Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

Leaving the Shin'ō Spirit Academy behind, Seiya made his way toward the next stage of his journey, using spiritual energy to quicken his travel. With permission granted, he reached his destination just before nightfall.

Standing at the foot of a towering mountain, Seiya looked up in awe.

"The barracks... are on top of a mountain?"

A steep staircase stretched all the way to the summit, flanked by sturdy stone pillars and a grand torii gate. The character for "二" (Two) was prominently engraved on the columns, marking the territory of the Second Division.

The path up the mountain was lined with neatly trimmed trees and carefully maintained greenery.

"It's all very... meticulous."

Waiting halfway up the stairs stood a broad-shouldered man with a slicked-back hairstyle. His face lit up with delight the moment he saw Seiya approaching.

"Hey! Seiya Arima!"

It was none other than Ōmaeda Marechiyo, the towering and boisterous vice-captain of the Second Division.

Ever since their sparring match at the academy, Ōmaeda had taken a liking to Seiya. He had even gone so far as to promise in a letter that he would personally greet him upon arrival.

"He... wasn't joking about that?"

Seiya scratched his head in disbelief.

Making a vice-captain wait outside the barracks? That felt way too formal and excessive.

Still, Ōmaeda beamed with enthusiasm and gave Seiya a hearty slap on the shoulder.

"Seiya! You made it!"

"Ōmaeda-senpai!"

"Haha! Looking good! Young folks like you are always so full of energy—ah, I'm envious!"

Ōmaeda's laugh was infectious, echoing across the mountain path. His whole demeanor radiated warmth and generosity.

"I've been meaning to properly thank you ever since we crossed swords back at the academy. I heard from the captain that you'll be interning with us for the next half-month?"

Seiya nodded, still somewhat overwhelmed by the warm welcome.

Ōmaeda clapped his hands together, his voice booming with pride.

"Well then! For the next fifteen days, I'm in charge of hosting you. I'll make sure everything is arranged for you—food, lodging, training—you name it!"

Seiya waved his hands in modest protest.

"Ah, no need to go that far, senpai! I'm just here to—"

"Nonsense!" Ōmaeda cut him off with a hearty chuckle. "Every meal will be top-notch, and your quarters will be the best we have to offer. No cutting corners!"

Seiya could only scratch his head and grin.

"Haha… well, in that case… I humbly accept!"

"That's the spirit! See? This is why I like you, Seiya!"

As they walked up the staircase together, Ōmaeda began to explain the nature of the Second Division's work.

"The Gotei 13 divisions aren't just numbered randomly. Each one has unique duties and responsibilities."

He glanced back at Seiya to make sure he was listening.

"For example, the Second Division—formally known as the Onmitsukidō, or Stealth Force—is responsible for covert operations. Assassinations, surveillance, tracking... things like that."

Seiya nodded in understanding.

"Basically, the shadow operatives of the Soul Society. Makes sense that they wouldn't want to be in the spotlight."

Ōmaeda laughed.

"Exactly! And between you and me, a lot of the squad members prefer to stay in the background."

Then, with a grin, he pointed at himself.

"Unlike me, of course!"

Seiya chuckled at the self-deprecating humor.

"So, what about you, senpai? You seem more like a front-line type."

Ōmaeda rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Well, uh… you're not wrong. I've always been more suited to leadership than stealth."

He chuckled nervously.

"But hey, that's why we have a captain like Shihōin Yoruichi. She's the real deal."

The mention of Yoruichi made Seiya perk up. He had heard many stories about the legendary captain of the Second Division.

As they reached the summit, the sprawling barracks came into view—a grand complex of traditional buildings and serene gardens. The central courtyard was alive with energy.

Two figures sparred at blinding speeds, their movements so fast that they appeared as fleeting blurs.

"Wow…"

Seiya's gaze locked onto the two combatants. The one on the left was a woman with striking dark skin and a sleek, athletic build.

"Captain Yoruichi," Ōmaeda whispered with reverence.

But it was the second figure that truly caught Seiya's attention.

At first glance, the person bore an uncanny resemblance to Yoruichi. The same facial features, the same graceful movements.

But something… was off.

The sparring session ended with Yoruichi stepping back and calling out.

"That's enough for now. We have guests."

The second figure, panting lightly, straightened up and wiped sweat from his face with a towel.

Yoruichi grinned at him.

"Not bad, Shijirō. You're improving."

The young man bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, elder sister."

Seiya froze.

"Wait…"

The resemblance was uncanny, but this wasn't Yoruichi.

It was Shihōin Shijirō, her younger brother.

Seiya stared, wide-eyed, as the realization dawned.

"That's… that's a guy?!?!"

The long hair, the delicate features, the graceful movements—it was all so misleading.

Seiya's thoughts spun in disbelief.

"Is… is this what they call a 'trap'?!?!"

Despite his efforts to stay composed, Seiya couldn't stop the incredulous words from escaping his mouth.

"Yare yare daze… it's a guy?!"