The Path of the Great Sovereign 96 A Slight Change of Plans

"I can understand how you are so infatuated with Nel, she appears to be a flawless woman in terms of appearance. Her attitude matches her personality as she seems more like a delicate scholar, yet at the same time a caring Housewife. Her battle prowess is far beyond the standard I have ascertained from this world, and she also has the ability to make you go meek and timid I never thought i would see the day."

"HUH? You are the definition of the word humble so I bet you too act the same around your wife The Empress."

Kukaku walked in to see the two brothers speaking to each other. She found her a seat at the Table and poured herself some of the Wine which was placed near the middle. Finishing the cup swiftly she poured another.

"Oi Kukaku, that isn't normal Spirit Wine, I had that distilled with Reishi so even people of my level will get drunk off that calm down." -Tatsuo

"Ah, even though you say it's so strong it's still extremely smooth and rich."

Placing the cup down a reddish tint appeared on her face as she wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. She placed the handkerchief on the table then looked at Tatsuo.

"After your Marriage ceremony you will take the position as Head of the Clan. In the short span of 10 months you have Raised the Shiba back to the level it had in the past. Your management of the Clan affairs and the Gotei 13 have had major impacts on the entire Soul Society. Even though you used us to further your own goals, you reciprocate the kindness you have received A quality many lack."

She poured herself another cup of wine took a sip then placed it down.

"As the future head of the clan you must dress accordingly even in your Gotei 13 Captain's uniform. The Captain of Division 6, Byakuya Kuchiki does so by wearing the senkeikan headdress with the Kuchiki heirloom doned around his neck."

She took out a case that Tatsuo had no idea where she pulled it out from. She placed on the Table and opened it to reveal it's contents. There was a Hairpin formed into the symbol of the Shiba Clan and a Large golden necklace which had the emblem of the SeiwGenji the Parent house of the Shiba embed into it.

"The Shiba once stood at the top of the Great Noble families due to use being descendants of the Royal Family. The emblem embedded into the necklace is proof of our Royal bloodline, even though you were adopted into the Shiba as the clan was headed to ruin the one who saved us from that ruin is naturally as Noble as the rest of the Clan heads. Starting tomorrow these will be formally apart of all attire you wear, therefore you must also dress appropriately."

Tatsuo didn't respond because the were no words to respond with, sure he was once a Great Emperor that ruled over millions. However, that was a history he created there was no precedent of that ever happening before. While the history of this current clan he was actually able to make a play for the Throne of the Soul Society, things just got far more interesting. He would have to win over everyone this time instead of using his own strength to forge that path. A Political game was about to start.

The Next morning Tatsuo headed to the Gotei 13. He still wore the uniform of the Miotoshi with his Captain's Haori over it yet, today there were minor changes. His shoulder length hair was faded at the sides and back an inch above his ears. Where the long hair met the fade near the temples Two braids were added to the side as the hair on top was placed into a ponytail. The Braids were used to attach and display the Shiba Clan emblem. Around his neck the necklace sat as the emblem rested on his chest.

Arriving at the his Office he assembled the Captain's in the assembly room for the weekly report and to discuss the security for his wedding. As a Noble of one of the 5 Great noble families the security would be provided by the Military of the Soul Society in other words his Gotei 13.

When the Captains arrived and took their positions they all locked eyes on the two new additions to the Head Captain's wardrobe.

"Captains of Divisions 9 and 12 what is your progress with the research of the Hollow evolution process in relation to the Hogyoku?"

Mayuri and Kisuke stepped forward to speak on the results of their research.

"It seems Head Captain Shiba was truly correct when he stated that certain hollows are indeed able to be Soul Reapers as well upon reach the Arrancar level. Using 3rd Seat Szayelaporro Granz as the test subject we extracted a small portion of his spirit energy and blood." -Kisuke

"Yes! After that we gathered many different classes of Hollows from low to Vasto Lorde level and did the same. We were able to deduce that when a human soul that was supposed to arrive in the soul society after death has a certain degree of reiatsu before becoming a hollow they will mutate. This Mutation allows Hollows to evolve from the Gillian level to the Vasto Lorde level." -Mayuri

"Correct, the degree of Mutation can be isolated and intensified within these hollows to allow them to arrive at the Arrancar level. In Hueco Mundo there was once a tree that forced the Mutation of these genes, which we are in the process of restoring." -Kisuke

"The Degree of damage to this tree is extensive as we have found traces of Former Head Captain Yamamoto's Reiatsu. He must have placed a seal which burned the tree preventing it from producing the required substance to advance the Hollow mutation. As the Life force of this tree is incredible he could not completely destroy the tree, yet the seal he placed on it cannot be removed as it was set to operate even after his death." -Mayuri

"The Only way to remove the seal is for someone extremely proficient in Kido to make an attempt, wait for time to erode the seal, or A more powerful Soul Reaper or Arrancar removes the seal." -Kisuke

At that moment all eyes turned to the Head Captain to wait for his directive.

"Extermination of Hollows without that specific Mutation will continue as they are a threat to the World of the Living and the Soul Society. Captains of Divisions 9 and 12 you will come up with a way to detect these Hollows mutation, in addition these Hollows will be placed within Los Noches. Captain Ichimaru you will join Captains Urahara and Kurotsuchi in the removal of the seal."

The Captain's Acknowledged the decree as it made a lot of sense before returning to their position.

"Captain of Division 11 what is the progress of your training?"

Captain Zaraki stepped forward to state his piece.

"My Zanpakuto Nozarashi is extremely difficult, obtaining Bankai will require a few more weeks."

Tatsuo nodded before telling Zaraki to return to his position.

"Captain of Division 13, what is the progress of the Seated officers Zanpakuto training?"

Jushiro stepped forward.

"Out of the 130 officers in question, 43 have made progress while 28 have truly achieved Shikai amount the officers 10th to 6th seat. All the Lieutenants has successfully achieved Bankai including the New Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki with the assistance of Captain Urahara. Out of the Remaining 50 officers from 3rd to 5th Seat excluding the 3rd Seat of Division 11 and Division 1 that have already acquired Bankai, 17 officers have achieved Bankai."

"Very Good, Now I hope that with the addition of the officers with Bankai the Captains are not neglecting their own Training. The Wedding of the future Head of the Shiba Clan is next week Friday therefore, there will be no Captain's meeting just send a written report of your activities to my Office where Lieutenant Okikiba will be posted. As there will be many guest attending with High Status including Captain Kuchiki and the other Heads of the Great Noble Families security is of the highest importance. Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya, you will be incharge of gathering the appropriate personnel, you may select any member of the Gotei 13 below the Rank of Captain."

"Yes Sir!"

"Dismissed."

Chapter end