12th Division.
Within the Thirteen Divisions of the Gotei, whose structure and responsibilities are strictly defined, the 12th is classified as a division focused on technical development.
Later, the Department of Technological Development would be created with the 12th Division as its core, becoming a subordinate institution.
Among its subdivisions are the Spiritual Communication Research Sector and the Spiritual Wave Measurement Sector.
Its role involves development, measurement, and data analysis throughout the Seireitei.
A new type of organization — balancing tradition and innovation.
"Interested in joining? Then contact us now…"
"Such a long thing…"
And why does it sound like a marketing flyer? It even feels like an ad from some shady group! The smell is so strong you can almost sense it coming off the paper!
Looking at the pamphlet in his hands, Arima Shinya already had several veins of irritation bulging on his forehead.
Aizen, walking ahead, heard the grumble from behind and let out a low chuckle without even turning his head.
"Is this already too much for you? Ah, youth, Shinya-kun…"
It's not "too much," no! This pamphlet has one hundred and twenty pages, sensei!
Arima closed it with a sigh, his face slightly embarrassed.
"Aizen-sensei…"
"I'm listening, Shinya-kun."
"Today, the practical internship outside the academy is just the two of us?"
"Yes. After all, few show interest in the Department of Technological Development. And, since the 12th Division rejects many traditions, there are even fewer candidates than for the 4th Division."
Really?
Something about that explanation didn't sound entirely right… Even if few wanted it, someone should always volunteer for the 12th Division.
But the way Aizen seemed to have personally chosen to go only with him…
It was as if he was deliberately avoiding the others to take him alone.
So this is what they call special treatment!?
"By the way, Shinya-kun, do the clothes fit well?"
Instinctively, Arima pulled lightly on the black fabric he was wearing and replied with a confident smile:
"They're great, sensei. Thank you very much."
It was the first time Arima Shinya participated in an activity outside the Academy.
By the rules, students should wear the standard uniform, so their identity could be recognized.
But, since this was just an outing with two teachers, the "rules" seemed… less important.
The simple clothes Shinya was wearing now belonged to Aizen — spare pieces that the teacher kept with him.
They still had a faint soap scent, clearly washed frequently — not those clothes that just sit at the bottom of a closet.
Since both had similar builds, the fit was acceptable… though, looking closely, not perfect.
Aizen had broader shoulders than Arima had imagined.
The outfit seemed a bit loose on him.
But it was fine, nothing serious—
Suddenly, the man in front stopped.
Shinya looked up, meeting Aizen partially turned toward him — his gaze resting directly on Shinya's shoulders.
The teacher furrowed his brows slightly.
"As I suspected… it doesn't fit exactly right. Visually, it looks a bit strange."
He tried to adjust something in the fabric, but after a moment gave up, seeming unsure of what to do.
Even someone as skilled as Aizen had limits — and without tools, there was no fixing the clothing there.
Shinya laughed and waved his hand, unconcerned.
"No problem! It just looks a bit loose, no one will notice."
"That won't do. Appearance is the first impression — dressing properly reflects character. Shinya-kun, you mustn't slack on these details."
So meticulous in the smallest details, huh…
Without arguing, Arima just smiled lightly.
"Understood. Once we return, I'll have two custom outfits made. That way, I won't bother you again."
Aizen seemed satisfied, but then pursed his lips again.
"Apologies, Shinya-kun."
"Huh? Sensei, there's no reason to apologize for that…"
He's overdoing it!
Or maybe, by bringing him personally, Aizen cared that his student didn't look "sloppy"?
If that's the case… yeah, fits him.
While reflecting, Shinya heard him murmur with a serious expression:
"Through my negligence, I made Shinya-kun appear clumsy in front of others. This is a failure as a teacher."
Tch…
This man speaks in a way that even touches the heart!
"Uh… Aizen-sensei, how much further to our destination?"
Changing the subject, Shinya looked around.
Since it was a general internship day, they had started activities early, at dawn.
Without using shunpo or other special means, the Seireitei felt enormous.
"About half an hour more walking."
It was already past ten in the morning — in other words, soon it would be lunchtime.
Shinya sighed, looking up at the sky.
The other groups must have been experiencing something similar, right?
I wonder if Tōsen Kaname, Kotetsu Isane, and Ise Nanao went through this in their first year too?
Thinking about such things left him strangely nostalgic.
It wasn't long before Aizen said: "We've arrived."
Shinya raised his gaze — before him stood a massive arched building. Around it, there were no residences or shops.
A completely isolated location.
Aizen, guessing what the student was thinking, explained in that calm tour-guide tone:
"Quite isolated, isn't it? But that's natural. Because of the 12th Division's functions, it needs to be away from the political center and remain discreet and secretive. That's why this location was chosen."
The explanation was almost professional — and curiously comforting.
"But all this is on page 117 of the pamphlet, Shinya-kun. Seems reading isn't your strong suit."
I take back what I said, sensei!
The two approached the building — but even before reaching the gate, they saw a silhouette waving excitedly at the entrance.
"Finally arrived! I've been waiting forever!"
Who…?
A welcome at the door? Wow, sensei really has prestige.
Smiling, Arima approached — but the closer he got, the more his expression changed.
The man in front had slightly spiky short hair, a pale blonde tone.
Military-green eyes, a bit of stubble on his chin — a relaxed air, yet strangely charismatic.
That image was very familiar.
It can't be… it's not HIM, right!?
As they approached, Aizen spoke calmly:
"Long time no see, Captain Urahara."
"Likewise~ long time, Fourth Seat Aizen."
Guah! It's really him!
Urahara Kisuke.
The man known, in future chronicles, for his genius mind, endless tricks, and that stylish "uncle" charm. For many, he deserved the title of "Doraemon of the Soul Society."
The first captain of the 12th Division — and also the founder of the Department of Technological Development.
Why now!?
And the worst part: judging by Aizen, he already expected this meeting!
Sensei, aren't you going to warn me about these things beforehand!?
While Arima panicked inwardly, the two adults conversed like old acquaintances.
After a few greetings, Urahara finally turned his gaze to him.
"So this is the famous rookie everyone's been talking about… Arima-kun, right?"
I've become that famous already!?
The friendly smile of that man was disarming — but all Shinya could see was the classic image: green coat, fisherman hat, and wooden sandals.
No, no… this guy and that one are different people, impossible…
"Shinya-kun."
Aizen called him, and he snapped back to attention.
"Ah! S-sorry! I'm Arima Shinya! It's an honor to meet you, Captain Urahara. I… got distracted, please forgive me."
"Haha, don't worry. It's normal to be nervous during your first internship outside the Academy."
The impression he gave was someone easygoing.
With a friendly gesture, Urahara stepped aside, making way:
"We don't get many interns here. Seeing a talent like Arima-kun take an interest in the 12th Division… is a pleasant surprise."
Ask Aizen, I have no idea why…
Turning subtly, Shinya looked at sensei — who maintained a neutral expression, with no intention of explaining.
So that's it. I'll have to figure it out myself.
Carrying a slight unease in his chest, Shinya followed the two and entered the Department of Technological Development.
The interior was vast — but surprisingly dark.
Despite it being daytime, almost no sunlight penetrated the environment.
Looking around, he realized: there were no windows.
The lighting came from bluish lights projected by floating screens and interconnected panels.
The dimness gave the place an air of advanced, mysterious technology.
The people passing by all seemed rushed, busy — and, looking closer, Shinya noticed some didn't even seem fully human…
"First time here, right? Must be kind of strange, huh, Arima-kun?"
Urahara spoke with unexpected gentleness.
Walking ahead, he slowed his pace, matching Aizen, and smiled at the young man:
"Since the 12th Division isn't very popular, most who come here do it purely out of research interest. So, they might seem cold — but don't worry, they're all good people."
Shinya felt a slight shiver.
He says it so calmly… it even sounds like a horror movie warning.
But, thinking about it, it wasn't that absurd.
After all, once Urahara took command, he implemented several changes — including the rehabilitation of Worm Nest criminals, turning them into labor.
It was a controversial move, of course.
But also a symbol of the 12th Division's innovative and experimental spirit.
Indeed… a truly stylish uncle.
After thinking for a moment, Shinya smiled lightly and replied:
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Urahara. I'll do my best to adapt."
The man's smile widened, satisfied.
"You know how to express yourself well, boy."