Author's Note: The plot line is within the 17-month post-time skip after Aizen's defeat. Many things may have happened at Soul Society during this time that we do not know of. This story is one of those :P
Warning: OOC. Don't complain.
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Chapter 1: The Sabertooth Brief
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A view of rolling hills punctuated with the spectacular vision of idly drifting clouds on azure sky. Mesmerizing display of splendidly dancing verdant leaves of trees in response to the rhythm of the balmy breeze scented with fresh spring flowers. An enthralling resonance fashioned by ensemble of the low-murmuring brook and cadence of happily prancing little birds.
Captain Kenpachi Zaraki is deeply immersed in the serene beauty of the surroundings and tranquility of the moment. It is such a wonderful day. His mind generously lingered with childlike delight at the recollection of his recent battle with the 5th Espada Nnoitra. The intoxicating bitter-sweetness of their blood soaked fight left a thrilling aftertaste in his entirety. It was a fight that made him lust for more. He smirked at the thought of his next target battle playmates, either the arrogant Byakuya or stubborn Ichigo.
The black sheep of the Gotei 13 family lazily stretched his sprawled figure on the soft ground. The lush grasses that cushion him were crushed by his massive frame. He let out a huge yawn. Such bliss! What else could spoil a perfect day like this?
Ahem! What else? Hell Butterfly.
The aggressive top-brass of Squad 11 sluggishly got up. An emergency meeting was called in order by the strongest man in Seireitei - - Captain Commander Genryuusai Yamamoto.
'
Kenpachi must hurry to reach Squad 1's station in time for the meeting. Without the comic guidance of his equally sense-of-direction-challenged vice-captain, he must decide for himself the fastest means and correct route. Well, fastest way? He possesses speed expected from a captain. Correct route? THAT is a huge problem.
The battle-frenzy captain stood up and ran towards his perceived correct track, but after covering some distance, he can no longer discern which way to go. He decided to take his chance and took a right, and then a left, and then four ways straight on, and then another right and another right, and then 2 more ways straight on and then finally a left.
Okay. It is official. He was lost.
'
The long short of it, Kenpachi arrived at the meeting room before the final agenda is about to be ended.
All eyes were on him as he boldly strode inside the assembly hall. He stood beside the smiling reinstated blond-haired captain of Squad 5, Shinji Hirako. Actually, almost everyone is smiling at him. As usual, the exceptions are the humorless, vertically-challenged Toshiro and the emotionless, pride-obsessed Byakuya.
"What did I miss?" Kenpachi casually addressed the group with his normal growling-tone. He did offer neither apologies nor excuses for being disastrously late. In return, no one from the assembled captains bothered to ask. Surprisingly, neither the Soutaichou scolded nor reprimanded him.
Yamamoto calmly cleared his throat. His eyes remained closed. His eyelids provided the curtains to successfully hide the fierceness and commanding gaze of his red eyes
"Central 46's directive" the authoritative voice of the founder of Gotei 13 pierce the unbearably quiet but humor-laden atmosphere.
Kenpachi looked around the faces of his comrades. Each of them hides an amused expression. Something interesting must've come up earlier, he thought to himself. Even though Toshiro and Byakuya do not look happily amused, each concealed an air of dark, wicked humor that is desperately trying to surface.
"Heh, that's interesting Old Man Yama" the fighting machine of Soul Society quipped.
Alarmingly, Yamamoto did not display any displeasure on how he was addressed by Kenpachi. Instead, he continued to explain the matter at hand. He seems not to mind repeating what have already been discussed earlier.
"Interesting, indeed." The commander general briefly paused then continued. "It has been decided by Central 46 that development and rehabilitation of Gotei 13 is highly required not only terms of strength…" the Soutaichou's eyes opened to lock-up with Kenpachi's gaze, "…but also the observance of proper decorum" the old man lifted his chin up a little higher. The simple gesture seemed to drag the presence of his authority to a notch higher – and scarier.
"Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of Squad 11" Yamamoto formally addressed his subordinate. "By order of Central 46, you shall undergo extensive training to polish your emotional and social bearing." The directive fell like a death sentence to Kenpachi.
"What training?" Kenpachi's tone demanded for more explanation. Central 46 is not an entity that he would defy head-on. He knew he has to comply but what does he needs to do?
"You don't understand? Your intelligence has serious problems, too" Byakuya flatly remarked.
Kenpachi could swear to high heavens that tinge of a discreet malevolent delight momentarily betray the icy façade of the noble when he spoke. Just for this moment alone, he decided not pay attention to his arch nemesis. He is dying to know what Central 46 wants with him.
'We will assist you to accomplish Central 46's order" the gentle captain of Squad 4 softly chimed in. " We have prepared several lessons and corresponding mentors to provide guidance." Retsu Unohana tenderly explained. Coupled with a saccharine smile, she directly look into Kenpachi's eyes and asked " Do you have any issues with that?"
Alright. Perfect. Wow. Central 46. Genryuusai Yamamoto. Retsu Unohana. These are the perfect ingredients to spice up his perfect day.
Without batting an eyelash, the battle-loving captain replied to Retsu, "No. Now, what do I have to do?"
'
'What kind of joke is this?" Kenpachi bellowed as he read the prospectus. He tore the paper and tossed it away at the open window. He is completely livid for being singled out by Central 46. Why me? Why the hell me? Why, why, WHY! He asked non-stop to himself.
"C'mon, it is not so bad" the pony-tailed captain of Squad 8, Shunsui Kyoraku said. He gulped down a shot of sake before continuing. "We will start with the basic ones." He lies sideways atop the tatami mat with his head propped up by his left arm. His flowery kimono is loosely draped over his captain's uniform.
"No one has to know about these lessons of yours. These will be kept amongst those directly involved only, mentors and you." Ukitake Jushiro, the 13th Squad captain assured the now emotionally embattled big man of Squad 11. He is the most diplomatic among all the captains of Gotei 13.
Kenpachi sighed heavily. Dammit. I've no choice. He understands that there is no other way to get out of this but to play along. He does not care at all even if Seireitei Chronicles decide to run a full front page report of his training. Right now, what he wants is wring the neck of each of the idiots at Central 46. Honestly, he would rather be in the middle of a killing field rather than doing what was on the list.
"When do we start?" Kenpachi finally surrendered.
"Tomorrow" Jushiro smilingly replied.
"Again... what's Lesson 1?"
"Posture and Proper Dress Code" the white-haired captain answered. Central 46 won. Project Sabertooth is about to begin.
Just great, Kenpachi inwardly groaned as he stood up and strode towards the door.
"Leaving?" Shunsui's seeking confirmation of Kenpachi's gesture.
"Yeah. I am going to borrow Kuchiki-hime's ball gown" Kenpachi irritatingly answered and disappeared.
Additional Note: The taming of wild-boy Kenpachi starts next. Feel free to post your feedback. thanks :)
