Money greedy Unohana…heheh I just love that…

Part VII

I was seated on a small platform right in front, right in the middle, like a trophy of honor. (Well, that's what I was actually, but you get my point.) I had so many feeling stirring inside me, that I had no idea what to say or do. All I could do was just sit and drink the tea they served me. (That happened to be oolong tea—very good, I must say.)

Kiyone took a few deep breaths before walking into the dojo. She wore those harois that cheering squad members wore to shout out their favorite idols as well as a head band painted with the Japanese red sun. She held her megaphone tightly in her right hand while with her left she slid open the rice paper doors.

She gasped seeing so many people gathered. The crowed stood, some sat on the ground, others on stools they bought off of Unohana—who sold them for fifty dollars a pop.

Sentaro was already there dressed in the same garb but blue, hers was pink—the universal colors of boy and girl. Yes, it wasn't just a battle of third-seats but also a battle of the sexes. SWA vs. SMA. And THAT is what made it so attractive, what made people pay for this.

Of course not everybody was there Kenpachi refused to attend figuring that if there would be no real combat involved then, it wasn't worth it. Captain Aizen because he had to in his, "Planner" and Byakuya, for reasons not specified.

There was the judges table set up with Hitsugaya at the end, Mayuri in the middle and Soi Fon.

"Why is he here?" Hitsu asked.

"The Commander wanted three judges—not my fault," replied Soi Fon.

Mayuri sighed, "This better be worth my time,"

Ol'Yama stepped in the center and stomped his cane to order silence.

"This is the first-ever, juice-spitting, dignity-stripping, fall-on-the-floor-laughing-take-you-to-the-hospital-because-you're-dying *takes a deep breath* and-you-really-need-to-stop-that-is-ridiculous, shout out contest." He coughed to clear his throat. Sasakibe handed him a glass of water which he drank before handing it back to him.

"You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll eat yams and fart till you pass out!" The captain commander cleared his throat once more.

Renji whispered to Shunsui who was next to him, "Does he really eat yams?"

"I donno, but I know that his farts are really bad."

Yes indeed. There were several instances were I did pass out.

"The contestants will be the two third-seats Kotsubaki Sentaro, and Kotetsu Kiyone," proclaimed the old man. The crowd roared with anticipation, "Our judges will be 10th Squad Captain—Hitsugaya Toushiro—,"

"Aw, shut up all of you…"

"12th Squad Captain—Kurotsuchi Mayuri—,"

"Barbarians…"

"And 2nd Squad Captain—Soi Fon!"

"Die, everybody, die."

Another excited roar washed over. Hanataro could be heard shouting—bring more flap-jacks, more soup! We're running out—we need drinnnnks!!!"

"Ahem," with that single cough, Yamamoto silenced everyone, "Now this is how it will go about. The contestants will start off with their degrading commentary and comebacks. It is an all out, meaning that there is no turns or any specific order," The old man paused to look left at Sentaro and right towards Kiyone, "Simply if you have something to say—say it. As the audience you are to cheer if the comment is favorable, boo if it is disagreeable or weak. Egg the contestants on with sounds of anticipation. Pick your favorites—the potential winner—you as the audience are the ones with the power to choose. The Judges will be here to correct any injustice or clear a stalemate. Also, during the intermission session later on, they will voice their own opinion on the matter. Now," Yamamoto stomped his cane to silence the starting murmur rippling across the crowd, "The winner of this contest—,"

He signaled to Matsumoto who was dressed in a provocative goldfish kimono matching beautifully with her golden wavy locks of hair. She extended her arms elegantly before a pair of shoji rice paper walls. Several cat calls and whistles filled the air.

"She's lookin real cute," purred Gin in a whisper.

Kira innocently pretended he heard nothing.

"—Will be promoted to 3 ½ seat by the 13th Squad Captain—,"

Each side of the screens was pulled apart by Nanao on one side and Iba on the other.

"Ukitake Juushiro!"

Roar, cheers and whistles filled the air.

I was seated atop of a platform and over my captain's haori, I wore one of Shunsui's. It was blue stitched with delicate white apple blossoms. He gave it to me saying that blue was the color most fitting, but, to have to wear it on an event such as this—I had no idea. But it was like I said—right in front right in the middle sipping my oolong tea, finally exposed. Through the crowd and the mass of faces, over the calm tranquil gaze of my Captain Commander—I saw my two beloved third seats. Both holding on tightly to their megaphones, their eyes full, their souls burning with conviction. What could I do? I just smiled the best I could, as Yachiru skipped up towards me with a microphone in her hands.

"A few words from the Guest of Honor," Yamamoto called out.

"Try your best, and remember—that no matter what rank or place you may be found yesterday, today or tomorrow, both of you will always be ranked equally in my heart."

Both Sentaro and Kiyone broke down in tears for a brief moment.

"This is ridiculous—this is obviously a waste of time, a leisure pastime for primitive organisms," growled Mayuri.

"Hey watch what you say," scoffed Soi Fon, "This hasn't even begun."

"Humph, what I mean is that obviously there's going to be no change even after a winner is announced," replied Mayuri, "Waste of my time already…"

"There is no such thing as a 3 ½ seat. The winner may receive a pretty ribbon and all but in Soul Society law—you're either 3rd seat or you're not—simple as that," finalized Hitsugaya as he sipped on a cup of tea he bought off of Unohana's stand.

"Now that I think about it—you're right," Soi Fon replied.

End Chapter