The Alchemist in Bleach

As soon as she finished speaking, Hiyori opened a door and said, "This is it. Come in. The captain and the others are waiting for you. I have something to attend to."

"Them?" Ichiro nodded and slowly walked into the room where they couldn't pay the electricity bill.

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Chapter 177 Technology Development Bureau

"Why aren't the lights on?" Ichiro said, casually lighting up a spirit orb and then sitting down in a chair.

"Urahara said this creates a better atmosphere," Hikifune said, shrugging helplessly.

"They're making us look like villains..." Ichiro muttered to himself before turning to Hikifune and asking, "Captain Hikifune, what... do you want with us?"

Ichiro had initially thought they were coming to research something, and he'd been quite excited along the way, but judging from the current situation, it seemed like that wasn't the case...

"Well, you all know that I refused to be promoted to the Zero Squad, right?" Hikifune didn't answer directly, but asked in return.

Don't answer questions with questions, you jerk!

Although Ichiro really wanted to complain, he nodded anyway. This was something that most Shinigami wouldn't know about, but it still caused quite a stir among the higher-ups.

That's the Zero Division! Legend has it that everyone who goes in experiences a dramatic change in strength, and they can also get close to the Soul King, the creator of Soul Society!

There have been times in the past when people refused promotions, such as the previous generation Kenpachi, but she is the first to go back on her word!

"Do you know why I refused?"

Ichiro and Urahara exchanged a glance and shook their heads in unison. They really didn't know this, and most people didn't understand it either.

"Because of ideals!"

"ideal?"

“Yes! Do you understand how painful it is to not be able to communicate with people at your own level?” As he said this, Ye Zhou became somewhat agitated.

"Uh, no, Urahara and I have always been exchanging ideas."

"Right? So... um... you don't understand?" Hikifune's impassioned emotions came to an abrupt halt, and he stared blankly at Ichiro and Urahara.

"Well, that's true. Before enrolling, I could ask my elders for advice, and after enrolling, I often communicated with Ichiro, so I'm sorry, I really don't know much about the situation you described..."

"..." Hikifune paused for a moment, then looked at Ichiro with some resentment and asked, "Didn't you spend decades in Rukongai? You're not a nobleman, so didn't you encounter this situation before?"

"Um... I really didn't have anyone to talk to in Rukongai, but I was bursting with inspiration back then, and I wished I could divide every moment in two, so, sorry..."

Yizhou: "..."

Damn it! I hate spoiled rich kids and geniuses the most!

"Anyway! Just tell me if you want a place to chat together right now!"

"Um... I'd like to, but isn't that how your Twelfth Division works?"

In response to Ichiro's question, Hikifune shook his head: "The 12th Division is indeed like that, but it's not enough! Take you two for example, would you even join the 12th Division?"

"No." x2

Urahara Kazuro said in unison.

Yizhou shrugged helplessly.

That's true. Ichiro never goes anywhere except the Fourth Division, and as for Urahara, unless he's going to be a captain, he still prefers to be Yoruichi's jailer.

"There are many Shinigami like you, so I plan to establish an organization independent of the Thirteen Divisions system, bringing together research talents from the entire Seireitei and even the entire Soul Society, so that we can exchange ideas and progress together."

"It seems quite interesting." Urahara stroked his chin and nodded.

Ichiro, standing to the side, looked at him with a strange expression. How could it not be interesting? Isn't this the technology development bureau you created in the original work?

So after all this, the Technology Development Bureau still came? And it was even upgraded?

Although he couldn't bring himself to complain, Ichiro still agreed with Hikifune's idea. Even if she didn't do it, Ichiro was planning to do it sometime anyway. After all, when it comes to scientific research, it's not that the more people the better, but a dozen people are definitely better than one person messing around.

"I agree. Since you called us here, you must have a general plan, right?"

Hikifune nodded and handed the two documents to Ichiro and Urahara respectively. Talking to smart people is always easier, although it can be quite frustrating sometimes...

While they were looking around, Yezhou began to give a general introduction.

"This organization will have many departments, each responsible for different research directions. For example, if I study the temporary soul, then I will lead a team to study the soul and its derivative research. For example, if Ichiro is good at the Returning Dao, then he will lead a team to study the Returning Dao."

All departments are at the same level. The research funding is divided into two parts. One part is fixed and is allocated by the director based on the results of each department. Departments that have no results for a long time will be eliminated. The other part is directly allocated by the Central 46th Office and is a special research fund, such as the various technologies we are researching this time.

Anyone within the organization can apply to establish a department. The department heads will review the applications first, and approval is granted if a majority vote is in favor. The organization's leader has one vote, which is given annually and cannot be accumulated.

Joining an organization involves an invitation issued after investigation and review by the organization's dedicated department, or a recommendation from an organization member; entry is possible with the consent of any department head.

Ye Zhou paused for a moment, picked up the tea on the table and took a sip. His throat was a little dry after saying so much in one breath.

"Next is..."

"Wait." Before he could finish speaking, Ichiro raised his hand to interrupt Hikifune, pointing to the last item and asking, "Is the head of the organization Urahara?"

The previous ones are fine; systems vary from world to world and society to society. You can't tell if they're good or bad just by looking at them. They can be adjusted gradually in practice. But this one is different. Ichiro doesn't like Sister Li.

According to the blueprint planned by the ship, this organization will inevitably stand at the top of Soul Society in the future, and may even grow to the level of the Thirteenth Division. After all, in this world, the research results of researchers can be transformed into their own strength as long as they choose the right direction.

And the interests and power represented by the leader of such an organization were unprecedented, yet Ye Zhou simply relinquished such a position...

Power, money, and fame—this position encompasses all three.

To be honest, if Ichiro hadn't experienced two ups and downs and seen through too much (actually, he just became a coward), he would have wanted to compete for this position.

Perhaps people with heart conditions see everything as dirty, so he suspected that Hikifune might be setting some trap for Urahara, such as sidelining him or making him take the blame.

Despite Ichiro's somewhat impolite accusation, Hikifune didn't take it to heart and nodded calmly: "Those people in the Central 46 aren't really stupid. They can still see the future of this organization, so the leader must be a nobleman, and can only be a nobleman, so that our subsequent work can proceed smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Ichiro nodded. Indeed, the Seireitei's system could be described as rotten, yet there were few ambitious individuals who wanted to overthrow it. Well, that's not quite right. It should be said that since the establishment of the Thirteenth Squad, almost all ambitious individuals from commoner backgrounds have joined the Thirteenth Squad, and there is no such thing as retirement for the Thirteenth Squad.

Naturally, no one threatened the rule of the Seireitei, and as a result, the rule of the Seireitei became increasingly corrupt amidst the constant infighting among the nobles.

Logically speaking, in this situation, there should be someone in Team Thirteen who would disagree, but that's exactly what's strange.

These noblewomen are just fighting amongst themselves...

The Shinigami of the Thirteen Squads, under the supervision of the Captain-Commander, dare not seduce anyone in the Soul Society unless they violate the rules. Rukongai...

Honestly, even dogs wouldn't go to that place under normal circumstances!

First, entering and leaving the Seireitei is a very troublesome matter; second, the spiritual energy content there is not very high, making it very uncomfortable to stay there; and third, it is related to the balance of spiritual particles.

Those who cause trouble in the Rukongai will disrupt the balance of spiritual particles. The latter half of the Rukongai is already unstable, and if you interfere further, what, do you want to live a life of leisure?

Therefore, under these bizarre circumstances, although the Seireitei became increasingly corrupt, its rule remained inexplicably stable...

This is different from the real world. After all, there really exists here, a terrifying being who can suppress the entire world with the power of a single person!

Therefore, under such circumstances, it would be much easier for Urahara, who comes from a noble family, to become the head of the organization. For example, Ichiro was able to become the captain of the Secret Service. His own talent was only a small factor. More importantly, Yoruichi Shihōin, the head of the Shihōin family, one of the five noble families, strongly recommended him.

Otherwise, Ichiro from the Thirteenth Division would never have been able to join the Secret Service directly under the Central 46, let alone become a squad leader.

But Ichiro still harbored some reservations. Perhaps he was a dark person, but he didn't believe there could be such a noble person.

As for the reason... well, Kenichiro himself couldn't do it.

Unlike Ichiro, Urahara only glanced at Hikifune with interest before continuing to look at the documents in his hand. He was very confident in himself; either he didn't do it at all, or he could do it to the best of his ability!

puppet?

In a real operation, it's hard to say who's whose puppet...

However, Hikifune was not as despicable as Ichiro thought; she had given this decision careful consideration.

"That was the first point. There's another, more important reason: Urahara is a polymath."

Hearing the bitterness in Hikifune's words, Ichiro nodded silently. It was a heartbreaking story...

Urahara is very smart, extremely smart!

But he has a problem: he only does things based on his interests, so he does many things haphazardly. He can do everything, from martial arts and ghost hunting to inventions and medicine formulation. He has dabbled in every field you can think of.

What's most infuriating is that, under normal circumstances, even a genius would be ruined by this kind of learning, but...

This item is not available!

On the contrary, he excelled in every single one!

Zanpakuto's Shikai can create over a dozen monster forms. As for fists, one of the requirements for the captain of the Third Division of the Covert Military Organization is the ability to subdue prisoners and enemies with his bare hands. His movement isn't as good as Yoruichi's, but he can hold his own against her. His demonic abilities aren't as good as Ichiro's, but his skill is comparable to the Great Demon Master. And as for inventions and creations... needless to say...

Therefore, he is the most suitable person to be the head of the organization, as he is an all-rounder. Only he can understand the research plans and progress of each department, so as to better allocate funds and organize exchange meetings.

"Huh? Why aren't you guys talking?" Urahara, who was engrossed in the documents, suddenly looked up at Hikifune and Ichiro, seemingly a little unaccustomed to the sudden silence.

Ichiro's lips twitched: "It's nothing... I checked, the name hasn't been decided yet?"

"Well, that's why we've been waiting for you guys to come. In your words, oh right, this way you'll feel more involved."

Ichiro chuckled and placed the document he had finished reading on the table. This matter was no longer relevant to him. He was very confident in his political abilities; he could apply his knowledge rigidly, but adapting it to the specific circumstances was truly beyond his capabilities.

However, when it comes to naming things, he's an expert!

Take Yue Ling for example, look, what an evocative name!

Ichiro leaned back in his chair, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's call it the Technology Development Bureau."

"Technology Development Bureau?" Urahara looked up at Ichiro in surprise. "We're thinking the same thing. I also wanted this name."

"I thought of it first!"

"...Then tell me why you think that way."

"Easy to fool... no, easy to get funding. The Technology Development Bureau can develop more convenient technologies for nobles. With that reason, won't those idiot nobles' money just flow in like water?"

(Urahara, the idiot nobleman: ......)

Urahara, Hikifune:......

Good grief, this isn't even a project yet, and they're already thinking about scamming funding. Although, upon hearing the name, they probably thought the same thing...

Thus, the name "Technology Development Bureau" was settled. While the name lacked sophistication, as Ichiro said, it was easy to deceive—no, easy to secure funding. As for whether the developed technology would go to the nobles or the Thirteenth Squad, that depended on how quickly Ichiro and his team "optimized" it...

It's not unreasonable for your nobles to use version 2.0 technology while Team Thirteen uses version 1.9 technology, is it?

Next, the three made some adjustments to the structure of the Technology Development Bureau. First, they abolished the position of deputy director. As their recruitment scope expanded, all kinds of talents would frequently appear. If you want to set up a deputy director, how many would be enough?

If we're going to assign them, shouldn't Ichiro and Hikifune each get one? And if we bring Mayuri in, shouldn't we give him one too? That makes three in total. Is that reasonable?