Hello Everyone... The next exciting story arc has begun. This one's a little lengthy because I needed to explain as many bases as I could for anyone who hasn't read the Self Insertion Story Arc. Thank you to any one who's coming back for more and any newbies.
Sorry I was in such a rush to cover my bases that I forgot key descriptions of Rotondo & Garland. Chapter 1's been revised. Enjoy...
DISCLAIMER: I do not owe any of the ideas for Bleach. Bleach was created by Tite Kubo. This story takes place in an Alternate Universe/Timeline and this Arc will contain spoilers for the TV Episodes
Chapter 1: My Name's Proposal
Shortly after agreeing to join the house of Sajin Komamura, anthropomorphic wolf captain of the Soul Society, they had requested Captain Unohana only allow Garland and Rotondo to visit as Baldo tears another piece of mail adding to a pile on the bed.
"Another noble request," Rotondo asked in his white and blue Shihakusho leading Garland.
"Don't they understand? I already chose a noble house," Baldo huffed.
"Captain Komamura's not considered a noble man," Garland responded hopping on the bed.
"I don't even think he has a home outside of the Seireitei and families aren't allowed to live in the Seireitei. Only Soul Reapers can," Rotondo informed. He added dreamily, "But if you accept a real invitation to a REAL noble family, you'll be in the life of luxury."
"Sounds like you're jealous Rotondo," Garland remarked.
"Maybe I am," Rotondo shot back, "This world doesn't like beasts let alone talking ones like you and me. They don't even accept Captain Komamura and he's been here ages. There's no need for us to drag Baldo down, too."
"I don't understand. Why don't people like you or Captain Komamura," Baldo trailed off remembering a conversation he had with Squad 4 Captain Unohana.
"He's a talking fox. According to Japanese lore, they're considered tricksters that can't be trusted," Rotondo said.
"He's a wolf," Garland corrected.
"Whatever. The people of the Soul Society don't trust us," Rotondo folded his arms, "They're afraid we'll turn feral or something."
Unohana told Baldo it was his inability to control his Reiryoku while trying to heal Rotondo and Garland while they were alive. She explained it as his will crossing into them making them more human like especially Rotondo.
It's Baldo's fault that Rotondo and Garland were outcasts in both the human world and in the animal kingdom. He turned them into monsters like him.
Garland became a talking four-legged wolf with white fur. His abnormality could be downplayed if he chose not to talk but Rotondo was the first animal Baldo ever tried to heal and the black bear became an opinionated bipedal anthropomorphic animal similar to Captain Komamura himself. Rotondo's changes were not as easily hidden.
Baldo growled, "Well I'm American and I think being friends with a talking fox, bear, and wolf is the greatest honor that could be bestowed upon me.
"I've made my choice to become a proud member of the noble house of Sajin Komamura," Baldo's temper flared, "From this day forward my name is Baldo Komamura. If that shuns me with the people of this world, I'll run with the wild."
"Let's not forget that Baldo's one of us," Komamura entered wearing his black Shihakusho and white kimono leaving only his copper top and crème bottom head exposed, "He's a dragon remember."
"Captain Komamura," Rotondo jumped, "How long have you been standing there?"
"Just long enough to hear Baldo's speech," Komamura smiled and winked after passing Rotondo's sigh of relief. Baldo suppressed a laugh, "Oh and just for the record I'm a wolf."
"I know," Baldo answered.
"Wait," Garland growled, "Are you calling me a fox?"
"No, no, no," Baldo tried backpedalling causing them all to laugh. Baldo looked at Rotondo, "Rotondo, shouldn't you be at Shin'O Academy?"
"Oh I haven't gotten to tell you yet," Rotondo grinned, "Head Captain Yamamoto offered us 13 Guard Squad positions. I'm waiting for my black uniform to come in."
"It's called a Shihakusho," Captain Komamura corrected.
"That's terrific Rotondo! Congratulations," Baldo smiled, "Us?"
"It seemed the Head Captain was impressed by our battle on Sokyoku Hill. He offered me a position as well," Garland added.
"Wow. What squads did you guys join," Baldo asked.
"None, yet. We're waiting to see who the new captains will be," Rotondo answered, "So we can talk to all of them first and see who we like."
"I haven't decided if I even want to be a Soul Reaper yet," Garland added.
"Well I'd join Squad 7 if I could," Baldo looked toward the window not noticing Garland and Rotondo exchange glances.
"Excuse me," Captain Unohana entered, "But Head Captain Yamamoto's here to speak to Baldo."
"Me? Why," Baldo questioned.
"He's asked that everyone except Captain Komamura to please leave," Unohana finished.
"See you later, Baldo," Rotondo waved leading Garland out.
"Bye guys."
Captain Komamura looked at Baldo, "Baldo Komamura, huh?"
"Uh yeah," Baldo rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry. I know it's not official."
"I like it. Sounds strong," Komamura smiled repeating, "Baldo Komamura."
A bald headed man with a white beard longer than novelty neck ties entered interrupting Captain Komamura's chuckle. Baldo climbed out of the bed and bowed. "Hello Head Captain Yamamoto. It's an honor that you'd come to visit me-."
"Silence," Yamamoto slammed his walking stick against the floor, "I've come to talk to you about your future as a captain in the 13 Court Guard Squads."
"C-Captain," Baldo muttered getting lost in his own thoughts as Yamamoto listed Baldo's qualifications. Baldo remained silent a few moments after the Head Captain finished, "How long do I have to decide?"
"Two days," the old man answered.
"Are you sure I'm ready to be a captain," Baldo questioned.
"The other captains all agreed unanimously," Yamamoto responded as Captain Komamura placed his hand gently on Baldo's shoulder.
"Thank you, Captain Yamamoto," Baldo said still dazed.
"Head Captain Yamamoto," Komamura asked when the old man turned to leave, "Would it be alright if Baldo could think it over at the Squad 7 barracks?"
The Head Captain nodded then left. Baldo's head tilted to the wolf, "Squad 7 barracks?"
"The look on your face suggested a change of scenery was in order," Komamura said, "It'll help you think."
"When do we leave," Baldo smiled.
The Squad 7 barracks resembled feudal Japanese style homes with hardwood floors and sliding doors. Baldo was greeted by the entire squad all thanking him for protecting Captain Komamura during the Aizen attack.
Baldo's eyes swelled as all he could remember were Komamura's arm being severed and the wolf being slashed to the ground. "Please," Baldo whispered looking at the floor, "I didn't protect anyone."
The men fell silent until one of them asked Baldo's full name.
"I'm," Baldo looked up, "Baldo-."
"Komamura," the wolf finished with pride.
"What," the platoon cried in unison.
"I've decided to join the noble house of Komamura," Baldo said enthusiastically. The men burst into laughter. Baldo's face reflected anger and annoyance. When he looked at Captain Komamura, the giant looked the other way. "What's so funny?"
"The noble house of Komamura," the men replied in unison laughing harder causing even Captain Komamura to chuckle.
"Well that's my opinion and it's an honor to be accepted into his home," Baldo said so sincerely that the men settled down immediately.
"Baldo will be staying with us for a couple days," Captain Komamura placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder, "If you'll excuse us, we'll be in the Captain's quarters."
Baldo's jaw dropped, "It's huge." The private chambers were gargantuan. There were vaulted ceilings ranging close to 20 feet high and massive sized furniture that Baldo's feet dangled two feet in the air when he sat down.
"Well it's designed to accommodate a 9 foot talking fox," Komamura smirked.
"I thought you were a wolf," Baldo laughed.
Opening the back door, Baldo gasped revealing a magnificent garden filled with thousands of flowers neatly arranged leading past a couple bridges over looking a Koi pond to a solitary cherry blossom tree with a bench under it.
"That's my favorite place," Komamura stepped beside Baldo, "My own private sanctuary."
"It's beautiful," Baldo walked over the small bridge, "Did you do all the landscaping yourself?"
"Yes," Komamura answered, "It comes naturally to me."
"Well animals are more in tune with nature," Baldo smiled, "You have a beautiful gift."
"Thank you, Baldo," Komamura sat on the bench, "So why don't you want to be a Captain?"
"I don't know if I'm ready," Baldo said walking over to him, "I've only just got here. I have no idea how to truly fight. I still don't understand how to use Kido? Right?"
"Yes, the magical incantations that draw out our spiritual energy into forms of offense, defense, and healing," the wolf explained.
"How can I become a Captain when I don't even know the basics," Baldo continued, "How can I lead a group of men into battle when I don't know what I'm doing? Why would they trust me?"
"Because your strength is unparallel and your will is ironclad," Komamura answered, "In case you have forgotten, you've mastered Shikai, the art of awakening your zanpakuto, and Bankai, awakening the full power of your zanpakuto while living.
"Created and mastered levels of Kido without incantations. Your Transference technique as you call it is a forbidden Kido," Komamura explained, "Anything that disrupts space and time is considered forbidden and your spell is a type of teleportation though no one's ever used it to swap places before.
"It's a very difficult technique for even highly skilled Kido masters to perform and you do it without any kind of incantation," Komamura continued, "And lastly you've already displayed leadership abilities when you fought alongside Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi and me and beside Garland and Rotondo when you came to the Soul Society.
"You've learned to trust, rely, and protect us during battle. You didn't try shouldering the burden of the fight alone," Komamura finished, "That's why you're qualified to become a captain."
Baldo stared at Komamura, "Thanks, dad."
"I'll fix us some tea," Part of the wolf's lip curled into a half smile. He muttered walking away, "It's like you weren't even paying attention when Head Captain Yamamoto told you this earlier."
Baldo climbed to the first branch of the cherry blossom tree after Captain Komamura entered his quarters. Baldo rested Draco against him, 'So Draco. What should we do?'
'I'll be by your side whichever way you choose' Draco responded.
"Thanks, Draco," Baldo said aloud when Captain Komamura returned with a cup of tea. Baldo remained perched for the next two days.
"Hey Baldo," Rotondo shouted dressed in a black Shihakusho slightly lighter than his fur with a black belt holding his equally black zanpakuto from its hilt to its sheath, "The Head Captain wants to see ya."
"It's time," Baldo whispered to Draco.
