Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

What will you choose?

Seiya Arima?

Before the person in question could respond—

Tessai, unable to suppress his confusion, finally spoke in a low voice.

"Excuse me, but what exactly are we doing now?"

In the original story, Urahara and Yoruichi had certainly explained the situation to the others. However, with Seiya Arima's involvement, the sequence of events had shifted somewhat.

That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, as it didn't affect the outcome.

"We can't go back to Seireitei anymore, Tessai."

Urahara Kisuke's expression was eerily calm.

Compared to his previous uncertainty, he now seemed to have suddenly understood something—his entire demeanor had shifted.

Seiya Arima could clearly sense it and couldn't help but show a slightly surprised expression.

Unexpected.

So this was Urahara's turning point.

If the original Urahara Kisuke had still held onto the hope of reforming Soul Society through his own methods, bit by bit—

Then the current him seemed to have completely given up.

Shedding the shackles that once bound him, Urahara Kisuke now exuded a kind of indescribable freedom.

Tch…

A hundred years later, the snarky shopkeeper who seemed to know everything—

The early signs of that persona were already beginning to show.

"We were supposed to be punished, but instead, we escaped before judgment could be passed. At its core, this is an offense against the nobility."

"Of course, that alone isn't enough to make us completely unwelcome in Soul Society."

"After all, the Gotei 13 holds a unique role. Under certain conditions, we can get away with defying authority."

Tessai still seemed unable to grasp the key point.

"But… why?"

Even the Captain-Commander himself, the highest authority, still required Central 46's approval for his position.

That fact alone left Tessai utterly baffled.

It was clear that this Grand Kido Chief wasn't particularly suited for political intrigue. Considering how rarely he appeared in the Human World, he was likely someone devoted solely to the study of Kido.

This time, it was Seiya Arima who answered.

"Because individual strength isn't necessarily restrained by mere authority."

This was a point rarely emphasized in the original story—

But Seiya Arima understood it completely.

An enraged Yamamoto could burn all of Soul Society to ashes, yet he still followed Central 46's orders to the letter.

Ants commanding an elephant.

At a glance, it seemed utterly laughable.

So…

Was Yamamoto really just a lapdog of the nobles?

At least in Seiya Arima's view, the answer wasn't that simple.

"To put it simply—"

Seiya narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing into the distance.

"Soul Society needs rules that can restrain the strong and protect the weak."

"And in order to achieve that, the current Captain-Commander, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, has chosen to compromise."

"He willingly abides by these rules. And it's precisely because of these rules that we are different from Rukongai."

That was recognition—

And also the foundation for both establishing and upholding the law.

Everyone weaker than Yamamoto was bound by this unspoken contract. Even a rogue like Kiganjō couldn't openly defy it.

And thus, order was born.

The elderly could depend on others, and the young could grow up safely. That was the purpose of Seireitei's existence.

And based on this principle—

The academy was founded, and the Gotei 13 was established, providing a platform for those with talent to prove themselves.

In the long run, it was an undeniably beneficial system.

That was precisely why Seiya Arima admired Yamamoto so much.

"The Captain-Commander's compromise is what ensures the continuation of Seireitei's internal order."

It was a complex idea, but not impossible to understand.

Tessai remained silent for a moment before ceasing his questioning.

The rest quickly returned to the immediate issue at hand.

"Let's go over this again."

"Tessai and I can no longer return. The same goes for Captain Hirako and the others."

"So we need to find a place to live in hiding."

The logic was straightforward, clear at a glance.

Urahara added another point.

"If we live in Rukongai, our large spiritual presence will be easily detected. Constantly hiding isn't a solution either."

"So our only option is to leave… The Hollow World is out of the question—its environment is too hostile."

"That leaves only one place—the Human World."

The Human World.

A key point in the balance of the three realms.

For Shinigami, it was anything but unfamiliar.

After all, the Thirteenth Division regularly traveled there to purify Hollows and guide souls. Of course, having a permanent base there would carry some risks.

But there was no other choice.

Still—

"We're spiritual beings. We can't exist in the Human World for extended periods, right?"

Tessai's concern was valid.

A powerful soul would naturally affect its surroundings, and the Human World was the most fragile of the three realms.

A slight mistake could lead to disaster.

Urahara had naturally considered this. He simply smiled.

"That's why I need you to set up a barrier, Tessai. Within the next twenty hours, I'll create spiritual bodies to mask our presence."

"There's no issue with materials. The only problem is that I won't have time to refine them properly."

"As for how many we'll need…"

He paused briefly.

Urahara looked toward Yoruichi.

"Lady Yoruichi isn't a wanted criminal, so she won't need one."

Then he turned to Seiya Arima.

"Seiya, you should consider whether you truly want to come with us."

"Your punishment wasn't severe. Even though you fled the trial, you could claim coercion."

"And if anyone does try to hold you accountable…"

Urahara smirked.

"With your connections in the Gotei 13, someone will definitely speak up for you if you're willing to accept the penalty."

"You're nowhere near as desperate as we are. You still have a way out."

Just as Urahara said—

Being thrown into the Maggot's Nest wasn't a harsh punishment.

Even in Central 46's ruling, it was simply described as a period of reflection.

"But from a personal perspective…"

Urahara suddenly spoke again, surprising Seiya slightly.

He looked up to see Urahara's usual calm smile, his right hand extended invitingly.

"I still hope you'll come with us."

Not out of interest, admiration, or any sense of camaraderie—

Urahara was more concerned about something else.

"I still don't understand how Aizen did it."

The nobility was corrupt, yes—

But they weren't that foolish.

"I can't think of any reason why the nobles would align with Aizen. He's hiding something…"

Urahara frowned.

"If you go back, Aizen might target you again."

"The unknown is the greatest threat. Right now, I have no idea how to deal with him… I can't send you back into that danger."

"So, Seiya—"

"I'm sincerely inviting you."

"Will you come to the Human World with us?"

Seiya was stunned for a moment.

Was this an official recruitment for Urahara's Company?

Would joining now make him Employee #004?

A startup group, huh?

After a brief moment of contemplation, before Seiya could even respond, Yoruichi spoke up.

"I think you should stay. It's safer here."

Blunt as ever.

She crossed her arms and continued calmly.

"Aizen won't make a move openly. He wouldn't risk provoking Old Man Yamamoto. You just need to stay away from him—transfer out of the Fifth Division."

"If he resorted to deception instead of direct action, it means he lacks the courage to strike openly."

"Urahara, you're underestimating yourself. That guy isn't better than you."

Though it seemed like she was just boosting his confidence—

There was some logic in her words.

At least, partially.

If Yamamoto wasn't keeping things in check, who would bother playing these ridiculous mind games?

Right, Urahara?

Urahara only chuckled bitterly.

"Let's stop there, Lady Yoruichi…"

The three of them turned to Seiya, waiting for his decision.

After a few breaths of silence—

Seiya slowly lifted his head.

"I… have decided to stay."

Tessai and Urahara began working together, urgently preparing to create the necessary number of artificial bodies. 

Meanwhile, Yoruichi and Seiya left the training ground. 

Their destinations were simple. 

Yoruichi would return to the Second Division to prepare for the upcoming operation against Kiganjō. 

Seiya's path was even simpler— 

He would raise his hands, surrender, and go to prison. 

But before that— 

Seiya called out to Yoruichi's retreating figure. 

"Lady Yoruichi, please wait." 

She stopped in her tracks. Her expression was completely unreadable—her displeasure practically written all over her face. 

"What is it, kid?" 

Under normal circumstances, it would have been best not to provoke her. 

But— 

Leaving things unsaid wasn't Seiya's style. 

After a brief pause, he exhaled slightly and spoke. 

"If you really plan to leave… at least say goodbye to Yūshirō and Sui-Fēng."

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Powerstones?

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