"Head Captain, you wished to speak with us?" Retsu asked, once permitted to enter Yamamoto's office.
"Ah, yes. Thank you for coming Captain Unohana. And you, dear Yuki." the old man replied, smiling at them both. "There has been some rumours flying around lately of an incident with Squad 11 that I'd like to address with you."
Yuki felt her mother's irritation with her as she continued to look at the Head Captain. "Please forgive me, sir." she said, looking from her mother to the old man. "3rd seat Madarame was bullying my squad mates and called me coward when I refused his challenge. I only spoke a few choice words of advice to him on the matter and not once did I draw Hyoko. If this has reflected poorly onto Squad 4, then I would gladly take any punishment befitting the situation." She bowed to the Head Captain.
Yamamoto chuckled. "No harm was done, Yuki dear. The rumours simply state that you were strong enough to defeated the 3rd seat, Ikkaku Mdarame, without even drawing your zanpakuto, that your calm and anger were as terrifying as your mother's. I simply wanted to discuss the results of the situation and offer you a new position."
Yuki and Retsu looked at each other, then at the Head Captain. "What do you mean?" Yuki asked.
"With your skills, both in healing and fighting- as trained by your mother who was a former captain of Squad 11- you are better suited to use your talents in Squad 11. I believe that the 4th seat is available."
"Head Captain, I agree that Yuki has improved greatly in her skills, but I am not comfortable letting her be near Captain Zaraki on a daily basis. He is a bad influence on the people around him." Retsu said.
"That being said, Mom, think about it. With our squad always being bullied by Squad 11, maybe I could help change that, even stop it altogether. I'm willing to take this position if it means that I can do more for you, Himori, and the rest of Squad 4 in the long run. If I can't get the bullying to stop, then maybe I can at least knock some sense into those brutes when they try something. Besides, you know that I have been trying to reach bankai with Hyoko. This would be a perfect opportunity to continue training for that." Yuki said, then looked at Yamamoto. "Grandpa Yama, will I be allowed to continue my training with Captain Shihoin? She is after all the one who inspired me to reach bankai and I do enjoy her lessons."
Only Yuki was ever allowed to call Head Captain Genryusai Yamamoto "Grandpa Yama". She had started to when she was still a child, during tea parties that she attended with her mother. She only ever used it when they were alone with the Head Captain, to be sure she still remained respectful.
Yamamoto smiled. "If you accept this position, I see no problem in allowing you to continue training with Captain Shihoin. Now, Yuki Unohana, do you accept the promotion to 4th seat of Squad 11?"
Yuki looked at her mother, sighing with relief as Retsu gave her a smile of pride and defeat. Looking back at Yamamoto, Yuki nodded. "Yes, I accept this position."
"Very well, then. You may begin your duties in Squad 11 tomorrow. For now, let us enjoy our tea and catch up."
-O-
"Do you really have to go?"
Yuki hugged Himori. "Think of it this way: no one else is ever going to bully you or the rest of this squad around, not ever again. Besides, we still have our Soul Reaper Women's Association meetings with Yachiru and our weekly trip to the markets."
Himori smiled sadly. "Ok, just don't forget us?"
Yuki looked at her now old squad mates, smiling. "I could never forget you guys. I'll come visit, I promise. Look after my mother for me, will you?"
The members of Squad 4 cheered in response, causing both Yuki and Retsu to smile. Retsu turned to Yuki. "Let's go, sweetie. I have a few things to speak with Captain Zaraki about."
Yuki waved to her old squad, smiling as she saw Himori's face brighten as she thought of the next time they would see each other. She walked with Retsu towards the Squad 11 barracks, wondering now what her mother would have to say to the man who gave her the scar on her chest- hidden beneath her raven black braid.
When they managed to finally reach the barracks, Yuki and Retsu entered and headed straight for the dojo hall in the back of the training courtyard. Opening the door to the dojo, Yuki and Retsu stepped inside.
"About time you came to visit, Unohana." Kenpachi said, looking up from his seat.
"Yuki!" Yachiru said, jumping off of Kenpachi's shoulder and bouncing off of Ikkaku and another member of Squad 11's heads before she leaped into Yuki's arms. "So you're with us now?"
Yuki giggled and nodded, hugging the little lieutenant back before she decided to situate herself on Yuki's shoulder. "Yes, Yachiru. I mean, Lieutenant Kusajishi."
"No, call me Yachiru, ok? I don't like you calling me Lieutenant Kusajishi."
"Whatever you say, 'Chiru." Yuki replied, smiling. Then looking to her new captain, her smile faded a bit when she saw him looking at her with a strange look of hunger, like he needed to fight her to survive. "Hello, Captain Zaraki. It is a pleasure to accept the position of your 4th seat. I look forward to working with you."
"So, Yuki, you accepted then? Good, now you can spar with me and not worry about holding back!" Kenpachi said, standing. "Ikkaku, Yumichika, show Yuki to her room. I need to speak with Captain Unohana."
Yumichika stood and came over to Yuki as Kenpachi and Retsu left the dojo, Ikkaku begrudgingly coming to stand next to him. "Hello, Yuki. I am 5th seat Yumichika Ayasegawa. Ikkaku Madarame, our 3rd seat, you have already met."
Yuki bowed. "It's a pleasure to formerly meet you, 5th seat Ayasegawa."
"Oh please, Yumichika will do just fine." he replied. "By the way, that silvery-blue streak in your hair, do you get it done? If so where? Because that colour is gorgeous."
"Actually, it's natural. I've had it since I was two years old at least. Mom said it was there when she found me." Yuki replied, giggling as Yachiru offered her a piece of candy. "Thanks, 'Chiru."
"So you're adopted? Figures." Ikkaku said, scoffing. "What happened to your real parents?"
"I don't know." Yuki said, looking at him. "When Mom and Captain Ukitake found me, they said Hollows had attacked the village they had found me in. I only know that I was alone for a long time with only Hyoko to help me, to teach me. I was grateful when Mom found me and took me in. I owe her and Jushiro my life."
Yumichika and Ikkaku looked at each other, then back at her.
"In any case, I'd like to know where my room will be if you please. I know the rest of the barracks well enough from helping with chores around here."
"Of course, dear. Follow me." Yumichika said, glaring at Ikkaku for asking such a question.
Yuki followed Yumichika through the courtyard and towards the squad quarters. Ikkaku followed just behind her, seemingly trying to avoid talking to Yuki or risking having Yachiru nom on his head. Ikkaku listened as Yachiru and Yumichika talked with Yuki, laughing and enjoying themselves. Something about her irritated him, but yet he found himself drawn to her as well. He growled to himself and stopped when they reach Yuki's room.
"It's all ready for you, dear." Yumichika said, opening the door for Yuki.
Yuki stepped inside and looked around. "Wow, it's so much bigger than the room I had with my old squad- and that was connected to Mom's quarters."
Yachiru voiced her awe at the room as well, looking around as Yuki walked around, looking at everything before she set her things by her bed. "Wow, Princess, you have such a nice room! Can I come play with you here?"
"Of course, 'Chiru." Yuki said, laughing. "Any time you want."
"Yay!"
"Alright, well we will leave you to settle. Dinner is in an hour, so don't be late, OK?" Yumichika said. "Come along, Lieutenant. Yuki need to get settled."
"Aww, OK." Yachiru hopped off of Yuki's shoulders. "I'll see you at dinner, OK, Yuki?"
Yuki reached down and patted Yachiru's head. "Of course, 'Chiru. Save me a seat?"
"Sure! See you later!" Yachiru and Yumichika left her room and went on their way as Yuki turned towards the window. She opened the curtains and saw that her room led out to a small grassy space big enough for a small pond and some spots for garden plots. "Wow, I could start a garden here." she said to herself.
"Well, welcome to the squad I guess." Ikkaku said, still leaning against her door frame. "Get yourself settled in, then come meet us for dinner."
"Thank you, 3rd seat Madarame." Yuki said, looking back at him.
Ikkaku simply scoffed at that and left, still not sure why he was drawn to her and yet irritate by her at the same time.
-O-
Later that night, Yuki made her way to the dining hall for Squad 11 and smiled when she found Yachiru waiting next to Kenpachi, waving. Ikkaku sat at Kenpachi's left, across from Yumichika who sat at Kenpachi's right, but one seat over.
"Yuki, Yumichika and I saved you a seat!" Yachiru called, waving her over. "Come sit!"
Yuki came to sit with Yachiru and Yumichika, bowing to Kenpachi before taking her seat. "Thanks, 'Chiru."
Yachiru beamed and waved someone over with a plate of food for Yuki. "You're late, Yuki, what happened?"
"I'm sorry, 'Chiru, I haven't been sleeping well lately and I passed out while I was putting my things away. I tried to get here as quick as I could."
"Oh, OK. Are you going to be fine, Yuki?"
"Yes, 'Chiru, I'll be fine." Yuki said with a smile. When someone put a plate of food in front of her, she thanked him and began to eat.
"So, how do you like your room?" Yachiru asked.
"I love it. It even has a spot outside where I can start growing some herbs and other plants next to the pond."
"We thought you might like that." Yumichika said. "Our lieutenant here told us how much you loved to garden and we thought it'd make you feel more at home."
Yuki smiled at Yumichika. "Well, thank you, Yumichika. I really appreciate that. At least some of you have been welcoming."
Ikkaku got the sense that she was talking about him and ignored her, taking a swig from his bottle of sake.
"So, Yuki, I hear that you have some kind of special training going on." Kenpachi said.
"Oh, yes. Captain Shihoin has been teaching me some kido techniques, as well as some shunpo techniques, but beyond that I cannot say anything more. I would like to inform you though, Captain, that he is the reason why I have been striving to reach bankai."
Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika all looked at her. No one has ever so blatantly said they were trying to reach bankai before.
"Really? So you do have power." Kenpachi said. "Interesting. Well, then we should have more frequent training sessions with you to get you to bankai. I look forward to seeing what kind of power you can muster up, even with that limiter of yours."
Yuki looked down at the silver cuff bracelet on her right hand. It was a constant reminder of what happened that day so long ago, the day her mother and Jushiro found her. She had attacked them out of fear and her spiritual pressure was so strong for one so young. She was grateful to have to limiter- her own potential power, even the idea of it, terrified her. "As do I, Captain. Perhaps now I can take you up on that sparring session. And your challenge as well, 3rd seat Madarame."
Ikkaku looked at her through his drunken haze. "About time! Tomorrow morning, at daybreak in the dojo."
"Very well. Will we be releasing shikai or using practice swords?" Yuki asked.
"Oh no, we use our zanpakuto. I want to see what you got." Ikkaku slammed down his bottle of sake. "Shikai release permitted."
"I see, then perhaps the courtyard outside would be better. I would hate to ruin the dojo with Hyoko's ice attacks." Yuki said in all seriousness.
Ikkaku rolled his eyes and stood up abruptly. "You smart mouthed brat. You think you're better than me?"
"Not at all, 3rd seat. I am simply stating that my skills and abilities are strong enough to destroy the dojo when used and I would like to prevent that as much as possible."
"Whatever. Just don't forget!" he said, stumbling out of the dining hall drunk.
"Is he normally like this?" Yuki asked, looking at Yumichika.
"Well, he likes to drink, but I've never seen him like this. I wonder what's eating at him."
"Go after him, Yumichika." Kenpachi said.
"Of course."
Yuki watched as Yumichika stood and went after Ikkaku. She looked around the dining hall and saw other people leaving, having finished their meals. She quickly finished her own meal, then stood and began to help clear everything away. When it was just Yachiru and Kenpachi left with her in the dining hall, Yuki stood before them. "'Chiru, are you and the Captain finished eating?"
Yachiru nodded. "Yup! Thanks, Yuki!"
Yuki smiled and took their dishes, heading towards the kitchens.
"Kenny, I'm going to check on Baldy!" Yachiru said, then disappeared.
When Yuki came back to the dining hall, she looked over at her new captain and saw that he appeared to be sleeping. Going over, she knelt next to him and gently touched his shoulder. "Captain?"
Kenpachi opened his eye and looked at Yuki, seeing for the first time how brilliant her light blue eyes were. "What is it?"
Yuki smiled. "Are you tired, Captain?"
Kenpachi yawned in response. "A bit."
"Since my room is along the way, would you like some company back to the quarters?"
Kenpachi stood. "Sure, why not? Yachiru is off with Ikkaku and Yumichika anyways."
Yuki followed next to Kenpachi as they exited the dining hall and made their way across the courtyard. She looked up at the moon and noticed how clear it was.
"So how do you like the squad?" Kenpachi asked.
"Well, Ikkaku is a bit of a hot head and smart mouth to boot, but the rest of the squad seems nice enough. I think I'll actually enjoy being in this squad."
"Are you serious about reaching bankai?"
"Of course, Captain. Hyoko and I have been working tirelessly the last few years trying to find the strength to push through to bankai, but I don't know what else I can do and I hope I can get that answer here, with you and the whole of Squad 11."
"Good. This will be an interesting challenge." Kenpachi said, smiling.
Yuki looked up at him. "Is the eye patch you wear a limiter, Captain? I have heard only rumors."
"Ya, that's how I know you've got that limiter. You have strong spiritual pressure and I can sense it's being suppressed. Are you afraid of unleashing it?"
Yuki sighed. "To be honest, yes, Captain, I am. Mom told me that when she and Captain Ukitake found me, I attacked them out of fear. They sensed that the ice I summoned was as a result of strong spiritual pressure and the only reason I had any control over it was because I had met Hyoko. My zanpakuto's spirit came to me as a child, very young, and she is the reason I found my way to that village, she is the reason why I have my mother, she is the reason why I survived for so long before Mom adopted me. Hyoko trained me, taught me things about life, kept me going. The least I can do for her is train hard to reach bankai, but even she can only teach me so much. Head Captain Yamamoto said that my spiritual pressure could go out of control should the limiter fail or be removed and the thought of that terrifies me."
"Well, as long as you're with us, you don't need to worry. We'll train you hard, but I will respect your boundaries." Kenpachi said.
Yuki stopped by her room. "This is me. I should turn in for the night."
"Alright. I look forward to seeing your duel with Ikkaku. Should be fun!"
Yuki bowed and smiled. "Thank you, Captain. I know you're not the type for being a softy and having these kinds of conversations, but I do appreciate it. Have a good night and I'll see you bright and early."
Kenpachi watched as Yuki went into her room, closing the door. She was so respectful, so kind, but yet she did resemble her adoptive mother in many ways. Kenpachi smiled despite himself and went to his room, thinking of how much he was going to enjoy working with Yuki Unohana.
