"Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have activated the Retirement and Pension System."
"This system will officially activate after the Host retires. Currently, it is a trial version (2.0 revised version)."
After hearing the voice in his head, Yamabuki Haruto wanted to delete his account and start over.
"System."
"Yes, dear."
"How old do you think I am this year?"
"Eighteen."
"Then why the hell do you activate the system after I retire?!" Haruto cursed.
"Dear, don't get agitated. This is to cultivate your character! When you have experienced the vicissitudes of life, the changes of the world, the washing away of the lead, become smooth and agreeable, and seen through the mundane world, the official version of this system will naturally activate."
"Alright, you talk a lot, and everything you say is right. But can you help me get rid of those Hollows behind me first?!" Haruto yelled.
There were more than a dozen Hollows chasing him desperately.
Three days ago, Haruto had accidentally transmigrated into this place called the Soul Society.
As a transmigrator, he knew this world was extremely dangerous. With Aizen causing chaos in the past and Yhwach destroying the world in the future, survival meant becoming stronger as fast as possible.
The easiest way? Join the Gotei 13. With his familiarity with the plot, becoming a seated officer and just coasting along seemed like a good plan.
But he was new, unfamiliar with the land, and had to gather information from the residents of Rukongai.
Oddly, none of them had heard of the Gotei 13.
Helpless, he set off alone to find them.
Then — Hollows.
"Host, don't panic. You can draw your Zanpakuto and fight the Hollows, or you can convert your excess spiritual pressure into Kido for attack. Young people shouldn't always rely on others."
Haruto glanced at his empty hands and felt his pitifully weak spiritual pressure. Great advice.
"Oh, right. To help the Host survive in the chaotic Soul Society, this system, in its great mercy, is giving you a novice gift package. Please check it."
"Why didn't you give it earlier? Use it now!"
"Novice gift package used. Obtained title: Child of Destiny."
"Obtained one Zanpakuto."
"Obtained Sword Mastery."
"Obtained Shunpo."
"Obtained Vice-Captain level spiritual pressure."
Child of Destiny: As the Child of Destiny, the protagonist can break racial limiters and grow infinitely.
"This trial version of the system ends here. To unlock more functions, we'll meet again after you retire."
It ran away?
Haruto quickly drew his Zanpakuto, used Shunpo, and instantly plunged the blade into a Hollow's mask.
The Hollows paused for a moment, confused by the sudden change from prey to predator.
But mindless ones act on instinct — and charged again.
With Sword Mastery, Haruto felt the blade move like an extension of his body. Weak points flashed in his mind's eye. Another swing — the second Hollow fell.
Hmph. The tables had turned.
Vice-Captain level spiritual pressure rolled off him as he advanced. A few Hollows recoiled, retreating into a Garganta. The rest rushed forward — and fell.
Within five minutes, it was over. Haruto wiped sweat from his brow. No wonder every transmigrator wanted a golden finger — it was incredible.
By now, evening had fallen. Haruto found a small cave for the night.
As he gathered dry grass for bedding, he noticed a man standing at the entrance.
Haruto's grip tightened on his Zanpakuto. The man was middle-aged, dressed in a samurai-like outfit with a Zanpakuto at his waist.
"Not Gotei 13 attire… maybe just found his Zanpakuto," Haruto thought.
"You don't need to be nervous," the man said calmly. "I have no ill intentions. I saw your fight. You're strong. Would you like to join my organization?"
"I refuse. Please leave immediately."
Joining some shady group? No thanks — his goal was the Gotei 13.
The man sat down cross-legged instead.
Seriously? You're just going to get comfortable while I'm ready to draw my sword?
"I have a dream," the man began.
This isn't a 21st-century job interview.
"Look, the current Soul Society is in chaos. This must be suppressed with extreme measures. I need manpower."
Haruto edged toward the exit.
"To end this era of chaos, I plan to establish an assassin organization. Will you join me?"
"I refuse."
Haruto stepped around him toward the exit.
The man's eyes dimmed slightly. "Originally, I'd given this assassin organization a fine name… the Gotei 13. Now it seems—"
Haruto froze. In a flash, he Shunpoed in front of the man.
"What did you just call your organization?"
"Gotei 13. Why?"
Haruto's mind raced. Could it be…?
"What's your surname?"
"My name is Yamamoto. Yamamoto Shigekuni."
Haruto's heart pounded. The founder of the Gotei 13. This was a thousand years ago.
"Ask me again."
Yamamoto raised an eyebrow. "Will you join the organization I'm forming?"
"I will."
"Why the sudden change?"
"Because that name… has class."