Historically, there have been three official methods to appoint a captain in the Gotei 13.
The first is to pass the Captain Proficiency Examination, held under the supervision of three seated captains, including the Captain-Commander. The second is via a recommendation by at least six current captains, followed by approval from no fewer than three of the remaining six captains. The third—and most unorthodox—is the Kenpachi Succession Duel, a tradition unique to Squad 11, where a challenger may ascend to the captaincy by defeating the current Kenpachi in combat, in front of 200 members of Squad 11 and at least one other captain-level witness.
Although the final appointment is formalized by Central 46, their endorsement is largely symbolic. Lacking combat expertise, they cannot accurately judge combat capability. As long as a candidate satisfies one of the three methods and the First Division submits an official appointment letter, Central 46 typically approves without objection.
The sole exception is the Captain of the First Division—the position of Captain-Commander itself. That appointment bypasses the Gotei 13 altogether and is directly controlled by Central 46.
So, while the Gotei 13 recognizes three formal paths to becoming a captain, the First Division's leadership stands apart.
Now, Captain-Commander Yamamoto had invoked the Captain Proficiency Assessment, the first method.
The third method, the Kenpachi Challenge, could not be considered this time. Since Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was already imprisoned and no proper witnesses were present during his defeat, the duel was invalid under tradition. Even if Kyoraku Shunsui claimed that Gosuke Shigure had defeated Kenpachi, without the requisite conditions, the succession ceremony could not be officially recognized.
Despite that, Gosuke Shigure was undeniably the most suitable candidate at this moment.
The posts of Kenpachi and Captain of Squad 11 must not remain vacant. Squad 11—the combat spearhead of the Gotei 13—carries a burden no other division bears.
While it's tolerable for some squads to operate temporarily without a captain, Squad 11 is an exception. The absence of its leader demoralizes the entire unit, eroding its battle readiness—an unacceptable risk.
Thus, a new captain must be appointed swiftly.
The third method had to be discarded.
The second option—recommendation and consensus—was also impractical in this situation.
In the past, certain Shinigami had ascended to captaincy via unanimous endorsement, but those individuals had already achieved great renown and demonstrated clear captain-class strength.
Take, for instance, Chōjirō Sasakibe, the longtime vice-captain of Squad 1. If he were nominated, not a single captain would have objected. Sasakibe had served faithfully under Yamamoto since the Gotei 13's founding and possessed Bankai, though he rarely revealed it. He was senior to many seated captains and had long since earned the right to lead a division.
But Gosuke Shigure was different.
Though a vice-captain of Squad 11, the other captains lacked deep familiarity with his combat record. His true abilities were shrouded in uncertainty.
Neither his Zanpakutō's full capabilities nor the depth of his spiritual power had been widely observed or documented.
In such circumstances, a recommendation was out of the question.
Thus, only one method remained viable: the first.
An official Captain Proficiency Exam, conducted under the observation of three captains, including the Captain-Commander himself.
And the selected evaluators?
Captain Yamamoto had already made his decision.
---
Elsewhere, in the outer Rukongai wilderness—
Gosuke Shigure, acting commander of Squad 11, led his division in repelling yet another Hueco Mundo incursion.
This time, the enemy was led by an Adjuchas-class Menos Grande—a threat significantly greater than the Gillians commonly encountered.
Within the Seireitei and at the Shinō Academy, it is taught that Adjuchas-level Hollows possess strength comparable to lower-ranked captains.
Accompanying the Adjuchas were multiple Gillians—tall, monstrous Hollows cloaked in shadow. Many of Squad 11's officers mentally prepared themselves for death.
In the past, such dire situations wouldn't have rattled them. Under the protection of a true Kenpachi, even the strongest Hollows stood no chance. But now?
Their last two captains were gone.
One incarcerated, the other defeated.
Now, no one stood as their shield.
They had only themselves—and Gosuke Shigure.
Still, they resolved to hold the line until reinforcements arrived.
That was their initial thought.
But as despair began to fester, Gosuke revealed the truth of his strength.
With swift and lethal precision, he struck down Gillians like they were nothing more than overgrown beasts. His blade moved with purpose—decisive, fluid, and unstoppable.
Then came the clash with the Adjuchas.
The Hollow lunged forward, fierce and arrogant. But Gosuke met it mid-air, his Zanpakutō arcing like a comet across the battlefield. The strike tore through the air and hit its mark.
The Adjuchas, though smaller than the Gillians, had far greater spiritual pressure. It hadn't even begun devouring souls in the area before Gosuke's attack tore through its shoulder and down its chest.
Although High-Speed Regeneration, a known ability of higher-class Menos, began to heal the wound quickly, it wasn't enough.
Furious, the Adjuchas howled and prepared to retaliate.
But before it could act, Gosuke vanished in a flash step and reappeared at point-blank range. His Zanpakutō pierced straight through the Hollow's Hollow Hole—its symbolic weakness.
With a surge of spiritual pressure, Gosuke cleaved the Adjuchas in two from the core.
This time, the injury could not be regenerated.
The Adjuchas collapsed, dead before it hit the ground.
Though less visually imposing than the lumbering Gillians, its death sent shockwaves through the battlefield. The Reiatsu it had emitted had clearly surpassed its minions. But it had still been annihilated.
Silence.
Then, thunderous cheers erupted from Squad 11.
They had witnessed their vice-captain not only repel but annihilate a threat equal to a captain-class Hollow.
Their morale skyrocketed.
"Kill!"
Zanpakutō were raised in unison. The remaining Hollows were quickly overwhelmed as the Shinigami charged with newfound zeal.
By the time Kyoraku Shunsui arrived—alongside reinforcements from the 8th and 4th Divisions—the tide of battle had long since turned.
He surveyed the scene and smirked, brushing his haori lightly.
"Well now, looks like I'm late to the party," he said with a wry smile.
"But... judging by the result, maybe I shouldn't be surprised."