In BLEACH, the Gotei 13's 12th Squad is introduced as the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, a place where the Captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, conducts experiments, research and pioneers brilliant technology for the Seireitei. Established by Kisuke Urahara, who chose Kurotsuchi to follow in his footsteps should he no longer be able to hold his office, the SRDI has been pivotal in the continued maintenance of the balance between the realms, and immensely important to the success of countless important missions. Kurotsuchi's boundless intelligence and curiosity have helped the Shinigami to push through difficult circumstances, but his sociopathic, sadistic approach makes his alignment seem more villainous than just.