The members of squads Three, Five, and Six stood around a large white courtyard, facing the north side where stood the head of all the Seiretei, captain of Squad One, Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryuusai. He was an old man, seemingly shriveled, with a long white mustache and beard that touched the floor and matching long white hair tucked behind his hunched back. His eyes were rarely seen, only known to be open on occasions where you wouldn't want to be in the same area as him. Most of the officers were used to these large meetings, but they did not often have their Captains and Vice-Captains with them. There were usually separate meetings for those of higher ranking. But on this day, there were announcements to be made that involved every Shinigami of these three squads.

Kira and Hinamori stood to the West of the courtyard along with the rest of Squad Five. Renji was nowhere to be seen, now that he had, in fact, been transferred to Squad Eleven the previous day. There had been no need for a big meeting to announce that; but Kira and Hinamori now wondered if they, too, would be separated. Kira had swallowed any comment when he heard the news: if only Renji had heeded his warning and sought to listen to his superiors, even just a little bit. But he had to be himself, and Kira didn't blame him. He only hoped that now Renji would learn from his mistakes.

Yamamoto Taichou opened his mouth to speak, and at once all other conversation ceased. "Welcome Shinigami," he said in a gruff but strong and outstanding voice, "As some of you may have heard, there have been some recent promotions. Now I would like to make them official." Many of the Shinigami nodded knowingly, some nudging the others with an "I told you so!" look. Yamamoto spoke once again and the commotion stopped. "Firstly, we have a new Captain of Squad Three. Gin Ichimaru! "

Gin smiled broadly and stepped forward, sporting his new white Captain's robes like a vest hung open over his black ones. The courtyard held scattered applause, which quickly died out. Gin didn't seem offended.

"Yamamoto Taichou, I got sumthin' to announce myself," he said respectfully, bowing. "May I?" Yamamoto replied in the affirmative, and Gin took the floor. "I'd like to take a Shinigami from my ol' Fifth Squad along as my Vice-Captain." At those words, the entire Fifth Squad listened intently, some even pointing to themselves and mouthing silently. A few even raised their hands meekly, volunteering. Though curious himself about who Gin was going to choose (or rather, had probably already chosen), Kira couldn't help but smile at their antics: these people weren't subtle about their hatred for Gin outside of these meetings, yet when a high position was up for grabs, they acted like they adored him. It was just like Renji had said about people sucking up to Aizen. "More specifically," Gin continued, ignoring all their hands and eager faces, "I'd like to take Izuru Kira."

Kira's stomach turned in knots, unbelieving that he had just heard his own name. Hinamori turned to him, as did everyone else who knew who he was. Vice Captain of the Third Squad? He didn't feel worthy; wasn't he still in training? But with everyone looking, he had to respond in some way. And it wasn't as though he were disappointed. Hinamori was looking up at him, open-mouthed, both shocked and pleased. She pushed him forward towards the north side, where Gin stood.

"Come, Izuru," he said softly, and Kira had a feeling he was the only person who heard him. Kira obeyed and made his way over to where Gin held out a five-sided armband with his new squad's symbol. He was almost afraid to take it, afraid of having authority and taking the responsibility. He reached for it delicately, moving his hand slowly towards greater being. But as he unfolded his fingers to grasp it, Gin muttered "too slow," grabbed a hold of his sleeve, and slid the badge up his arm forcefully. Kira's face went red at this. What a strange thing to do, not to mention rude. He was grateful that the crowd was too busy paying attention to Yamamoto's next announcement to have seen that.

"Second, Squad Six has a new Captain as well. Byakuya Kuchiki!"

A few people fell over, and others stood strangely stiff as Byakuya now walked out of the shadows and faced the crowd. He did not smile, nor did he make any gesture that said he was happy to take the job. What he did was survey his Squad with disarray, acting like the other two didn't exist. Those who could move looked at him expectantly as though he, too, were going to announce his Vice Captain out of the blue. But of course, he did not. He only bowed to Yamamoto out of respect and gratitude, then continued to frown at his Squad.

"Have you anything to say, Kuchiki Taichou?" Yamamoto asked.

For a moment, it looked as though Byakuya were contemplating actually saying something, but then opened his mouth to speak and simply said, "No."

"Then the meeting is dismissed," said Yamamoto.

The silence was broken almost immediately as strings of conversation began to echo through the courtyard. Shinigami filed out neatly, seated officers bringing up the rear. Hinamori tried to catch her friend's eye as he went towards his new Squad, but with no such luck. She decided to congratulate him later, but for now, she would be on her own. Squad Six looked almost afraid as they shuffled away, muttering to themselves about their new captain in worried tones of voice. Byakuya himself said absolutely nothing, but looked even smugger than before.

Kira followed his own new Captain to meet his new subordinates but found himself greeted with anything but friendly eyes. It seemed Squad Three was not especially happy about two complete strangers controlling them. Though they bowed in respect, it was clear that most of them were very resentful. Gin didn't seem to care. He simply waved to his new Squad and then left the courtyard, beckoning Kira along with him. Because of his superior height, he walked in longer strides, and Kira had to jog quickly along to catch up.

"Taichou," he panted, noting to himself that he was going to have to get used to saying that, "where are we going?"

Gin smiled. "To check out our new territory."