New Captain of Squad Three
The following day Shunsui paid a visit to Ukitake's office.
"The Head-Captain clearly seems too big in a big fuss over this rebuilding business." Ukitake said.
"Yea." Agreed Shunsui as he twirled his hat in his hands." And knowing him he'll be expecting you and I to do something about it."
"Yes." Ukitake sighed as he leaned forward and rested his head on his chin." I know." Just then there came a knock at the door." Come in." he said as he looked over to the door. Following his order the door opened and there was Rukia his newly appointed Lieutenant, holding a pile of papers.
"Good Morning Captains." She said as she walked in.
"Lieutenant Kuchki." Greeted Shunsui with a touch to his head.
"I've brought the paperwork for today." Said Rukia as she put the pile on her Captain's desk. Ukitake turned Shunsui after she did.
"We're in a crisis in our staff system here and I'm expected to do Paperwork." Ukitake said with a groan.
"What are you suggesting Jushiro?" asked Shunsui. Ukitake rested himself back and tapped his finger to his chin.
"Captain?" asked Rukia as she stepped forward getting his attention. Her voice attracted his attention to her and he looked at her surprise.
"Lieutenant Kuchiki." He said with a snap of his fingers." That's it!"
"That is what, sir?"
"I know just what to do about the vacant Captain's positions." He said as he put two hands on her shoulders. Rukia became red in the face, assuming Ukitake was going to promote her to Captain. She could finally show-up her colleagues in the SWA most of whom were Lieutenants.
"Oh Captain Ukitake." She said as she began fanning her hands up and down." This is truly an honor. I know I've only been a Lieutenant for a short time but I'm truly honored."
"Good." Said Ukitake with a smile." Bring me the paperwork of everyone in the division, It's been a long time since I've looked at it. Perhaps one amongst them could get the recommendation." Then he turned to Shunsui with a smile. Rukia's face went red from hysterical happiness to glum depression, she hadn't secured a Captain's position." Thank you Lieutenant." He said to Rukia, giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Well if we're going to start working this early." Said Shunsui as he put a hand on his friend's back." I'm going to need something to drink." Then the two began walking towards Ukitake's desk while Rukia stood where she was frozen with depression.
"Lieutenant." Called Ukitake from his desk after reaching it and noticing Rukia hadn't moved." The paperwork please."
"Right away Captain." Rukia said with clenched teeth as she stormed out of the room.
So for the rest of the day Ukitake and Shunsui looked over the records of the Thirteen Division. They looked all the way from the third seats to the very lowest Soul Reaper on the ladder. Because of Ukitake's illness he didn't have enough time to get very familiar with most members of his squad, perhaps one had mastered their skills in his absence. But after much hours of research nothing turned up and Shunsui was prepared to call it quits claiming it 'a lost cause'. That was until Ukitake picked up the file of his fifth seat.
Ukitake had seen the man in passing several times recently and always noticed how each time the man seemed to carry himself a better way. The thirteen division was much more humble than other divisions like the eleventh or seventh, if they had great power they did not show it off.
"You're thinking he could be the one?" asked Shunsui pointing to the paper.
"It's worth a shot isn't it?" replied Ukitake.
"I guess you're right." Said Shunsui. Ukitake nodded and the called out for Rukia. The Lieutenant entered still somewhat annoyed and approached the two captains.
"Lieutenant." Said Ukitake." Bring me the fifth seat of our division."
"Right away." Said Rukia still annoyed and headed off to do her task.
"I'll put the kettle on and make some tea." Said Ukitake after she left. And in good time too for when the tea was ready Rukia had returned with the fifth seat.
There came a knock at the door.
"Come in." said Ukitake as he poured himself a cup. The door opened up and in stepped Rukia and the fifth seat. They walked into the middle of the room, Rukia leading the way.
"I have brought him." She said.
"Very good Lieutenant." Said Ukitake." That'll be all Thank you." Rukia gritted her teeth and headed out the door, leaving the two Captains and their candidate.
The fifth seat raised a hand and proceeded to sound off." Fifth Seat of the Thirteenth Division Bansui Amatsuki." He was an older man, in fact most likely the age of Shunsui and Ukitake. But he was a big man with long purple hair and a purple goatee, his uniform was standard and his sword was on his hip.
"Captain of Squad Thirteen Jushiro Ukitake." Said Ukitake politely in return.
"Shunsui Kyoraku Captain of Squad Eight."
"You summoned me Captain?"
"I did." Said Ukitake." Would you like a seat Mr. Amatsuki?"
"I'll stand if you like me too sir."
"No need to be so formal." Said Shunsui." Sit back, act casual take a load off."
"Yes, sir." Said Bansui as he pulled up a chair, crossed his legs and sat down. Ukitake leaned over the table and offered a cup of tea to the man." Thank you." He said with a smile as he took it. Sitting there the men looked each other over and quickly realized they were all about the same age, leaving the air more open and relaxed.
"Tell me Mr. Amatsuki." Said Ukitake after a sip of his tea." How long have you been a member of my division?"
"The better part of a hundred years Captain Ukitake."
"Oh please call me Jushiro."
"Only if you call me Bansui." Ukitake nodded his head with a smile.
"So hundred years." Spoke up Shunsui darting his head around the room ready to get down to the matter at hand." Long time. Long enough time to learn some new tricks right?" The fifth seat looked puzzled by the statement." Better drinking habits; find better ways to woo some girls." He looked at Bansui with a smile but his statements were found confusing.
"I don't have the luxury of such privileges." Said Bansui." With my Captain's illness a lot of pressure has been put on more of the other seated positions, and we went without a Lieutenant for a long time too."
"And I'm sure your input was most helpful in those trying times." Said Shunsui as he leaned over the desk and looked the fifth seat over ." What other tricks have you picked up?" Bansui was still confused by the Captain's actions.
"What he's trying to say is." Said Ukitake as he pulled Shunsui back. He covered his mouth to surpass a cough before continuing." A man with your experience must have some skills above those of an average Soul Reaper." Bansui darted his eyes between the two Captains.
"Okay." He said as he put his tea down." We're all adults here. So I'd like it if we not beat around the bush and you straight up ask me what you have in mind." Shunsui seemed shocked by that but Ukitake nodded his head.
"Fair enough." Said Ukitake." I'm sure your aware of our vacant Captain's positions, the Head-Captain has asked us to look at our squads and see if we have anyone worthy of filling those spots." Bansui nodded his head as he understood." Are you that man?"
"You want to know if I'm Captain material?" asked Bansui.
"That's the idea." Said Ukitake.
"So are you?" asked Shunsui leaning over the desk.
"I've had Bankai for many years." Bansui told." And I have mastered many other factors to Captain level."
"If that's the case." Said Ukitake." Why did you not come to us sooner about it?"
"Well I would have." Said Bansui." But with the war and all, I didn't think it best to bother with it at that time, not while my division needed my help." Ukitake nodded his head respecting the honesty of his Squad member.
"I would not do this next part without your consent." Said Ukitake solemnly." Tell me, do you want to be a Captain?" Bansui picked up his head and looked at the two Captains.
"If it means fulfilling my duties to the Squads, yes." He answered with a nod.
"Good." Said Ukitake." I shall send a note to the Head-Captain." As he explained the process Bansui leaned on and listened intently." He will respond with a date and time for your examination, when that happens I will come get you and let you know."
"Yes, sir. Thank you sir." Said Bansui as he got up and shook both Captain's hands.
"You may go now." Said Ukitake to him.
Later that day Ukitake took a visit to the Squad one barracks, with the Captain's application for Bansui Amatsuki. He was confused at first because he hadn't seen its Lieutenant who always seemed to be standing guard outside the Head-Captain's door. But he quickly dismissed the thought and entered the Head-Captain's office.
The old man picked his head up from his desk and saw him approaching." Jushiro." He said as he leaned back in his chair." To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I don't need a reason to come by and say 'Hi'." Said Ukitake." The sky is blue, the sun is shining, and I wanted to come by and give you this." He leaned forward and handed a sheet of paper to the Head-Captain. He took it and quickly began reading it over, surprised with what he read as the heading and saw it sighed by Ukitake, Shunsui, and Unohana. Then he turned his head up and back to Ukitake who smiled and nodded at him. The Head-Captain nodded back.
Ukitake returned to his division after meeting with the Head-Captain, then he found Bansui and told him the date of his Captain evaluation meeting.
The following day Ukitake, Shunusi, and Unohana waited in the Squad One barracks for the examination to begin. Yamamoto entered the room and took a seat. As he sat he pulled out a pocket watch and observed the time, it was almost nine in the morning the time of the examination. When the hand on his clock hit nine exactly there came a knock at the door.
"Come in." said Yamamoto. The door opened up and there stood Izumi.
"Fifth seat of Squad thirteen." He said walking in." Bansui Amatsuki." The Captains all turned their heads to him. Ukitake giving him reassuring nods as he looked over." Good Morning Captains."
"You know why you are here?" asked the Head-Captain.
"Yes, sir." He answered as he looked at Yamamoto.
"Then let us get down to business. Take a seat." Said Yamamoto pointing to the seat before himself. Bansui walked over to the seat and slowly lowered himself into it.
Hours past as the four Captains questioned every aspect of Izumi's character and abilities. After all that time they finally came to an agreement and it was final.
"Captain." Said Rangiku as she came into the office and saw her Captain behind his desk." Have you heard the news?" But Toshiro had appeared to have not heard her." Captain?" she said getting closer tom him but still he didn't answer.
Then Rangiku walked up and set her hands on the edge of the desk, still no response. Then she leaned forward exposing some of her chest but still Toshiro's head was down. So then Rangiku moved over and bent over next to him. Then she put her mouth next to his ear and yelled "CAPTAIN!" in his ear.
Toshiro suddenly jerked up shuttering and then fell over and onto the floor. He looked up to see Rangiku standing over him." Good your up." She said." So Captain have you heard the news?"
"Why did you just yell in my ear?!" Toshiro screamed as he got back to his feet.
"I wanted to make sure you weren't ignoring me." Said Rangiku innocently as Toshiro rolled his eyes at her as he returned to his seat.
"So Captain have you heard the news?" she asked again happily as she moved in front of him.
"What news?" he asked turning back to his paperwork.
"There's going to be a new Captain of Squad Three." Rangiku said very enthusiastically." And he-"
"I know." Said Toshiro still not looking up at her.
"You-You do?"
"As a Captain I was one of the first to know."
"Oh." Said Rangiku as she stood up somewhat disappointed that she had no one to tell." Well what do you know about him?" she asked leaning over the desk again.
"Don't know." Replied Toshiro." But I'll tell you what I do know." He said turning and facing her with a smirk on her face.
"And what's that?" she asked interested by his smirk.
"After this new guy comes in it's a whole new beginning for me." Toshiro told still smirking.
"How's that?" asked Rangiku as she sat down on the edge of the desk and looked down at him.
"After this I won't be the newest Captain anymore. Everyone will be too busy looking out for and helping the new guy that they'll stop babying me." He stopped and leaned back, resting his hands behind his head." I've been waiting for this day for a long time."
"Well what if this new Captain is an older gentleman?" asked Rangiku.
"Doesn't matter." Said Toshiro sitting back up." He'll be the new guy, I'll most likely still be the youngest but he'll be the noobie." Then he sat back and sighed.
The next day the Captains gathered at the Squad One barracks for the Ceremony.
Sajin was waiting at the doors when Toshiro walked in.
"Toshiro your here." He said as he approached, then he noticed the smirk on his face the same he had with Rangiku." You seem happy."
"Oh yes." Said Toshiro trying to hide his inner-joy." Today is going to be a good day."
"Why?" asked Sajin. Toshiro turned and looked at him, he would have rather keep his personal reasons on the down-low.
"Well we're getting a new Captain." Said Toshiro." The ranks are filling up."
"Yes that is a good reason to be happy." Said Sajin buying Toshiro's excuse.
"C'mon." Toshiro pressed." Let's get inside." Then the two made their way to the meeting room. Some of the other Captains had already gathered there. Kenpachi, Byakuya, and Soifon were in a group talking.
"Does anyone know anything about the new guy?" asked Byakuya." Where he comes from or his abilities?"
"Or how strong he is?" spoke up Kenpachi.
"Well isn't it obvious." Said Sajin as he and Toshiro approached and entered the group." Whoever he is he must be worthy of bearing the Captain's rank. The Head-Captain himself oversaw the examination he wouldn't let someone in who didn't deserve it."
"Just because he passes that examination." Said Soifon." Doesn't mean he's suited for the job. See how he acts under pressure, then we'll see if he's fit for the job."
"Now, now Soifon." Said Toshiro stepping up with a great big smirk on his face still." Let's not be rash. I'm sure he'll be perfect for the job." Just then Kenpachi leaned over and put his hand on top of Toshiro's head, and then leaned him back.
"You alright?" he asked as he looked down at Toshiro. "You're talking funny."
"I have to agree with Captain Zaraki." Said Byakuya." You are acting peculiar."
"Oh isn't today just a day to be happy?" replied Toshiro." With a new Captain coming it's a cause for celebration."
The other four Captains opened their mouths to reply but then four others entered the room. They all looked over to see the Head-Captain, Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohana walking in.
"Take you places everyone." Yamamoto told them as he walked to his seat." So we may begin." Kenpachi released Toshiro and walked over to his spot, unconsciously pushing Toshiro as he did. Then Byakuya and Soifon walked by pushing Toshiro as well. When Soifon walked by Toshiro fell back onto the floor, face first.
Even if he wouldn't be the newest Captain after today he'd probably still be the shortest. But luckily for him Sajin was there and picked him up by his back.
"You alright?" he asked as he held Toshiro there.
"I'm fine." Said Toshiro as he shook free of Sajin. Then he marched to his spot and Sajin walked after him. But neither Toshiro nor Sajin noticed the big dirt mark on Toshiro's forehead.
With all the Captains in place the meeting was ready to begin.
"Recently." Began Yamamoto." It has been our top priority to fill the empty Captain's seats. When asked to look for those in your Squads who are worthy of the rank one replied. Jushrio Ukitake of Squad Thirteen recommended his fifth seat. Yesterday I along with three other Captains met with him and examined his qualifications. I am pleased to say that afterwards the final decision was agreed to promote this man to Captain."
"Without further ado." Yamamoto said to the Captains." I'd like to introduce the new Captain of Squad three." At that moment the doors opened a tall man with a pruple beard and hair walked into the room. On the back of his coat was the symbol of the division he'd run." Bansui Amatsuki." The new Captain walked into the middle of the room with his new co-workers looking at him.
"Good afternoon." He greeted them with a smile." As stated my name is Bansui Amatsuki. I'll do the best job I can and look forward to working with each of you in the future."
"Oh Christ." Groaned Kenpachi." He's a fruit." Soifon and Toshiro smirked.
"Welcome to the Captain's position." Said Yamamoto." That'll be all." He nodded to the rest of them. Then he turned and left with Sasakibe following right behind.
Toshiro was very anxious to see what the Captains would do next. He'd hope they'd surround the new guy and tell him all about his duties, that's what he'd want to see.
But the only Captain who went over to him was Ukitake congratulating him on the promotion. That's to be expected as Ukitake was his former Captain. But everyone else seemed uninterested.
Toshiro was taken out of his gaze as Unohana walked over and stood before him.
"What is it Captain Unohana?" he asked.
"You've got something on you." She said as she licked her finger and then ran it across his forehead, cleaning off the dirt." There we go." She said after she was finished. Then she put her hand under his chin pushing his head up." All better." She added with a smile.
"I hope you don't think this changes anything Toshiro." Said Shunsui suddenly as he came behind the little Captain and put an arm around him." After all you'll always be the little baby." He said as he leaned his face next to Toshiro's and rubbed his whiskers along his face. Toshiro suddenly felt cold and his face froze. Shunsui let out a hearty laugh and patted the little Captain on the back.
Everyone else seemed to make their way but Toshiro stayed in the room. He felt thin as everything else faded away and he was surrounded by blackness.
After the meeting Bansui made his way to Squad Three his new Barracks and new Squad. He himself was in high spirits, today was the start of something new for him.
But needless to say the Squad Three was in a bit of a panic. With Gin Ichimaru's betrayal the Squad wasn't exactly ready for a new Captain.
"What do you make of it?" they asked each other as they all crowded into the courtyard." I don't like it." They'd reply. The Squad felt that they didn't need a Captain and were getting along just fine, however if they had a problem with it they could take it up with Head-Captain Yamamoto who signs all their paychecks.
"Good Morning everyone." Said Izuru as he approached the group and they all turned to him." A New Captain huh? Sure hope he's nice." But Izuru was in as much turmoil as his Squad was.
Bansui walked up to the gates and noticed the Three Stripes representing the Division.
"Here we go." He said to himself with a sigh. Then he pushed open the doors and walked in to find the whole Squad standing there and looking at him.
"That's him." They muttered amongst themselves." Not too impressive."
Bansui took a deep breath and then moved forward." Good Morning Squad Three." He said." My name is Bansui Amatsuki and from this point forward I will be your new Captain." He looked around at the Squad members faces to see them less than thrilled. "Which one of you is the Lieutenant?"
At hearing himself being called Izuru stepped up." Me, sir." He said upon doing so. Bansui turned to him." Lieutenant Izuru Kira." As he approached.
"Captain Bansui Amatsuki." He introduced himself as he took Izuru's hand. Then he looked to the rest of the Squad." Now if you wouldn't mind." He said as he moved and stood atop a small box, making himself taller than the rest." I have an announcement to make." He said waving his arms for the Squad to come in close." From this day forward I will be your new Captain. I understand the feelings you all have given your past affiliations with Captains, however I'm here to change all that. I know you expect a lot from me as a new Captain, but as of today this is my home and I will do the best I can to help each and every one of you."
Up atop his balcony Yamamoto stood with Ukitake and Shunsui. And from there they could hear the speech from Squad Three.
"So what do you think?" asked Ukitake as he leaned over and looked at Yamamoto." Good, huh?"
"He's a good man. He'll be the change Squad Three needs." Said Yamamoto.
But not everyone shared the Head Captain's ideas.