Third Division (JCP)

The Third Division (三番隊, sanbantai; "Squad 3" in the English Dub) is one of the Gotei 13. The 3rd Division is headed by Captain Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi.

Organization
The 3rd Division follows the traditional organization of a Gotei 13 Division. After the Defection of Gin Ichimaru the Division was run by the next highest authority in the 3rd Division, Lieutenant Izuru Kira. Some time after Sōsuke Aizen's defeat, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi was reinstated as the Captain of the 3rd Division.

Special Duties
During the days of Rojuro Otoribashi as Captain 110 years ago, the 3rd Division was known as the Division that keeps an eye on the entire Rukongai District. However, after Gin Ichimaru took over as Captain, he discontinued this special duty. Since Rojuro took back over as Captain, the 3rd Division once again is assinged with the Rukongai District.

Barracks
Like all the other barracks, the 3rd Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Shinigami of the 3rd. During his captaincy, Gin Ichimaru is said to have planted Persimmon trees in the barrack grounds and dried the fruits himself to create hoshigaki, which he shared with other divisions.[1] Captain Ichimaru and Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya also fought on the 3rd Division grounds during the Ryoka Invasion.[2]

Recruitment
Members of the third division are encouraged not to fear Captain Ichimaru, but instead to take delight in his mischievous nature.[3]

Recruitment Fair Brochure
The following question and answer, plus illustration, was printed in the special issue of the Seireitei Communication that came out straight after the Ryoka Invasion of Soul Society.[4]

Gin Ichimaru
 * No reply, as his whereabouts are unknown.

Izuru Kira

1. What kind of individuals are you seeking?

People who don't lie.

2. How would you describe the atmosphere around your division?

I wonder. Lately I've been alone a lot, so....

3. What do you require of new recruits?

That they not lie.

4. Some words for the Shinigami recruits.

Even if you come, Captain Ichimaru won't be here.

Rojuro Otoribashi

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

Strong people, who are able to appriciate the arts, especially music.

''2.How would you describe the atmosphere around your division? ''

Fun loving and playful. Also, music is always played in every location that is not someone's privet quarters. My quarters is the same.

''3.What do you require for new recruits? ''

That they can respect music. Also, a Shikai Mastery is madatory.

''4.Some words for the Shinigami recruits. ''

Sing loud, and have fun.

'''Frank talk!! with the 6th Division lieutenant, Renji Abarai'''

Since that incident, Kira's seemed pretty down. Well, it's pretty hopeless... Hey, any of you guys who'd think, "Anything's fine! I just want to be helpful to Lieutenant Kira!" -- join here!! Good luck, Kira!!!

Shinigami Woman's Association Aptitude Test
According to the Shinigami Women's Association aptitude test, those who like pranks and do not want to give-up their "playful side" are best suited for this division as they will learn how to stay that way from Captain Ichimaru, who works hard and plays hard. The Association also assures recruits that while you cannot tell what Captain Ichimaru is thinking, he is well liked by his subordinates.[5]