Renji’s head twitched faintly as consciousness crept back to him.

His vision blurred, his ears ringing with an echo like a blast had just gone off beside him. Every nerve in his body screamed from the aftermath of battle.

His gaze wandered to an unfamiliar ceiling. He didn’t recognize it at all.

Beneath him, his hands spread over something soft and smooth. Bedsheets? His mind faltered. No… my bed is solid rock. Where… am I?

His vision gradually sharpened. He noticed his left hand—an IV drip piercing his skin. His eyes widened in alarm, his body tensing. A white hospital gown clung to him. Shock washed over his face.

Renji inhaled sharply, then forced a long exhale, trying to clear his thoughts. That’s right… I collapsed in the middle of the battle. That’s the last thing I remember.

A faint presence lingered outside.

Footsteps.

Renji’s gaze, still lowered, hardened. His fingers curled into tight fists on instinct, preparing for another fight. “Who’s there?!” he barked, eyes snapping toward the door, fierce and unyielding.

“You’re awake,” a familiar voice muttered.

Renji froze. That voice… he knew it.

His head tilted, eyes narrowing. “It’s you.”

Hiroshi walks into the hospital.

“You’re still alive,” Commander Naomi remarked dryly as she entered behind him, arms folded.

Renji’s lips twitched. His voice came out faint. “Should I… be dead?”

Naomi’s sharp gaze pierced him. “What was that, soldier?”

“N-nothing, ma’am,” Renji stammered, turning away quickly.

“Glad you’re okay, kid,” Hiroshi muttered, his tone low but relieved.

“Glad?!” Renji’s voice rose, bitterness cutting through. “Why would you be glad after brutalizing me like some toy?”

“That,” Hiroshi murmured, “was the only way to make you join.”

Renji’s chest rose and fell heavily. His eyes darted around the room, frustration simmering. “You had the video, didn’t you? You could’ve just shown me from the start instead of breaking me apart like that. Don’t you think?”

Hiroshi’s expression faltered. Guilt crept across his face as he scratched the back of his neck and let out a sigh. “Yeah… I went too far. Sorry about that.”

“Yes, you did. But let’s be honest—” Naomi’s cold voice cut in. “You deserved it.”

Renji’s eyes narrowed. “No. I didn’t.”

“Achoo!”

The sudden sneeze startled the silence.

Renji frowned. “Is there… someone else here?” His eyes flicked toward Hiroshi, demanding an answer.

“Yes,” Hiroshi replied with a faint smile. “A friend of yours insisted on checking up on you.”

“We are not friends,” a shy but firm voice countered.

Renji’s eyes snapped to the doorway. His mind raced. That voice… no way.

Yumi stepped inside, pink hair catching the light. Her face turned away, but her tone was sharp. “I only came to see if you were alive. Nothing more.”

Renji blinked. “You… you’re that girl I kicked around on the battlefield.”

Yumi’s eyes flashed. “No you didn’t.”

“I remember clearly—I did,” Renji said smugly, a grin forming.

“You didn’t beat me,” Yumi muttered, frustration bubbling.

“I kicked your ass, girl,” Renji replied flatly, tone almost bored.

“No you didn’t!” Yumi snapped, her voice rising.

“Sure I did.”

Her hands balled into fists. “Why am I even here? Hiroshi should’ve just finished you in that fight!”

Renji smirked, waving her off. “Cry all you want. I still won.”

Their glares collided like sparks in the air.

“Enough!” Hiroshi’s voice boomed, silencing them both. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, tired of their childish bickering. “Listen carefully. Your quarters are prepared on the far side of the building. Your monthly salary, food, and uniforms are ready. Welcome to the division.”

“Salary?” Renji’s eyes widened, voice almost glowing. “As in money?”

“Yes,” Hiroshi confirmed. “Part of the BD soldier’s benefits.”

Instantly, Renji’s mood shifted. A wide, almost boyish grin stretched across his face as excitement coursed through him. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get to it!”

He swung his legs off the bed, feet sliding into slippers.

“You need to rest,” a new voice interrupted sternly.

A doctor entered, a file tucked under his arm, eyes narrowing at Renji. “Sit back down. You’re not leaving yet.”

“But I am fine,” Renji insisted, standing halfway.

“Rest,” the doctor repeated firmly, his gaze unwavering.

Renji exhaled loudly, glancing between Hiroshi, Naomi, and Yumi. “Do I really have to?”

“No rush,” Hiroshi said simply.

“It’s not like your pay is going anywhere,” Naomi added with a shrug.

“Once you’re cleared, you can start,” Hiroshi finished.

Renji slumped his shoulders. “Fine…” he muttered reluctantly.

One by one, they left the room.

“Get well soon,” Hiroshi said as he stepped out.

“Rest, boy,” Naomi added flatly.

“Take care, loser,” Yumi tossed over her shoulder.

“I’m fine, for goodness’ sake!” Renji shouted after them, but they were already gone. He turned to the doctor. “So what now? Huh?”

“Rest,” the doctor repeated, eyes narrowing once more.

Renji sighed. “Alright, alright. I get it.”

The doctor left with a satisfied nod, leaving Renji alone with his thoughts.

He leaned back on the bed, eyes drifting to the digital clock above. 8:00 a.m. Friday. His lips parted. “Wait… yesterday was Thursday. I’ve been out for nearly a whole day?”

His hand pressed against his forehead, eyes narrowing. “I really thought I had a chance with that man. Turns out he was just toying with me…”

But slowly, his expression shifted. He chuckled bitterly. “Well, at least now I’ve got my own room. Free food, no more rent. That’s a win.”

Silence filled the room as his gaze darkened. “One day I hate them… the next, I’m fighting them. Now I’m part of them. What am I doing?” His chest tightened. “They murdered my father… no, not them—the government I despise. But still…”

He clenched the bedsheets. “If joining the division helps save lives, even by a fraction, then I’ll fight. But I’ll never forgive the government for what they did to my family.”

His breath slowed. Fatigue crept back over him. “What do I do with all this free time… maybe just take a nap.”

Renji’s eyes closed once more.

Hours slipped by.

Renji stirred awake again, stretching his arms with a heavy yawn. His body rolled lazily from side to side under the sheets, the bedsheets twisting around him.

He glanced at the clock above his bed. 1:00 p.m. Almost five hours gone.

“Still here… huh,” he muttered, expression flat. His eyes drifted toward the window, watching sunlight crawl across the glass. He rolled over, tugging at the bedsheet, playing idly with his hands like a bored child.

Time dragged on.

By 2:00 p.m., he couldn’t take it anymore. “Six hours?! No wonder I’m suffocating with boredom,” he groaned.

His legs slipped out of bed, feet sliding into slippers. He crept toward the door, pausing only a moment before sneaking out, careful not to alert the doctor.

Casual strides carried him down the hall, blending in with the bustle of staff and soldiers. His eyes wandered size of the division headquarters. The architecture towered, every block and corridor designed with precision. People passed by in uniforms, conversations blending into a hum of discipline and urgency.

Renji muttered under his breath, “So… where exactly is my room? Hiroshi said it was on the side of the building but… which side?" scratching his head.

He reached a junction—left or right. Soldiers and staff moved briskly past him, unfazed by his presence. He hesitated, then chose left.

He pushed open a door.

Inside, scientists in lab coats struggled to restrain a snarling Rev strapped to a table. Machines whirred as they jabbed it with instruments, trying to extract samples. The Rev writhed violently, its guttural growl rattling the room.

Renji’s eyes widened. “...Yeah, nope.” He shut the door immediately, turning on his heel.

He wandered further and stumbled into another chamber—this one noisy with raised voices. Men and women sat around a large table, stacks of paperwork and screens displaying numbers.

A furious woman slammed her hands down. “We need those funds for the village that was nearly wiped out yesterday! Do you think charity can wait?”

Renji blinked, then quietly shut the door again, head lowered as he kept moving.

Another door appeared with bold letters: SUIT UP. Renji reached for the handle but paused. Curiosity tugged him to peek through the window instead.

Inside, soldiers rushed into gear, strapping on armor and grabbing weapons. The unit captain barked orders.

“Two Revs spotted near Tokyo City! Civilians in range—move, now!”

The team shouted in unison, charging out of the room, boots pounding the ground.

Renji exhaled, then pulled back. “Guess not my room either.”

Finally, he stumbled upon a room with no windows, only solid walls. “This must be it…” he muttered hopefully, easing the door open.

Instead of quarters, massive screens filled the walls, broadcasting footage of BD soldiers battling Revs in a small town.

“Hold the line!” the unit captain shouted through the feed. “The civilians are almost clear! If we fall here, they all die!”

The soldiers roared, clashing with the monstrous horde.

But the footage jumped forward—blood soaking the ground, lifeless bodies sprawled in broken heaps. The unit had been annihilated. Their corpses began decomposing under the camera’s cold gaze.

The operator’s voice was grim. “One of our best squads… went radio silent for days. But they held the line. Every civilian escaped without casualties.”

The supervisor’s voice cut in, sharp and cold. “They died as heroes. Delete everything. The public cannot know we’re failing.”

Renji froze in the doorway, his chest tightening. His voice slipped out in a whisper, heavy with sorrow. “...Damn.”

The operator caught the movement. His eyes shot to the door. But Renji had already slipped away, vanishing down the corridor. The man rushed to the hallway, searching left and right, but saw nothing. With a curse under his breath, he locked the door behind him.

Hidden just around the corner, Renji pressed his back to the wall, heart pounding. Slowly, he exhaled, then walked away quickly.

Not long after, he passed a door marked TRAINING GROUNDS. His lips curved slightly. “I know this place… the same one where I fought Hiroshi.”

Without hesitation, he barged inside.

“Renji!” a voice barked from across the arena.

Renji’s eyes swept the vast grounds until they locked onto a familiar figure.

Hiroshi stood there, arms crossed, gaze cold.

“We were just about to summon you,” the General said flatly.

Renji blinked, then froze as another voice rang out.

“Renji?”

His eyes widened. A boy with yellow hair, average height, his age exactly—stood a short distance away.

Renji’s heart skipped. He knew that face instantly.

“Ryoma?!” he shouted, disbelief rushing out.

The boy’s lips curved into a grin. “It’s really you.”

Renji froze. His eyes locked on the yellow-haired boy standing with the others.

“Ryoma…?” he muttered, stunned.

“Yeah,” the boy smirked. “It’s me.”

Renji couldn’t hold it in—he yelled, “Ryoma!!” His voice cracked with a mix of relief and shock.

A sharp cough cut through the reunion. Ehem!

General Hiroshi’s gaze snapped across the group, cold and commanding. “Quiet.”

Renji flinched, scratching his head sheepishly. “...Sorry, sir.”

"Loser", yumi whispered in a low voice

Hiroshi stepped forward, his tone shifting into authority. “Listen closely. I called you here for one reason—to introduce you to each other. From today, you operate as a team.”

Renji’s jaw dropped. “...Wait. WHAT?!”

Before Hiroshi could continue, a furious voice exploded from the left.

“No. No, no, no! Team up with THAT loser?!”

Renji turned—and his face soured instantly.

“Oh great, it’s you,” Renji groaned. “No thanks. I refuse to be on a team with this annoying brat.”

“You don’t know how irritating you are!” Yumi snapped, pointing a finger at him.

“I can’t even stand your face around me!” Renji shot back.

The two of them squared off, childish fire blazing between their glares.

Ryoma and a girl beside him—tall, black-haired, with goggles resting on her head—exchanged glances. Their shoulders lifted in a silent shrug. What’s going on with these two?

“Never!” Yumi yelled.

“Never ever!” Renji fired back.

“ENOUGH!”

Hiroshi’s voice cracked like thunder. Both of them froze, their mouths clamping shut.

His eyes narrowed. “This is not up for debate. That’s an order.”

Renji folded his arms, grumbling. “...Fine, whatever. I’ll work with her.”

“No way—” Yumi started, but Hiroshi’s glare cut her off.

“That’s an order, Yumi Saitō.”

Her lips tightened, face twisting with frustration. “...Yes, sir.”

Satisfied, Hiroshi turned.

“Ryoma,” the boy introduced himself with a small wave. “Nice to meet you officially.”

“Kana,” the goggle-wearing girl added with a cool grin. “Street girl. And you?”

“Renji Takashiro,” Renji said proudly.

Kana’s eyes lit up. “Wait. The Renji?!”

Renji tilted his head. “...What do you mean, the Renji?”

“The one who fought off two whole units. Took on three soldiers. Went one-on-one with the General!” she said, excitement in her tone.

Renji smirked. “Yeah, that’s me.”

Ryoma’s eyes widened. “No way… you won against all of them except General Hiroshi himself?”

“Exactly.” Renji said

"You didn't beat me tho". Yumi muttered

Kana gasped. “You even beat that pink-haired girl too, right?” She glanced at Yumi.

Renji’s grin widened, turning to yumi. “Right again.”

Yumi’s face went red. “Tch! Don’t remind me.”

“Cry all you want,” Renji said, smug.

Kana laughed. “Unbelievable. So why the hell were you fighting in the first place?”

Renji’s smile faltered. “Because… I refused to join the Division.”

The others blinked. Kana leaned forward. “...You serious?”

“Yeah.”

“Crazy,” Kana muttered. “I joined because the salary’s the highest in Japan. No lie.”

Ryoma added quietly, “I joined because I made a mistake… something I have to make up for.”

Renji looked at him curiously. “I thought your family was rich?”

“They are. but money doesn't fix everything.”

All eyes turned toward Yumi, who stood arms folded, slightly apart from the group.

“...What?” she asked, irritated.

“It’s your turn,” Kana said flatly.

“My turn for what?”

“To say why you joined,” Ryoma explained.

Yumi looked away, voice low. “Because of someone. A family member.”

Kana nodded softly. “...Got it.”

silence.

“Figures,” Renji muttered, smirking. “No wonder you’re such a pain.”

“Say that again and I’ll—” Yumi snarled, stepping forward.

But before their bickering reignited, Hiroshi’s voice thundered again.

“Enough! Save it for the battlefield.”

His tone shifted. “Your uniforms are prepared. You’ll find them in your quarters.”

“Yeah, about that…” Renji rubbed his neck. “I… couldn’t exactly find my room—”

Beep! Beep!

A sharp alert pierced their ears. Renji’s ear-com lit up with Naomi’s voice.

“General. The Rev from before—it’s appeared again. District 13C.”

Hiroshi’s expression hardened. “I’ll handle it.”

Naomi’s voice came again, tense. “Sir. That other thing—it’s appearing too.”

Hiroshi froze, eyes wide. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

The General’s jaw tightened. He turned to the team.

“Change of plans. Your first mission begins now. A new Rev has emerged in District 13C. Suit up and move out.”

The team stiffened.

“YES, SIR!” they roared