The Central 46 Compound was precisely where the Central 46 resides.
Under normal circumstances, unless summoned by the Central 46, entry into the Central 46 Compound was prohibited for any reason.
Toshiro had never directly dealt with the Central 46 before, so this was his first time here.
When Toshiro and Yamamoto reached the main gate of the Central 46 Compound, the doors opened on their own. Two guards emerged, leading them inside.
Finally, Toshiro and Yamamoto arrived at the underground assembly hall of the Central 46.
As they stepped into the center of the hall, lights abruptly illuminated the previously dark space.
However, the lights shone directly on Toshiro and Yamamoto, while the members of the Central 46 remained in dimness.
But for powerful Shinigami like Toshiro, such dimness posed no obstacle. Toshiro could still clearly observe the surroundings.
The entire underground assembly hall somewhat resembled a Roman Colosseum. The forty-six members of the Central 46 sat on tiered circular steps, 'looking down' upon Toshiro and Yamamoto below from their elevated positions.
'Tch, such a detestable feeling,' Toshiro thought to himself.
'And aren't they afraid of falling from up so high?' Toshiro silently mocked.
"Welcome to the Central 46, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, and... Vice-Captain Commander Hitsugaya."
A voice suddenly echoed throughout the underground assembly hall, making it difficult to discern who spoke or from where.
However, Toshiro instantly pinpointed the true source of the voice.
'The left side?'
Toshiro looked to the left.
Yet, it was futile. Each member of the Central 46 had a tall wooden board in front of them, concealing their true faces.
However, each board displayed a number representing their identity.
Numbers one through forty-six, presumably. Among them, numbers one to six should be the judges, while seven to forty-six were the so-called 'sages'.
The speaker's board displayed the number 'One'.
This 'Number One' was somewhat surprised that Toshiro immediately identified him as the speaker.
At this moment, Toshiro suddenly spoke, "Um... Everyone, please address me as 'Captain Hitsugaya'. 'Vice-Captain Commander' or such... really doesn't sound very pleasant."
Having 'vice' in a title indeed doesn't sound great. But omitting 'vice' would make it 'Captain-Commander Hitsugaya'...
Yamamoto hadn't retired yet, so Toshiro 'usurping the throne' so directly wasn't appropriate. Thus, Toshiro preferred those around him to call him 'Captain Hitsugaya' for now.
However, the Central 46's members were dissatisfied with Toshiro's demeanor.
They had summoned Toshiro to intimidate him, ensuring he would obey obediently once he became Captain-Commander.
But judging by Toshiro's relaxed, casual attitude, he clearly didn't hold them in high regard.
Keep in mind, if others came here, they couldn't speak without permission… only answering when questioned. Yet Toshiro not only spoke proactively but also expressed dissatisfaction with their address, asking them to change it!
"Vice-Captain Commander Hitsugaya, mind your attitude."
Another voice sounded. Toshiro looked and found it came from 'Number Thirty-eight'.
"Um... this... tsk tsk... How should I address you all? Not only do you not show your faces, but you don't reveal your names either. Alright, I'll just use the numbers on the boards in front of you to address you," Toshiro said in a very casual tone.
Then, with a satisfied expression, he added, "Hmm, I actually thought of such a good method. Truly worthy of being the Soul Society's number one prodigy. Oh, right, this... 'Number Thirty-eight' sir, you just told me to mind my attitude. May I ask what's wrong with my attitude?"
"Y-You...!"
This 'Number Thirty-eight' pointed at Toshiro angrily but stammered, unsure how to respond.
"Cough, alright. Vice-Captain Commander Hitsugaya, please refrain from speaking for now. I have something to ask Captain-Commander Yamamoto first."
This time, the speaker stopping the exchange was 'Number Three'.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, regarding designating Hitsugaya Toshiro as the Captain-Commander's successor and appointing him 'Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13', why wasn't the Central 46 consulted beforehand?" 'Number Three' said with evident displeasure.
Yet Yamamoto didn't spare 'Number Three' any respect.
"Consult? Why consult the Central 46? Although the Gotei 13 must obey Central 46's orders, internal personnel appointments aren't within the Central 46 Chambers' purview, are they?" Yamamoto said gravely.
"Moreover, the appointment of 'Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13' can only be decided by the Soul King. You all have no authority to interfere, correct?" Yamamoto continued.
'Number Three', infuriated and humiliated, retorted, "Yamamoto, you—!"
"Enough!" 'Number One' suddenly interjected.
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, although we indeed have no authority to decide the Captain-Commander successor or the 'Vice-Captain Commander of the Gotei 13' position, you should have informed us in advance. After all, many orders issued by the Central 46 require the Gotei 13 for execution. Therefore, we need to be aware of important matters within the Gotei 13 beforehand."
"This time, regarding designating the Captain-Commander's successor and appointing the 'Vice-Captain Commander', we only received the news after the Gotei 13 announced it throughout the Seireitei. We were practically the last to know. Concerning this point, you were indeed at fault." This 'Number One' indirectly criticized Yamamoto.
Yamamoto frowned slightly but didn't argue.
Seeing this, Toshiro was about to speak up for Yamamoto, but Yamamoto suddenly held him back.
"Regarding this matter, I indeed neglected proper consideration," Yamamoto said expressionlessly.
Hearing Yamamoto 'admit fault', 'Number One' couldn't help but feel satisfied. "Hmm, it's good that you understand. Be more careful next time. We won't pursue it further this time."
Getting Yamamoto to concede once was no easy feat.