Post by Darake Kitoushi on May 3, 2013 5:00:31 GMT -5
Credit: Deviantart Boomerangmouth *Edited by Kitoushi
---1st Division
Leadership and Logistics
The division to which all others look to for direction, information, and coordination among the guard squads. Even lower ranked members of this squad are expressly trained to issue commands to a broken squad in the event of emergency. Perhaps even more importantly, they handle the planning and execution for the massive demands of supply and maintenance for the entire Gotei armed forces. This includes uniforms, food, construction; just about every aspect necessary for upkeep. While this division comprises just about the least flashy of tasks, it's members serve with pride knowing just how vital their jobs is and how the slightest mistake could mean the entire force grinds to a halt.
---2nd Division
Special Forces and Detainment
Most familiar with stealth and black ops operations, these members are singular individuals who are usually very fluent with hand to hand skills to deal with problems silently. Usually this division is one made of assassins and support for various sensitive missions. In addition to this members of this division handle the detainment and detention of criminals which require unparalleled skill in hakuda as zanpakutō cannot be used inside prisons. These prisons are held underground with the eighth and lowest level called Muken, where only the most dangerous are kept. Somewhat secretly a separate prison also exists called the Maggot's Nest, where potential dangers to Soul Society are housed in lenient conditions. Being primarily a military branch of soul society they work in tandem with the third division in the gathering of information and assist with the investigations of the ninth.
---3rd Division
Observation and Information
This division is one that focuses less on defeating an opponent, instead making it paramount that they gather information and return with it to base so that others can use this knowledge for Soul Societies benefit. Individuals within this division typically utilize zanpakutō abilities and kidō which delay or disable an enemy so that they may retreat. Naturally these sorts of methods have earned them a reputation as underhanded fighters, a fact they wear with pride as it is because of them that Soul Society can know their enemies and potentially win before even stepping foot on a battlefield. As information is critical to some degree in every division their assistance is well known among all, but in particular they provide the second with sensitive targets and help monitor possible criminal activities for the ninth.
---4th Division
Trauma and Triage
These individuals are those who process an innate ability to manifest kaidō energy which can be harnessed so that it may heal serious wounds. When a talent for this is noticed, they begin additional schooling starting at the second year of the academy. The Coordinated Relief Station serves as the fourth division's main headquarters and the primary hospital for the entire of Seretei. While in the field, forward camps are set up in strategic locations as temporary infirmaries and the division is divided into several relief teams so they may provide emergency first aid as swiftly as possible. Preventing the advent of casualties both at home and on the battlefield, Soul Society could not function without their efforts. Despite this fact, it's members are often looked down upon by others as weak, particularly harsh are the eleventh. Due to this they have been pushed into cleaning tasks and now accept responsibility for the unsavory maintenance of Soul Society's sewer system. The fourth can regularly be seen providing support to any division but often they will enter the battlefield alongside the eighth to provide backup and are found working in the twelfth labs for matters that concern biology.
---5th Division
Tactical Kidō
The bookworms of the Gotei Thirteen, these individuals did not rise through physical merit, but instead their minds. They find training within rusty tomes of times past and on the firing rages to practice aim with the particularly devastating spells at their command. Previously this division was lacking in a specialization, but absorbed the kidōshu due to lack of members and is now somewhat thriving. This division requires someone to devote the mass of their focus on demon arts possibly specializing in the rarely obtained offensive hadō. Often this means they take a backseat on the battlefield in order to provide fire support unabated as possible. Thus, their closest allies are those who can provide distractions so that they may fire off their more powerful spells uninterrupted. Typically the eighth and eleventh happy to oblige. Additionally it is not at all uncommon to find members of the fifth corresponding with the academy in order to provide the best teachers possible for classes on the demon arts.
---6th Division
Nobility and Honor
With grace and dignity the members of this division are either of noble decent or still process a rather well of income causing them to travel in the same circles. While the sixth can give others the impression that they have their nose stuck in the air, they are not afraid to get their hands dirty for something they believe in; and belief is something very rooted at the core of this squad. They are devoted to what Soul Society and their position is as a symbol which can only be preserved if it's honor and dignity is untarnished by compromises to it's law. These strong values are reflected often in the strong influence they exert on the law making process as well as the decisions of the Gotei and the first division. In addition to this, many of these members work closely alongside the seventh division as those criminals within are the worst sort in undermining the honor of Soul Society.
---7th Division
Executioners
With a most ominous title, often the linage of Captain here has a tradition of wearing a most intimidating mask to strike fear in the enemy. For this is entirely their purpose, to carry out the weight of the guillotine. As is obvious with their title, these individuals are responsible for the formal executions of criminals during ceremony. Made up of those with no qualms about killing, some can be somewhat unsettling in the enjoyment they take out of the job, while others are the exact opposite and simply possess a strong sense of justice. This division's presence on the battlefield can cause enemies to shudder as they know their sole purpose is to end the fight. This factor is entirely one of reputation however and the individuals of this division aren't chosen for exceptional strength, but rather direct purposeful killing abilities and style. At times this fact can cause them to butt heads with divisions like the third who want to capture enemies for interrogation. In contrast, due to their role in the enforcement of law and desire for justice many members get along well with the sixth division. The eleventh can also enjoy working with them because a similar focus of direct fighting, but can also be at odds when this division finishes a battle quickly that an eleventh member would rather take time to enjoy.
---8th Division
The Reserves
Always ready at a moments notice, these are the warriors who comprise the most dependable of all the Gotei. They must be ready at a moment's notice and at absolutely any moment. Always dispatched as backup to the other squads, the appearance of these shinigami on the battlefield give others a sigh of relief, a signal that the cavalry has arrived. These silent guardians lie in wait for disturbance and as a result are talked of fondly by all of the divisions. In particular they tend to arrive on scene with the fourth to reinforce a key position. Additionally it is not uncommon for them to be dispatched with the fifth to act as a distraction for the spell casters, which in turn are happy to have the help and respect them for the service. Finally, while they may arrive after a battle is started, the nature of the job frequently has them on the front lines next to the eleventh.
---9th Division
Investigations and Internal Affairs
With both a keen intellect and a well composed skill with a blade, these are the shinigami who both inspect the odd occurrences without explanation and are responsible for keeping a constant eye on their allies. Because investigations can frequently lead to dead ends or those trying to throw them off the trail, the members of this division must possess a mind which can think outside of the box to find solutions. This division's tasks frequently find them working closely with some of the divisions, most importantly the second for the capture of criminals and the third for surveillance of potential crime within the Gotei. They also have good relations with the sixth who desire to see justice carried out. Them being in charge of internal affairs, constantly watching their allies, can cause some to see them as rats. It further gives the division a negative image when, inevitably, false accusations of crime happen. This combined with the thought that traitors could be anywhere gives the division a strong fellowship among each other.
---10th Division
Elemental Core
A most odd division, this is one that specifically receives those with particular atunement to a natural elements. Though those with elemental zanpakutō are peppered throughout the Gotei Thirteen, only here do they flourish to their maximum potential. The tenth ensures that it's members can train under those who also find similar traits to their power and learn how to harness these capabilities to their maximum extent, often in ways they could not envision themselves or have learned in another division. Perhaps even more importantly, these members are masters of teamwork, flowing their powers together to create devastating combinations. While each division monitors the academy to a degree, the tenth in particular keeps a close eye on potential recruits for two reasons. One is that this division is focused on teaching, even after the academy, about fostering a connection with one's zanpakutō. Additionally, since elemental users can potentially go into any division, the tenth hopes to scout them first and convince them to join so they may get the most out of their skills.
---11th Division
Combat Operations
The strong arm of the Gotei and absolutely essential to the front line. If there is a fight, these guys are the first on scene and usually the last ones to leave. Focusing on brute force or even a particular style of physical weapon these are masters of not only strength, but finesse as well. Though many are all to eager fodder, there are those with a practiced hand and devastating mind for combat that set themselves apart. Due to the nature of the division it attracts many of the unsavory, yakuza types. They essentially work alongside all the divisions acting as a front line barrier or distraction, though there are a few divisions which they are more frequently seen beside. The fourth and fifth are often nearby despite the fact they look down upon the non combative methods of fighting. In turn they themselves are looked down upon by the sixth and some other divisions as animals or brutes. Conversely there is a sense of mutual respect between the eighth and eleventh as there have been many instances where the reserves have come to their rescue. They have a complex relationship with the seventh as they both love combat, though the eleventh enjoy the act itself rather than the end result putting them at odds with those who seek to end it quickly.
---12th Division
Research and Development
Known as the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, these shinigami are responsible for the advancement of the Gotei Thirteen's technology. This division is typically made up of the bookworms who work solely in a laboratory capacity, rarely seen outside the lab and few step foot on a battlefield. Despite this, some do have abilities to poison or distract an enemy and cause the fight to deviate from a direct physical conflict. With minds that constantly run on full steam, these are the true thinkers of Soul Society who approach situations with a practiced curiosity to solve situations in a calculated manner. There are several sub-labs within the division such as the Reinō Spiritual Ability Research Facility which develop new technology and the Spiritual Wave Measurement Lab which monitors the balance of the living world to ensure stability. This division works alongside the third in gathering scientific information on an enemy, the fourth in areas that involve biology, and they additionally provide teachers for the academy's scientific instruction.
---13th Division
Border Guard
The fine line between civilization and devastation, this squad comprises the collective shield which keeps the darkness from snuffing out the light that is Soul Society. These individuals can be seen stationed at each Senkaimon Gate along with the Four Great Seireimon which lead into Seireitei. Additionally, in coordination with the 12th monitoring station, they must be ready at a moment's notice to respond should a tear open elsewhere in Soul Society. Should this happen, this squad forms the last line of defense in protection for our home. In service to this concept, it's members focus on the ability to stave off any possible manner of attack while undermining the enemy's offense. Above all else, they must be able to remain a barricade against the onslaught of an enemy so reinforcements have time to arrive. Despite the nature of their mission as guards, recent events have stretched the Gotei forces thin, and the thirteenth's skills are considered to valuable to remain unutilized. While is it done with hesitation, they will be dispatched on occasion and have greatly promoted utilizing strategies of teamwork with the members of other divisions. Let them provide the sword, the thirteenth will provide the shield.
