About half a day later—
after Bai Chen and Shiba Isshin returned to the Soul Society and reported everything to the Head Captain—
the situation escalated immediately.
The incident had been sudden and severe.
It involved a Vasto Lorde-level Hollow, and more importantly—
it exposed Tōsen Kaname as the traitor manipulating events from the shadows.
Given how deeply this threatened the stability of the Gotei 13, the Head Captain wasted no time.
A Captain's Meeting was convened.
On the corridor leading to the First Division headquarters—
Shunsui Kyōraku let out a long sigh.
"…I really didn't expect this."
"Tōsen Kaname… the man known for his sense of justice… turned out to be a traitor."
"When this gets announced… more than ninety percent of the Gotei 13 will have their worldview shattered."
Beside him, Jūshirō Ukitake frowned deeply.
"Even knowing Bai Chen went to the Human World…"
"I never imagined it would turn into something this massive."
"This incident… it's far beyond anything we expected."
What was supposed to be a simple investigation—
had uncovered a hidden conspiracy.
And even eliminated the mastermind.
Soon—
inside the meeting hall—
all the captains stood in formation.
At the center, leaning on his staff formed from Ryūjin Jakka—
the Head Captain spoke in a deep, commanding voice:
"This emergency meeting has been convened to discuss the aftermath of the traitor Tōsen Kaname's death."
Bai Chen and Isshin stood separately at the front.
All eyes were on them.
A report was delivered.
The surveillance data from Karakura Town had been verified.
Everything matched Bai Chen and Isshin's account.
Tōsen Kaname had indeed colluded with Hueco Mundo—
and attempted to escape using the Negación (Rejection).
With that—
the truth was set in stone.
Bai Chen and Isshin were completely cleared of any suspicion.
The Head Captain nodded.
"I understand."
"Since Tōsen Kaname has been confirmed as a traitor… and is now dead…"
"The position of Captain of Squad Nine is now vacant."
He paused deliberately—
his gaze sharp.
"Bai Chen—"
"You exposed the traitor."
"You eliminated him."
"And you prevented his escape."
"Your contributions are clear to all."
The captains were already anticipating what came next.
Kyōraku stepped forward with a faint smile.
"So, Head Captain…"
"You intend to promote Bai Chen… and have him fill the position of Squad Nine Captain, correct?"
The Head Captain nodded.
"Whether in strength or merit—"
"Bai Chen is fully qualified to become a captain."
"Does anyone have objections?"
Silence.
No one objected.
Then—
Kenpachi Zaraki spoke bluntly:
"Objections?"
"What objections could there be?"
"If anyone's unhappy—go fight him."
"I don't think anyone here can beat him in a one-on-one."
His words were crude—
but undeniably true.
Even if it bruised a few egos—
no one refuted him.
And just like that—
the decision was finalized.
Bai Chen was officially promoted to Captain of Squad Nine.
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