Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō

Shunsui Kyōraku chimed in,

"That's true. There's no mandatory requirement that a captain must have Bankai—it's just that Bankai is usually a strong indicator of a Shinigami's strength, which is why it became an unwritten rule."

"But let's be real—Masatsuki already defeated Kenpachi Kiganjō. That alone proves he's strong enough for the position, so what does it matter whether or not he has Bankai?"

"Rules are meant to serve the living, not the other way around. Besides, the 11th Division has always been an exception—learning Bankai has never been a requirement to become its captain."

The room fell silent as everyone stared at Kyōraku with odd expressions.

Good grief... It was exactly because he was the Captain-Commander's prized disciple that he could say things like this so freely.

First, he was the one advocating for rules.

Now, he was the one pushing for flexibility.

What were they supposed to say when he had already said everything?

Yamamoto gave a small nod before casting a calm yet scrutinizing gaze over the group.

"What do the rest of you think?"