Recruit from the Nest of Maggots

Recruit from the Nest of Maggots

Prologue
The following morning, Hiyori becomes angry with Kisuke when she discovers that he has remodelled the captain's office, installing large pieces of equipment to the room. Urahara replies that it is his room now and says that they should try to get to know each other, bit by bit. When Hiyori refuses, punching him in the face, he asks her to accompany him to the Nest of Maggots.

In the 2nd Division's headquarters, a member of the Onmitsukidō reports that Urahara wishes to enter their grounds, claiming to have already received permission from Yoruichi. Though she does not remember granting such permission, Yoruichi tells him to let Kisuke go wherever he wished, despite a protest from Suì-Fēng.

Decent into the Nest of Maggots
When the gates open, Urahara drags the uncooperative Hiyori by the collar of her uniform. It is explained that the Onmitsukidō was originally a separate organization to the Gotei 13, but when the the head of the unit becomes a captain as well, the two units become closely linked. Under Yoruichi's leadership, the commanders of each of the five sections of the Onmitsukidō are seated officers in the Second Division. Urahara tells Hiyori that as the Second Division's Third Seat, he was the head of the Detention Unit. The main duty of the Detention Unit was guarding those who had committed crimes in Seireitei. Hiyori notices his use of the "main" and asks what other duties the unit had. Kisuke tells her that the Detention Unit also investigated and detained any Shinigami who was deemed to be a potential threat to other Shinigami or might impede the duties of their Division. Such people were locked up in an underground facility in the Second Division's grounds, called the Nest of Maggots.

As they descend into the cave, Hiyori asks if people are really locked up in such a place. Urahara replies that it is a horrible affair, but it is not a prison. While the detainees cannot leave, their movements are not restricted. When Kisuke warns her that someone might suddenly attack her, she asks what they have done. Urahara tells her that they have not actually done anything wrong, but have simply been deemed to be dangerous elements according Seireitei's regulations. Hiyori criticises this, but is interrupted by Urahara, who asks her if she knew any Shinigami who has withdrawn from the Gotei 13. He explains that if somebody has to leave the Gotei 13 due to personal circumstances, it is called a "leave of absence". If that leave of absence prolongs and it is unlikely the person will come back, it results in "Decommissioning". Actual withdrawal is a cover that means the Shinigami has been transferred to the Nest of Maggots. This is all in accordance with the views of the Central 46. Urahara tells Hiyori that ever since he took command of the Detention Unit, he has been thinking that the people kept in Special Detention, while dangerous, if they were given a suitable environment in which to work, might be able to turn their dangerous potential into a great power. Hiyori is attacked by a detainee and reaches for her sword. Urahara apologizes for not reminding her that she did not bring her Zanpakutō, stating that the Nest of Maggots is a weapons free zone. As such, all Detention Unit leaders must be capable of subduing any detainee with their bare hands.

After fending off the attacker, Urahara shows Hiyori the only detainee that is placed in a cell, who asks him what business he has here. Urahara tells a shackled Mayuri Kurotsuchi that he has come to offer him the opportunity to leave. Hiyori asks who Mayuri is, causing him to say that she is a boy with no manners. This angers Hiyori, who calls him a white goblin. Kurotsuchi congratulates Urahara on his promotion and turns down his offer to leave the Nest of Maggots, stating that he is satisfied with his life there. When Kisuke points out that there is nothing to tinker with in the detention facility, Mayuri asks why he wants to free him. Kisuke reveals that he is thinking of creating an organization within the Twelfth Division called the Research and Development Institute and that he would like Mayuri to be its vice-president. When Mayuri asks if Urahara wants him to work under him, Kisuke replies that if he were to die, the organization would be his to do with as he pleases. Kurotsuchi smiles, saying that Urahara truly is an unpleasant sort of man.

Contest between Shunpo Masters
In the grounds of the Kuchiki Manor, Byakuya Kuchiki is practicing his Zanjutsu skills when Ginrei Kuchiki arrives. Byakuya asks his grandfather if he will be staying at the mansion. Ginrei states that he is and tells Byakuya to leave his training session at that, as he has a guest. As he wonders who the visitor is, Yoruichi appears beside him. Byakuya immediately attacks her, calling her a demon cat. Yoruichi says that that is no way to greet somebody who has come to play with him. Byakuya responds that the next head of the Kuchiki house did not need to play. In response, Yoruichi steals his hair tie using Shunpo, and taunts him. Yoruichi says he will never catch her, which incurs Byakuya's wrath. Byakuya uses his own Shunpo to chase after her, which he says is far superior to hers. Ginrei comments that Byakuya would improve greatly if loses his hot-headedness.

The New Lieutenant of the 13th Division
Elsewhere, Kaien Shiba repeats to Captain Jūshirō Ukitake that he does not wish to be a lieutenant, saying that there are others who deserve to be promoted ahead of him. Disappointed with his reply, Ukitake turns the conversation to the latest genius to graduate from the Shin'ō Academy, saying that he completed the academy course in just one year. The same age as Byakuya, Ukitake tells Kaien that he had a seated officer position reserved for him before he joined the Gotei 13, and that he is now part of the Fifth Division.

Aftermath
Sōsuke Aizen applauds the young Gin Ichimaru for killing his division's Third Seat. Gin claims that the dead Shinigami was not worth his time, to which Aizen replies he is glad to hear that.