Departing from the Shino Spiritual Arts Academy, thanks to the permission granted, Arima Shinya was allowed to use his spiritual power to move swiftly.
Before the sky was completely covered by darkness, Arima had already reached the destination of this journey.
Holding the letter of recommendation in his hand, the young man lifted his gaze toward the summit before him.
"So the barracks are… on a mountain, huh?"
An imposing mountain rose before him, with a long staircase stretching all the way to the peak. Two large torii gates and rows of stone pillars lined the path, giving the place a solemn and refined atmosphere.
Between the pillars, the symbol marked clearly with the number "2" could be seen.
The trees and bushes flanking the trail were neatly maintained — the regular pruning made everything look organized and harmonious.
"Pretty well-kept, huh…"
As he observed, Shinya noticed a tall figure waiting for him up ahead on the path — a burly man with spiky hair tied at the top of his head.
When the man saw him, he broke into a wide grin.
"Hey! Arima Shinya!"
It was Ōmaeda Marechiyo.
Since the duel they had back at the academy, the heir of the noble Ōmaeda Clan had shown a certain fondness toward Shinya.
And now, upon learning that he would be interning in the Second Division, he had sent a letter saying he would personally welcome him — something Shinya had taken as a joke…
But no! He was really here waiting?!
Making a vice-captain wait at the gate just for him — the thought alone made Shinya start sweating.
I don't have that kind of prestige, man. You're giving me way too much credit, bro…
"Vice-Captain Ōmaeda!"
"Oh! You look full of energy, kid. That's what I like about youth — always so vibrant!"
The man laughed heartily and gave Shinya a few friendly pats on the shoulder, radiating camaraderie.
"I've been wanting to thank you in person for a while now. And I heard you'll be interning here for two weeks, right?"
"Even though the old General seems a bit cranky, he knows how to be flexible when it matters. A rare type these days, wouldn't you say?"
"Anyway, allow me to be your host during this time. In the name of the Ōmaeda Clan, all your expenses for lodging and meals will be on me!"
"H–Huh…? That's kind of too much, I just—"
Before he could refuse, Marechiyo continued with enthusiasm:
"Luxurious meals every day, and top-class accommodations!"
"…Thank you very much for your hospitality!"
"Ah, that's the spirit!"
Damn it… there's no way I can say no to good food.
Shinya sighed and followed behind him.
But the vice-captain's excitement didn't stop there. As they climbed, he continued speaking with a serious expression:
"As your host, I'll also be responsible for introducing you to the details of our division."
As an intern, Shinya found that perfect. After all, he was there to learn — not to take a vacation.
"Then I'll be in your care, Vice-Captain Ōmaeda."
"Leave it to me!"
The barracks of the Gotei 13 were spread throughout the Seireitei, each with specific duties.
Just as Captain Aikawa Love had said during their meetings, the Seventh Division, for instance, handled internal patrols and the defense of the court — but any solo actions by its captain still required approval from the First Division Commander.
"Cases like that are pretty common. So don't think the division number changes the kind of work we do."
Marechiyo's tone was calm, and it was clear he understood the subject well.
"Now, as for the Second Division… its full name is the Covert Operations Force. As the name suggests, its members aren't the type to show up in public very often."
He chuckled with a knowing look.
"And I don't think I need to explain why, right, Arima?"
"Of course not."
Shinya immediately nodded.
After all, it was the division responsible for assassinations, infiltration, and covert missions — the more discreet its members were, the better.
In fact, what seemed odd was seeing someone like Ōmaeda — a flashy noble — acting as vice-captain of a unit specializing in stealth and secrecy.
"Hmm… I guess that's what they call irony."
But thinking about it, maybe it made sense. Marechiyo probably owed his position to his family's influence — noble power often outweighed skill.
"Well… another lesson on how this world works."
Marechiyo went on seriously:
"General Yamamoto approved this project precisely to give the students a clearer view of how each division operates."
"So during your internship, stay focused. And don't worry, as your senpai, I'll take good care of you."
Steady rhythm, fluent and confident tone — indeed, this was the level expected of a vice-captain.
He almost feels like a completely different person compared to the one I remember from the 'original'… Shinya thought, recalling the stories about him.
Did Soi Fon really say he's more talented than his father? Hard to believe…
Lost in thought, Shinya followed the vice-captain up to the mountaintop.
The place was even more elaborate than he had imagined: a vast courtyard, carefully leveled, with the symbol of the Second Division engraved in large characters on the main gate.
"Ah, that was the Captain's idea. She said the Second Division looked too lifeless, so she decided to give it a brighter feel."
Yeah, that definitely sounded like Shihōin Yoruichi.
"Come on, we'd better greet the Captain first."
Shinya nodded and followed Marechiyo inside.
With someone guiding him, they faced no resistance and soon reached a wide inner courtyard.
At its center, two figures moved swiftly, exchanging blows in a fluid sequence — their silhouettes seemed to blur like mist under the morning light.
Shinya watched closely, narrowing his eyes.
Even with his current experience, he could feel the power and speed behind those movements — whoever was training there was at a high level.
The muffled rhythm of impacts echoed: the swish of fabric, the clash of skin and muscle.
"That's enough for today. We have guests."
One of the figures stopped moving. It was a woman with a confident expression, lightly sweating — Shihōin Yoruichi, dressed in her usual short training outfit.
And standing before her was—
"Yushirō, you've improved a little, but you still have a long way to go. Don't slack off in your training!"
A young man with long hair, delicate features, and a face almost identical to hers wiped the sweat from his brow and replied in a trembling voice:
"Y-yes… big sister."
Shihōin Yushirō.
Upon seeing his face, Arima Shinya froze for a moment.
"…I–It's a trap!!!"
(End of Chapter)
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