For Ichigo, Yacheng's "paranoia" wasn't new (he'd heard it from Yumichika). So at this moment, his gaze toward Yacheng was full of regret.
Ichigo had always seen Yacheng as a strong rival, and Yacheng's strength was indeed impressive—such a shame about his personality...
—"I'll say it again! I don't have paranoia—this is normal risk avoidance! You're a narcissist and he's a battle maniac—you two wouldn't understand a teapot!"
"How many background Shinigami die in Seireitei every year, do you even know? Why do so many Shin'ō Academy graduates rush to the Gotei 13, but the squads are never fully staffed? You two are at least named side characters. I'm just a nobody. If I'm not careful, how am I supposed to survive in this cruel world?"
Seeing Ichigo and Yumichika giving him pitying looks, Yacheng of course spoke up to defend himself. Sadly, neither of them believed him. They simply patted him on the shoulder like they understood.
—"Anyway, I've always been clear about my goal. From the start, I planned to join the combat division—Squad 11. What about you, Yumichika?"
Ichigo swept his fierce gaze around the recruitment booths, and when his eyes landed on the group of muscle-heads at Squad 11's table, he smiled with satisfaction.
—"Naturally, I want to join Squad 11. Though if I could, I'd rather join Squad 6—it fits my style better. But Squad 6 is a noble squad. It's hard to get in without connections, especially for those of us from Rukongai."
—"If I can't join Squad 6, then Squad 11, where I can get screen time and show off my beauty, is my next best option—even if I'm not crazy about fighting like Ichigo is."
While talking, Yumichika pulled out a mirror and some hair wax, trying to style himself more impressively to boost his chances.
Seeing the hair wax, Yacheng subtly took a step back. He was allergic to the stuff—especially after learning one of this world's major villains also loved hair wax.
—"Yacheng, is my beauty so overwhelming you have to retreat before it?"
Yumichika truly believed he was the most handsome man alive. So when he noticed Yacheng's subtle withdrawal, he got slightly annoyed.
—"No, I think he just hates your hair wax. I hate it too!" Ichigo said.
Putting on hair wax in front of a bald man—was that mockery or showing off?
Every bald guy is sensitive about their hair—or lack thereof!
—"This brand is Seireitei's hottest product! Rumor says it even works for the hairless!"
—"Really?! Get me some to try!" Ichigo's eyes lit up.
After parting ways with Ichigo and Yumichika, Yacheng began looking for the squad he truly wanted to join.
The Gotei 13 used to be more of an assassin organization, only later becoming what we'd call a security force. Hence the name "Gotei"—the 13 Court Guard Squads.
Each squad has its own role.
Squad 1 is the "Commander Squad," essentially leading the rest. Fresh graduates like Yacheng don't have a shot here.
Squad 2 is the stealth force: responsible for arrests, assassinations, monitoring, and more—very high authority.
Squad 3 (Support), Squad 4 (Medical), and Squad 5 (Rescue) are considered rear-guard divisions—perfect for a peaceful life.
Squad 6 is the nobles' squad, founded to gain sponsorship from noble houses.
Squad 7 guards the inner court. Squad 8 handles intelligence. Squad 9 runs the prison. Squad 10 patrols.
Squad 11 is the full-combat squad. Squad 12 is the Research & Development Institute. Squad 13 handles purification.
Except for Squad 1 and 6, students from the Shin'ō Academy have decent chances to join the other squads.
You can also tell which squads are more popular just by looking at the recruitment lines.
Squad 11, despite its high mortality rate, became even more popular after a monster of a captain named Kenpachi Zaraki took charge.
Kenpachi liked to charge into battle first, drastically reducing squad casualties and boosting morale.
Because of its danger, Squad 11 also had great benefits. It was already popular before—now it was almost glamorous.
Squad 2 and Squad 12 were special cases—they only recruited specific talents.
Squad 2 wanted those skilled in Shunpo. Squad 12 wanted brainiacs with excellent test scores.
Since Yacheng had deliberately kept a low profile, he was clearly not on either of their radars.
He didn't mind. He already knew which squads he wanted to join.
Squad 4 and Squad 13 were his first choices. If those didn't work out, then Squad 7, Squad 8, or Squad 10.
If nothing else worked, he could show off some Shunpo or spirit particle theory and apply for Squad 2 or Squad 12.
In short: everything except Squad 11, 1, 6, 3, and 5.
Why not Squad 3 or 5, even though they look peaceful like Squad 4? Simple. Yacheng knew from other transmigrators' stories—they were prime targets for a certain hair-wax-loving mad scientist.
As for Squad 4 and 13—every isekai MC seemed to end up in Squad 4. It was the place to relax, flex, and stay out of trouble.
And among the beauties of Seireitei, only Rangiku could rival Captain Unohana's... assets.
But Squad 10's captain Shiba Isshin was about to be transferred to the human world. The squad's future looked weak. So Squad 4 was clearly the safer bet.