A typical day in the Seireitei usually began with the sound of bells, the footsteps of patrolling Shinigami on the streets, and Kensei Kenzuru's booming voice emanating from the 1st Division.
Yamamoto, who had been keeping Ryūjinjakka by his side in bed as a heater, opened his eyes to see the face of Kensei Kenzuru—a visage that filled him with both affection and exasperation.
Yamamoto sometimes wondered if Kensei was Yhwach's agent, sent to anger him to death before Yhwach revived and declared war on the Soul Society, thus allowing Yhwach to conquer the three worlds effortlessly.
"So, you want to establish an organization dedicated solely to research and invention?"
Yamamoto's eyes opened a slit, looking at Kensei, who stared back with wide, expectant eyes. He felt that being the Captain-Commander was exhausting, and being Kensei's teacher was even more so.
"Teacher, it's the Technology Development Bureau."
Kensei quietly reminded the old man that this was a proper organization with a proper name.
Awakened by Kensei, Yamamoto sat up at the edge of his bed, his gaze scrutinizing. He hadn't expected that just yesterday, after telling him about Yhwach, the Soul Society's great enemy, Kensei would already begin preparations today.
It seemed this student was a bit more reliable than Kyōraku.
Yamamoto reached out and took the neatly bound proposal document Kensei handed over. It was filled with various clauses in remarkably beautiful handwriting—from organizational structure to research directions, personnel allocation to budget requests.
This was definitely not something Kensei could have written. Eighty percent chance it was that friend of his again.
After flipping through it, Yamamoto pointed at the teacup on the table. Understanding, Kensei immediately picked up the teapot, poured a cup of steaming hot tea, and presented it to Yamamoto with both hands.
"Although it looks good, remember that Zanpakutō, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō are the foundation of a Shinigami."
After taking a sip of hot tea, Yamamoto felt a bit more awake.
"Old Man Yama, I've always had a question."
"This old man doesn't want to hear it."
"You see, what we usually learn is swordsmanship. But the Shikai of many Shinigami's Zanpakutō have nothing to do with swords or blades. So what's the use?"
Watching Kensei talk incessantly, completely ignoring his words, Yamamoto could only fume, his mustache bristling.
"Fool! Swordsmanship is just a general term. Every Shinigami must undergo corresponding training based on their Zanpakutō's type later on."
Kensei inwardly admired the old man's ability to cover up. Only someone as wily as Old Man Yama could come up with such an explanation.
Placing the proposal aside, Yamamoto thought for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Hikifune Kirio will serve as Bureau Chief. Urahara Kisuke and Kurotsuchi Mayuri will be Deputy Chiefs. You will serve as Special Advisor and will not participate in daily management."
"Teacher, you are most sagacious!"
If he weren't afraid of getting hit, Kensei would have pulled Old Man Yama out of bed and run several laps around the 1st Division with him.
"The former 12th Division-affiliated research institute will be upgraded to the Technology Development Bureau. For initial funding, this old man can allocate you some temporarily, but you must solve subsequent funding issues yourself."
Yamamoto felt he shouldn't solve everything for Kensei; he needed to train his independent abilities.
Kensei nodded without hesitation. He hadn't expected to milk the old man dry anyway, making himself look like someone swindling an old man's pension—that wouldn't be a good look.
"And three rules."
"Please, tell me. I, Kensei Kenzuru, will agree to anything!"
"First, all research projects must be approved by Bureau Chief Hikifune Kirio and progress must be reported to this old man regularly. Second, any experiments involving innocent souls are prohibited. Violators will be severely punished. Third..." Yamamoto's eyes opened fully, their sharpness making Kensei instinctively shrink his neck. "If this organization causes trouble, you are the primary responsible party."
Kensei confidently patted his chest. "Don't worry, I'm an expert when it comes to research."
Looking at his disciple's clueless, overconfident expression, Yamamoto suddenly missed the days when Kyōraku Shunsui was young and at least knew how to put on an act. He waved his hand to shoo Kensei away.
"Get out."
"Heh heh, I won't disturb your sleep any longer, old man."
Kensei dashed out the door and headed straight for the 12th Division. Whether the awakened Yamamoto could fall back asleep was not within his consideration.
"So, Kensei, you're my superior now?"
Urahara Kisuke, with his messy mop of blond hair, wore a heavy expression of resentment.
Who knew what method Kensei used to drag him back from hiding in the Rukongai to continue working for him.
"Remember to use titles during work hours." Kensei's expression was serious as he pointed to a badge randomly pinned to his chest. "Call me Advisor Kensei."
"If I call you that, will you let me go back on vacation?"
Urahara curled his lip, knowing Kensei was probably just satisfying a whim and might not even show up here again later.
"Ah, Comrade Urahara, your ideological awareness is still insufficient." Kensei patted Urahara's shoulder regretfully. "We are not just colleagues; we are intimate partners jointly advancing the technological progress of the Soul Society. For the sake of a better tomorrow for the Soul Society, how can you only think about taking a vacation?"
"The last time you said that, you had me make a Tenshintai in three days." Urahara stared at Kensei gloomily. "It took me a full twenty hours of sleep to recover."
"Didn't I get you more manpower now? You'll definitely have it much easier in the future."
Whether Urahara believed it or not, Kensei certainly did.
"Heh heh, Urahara Kisuke. Taking three whole days to complete a Tenshintai product... it seems your talent is merely so-so."
A strange laugh came from the other side of the laboratory. Kurotsuchi Mayuri, eyes bloodshot, walked over, carrying several black cloaks in his hand.
Perhaps due to overtime and lack of sleep, Kensei felt the black face paint on Mayuri's face had darkened considerably.
"I think we should just kick such a lazy individual out of the lab. Let me take charge of the bureau's research projects from now on."
Mayuri provocatively looked at Urahara Kisuke, but unfortunately, he was ignored.
"These are the replicas you requested. And this," Mayuri handed the black cloaks to Kensei while showcasing his new invention, "is an improved version I developed based on its principles: the 'Ganso.' It can perfectly blend the user's skin with the surrounding environment, making it the perfect tool for ambush."
One had to admit, in terms of work enthusiasm alone, Mayuri existed in another dimension, producing so many results in such a short time.
Kensei happily accepted the cloaks and handed over the experimental notes on soul resonance he had been carrying to Mayuri.
The moment Mayuri flipped through them, he couldn't wait to return to the laboratory. Who knew how his body endured such high-intensity work.
"As for you, Urahara, just... do your own thing."
Kensei thought for a moment. It seemed there wasn't anything specific he wanted him to do right now. The Shadow Invasion Drug wasn't easy to make at the moment; they'd have to wait until they caught some Hollows and Quincies for research later.
Urahara Kisuke stared blankly at Kensei's retreating back, momentarily confused about his meaning.
He went through the trouble of dragging me back from vacation. I was all prepared to work overtime again, and in the end, he didn't assign me anything? What was the point?
Urahara irritably ruffled his hair. Although he really wanted to slip away and continue his vacation now, he glanced in Mayuri's direction and thought about that experimental record again.
With a long sigh, Urahara resignedly dragged his body into his own laboratory.
Tsunayashiro Estate.
Ban'ya Tenshirō knelt, reporting Kensei's recent activities to Tsunayashiro Jin.
"Technology Development Bureau..." Tsunayashiro Jin repeated the name, a cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "To think the young man is so impatient. In just a few days, he's started researching Hollows and is being so ostentatious about it..."
"Family Head, since Kensei Kenzuru dares to conduct experiments so openly, should we reconsider the previous assessment of his conflict with Yamamoto?"
The more Ban'ya recalled Kensei's performance during their last meeting, the more something felt off, but he didn't dare question Tsunayashiro Jin's judgment.
"Unnecessary."
Tsunayashiro Jin waved a hand, his eyes flashing with the wisdom of one who saw through everything.
"What profound strategy from this young man. By openly establishing a research organization, he can legitimately solve many problems for his covert Hollow research."
"This old man underestimated him before."
Tsunayashiro Jin pondered for a moment before instructing the still-confused Ban'ya again.
"Go find him again soon. Give him several doses of the developed Type-A Hollowfication Reagent. But remember to... add a little something extra."
"Yes, sir!"
Ban'ya accepted the order and left, leaving Tsunayashiro Jin alone in the sitting room, his gaze distant as he looked at the sky.
"A pity. In the end, this old man's wisdom is still superior."
"Kensei Kenzuru, this old man saw through your schemes long ago."
***
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