OH THIS CHAPTER'S GONNA BE EXCITING!
DISCLIAMER DON'T OWN ANY CHARACTER EXCEPT FOR Ms. KIN, LEE AND TAGE
Chapter 7:- The Hot Springs
It had been two weeks now since Ms. Kin became temporary Head Captain and already the Soul Society was experiencing the changes. Taking Kensei's advice, Ms. Kin had replaced the training equipment with new state of the art equipment.
She had also started new renovations to the old, dilapidated building in the Seiretei and was now requesting that each squad paint their barracks. This didn't go to well with the Captains when were told at the second Meeting. However, Ms. Kin got them to agree when she pointed out that they weren't the one who were going to do the painting.
The Captains had even done their reports as request which shocked Ms. Kin a bit, although she did not show. The Captains had agreed amongst themselves that since Ms. Kin had been keeping her promises and was working to improve the Seiretei, the least they could do was facilitate her by doing their reports. It actually wasn't that bad.
They had had three Meetings thus far and the Captains were now seeing the benefits of the regular meetings. Their concerns were being met and improvements were seen throughout the Soul Society. These meetings also gave them an excuse to get away from the Barrack and their tiresome subordinates.
It was now Saturday afternoon and Ms. Kin was sitting as usual at her desk in the Head Captain's office. She had just finished issuing orders to Lee and Tage for the evening, and was about to start reviewing the reports handed in by the Captains when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter." Ms. Kin said.
Immediately one of the sentries posted outside walked in and bowed deeply. Upon standing he said, "Captain, Captain Kurotsuchi is here for his scheduled meeting."
The previous evening at the Captain's Meeting, Captain Kurotsuchi had requested a special meeting with her in on the following evening. Seeing no harm in granting his request Ms. Kin had agreed but she was having second thoughts now. She had heard many rumors about the eccentric captain of the Twelfth Division. Nevertheless she told the guard to let him in.
"Good evening Head Captain. Thank you for seeing me." Captain Kurotsuchi said and he walked in and stood in front of Ms. Kin's desk.
"Good evening Captain Kurotsuchi. How may I help you this evening?" Ms. Kin replied calmly.
"Well, I would like to take you up on that offer you made on our first meeting about the funding for new research projects. I hope you didn't think this was a casual meeting?" he answered.
"Of course not," Ms. Kin replied likewise. Frankly she didn't really take Mayuri Kurotsuchi for a man who made social visits to his fellow Captains. "So Captain, please tell about the new research project that you would like to undertake."
Immediately a wicked smile spread across his neatly painted face. "I'm glad you ask Head Captain, it's very interesting." Captain Kurotsuchi then proceeded to explain to Ms. Kin his new idea for a research project.
Realizing that this would take a while, Ms. Kin put away the reports and sat up a little. Knitting her fingers together she placed them on her desk and got comfortable to listen to Mayuri's speech. He spoke about going to world of the living to retrieve living specimens of human animals to do studies on and about creating a new type of mod soul using animal DNA. He talked about all sorts of new topics to do research on all of which included do testing, mutating, dissecting or injecting some kind of living or formally alive creature.
After Captain Kurotsuchi was finished describing his many ideas Ms. Kin simply sat back in her chair. Sighing a little she said, "No."
"No? What do you mean no?" Captain Kurotsuchi asked sounding extremely confused.
"I mean that I cannot give my consent on these Research projects Captain." Ms. Kin explained calmly.
Mayuri really looked confused now. "But why ever not?" he asked again.
"I simply cannot condone any research that requires you to test on living beings Captain." She elaborated.
"Then what I'm what I am supposed to do?" Captain Kurotsuchi exclaimed. "All my research experiments require a living test subject."
"I'm glad you asked that." Ms. Kin responded. She moved from her spot behind her desk and stood in front slightly leaning against it. "Recently," she continued, "I've been reading report from Soul Reapers returning from the real world. A common complaint amongst all of them was that it was very difficult to get out of their gigai and draw their Zanpakuto."
Here Ms. Kin paused a bit then she continued on with her statement, "I want you to develop a method by which a Soul reaper does not have to come out of his or her gigai to draw their Zanpakuto. I've already spoken to Central Forty-Six and they have approved funding for this task."
"Really? This is an interesting development. Most of my research deals with living creatures but this seems to be an equally interesting endeavor." Captain Kurotsuchi commented.
Ms. Kin let out a breath of relief. Captain Kurotsuchi had taken to the idea. She had feared that he would not see the value in such a development but he was more open minded than she gave him credit for. Just to make sure he wouldn't change his mind she added, "There's no one else in the Soul Society with your knowledge Captain. I'm sure you'll figure it out."
Emboldened by his praise Captain Kurotsuchi stood up a little straighter and replied, "Certainly Head Captain, as you wish. Now if you will excuse me I must go brief my staff on our new task."
With a nod of her head, Ms. Kin consented for him to leave. However, as Mayuri reached the door MS. Kin said, "Oh and Captain I expect to see some form of results by the end of next month."
Before Mayuri had a chance to respond Ms. Kin had Shunpoed to door beside him and said gently, "You have a good evening Captain."
With that she ushered him out and told the guards to make sure there were no more disturbances for the evening. Going back to her desk, Ms. Kin sat down her cushioned chair with a plop. Having a rare moment to herself she let out a loud sigh. Leaning back she began to rub the back of her next, trying to soothe out all the knots in her muscles. Running the Seiretei was a harder job than Ms. Kin imagined.
There were reports to read and sign, request to facilitate, orders to issue and an entire squad that had to get training done. At least Lee and Tage took care of the squad training. Not to mention Ms. Kin still had her duties as soon to be Head of the Kin Clan and ensuring that Lee and Tage did their extra training every morning.
"How does Byakuya do it all?" she asked out loud. Over the past week Ms. Kin had gained a new respect for the usually stoic Captain of Sixth Division.
Getting up Ms. Kin walked over to the large map of the Seiretei hanging on her wall. She thought that maybe looking at the picture might calm her nerves when something caught her eye. On the south end of the Seiretei, close to the protective wall was a little box marked, "Seiretei Hot Springs."
This intrigued her quite a bit. Then and there Ms. Kin decided that she could do with a visit to the Hot springs maybe it would do her aching muscles well. After neatening up her desk and putting away all finished and signed reports she left the office.
On her way out she stopped and told the guards that she was leaving for the evening and would return later on that night to finish reading the Captains' reports. As Ms. Kin walked through the corridors of the First Division barrack, she let her spiritual pressure emanate just a bit to warn anyone coming her way that she was in no mood to be disturbed.
Unfortunately one person did not quiet get the message. As Ms. Kin rounded one of the corners she bumped into to something short and tiny. As she looked down to the ground she saw none other than the squeamish seventh of Forth Division Hanataro Yamada.
Upon seeing who he bumped into, Hanataro instantly was on his pleading, "I'm so sorry Head Captain! Please don't hurt me!"
Initially Ms. Kin was a little irritated to be obstructed on her way to the Hot springs but it was hard to say mad at someone as pitiful as Hanataro. Sighing softly she extended her hand and helped him up.
"It quiet alright…" Ms. Kin wanted to assure him that everything was alright but didn't even know his name.
"Oh, sorry again, I'm seventh seat Hanataro Yamada of Forth Division." Hanataro piped in, still scared out of his wits.
"Right Hanataro, there was no harm done and I would hurt you for bumping into me," Ms. Kin said, trying to calm the panic stricken boy. "Might I ask what are you doing at the First Division barrack this late Hanataro?"
"Yes, I almost forgot." Fishing through his robes Hanataro emerged with a small vial and handed it to Ms. Kin. "Captain Unohana though that you might be a little stressed after these first two weeks and Head Captain and thought that this might help."
Still a bit nervous, Hanataro handed Ms. Kin the vial. Taking the vial in hand Ms. Kin examined it carefully.
"Please thank Captain Unohana for me but I must ask, what is it?" stated Ms. Kin.
"It's a special bath salt that calms the mind and soothes muscles. My Captain thought that it would come in handy." Hanataro replied.
Ms. Kin wondered how Captain Unohana knew that such a gift would come in handy right now but she was in no mood to contemplate such a coincidence.
"Thank you Hanataro for this special delivery." Ms. Kin said. Hanataro bowed respectfully and waited to be dismissed but Ms. Kin had other idea.
Walking up a little closer she asked, "Hanataro do you know the way to the Seiretei Hot Springs?"
"Yes Head Captain. I've spent many days cleaning up in there." He replied still bowing, "It's one of the nicer places that I clean."
"Good you can take me there then," Ms. Kin said grasping Hanataro's hand which made the tiny Soul Reaper blush slightly.
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Lee and Tage both sat at the end of a long table waiting patiently for the others to arrive. They were at their first ever Shinigami Men's Association Executive Meeting. As Lieutenants they were automatically part of the executive. They had reached early and were eager to experience all that the meeting had to offer. Also it gave them a chance to get out of the Kin mansion and interact with the other members of the Seiretei.
There days were mostly spent training Squad one or running errands for their sister. Over the two weeks they had been there they had made friends with the other Lieutenants as well as some of the Captains. Captain Kyouraku was especially nice to them but that just because he had a major crush on Ms. Kin.
Eventually the other members arrived. The executive consisted of all the male Captains and Lieutenants as well as Ikkaku and Yumichika. The only persons who were absent that night were Captain Kenpachi because he really didn't give a crap, Captain Histugya because he was trying to finish the paper work that Ranginku had neglected and Captain Kurotsuchi because he was briefing his staff on their new research project.
After about ten minutes Captain Ukitake stood at the front of the long table. Swaying slightly he began to speak.
"Seeing that everyone's here I think we should begin the meeting. First of I would like to welcome our two new members, Lee and Tage."
There was talking as the other members acknowledged their new associates. After some pleasantries were exchanged Captain Ukitake continued talking.
"Now that everyone's acquainted let's start are there any concerns that anyone would like to bring to the table?"
"I have a suggestion," Captain Kyouraku said, "The renovations to the Hot Springs are finally finished. I think that we should have our meeting there, don't you think?"
"Captain Kyouraku that is highly inappropriate. We cannot have our meeting at the Hot Springs." Byakuya stated.
"Now, now Captain Kuchiki, this is an executive Board meeting and think the board should decide, isn't that right Captain Kyouraku?" Shinji added with a broad smile on his face. Like a little child Kyouraku nodded in agreement.
"Fine have your vote." Byakuya rebuked.
Seeing that a vote was to be held, Captain Ukitake stood and asked, "All those in favor of going to the hot spring to hold the meeting, please say 'aye'."
A chorus of 'ayes' rang through the meeting room. The only people who didn't say 'aye' were Byakuya, Captain Komamura and Kensei.
"Well the 'ayes' have it. To the hot spring we go!" Captain Ukitake happily exclaimed.
"I love these meetings."Lee whispered to Tage as they made way outside. Unwillingly Byakuya, Sajin and Kensei followed the band of jolly board member to the hot springs.
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Hanataro and Ms. Kin finally reached the hot springs. It hadn't taken that long as Hanataro knew the way there like the back of his hand. Walking ahead Hanataro pushed open the door and ushered Ms. Kin in. without hesitation Ms. Kin entered the pitch black room. A short while after Hanataro managed to find the light switch and turned on the light.
The light revealed a small room with a desk and two doors at the back.
"One door leads to the hot springs and the other leads to the change rooms." Hanataro indicated. MS. Kin just nodded in understanding.
Hanataro continued by saying, "Recently the hot springs were under renovation. The renovations have only been finished about a month or so. If you want I can give you a little tour?"
Ms. Kin let a rare smile grace her face as she turned to Hanataro and replied, "Thank you for the offer Hanataro but I'll manage."
This caused Hanataro to blush again. Ms. Kin then turned and exited through the door that led to the hot springs. Hanataro took this as his hint to exit. As he was about to open the door to leave he realized something. Ms. Kin hadn't taken a towel.
Being the helpful person that he was, Hanataro ran into the change room and got one of the brand new towels from the stock shelf. He would just knock on the door and tell Ms. Kin that would leave the towel on the desk in the room outside. As Hanataro exited the changing room he was greeted with a sight that made his head spin.
There rushing through the door were all the male Lieutenants of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Before Hanataro had a chance to say a word they all rushed into the room with the hot springs. They same room were Ms. Kin was presently occupying. Only Renji managed to acknowledge Hanataro as he rushed alongside the other Lieutenants.
Shortly after the lieutenants had entered the Captains came. Upon seeing Hanataro with the towel in hand, Captain Kyouraku asked, "Did you came for a late night bath too Hanataro?"
Hanataro was still to panic stricken to speak the only thought that was going through his mind was what Ms. Kin would do when all the men jump into the hot spring.
He had little time to think because before he realized it Captain Kyouraku was pushing him into the room with the hot springs. Hanataro really didn't want to go in there. He began fighting to get out of Captain Kyouraku's grasp but to no avail.
"Please Captain I really don't want to go in there!" he pleaded.
"Don't worry kid," Shinji comforted, "we're not gonna tell your captain so ease up."
"That's not what I'm worried about." Hanataro wailed, but before he had time to explain they had already pushed him into the room. Immediately Hanataro's face turned as pale as the morning fog.
Seeing the Horrified look on Hanataro's face, Renji asked, "Hey, Hanataro what's wrong you look like you just stared death in the eye."
"I think I still am." Hanataro whispered.
"Huh?"
Before Hanataro could say another word, in the water behind the Lieutenants someone cleared their throat.
"Who's there?" Ikkaku demanded pointing his wooden sword which he carried everywhere in the direction of the sound.
"Here let me put on the lights on that side of the room." Captain Ukitake offered.
With the lights on it revealed Ms. Kin sitting in the corner against one of the massive rocks that rimmed the hot spring. A simultaneous yell erupted from the Lieutenants in the water and Hanataro fainted.
"You all should really be more attentive to your surroundings." Ms. Kin told the shocked group.
Upon seeing her fully, sitting there in her bath robe, a mad blush spread across the lieutenants' faces. They looked redder than Renji's hair. Noticing their predicament they all scrambled to hide behind one another to shield themselves from Ms. Kin eyes. They didn't really want their Head Captain to see them in nothing more than their underwear.
Soon all the Lieutenants were hiding behind Lee and Tage who were the only ones who weren't acting like complete fools. Off to the side Kensei just shook his head in disbelief at their teenage behavior. Captain Ukitake was unsuccessfully trying to revive Hanataro while Byakuya and Sajin just stood there waiting to see what would happen next.
The only persons who seemed to be delighted at this unforeseen change of events were Captain Kyouraku and Captain Shinji. They immediately jumped in to the hot springs. For a few minutes they were los under the water but eventually emerged on either side of Ms. Kin.
"So Captain we didn't know you'd be her today?" Shinji said wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"I should be asking you same thing, weren't you supposed to have a meeting tonight?" Ms. Kin replied.
"Well we decided that it would be more fun to have our meeting here." Captain Kyouraku said moving a little closer to Ms. Kin.
"Well in that case I think I'll take my leave now." She responded.
Before either Kyouraku or Shinji could say a word Ms. Kin had Shunpoed out the water. She was now standing on the outside of the Hot spring. If it was possible the faces of all the Lieutenants got even redder. There was a slight on the faces of the Captains also. There was even a slight pink on Byakuya's cheeks but no one was really watching him then.
All their eyes were plastered to Ms. Kin. Her wet Bath robes clung to her body, showing off her curves. The robes weren't see through though, so she was perfectly cover. This still stop the men from gawking at her. She didn't really take much notice of them. Instead she walked over to where Captain Ukitake was trying to revive Hanataro.
Kneeling down she placed a wet on Hanataro's small chest. The palm of her hand began to glow and suddenly Hanataro jerked forward. He immediately stood bolt upright. However, seeing Ms. Kin beside him that close and wet, made the small Soul Reaper faint again.
"Captain I think you should probably leave." Ukitake said gently, "He's not going to wake up if you're….around. You know what I mean."
Ms. Kin understood perfectly well. Getting up she turned towards them door but was forced to stop when Captain Kyouraku called out from the hot springs.
"Aw! Captain you can stay you know. You're not disturbing us."
"Thank you for the offer Captain," she replied, "but I must get back to my office. I have work to complete."
Instead of waiting for Kyouraku to respond, Ms. Kin simply walked out the door and went straight to the changing room. No one even saw when she got her shihakusho and haori.
"Hey wasn't it just me or did she have a tattoo on her back?" Ikkaku asked out loud.
All eyes turned to Lee and Tage questioningly. Sighing Tage answered, "Yes sour sister has a tattoo."
"Hey Renji now you're not the only walking canvas in the Seiretei!" Iba called out.
"Hmm…. I didn't really take her for a girl who'd be in to tattoos." Shinji mused out loud.
"She got it after the First Clan War," Lee explained. "It says 'In war we fight not for victory but for peace.' At least that's what she told us."
"So you haven't looked at it to see what's written?" Hisagi asked.
"No!" both Lee and Tage blurted out.
"She's our sister. That would be just wrong." Tage exclaimed.
"Well you have one gorgeous sister that's for sure." Ikkaku said and they were many nods of agreement.
"Alright let get down to business and start this Meeting please. It's already getting late." Captain Ukitake commanded.
"And no more talking about our sister please!" Lee yelled out just before they started their discussion.
END OF CHAPTER
FINALLY I'M FINISHED. THIS WAS ONE OF THE LONGEST CHAPTERS I'VE EVER WROTE.
I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY READING IT AS MUCH AS ENJOYED WRITING IT.
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW AND ANY IDEAS FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED.