The New Captain of the 12th Division

The New Captain of the 12th Division

Prelude
110 years ago, the then lieutenant of the Fifth Division, Sōsuke Aizen, is greeted by his fellow Shinigami as he walks towards his captain's quarters. Standing outside the door, he asks the captain if he is ready. Captain Shinji Hirako tells him to come in. Hirako and Aizen disagree over Aizen's unwillingness to dress up for ceremony they are to attend and the music that Hirako is listening to.

The pair go to the First Division's headquarters, where they are greeted by the lieutenant of the Twelfth Division, Hiyori Sarugaki, who kicks Shinji in the face. Seventh Division Captain Love Aikawa hits her on the head and tells her to apologize. When Hiyori complains, Love explains that somebody has to keep her in line since her captain is not there. Hirako teases her behind Love's back, annoying both Hiyori and Aizen. While waiting for the others to show up, Hirako notices that the Eleventh Division captain has not turned up, and questions why the tenth generation Kenpachi was made a captain. Love replies that it cannot be helped, as it is customary for the captain of the Eleventh to be a Kenpachi.

When Jūshirō Ukitake, Shunsui Kyōraku and Lisa Yadōmaru arrive, Ukitake notes that Hikifune has not shown up. Hirako comments that the Gotei 13 has been going through captains at a high rate lately, with Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi becoming the Third Division captain two years earlier. Shunsui explains that the Gotei 13 is just going through a period of change and that only himself, Ukitake and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto have been captains for over one hundred years. Ukitake tells him he forgot about Unohana. Shunsui says it is a peaceful change, with the former Third Division captain retired and Hikifune being promoted, whereas the previous Tenth Division captain had died.

Introduction of the New Captain
Aizen overhears Shunsui saying that Hikifune was promoted instead of retiring, causing him to ask to what she has been promoted to. Shunsui tells him that she was promoted to the Royal Guard. Captain Kensei Muguruma interrupts, telling them that the new guy has arrived and Yamamoto had told them to line up. Kisuke Urahara enters the room, wearing a captain's haori. Aizen glances at him and agrees with Hirako's statement that he is lazy, while Rose says that Shinji is "one to talk".

Kisuke apologizes for being late and asks if he may enter the room. Second Division Captain Yoruichi Shihōin scolds him for his timid attitude and tells him to act like a captain. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto pokes him in the back with his staff and tells him to hurry up. Yamamoto explains that seven days previously, Kirio Hikifune vacated her position as Twelfth Division captain due to her promotion and that all other captains received notice that elections for a new captain were to begin. One day ago, on Yoruichi's recommendation, Urahara, who was her Third Seat officer, underwent the Captains Proficiency Test in the presence of Yamamoto and three other captains. Yamamoto confirms that Urahara is the new Twelfth Division captain.

Later on, Kisuke introduces himself to his new subordinates. His introduction earns him a slap from his new lieutenant, Hiyori, who refuses to acknowledge him. Already upset with Hikifune's departure, she refuses to accept somebody from the Second Division as her captain due to his ties with the Onmitsukidō. Her fellow Shinigami tell her she is going to far, but she retorts that she is only saying what they are thinking. When Urahara nervously laughs, she questions why he is not angry that she is bad-mouthing his old division. Kisuke explains that he had decided that he was now a full member of the Twelfth and act accordingly. Hiyori refuses to accept this and kicks him before rushing outside to nurse her leg.

Aftermath
Later, Kisuke sits outside to clear his head. Hirako tells him that he suspected that Kisuke would have a rough time and reveals that Hiyori looked up to Hikifune as a mother figure, so it will be hard to try and replace her. Urahara admits that he would like to get along with her, but that their relationship will not be the same. Hirako tells Kisuke that he cannot please his subordinates all the time and he should do things the way he wants to. If nobody follows him, then it means that he was not a good enough to be a captain. As Hirako leaves, he asks Aizen how long he is going to watch, tearing away the Kidō he was using to hide. Aizen tells Hirako that he is a really scary person, but Shinji replies that he is the scary one.