Bleach – Return of the Strawberry

DISCLAIMER: This is a purely fictional work, created by yours truly. All obvious characters are property of Tite Kubo. The rest of this fanfic is of my creation and all plots, arcs, characters and anything within are 100% coincidental.

Author's Note: I did not read any other Bleach fanfics prior to this chapter. I wanted the idea to be original in thought and in story. As I stated, anything written is pure coincidence.

Chapter 1 – Shunsui Kyoraku

It's been 11 years since the War of the Quincies. Juha Bach was defeated, the Vandenreich threat was eliminated, and Soul Society is still in the process of returning to it's former glory. While the Seirentei took a valiant win to protect everything that they stood for, it also had to come to grips with their devastating losses. Jushiro Ukitake, former captain of Squad 13 and best friend of Shunsui Kyoraku, is not dead. This was not what the new head captain expected – nor was it what he wanted.

He has huge shoes to fill. Now that there has been downtime for the past 11 years, Head Captain Kyoraku can finally take it all in. With all of the lessons and training that the late head captain Yamamoto bestowed upon him, he hopes to not only match his late Sensei's expectations – but surpass them. However…

Nanao: HEAD CAPTAIN?! Are you drunk again?

Shunsui: *lifting his head from his desk* Ah, Nanao Chan! No, I am not. I was just resting, and thinking.

Nanao Ise, First Lieutenant of Squad One and the niece of the Head Captain, grabs a book from the bookcase nearby, throwing it at him until it smacks him in the face. She is always the serious one. The strong one. The responsible one. Nanao always keeps Shunsui on his toes, and it has become more evident once she discovered their relationship during the War of the Quincies

Shunsui: Ugh, you didn't have to throw the book, you know?

Nanao: Well, Captain. You need to snap out of it and get ready for the Captain's Report. You still have to go to Squad 7 and approve Captain Iba's Lieutanant choice. Also, we have to stop by Squad 8 and speak to Captain Yadomaru about her "choice" of attire. Finally, we must –

Shunsui: Aye yai, Nanao Chan. One thing at a time, please?

Nanao: As the Captain Commander, it is your responsibility to make sure that the Gotei 13 is running smoothly. There are things going on that a simple meeting can not possibly fix. This is now your duty.

Shunsui: *mumbles* It should have went to Ukitake.

Nanao: WELL HE IS DEAD!

As she uttered those words, Nanao realized that she was out of line. Out of hurt, stress and love – she is overwhelmed. Things hasn't changed much since Shunsui became Head Captain. However, since Ukitake's death, he has been distant. Nanao has been handling day to day operations and clerical duties, while the other vice captain of squad one – Genshiro Okikiba- has handled the errands and physical requests. They are both overworked, and while Genshiro doesn't complain, Nanao has simply had it with Shunsui's irresponsibility as of late. She understands mourning and the process it entails, but the responsibility of the Head Captain should not go undone. As Nanao collected herself and realized she was wrong, she noticed the look in Shunsui's eyes. Pain. Anger.

Nanao: I'm sorry, Captain. I was out of line. I know Captain Ukitake was your best friend, and I should have more respect. I'm…

Shunsui: Yes, you should. But, I get what you are trying to do. You're right, I do need to snap out of it. The Serentei needs to be looked after and the Gotei 13 needs their Head Captain. I know I've left you guys doing a great deal of work for me. I'm sorry about that, and I thank you. I haven't had the time to let all of this absorb since the war. I don't want to be a disappointment and have Central 46 on my neck.

Nanao: I understand, Head Captain.

Shunsui: You know you can call me uncle when we are alone.

Nanao: I rather not, Captain Commander.

Shunsui: No matter how many honorifics you use, I am still your uncle. We need to discuss this.

Nanao: No, we do not. Not…right now. We have things to do, so let's get to them.

Shunsui: Will we ever discuss this, Nanao?

Nanao: In time. For right now, the answer is no. Can we begin with Captain Iba before we go to the Captain's Meeting?

Shunsui: Can we go to Lisa Chan first?

Nanao: NO!

Shunsui: But Nanao, we have to go there anyway.

Nanao: Oh, I know why YOU want to go there first. I will handle Captain Yadomaru. We will deal with Captain Iba first!

Shunsui: You always have the fun, Nanao Chan.

Nanao: *groaning* Trust me, this is not fun. Now, shall we go?

Shunsui: Yes, Vice Captain Ise.

As they both walk out of the First Division barracks, they both see the Serentei rebuilt. Everything was the way it was before the invasion. While Shunsui can appreciate the end result of everyone working together, he misses the days of old. He has to snap out of it, for everyone. For Gotei 13, for Ukitake, for himself. As they are walking towards Squad 7, Shunsui grabs Nanao and hugs her.

Nanao: Head Captain? Let go of me! This is improper!

Shunsui: Nanao, I just want to thank you for everything. Also, I am sorry that once again – I left everything to you. You have no idea how much you mean to me.

Nanao, looking shocked and noticing that Shunsui wasn't letting go of the hug, realized that the hug wasn't the usual perverted hugs he gives. It was one of fondness, gratitude and purity.

Nanao: It's okay, Captain. You're welcome.

As they made to Squad Seven's barracks, Akon, lieutenant of Squad 12, ran towards them and almost bumped into Shunsui

Akon: Hello, Captain. Vice Captain Ise? I have news!

Shunsui: Akon! What a pleasant surprise. Where is Captain Kurotsuchi?

Akon: He's in Hueco Mundo working with the Arrancars. He told me to give you any news from the Human World, as you were working on something with him.

Shunsui: Ah, yes! I thought he forgot about that since it's been so long. What do you have for me, Akon?

Akon: I just received word from Uryu Ishida. He's awake.

Shunsui: I know Mr. Ishida is awake. He's now a doctor in the living world.

Akon: I don't think you understand me, Head Captain. Uryu Ishida called the Research Department to notify you the "He" is awake. I asked for more information, but he hung up.

Shunsui: Oh! Yes, Akon. It's perfectly fine. You said plenty enough with that report. Thank you.

Akon: My pleasure, Head Captain.

As Akon scurries off back to the research department, Nanao has a bewildered look on her face. She wants to know…

Nanao: Who is he taking about?

Shunsui: Oh, Nanao. You worry too much. Here, we're at Squad 7. Let's go see the new lieutenant.

Nanao: Not before you answer my question. What have you done?

Shunsui: Nothing to worry about, Nanao-chan. Everything is fine. In fact, with the news Akon has given me, we are more than just fine.

WHO IS AWAKE?

WHAT BUSINESS DOES URYU HAVE WITH THE 12TH DIVISION?

WILL SHUNSUI EVER STOP BEING LAZY?

TO BE CONTINUED.

Thank you for reading the first chapter. I will try to post weekly, as that's the only time I have. I may do two per week, depending on my thought process and my schedule. Any feedback is welcomed. Thanks again.