A Long-Awaited Day
a Nanao Ise story set in the future – General Kuchiki's first major staff decision
Disclaimer – I own Bleach, but I'd rather not publicize the fact. No, wait, that can't be right.
General Kuchiki Byakuya stood in front of the two lines of shinigami. His uniform bore the insignia of the First Division. His mannerisms radiated nobility. The hair running through his metal braids was just as dark as it used to be, but that color wasn't natural any more. He was mildly surprised at his own vanity.
The lieutenants of Soul Society were lined up on his left, the captains on his right. A step in front of the line of captains was one lieutenant, the acting head of the Seventh. He had known Nanao Ise first as a lieutenant in Division Eight, then Seven. She had always been elegant and wise, but over the last few years of training the division during Komamura's illness she had developed as a fighter as well. This was the General's first major staff decision in the fifteen years since he had been promoted, and although she hadn't yet attained bankai, he was confident that she was the right choice.
He recited the statement he had prepared. "Acting Captain Nanao Ise of Division Seven: for the past month we have mourned the loss of your fallen captain and honored his memory. During that time you have served Division Seven admirably as acting captain. It is my decision that you will continue to serve your division in the capacity of Captain."
"Thank you, General." She spoke confidently, but her furrowed brow betrayed doubt. It was an odd reaction for someone who had just been appointed Captain of the Gotei Thirteen. "But, General Kuchiki - I just want to be sure about this."
"Yes?"
She shifted her feet awkwardly. "You're saying that as of right now, I'm an official Captain?"
Kuchiki thought that he'd been clear in his announcement. "That's correct. It will take a few days to arrange for the formal ceremony, but yes, you assume that rank now."
Nanao appeared relieved but still required clarification. And there was something else….A strange spiritual pressure had appeared, first as a stir in the air, now a breeze, increasing more and more.
"And I'm no longer a lieutenant. So I'm no longer under the…restrictions for a lieutenant's conduct…correct?"
The pressure was becoming intense. The General didn't know what to make of it. He tried to keep his composure, even as the room seemed to warp under the power.
"Yes." He practically shouted it over the roar of the wind.
Nanao turned to look at Captain Kyoraku. Their eyes locked. In that moment, the spiritual pressure cracked like a thunderbolt, and Nanao and Shunsui exploded out of the room, their flash step knocking out a large section of the wall in the great hall.
The remaining captains and lieutenants stood in silence, staring at the hole in the wall.
Kuchiki remained calm. "That's the direction of Captain Kyoraku's sleeping quarters, correct?" he asked Captain Unohana.
She nodded, speechless.
"I think we're going to need maintenance crews to rebuild any roads or buildings between here and there."
She nodded.
"Well, I suppose that's it, then," said the General. "Have a good day, everyone."