Itachi accompanied Unohana and the others to the First Division, and as darkness fell upon reaching the Seireitei. "We will meet with each captain and then discuss how we can proceed with your tests," Unohana stated as she led the way.
She briefly observed Yoruichi, who had been quiet since leaving Itachi's house, presumably still upset about Fugaku's words. Unohana kindly smiled at the Shihoin.
"That sounds reasonable, but I do have a question," Itachi inquired as he followed closely behind. "What is your question?" Unohana asked, glancing back at him.
Itachi nodded attentively. "I do not possess a Zanpakuto. So how can I become a captain?" he asked, casting his eyes upon the Zanpakutos wielded by the captains.
Unohana acknowledged his question and gave it careful consideration. "You will need to find a way to establish a connection with your Zanpakuto. Almost every Soul Reaper has one, and usually, the Zanpakuto will reach out to them," she explained. Itachi nodded, indicating his understanding. "And how will I know if a Zanpakuto is reaching out to me?" he inquired.
Unohana mentioned "your zenpakuto should provide you with a vision or attempt to communicate with you mentally. However, we can address that matter once you meet the other captains and progress accordingly. Lieutenant Kira will also be introduced to you," Unohana stated.
Itachi comprehended her words and observed Yoruichi, noticing that she did not possess a zenpakuto. He wondered where she kept hers, but chose not to question her, considering the stern expression she gave him.
Following the group, Yoruichi couldn't help but give Itachi a disapproving look. She was displeased with the comment made by his father, Fugaku. Although he was unaware of her identity, Yoruichi knew that information within the soul society spreads rapidly.
She attentively listened to the conversation between Itachi and Unohana. Once she assisted in bringing him to the head captain, Yoruichi planned to visit Kakuku's house and have a drink with her friend for a while.
"Once the group reached the first division, they halted in front of the double doors," Yoruichi announced, "Now that we've made it, I'll head to Kakuku for a while before checking on Soifon's squad." With that, she disappeared in a flash before anyone could respond.
Observing Yoruichi's departure, Itachi assumed she must have had other obligations and simply shrugged. He wondered if she wasn't particularly enthusiastic about sharing his sister with him.
"Don't mind Yoruichi," Unohana said, offering a slight smile. "She has an attachment to Captain Soifon and prefers not to share her, even with her own brother. The two of them have a close bond."
Itachi nodded, understanding Yoruichi's stance. He didn't blame her. As the large doors swung open, Itachi noticed the presence of the head captain, who beckoned them inside with a deep voice.
Following Unohana and the other two captains, Itachi entered the expansive room and saw an elderly man with visible scars on his head, indicating that he had experienced much in his lifetime.
Itachi observed the four other captains standing in a row, each of them directing their attention towards him. He watched as Unohana, Byakuya, and Sajin took their places, leaving him positioned in the middle.
Upon closer examination, Itachi noticed one of the captains looking at him with a mischievous grin. This particular captain had long hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a straw hat and a pink haori adorned with flowers over his captain's robe.
Shifting his gaze, Itachi focused on the captain standing opposite him. To his surprise, he saw a young boy with short white hair and striking blue-green eyes. Itachi couldn't help but feel puzzled by the boy's presence. Wasn't he too young and lacking in stature to be a captain? Nevertheless, Itachi could sense the boy's strength, evident in his position as a captain.
As if sensing Itachi's scrutiny, the white-haired captain responded with a piercing glare, possibly provoked by the spectacular look Itachi unintentionally gave him. However, no words were exchanged between them.
Deciding to divert his attention, Itachi turned his gaze to the captain standing beside the young boy. This captain was a large man with spiked hair adorned with bells.
The man also possessed a scar that extended from his eye to his chin, accompanied by an eye patch concealing his other eye, which piqued Itachi's curiosity. However, based on his appearance, he exuded an aura that discouraged any desire to engage with him.
As Itachi observed the final captain standing alongside the imposing figure, he found the former's appearance even more peculiar. The captain's visage bore a skeletal appearance, reminiscent of a skull. His face was adorned with complete white paint, except for the inner portion which was painted black, with the exception of his nose. Notably, his eyes possessed a striking golden hue.
Given Itachi's prior encounters with individuals possessing unique physical characteristics, such as a person with a plant-like appearance and another with mouths on his hands, he refrained from passing any judgment based solely on appearance.
"It is a pleasure to see you, Itachi Uchiha," the head captain declared, accurately reflecting Itachi's thoughts. Itachi turned towards the elderly leader and respectfully inclined his head.
"Before we commence, allow me to introduce ourselves," the head captain proposed, to which Itachi nodded, acknowledging his understanding.
The head captain nodded and began, "I am Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the head captain." he said, proceeding to nod towards Unohana, Kuchki, and Sajin. Itacbi nodded in response.
The head captain directed his gaze towards the small white-haired man, who looked up. "This is Toshiro Hitsuyagya, captain of squad ten and the youngest captain in the soul society," the head captain stated. Itachi appeared impressed with Toshiro, thinking to himself, "He must be strong and intelligent, reminiscent of my younger self."
Itachi turned his attention to the tall man that the head captain had previously acknowledged. "Beside him is Kenpatchi Zaraki, captain of squad eleven, and the individual next to him is Mayuri Kurotsuchi," the head captain mentioned.
Itachi observed each captain in succession as the head captain continued, "And this is Shunsui Kyōraku, captain of squad eight." The head captain concluded by stating, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Itachi." Shunsui greeted him with a smile.
Once Itachi obtained the names of all the captains, the head captain proceeded to gesture towards a man with blue eyes and shoulder-length blond hair styled in three points, with two in the back and one covering his left eye.
Itachi observed the blond man, who appeared to be gloomy and reserved, but did not say anything as the head captain began to speak. 'This is Izuru Kira, the lieutenant of squad three. Once you become a captain, he will be under your command,' the head captain stated.
Itachi observed as Izuru gave a small nod and expressed, 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Uchiha-san. I look forward to working with you,' in a solemn tone. Itachi responded with a respectful nod, conveying, 'Likewise.'
The head captain continued, 'You will meet Captain Ukitake and Soifon upon their return from their mission.' Itachi acknowledged this with a nod.
Once all the introductions were made, the head captain declared, 'Alright, I believe it's time to discuss the tests you'll undergo,' while maintaining eye contact with the young man.
"But before we commence your test, we require you to begin the process of communicating with your zenpakuto, which may take several days. Nevertheless, we can still discuss the operational procedures within our establishment," the head captain stated.
Itachi displayed his comprehension by nodding. "I understand and I am prepared to undertake any necessary measures to establish communication with my zenpakuto," he affirmed. The head captain acknowledged Itachi's statement with a nod. "Why don't you accompany Captain Hitsuyagya? He will assist you in connecting with your Zenpakuto," he suggested.
Itachi nodded once again, directing his gaze towards the white-haired captain, who in turn sought confirmation from the head captain before nodding. "I shall comply, head captain," Toshiro responded composedly. Then, his attention shifted to Itachi. "We shall commence tomorrow morning," he informed.
Itachi concurred in agreement. "Understood, Captain," he acknowledged, observing Toshiro's nod in response. "Now that all matters have been settled, the meeting is adjourned," the head captain announced, emphasizing his statement by striking the ground with his cane, causing all present to disperse. Itachi followed Toshiro as they exited the first squad office, proceeding towards the tenth division.