The dimly lit chamber of the Central 46 was as imposing as ever. High walls of cold stone loomed over the room, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed from unseen corners. The seated officials murmured in low, solemn tones, their faces obscured by shadows cast from the faint glow of spiritual torches.

Captain Kyoraku Shunsui entered the room with his usual lazy demeanor—a slight slouch, hat tilted to shield his eyes, and his floral haori flowing behind him. Yet, there was an unusual heaviness in his stride, betraying the burden of the news he carried.

"Captain Shunsui, step forward," commanded the central judge, his voice stern and cold.

Shunsui took his place in the center of the room, the weight of forty-six expectant gazes boring into him. He sighed, tipping his hat back slightly.

"As the most senior, active captain in the 13 Divisions, it is on you to explain to us what exactly has happened! Reports have come in from all corners and the details are too dire to believe! And if even half of it turns out to be accurate, we will be facing a threat to the very existence of Soul Society."

"Well now, where do I begin?" he said, scratching his chin with a sheepish smile that failed to mask his weariness.

"Start with the losses," barked another member, the impatience in their voice cutting through the stillness like a blade.

Shunsui's face turned grave. "The invasion cost us dearly. Captain-Commander Genryūsai Yamamoto was killed in action. The Seireitei's outer walls have been breached in several places. Ten districts in the Rukongai were completely razed. Three entire divisions have been reduced by more than 40% and are operationally destroyed. Several captains have sustained critical injuries."

The murmurs grew louder, a cacophony of disbelief and despair.

"And what of the invaders?"

"We managed to repel them," Shunsui said, "but only barely. I won't lie - this wasn't our victory, but rather the hand of fate stepping in to buy us a moment. Whatever their reason for returning to the shadows, it was not because we chased them off." He shifted his weight, pulling out a sake flask from his sleeve but hesitated before drinking. "And the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that this wasn't a full assault. It was a scouting mission—a warm-up."

The chamber fell silent.

"You're saying they'll return?"

Shunsui nodded grimly. "Undoubtedly. And frankly, we're in no condition to handle them if things stay as they are. Which is why I'm here."

The central judge leaned forward. "Explain yourself, Captain."

Shunsui's lips curled into a faint, grim smile. "To survive, we're going to have to get a little... unconventional. The rules of engagement we've clung to for centuries won't cut it anymore." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "We need to awaken the ones we've locked away, recruit from places we never dared before, and—"

"Speak plainly!" snapped one of the elders.

Shunsui tipped his hat up further, his gaze sharp and serious. "For one, we need to unleash Zaraki Kenpachi. No seals, no restrictions, and no rules." Shunsui paused for a moment to let his words sink in.

A collective gasp echoed through the chamber.

A different judge's voice boomed from the shadows: "Are you insane?! You of all people know exactly the special conditions that keep that monster at bay. To unleash him would be trading one set of demons outside our gates for another demon in our very beds. To think that we -"

In an uncharacteristic display of his own power, Shunsui momentarily flashed his reiastu enough to brush back the spiritual flames lining the room, as if to remind everyone in attendance that he was not some junior officer to be spoken down to. He was the acting senior Captain, the scion of the noble Kyoraku family and he would not be barked at.

From his bowed position, Shunsui spoke. "Forgive me honorable judge, but I was not finished."

The council's tone settled at once to a buzz of murmurs and scoffs, voices resisted the urge to respond in panic and protest. Shunsui continued: "And not just him—we need to tap into the powers of those we've been too afraid to rely on. Otherwise, the next time they come knocking, we'll be finished."

Shunsui's meaning was clear. He had already broached an almost unforgivable idea in releasing Kenpachi Zaraki, so his other ideas would be no less radical or dangerous. The Central 46 allowed themselves a moment to collect themselves before the chief spoke.

"Under these most unfortunate, unique, and dire circumstances, we understand the need to resort to powers deemed unfit for Soul Society. We thank you for having the courage to shine your light on this path, but understand that this path is yours and yours only to travel down. Any and all events resulting from this moment onward will be laid at your feet. Do you accept these terms?"

Shunsui chuckled dryly "I guess I don't really have a choice, do I?"

"Then by the power of the Central 46, we hereby promote you from Captain of the 8th Division to Field Commander of the Army of Soul Society and grant you all accompanying authority to execute the following mandate: gather the full strength of Soul Society to repel and destroy our enemies."