Arcane, Research, and Technological Sciences

Division Specialty: Arcane, Research and Technological Sciences (ARTS)


The Eighth Division is a special shinigami unit which, during times of relative peace, has several purposes.

First, they are in charge of developing new technologies and kidou-based skills to be used by the other divisions of the Gotei. These technologies and skills can range from support and mobility items to be used in times of war to advanced healing techniques which are put into practice in both times of war and peace. Their development is not limited to earth-shattering new technologies for military purposes, but rather also includes many items that simply seek to improve the quality of daily life both for members of the Gotei and also citizens of Rukongai. The latter often seek the aid of Seireitei through special commissions based on individual needs.

Their second purpose is to perform various types of research, most of which are governed by the needs of the Central 46. This research focuses on a number of areas, such as zanpakutou composition and shinigami-zanpakutou bonds, various chemical research in fields such as alchemy and botany, along with soul composition and modification, culminating in the Gotei's involvement in highly classified research. Most of the more simplistic research is handled by lower seated officers, while the more sensitive research is done by only the few highest ranking officers.

Their focus on research and knowledge by no means cuts them out as being skilled warriors. On the contrary, a strongly structured training regiment is in place for the members of the Eighth Division, in which participation is mandatory, so their combat skills are maintained as well as their minds. This training also serves the double purpose of testing many of their inventions with combat uses, provided they meet certain safety requirements and approval has been given for live testing. Specifically, the Eighth has recently been more and more leaning towards advancements in kidou over other disciplines since its current captain took the reins of the division.

Because of its greater concentration of kidouists in recent times, the Eighth has become a binding link between the Gotei Thirteen and the Kidoushuu. Because of this, all members of the Eighth have an easier access to becoming a part of the Kidou Brigade. However, the Kidoushuu still stands as a separate entity. (This is similar to the canon Second Division where all its members are a part of the Onmitsu Kidou. Also, this means all in the Eighth are Kidoushuu, but not all in the Kidoushuu are a part of the Eighth Division.) This means that the Eighth will be split into two sub-divisions, one that is solely the researchers of the division and one that is the members of the eighth and the Kidoushuu.

Understandably, so, members of the Eighth Division typically have a strong thirst for knowledge that is unparalleled in the Gotei. They frequently strive to learn everything they can about a given subject, even if it leads them into territory they ought not enter. Their insatiable curiosity has mandated that a number of security measures be put in place to maintain order and prevent classified information from being compromised.