At first glance, the white haori may look like just another garment. It would seem like there's no need to go to great lengths to obtain it.
But that's not the case.
The shihakushō, or standard Shinigami uniform, is far from ordinary. Unlike typical clothing, it possesses unique regenerative properties.
When a Shinigami dons the shihakushō, the fabric resonates with their Reiatsu. If the uniform is damaged in battle, the Shinigami can channel their Reiatsu into it, and in a short time, it restores itself to its original form.
Just like in the original manga, Kurosaki Ichigo's shihakushō was frequently torn or burned during battles. Though Ichigo wasn't a Soul Society Shinigami and hadn't received an official uniform from Seireitei, every time he transformed into his Shinigami form again, his shihakushō was fully intact. That wasn't a continuity error—it's the clothing's innate function.
There's no attire more suited for combat than this one.
Moreover, because the shihakushō responds to the Shinigami's Reiatsu, when certain Shinigami release their Zanpakutō and their spiritual pressure undergoes drastic changes, the appearance of their clothing changes as well. For example, when Ichigo activates his Bankai, his robe becomes longer and more form-fitting, reflecting his elevated power.
If even standard uniforms possess such properties, then the captain's haori is on a completely different level.
The white haori symbolizes one's rank among the Gotei 13. Each one is tailored specifically for the appointed captain, using rare and enhanced spiritual fabrics that are exclusive to Seireitei. Unlike the general-issue shihakushō, haori are not produced in batches.
After all, regular uniforms only need to be distributed by size and rank. But captains are rare—only thirteen at a time, and most hold their positions for centuries. A captaincy change is a major event, and mass production of haori would be unnecessary and impractical.
To craft his official haori, Gosuke Shigure made his way to the 12th Division.
That's correct—haori creation falls under the jurisdiction of the 12th Division.
More precisely, it's managed by the Seireitei Research and Development Institute, a scientific division overseen by the 12th. Their mission includes all matters related to technology, innovation, and material development in the Soul Society.
If you're searching for anything new or experimental in Seireitei, chances are high it originated from the R&D Institute.
The atmosphere inside the Research Institute was cold and clinical. The Shinigami within had peculiar appearances and eccentric personalities. Most were so deeply absorbed in their research that they barely reacted to the presence of Gosuke Shigure, a newly appointed captain.
In truth, the R&D Institute's true renaissance hadn't yet arrived.
The groundbreaking surge in technological advancement would only begin after Urahara Kisuke took over as the 12th Division captain and restructured the department into the Technology Development Bureau. It was then that brilliant minds like Kurotsuchi Mayuri and others, drawn even from the Maggot's Nest, were recruited. That era marked the beginning of Soul Society's modern scientific era.
The shihakushō production wing was located in the farthest reaches of the Research Institute, within a low-lit chamber filled with the scent of ink and cloth.
Following the guidance of a 12th Division officer, Gosuke stepped into the room.
Piles of spiritual fabric and pre-sewn uniforms were stacked against the walls. Behind a massive veil, a slender woman sat silently. Several white skeletal arms extended from her back, each holding a spinning or weaving tool, all moving in synchronized harmony.
"Greetings. I've come to claim my captain's haori," Gosuke Shigure said respectfully.
The woman briefly paused, then set her tools down and replied coolly, "Another captain change. They've been frequent lately."
Gosuke gave a knowing smile but didn't reply. The woman's words weren't wrong.
First, Zaraki Kenpachi had succeeded Captain Tsuruyashiki after his death—an event already traumatic for the 11th Division. Then, Zaraki was imprisoned in the Nest of Maggots due to insubordination. The 5th Division also underwent a change in leadership during this time. And now Gosuke Shigure had been named the new Kenpachi.
Three captain transitions in under two years—a rare sequence of events in Soul Society, where captains typically serve for decades, even centuries.
The woman rose and stepped out from behind the veil. When Gosuke saw her clearly, he blinked with surprise. There was something about her—an aura both familiar and disturbing.
Her beauty was undeniable: sharp eyes, pale skin, an air of cold dignity. But behind her, six skeletal arms emerged, unnaturally grafted onto her back, each still manipulating its tools. She was both captivating and macabre—a blend of grace and grotesque.
Soul Society, of course, was home to many races. There were beast-like Shinigami, animal spirits, and other non-human souls. But for a seemingly human woman to possess such arms—especially within the prestigious 12th Division—was an anomaly.
She didn't seem to care about appearances. Calmly, she produced several instruments and took Gosuke's measurements directly, sizing up his shoulders, arms, and chest with precise movements.
While taking his measurements, she silently registered his Reiatsu.
And at that moment, her fingers paused.
Her eyes flickered with a hint of surprise.
There was something about his spiritual pressure—an echo of a Reiatsu she had once known intimately.
But no, she reminded herself. That couldn't be.
After a breath of silence, she resumed her work and said, "Wait here a moment."
Gosuke nodded.
She stepped back behind the curtain, her Reiatsu quietly surging as she worked. The hum of spiritual energy filled the room, and within a short while, she emerged holding a freshly woven haori.
It seemed she had already been informed in advance by Captain-Commander Yamamoto, and had prepared the base structure. All that remained was the final tailoring.
On the back of the white haori was the kanji for "eleven"—十一—marking Gosuke as the new Captain of the 11th Division.
"Here," she said, offering it without expression.
Gosuke took the garment and put it on without hesitation. He smoothed the sleeves and tested the fit. "Perfectly done. Your craftsmanship is remarkable."
The woman said nothing in return.
Gosuke smiled softly, as if used to the silence, then asked, "How long have you worked here in Seireitei?"
She blinked—clearly puzzled by the question—but answered nonetheless. "Many years."
"I can tell you're strong. Someone with your Reiatsu… why stay in this place instead of becoming a captain yourself?"
Perhaps it was the familiarity of Gosuke's presence, or perhaps it was the gentle persistence in his voice, but the woman answered.
"I'm waiting for someone."