Chapter 161: with translation of title

Thump thump thump…

Is anyone there? Could someone please open the door?

Hirako Shinji, wearing a white captain's haori, and his lieutenant Aizen Sosuke stood under the scorching sun in front of the main gate outside the First Division barracks, having knocked on the door for about ten minutes, but no one answered.

Names: Hirako Shinji (character), Aizen Sosuke (character), First Division (First Division? It's a unit name; it's a named entity: "First Division" maybe? It's a squad name; it's a named entity: "First Division". Should we translate? According to rules, cultivation terms etc. Should translate by meaning. "First Division" is "First Division". It's a named entity (a squad). Should we translate? According to glossary, cultivation terms etc. Should translate by meaning. "First Division" is "First Division". It's a named entity (a squad). Should we translate? The glossary expects English names for named entities. Since it's a named unit, we should translate meaning: "First Division". However, we need to check if it's considered a proper noun. It's a named squad; we should translate. The glossary says: "Keep well-known cultivation/fantasy terms (Qi, Dao, dantian, etc.) in their common English forms." For sect/faction names, translate by meaning. So "First Division" -> "First Division". Similarly "Thirteen Court Guard Squads" -> "Thirteen Court Guard Squads"? Actually "Thirteen Court Guard Squads" is the "Thirteen Court Guard Squads" (like Gotei 13). In Bleach, it's "Thirteen Court Guard Squads". We'll translate as "Thirteen Court Guard Squads". But we need to be consistent with known translation? The glossary says use meaning. So we will translate.

Also, 'captain's haori' may not be a name. 'Captain' is not a name.

"Lanran, I was just saying we came too early, right?"

"Look at the other captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads—not only has nobody arrived first, but even the squad members of the First Division itself are still sleeping in the barracks~"

"We came this early, it's purely disturbing people's sweet dreams! Don't you know, Lanran, that disturbing someone's sleep is, in our Thirteen Court Guard Squads, roughly equivalent to violating the law, and should be punished by death?!"

Pingzi Zhenzi constantly complained to Lanran behind him.

"Captain Pingzi Zhenzi, although what you said is not without basis, I still need to remind you: there are less than fifteen minutes left until the meeting time notified by Captain-Commander Huangmu yesterday; in other words, if we don't go in now, we might be late..."

Lanran, after hearing Pingzi Zhenzi's words, spoke up to remind him.

"But you also saw, nobody opened the door at all~"

Pingzi Zhenzi, after hearing Lanran's words, shrugged his shoulders helplessly, putting on an innocent look.

"Actually, you could try, using your esteemed palm, to gently push the gate of the First Division's barracks; as far as I know, outside the First Division's barracks gate, except at specific times, there are basically no guards assigned..."

Lanran, after hearing Pingzi Zhenzi's words, was first somewhat speechless, then reminded Pingzi Zhenzi.

"Huh? The gate of the First Division's barracks actually has no guard at all?"

Pingzi Zhenzi, after hearing Lanran's words, asked in surprise.

"Are you suffering from amnesia?"

Lanran found Pingzi Zhenzi's question somewhat speechless; this isn't common sense?!

In Lanran's mind, while his resolve to expel Pingzi Zhenzi from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads strengthened a bit more, he still decided to explain to Pingzi Zhenzi: "Captain Pingzi Zhenzi, you don't remember that under the First Division there are a total of six small detachments, do you?! I'll explain it again; I hope you remember this clearly this time..."

"First is the First Division's First Detachment Patrol Unit; its detachment leader is directly led by the First Division's Vice Captain Zhaiteng Bulabusi, mainly responsible for the internal security of the First Division's barracks, and also guarding the gate of the First Division's Captain's Office......:"

"Next is the First Division's Second Detachment Communication Unit; its detachment leader is Shanmu Zongyilang, mainly responsible for conveying Captain-Commander Huangmu's decisions to all members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads; the notice we sent to the Fifth Division yesterday came from this unit's members."

"Next is the Third Detachment's Kido Corps detachment leader Woling Tiezhai; the Fourth Detachment's Hollow Extermination Unit detachment leader Ku Wushu; plus the Fifth Detachment's Quincy Special Assault Team detachment leader Zhicheng Shuangye; as for the Sixth Detachment, I only know its detachment leader is the former Ninth Division Captain Gangmi Daisitan, and I know nothing else about the rest~"

"Among these six detachments under the First Division, not a single one has the duty of guarding the First Division's barracks gate......"

Lanran, in explaining the internal structure of the First Division to Captain Pingzi Zhenzi, so as to avoid this captain causing the Fifth Division to lose face, and to prevent outsiders from thinking that it's because Lanran's education is inadequate...

Moreover, Lanran then seemed to think of something, and mercilessly teased Pingzi Zhenzi: "Besides, would anyone really dare to intrude into Captain-Commander Huangmu's First Division barracks?! I reckon that person is just tired of living and wants to experience death."

"Oh, is that so? Turns out the First Division has changed its system!"

"Hahaha, it seems that's indeed the case……"

Pingzi Zhenzi, after hearing Lanran's words, broke out in a few drops of cold sweat on his forehead, constantly nodding in agreement. At the same time, Pingzi Zhenzi tried to cover up his nervousness with loud laughter.

"The First Division's organization has been like this for so many years……"

Lanran, upon hearing that, spoke calmly.

"Um……"

Pingzi Zhenzi was embarrassed and froze in place for a moment.

"Click~"

Just as Pingzi Zhenzi and Lanran were both silent, and the air began to become awkward, the gate of the First Division's barracks was suddenly pushed open from inside……

"You're already late, baldy!"

Next, a small loli with twin tails, having short blond hair and some freckles on her cheeks, suddenly flew out from the barracks and kicked towards Pingzi Zhenzi's cheek.

"Huh?!"

Pingzi Zhenzi, hearing the sound, instinctively turned his head to look.

Next, a moment of carelessness, and he was kicked flying by that girl.

"It hurts so much!"

"You bastard, Rishi Li, it was you who closed the barracks gate, wasn't it?"

Pingzi Zhenzi rolled on the ground several times, eventually hitting the wall of the garden outside the barracks, then stopped; he covered his swollen red cheek and roared at the girl.

"Idiot, moron, baldy, Pingzi Zhenzi!"

"It's clearly you who were late, yet you want to blame me—I won't fall for that! Blah blah blah……"

The girl, namely Rishi Li, after hearing Pingzi Zhenzi's words, kept sticking out her tongue at him.

"Hah! Don't lump Pingzi Zhenzi together with idiot, moron, and baldy! It makes my name sound like a derogatory term, you jerk……"

Pingzi Zhenzi couldn't take this; he immediately retorted at Rishi Li, and made a funny face at her, like teasing a child, to counterattack.

"Hah? Who are you calling a jerk?"

"I'm going to really fix you up……"

Rishi Li said, and directly took off the straw sandals on her feet, about to throw them at Pingzi Zhenzi's face while speaking.

"Uh-oh, look at me dodging your attack……"

"Hahaha, that way you can't hit me, right? No way, Rishi Li……"

Pingzi Zhenzi, seeing things weren't looking good, immediately hid behind Lanran Zongyoujie, and continued making funny faces at Rishi Li.

"Damn it!"

Rishi Li, her teeth itching from anger at Pingzi Zhenzi's actions, decided she would definitely settle things with Pingzi Zhenzi today, to determine superiority and even life or death.

"Slap~"

Just as Rishi Li was preparing to launch an attack, a hard iron fist landed on her small head, producing a deafening sound.

"It really hurts!"

Rishili's eyes instantly filled with tears, she turned her head to look at the person who hit her, and asked in a wronged voice: "Damn Luo Wu, why did you hit me?!"

"Huh? You're still asking me why I punched you with my fist?"

"You better use that not-so-smart brain of yours to think: where is there anyone like you who talks to the captains of other squads like that?"

The man who slapped Rishiri's head was no one else but the captain of the 7th Division, Aikawa Romu; upon hearing Rishiri's words, he spoke angrily.

"Huh? You talk as if you were our division's captain..."

"Romu, you're the captain of the 7th Division, while I'm the vice captain of the 12th Division; for you to manage me across divisions like this, isn't that overstepping?"

Rishiri shouted at the man who was violently beating her.

"It's precisely because your division lacks a captain that I must stand in for them and properly manage you, this disobedient little brat!"

Romu, hearing this, responded righteously.

"Hmph, I'm ignoring you all..."

Rishiri said, first letting out a cold snort, then ran toward the interior of the 1st Division's quarters.

"Hey, Rishiri..."

Heisuke watched the departing Rishiri, his eyes showing a hint of worry.

"Heisuke, you shouldn't indulge Rishiri everywhere; that kid has been spoiled by you, Yaze, and the others..."

After Romu had Rishiri say she was leaving, he still didn't forget to lecture Heisuke a few sentences.

"I know, I know..."

Heisuke gave Romu a perfunctory nod, then immediately brought Aizen toward the direction of the 1st Division's Captain's Chamber.

"..."

As for Aizen, Heisuke's vice captain, he hadn't spoken a word from start to finish; he silently listened to the captains' discussion, and while remaining silent, his mind was designing his own plan.

"Captains, come this way..."

After the captains entered the interior of the 1st Division's quarters, they saw the patrolling squad members; although the gate of the 1st Division's quarters was unmanned, for the convenience of the soul reapers to report urgent matters to the head captain, the interior still needed someone to manage it, given that the 1st Division's quarters were huge, and logistics and cleaning still required many people.

And among the captains of the Gotei 13, after entering the 1st Division, to prevent these captains and squad members from getting lost in the vast 1st Division, there would be personnel specifically responsible for this, leading the other divisions' people to the Captain's Chamber where Arashi is located, and waiting quietly outside the Captain's Chamber.

Soon after, under the guidance of the 1st Division's squad members, the captains finally arrived outside the gate of the 1st Division's Captain's Chamber; and precisely after the captains arrived, the squad members tasked with guarding the gate hung the plaques symbolizing each division's captain on the wall outside the Captain's Chamber, and recorded the time of each captain's arrival,

"The 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 9th Divisions have arrived— that's five divisions already! The 12th Division lacks a captain, so we temporarily exclude it; aren't the other division captains still not here?"

Not long after Heisuke and Romu arrived outside the 1st Division's Captain's Chamber, Rokugo Kusaka and Hoobashi Torou arrived one after another, as if they had planned it, coming side by side.

Heisuke naturally knew the relationship between the 4th Division's captain, Unohana Retsu, and Arashi; he knew that Unohana Retsu might have already been inside the 1st Division's Captain's Chamber since last night, and what left him speechless was that, even though a meeting was about to start, only five captains had shown up.

Just as Heisuke was feeling speechless about the situation, the squad member responsible for hanging the plaques, having seemingly received some news, proceeded to hang the plaques for the 8th and 13th Divisions on the captains' check-in wall one after another.

"Sorry, sorry, we seem to have arrived late..."

Immediately afterward, Kyoraku Shunsui, wearing a straw hat, came together with Ukitake Jushiro.

"Captain Kyoraku, you weren't late this time— real progress!"

Upon seeing Kyoraku, Heisuke immediately smirked and retorted.

"Nonsense, I'm always the first to arrive; I've never been late..."

Kyoraku, hearing this, spoke stubbornly.

"Hehe, who was it that Captain-General Arashi punished last time, making them stand outside the 1st Division's quarters and guard the gate for a month?!"

Upon hearing Kyoraku's words, Romu immediately exposed Kyoraku's old secrets.

"Ahahaha..."

Upon hearing Romu's words, Kyoraku wasn't angry or annoyed; he merely gave a light laugh.

"It was I who dragged Captain Kyoraku out of bed!"

At that moment, Yachiru Kusajishi, with her lovely face and voluptuous figure, suddenly raised her thumb and proudly addressed the captains present.

"Being able to wake Kyoraku up was really troublesome for you, Yachiru."

Upon hearing that, the captains gazed at Yachiru with pity; having such a ridiculous captain, there's really no one else...

"It wasn't troublesome; I kicked him out of bed!"

Yachiru, hearing that, spoke proudly once again.

"It really hurts, okay?"

Upon hearing Yachiru's words, Kyoraku rubbed his aching lower back, wearing a look of distress.

"Senior Kyoraku, Senior Ukitake..."

At that moment, Aizen quietly approached Kyoraku and Ukitake's side, slightly bowing in greeting.

"Yo, Aizen, long time no see~"

Upon hearing Aizen's words, Kyoraku familiarly patted Aizen's shoulder.

"Junior Aizen, long time no see!"

As for Ukitake, he was extremely courteous, nodding his head at Aizen.

"Everyone's here~"

While several captains were chatting outside the gate of the 1st Division's Captain's Chamber, the 2nd Division's captain, Yoruichi Shihouin, the 6th Division's captain, Byakuya Kuchiki, and the 10th Division's captain, Isshin Shiba, three captains symbolizing today's Five Great Noble Houses, arrived together at the 1st Division's quarters.

"Huh? What a joke, the captain of the 10th Division has been replaced too!"

"Good grief, in just the past few short fifty years, the 3rd, 7th, and 9th Divisions have changed captains in succession, and now it's the 10th Division's turn; counting the promoted captain of the 12th Division, Yaze, haven't our Gotei 13 captains already been replaced by about half? Is this really okay going forward?"

Upon discovering that his long-desired 10th Division captain had changed from the busty, big-wave girl Shiba Tazawa to the seemingly unserious Shiba Isshin, Heisuke felt a bit heartbroken and complained.

Speaking of which, the icy beauty of the 3rd Division, Suzumebachi, and the 12th Division's Yaze Kiryu, who perfectly matched all his fetishes, had already caused him heartache during the Gotei 13's transfers and promotions; as a result, his final longing, Shiba Tazawa, also vacated the captain's position, leaving the Gotei 13's captains momentarily resembling a monk's temple...

Saying he wanted to be with these men at every meeting! Heisuke truly likes women! Women! He wants to hold meetings with beautiful sisters, damn it~

"The 3rd Division's captain transferred the 2nd Division, and the captains of the 7th and 9th Divisions were all transferred to the 1st Division; the 12th Division's captain chose promotion, so in short, everyone chose a bright future..."

Kyoraku stroked his chin and explained to Heisuke.

"And what about the captain of the 10th Division, Tazawa— where did she go?"

Heisuke ignored the other division captains and specifically inquired about the whereabouts of Shiba Tazawa.

"Captain Tazawa, I honestly don't know about that..."

Jingyue, after hearing Pingzi's words, shrugged helplessly.

"If you're asking about Zehong's younger sister, she was called away a few months ago by that kid Shitan, saying it was a task assigned by the Captain. He couldn't handle it alone and needed a sufficiently strong assistant to help him complete it…"

Just as Jingyue was feeling puzzled, the weary‑looking Zhi Bo Yixin suddenly spoke, addressing everyone present and explaining Zehong's whereabouts.

"The Zhi Bo family is in utter chaos right now!"

"The former head, that scoundrel Tiansun, after his eldest son graduated from the Spirit Arts Academy, finally had an heir! He ignored his other children, and without any family member's permission, he selfishly used the Zhi Bo family's private 'Interdimensional Gate' to travel to the mortal world and tour it…"

"Zehong, who was supposed to take over from the runaway Tiansun and properly serve as head of the Zhi Bo family, was summoned away by that scoundrel from the Gang Yidai family under the Captain's name; now I can't even get in touch with those two irresponsible troublemakers…"

"In the end, I, who only needed to manage a branch family and could just eat and wait for death each day, was forced like a duck pushed onto a bridge, dragged by Captain Araki into the Tenth Division to serve as captain. I'm really suffering…"

Zhi Bo Yixin kept venting about his family's mess to the captains before him.

Yes, Zhi Bo Yixin is actually Hei Qi Yi Xin, the father of the original protagonist Hei Qi Yi Hu, and because of the plans of Gang Yidai, Shitan and others, a cascade of butterfly effects forced him to report to the Tenth Division early, and he will now spend several decades longer there than in the original story.

"Ah…"

Pingzi fell completely silent after hearing Zhi Bo Yixin's words.

"But come to think of it, there aren't many captains who can stay in the Gotei 13 for several hundred years. In terms of seniority, only I, Fu Zhu, Ye Yi, and Captain Yin Ling have the longest tenure…"

Jingyue, after hearing Pingzi's words, seemed to recall something and said with a hint of emotion.

"Jingyue, don't forget Mao Zhi Hua Shimu…"

Fu Zhu, after hearing Jingyue's words, immediately reminded them.

"Ha ha, how could I forget Mao Zhi Hua Shimu? She and her master are our senior elders in the Gotei 13…"

"But here we talk about captains of the hundred‑year level; Shimu, being that old, should count as a thousand‑year level, right? Ahahaha…"

Jingyue thought of something amusing and burst into laughter.

"Click~"

Just as Jingyue laughed, the door of the First Division's captain's quarters was suddenly pushed open, and a smiling, stunningly beautiful woman stuck out half her body from inside…

"Ah la, Jingyue, you're really happy laughing today~"

"I heard your laughter inside your master's captain's quarters~"

"Did something funny happen today? Why not share it with all of us so we can all have a good laugh together?"

The cold‑beauty, hailed as a peerless mortal beauty, after stepping out of the First Division's captain's quarters, immediately looked at the loudly laughing Jingyue with a smiling gaze and asked.

"Ugh…"

For a moment, everyone present, including Jingyue Chunsui, fell silent; especially Jingyue Chunsui, who at that moment simply couldn't laugh.

"Jingyue, why did you stop laughing?"

"You're not laughing because you were born not to laugh?"

The cold‑beauty, seeing Jingyue's smile vanish in an instant, continued to ask.

"Ugh…"

Jingyue was now flustered, sweat constantly beading on his forehead.

"It's over! It's over! It's over…"

"What I just said must have been heard by the master's wife, definitely heard!"

"Now I'm afraid I'll die here…"

Jingyue was already panicking; just now, by a careless move, he had provoked the most untouchable person in the Jìnglíng Court.

Indeed, the cold‑beauty who emerged from Araki's captain's quarters was none other than Mao Zhi Hua Lie! As everyone suspected, Mao Zhi Hua had been waiting for them in the First Division's captain's quarters since last night.

"Hmph~"

Mao Zhi Hua, upon seeing Jingyue's panic, let out a cold snort and glanced at the other captains present, saying lightly, "Captain Araki invited you in…"

After speaking, Mao Zhi Hua slipped into the captain's quarters.

"Hehe…"

When Mao Zhi Hua left, the captains present instantly felt relieved; many of them, as they stepped away from Jingyue, gave his shoulder a gentle pat as a sign of respect.

"And my dear senior brother, you truly are the rebel!"

Even the long‑standing rebel Lan Ran, after witnessing the scene, sincerely gave Jingyue a thumbs‑up of respect.

"Lisa, my condolences~"

As for Fu Zhu Shisilang, he directly told Ya Tongwan Lisa that he could prepare something substantial for Jingyue in advance; soon, Jingyue will be sent by Captain Araki to the 'Hell' to see its gate.

"No, master and master's wife, listen to my explanation!"

After a brief silence, Jingyue rushed into the First Division's captain's quarters, trying to make amends for his earlier mistake.

"Ah, hasn't this meeting just started?"

"Looks like I didn't miss anything~"

After the captains present successively entered Araki's captain's quarters, Geng Mu, bearing his Zanpakuto, finally arrived at the First Division, albeit fashionably late…

When Geng Mu realized that the other division captains had only just begun entering the First Division's captain's quarters, he breathed a sigh of relief; at least he wasn't late, otherwise he'd have to guard the First Division's gate like Jingyue.

"Everyone, upon entering the meeting room, please position yourselves on my left or right according to even and odd numbers! The Gotei 13 captains' meeting will commence immediately…"

When all the captains had entered the First Division's captain's quarters, Araki, hands gripping his Zanpakuto, addressed the assembled captains with utmost seriousness.

He wasn't sure if it was Araki's illusion, but as he looked at the Gotei 13 captains before him, he felt as if he were seeing his younger self and the original Gotei 13 opponents, back when the Captain was his beloved teacher Yamamoto…

Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, Master Yuan Liuxi and the Gotei 13 captains he once knew have become history; now this vast Jìnglíng Court has fully entered his era~

However, Araki knew deep down that eras must keep advancing, just as realms constantly rise; soon, this Jìnglíng Court will enter the era of his talented disciple Lan Ran Zong You Kai!

"Come on, Zong You Kai…"

Thinking of this, Araki's eyes seemed to pierce through the First Division's captain's quarters wall, taking a deep look at Lan Ran Zong You Kai, who stood outside, waiting quietly.

Meanwhile, in the Second Division's barracks, an incredibly messy room…

"Ding—ling—ling…"

Accompanied by a long string of noisy alarm bells, in that filthy, instrument‑filled room, a man with shaggy short yellow hair, dark circles under his eyes, and an unkempt beard finally opened his eyes slowly.

Huh? It's already the second day?

After opening his eyes, the man touched his chin and muttered to himself.

Hmm? Wait, if I remember correctly, today should be my inauguration ceremony for the Royal Guard Thirteen Squad, right?

That means, at this moment, Ye Yi and the other captains are all waiting for me in the First Squad's captains' headquarters...

Damn! Really damn! I was so absorbed in the experiment that I actually forgot such an important matter...

The man was none other than the newly appointed Twelfth Squad captain Urahara Kiyosuke; as he kept babbling, the sudden excitement jolted him fully awake, and he hurriedly put on his clothes.

Socks, shoes, and the Death‑over armor...

No, where did my captain's haori go?

Has anyone seen the Twelfth Squad's captain's haori?

Please give it back quickly, I'm going to be late...

No, to be precise, I'm already late!

After dressing, Urahara Kiyosuke suddenly realized his captain's haori was missing; he was still wearing the white lab coat from yesterday's experiment, which made him panic.

Idiot! Captain Ye Yi said to have someone wash your haori!

Passing by, Hoshou Aya, upon hearing Urahara Kiyosuke's loud commotion, shouted angrily.

Huh? So you washed it for me?

Ahahaha, sorry, sorry...

Because I've been constantly experimenting, I really did forget about it~

But this time I truly thank you; next time I'll treat you to a meal, Aya~

After hearing Hoshou Aya's words, Urahara Kiyosuke finally relaxed, then he immediately ran toward the Second Squad's laundry room.

No need for a meal; please, from now on, don't come back to the Second Squad unless necessary!

Hoshou Aya shouted after hearing Urahara Kiyosuke.

Meanwhile, in the First Squad's captains' headquarters.

When the captains, under Araki's order, took their positions on both sides, everyone became solemn and silent, since this was in front of the Grand Captain; they dared not chat idly as they would outside the headquarters.

Aren't you coming yet?

Haha, this newly appointed captain, huh~

The first day of a newly appointed captain and he's already late? All the captains of the Royal Guard Thirteen Squad, including the Grand Captain, are waiting here for him alone, that's really...

But even though no one says it aloud, everyone inside is already murmuring.

Among them, especially Hirako Mako's thoughts were most active; because Nichi Sekiri is still serving as deputy captain of the Twelfth Squad, she must ensure that this newly appointed Twelfth Squad captain is easy to talk to, otherwise she'll have to find a way to transfer Nichi Sekiri to another squad.

Sister Ye Yi...

On the other side, the captains representing the even‑numbered squads stood on their side...

After waiting a while, Kyougaku, noticing that the newly appointed Twelfth Squad captain hadn't arrived, instinctively looked toward Ye Yi of the Four Maple Court, who was also on the even side.

Since Kyougaku is considered 'one of Ye Yi's own' in her eyes, he naturally knows far more than the other captains; he knows Urahara came from the Second Squad where Ye Yi serves, and was promoted after Ye Yi's recommendation and passing the assessment.

Kyougaku's glance at Ye Yi wasn't to blame her, but out of concern whether the newly appointed captain had encountered an accident and whether he should send someone to investigate, since his prized deputy captain was currently waiting outside the captains' headquarters.

Feeling the concerned gazes of Kyougaku, Futake, and Mao no Hana, Ye Yi shook her head helplessly; it's hard for her to tell everyone present that Urahara Kiyosuke is just that kind of person.

Late, late...

Just as the captains present furrowed their brows over Urahara's tardiness, accompanied by frantic shouts, a blond youth, wearing a brand‑new white captain's haori, rushed straight into the First Squad's captains' headquarters.

Crack~

Seeing that he was about to be over half an hour late, breaking Kyougaku's record for lateness in the final seconds, he burst into the First Squad's captains' headquarters, bowed deeply to all the captains present, and apologetically said, "Sorry! I was late because of an experiment, a careless mistake..."

He looks rather clumsy, doesn't he!

That was the first thought of all the captains present upon seeing the man.