So as we all know , I don't own Bleach :( just the plot and my characters that may pop up every now and then. Yes, Kouga appeared last chapter because I liked him when he wasn't crazy with power and all that snazzy jazz. This is before The Shinigami Rebellion, and a little before the Vizards come into their positions. I like to build up on things if you haven't noticed already. Whiplash is going to go from the beginning to a certain point in the original plot line. I just don't know where yet...you guys can give me ideas as to where I can do my adjustments accordingly. Thank you.

Last time on Whiplash : Outside she was unaware she had an audience...a certain blonde 5th division taicho, Hirako Shinji. He smirked showing all of his bright shiny teeth...Maybe you'll learn somethin' bout yerself Ichi-san. If only you'd let go...

Ichijo was still in her office filing her latest assignments and reports that were turned in late from her recruits when she felt the light fluttering of a Hell Butterfly's wings against her cheek.

All taichos must report to the first company at this time with your recommendations and your fuukutaichos.

'I wonder who's going to fill in for the Third company...'' She thought as she moved to open her door to leave. It wasn't everyday the head captain requested for a new captain to replace someone else. 'but then again...the last one was a total ditz and had no idea what she was doing' Furrowing her brows at the thought of the late Third company's captain she hurried on.

"Yo Ichi-o !" Only one person called her that. With her lips twitching into a frown, she turned to see who was calling her. ' Please...dear kami, how the hell did this man get promoted to captaincy with that type of frivolous attitude! ' It was Shinji...running-sprinting was more like it really- even though his sprint looks a bit odd with his long hair tripping him this way and that now and again.

"Ah, Shinji-san, how are you this afternoon?" She smiled at him when he reached her without falling over.

"I'm doin' great ya know, shame ta think ya ain't my eighth seat no more. I miss havin' ya around." He pouted when she chuckled at his childishness.

"You mean you miss me doing your work and flirting with me Shinji-san, but you have to remember, I haven't been your eighth seat in 50 years! " Ichijo said, but all she got in return was him rolling his hazel eyes at her. He only did it because he knew it was true and couldn't deny it.

"Are we the only one's here?" She inquired after the short silence.

"Na, Love and Hikifune are inside somewhere, Eleventh company never shows up.. Kyoraku and Ukitake are inside as well. I don't have clue bou' evr'y one else. They'll be here , when they're here." He responded dully , not interested in who was here or not. She wasn't surprised, he was like this usually when he was interrupted from listening to his music that he had gotten from the world of the living. 'I think he called it snazz?..., he called it chazz? That can't be it!

"Shinji-san,-"

"How many times do I have to tell ya to just call me Shinji?" He cut in.

"Err...I'm not sure exactly, but I think it was 1,237?" She murmured shyly noticing his eye twitching.

"You've been counting...?" His brow raised curious.

"Hehe...yes I have..." Ichijo smiled back unsure of her fellow captains sarcastic retort that was about to fall off his lips, but was saved by the First company's lieutenant waving them in to start the meeting.

It was hard to tell what the other captains were thinking at this moment. all their faces blank or seemingly bored and unconcerned with the choices at hand. they were to pick one elected captain and one elected lieutenant. It was difficult with the academy was spitting out talent left and right. But it was clear the tension was building between a few captains that were know for their competitive nature. Namely Yoruichi Shihoin, Ichijo Hatake, and Shinji Hirako. Those three had an on going bet between them: who ever they had picked from the academy or their own divisions became lieutenant would score a point. So far Ichijo and Yoruichi were tied with one and Shinji with zero.

The silence was suffocating to the pale blond Tenth company captain, lieutenant-less and unwilling to back down from the unspoken challenge from Shihoin's smirk and Hirako's amused eyes in her direction. She straightened her stance and finally let the metaphorical knife cut through the blanket of stiff and cold awkwardness.

"Rojuro Otorbashi" the calm statement of the name rang out into the ears of everyone present, daring others to speak.

"For captaincy or to be a lieutenant miss Hatake?"

"Captaincy sir."

"Does anyone disagree of this nomination?" There was the oppressive silence again...but it came with stares of-what, was that amusement? Indeed it was. Shinji was absolutely radiating it from the very pores of his being. she didn't miss the smug smirk that was sent her way either.

"Actually...I have one more submission. It's for the lieutenant's position of the thirteenth company" This statement caused the raising of many brows, it was a wonder why though. She never picked her own lieutenant and most likely never would.

"We are listening..."

"Kaien Shiba, sir." Her eyes met with Ginrei Kuchki's cold grey ones and glared, making sure he knew she wasn't going to pull the young man's chance at greatness away from him.

"As long as this isn't disagreed with , then we shall proceed with the ceremony." She sighed in relief that no one had raised their arm in rejection against her recommendation. Other wise she would have to befall the agreement that had been set up before hand. No way in hell am I buying a Shihoin food again! The last time completely left me broke for a whole month...No paycheck should have to suffer that much drainage from food!

Shinji glanced at Ichijo's relaxed posture knowing she was silently going over the possible outcomes of having someone straight out of the academy becoming a captain as well as the consequences of outright challenging the sixth company's captain and his dislike for the Shiba family. Her hands were fiddling with her hoari sleeves subconsciously. He took note of it as a nervous habit that she did only when under mental distress. I'd love to be the hoari...damn you cloth, getting the rub down by lovely hands of gold! His thoughts distracted by her fiddling took no notice of anything else. that distraction cost him though.

He got the Hyori Special. A sandal to the head. Great.