Chapter 5: 12th Division

In a stark contrast to the bustling and crowded Karakura Town, Soul Society was in a realm of its own. It was the residence of Shinigami and common souls.

Soul Society comprises the Seireitei, a majestic city at its heart, inhabited by noble families and Shinigami, and the sprawling Rukongai, encircling the Seireitei, where common souls reside.

If we were to draw a parallel:

The Seireitei is akin to heaven within the Soul Society, with the Shinigami acting as angels, defending it from any harm.

Yet, the reality is far from idyllic; it resembles an unjust feudal society, where the divide between nobles and commoners is glaringly vast. Particularly in the lower-numbered Rukongai districts, hunger and strife are constants in life.

These harsh and brutal conditions have led to countless tragedies!

In stark contrast to the Rukongai, the Seireitei serves as the gathering place and dwelling of the Shinigami. It is separated from the Rukongai by the imposing Four Great Seireimon.

Aside from being the abode of the noble elite, it serves as the headquarters of the Gotei 13, with each squad's barracks located therein.

At this precise juncture:

12th Division Barracks, Research and Development Institute.

The Research and Development Institute, initially founded by Kisuke Urahara, has evolved into a department under the jurisdiction of the 12th Division. This institution is tasked with pioneering new technologies and spiritual tools within the Soul Society.

The entire barracks brims with an array of scientific instruments, and one can discern a multitude of containers and conduits scattered throughout. The atmosphere is tinged with the acrid scent of medicines, accompanied by the ceaseless hum of machinery laboring day and night.

"Third Seat Akon, these are the documents you requested," a 12th Division member, attired in white, stood before Third Seat Akon with a respectful demeanor.

"Hmm? This is perplexing. How could a Menos Grande suddenly manifest in the Living World?" Akon, distinguished by three small horns adorning his forehead, accepted the information from the subordinate and furrowed his brow in puzzlement.

"Are you absolutely certain there is no error, Rin?"

Akon meticulously perused the documents, and his countenance grew gravely serious.

"Third Seat Akon, I assure you, there's no jest here. This information was compiled last night," Rin hastily affirmed to Akon.

"Then, where is the origin of this disturbance?" Akon continued his inquiry.

"In the Living World, precisely in Karakura Town!"

"Karakura Town? It is indeed a place teeming with spiritual activity!" Akon concurred, then contemplated, "Could it be that the balance has been upset, leading to an upsurge in Hollows in the Living World? That seems the only plausible explanation."

"Third Seat Akon, should we maintain vigilant surveillance over the Living World?" Rin sensed the gravity of the situation.

"Keep an unwavering watch over the Living World. If any suspicious event unfold, you must immediately let me know," he responded, stowing the substantial dossier of information away and lowering his voice purposefully.

"I shall report this directly to Captain Kurotsuchi!"

---

Not long after.

On the uppermost floor of the Research and Development Institute building, lay a chamber seldom graced by visitors.

"Captain Kurotsuchi, a peculiar disturbance unfolded in the Living World last night. I've instructed our subordinates to gather information," Akon deposited a large stack of documents on the table, casting a respectful glance at the imposing figure seated in the armchair.

This individual possessed yellow irises concealed beneath a black-and-white mask, complemented by strikingly dark blue, short hair. His body bore a patchwork of scars, and his right middle finger bore an exceptionally elongated nail.

Presenting the current Captain of the 12th Division and the Head of the Research and Development Institute,

Mayuri Kurotsuchi!

"Oh? A disturbance in the Living World? That's a rare occurrence," Mayuri's voice, emanating from behind his black-and-white mask, held an unsettling quality, while his yellow eyes exuded inscrutability.

His demeanor was cold and somewhat extreme, indicating the archetype of a mad scientist. Nevertheless, during his tenure as the Head of the Research and Development Institute, he contributed significantly to the technological advancement of the entire Soul Society, garnering the respect of all 12th Division members.

Naturally.

Beyond his research and experimentation with new technologies and his obedience to Captain Yamamoto's orders, Mayuri displayed little interest in Gotei 13 activities. He hardly deemed other captains worthy of his attention.

When it came to eccentricity, everyone else paled in comparison!

"Captain Kurotsuchi, what is your assessment of this matter?" Even after working under him for nearly a century, Akon approached his Captain with caution.

A single misspoken word could land him on the dissecting table.

Who could endure such a fate!

"Well, if memory serves me right..." Mayuri's eyes darted about, rendering his thoughts inscrutable. "The Shinigami assigned to the Living World belong to the 10th Division, correct?"

"Indeed. The patrol and defense unit—those duties fall under the purview of the 10th Division," Akon responded respectfully.

"Hehe, then it should be manageable." Mayuri's extended nail on his right middle finger shifted slightly, and his voice, akin to a chilling gust, sent shivers down the spine. "You may relay this information to the 10th Division's barracks. Shiba Isshin will know how to handle it."

"Captain, you appear to have forgotten that Captain Shiba tends to exhibit indifference and lacks enthusiasm for division matters," Akon hesitated.

"That's merely an illusion you all have constructed."

Mayuri raised his tea cup, casting a disdainful gaze upon Akon. "Shiba Isshin may come across as unreliable, but he is the head of a branch of the Shiba clan. This fact alone demonstrates his adaptability in handling affairs. After all, he belongs to one of the Four Great Noble Families, even if they have waned, their capabilities should not be underestimated."

"Captain Kurotsuchi speaks the truth."

Akon nodded fervently, refraining from voicing any objections. Dealing with a Captain as eccentric as his own mandated submission.

"Furthermore..."

Seemingly unsatisfied with the tea's temperature, Mayuri's brow furrowed slightly. "Should he prove incapable of managing such a trifling matter, I wouldn't mind assisting the Captain-Commander in making a decision and providing the Research and Development Institute with another subject at the level of a captain."

Mayuri's tone suggested this was a trifling affair.

"A... Captain-level experimental subject?" Akon was left dumbfounded.

"What's this? Are you also harboring desires to participate in my dissections?" Mayuri nonchalantly lifted his gaze, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"No, no, I would never entertain such thoughts." Confronting Mayuri's ever-shifting gaze, Akon's body continued to perspire profusely, and he hastily waved his hands to disclaim any such inclinations.

"I shall promptly convey the information to the 10th Division!"

Akon wiped away a bead of sweat. He harbored no doubt regarding his Captain's words.