"So Sajin." Asked Toshiro." What's next?"
"Well I suppose I should go report this to the Head-Captain." Said Sajin." He'll want to know the details, and Captain Soifon is-" he stopped himself as he Rangiku was still in the room and being the gentleman he was he wouldn't expose a lady to such talk." Preoccupied." He finally said.
Then Sajin moved towards the door but was stopped when Toshiro spoke.
"Let me come with you." He said as he stepped up." I have something I want to ask the Head-Captain." Rangiku looked her Captain over skeptically, wondering if his question had anything to do with what he had overheard before." Besides he'll probably call a Captain's meeting anyway."
But Sajin gave no second thought to the matter." You may join me." He said." I could use the company." Then he headed out the door and Toshiro went to follow after him until Rangiku grabbed him by his wrist.
"What is it?" he asked looking at her and the look on her face.
"Are you sure you have to know?" she asked.
"Yes." Replied Toshiro." I have questions that need answering." Rangiku only nodded and let her Captain go, blowing him and kiss and waving to him and Sajin as they left. She knew he'd be back and she'd be waiting for him.
Toshiro and Sajin then made their way to the Squad One barracks, looking at the might tower in the distance. Rangiku saw them go off and tehn quickly disappeared back into the barracks.
Then very swiftly but silently she began to walk through the barracks and to her quarters. She entered quickly and shut the door behind her. Then she casually made her way over to her bed. She sat down on the end and it would seem to anyone else that she was going to lay down and go to sleep, but they would be wrong.
Rangiku reached down under her bed and grabbed something. When she pulled it out it was wrapped in white paper. Rangiku batted her eyes from left to right making sure no one was in the room. When she determined no one was she slowly began to unroll the paper.
"What are you doing?" asked a voice in her ear that made Rangiku jump up and scream. She turned around to see Haineko laid out across her bed wagging her tail left and right.
"Oh it's you." Said Rangiku somewhat relived. Haineko however did not look at her but instead at the paper and whatever was inside it.
"What's that?" she asked reaching a hand forward at it, only to have Rangiku slap it away.
"Nothing you should concern yourself with." Rangiku replied strictly. Haineko moved closer." It's not ready yet."
"Oh a secret." Said Haineko as she sat up." I like secrets."
"Well don't concern yourself with this one." Said Rangiku.
"What do you have for our little munchkin this time?" asked Haineko. Rangiku turned and scowled at Haineko and noticed that the cat's ears twitched." Knock Knock." She said next with a smile. Rangiku looked confused but then there was a loud knocking at the door frightened her, Haineko disappearing into ash.
Rangiku quickly hid the paper behind her back." C-Come in." she said in a shocked voice, trying to sound as normal as possible.
The door opened and then Momo stood there.
"Hey Rangiku." She said with a smile.
"Oh it's you Momo." Said Rangiku suddenly on edge.
"Of course, who else would it be?" It wasn't common knowledge about Rangiku and Toshiro's relationship. Only the Captains and several Lieutenants knew about it, Momo was not one of those Lieutenants." Anyway I was just coming to see if Toshiro was here. Have you seen him?"
"He just left with Sajin, to go and see the Head-Captain."
"Oh." Said Momo somewhat disappointed and it was noticed in her look as her shoulders sagged." Do you know when he'll be back?"
"No." replied Rangiku, still holding the paper wrapping behind her back tightly.
"Oh, well some of us were going to go to the Squad Twelve barracks you want to come?"
"No." Rangiku said again." Look I'd love to stay and chat but I have work to do." She said in one breath as she left her room, moved Momo aside and what she was holding in front of her after she passed, and then stormed off to the office.
"Oh okay." Said Momo." I'll see you later." Then she turned and began to walk away but then stopped herself and stood up straight." Huh, never seen Rangiku so willing to work." She stood there for a moment." I guess Toshiro's finally getting through to her." She said in a fit of giggles.
Rangiku meanwhile walked into the office and breathed easier once she kicked the door closed behind her. Then she walked over to her desk laying the paper out on it and unwrapping it. Then she pulled out two medals rods that were inside it.
At that time in the Squad One barracks Yamamoto was in his office with Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohana. His lieutenant Sasakibe was standing guard outside the door.
The Lieutenant saw the Captains of Squad Seven and Ten approaching down the hallway.
"Captain Kommamura." He said addressing him." Good to see you back, when did you return?"
"Not more than a half hour ago." Told Sajin."I've come to report the details of my recent mission."
"Very good." Said Sasakibe." And what of you Captain Hitsugaya?"
"I've come with a question for the Head-Captain." He told. The lieutenant looked Toshiro over skeptically.
"Make it quick." He advised." The Head-Captain is under a lot of stress." Toshiro listened to the message but dismissed it. The Head-Captain was very fond of all his Captains large or small, male or female. He saw them all as his children or in Toshiro's case his grandson.
Sasakibe turned and opened the doors and walked in with the two Captains behind him. Yamamoto was sitting at his desk with a cup of tea before him with Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohanna standing around him. Whatever they had been talking about it seemed to please those three but the Head-Captain let no emotion show on his face.
When the two new Captains entered lead in by the Lieutenant the four older ones turned and looked at them. Yamamoto cocked his head and saw them standing there.
"Leave us." He said to Sasakibe who bowed and left the six Captains in the room. Then Yamamoto rose up and walked over to Sajin." Welcome home." He said to him with his hand held out which Sajin took.
"It is good to see you again Head-Captain." Replied Sajin. Then he looked past the older man and to the three Captains behind him." And to the see the rest of you as well." He added. The Captains smiled in reply.
"And of course Captain Hitsugaya." Said Yamamoto turning to the boy." It is always good to see you." Then he reached his hand over Toshiro's head and ruffled his hair. Then Yamamoto returned to his desk before facing them again." What news of the mission?" he asked Sajin.
Toshiro of course would wait to ask his questions, Sajin's matter was of business and therefore much more important. But while Sajin addressed the Head-Captain Toshiro's attention was called to something else. On the wall close by there was a single painting hanging there.
"They eluded us again Head-Captain." Sajin told. Shunsui, Ukitkae, and Unohana all turned to Yamamoto who hung his head.
"It matters little." He said." We will catch them soon enough. Thank you for the update." Sajin gave a bow then moved out of Yamamoto's line of vision, moving aside for Toshiro to ask his question.
Yamamoto and the other Captains had not noticed this and began talking amongst themselves. When Sajin turned around he noticed Toshiro wasn't there and was standing before the lone picture on the wall.
"Head-Captain." Said Toshiro turning around and looking at the old man. Yamamoto and the other Captains all darted their heads over to him." What is this?" asked Toshiro pointing to the picture. It was a strange picture of a large burning flame, burning bright and burning high. In the center of the fire there appeared to be a figure or a statue there." Is this a Fire God from myth?" Sajin walked over and began to observe the picture as well.
"That?" asked Yamamoto from his desk. Although he was across the room he must have known the picture Toshiro spoke of. Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohanna all appeared to be holding their breath." That is a monster that appeared in the Soul Society a long time ago. It was a difficult time and things were made even worse because of it." Toshiro appeared entranced by what he had to say." But it doesn't matter." Yamamoto continued." Because it won't ever come back.
"But what if it does come back?" asked Toshiro with wide-eyes. Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohanna all looked to the Head-Captain.
"It won't." he said in a firm voice. Then he went back to the work on his desk, done with the conversation. But Toshiro and Sajin had not left yet, because Toshiro just remembered he had something to say.
Unohanna noticed Toshiro step up." Head-Captain." She said." I believe Toshiro still has something to say." Yamamoto was in a bit of a tense mood now and it shown on his face. He picked his head up and looked at Toshiro.
"Speak." He beckoned him as he repositioned himself in his chair.
"I have a question." Began Toshiro.
"You have already asked me a question." He replied. But Yamamoto nodded his head." Ask away my boy."
Toshiro took a big breath before asking and then blurted it all out. "What happens to Captains once they leave here?" asked Toshiro." Do they go free, or are they put in Squad Two's prison?" And the cheery mood that was in the air before fell and the air became hot and tense. The Captains looked from Toshiro and Yamamoto concerned. Yamamoto's face went from relaxed to strict.
"Where did you hear this?" asked Yamamoto in a deep voice as he leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on the desk before him.
"Around." Replied Toshiro.
"From where?" asked Yamamoto again, his voice more strained this time. Toshiro gulped at the tone of the Head-Captain. Maybe his original idea of him acting kindly was out of place today.
"Is it true what I've heard?" asked Toshiro, getting back to the matter at hand which the Head-Captain was trying to get away from. Yamamoto's head began to shake slightly and the Captains around him noticed his hands balling up into fists. But neither Toshiro nor Yamamoto were willing to back down in this case.
Ukitake and Sajin turned their heads and looked at each other. Ukitake gave Sajin a concerned look and a quick head nod, his sign saying to remove Toshiro.
Sajin quickly took that as his cue and bent down and grabbed Toshiro.
"Okay well we thank you for your time. But I'm sure your very busy, so we'll get out of your hair." He said in one breath as he lifted Toshiro up and walked out of the room with him, leaving the four other Captains in the room together.
"Get out of your hair?" repeated Yamamoto with still an aggravated tone the light shining off his bald head.
Sajin stood on the other side of the door, still clutching Toshiro but realizing what he'd said.
"Get out of your hair." He repeated to himself suddenly realizing what he'd really said." Oh, god." He added with a sigh as he dropped his arms to the side, coincidentally dropping Toshiro onto the ground as well." Sorry about that." He added as he reached down and picked him up to his feet.
Toshiro had a somewhat annoyed look on his face as he was stood up and dusted himself off.
"What was all that about?" asked Sajin.
"Nothing." Said Toshiro with a quick shake of his head." Nothing." Sajin reached out his hand to put on the little Captain's shoulder but Toshiro moved out of his way and began walking away with his head lowered.
Sajin walked off doubting and unsure of what to do.
Back in the Head-Captain's office.
"Oh I should burn myself with my own zanpaktou." He lamented as he paced back and forth around the room.
"Oh don't let it get to you." Said Ukitake.
"I don't know why he'd ask such questions." Yamamoto continued.
"He is young." Said Unohana." There is much he wants to know."
"Oh they grow up so fast." Added Shunsui. Yamamoto let out a grunt and then stormed off onto his balcony.
"Too fast." Yamamoto muttered." Too fast." The other three Captains all looked to each other as Yamamoto stood on his balcony. As they oldest Captains after Yamamoto himself he depended on them to provide an example to the younger Soul Reapers. And right now the same thought was going through all three of their heads and they nodded their approval to each other.
"Head-Captain." Said UKitkate taking the initiative and standing up. Yamamoto did not stir from his spot." You leave this to us, we'll handle this situation."
"No." said Yamamoto as he put his hand up, stopping the other three." I have a better idea." Then Yamamoto turned and clapped his hands. In a matter of seconds his Lieutenant had joined them in the room." Lieutenant I have a job for you." Said Yamamoto.
"What would you have me do?" he asked.
"Call a Captain's meeting." Ordered Yamamoto." Now." Sasakibe nodded and then headed off.
Meanwhile at the Squad Two barracks. Omeada was casually standing guard at the front gate. It had been a quiet night so far but all that was about to change. Suddenly there came a loud pounding at the door that startled the large man. Omeada fumbled with the knob but eventually did manage to open it and when he did he looked out to see nothing.
"Ahem." Coughed a voice below him. Omeada looked down to see Toshiro standing before him.
"Captain Hitsuguya." He said upon seeing him." What are you doing here, sir?"
"I am in need to check your facilities." Said Toshiro as he walked in, pushing the Lieutenant aside. Since Yamamoto would not answer him, Toshiro thought it best to search on his own and look into the prison himself.
Omeada seemed confused but then spoke up." The bathroom is that way." He said pointing off to his right.
"Not That! I want to check the prison."
"The Prison? What for?"
"That's none of your business." Omeada seemed to back down from the argument now." Where is it?"
"T-That way sir." Said Omeada pointing him in the direction of it. Toshiro turned and followed the direction Omeada had pointed." But there's no point in going, the area is lockdown and only the Captain and I have a key to it." Toshiro then turned around and looked at the Lieutenant with a raised brow." Oh." Groaned Omeada.
"Come with me." Said Toshiro as he grabbed Omeada and shoved him along.
"I just hope the Captain doesn't find out about this."
So Toshiro was led to the Prison of the Squad Two barracks. Before long the two stood before two large black doors.
"Key." Toshiro beckoned to the Lieutenant who did as he was told. Omeada pulled out a chain necklace that had a key on it and then opened the door.
" A-After you, Captain." He said to Toshiro. The little Captain stepped up and saw that inside the prison it was very dark." Just watch your step, sir." Toshiro stepped into the doorway and suddenly a line of torches lit the way, before him was a long narrow bridge. Toshiro cocked his head over the side and could see the prison went down for miles, indicated by the glimmering torch light in the darkness below.
"Lieutenant." Said Toshiro with a wave of his arm forcing the large man to shuffle over to him." What's down there?" He asked pointing.
"Those are the cells, sir." Said Omeda." Housing some of the most dangerous criminals. All the way at the bottom is the Muken."
"Muken?" asked Toshiro.
"The Muken is where we house the most dangerous criminal. There is only one down there."
"Tell me." Said Toshiro." Have there been any new editions to your prison lately."
"N-No sir. Not that I know of."
"Who's the prisoner, down at the bottom?"
"I-I don't know sir." Said Omeada. Toshiro moved forward in a threatening manner." I swear I don't know, only the Captain is allowed to go down there."
"What's this!" called a voice from the doors. Toshiro and Omeada turned to see Soifon standing there." Toshrio, what are you doing here?!" Toshiro looked to Omeada and then to Soifon.
"Leaving." He said as he walked away. He walked off in a foul mood, having not accomplished what he came there to do. Soifon noticed the angered look on his face and would have pressed the manner had he not left in such a hurry.
Then Toshiro returned to his division, and he was clearly in a foul mood. He walked through the door and made his way to his office. The lower seats made a point to move out of his way when he was like this.
Rangiku and Haineko were in the corridor. With the Captain missing Rangiku thought she'd take the time to make sure everything was running smoothly. But then she felt the air get colder ad saw her Captain storming. Immediately sensing something wrong Rangiku quickly approached him.
"Captain." Said Rangiku as she approached him." What is-"
"I don't want to talk about it." Was all he said as he stormed by. Then Toshiro entered his office and slammed in the door behind him.
"Well he's a bit touchy today." Said Haineko as she came up from behind Rangiku.
"Oh I don't know what to do." Said Rangiku." He's been so moody lately."
"We could double team him." Said Haineko stepping closer." I think he'd enjoy the change of pace." Rangiku turned and burned and invisible hole through Haineko's head." Unless you don't want to."
Just then a hellbutterfly floated in the room, and Rangiku put out her hand and caught it.
"By order of the Head-Captain." Said Sasakibe's voice from the butterfly." There is a Mandatory Captain's Meeting immediately." Then the butterfly turned and flew off.
"Oh no." said Rangiku." He's not going to like this."
"BWAHH!" she heard Toshiro exclaim suddenly, then followed by something breaking. Rangiku quickly rushed into the room. She pushed open the doors and there she saw Toshiro keeping Haineko at bay.
"Give us a kiss." Said Hainkeo. She was on top of him but he held her arms and tried to push her back.
"No, no." said Toshiro. The two looked up and saw Rangiku standing there.
"Good. "said Hainkeo." Three is better."
"BWAHH!" Toshiro exclaimed as Hainkeo fell down on top of him.
"Captain there's a mandatory meeting going on now." Told Rangiku.
"Thank god!" said Toshiro as he crawled out from under Hainkeo and then ran off as fast as he could.
"Why you tell him?" asked Hainkeo as she stood up and walked over to Rangiku." I almost had him." Rangiku turned and scowled at Haineko." What?" she asked.
Meanwhile the Captains all gathered in the Squad One barracks.
"Anyone know what this is all about?" asked Kenpachi as he walked in with Byakuya.
"Not a clue." Was his reply." It must be something important if we've all been summoned this late." Sajin waited at the doors and looked around, seeing if Toshiro would make an appearance. But after what happened earlier he had his doubts. But then he saw a small white head of hair coming his way he was more relived.
"Toshiro." He said addressing him." So you came."
"Of course, this was a mandatory meeting."
"But you were flustered earlier today. I thought perhaps you would have not shown up out of some sense of spite."
"That is too immature and is beneath me." Said Toshiro." Come along, let's go inside." Sajin nodded and then followed him inside.
The Captains then lined up. Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohana were also surprised to see Toshiro had joined them this evening.
Then without a moment's notice Yamamoto spoke up." Let us begin." He said." IT has recently come to my attention that there is some degree of suspicion going around about the latest Captain of Squad Twelve."
"Maybe I shouldn't have come to this meeting after all." Mumbled Toshiro.
"Captain Hitsuguya step forward." Said Yamamoto. The little Captain did as he was told." Do you have something to say?" Toshiro glanced around the room and noticed all the other Captains staring at him.
"No." he replied, not wanting to make public what had happened earlier.
"Are you sure?" Toshiro only nodded his reply." Well it was often clear to me that young minds were always curious about things. Captain Hitsuguya I want you to investigate whatever it is you can about Mayuri." Toshiro raised an eyebrow. The Head-Captain denied him any information before, but was now allowing him to search for answers himself.
"What's the catch?" asked Toshiro.
"No catch." Replied Yamamoto." I'm giving you the opportunity to learn a few things."
"Thank you, sir." Said Toshiro." I'll get started immediately. Then he turned to leave but was stopped when Yamamoto spoke.
"Not so fast." He said and Toshiro turned back to him." The Squad Twelve barracks is a big place for someone as small as you." Toshiro let out a grunt." So I will assign other Captains to help you. Captain Kommamura." Sajin stepped up." Captains Zaraki, Kuchiki, and Soifon."
"What?" exclaimed Kenpachi and Soifon.
"Why am I being made to do this?" asked Kenpachi.
"It'll be a good bonding exercise for the five of you." Said Yamamoto." You'd best be on your way, I want a report in the morning." Then before more protest could be heard Yamamoto left and the Captains began to disperse, expect for the five chosen for the job.
Just then Kenpachi slapped Toshiro in the back of the head.
"Ow!" he groaned.
"Way to go kid, now I'm stuck with you retards all night."
"Don't hit him." Said Sajin.
"Who you calling a retard?" shot back Soifon.
"I did!"
"Trust me." Said Byakuya." Socializing with you people isn't something I'd prefer to do."
"What do you mean you people?" asked Kenpachi. The five all then glared each other down. Just then Kenpachi slapped Toshiro in the back of the head again. But then Toshiro fell forwards and accidently hit Sajin in the groin. Sajin shot forward and head-butted Soifon who fell back into Kenpachi. The two struggled but then Sajin fell forward covering Kenpachi, Soifon, and Toshiro. Byakuya stood casually by but as the four started to struggled along the floor he was pulled into it and fell to the ground with a yell. Then the five began fighting against each other. Kenpachi got Toshiro into a headlock and have him a nuggie. Soifon grabbed onto Byakuya's leg and bit him while Sajin pressed his elbow into Kenpachi's face.
"Oh look." Said Ukitake from the door." They love each other."
"Just like a bunch of siblings." said Unohana.
But little did they all know that the Soul Society was about to be turned upside down soon.