought you didn't need a lieutenant, Ryoma ."

Before Captain Ryoma could respond, Captain Akiro stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Head Captain, if I may," Akrio said, his voice as respectful as ever. "Lieutenant Yami has shown great promise. Captain Ryoma and Captain and i have seen what he is capable of during our time in hueco mundo and under me in the 10th division he has already proven himself capable in the short time he has served."

Yamamoto's gaze shifted to Captain Akiro , and for a moment, there was a silent exchange between the two men. Yami couldn't read the Head Captain's expression, but Akiro's tone carried a subtle note of reassurance, as if he was vouching for Yami.

Yamamoto nodded again, his attention returning to Yami. "Very well," he said, his voice firm. "I will be watching your progress closely, Lieutenant Yami."

Yami felt a surge of relief at the Head Captain's words. To be under Yamamoto's scrutiny was both an honor and a drag especially if you were close to the old man , so Yami knew he would have to work hard to live up to the expectations placed upon him.

With that, Yamamoto turned his attention back to Ryoma and Akiro. "Now, the report. Tell me everything."

Ryoma and Akiro exchanged a glance before Ryoma began to speak. He detailed the mission to Hueco Mundo, describing the Hollow activity they had encountered and the measures they had taken to neutralize the threats. Akiro added his observations, providing additional context and insight into the mission's success.

As they spoke, Yami listened intently, absorbing every detail. He had been part of the mission, of course, but hearing the captains' analysis of the events gave him a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. It was a reminder of just how much he still had to learn, as a member of the Gotei 13.

Throughout the report, Yamamoto remained silent, his expression unreadable. He listened with the focus of a seasoned warrior, his gaze never wavering from the speakers. When they had finished, he nodded once more, signaling that the report had been received.

"Good work," Yamamoto said simply. "But remember, the peace we protect is fragile. We must always be vigilant, never letting our guard down." His voice was a low rumble, carrying the weight of experience. "The balance between worlds is delicate, and one misstep could lead to catastrophe."

Yami felt the full weight of the Head Captain's words settle over him. He thought of the dangers that awaited the Soul Society ,Aizenand his espada's , the rogue Shinigami, and finally about yhwach and the quincy . 

Yamamoto stood slowly, his movements deliberate and calm. "I trust you all will continue to serve the Soul Society with unwavering loyalty. The duty of the Gotei 13 is never-ending."

With those final words, the meeting was adjourned. The captains rose, bowing once more to Yamamoto before leaving the room. Yami lingered for a moment, his mind still processing everything he had witnessed and learned.

As he followed Ryoma and Akiro out of the Head Captain's office, he couldn't shake the feeling that his journey was just beginning. There was still so much more to discover, and he knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges that would test his strength and resolve.

But for now, Yami was ready. Ready to face whatever came next.

hope you guys enjoy hehe give me them powerstones hehe!!!!!