A clean scent lingered in the air of the thirteen court guard squad assembly hall. Captains stood clustered around the central platform, a gathering to discuss the recent events that took place within the Seireitei.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the captain-commander of the whole thirteen court guard squads, an old man with a bald head, deep wrinkles, a hooked nose, and pronounced cheekbones, sat in the very front of the others. He had red eyes and long gray eyebrows that matched his hip-length mustache. His white beard was secured tightly by a purple band crossing down it. And on his face were many scars, a testament to his battles as a Soul Reaper for more than one thousand years. "You've finally arrived, captain of squad three, Gin Ichimaru," he announced in a raspy tone.

All the captains were now present for this meeting to unfold. All except Jūshirō Ukitake. Gin fell in line with the others, asking where the captain of squad thirteen was.

"He's sick," Kaname answered.

"Again?" questioned Gin. "Poor thing."

Genryūsai spoke to start the meeting: "There's been a report by a gatekeeper that three ryoka have entered the Seireitei." A ryoka was a term used by Soul Reapers to identify those who were not aligned with the Soul Society. Whether they were allies, rebels, intruders, or invaders, they were not welcomed unless invited. "Two squads were stationed at the west gate. There was news that the captain of squad three was manning that area. What did you find, Captain Ichimaru?"

"Nothing, head captain…"

Across from him, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of squad twelve, scoffed. "Nothing? A captain didn't sense anything peculiar from outside the walls? Even if you were on a different side, I find it a tad peculiar that you requested to be stationed there on the day the ryoka arrived." Mayuri was a Soul Reaper whose face was painted black, with the exception of his nose. His eyes were a golden colour and he constantly bared his teeth, giving the appearance of him always smiling. He was also once confined to an underground prison over one hundred years ago, finding the prison content until approached by Kisuke to serve under him in squad twelve.

Aizen, ever the diplomat, tried to smooth the waters. "Captain Kurotsuchi's frustration is understandable. But Captain Ichimaru was right to have been present." This was him, Sōsuke Aizen, a mild-featured man with brown scholarly hair who wore square glasses. "Perhaps seeking answers before resorting to accusations would be wiser."

Kenpachi Zaraki, with his usual boisterousness, roared, "Answers? Who cares about answers?! Let's just find the bastards and cleave them in two!"

Tōshirō Hitsugaya, a prodigy child with silver hair, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Captain Aizen is right. We need to understand who these outsiders might be working for."

Suddenly, Zaraki's sharp voice cut through the air. "Are we seriously making a big fuss about three ryoka?" This was exactly Zaraki's character: a man with a wild and aggressive personality which matched his appearance. His teeth were like canines, and he wore an eye patch over his right eye to conceal his massive spiritual pressure. A noticeable trait in his appearance is a long, thin scar running down the left side of his face and across his left eye, inflicted on him by Retsu Unohana when he was still a child.

To become the captain of his squadron was a big deal. It was the only seat in the thirteen court guard squads that didn't require any prerequisites, save one: kill the previous captain in front of several members within that squadron. Upon defeating the previous captain, the new captain takes on the name "Kenpachi," meaning the Soul Reaper with the most battles won and opponents slain from each generation. In total, there have been eleven Kenpachi's.

Regarding Retsu Unohana, she, too, had been a Kenpachi. Or rather, she was the first Kenpachi until she relinquished the title to become captain of squad four.

Not a single one of the other captains responded to Zaraki's comments, each of them speculating what this could mean. There was Shunsui Kyōraku, a laid-back and flamboyant captain; Byakuya Kuchiki, the royal head of the Kuchiki family; Soi Fon, a tomboy who was both a captain and head of the stealth force, a special division within the Soul Society; Kanem Tōsen, a blind Soul Reaper with dark skin; and lastly Sajin Komamura, a large anthropomorphic wolf.

Mayuri, his eyes glinting, interjected, "Fascinating. The ryokas' presence certainly warrants further investigation. Their abilities, their unknown ties... There's much to dissect."

Shunsui, captain of squad eight, his voice nonchalant but firm, intervened. "Calm yourselves. Now is not the time for rash speculation. We likely have enemies within our borders, seeing as how they aggressively acted toward one of the gatekeepers."

"Captain Kyōraku," is right," Soi Fon, captain of squad two, agreed. "Best be vigilant, but your silence speaks volumes," she said, her gaze fixed on Byakuya.

Byakuya kept his eyes shut, his mind prepared if anyone should consider this has something to do with Rukia. The hall fell silent once more, the air thick with distrust and unease. Perhaps they were all part of one militarized force, sworn to protect those within the Soul Society, but that did not mean they got along.

"This meeting was called to gather everyone's thoughts regarding the ryoka," Genryūsai announced, breaking the silence. "I'm ordering all captains to be on the lookout for those three from Higonyūdō's report. If anyone should spot them, use whatever force you deem right to apprehend the trespassers. This meeting is adjourned!"

As all the captains departed, Aizen whispered to Gin about agreeing with Mayuri on Gin's placement during the ryokas arrival. In truth, Aizen only said those things so Tōshirō could chime in. Gin merely smiled, asking, "Why didn't you speak up then, Captain Aizen?"

"Do you really think you can get away with it? You'd best not try to underestimate me, Captain Ichimaru."

Tōshirō left the assembly hall with a look of curiosity, exactly as Aizen had planned. Though nothing in particular seemed astray, it would surely be enough for Aizen to sow discord amongst the captains.

Outside, Kaname and Sajin spoke casually with one another. They were both met with their lieutenants, Shūhei Hisagi and Tetsuzaemon Iba. "What was the meeting all about?" Tetsuzaemon asked, his sunglasses reflecting the nightlight. Shūhei reprimanded him, stating that a captain's meeting wasn't supposed to be discussed unless approved. This was exactly Shūhei's character, a very mature individual despite his punk-like appearance.

"We'll tell you all about it," Kaname explained. Hardly anyone in this party was aware that Kaname was truly working for Aizen, whom the latter recruited since a blind Soul Reaper could not be affected by his hypnosis. The way Kaname's story went was that he would betray his fellow captain and best friend, Sajin, in an attempt to forge his own self-righteous path with Aizen. His ending? Death by his lieutenant, Shūhei.