Although Hoshi already knew this was Soul Society, he pretended to be ignorant and asked curiously, "Onee-san, what exactly is Soul Society? And who are you?"
The woman looked at Hoshi, frowning in confusion, and replied, "Soul Society is the place where souls go after death. Judging by your surprised expression, I thought you knew me."
"Since you asked, I will reluctantly tell you. I am the captain of the Eighth Division of the Gotei 13: Katori Bastu'unsai." As she spoke, her expression darkened.
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"You just called me Onee-san, kid?" She rested her hand on the hilt of her Zanpakutō.
"Wait… so she's the captain of the Eighth Division? No, she said she's Katori Bastu'unsai, not Yadomaru Lisa!" Hoshi thought, feeling a sudden chill. This isn't the Soul Society after a thousand years of bloodshed… this is Soul Society from the past!
Indeed, Katori Bastu'unsai was the Eighth Division Captain, but she was part of the First Generation Gotei 13.
The First Generation of the Gotei 13 was nothing like its future counterpart. Back then, it was a group of merciless killers—villains, brutal and unforgiving.
Looking at Katori's grim face, Hoshi panicked. "I'm doomed. I called her Onee-san. Judging by her demeanor, she might draw her sword and cut me down. I finally made it to Soul Society, only to get sent right back."
You might ask why I don't act recklessly. Am I not reckless? Sure. But I'm not suicidal! This is a captain of the First Generation Gotei 13. One wrong move, and I'm dead!
"It's an honor to meet you, Captain Katori. Please forgive my rudeness earlier," Hoshi said, suddenly dropping to his knees with a respectful bow.
There was no other choice. Survival required humility. A man can endure humiliation to live another day, and bowing to a First Generation Captain was nothing to be ashamed of.
Katori, momentarily surprised by his sudden movement, removed her hand from her Zanpakutō.
"What an interesting kid. He seems pretty self-aware for a newborn soul," she mused.
But then she noticed something. "Wait... I didn't pay attention earlier. This kid just arrived in Soul Society, but his reiatsu is already at the sixth level—a borderline lieutenant-level strength. If he undergoes proper training, he might become a major force in the future."
In the world of Shinigami, reiatsu is divided into 20 levels. Ordinary Gotei 13 members have level-20 reiatsu, seated officers range from levels 7 to 19, lieutenants are level 4 to 6, and captains are level 3 to 1.
"Kid, tell me your name," Katori said with a kind expression.
"Captain Katori, my name is Hoshi. It's an honor to meet you!" he replied, forcing a polite smile.
"Hoshi, do you know what the Gotei 13 is?"
"I was just born into Soul Society," Hoshi answered sincerely. "From the name, it sounds like there are thirteen divisions. But I don't really know what it is. Could you please explain, Captain Katori?"
He knew he couldn't reveal his knowledge of the future or the anime Bleach. Pretending to be clueless was the safest choice.
Katori turned slightly, revealing the kanji for "eight" on the back of her uniform.
"As you can see, I am the Captain of the Eighth Division. The Gotei 13 is an organization established to protect the Seireitei. At present, we are essentially a group of killers. I don't know what we might become in the future."
"Hoshi, would you be willing to join the Gotei 13? You already possess sixth-level reiatsu. Old Man Yamamoto would be pleased to have you join. With his guidance, you could one day become as strong as me," she said with a smirk.
Old Man Yamamoto... She must mean Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni. Hoshi hesitated. If I can train under him, I won't have to worry about being cut down. But right now, even Yamamoto is ruthless.
Hoshi thought for a moment before looking up at Katori. "I'd like to join the Gotei 13, but I have one condition."
"Oh? A condition?" she asked, intrigued. "Let's hear it."
"I want to choose which division I join," Hoshi said firmly.
Katori laughed. "Haha! You're bold. But choosing your division isn't easy. Each one has unique responsibilities and culture. How will you decide?"
"Don't worry, Captain Katori. I believe I'll find a division that suits me," Hoshi replied confidently.
"Very well," she said. "Think it over carefully, but don't take too long. I might change my mind." With that, she turned and walked away.
Hoshi watched her leave and let out a sigh of relief. He knew he had a long road ahead, but this was the first step. Now he had to plan his life in Soul Society and prepare for the challenges to come.
Following Katori, Hoshi soon arrived at the main gate of Seireitei from Rukongai.
Seireitei, located in the center of Soul Society, is the political and military headquarters. It houses the Gotei 13 barracks, the Central 46 chambers, the noble estates, and the Shinigami Academy. It also contains the prison for criminals and the feared Muken, the bottommost level of the underground prison.
Hoshi marveled at the sight of the towering gates, not knowing which one this was.
"Danzōmaru, open the gate," Katori commanded.
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The massive door creaked open.
"Danzōmaru... this must be the North Gate," Hoshi thought, recognizing the name.
"Welcome back, Captain Katori. Is the boy behind you someone you brought? He must be lucky to earn your favor," said the gatekeeper.
"Greetings, Danzōmaru. My name is Hoshi. It's nice to meet you," Hoshi said politely.
"Kid, stop with the formalities and follow me," Katori ordered.
As they entered Seireitei, Hoshi was struck by the grandeur of the city. Seeing the bustling streets filled with Shinigami was a sight to behold.
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Following Katori, he made his way toward the First Division barracks.
"Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni..." Hoshi thought. The strongest Shinigami in Soul Society's history. I can't believe I'm about to meet him.