To be fair, every word spoken by Tokikaze was true, and every sentence came from the heart.
However, this seemingly ordinary speech carries completely different meanings for different people.
Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni nodded in satisfaction; the current situation was indeed unusual.
Captain Tokikaze surprisingly did not dissent this time, a rare occurrence.
As a Captain, that was how it should be.
While the Central 46 Chambers may seem conservative, they still had some merits.
If they continued to behave as they did in the last Underground Assembly, the Central 46, as the highest judicial authority in the Soul Society, might lose face in the days to come.
The regulations of the Soul Society would also suffer a severe blow.
At that time, the heavy burden would squarely fall on his shoulders.
Thinking about this, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's gaze towards Tokikaze softened a bit.
In the surface, you have chosen to bear the responsibility of guarding the Soul Society.
Kyoraku Shunsui, on the other hand, was holding some wild grass he plucked from somewhere, surveying Tokikaze with an eerie look, as if he didn't recognize this person.
Others might not notice it, but as Tokikaze's mentor and friend, he surely understood.
On the surface, the words seem fine, but in reality, they were subtly mocking the decisions of the Central 46.
You see, Urahara Kisuke, who was accused of conducting Hollowfication experiment, causing significant turmoil in the Soul Society, leading to heavy losses for the Gotei 13.
If someone like Mayuri Kurotsuchi received such praise, it was likely not a benevolent character.
Kyoraku Shunsui secretly determined in his heart that regarding intelligence gathering, extra attention would be given to the upcoming 12th Division and the Research and Development Institute.
As someone with a history in the Nest of Maggots, it was better to observe for some more time.
"I object!"
Another voice rang out, once again drawing the attention of the Captains.
With bobbed hair and snake-like bells dangling to her back, the petite figure of Soifon stood out among the other Captains. Her imposing aura was particularly conspicuous.
Captain of the 2nd Division, Soifon.
Her gaze was sharp, expression serious, and every word was meticulous: "Mayuri was from the Nest of Maggots, and it was Urahara Kisuke who gets him out, that act alone is against regulations! And now that Urahara Kisuke has betrayed us, Mayuri should be arrested again!"
Soifon believed she was judging this matter from the perspective of the greater good, considering the entire Soul Society.
As the Captain of the 2nd Division, she knew well the danger and nature of those from the Nest of Maggots.
She didn't think that Mayuri would restrain herself or change his past behavior and habits after being released.
Soifon prided herself on being the least tolerant of traitors. Anyone or anything related to traitors should face severe punishment.
This statement was directed at the regulations rather than the issue of Urahara Kisuke being a traitor.
"Reasonable." Kyoraku Shunsui nodded thoughtfully, "It's truly a troublesome matter! Ukitake, what do you think?"
Ukitake Jushiro, with a pale complexion, prepared to express his opinion when, in succession, he erupted into a violent cough, as if he was about to cough up his lungs.
Seeing this, Kyoraku Shunsui didn't mind. He walked over to him and skillfully pounded Ukitake Jushiro's back.
"Cough, I... cough, I think both of you have valid points."
Ukitake Jushiro, being the kind-hearted Captain among them, chose not to offend either side.
"Perhaps we should consider a compromise."
Since the incident involving his older brother, Ukitake Jushiro had voluntarily submitted a trial request to the Central 46 Chambers.
He believed that this matter had some connection to him.
But due to various considerations, the Central 46 Chambers did not respond to this.
Ukitake Jushiro remained the Captain of the 13th Division, a sickly and kind-hearted old man.
The incident was left unresolved behind the scenes.
Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni lowered his eyelids, half-closed his eyes, and listened attentively to everyone's opinions.
While his character might seem a bit old-fashioned, he was not the type to be stubborn and inflexible.
The opinions of the Captains still had some merit, so the matter was still under discussion.
"I will follow whatever Commander-Captain decides!"
Komamura Sajin, the faithful supporter of Yamamoto Genryusai, expressed his opinion, firmly standing by the side of the Commander-Captain.
"It's truly a headache..." A voice expressing annoyance contrasted sharply with others, "Encountering such a tricky choice right after taking office!"
Shunsui Kyoraku scratched his head, his long eyes squinting as usual, making it hard to discern his thoughts: "It's really difficult to decide."
"But, I prefer to trust Captain Tokikaze's judgment."
"I'm with Captain Soifon!" Shiba Isshin raised his right hand high. "I forgot to mention earlier, but a team patrolling near the 12th Division recently found the remains of an unidentified creature. Through various inquiries and investigations, it may be related to Mayuri."
Hearing these words, Soifon's eyes brightened, and she clenched her fist beneath the large sleeves of her Captain's haori.
"I also support Captain Soifon's idea."
At this moment, Aizen's expression was stern, and the gaze under his plain glasses was filled with determination:
"As Captains, we need to be responsible for our men and the civilians of Rukongai."
Kyoraku Shunsui chewed on a root, surveyed the surroundings, and said vaguely, "It seems that both sides are at a standstill in their opinions."
"After all, my thoughts align with Ukitake's."
Due to the Unohana Retsu and Ginrei Kuchiki's lack of interest in this matter, as well as the absence of Zaraki Kenpachi, the discussion on this matter had directly reached a deadlock.
Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni spoke slowly, "I have heard everyone's opinions."
"Regarding this matter, there are indeed some deficiencies in the considerations, so..."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping around, "Extend the observation period for Mayuri by three months. This matter will be handled by Captain Soifon of the 2nd Division and Captain Tokikaze of the 9th Division!"
As he finished speaking, Tokikaze subconsciously looked towards Soifon's location.
Soifon also looked in his direction.
Their gazes met in the air, almost sparking a collision.
Of course.
Soifon's gaze was more of underestimating Tokikaze's abilities.
Tokikaze, on the other hand, didn't think too much about it; he just felt a bit irritated. Clearly, he was subtly mocking Mayuri, so how did it end up being blamed on him?
He now seriously thought that Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had some grudges against him.
During this time, his mind was filled with thoughts on how to protect the Soul Society better, from dealing with rebellions to resolving the issues in the 11th Division.
Even the Noble Clans didn't get any special treatment.
Looking around, which Captain was as dedicated and responsible as him?