Characters: Iba, Renji, mentions of Yumichika, Ikkaku, Zaraki, and some random squad members.

"Is it true, Abarai? that Madarame unleashed his Bankai in public this morning?"

"Yeah." Renji said, taking his Sake jar. "It was a real shock to me, with Ikkaku-san saying he wanted to keep it a secret so he could stay in the Squad and all..."

"So that was the reason? I though he was just being dumb and stubborn" Tetsuzaemon snored. "No- scratch that. He's still dumb and stubborn. What does him having Bankai have to do with leaving squad Eleven? You have a Bankai, but no one's asking to promote you, no?"

Renji wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. "Just Because I don't have enough experience to become a captain yet!" He snapped with slight irritation. "But Ikkaku-san has been here longer than me, he's skilled in both combat and strategy and he's got more than enough experience as a Shinigami and a Leader. He'll make a great Captain. All he needs is the official recommendations and he'll be promoted in no time."

"But he doesn't want promotions if it mean leaving the squad."

"Yeah."

They set in silence for several minutes. Ikkaku didn't even want to be considered the position, so he kept his Bankai a secret from everyone, his captain included. He even went as far as to hold it back during his battle over the Pillar in karakura-Replica.

"So what happened?"

Considering all they just said and thought, For Ikkaku to release his Bankai in front of thirty members of his squad was a huge deal.

"They say there was an Arrancar in the nest in Kusajiishi, a Captain's-level one. As strong as an Espada, at least." Renji handed the jar to Iba.

Iba took it, musing. "I did him a small lecture about a year and a few months back." he snorted. "After that idiot held back his Bankai and let the Pillar get destroyed. I guess he decided to act up on my advice after all."

But Renji looked uncertain.

"What's wrong?"

"Actually, I heard something from the squad members." the red-haired murmured, holding the cup before him. "Ikkaku-san was totally thrashed; he was injured and bruised and almost every bone in his body was broken. He'd lost way too much blood and basically he was so screwed that he couldn't even lift himself, let along get his Zanpakuto off the ground."

Tetsuzaemon blinked behind his shades, mouth set in a deep scowl. "...What happened?" he asked again, more seriously. Getting your ass kicked so bad you aren't even able to lift your sword - was a deadly serious condition, especially to someone like Ikkaku. Something big must have happened to get his boost back up. Something really big.

"I heard that, apparently, after that Arrancar thought he was done with Ikkaku-san -you know, before he realised his Banaki- It moved toward another Shinigami. Toward Yumichika-san."

That... wasn't the first explanation Tetsuzaemon expected. At all.

"Are you serious?"

"That's what I heard the men reporting to Zaraki-taicho. I dont' think the guys realized what happened- in their report they assumed the Arrancar went after fighters according to their strength -strongest first, weakest last. It's probably true, but I think Zaraki-taicho did realize..."

They set in silence, watching the sun setting over the horizon.

"Well," Tetsuzaemon said after a while, putting the jar in mouth. "It's about time." he snored lightly, shifting his shaded eyes to look up at the sunset pink-shaded sky. He handed the bottle back to the Sixth's lieutenant.

"He'll never admit it, though" Renji received it, sparing the bottle a glance and turned it upside down.

"...We're out of Sake."

"Crap!"

Note: If it comes down to this, I truly think Ikkaku will do it, despite his policy of not helping out. Well, at least in this scenario (And I'm writing something more... action-detailed to this scenario. Different background, but same idea).