Seireitei, Captain's Meeting.
Captain Kyoraku of the 8th Division was giving the Captain-Commander and the others a detailed report on the situation in the Living World and all the agreements reached with the Sun Empire.
Kyoraku had received authorization from the Captain-Commander and Central 46 for the negotiations with the Sun Empire. The demands he made and the price he paid were all within the range Soul Society could accept.
"Captain Kyoraku, just how strong are these ninjas?" someone among the captains asked.
They had also been investigating the Living World during this time, but the ninja system was unlike that of the Shinigami. There were huge numbers of people known as "Rogue Ninja," whose strength varied wildly. The vast majority were not even as capable as students of Shino Academy. These findings had caused some to look down on them.
The one who had just spoken was a petite, cold-looking woman with short hair.
Kyoraku pondered for a moment. "Regarding that, the Emperor of the Sun Empire will soon hold a competition called the Imperial Ninja Martial Arts Tournament, an exhibition contest for ninjas. We Shinigami will be invited to attend and watch."
"Could it be a trap?" asked a man with braided hair and goggles. He was Kaname Tosen, captain of the 9th Division.
Kyoraku said, "The Empire should also be wary of our strength. And given the state of the world now, they should not be foolish enough to make enemies of us."
A hoarse voice spoke up again. "A ninja martial arts tournament? Is that fighting?"
The speaker was a burly, vicious-looking man: Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the 11th Division.
"More or less. It's a competition between ninjas."
"Can we participate?"
When Kenpachi Zaraki asked that, quite a few people present showed speechless expressions.
Kyoraku