Okay, since I can't figure out how to put those little notes at the top of the page, I'll just write it here. SPOILER ALERT: This story takes place after the War, but before KagerÅza. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you will probably find a lot of spoilers. I own nothing. This purely fan made. Please enjoy.
She walked out of the Academy, head held high. She had a confidence none of her fellow students possessed. It didn't matter she was the oldest student graduating. She'd been a late find. It didn't matter she'd graduated in record time, even faster than the prodigy Toshiro Hitsugaya. When the other students heard her coming, they fell silent, whispering behind her back, saying she'd been through the Academy before and failed, only to return later to show everyone up. She brushed the stinging words aside. None of that mattered. She had a mission, and the first domino was about to fall.
She entered the barracks of Squad 3, ignoring the stares and the glares she received. She was only interested in one person. The graduates were greeted by all of the seated Shinigami and the Lieutenant. The captain was conspicuously missing, but no one said anything. Most tried not to even think about it.
"Welcome!" Kira said over the din, and all quickly hushed. Usually the captain would greet the new squad members, but of course he'd stepped up, and he'd done it gladly. He needed to keep Squad 3 afloat now that Captain Gin was dead. During his first reception he'd been so nervous. His palms had been sweating even, but he'd faced challenges a lot worse than a room full of rookies. He searched the faces of the small group, the smallest the squad had ever had, and among the squirming newcomers was a blonde girl, smiling at him. She looked strangely familiar, though he was sure he'd never met her before. The girl continued to smile, looking directly at him. He smiled back, being the good Lieutenant he was.
She grinned inwardly, her best innocent expression on her face. Kira hadn't recognized her. Domino one, check.