Walking into the Second Division barracks, Kurotsuki Renya had only one thought in his mind—luxury.
The decoration was extravagant: golden light shimmered everywhere, expensive bonsai and ornate screens lined the halls, and rare trees were planted in the courtyard.
Why was a squad whose main responsibility was assassination and execution so lavishly furnished?
Who provided such enormous funding to decorate the entire Division like this?
Who had the power to grant such a superior living environment for the Second Division?
There was only one answer—Marechiyo Ōmaeda.
As the notoriously wealthy heir of the Ōmaeda family, Marechiyo was responsible for the decoration of the entire Division barracks. According to his own gaudy tastes, he arranged everything in this overblown fashion. The degree of luxury was unmatched among the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
Renya looked at everything in silence, while Marechiyo asked with a smug grin, "So? What do you think of the Second Division?"
Marechiyo waited for praise. If Renya admired it, he would proudly declare that he had paid for everything himself, basking in the glow of envy.
But Renya's response was stern: "Isn't the main duty of the Second Division execution and assassination? The Stealth Force requires its members to remain hidden in the shadows. What's the point of being so gorgeously decorated?"
Marechiyo froze, his mouth half-open. Captain Soi Fon allowed the faintest smile to flicker across her lips.
But the moment Renya glanced her way, she straightened her expression, saying sharply, "That's enough. Come inside."
The three entered the Division headquarters. Soi Fon sat behind her desk, her piercing eyes fixed on Renya.
"Have you achieved your Zanpakutō's Shikai yet?" she asked.
Renya shook his head. "Not yet."
"Do not concern yourself," Soi Fon replied coldly. "Understanding one's Zanpakutō requires its acknowledgment. If your Zanpakutō does not yet recognize you, it proves only that your current strength is unworthy of its true power. But since your strength is already exceptional for a new recruit, the fact that it still resists suggests that your Zanpakutō itself holds greater power than most."
Renya exhaled, slightly relieved. As the strongest Academy graduate in over a decade, it made sense that a Zanpakutō of such potential would not be weak.
Soi Fon continued, "From this day forward, you will serve as Marechiyo Ōmaeda's adjutant. The position of Vice-Captain of the Patrol Corps has been vacant for too long. If you achieve Shikai, you may inherit that title. Work hard."
"Yes, Captain. I will."
"Furthermore," Soi Fon added, "you will undergo special training with me every Wednesday and Friday."
"Special training?" Renya asked curiously.
"That's right," she replied. "Your strength still has room to grow. You must master certain techniques. You'll learn them in due time."
Renya's hunger for power burned fiercely; he would never refuse the chance to grow stronger.
Soi Fon then turned to Marechiyo. "Ōmaeda, take Renya with you. Show him the duties of the Patrol Corps. Assign him tasks—and don't you dare be lazy."
"Yes, Captain."
Grateful he hadn't been scolded, Marechiyo quickly ushered Renya to his office.
It was no surprise that Marechiyo's office was even more luxurious than Soi Fon's. Clearly, when the barracks had been decorated, he had ensured plenty of personal indulgence.
Slumping into a plush chair, Marechiyo said, "Alright, let me explain your responsibilities."
Renya nodded seriously.
"Our Division is responsible for patrol and security. However, the Tenth Division of the Gotei 13 also handles patrols. The difference is this: the Tenth oversees surface-level patrols, while we operate in secret. If an enemy infiltrates Seireitei, they may slip past the Tenth—but they won't escape us."
Marechiyo paused, then continued, "You'll need to memorize every guard point, every guard's information, and the rotation schedules. You'll be responsible for issuing new rosters. Be diligent—sloppiness is not tolerated."
"I understand," Renya replied, carefully noting every word.
Seeing Renya's seriousness, Marechiyo smirked. "Actually… you don't have to be too serious."
"What do you mean?" Renya asked, puzzled.
Marechiyo leaned back. "There hasn't been a single infiltration of Seireitei in sixty years. Fewer criminals are executed now, and it's been nearly a decade since the Relay Corps had to deliver urgent news in person. The functions of the Onmitsukidō have been steadily reduced. The First Division's Penal Corps, the Fifth Division's Relay Corps, even our own Patrol Corps—our roles have all diminished. Only the Detention Unit of the Third Division remains unchanged."
"Why?" Renya asked.
"It goes back to the incident sixty years ago," Marechiyo said gravely.
He referred, of course, to the Visored Incident. Yoruichi Shihōin, former Commander of the Stealth Force, had conspired with Tessai Tsukabishi to help the framed Kisuke Urahara and the Hollowfied captains escape judgment. Together they broke through Seireitei's defenses and vanished into the Human World.
The Central 46 condemned Yoruichi as a traitor, stripping her of all titles. If not for the Shihōin clan's long-standing contributions, their family might have been expelled from the Four Great Noble Houses altogether.
Decades later, Yoruichi returned once more, aiding Ichigo Kurosaki in infiltrating Seireitei to rescue Rukia Kuchiki. If not for Aizen's betrayal coming to light, the Shihōin family would likely have faced expulsion at that point.
With the Commander and Chief of the Stealth Force gone, the Onmitsukidō's authority had been crippled, reduced to a mere subordinate arm of the Second Division.
And with no threats for six decades, work had become easy—almost pointless.
Renya understood this but did not mind. His purpose in joining the Stealth Force was not comfort, but the access it granted to intelligence networks and concealment of his true identity.
Marechiyo's tone shifted, becoming uncharacteristically solemn. "One more thing. Once you're part of the Onmitsukidō, you'll inevitably learn the history. But never—ever—mention the former Commander, Yoruichi, in front of Captain Soi Fon. Absolutely not."
Renya's eyes narrowed. He already knew of Soi Fon's relationship with Yoruichi. Out of devotion, Soi Fon had joined the Stealth Force, striving tirelessly to serve at Yoruichi's side. She had become her personal guard, her most loyal shadow. But when Yoruichi abandoned Seireitei, she left Soi Fon behind. To Soi Fon, that betrayal was unforgivable.
Though she concealed her true feelings, her outward attitude remained one of bitterness and disdain toward Yoruichi's name.
Renya nodded quickly. "I understand."
Satisfied, Marechiyo leaned back and smirked. "Good. I'll teach you the workflow as soon as possible—so I won't have to do anything myself."
"…What?" Renya blinked. "Did you just say you won't have to do anything?"
Marechiyo coughed loudly. "What I meant was—we should give opportunities to the younger generation. Yes. To help them grow. Hahaha…"
Renya stared at him flatly. I believed in your nonsense.
He recalled Captain Soi Fon's own evaluation: Marechiyo Ōmaeda was a man who cared only about food, money, and his family business. In battle, his first, second, and third options were always to run away. And when forced to fight, his greatest accomplishment was reciting Hadō #31: Shakkahō.
Such a man was a rare oddity in all of Soul Society. Renya couldn't help but wonder if Soi Fon had some greater reason for placing him here, in the Patrol Corps.