Author's notes: This story is partially AU and may contain random japanese words and phrases. If you have any questions as to its meaning or about the plot line, send me a pm and I'll try to help you out as much as I can. Of course, I wouldn't spoil anything though.
Warnings: mild language and violence
Disclaimer: Bleach and all its characters belong to Tite Kubo.
Hounoku no Ai (Love of the Magnolia/ A Magnolia's Love)
Chapter 1
And the first petal falls
The Captains of the 13 court guard squad shuffled begrudgingly to the 1st division meeting room. Each of them had their own reasons for reluctance. For Kurotsuchi Mayuri, the evil scientist, it was because he was upset at being interrupted in the idle of his experimentation. He had happened to get his grimy hands on a rare specimen and had been itching to dissect and discover the inner works of the pitiable organism. For Zaraki Kenpachi, the reluctance was only because he couldn't stand staying in one place for such a long time. Especially since to him, nothing that went on in the first division meeting room could be the least bit entertaining or interesting. Even THE Kuchiki Byakuya who was fanatic about following duties was the slightest bit ticked that he couldn't view the Sakura blossoms without interruption, something that brought him incredible amounts of peace and relaxation.
Even so, each of the Captains slowly neared and entered the first division meeting room at the own leisurely pace because they were bound by two things. For one, there was the fear of Head Captain Yamamoto's anger and punishment. And two, because they all knew that for the rest of that day and all of the next week, there would be some very vital decisions to be made in the meeting room and they weren't about to let one of the other Captains to have the upper hand.
It was about when all of the Captains had assembled in the dedicated meeting room when the Head Captain spoke up.
"Thank you for assembling here today," Yamamoto said, "but it seems that we're missing one." He paused "Where is Ukitake-taichou? It's almost time to start the meeting." Of course, this all important chain of meetings had been planned weeks ahead of time so Ukitake could not have been left out when the information was given out.
"Keh, he's probably bedridden again, you know how his body is," Komamura chided.
"Perhaps we should start without him?" Kurotsuchi half-sneered.
Slowly, footsteps approached the meeting hall moments after he spoke.
"I'm sorry to make you all wait!" Ukitake said rushing in. His face was as plaster-y pale as usual if not more.
"Very well, I shall overlook your tardiness, Ukitake. Let us commence the first meeting."
"…However, Kurotsuchi-taichou, this candidate's behavioral record is very unappealing, even if his combat abilities are fairly high amongst his peers and his intelligence is unmatched," Soifon-taichou commented with disdain.
"What are records?" Kurotsuchi-taichou said heatedly. "Merely words on paper that are meant to remember the past events. It should not affect the futue."
"I agree with Soifon-taichou," Kuchiki-taichou stepped in. "The Captains of the 13 court guard squad are meant to be the role leaders for all of Seireitei and Soul Society itself. To employ a shinigami with a record as bad as this," here he stopped to toss down the info on the candidate in his hands on to the desk he sat behind, "or any shinigami that is unsuitable would disgrace us as Captains for our judgment. Furthermore, it would be corrosive to Soul Society's delicate balance and quality. It would cause not only those of Seireitei, but also those of the Rukongai to mock us."
Kurotsuchi slammed his palms onto his own desk and shot into an upright and defensive position. "Are you doubting my ability to choose talents," Kurotsuchi-taichou boiled.
"Of course not, Kurotsuchi-taichou. I merely doubt your ability to choose good talents," Kuchiki-taichou replied in his normal nonchalant tone.
"What did you—?"
"That's enough," The Head Captain cut in. "Kurotsuchi-taichou, I'm sure we all agree when we say that this candidate has certain qualities that may not be suitable for a Captain, correct?" Yamamoto spoke in a tone that could not be opposed.
Kurotsuchi didn't reply, he merely glared at his desk.
"I'm glad you agree," Yamamoto said, "you may sit down."
At this, Kurotsuchi-taichou, begrudgingly but obediently sat back into his chair.
"Now, I believe that this candidate has been rejected by the council of Captains. Kurotsuchi-taichou, thank you for your recommendation," Yamamoto said, repeating the same words every time a candidate's recommendation had been closed. "Are there any more nominations of the 3 open Captain positions?"
No one spoke, everyone else had already presented the candidates they thought were worthy of the title of Captain. All that was left was to return to their quarters and review the next batch of candidates and resubmit recommendations for tomorrow's meeting. After all, Yamamoto was quite a routine man and had said the same thing after the other days of debate even though he new that they had no one left to recommend. Each Captain was only allowed to submit 6 entries each time. Everyone waited for the Captain's order of dismissal.
"Well then,"
The nine other captains waited restlessly for the permission to leave.
"I have a candidate to nominate myself."
That took all of the remaining Captains by surprise.
"Ukitake-taichou, I hope you don't mind my nominating one of the shinigami under your command," Yamamoto said politely. All eyes turned to Ukitake.
"You… don't mean… her?" he said surprised.
"Tsujiame Asako, I looked back in the records and have seen that she has been under your leadership for quite some while," Yamamoto said. "Even though she has long since achieved what I believe to be the strength, intelligence, and experience of an honorable Captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads."
"How is this candidate any better than the one I proposed?!" Kurotsuchi exploded. "This candidate is a mere 6th seat and has never increased in rank. She has even been in the system longer than I have!"
"I have witnessed her true power and thus put my trust not on to paper, but into my own eyes," Yamamoto said.
"B-B-But the records!" Kurotsuchi-taichou sputtered at the, what he deemed, unfairness.
The Captains ignored the crushed Kurotsuchi and turned to Ukitake who had yet to give a proper answer.
"What's wrong, Ukitake-taichou? If there is anything wrong or if there is anything we should know about Tsujiame Asako, then speak up now." Yamamoto-said.
"Uh, ah," Ukitake twitched as he was shaken out of his thought. "Well… it's nothing big, but… ah, well, maybe I shouldn't mention it." He muttered.
"Just spit it out, Ukitake" Hitsugaya-taichou said impatiently.
"Ah, yes well, it just so happens that she remembers her past."
Please tell me what you think in a review. This is not the fanfic I've ever written, but it is the first to be posted on fanfiction. Please enjoy and spread the Espada love. For those who are rejoining me from quizilla, I thank you for your patronage.
Aisumi