'This meeting is called to order,' stated Genryusai Yamamoto, Head Captain of the thirteen Court Guard Squads.

A captain's meeting had been called to talk about a new arisen matter. The Head Captain, along with the eleven other captains stood in their respective order in the large, unfurnished room. It had been eight years since Aizen had first betrayed the Soul Society. They were missing one captain because they still had yet to acquire a Squad nine captain.

'This meeting is about filling the position of Captain of Squad nine. A person has been nominated by the Royal Family themselves.'

The sound of gasps whispered into the room.

'What happened to the royalty wanting to stay out of our affairs,' muttered Captain Kurosuchi, 'they seem to butt their nose in whenever they please, and with a nomination!'

'Mmm, why would royalty WANT to recommend a soul reaper for captain? It doesn't really make sense,' mumbled Captain Ukitake, 'nonetheless, would you like to give us the name of the soul reaper in question?'

The Head Captain cleared his throat. 'The person the king nominated himself was... Shinato Himura.'

There was a silence momentarily but it soon erupted into conversation among the captains.

'That's impossible!' said the Captain of Squad 5, 'She's a human! And why the hell would the King even mention her!' All of the captains had questions.

'How can a Human be captain?'

'Why her?'

'How could she live in the Soul Society?'

'Does she know about this?'

'Is she powerful enough?'

The Head Captain raised his hand and the room fell silent.

'I am obviously aware that Miss Himura isn't a Soul reaper. However, the King asked us to consider it which is why I have given you the opportunity to voice your opinion. Even though she is a human, we have to take her deeds into account. She was part of the Rioka who invaded the Seretei all those years ago. She aided us in killing the Bounts and assisted in the Arrancars' downfall. There were also a multitude of events where she fought alongside Captain Kurosaki exceptionally and has served the Seretei well. '

Ichigo Kurosaki nodded from his position. However, his mind was all over the place. Why did the King want Shinato to be a Captain? How did they even know her? He hadn't seen her in over a year. Also, he had never seen the King before so how could've Shinato? He smiled inwardly. She DID have captain potential though. She was a great fighter and he was aware that she was a good match for him in a duel.

'However, since she's a human, she can't have bankai. The only possible way of her becoming a Captain is to be recommended by six captains and acknowledged by three others. Now I will ask you. Do you think that she should be made Captain of Squad nine?'

Everyone was given a minute of silence, to contemplate if this was even worth considering. Life continued on as usual outside the meeting room. All of the Captains knew Shinato as the Head Captain had stated. Some knew her better than others but all of them were aware of her abilities. Yamamoto was the first to take a step forward.

'I, Head Captain of the thirteen court guard squads, Genryusai Yamamoto, will recommend Shinato Himura to be Captain of Squad Nine'

Time seemed to slow down; the air was becoming musty and tense. The captain of Squad Two took a step from her position, becoming an example for the remaining captains. 'I, Captain of Squad Two, Soi Fon, Will recommend Shinato Himura to be Captain of Squad Nine.' When she returned to her post, the next stood forward.

'I, Captain of Squad Three, Izuru Kira, will recommend Shinato Himura, to be Captain of Squad Nine.'

'I, Captain of Squad Four, Retsu Unohana, will recommend Shinato Himura, to become the captain of Squad Nine.'

'I, Captain of Squad Five, Renji Abarai, will recommend Shinato Himura, to be Captain of Squad Nine.'

'I, Captain of Squad Six, Byakyua Kuchichi, will acknowledge Shinato Himura.'

There was a small silence. The captain standing opposite from Byakyua frowned. He had practically stated that Shinato shouldn't be a captain.

'Thank you for your honesty Captain Kuchichi,' said the Head Captain, 'proceed.'

'I, Captain of Squad Seven, Ichigo Kurosaki, will recommend Shinato Himura to be Captain of Squad Nine.'

The next flamboyant captain sighed loudly. 'Well that's a shame. I wanted to recommend Miss Himura but I guess she doesn't need it now,' muttered Captain Kyoraku. The Head Captain arched an eyebrow in his direction and the captain cleared his throat apologetically. 'I, Captain of Squad Eight, Shunsui Kyoraku, will acknowledge the charming Shinato Himura, so she can become Captain of Squad Nine.'

'And I, Captain of Squad Ten, Toshiro Hitsugaya, will acknowledge Shinato Himura for the Captaincy of Squad Nine.'

The Head Captain knocked his staff off the floor, the boom left echoes behind. 'A decision has been reached. Shinato Himura has been approved to become Captain of Squad Nine. I will personally contact her to see if she will accept this position. Until then, this meeting is adjourned.' With a final knock of his staff, his fellow Captains began to slowly disband in clusters; all of them were quietly talking about Shinato.

Ichigo sighed as he plodded out of the Captains room. Clearly the King was impressed by Shinato. One question kept buzzing around his thoughts, like neon lights on a cold, dark night. He knew that he'd probably never get an answer. He doubted that even the Head Captain knew what had occurred. He couldn't help from wondering though...

... What did she do to be so high in his regards?