The first chapter is always the hardest to write for me. Now that its out of the way I can dive into the plot. Enjoy!
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Ichigo stood frozen in place, pondering the wild possibilities conjured by his mind at the old man's announcement.
Every weekend? HERE? How the hell am I gonna avoid Kenpachi then? I bet he really is crazy enough to fight me again, to the death. If my hollow comes out again, I'm going to be screwed. There's no way they won't detect that kind of reiatsu. Lucky for me the Seireitei was in chaos when I was fighting Byakuya.
Noticing the dumbstruck look on the teen's face, Yamamoto continued with his speech.
"Due to the conditions of Divisions 3, 5, and 9, you will not be able to choose one of them as an assignment. I would prefer you to learn from a taicho. Since this was the last order of business at this meeting, we will be able to discuss your future with you. Will each taicho please approach Ichigo and give a description of yourself and your division?"
The first to approach was a grinning Mayuri, dressed in his typical mad scientist garb.
"I am Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the premier scientific genius of the Seireitei and taicho of the 12th Division. We are responsible for all of the technology in Soul Society as well as monitoring the living world. Your soul pager, soul badge, and most everything you've seen shinigami use was engineered by us. You would be an interesting research subject to study. While I can't promise you there won't be pain involved, you could help us learn a great deal."
While Mayuri spoke as though his division was the greatest thing ever, all of the other taichos looked uneasy at the thought of him 'experimenting' on the boy. If the way he treated his fukataicho and seated officers was any indication, such an experience would be far from pleasant. They didn't want a run in with Mayuri to cloud his judgments or shape him in any way.
No way in hell am I signing on with that circus freak. I'd probably wake up missing body parts. If he finds out about my hollow I may never see the light of day again.
They went down the line. Next to approach was Toshiro Hitsugaya.
"Ichigo, the 10th Division specializes in large scale missions in Soul Society and the living world as well as hollow patrols. You've been around Matsumoto and myself enough to see us in action and get a good feel for our division."
I know Toshiro and Rangiku well enough and I get along with them. They're one of the better choices. I think I can trust them.
Next was infamous Shunsui Kyoraku, the only man with the fashion sense to wear a pink haori.
"Well well Ichigo, I am Shunsui Kyoraku, and the 8th Division consists of shinigami with a wide variety of talents and skills. We don't adhere to any one style. Our main purpose is to quickly reinforce other divisions where needed, but we also run our own missions. Your background makes you an excellent candidate for the 8th, and you could get quite a balanced education here."
Sounds like another good choice, but what the hell is with that outfit?
Byakuya Kuchiki followed and gave him a stern look as he stepped forward.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, the 6th Division is devoted to the protection of Soul Society and its laws. I expect every member of my division to be dignified and obey the laws, and have the discipline and drive to reach their potential."
Ichigo inwardly groaned as he could hear his inner hollow laugh.
Hey King, I bet you'd feel real safe in the 6th. We already know we can beat him and he's already seen me even though I don't think he realizes what I am. On the other hand, I wonder what he'd do to you if he found out his precious sister was living in your closet?
As Byakuya stepped back into the line, Unohana stepped forward with a smile.
"Ichigo, the 4th Division specializes in support activity, our main focus is using healing techniques to assist wounded shinigami and insuring their safe return to their divisions. We also provide logistical services as well to make sure everything runs smoothly."
Ichigo felt oddly comfortable in this woman's presence, and made a note to consider the 4th even if he didn't know a thing about healing or kido. Hanatoro might be happy to see him and show him the ropes as well.
Hey King, she's pretty good looking. She's got that nice, experienced older woman vibe going on. You like that sort of thing? I bet she could make you forget about me for awhile and teach you more then just healing.
Would you shut the hell up! I'm not a pervert like you. You're not making this any easier.
Soifon was next to stand in front of him, with a confident and cocky smirk.
"I am Soifon taicho of the 2nd Division as well as the Stealth Force. We specialize in undercover missions, information gathering, and clandestine operations. We train extensively in hoho and hakuda. You should join and learn from me, I know Lady Yoruichi was one of your mentors so I'm curious to see just how good you are."
Oh look, another hottie. Kinda petite but then again I think you have a thing for that body type. Don't think I haven't noticed you checking out Rukia. This one would definitely wear the pants in the relationship and maybe thats what you need for your first time. All that hand to hand training, I bet she's good with em.
Thats it, I'm done talking to you. I can't believe you're a part of me.
Ichigo hoped Soifon went back to her spot before a blush could creep onto his face. Fortunately for him the next taicho stepped up.
"I am Sajin Komamura, taicho of the 7th Division. My division is responsible for policing and protecting Rukongai, as well as the Seireitei. Please consider joining my division, Iba fukataicho and I could teach you a great deal."
Before Komamura could walk back to his spot, Kenpachi Zaraki, the main reason he had feared coming to Soul Society was up in face, grinner wider then he'd ever seen before.
"Well well Ichigo, when are you gonna come and fight me again? My sword is getting dull here with no one willing to fight me. An epic fight, to the death!"
Yamamoto sou-taicho took the opportunity to chastise him at his words.
"Zaraki taicho you are supposed to be giving him a reason to join your division, not scare him away!" Yamamoto looked directly at Ichigo as he continued. "Besides, you know it is illegal for a man to kill his own subordinates unless he has been challenged for his spot as taicho."
Illegal to kill his own subordinates huh? I wonder if they had to enact that law because of him.
"Tchh, whatever. The 11th is the strongest division in Soul Society, and we love combat. We lead the way when it comes to battle. You're strong and you belong here."
Last but not least came Jushiro Ukitake. The often sick man stepped forward with a genuinely friendly smile.
"Ichigo, its been awhile. As you may know from Rukia, the 13th Division sends out patrols into Soul Society and the living world to hunt down hollows. We're a well rounded squad. Kiyone, Sentarou, and myself would love to have you, we could certainly use your strength."
He seems like a good guy. Joining his squad would probably make Rukia happy.
"Now that you have heard what each division has to offer, please think for a moment and make your choice." Yamamoto looked on patiently.
"C'mon Ichigo! Hurry up so I can kill you outside! You're not running away this time."
Kenpachi stood with his hand on the hilt of his zanpakuto, eagerly anticipating the fight.
Damn this is looking bad. He's crazy enough to fight me right here and I have to make a decision. I don't know a thing about kido, so that leaves out the 4th, there's nothing stealthy about me so there goes the 2nd. If Renji was here I'd consider the 6th, but without him and Rukia Byakuya and I would probably be at each others throats before the end of the weekend. Renji would probably hold his rank above my head too. I don't know the taichos of the 7th and 8th very well. The 10th and the 13th seem like the most logical choices for me...hey wait. The old man said its illegal to kill your own subordinates, and I don't think Kenpachi would give a damn about my hollow as long as it was strong. He also won't care that I can't use very many shinigami skills. Its risky, but what the hell, I don't have any better ideas.
"Yamamoto sou-taicho, I've made my decision. I'd like to join the 11th."
Over the next few seconds one would have been able to hear the sound of a pin drop as the taichos considered the implications of the hot-headed ryoka and Zaraki taicho in the same division. It was quickly broken by the loud laughter of Kenpachi. Shunsui leaned over and softly spoke to Toshiro some prophetic words.
"There goes the neighborhood."
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My second chapter up! A little shorter then the first, but thats ok. I'm having a lot of fun imagining possibilities for this story. I hope I'm not disappointing you all. Please R&R!