Kaishiro Higaonna was not nervous. He knew he should be, today. Fighting Hollows was less nerve-wracking than this. He wondered idly why he wasn't even shaking. Last time, he hadn't stopped jittering for hours. Then again, Captain Unahana was a scarier than Captain Hitsugaya. The whole 'your life is in our hands' thing petrified him every time.
Kaishiro sat in the atrium of the Tenth division barracks, alone save the duty officer – an unranked shinigami – and waited quietly. He had put in an application to join the Tenth Company. Having served with its new Captain before – prior to Hitsugaya's promotion, obviously – he felt that the failing division and shame of the Soul Society would soon be turned around. Kaishiro wanted to be part of that, and the position of 3rd Seat seemed a good place to experience it from.
As far as he knew, no-one else had come forward for this particular job. Many of the other seated positions were empty as well, including those between 4th and 9th. Inclusive. It was a sign of how the division's image had deteriorated in the past twenty years. Since the last Captain had left under mysterious circumstances.
I wonder if Tenth has half the manpower of the next smallest division. It sometimes seems that they have no presence at all here. As for officers, well...
They have Hitsugaya. That is certainly a good start.
The ethereal voice of Kaishiro's zanpakuto sounded in his head, clear as if he was talking to a person next to him. Tetsu Katana was, as always, a second opinion, and a sharp one at that. Many a time, both on and off the battlefield, he had seen things that Kaishiro had missed, and given invaluable insight to whatever problem he applied himself to.
They have Matsumoto, as well. She transferred from Eighth the day after Hitsugaya got promoted.
And soon, they will have you as well. A formidable team, no?
I can only hope.
"The captain will see you now."
The voice of the receptionist broke Kaishiro out of his reverie, and caused him a moment's worry. He clamped down on that as soon as he felt it, knowing it would do him on good. He thanked the receptionist, smoothed out the front of his brand-new kimono and walked calmly over to the door that lead to Hitsugaya's office. He took one calming breath and stepped inside.