In Soul Society, I Just Want to Coast Until Retirement. Author: A Cat Living in the Clouds.
Name: Yamabuki Chidori.
Age: eighteen.
Cheat ability: the Retirement System would activate after retirement.
Think that sounded bad? It got worse.
Yamabuki Chidori: "Yamamoto, I think the Gotei 13 should introduce a retirement policy. After serving for a certain number of years, a Soul Reaper should be able to apply for retirement."
Yamamoto: "Of course. That sounds like a good idea."
Yamabuki Chidori: "Then when can I retire?"
Yamamoto: "In a thousand years."
"..."
Classy
Ding! Congratulations, host. You have activated the Retirement System.
The system will fully activate after the host retires. Current version: trial edition (revised version 2.0).
After hearing the voice in his head, Yamabuki Chidori wanted to delete his character and start over.
"System."
"I'm here, dear host."
"How old am I?"
"Eighteen."
"Then why the hell won't you activate until I retire?" Yamabuki Chidori cursed.
"Please don't get upset, dear host. This is to cultivate your character! Once you've weathered the changes of the world, seen the seasons come and go, shed all vanity, found peace within yourself, and let go of worldly attachments, the full version of this system will naturally activate."
"Fine. You used more words, so you must be right. But could you help me get rid of the Hollows behind me first?" Yamabuki Chidori shouted.
More than a dozen Hollows were chasing him for all they were worth!
Three days earlier, Yamabuki Chidori had unexpectedly arrived in this place called Soul Society.
As someone who had crossed into another world, he knew how dangerous this one was. First Aizen would wreak havoc, then Yhwach would threaten to destroy everything. If he wanted to survive, he needed to grow stronger.
The simplest way was to join the Gotei 13. With his knowledge of the story, he could become a Seated Officer and coast along quite nicely.
But he was new here and knew no one. All he could do was ask around Rukongai, bit by bit.
Yet not a single person there had heard of the Gotei 13.
With no other choice, he had set out to find the organization himself.
Then he ran into Hollows!
"Don't panic, host. You can draw your Zanpakuto and fight the Hollows, or convert your excess Reiatsu into Kidō and attack them. Young people shouldn't expect to rely on others for everything."
Yamabuki Chidori looked at his empty hands, then felt the pitifully weak Reiatsu within him. Ha. Great advice.
"Oh, right. To help the host survive in chaotic Soul Society, this system will graciously grant you a beginner's gift pack. Please accept it."
"You couldn't have brought that out sooner? Use it, quick!"
Beginner's gift pack used. Title acquired: Child of Destiny.
Zanpakuto acquired!
Swordsmanship Mastery acquired.
Flash Step acquired.
Lieutenant-level Reiatsu acquired.
Child of Destiny: As the Child of Destiny, the protagonist could break through the limits of his race and grow without limit.
The system's trial edition ends here. To unlock more features, see you after retirement.
It left?
Yamabuki Chidori hurriedly drew his Zanpakuto, turned with a Flash Step, and drove the blade into a Hollow's mask.
The Hollows chasing him froze. The little lamb they had been pursuing had suddenly turned into a hulking bull.
Most Hollows had no intelligence, though. Driven by instinct alone, they lunged at him again.
With Swordsmanship Mastery, Yamabuki Chidori felt as though the sword in his hand had become part of him, moving at his slightest thought. The moment the Hollows stirred, their openings were laid bare. His blade flashed, and a second Hollow fell!
Hah! The tables had turned!
Powerful Reiatsu poured from Yamabuki Chidori as he advanced. To his surprise, several Hollows sensed the danger, opened a Garganta, and fled. Intelligent Hollows tended to evolve further. The mindless ones, obeying nothing but instinct, charged him again without a care.
Lieutenant-level Reiatsu was already formidable to most Soul Reapers and Hollows. In less than five minutes, he had killed every Hollow that remained. Yamabuki Chidori wiped the sweat from his brow. No wonder everyone who crossed into another world wanted a cheat ability. It really was incredible.
It was getting late, so Yamabuki Chidori found a modest cave and decided to spend the night there.
At times like this, he missed his soft bed at home and the game he still hadn't finished.
Just as Yamabuki Chidori was about to gather some dry grass for a mattress, he noticed that someone had appeared at the cave entrance and was watching him.
His heart tightened. Rukongai was a lawless place where murder and robbery were common. Instinctively, he gripped the hilt at his waist and studied the stranger.
The man appeared to be around forty. He dressed like a samurai and carried a Zanpakuto at his waist.
He isn't wearing a Gotei 13 uniform. Did he pick up that Zanpakuto? Yamabuki Chidori wondered.
"You don't need to be nervous," the middle-aged man said. "I mean you no harm. I saw you fight just now. You're quite strong. Would you like to join my organization?"
"I refuse," Yamabuki Chidori said. "Please leave."
What a joke. I'm going to join the Gotei 13. Why would I go anywhere with some stranger?
Everyone knew that coasting into retirement required a good employer. Seireitei was Soul Society's only legitimate institution. Getting in, by any means necessary, mattered most.
Instead of leaving, the middle-aged man sat down cross-legged.
Seriously? We're that familiar now? Can't you see I'm about to draw my sword?
"I have a dream," the middle-aged man said.
A dream? What's wrong with you? Do you think this is a twenty-first-century job interview?
"Look around. Soul Society is in chaos. Only extreme measures can bring it under control, and I need people to help me do it," the man continued, seemingly oblivious to Yamabuki Chidori's reaction.
Fine. If you won't leave, I will. You can have the cave. I'm not staying to hear you ramble.
"To quell these troubled times, I plan to form an organization of killers. What do you say, young man? Will you join me?" the man asked.
Yamabuki Chidori kept his face blank. "I refuse."
With that, he carefully edged around the man and headed for the cave entrance.
Seeing how firmly Yamabuki Chidori had rejected him, the man looked a little dejected. "I even came up with a fine name for the organization," he murmured. "The Gotei 13. But it seems..."
Yamabuki Chidori, already halfway past him, used Flash Step to appear directly in front of the man. "What did you say your organization was called?"
"The Gotei 13. Why?" the man asked.
A possibility struck Yamabuki Chidori. "May I ask your name?"
"Yamamoto. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto."
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto? The founding of the Gotei 13? Holy shit! I'm a thousand years early!
"Ask me that question again," Yamabuki Chidori said excitedly.
Yamamoto gave him a strange look. "Would you like to join the organization of killers I'm forming?"
"I would!"
"Why the change of heart?"
"Because that name has class."
The Founding of the Gotei 13
Yamabuki Chidori and Yamamoto were now sitting together, roasting sweet potatoes.
"All things in the universe turn to ashes. Ryūjin Jakka!"
Whoosh!
With practiced ease, Yamamoto skewered two sweet potatoes on Ryūjin Jakka. Once the Zanpakuto was released, faint flames danced along its length, and the cave filled with the smell of roasting sweet potatoes.
That ability is way too convenient! Perfect for home or travel!
"Now that I've joined the organization, can I retire? This is important to me," Yamabuki Chidori asked without preamble.
But a thousand years ago, retirement wasn't even a concept. Yamamoto looked curious. "What does 'retire' mean?"
"It means getting paid without having to work..."
"No," Yamamoto said flatly. He had finally talked someone into joining him, and the fellow already wanted money for nothing? Do I look rich? If I had money, would I be roasting sweet potatoes with you in a cave?
"I know retiring on my first day sounds a bit much. How about you tell me who's in the Gotei 13 so far?" Yamabuki Chidori said.
The first anime he had encountered was Bleach, and he knew its story well. But being thrown a thousand years back in the timeline had left him struggling to adjust.
What major events happened a thousand years ago?
The Gotei 13 was founded. Its original members were an exceptionally fearsome bunch. Then came the brutal war between the Quincy and the Soul Reapers.
Yhwach, with his All-Knowing All-Powerful ability, versus Sword Demon Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni. Yamamoto, at the height of his power, had gravely wounded Yhwach, leaving him unconscious for a thousand years.
So if I join the Gotei 13, I can sit back and let them win?
That might not be satisfying, but I like the sound of it!
At Yamabuki Chidori's question, Yamamoto solemnly raised a finger. He pointed to himself, then to Yamabuki Chidori. "Our numbers have already doubled, from one to two. I'm sure more people will join the Gotei 13 in the future."
So you've been recruiting with nothing but promises?
Yamamoto went on. "As I envision it, the Gotei 13 will have thirteen Captains. Pick whichever position you like!"
The corner of Yamabuki Chidori's mouth twitched. You're offering me a Captain's position just like that? How generous.
But I can't forget what I'm really after!
I'm trying to coast into retirement. Before long, Yhwach will show up with the Quincy. A Captain of the Gotei 13 will be on the front line against those complete lunatics! I'd rather stay alive and collect my pay than go mad alongside you!
"I'll pass on being a Captain. I'd rather be your Lieutenant," Yamabuki Chidori said.
"Lieutenant?" Yamamoto paused. Perhaps that role hadn't been part of his plans.
"Each Captain would have a deputy who could give orders in the Captain's absence."
"Hmm! Not bad. Since you suggested it, you can be my Lieutenant for now. The sweet potatoes are ready. Let's eat together. We have something important to do afterward." Yamamoto tossed him a roasted sweet potato.
For the past few days, Yamabuki Chidori had been drawing Reishi from his surroundings to sustain himself. At last, he had something to eat. Being part of an organization was wonderful!
"Where are we going after we eat?" Yamabuki Chidori asked.
"To recruit more people. I already have someone in mind. Once we're done eating, we'll go to Seireitei," Yamamoto said.
At the mention of Seireitei, Yamabuki Chidori perked up and devoured the sweet potato in a few bites.
Seeing how eagerly he ate, Yamamoto gave him his own sweet potato too.
"You haven't eaten in a while, have you? Go on. Eat your fill," Yamamoto said.
Yamabuki Chidori felt a little touched. The Old Man treated his subordinates well. Besides, one sweet potato really wasn't enough for a young man like him.
"Then I won't say no!"
Once they had eaten, the two set off for Seireitei.
Thirty minutes later, they arrived.
Yamabuki Chidori could hardly believe Seireitei had been so close when he hadn't been able to find the way there!
Seireitei looked very different from how it would a thousand years later. In the future, a ring of high walls would surround it, and a powerful barrier overhead would keep intruders out.
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