"Attention!"
A voice, sharp and cold, rang through the room. There were thirteen people in the room, all wearing haoris. These were the thirteen captains of the thirteen squads. Twelve of them stood in two parallel lines facing their leader, the captain of the first squad, Yamamoto, who began to speak once again.
"Once again, congratulations to those who made captain."
Several members in their haoris smiled and shifted their weight. The thought of being a captain thrilled them but the responsibility was overwhelming.
"Captains Kira, Abarai, Hisagi and Matsumoto. Please step forward."
Three males and one female stepped forward. Kira, who has shoulder length blonde hair and soft blue eyes, shook slightly. He was never good under pressure nor did he believe he could achieve captain status. Abarai gave Kira a forceful slap on the back and made Kira almost jump out of his haori. A sly smirk was plastered across Abarai's face as Kira lowered his head and tried to catch his breath. Matsumoto giggled girlishly and Hisagi scoffed and folded his arms across his chest.
"Abarai, stop your foolishness. As the new captain of the fifth squad, I highly encourage you to act the part."
Abarai nodded, bowed and apologized. Kira gave off a chuckle at his friend's expense and looked at Yamamoto. The elderly captain shook his head. This is what the future of Soul Society is riding on? Good luck to them then.
"You four, once you have your vice-captain nominees, report back to me."
All four new captains agreed and walked back to their spots. Yamamoto looked at each captain. There was a serious matter to attend to and he did not know how each one of them would take it, he did not even know if he made the right decision. Alas, it was too late now.
"Since there was an influx of new Soul Reapers and you all have a large squad to deal with, I have decided to create a new squad."
The captains began to murmur to themselves and to those around them. A new squad? Who would be the captain? No one knew of anyone worthy to be one but the excess of Soul Reapers was indeed a problem. Maybe the more experienced captains could take a few more Soul Reapers…
"Silence!"
Yamamoto was getting angered. He had made his decision and did not ask for opinions.
"I assure you that this person is very capable of controlling the new squad."
Some of the captains looked cautiously at the others. In all honesty, a lot had happened in Soul Society with new captains. Of course, no one dare to defy Yamamoto, but everyone was sure thinking of previous events.
"He may be young but I expect all of you to accept what I have decided. I won't take any more objections. Enter, Hikaru."
Two large doors opened with an ominous creak as a man walked through them. All captains quickly turned their heads towards the doors behind him to see who was emerging. A man, looks like he was around his twenties, came forth. His eyes were a warm hazel color and his hair was a shoulder length, shaggy dark brown, almost jet black. His attire was not a traditional kimono that everyone wore. It seemed as though he just came back from the human realm and dressed accordingly. The captains looked at each other and wondered if he was capable of handling a new squad. The older captains said nothing but accepted him, it seemed as though they knew he was going to be a good ally. Hikaru smiled at everyone and walked towards the front and then knelt down before Yamamoto.
"Hikaru, it's been awhile."
Hikaru nodded and stood before Yamamoto, one had resting on the hilt of his zanpakto and the other at his side. Matsumoto leaned over to the captain next to her and whispered.
"Hitsugaya, he's kind of cute. Looks like you two are around the same age. Why don't you make a play date and have fun in the sandbox?"
She giggled once more and Hitsugaya glared at her.
"Oh lighten up, Hitsugaya."
The captain at his other side chuckled at Matsumoto's comment. He wore a straw hat and wore a colorful robe over his haori. It was something no one could ever miss in a crowded street.
"See? Captain Kyouraku thought it was funny."
Matsumoto smiled at the other captain and went back to watching Hikaru. Hitsugaya sighed and shook his head. He was happy that Matsumoto gained captain status but he thought she would change. Who was he kidding? Matsumoto would always be the same no matter what. A smile came across his face as he exhaled deeply and watched the unknown new captain in the front as he put on his haori.
Hikaru looked at his haori. It was strange, being in one and all. He was so used to human clothes but now he would be spending less time in the human realm and more time in Soul Society acting at captain of the newly established fourteenth squad. Hikaru exchanged a few word with Yamamoto and then walked to the front line and stood at the end, right next to Hitsugaya. As soon as Hikaru was next to him, Hitsugaya, something inside him trembled.
'Hyourinmaru seems restless.' Hitsugaya gazed over at Hikaru, who seemed quite content with his haori. What had caused Hyourinmaru to act up? Hitsugaya shrugged. It was probably nothing but already he did not like Hikaru, which was certain.
"Dismissed!"
Yamamoto's voice rang through the room once more and all the captains turned and walked out the room, one by one.