The Alchemist in Bleach

"Hmm!" x5

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in unison.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi's face darkened completely, and he forcibly changed the subject, saying, "In short, the Technology Development Bureau only considers ability; those who are capable should be promoted!"

As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Urahara, clearly implying something more.

Urahara didn't pay any attention and looked at Yamada next to Mayuri Nene, asking, "Yamada, what's your opinion?"

Yamada glanced at Ichiro. Clearly, even with Hikifune's initial opposition, he still had some reservations. This was understandable; it was only natural. Of the seven department heads, four had a good relationship with Ichiro. Who wouldn't be afraid to mess with him?

However, it seemed that Yezhou's opposition gave him some confidence. After hesitating for a moment, he still spoke up. Of course, he didn't say it directly, but instead raised a new question.

"If you're worried about having too many members in the Fourth Division, don't we already have three members from the Twelfth Division as department heads? I don't think the department has any objections, right?"

"It's different. The Twelfth Division is a research division, so it's normal for them to occupy more seats. This doesn't matter. Feel free to say it. Just like what Minister Mayuri said, the original intention of establishing the Technology Development Bureau was to allow everyone to speak freely and exchange ideas, without being bound by their respective identities."

After listening to Urahara's words, Yamada nodded with some emotion. He understood this the most. After all, he was originally an inconspicuous member of the Kido Clan, but because he invented a portable Kido device, he was promoted to head of the Kido Department, which completely changed his life!

Therefore, after taking a deep breath, he said in a deep voice, "This may be offensive, but Lord Ichiro, I support the opinion of Captain Hikifune. Firstly, it is indeed not possible for members of one squad to occupy more than half of the positions. Secondly, Miss Suzuran's area of ​​expertise should be your chanting and echoing. To be honest, with you here, her achievements are not worth mentioning and it is difficult to convince the public."

Ichiro nodded. It was fairly reasonable and expected. However, Ichiro was still somewhat surprised by Yamada. At first, Ichiro felt that this guy who had risen so high would not be able to stay in the position of department head for more than a few years.

After all, judging from the information, his success seems more like an accidental discovery, and his skill level was not yet at that level, which is one of the drawbacks of the technical field.

He finds it difficult to judge a researcher's true ability based on any single metric, because many experiments involve an element of luck, and only theorists can more easily assess this.

Right is right, and wrong is wrong. The entire research and proof process is completely open to the outside world for verification. In other technical fields, would you dare to publish all your technologies?

If you dare to raise this suggestion, he'll kill you!

Therefore, it wasn't just Ichiro who didn't think highly of him; many people were secretly waiting to see him fail. His lack of virtue and ability would not gain recognition anywhere, especially in a highly competitive place like the Technology Development Bureau.

However, to everyone's surprise, Yamada was not eliminated in the first round. Instead, he used the minister's resources to quickly improve himself and secure the minister's position, which he held for seven years!

This was undeniably protagonist-like, and incredibly dramatic, to the point that for a while, no matter how I looked at Yamada, Ichiro seemed to resemble Aizen...

No, that's not quite right. To be precise, ever since Aizen faked his death and escaped, Ichiro has been imagining any Shinigami who isn't in the original story and whom he's not familiar with as Aizen...

However, if he were really Aizen Ichiro, he wouldn't care; in fact, he would be quite happy, because knowledge doesn't decrease when shared, but only increases.

Scientific research is never a one-person show!

Based on this, regardless of whether Yamada is Aizen or not, he is unlikely to support Suzuran as the department head. After all, even the Technology Development Bureau has to consider the impact on public opinion.

After hearing Yamada's answer, Urahara nodded without saying anything, and continued to look at Tensei Shiro opposite Yamada.

"Si Lang, tell me your thoughts."

"I don't think Lily of the Valley is suitable for this ministerial position!"

"Hmm?" XN

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at him in surprise. They hadn't heard of any conflict between them. Why was he so decisive in his opposition?

It's no wonder everyone thinks that way. The only thing preventing Suzuran from becoming a captain is public opinion. The Fourth Division already has two captains, so it's not appropriate to add another one, at least not now.

However, this viewpoint is somewhat untenable, because the purpose of the Technology Development Bureau was originally established to solve this kind of problem, and it is no longer possible for it to be limited to this purpose.

Therefore, as long as the vote count reaches more than half, Suzuran becoming the minister is a sure thing. Afterwards, she just needs to do what Yamada did. Wasn't his rise to power also full of disputes?

Isn't it still going smoothly now?

Therefore, they were genuinely puzzled by Tiancheng's actions, and they had never heard that the two had a bad relationship.

"That's a bit unexpected. What's the reason?" Urahara asked curiously.

"It's very simple. Just like what Captain Hikifune said, our Fourth Division already occupies two positions. Adding one more would cause a lot of controversy. I think this is not the kind of captain she wants to be."

"But if what you say is true, she wouldn't have submitted this application, right? What we can see, she can naturally see too," Senjumaru asked in surprise.

Ichiro nodded. Indeed, judging from Suzuran's behavior, she seemed to really want the ministerial position. However, judging from Tensei's attitude, it didn't seem to be the case.

After all, the two of them seem to have a pretty good relationship.

Tensei paused for a moment, glanced at Ichiro, and said, "I can't say for sure, but I think that for both Suzuran and our Technology Development Bureau, it's best if the Fourth Division doesn't occupy any more ministerial positions."

“I do have a different opinion.” Senjumaru played with a strand of hair in her hand, looking at Ichiro with amusement. “First of all, although I hate Mayuri Nishiki, I agree with his point of view. He’s said something sensible. The Technology Development Bureau should focus on strength. Everything else can be put aside. If you’re not convinced, go and challenge him.”

"Hmph!" Niejianli snorted coldly, without refuting.

"As for the seating arrangement you mentioned... it's incredibly simple, just transfer her to another team, right? That way, your Fourth Division..."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Nobody should even think about harming members of our Fourth Division!"

Before Senjumaru could finish speaking, Ichiro interrupted him, forcing him to swallow the rest of his words.

"..." Senjumaru looked at Ichiro silently, her hair tied into a tight knot in her hand. "Then tell me, what should we do? Anyway, I support it."

As Senjumaru asked his question, everyone's attention turned to Ichiro, and the turning point was with him.

As the director, Urahara usually doesn't participate in the voting, because the fact that it's put here for review already indicates that he has some approval of it. With an extra vote, voting seems meaningless.

Therefore, Ichiro's decision at this moment will determine whether Suzuran can become the department head!

Since he agreed, the score is now 3-3, which is half the vote, and according to the rules, Suzuran can become the minister.

However, when everyone thought that Suzuran was brought up by Ichiro, they felt that there was no suspense anymore. Even Hikifune began to sigh. She sincerely hoped that the Technology Development Bureau could proceed more steadily.

"My opinion is that I disagree."

"Sigh... wait, objection? Pfft!" Ye Zhou sighed, then suddenly braced himself on the table, leaned forward, and asked in surprise, "What did you say? Objection?"

“Yes, is it hard to understand? I object, but don’t misunderstand, my reasons for objecting are different from yours, and I don’t care about those rules. I only have one reason for objecting.” With a faint smile, Ichiro turned to look at Urahara, who was also smiling, “That is, the Technology Development Bureau is not qualified to manage this department!”

Upon hearing this, Urahara's smile widened even more; indeed, their thoughts were still remarkably similar.

"Not qualified? What do you mean? There shouldn't be a stronger team than us in Soul Society right now." Mayuri asked somewhat unconvinced. The others also looked at Ichiro. This reason didn't hold water; it was even worse than Hikifune's.

"Well, let's have our director say that. I think he's very well prepared." Ichiro didn't answer Mayuri's question, but instead passed the topic to Urahara.

As everyone looked at Urahara with his mysterious smile, their initial excitement gradually subsided. Judging from Urahara's expression, he clearly shared Ichiro's opinion, and they obviously had other plans.

"Ahem~ Well then, let me just say a few words. Ichiro is right, our Technology Development Bureau really doesn't have that qualification. Don't get excited." Urahara gestured with his hands to stop the crowd from asking questions, and then said, "What are we called? Technology Development Bureau. They're just researchers in theory, what does that have to do with us? Oh no, it does have to do with us. Their theories guide our technology, so we have no right to interfere with them."

Upon hearing this, the competitive Minato immediately retorted, "We can complete the research even without them!"

"I don't disagree with that, and I believe in your abilities. But do you all have that much energy? Isn't the purpose of establishing the Technology Development Bureau to provide a place for everyone to work together? Working together as a group is always much more efficient than one person working alone in silence!"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, because it made sense...

After the establishment of the Technology Development Bureau, a large number of ideas collided, which indeed accelerated their research speed. If the theoretical research part could also be separated, their speed would likely be even faster, since not everyone likes or is good at theoretical research.

"So, what do you plan to do?"

"Do it this way." With that, he casually tossed a document onto the table.

"A Proposal for the Establishment of a Ghostly Path Research Department!"

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Chapter 207 Forcing a Duck onto a Shelf

"The Demonic Path Research Department? Isn't that my department?"

Urahara stared at Yamada for a moment, then slapped his forehead: "Oh, I made a mistake, I'll correct it."

As he spoke, he pulled the document back, crossed out the word "department," and changed it to "bureau": Ghost Path Research Bureau!

"Yes, that's pretty much it. My suggestion is to establish a dedicated institution at the same level as the Technology Development Bureau to conduct theoretical research. Theoretical research deserves our utmost attention!"

"We understand the logic, but do you think those people in the Central 46th Bureau would agree?"

“Why not?” Urahara countered Fukifumi’s question directly. “This is exactly what they wanted. Our Technology Development Bureau is growing stronger and stronger. They would be laughing in their sleep if there were an organization that could check and balance each other. Moreover, unlike the Technology Development Bureau, theoretical research is mostly cost-effective. It only needs to spend money occasionally, so the Seireitei’s current finances can support it.”

The group nodded. Unlike those politicians who only cared about their own interests, they, as fellow researchers, understood the necessity of theoretical research. However, they also deeply understood that it usually takes a long time for theory to be transformed into practical benefits; it is a long-term project.

It's not that they look down on the Central 46th Bureau, but from this perspective alone, they really don't have the courage to make a decision on this matter. It would be good enough if they didn't cause any trouble or hold things back, let alone support it. They're overthinking it.

Who among you doesn't know about the corruption of Seireitei?

However, after listening to Urahara's explanation, they understood. Indeed, it was difficult for that group of people to break free from their narrow-minded family values ​​and seek greater benefits. Under normal circumstances, the Ghost Path Research Bureau would definitely not be established due to too many obstacles.

But that's the normal situation. What if it's not for profit, but simply to fight against the Technology Development Bureau?

Is this situation still difficult?

Anyone with a brain knows that competition is better than a monopoly, and this is a balance that every person in power will consider.

However, once this problem was solved, a new one arose...

"The Ghost Path Research Bureau... doesn't that overlap with our functions?"

“It’s different.” Ichiro chimed in, “You and the Kido Sect may seem to be researching theories, but in reality, you’re researching more new Kido, new barriers, and new Kido techniques. It’s still application-oriented, and you only do theoretical research occasionally.”

"Okay, I understand. I have no objections."

“I don’t have any opinions, but as for Suzuran Tsuki, although I don’t know much about her, I don’t think she can become the director, right?” Hikifune tossed his hair and looked at Urahara with a puzzled expression.

“Of course, Director, I have another candidate.” As he spoke, Urahara looked at Ichiro beside him, and everyone’s gaze followed suit. Then they all nodded in agreement.

Hikifune Kiryu: "I agree."

Mayuri Kurotsuchi: "I have no objection."

Taro Yamada: "Minister Tenshin's suggestion is acceptable."

Tensei Shiro: "I support it too."

Senjumaru: "I second that."

Ichiro: "???"

Ichiro looked at them with a puzzled expression: "Wait, why did you second it? Did I agree to it? And what about my alchemy department?"

“Because you are the most suitable,” Urahara said. “First, you are the strongest among us in terms of theoretical research, while we are mostly purely application-oriented. Second, you have the greatest reputation among us. Only if you serve as the director can those old fogies feel that this organization has the power to compete with our Technology Development Bureau. Third, you can continue to lead the Alchemy Department. It won’t affect anything, as long as the general direction there is still theoretical research.”

"I understand the logic, but does that mean my opinion doesn't matter?"

Urahara spread his hands, leaned back in his chair, and said rather shrewdly, "Then I have no choice. You need to find me a suitable person again, someone with enough talent who can also give those old guys confidence."

"..." After thinking for a moment, Ichiro stroked his chin and fell silent. Although it was a bit narcissistic to say it like that, it seemed that he was probably the most suitable one.

"But if I also bring the alchemy department with me, will they believe me?"

“Yes!” Urahara said decisively. “Do you remember what you said before? In the eyes of an idiot, everyone is an idiot.”