Gotei 13 Ranks and Positions

Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:41 pm

Divisions and Ranks

The Gotei 13 (護廷十三隊, Goteijūsantai; lit. "13 Division Imperial Guards"; Viz "Thirteen Court Guard Companies") is the primary military branch of Soul Society and the main military organization most Shinigami join after graduating from the Shin'ō Academy.

The Gotei 13 is made up of thirteen divisions, with several divisions having certain specializations.

The Gotei 13 is led by the Captain-Commander, who has the statutory authority to conduct all the affairs of the Gotei 13 while deferring to the authority of the Central 46 Chambers in civil and legislative matters involving the Soul Society.

As with any army, the Gotei 13 has ranks. There are 20 ranks for officers, but no ranks for non-officers. The lower the number is, the higher the rank. The Gotei 13 is an organization with a merit-based hierarchy based on demonstrations of skill, experience, and power, and has disposed of the system of rank based on seniority. Abilities and efficacy to obtain results are the only criteria used to determine one's rank.

First Division (一番隊, Iichiban-tai; "Squad 1")

The First Division is ranked highest among the 13 Divisions. Even subordinate members of the First Division are considered model Shinigami, with the Vice-Captain regarded on the same level as other Divisions’ Captains. The First Division commands all others, possessing the power and authority to call upon the other Divisions as required, and is the channel between C46 and the Gotei 13. Reports from all other Divisions end up at the First for official cataloging.

Special Duty: Central Command

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Second Division (二番隊, nibantai; "Squad 2")

The Captain of the Second Division also leads the Onmitsukidō (Stealth Force), and as such, the Second Division's duties are directly tied in with the Onmitsukidō; each of the top 5 seated officers is in charge of a certain division of the Special Forces. They are granted the authority to conduct covert operations under the auspices of the Central 46, and are given license to kill if necessary for completion of their mission. They are also given authority to detain and imprison criminal Shinigami within the Maggots Nest.

Special Duty: Covert Operations and Policing

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Third Division (三番隊, sanbantai; "Squad 3")

The Captain of the Third Division also leads the Kidō Corps (鬼道衆, Kidōshū; Viz "Kidō Troops"), and as such, the Third Division’s duties are directly tied in with the Kidō Corps. They are the foremost practitioners of the Demon Arts, housing some of the greatest Kidō users within all of the Soul Society. They are responsible for anything and everything that deals with the Demon Arts.

Special Duty: Kidō

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Fourth Division (四番隊, yonbantai; "Squad 4")

The Fourth Division is the medical/supply division. They are responsible for both treating the injured and doing most of the manual labor, such as cleaning the Seireitei. Members of the Fourth Division possess spiritual powers that are used to tend to wounds and provide relief. They use these special powers and the benefits of their daily training to act with precision and speed to aid injured comrades. Fourth Division administers emergency first aid to injured division members and transports them to the General Emergency Relief Station.

Special Duty: Medical Care and Cleaning

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Fifth Division (五番隊, gobantai; "Squad 5")

The Fifth Division’s mission is to deal with the Rukongai (流魂街, Wandering Soul City; "Rukon District". Its members patrol the enormous Districts to keep the peace, to aid those Souls who are in need, to investigate anomalies, and to act as recruiters for the Gotei 13.

Special Duty: Rukongai

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Sixth Division (六番隊, rokubantai; "Squad 6")

The Sixth Division is the Gotei 13’s Reserves. Their mission is to train and prepare Shinigami to support the specialized missions of the other Divisions, if the need were to arise. The Captain, Vice-Captain, and seated officers of this Division are incredibly talented, well-versed in all Four of the Shinigami Arts.

Special Duty: Reserves

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Seventh Division (七番隊, nanabantai; "Squad 7")

The Seventh Division is home to some of the greatest minds within the Soul Society. Its members have a particular affinity for academics, and possess an unwavering love for teaching. They are responsible for operating the Shinōreijutsuin (真央霊術院, Spiritual Arts Academy), and as such, the welfare and instruction of all academy students falls under their jurisdiction. Members of the Seventh are often well-rounded Shinigami, possessing great knowledge of all of the four Shinigami Arts.

Special Duty: Shinōreijutsuin (真央霊術院, Spiritual Arts Academy)

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Eighth Division (八番隊, hachibantai; "Squad 8")

Traditionally, the Eighth Division has overseen arts and culture. They are responsible for maintaining and preserving the historical artifacts of the Soul Society, both great and small. They are in charge of preparing and hosting special events, to include official ceremonies and art festivals. They are also known to be in charge of the Seireitei news magazine. The Captain of the 8th Division is the Editor-in-Chief of the Seireitei News Magazine.

Special Duty: Artifact Conservation, Event Hosting, and Communications

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Ninth Division (九番隊, kyūbantai; "Squad 9")

The mission of the Ninth Division is to protect the Seireitei. It is always on standby for combat because it is the security force of the Gotei 13. The Ninth is also responsible for staffing and guarding the Four Great Pure Soul Gates (四大瀞霊門, Shidai Seireimon).

Special Duty: Seireitei Defense

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Tenth Division (十番隊, jūbantai; "Squad 10")

The Tenth Division is responsible for Naruki City. Their primary objective is to ensure the safety of the city’s inhabitants, and also to maintain the Balance of Souls. As such, they usually are experts on dealing with foreign races such as Hollow and Quincy.

Special Duty: Naruki City

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Eleventh Division (十一番隊, jūichibantai; "Squad 11")

The Eleventh Division is the primary expeditionary force of the Gotei 13. During times of war, the Eleventh is the first Division deployed to the frontlines. As such, it is expected for members to be combat-ready at all times. The Division's doctrine of dominating in battle is what appeals to its members; they believe that fighting is what makes life worth living. The Captain of this Division has historically held the title of Kenpachi (剣八, Sword-Eight), known as the most capable fighter of the Gotei 13.

Special Duty: Expeditionary Force

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Twelfth Division (十二番隊, jūnibantai; "Squad 12")

The Twelfth Division is home to the S.R.D.I (Shinigami Research and Development Institute), which develops new technology and spiritual tools for the Gotei 13. As such, technological and scientific research has become the full measure of what the Division involves itself in primarily.

Special Duty: Scientific Research

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers

Thirteenth Division (十三番隊, jūsanbantai; "Squad 13")

The Thirteenth Division is responsible for Karakura Town. Their primary objective is to ensure the safety of the city’s inhabitants, and also to maintain the Balance of Souls. As such, they usually are experts on dealing with foreign races such as Hollow and Quincy.

Special Duty: Karakura Town

Captain

Vice-Captain

Seated Officers