Fourth Division/Earth-5

## Fourth Division

The **Fourth Division** (十番隊, *Yonbantai*) is one of the Gotei 13, headed by Captain Meifu Unohana.

## Special Duties

The Fourth Division is responsible for the medical treatment of the Gotei 13, being the sole division in the Gotei 13 capable of performing the art of **Kaidō** (回道, *Turn Way*). Prior to the **Great Soul King Protection War**, the Fourth Division limited its healing methods to its own soldiers. However, the losses suffered both in house and within other divisions encouraged the new Captain, Meifu, to force the division to undergo a series of reformations. The first was demanding combat training for every division member, and refusing entry to all those who specialised solely in healing - all Fourth Division members are now required to be capable of some measure of self defence. The second was opening the Fourth Division up to an internship of sorts; new soldiers interested in learning the arts could join the Fourth Division right out of the Shinōreijutsuinand learn basic first aid, or more advanced arts, before transferring to other divisions; this would allow for the spreading of adequate levels of medical treatment throughout the Gotei 13, in case of another large scale disaster. In spite of these changes, the Fourth Division is still the largest collection of trained medical practioners in Soul Society, and to adjust to her new rules requiring self defence and combat within her own division, Meifu establing a ranking system based on the seating of her origanisation.

* **Rank Zero** (階級０, *Kaikyū Zero*): The rank applied to Meifu herself; this makes Meifu the one individual out of the Fourth Division permitted to fight on the front lines without prior authorisation, as her medical skills and combat expertise are trusted to keep her protected. It allows her similar, if not more, freedom than the late Retsu, who Meifu notes did not take to the field until Shunsui Kyōraku made the questionable decision that led to her death.

* **Rank One** (階級１, *Kaikyū Ichi*): Seated officers ranking from Vice-Captain to Fifth Seat. These individuals require prior authorisation from Meifu Unohana before taking to the battlefield, and are expected to move in two-man cell at minimum, allowing for them to protect each other as well as tend to the wounded directly. Participation in direct combat is discouraged, but allowed if the situation requires it; **Rank One** Shinigami are not permitted to pick a fight, only to fight if their lives or their patients' lives are in danger. Vice-Captain Hōmuru Ōsatō, a **Rank One** Shinigami, finds these in particular to be insufferable. Notably, Haoyu Fēng is not a **Rank One** individual due to his unique circumstances.

* **Rank Two** (階級２, *Kaikyū Ni*): Seated officers ranking from Sixth Seat to Tenth Seat. These individuals also require prior authorisation from Meifu before taking to the battlefield, and are expected to move as a single five-man cell. Combat is prohibited for these weaker members unless authorisation is received by Captain Meifu or Vice-Captain Hōmuru. Combat is generally in self-defence, with the primary directive being the survival of medical personnel and patient.

* **Rank Three** (階級３, *Kaikyū San*): The final rank of the Fourth Division, these medical practioners are limited to in-house treatment and movement. While trained in combat, they are not permitted to take action in heavily contested areas, and remain within the barracks during active hours unless sent out by a conflicting, superior order. Third Seat Haoyu Fēng is the only higher seated officer within **Rank Three**.

Meifu also drafted the **Wartime Exemption** (戦時赦し, *Senji Yurushi*), an addendum to these laws which, during wartime, can allow her to assign those of **Rank One** and **Rank Two** to mobiilise with the other Divisions and grant additional medical support on-site at the battlefield.

## Recruitment

### Recruitment Fair Brouchure

The following question and answer, plus illustration, was printed in the special issue of the Seireitei Communication that came out Meifui's promotion:

**Meifu Unohana**

1. *What kind of individuals are you seeking?*

People with a strong stomachs, perhaps? Medical operations aren't for those who get queasy; please prepare yourself mentally before applying.

2. *What do you require of new recruits?*

Determination, with a knack for Kidō.

3. *How would you describe the atmosphere around your division?*

Because we double as a medical facility, it can become quite hectic around here. Though I think that makes us unique for a division.

4. *Some words for Shinigami recruits.*

The Gotei 13 cannot exist without the Fourth Division; as the backbone, we shall look forward in your help supporting everyone in the future.

**Hōmuru Ōsatō**

1. *What kind of individuals are you seeking?*

I wouldn't consider myself picky, but tolerance is a skill worth considering if you want to apply.

2. *What do you require of new recruits?*

A penchant for Kidō is nice, but a medic who can't defend themselves is a dead medic. I'd like individuals who know their way around a sword.

3. *How would you describe the atmosphere around your division?*

We've changed quite a lot since the days of the late Captain. I'd like to see those Eleventh Division lugs push us around now.

4. *Some words for Shinigami recruits.*

Mood is everything. Sometimes, just the right words can make all the difference for a patient.