Wow, the first time since the start of this story that a chapter hasn't been longer than the previous one 0.0. Also first time I haven't opened the chapter with a thought comment from Yoshirou. Still, about 4000 words a chapter is pretty fair by this point, had a lot of fun writing this one, can't thank redwarrioroflight enough for that useful advice, and I have been putting it to use! Anyhow, your not here to listen to this blab, so go ahead and read the chapter!
"Now, the first matter of concern is regarding the last meeting that we had. You all acted rather inappropriate in that meeting, after the suggestion was made to abolish the Kido Corps, many of you acted out of order. If we have a repeat of this event today, there will be severe punishments among the offenders, most prominently, if you can't keep a civil tongue in your head Kenpachi, then you will be removed from here by force."-Yamamoto announced, glaring mostly at Kenpachi, who just yawned out of boredom. "As I was saying, the first matter is concerning the abolishment of the Kido Corps, as you can see; today we have present the current head of the Kido Corps, 3rd seat Yoshirou Kenshin." At this announcement, many heads turned to watch Yoshirou. Yoshirou did the best he could to maintain a passive expression, but he could feel he was starting to sweat from the pressure about him. "As there is no Captain for the Kido Corps he is responsible for all leadership of his squad as acting leader. Now, in our last meeting, there was a suggestion that the current Squad be abolished. In order to maintain relationships, I shall not announce who made this suggestion; suffice to say it was made in personal secrecy." At this, Kenpachi was heard to mutter something that sounded like "Personal secrecy my ass, they were just scared of getting butchered" Well that removes Kenpachi from the suspicious Yoshirou thought, surprised to think that the headstrong leader of the all melee type squad 11 had not been the one to elect for abolishment. Anyway why is Yamamoto bringing this up? I thought he was going to wait until I achieved Bankai…
"Regardless of whom it was, the suggestion was made, and more than three captains supported the argument, so it would normally be passed. However, today I am suggesting an alternative route. The original argument had been that lack of communication made the Kido Corps a risk; however it is possible to promote a new Captain as leader of the Kido Corps. This Captain will be directly integrated into the Gotei 13, and all meetings will be made with this new Captain in attendance. This will remove the risk of misinformation. Now, regarding who will become the new Captain, I am afraid there is only one potential candidate, which would be young Yoshirou here. As you have already seen, he has one of the three requirements needed already: Captain Class reiatsu. As to the second requirement, he has yet to attain Bankai, but he has already reached the level of materialisation, and will most likely attain Bankai within the year. As far as I can see, that is satisfactory. Now the final requirement is the support of three independent captains. Normally, this would mean testing by this method, but due to the pressure of the Ryoka, I would prefer to solve this now." Wow, sly move Yoshirou thought. You're using the Ryoka as an excuse to skip testing?
"However, this does not mean that we can remove this requirement, support is needed for Yoshirou to achieve Captain Rank. Now we are going to vote on this matter; Will Yoshirou Kenshin be worthy of the Rank of Captain? Whichever side has the majority will be the policy that we follow, either he shall become a Captain, or the Kido Corps will be removed" No! Yoshirou thought. That's far too risky, I don't even know most of these people, how can I get their approval? "Now, each captain must state their reasons for their choice validly. Also, no Captain may affect another Captains vote. Now, I shall vote first. My choice is to support Yoshirou Kenshin. In the face of the current situation, we need unity among our squads; the removal of the Kido Corps will only harm our cause. Now, each Captain may say their choice in turn."
There was a silence in the room as each Captain considered his or her response. My best chance is to get the approval of the oldest Captains Yoshirou concluded internally. If I have them on my side, the others will probably follow suit. "If I may Sou-Taichou, I wish to make my vote"-Aizen announced. Good, Aizen knows me, he will most likely choose to side with me. "I'm sorry Yoshirou, but I still don't think you are quite ready for the responsibility of being a Captain" …What! "I feel that you are still too young, still too unknowing of what being a Captain means. I think given time, you may indeed prove to be worthy of the Rank, but you will have to take it from a different squad, your not ready to lead the Kido Corps, I'm sorry" Aizen concluded with a small, sad smile. Damn, the first one to reply says negatively Yoshirou thought bitterly. This could easily become a landslide-
"I will also voice my disapproval of this. He is indeed too young; he cannot know what justice means, a man in command who does not know justice is merely a fool. Justice is what drives us to make the right choices, without, he is not worthy to become a Captain"-said Tosen quietly, not once raising his voice loudly, despite the powerful condemnations within his speech. Shit, two down! This is going horribly!
"Just as Tosen said, he knows not what it is to be responsible. He has not faced a defeat before, or been forced to make a choice where no matter what, his men will die. I do not believe that when the time comes, he will be able to make the right choice. For that, I shall also say no." –Komamura stated. Fuck, this couldn't go any worse! At this rate, the Kido Corps may really get disbanded! It was now taking all of his concentration to keep calm in the face of this situation; he had already bitten his lip so hard that blood was flowing into his mouth. No, this can't be happening! I can't let this happen! I-
Calm down Yoshirou, don't worry about their choices, they were sound
But Taiyou, they-!
Calm! You forget, you already have the vote of the Sou-Taichou, and don't despair yet, there are still many who are willing to support you
But-!
"I shall approve of his promotion" a quiet, yet authoritive voice called out. Snapped back to reality, Yoshirou looked forward for the voice that had called out. "I shall support the decision to promote Yoshirou Kenshin as the captain of the Kido Corps." Byakuya repeated quietly. Byakuya… "Oh Byakuya, couldn't that be considered just supporting your friend?" -Kyoraku inquired, interested as to what the man would say to defend himself. "It is not. I shall never do something as callous as mix relations with matters of urgency. No, I believe that Yoshirou shows all of the qualities to be a Captain, unlike what Komamura has said, I have seen first hand the decisions that Yoshirou has made under duress in the field. Despite his immaturity, he has always made the safety of his comrades his main priority, even putting himself on the front lines to both protect and ensure the success of a mission. He is indeed young, and foolhardy, but I believe that this is not a quality to be condemned, rather, we should wait for the time that he goes beyond this, and becomes the man who shall stand stronger than all others. For that reason, I shall support him"-Byakuya finished.
"Well said, well said!" Kyoraku said, surprising everybody with some enthusiastic clapping. "I was thinking of a way I could support him, but you have pretty much brought them all up in one swoop! What a surprising man you are Byakuya! Unfortunately, I no longer have any excuses to support him, but for the sake that he can indeed hold his drink, I support Yoshirou! I would also like to add that, despite being unable to attend, I am fully sure that Ukitake would also support this lad!"
"Oh well that sounds like a well planned argument Kyoraku"-Soi Fon said sarcastically. "Also, you don't have the right to vote on Ukitake's behalf, he must vote himself." "Ouch, the hornet stings violently again! Well, Soi Fon, I would like to see you do better!" Oh man, judging from that, it's going to be a no… "I will also support Yoshirou Kenshin's promotion"…huh? "I have also seen Yoshirou's prowess, and therefore stand behind the decision to promote him" "Oh and my argument was awful, I wonder what kind of prowess you have seen of him? Maybe a different kind than us mere men?"-Kyoraku insinuated at Soi Fon. "I would not insinuate that Kyoraku, after all you are most obviously gay, if I saw such prowess, then undoubtedly you have as well."-Soi Fon calmly responded, not rising to the obvious bait "I am not! It is simply a personal preference to wear pink!"-Kyoraku replied quickly, faking offense at the insult. Unlike earlier, it was now taking all of Yoshirou's concentration not to laugh.
"Seriously, you are all acting like children, what a waste of time! I will not agree to this promotion, the boy is of no interest whatsoever, he holds a rather unique artefact, but that is all! Nothing of worth to make him a Captain!"-Mayuri hissed out. "What? That little band is unique?"-Kenpachi said, now rather annoyed. "Yes you idiot, and it is bound to him, he is the only one who can make use of them now!" Really? I thought these things were just a training implement, just what exactly did Tessai give me? Yoshirou pondered, idly poking the bands in his hands. "Fuck! And I had my hopes up that I could get a better seal than this damn thing! Bah, what's the point of having a damn wimpy squad like them anyway? Even if the kid here is good, the rest of them are all gonna be weak pussies, I mean you saw that girl from earlier nearly collapsed upon coming in here! I say we abolish the Kido wimps and be done with it!"
"On the contrary, Kenpachi, without the help from the Kido users, your battle loving squad would have been annihilated long ago. Kido is the basics behind healing magic after all, and without healers there is no-one to support the wounded. Yoshirou has already been instructed with some of my own techniques, and as things stand, he is probably a more worthy asset on the battlefield than me. He can be of great use to Soul Society, and it would be unwise to not promote him. As such, I will also stand behind him"-Unohana announced, giving one of her oddly scary smiles in Kenpachi's direction who, much to his credit, shrugged it off.
Damn, Yoshirou thought, only two people left, since Ukitake isn't present. The votes are at five on both sides, I have to either get both of them, or one of them. If it's a tie, then it will have to wait until Ukitake is better, and as Kyoraku said, Ukitake will most likely support me. "My turn then, I'm gonna say nope to his promotion" Gin declared, his rather creepy smile not moving an inch. "And your reason is?"-Yamamoto asked "he's jus' no good". This got him some odd looks from everyone. Is he in trouble already or something, that their giving him those glares? Scrap that, I'm in trouble! If I don't get this last vote its over!
All attention now turned to the diminutive figure in the room. Hitsugaya however, only had eyes for Yoshirou. Yoshirou did the best he could to hold the stare of the young boy, but it felt impossible. Thos cold blue eyes seemed to pierce right through his own. After a minute of this tense competition between the two, Hitsugaya finally started speaking. "I don't know you Yoshirou, I don't know what you're capable of, and I don't know what you will do with this rank, there's simply too much I don't know about you. Normally I would never support a person upon which I know so little. However, your eyes don't lie; you are indeed a person I think I can trust, as such, I shall also stand behind you. Yoshirou, I support the decision to make you into a Captain" So, it is a tie after all Yoshirou realised. This meeting didn't get us anywhere, it's just going to be delayed. Still, I suppose I know now who I will be able to turn to for support in the future, I suppose there really isn't much surprise on how it went thinking on it. Most of the captains who voted for me, know me, and most of the captains who voted against me didn't. The only real surprises were Hitsugaya and Aizen, I never expected Aizen to turn against me.
Did you not listen to him? He didn't turn against you, he just doesn't seem to think you are quite ready yet, he does seem to have faith in your abilities, but in all honesty, I could agree with him. Perhaps pushing this Captain promotion onto you is a bit too early; after all you are going to practically be the third youngest Shinigami ever promoted to Captain Rank, behind Gin and Hitsugaya.
It's not about whether I am ready or not, I must be ready or I'm going to lose my Squad, and I can't let that happen, not after Tessai's last orders.
Maybe so, but don't you think you are taking this responsibility a bit too far? I don't think he planned for the chance that he would be exiled while you were looking after the squad.
Maybe, but I swore that I would Hold down the fort until his business was finished, I'm not about to back down now because things are getting bad, until he returns, I will do everything to ensure my squad survives.
(Feminine laugh) Oh listen to you! Even now you are already accepting your task as his successor, "My Squad?" That doesn't sound like a man who expects his leaders return! Still, if you are truly this resolute, I will follow you as well, my Aruji.
"Master?" Heh since when were you docile enough to call me that? Don't do it again, it creeps me out hearing you say it, just keep the name, its bad enough everyone's going to start calling me Taichou soon, don't you start bowing your head too!
I suppose not, after all you are yet to force me to your will, don't forget your last requirement is to complete your Bankai, I shall not give my approval for that so easily.
"Yoshirou Kenshin, we have waited long enough!"-Yamamoto growled at said man, whom he had gotten tired waiting for. Whoops, I keep forgetting he also knows that ability of ours. "My apologies, Sou-Taichou, it was an important matter that I had to discuss". This earned some strange looks from everybody, who were all confused as to why they had just waited so long for the Sou-Taichou to speak. All but Kyoraku, who had quickly perceived the change in Yoshirou during their wait. "Nice eyes you had there Yoshirou!" he called across, earning him a puzzled look from Yoshirou and the other Captain's.
"Enough! The decision has been made to delay this matter until the opinion of Ukitake Jūshirō may be heard on this matter. Now that this has been decided, your presence in this room is no longer needed, Yoshirou Kenshin. However, it is up to you whether you wish to leave or not. If you choose to stay, your opinion will not be heard in the upcoming discussions, since for now you do not hold the rank of Captain; you may not join in these meetings. However, you hold the right to hear any information that is passed in this room. You may choose." "With all respects, I would like to stay and listen." "Indeed. Now, the next and final matter is to deal with the 3rd Division Captain Ichimaru Gin-"
(10 Minutes later)
Yoshirou was starting to regret his decision to stay in the room, after all who likes being totally ignored in a heated discussion? As far as he heard, it seemed that Gin had failed to kill or capture the Ryoka when he was given a chance earlier. Maybe this is one of the Captains I'm going to have to report on? Yoshirou thought. I hope not, as a kid he creeped me out, as he is now I'm practically afraid of him. Hey wait up; this explains why everybody was acting odd when he gave that crap explanation for his choice, that didn't even make sense! "He's jus' no good"? What the hell could that mean? Suddenly however, a loud noise brought his attention back to earth, a load clacking that everybody heard. Wait a second that's the…
ALERT! ALERT! INTRUDERS IN THE CITY! ALL PERSONAL SHOULD REPORT TO THEIR STATIONS!
"What? Intruders?"-Kenpachi growled, excitement growing in his voice. "Can it be… the same ones as before?"-Aizen added, apprehension in his voice rather than excitement. Gin however, kept a straight face, his grin not slipping for one second. Suddenly a loud stomp noise; faster than Yoshirou could follow, Kenpachi charged for the door, nearly ripped it off Its hinges and charged out, a maniacal grin on his face. "Wait Kenpachi! We are not supposed to just charge in!" Aizen shouted after him, but it was no use, Kenpachi was long gone. Wow, I don't envy the man who gets in his way.
"…It can't be helped… The meeting will be postponed for now! We will decide on Ichimaru's punishment later. Everyone please return to your defence stations for now." Everybody started filling out then. Aizen seemed to start saying something to Gin, but Soi Fon interrupted Yoshirou's chance to listen in. "The usual place, five hours time"- she curtly said before continuing. Kyoraku had not missed this, and sidled up as well "Oho, perhaps I was right?" "Nope, wrong, and don't let her hear you talk like that."-Yoshirou answered. "Hear what?"-Soi Fon said, suddenly reappearing between the two men. Fast! Why in hell is everybody so fast! "Do not mistake me Kyoraku; I have been using Yoshirou to further my training." "Oho, training of what type?" "Not of your concern". Once again Soi Fon disappeared "My, my, this sounds interesting! However, we don't have the time at the moment, you had best return to your squad as well Yoshirou, get them ready for whatever this problem is." Kyoraku finished before walking out. It was now Aizen who passed Yoshirou. "I'm sorry for speaking against you Yoshirou, it is just that I think being a Captain is too dangerous a responsibility, but I am glad that you are going to be getting the chance to prove me wrong." "Don't worry Aizen, I know where you are coming from, anyway, we should all be going"-Yoshirou finished, heading off in the direction of his own Squad's area.
(30 minutes later) (P.O.V change: Aizen)
Aizen was slowly striding the walkways of the street, he had already taken the time to alert his squad to the situation, however he had bigger things on his mind than these mere Ryoka. Suddenly, Gin appeared at his side. "Well, Aizen-Taichou, how can I help ya?" "Good work on raising the suspicion on yourself Gin, it will make our work all the more easier now." "Tha' was too easy, Aizen-Taichou, they seem t'be looking f'r anything to grab a'hold of f'r this. Still, what abou' the kid?" Gin inquired.
"That did not go quite as planned, after I suggested the disbanding of the squad to Yammoto, I did consider that Yamamoto would delay proceedings, but I did not expect him to try promoting a Kido user to Captain rank to save the squad, especially not that Yoshirou boy" "Wha' that kid? He's no problem a' all"-Gin laughed. "He is a loose thread, nothing more, but we must tread carefully, small as a loose thread is, there is every chance it is the thread that will unwind everything." "You really think tha' highly of him?" "As of now, he is a greater threat than even Yamamoto himself, not only is he not under the control of Kyouka Suigetsu, but his power easily rivals the other captains, what Reiatsu you felt from him is nothing compared to his power at it's fullest, as a Kido user, he could probably rival a Bankai even without drawing his Katana. And as a swordsman, there has never been a better Kido user who could use the sword properly bar me; his skill would equal Byakuya's, especially that Zanpakuto of his. As my sword is the zenith of illusion control, so his sword is the zenith of elemental and kido control." "Still, tha's nothing compared t' you"-Gin replied, although uneasy that Aizen would speak so well of any man, let alone a boy like that. "Indeed, for now he is nothing, but he could easily become a major threat to us." "So, your suggestin' we kill 'im then?"-Gin asked, now completely intrigued by the idea.
Aizen considered his plans, before slowly replying. "I don't believe that is necessary, he is no threat as long as he is unaware of our intentions, instead we can guide him as necessary, he could become a very valuable pawn. Most importantly, we need to protect him from any threats, at least until we are ready to dispose of him." "Wha'?"-Gin was now totally bemused "Do you not remember the steps to gain a Bankai Gin?" "Hrm, theres Kaigan (1), tha gets ya tha Shikai, Judaku (2), Sosei (3), Jitsugen (4) an Shoufuku (5) gets ya tha Bankai righ'?" "Correct, now Yoshirou has proceeded as far as Jitsugen (4), I have seen the results of this before. However, he has actually skipped a step, Sosei (3)." "Ah, now I get yer meanin' Aizen Taichou!"-Gin said, realisation of Aizen's plan now dawning on him.
"Correct, Sosei (3) requires a defeat at the hands of a person far stronger than yourself, be it spiritually or physically, and the process of recovery from that defeat, in that you become stronger. However, young Yoshirou has never faced a situation which would give him this experience before; he has always been under the protection of Tessai in the past. By the time that protection was removed, he had already gained a huge amount of power for himself, so finding an opponent strong enough to overwhelm him completely would not be easy. As he is now, there are very few people who could provide that experience. The definite examples that could only number two, me and Yamamoto-Sou-Taichou. There are of course many who could give him the experience, but only we two would have a 100% chance. You Gin, Tosen, Kyoraku, Ukitake and perhaps Kenpachi also could, but that barbarian would never be able to defeat a Kido user of his level, you two will be under my explicit order not to engage him, and the other two would never consider fighting him at full power. The only wild card is Yamamoto-Sou-Taichou, but I doubt highly the man would bring harm to his newest pawn, seeing as how he battled so hard to give him his Captain Rank."
"Oh you are devious Aizen-Taichou! So, wha's next on the agenda?" Aizen looked up at the clear, bright sky. "I think this would be a good day for me to die, don't you think?"
Now the japanese terms I have used (thanks to redwarrioroflight) are of my own searching, I don't know if the real terms exist or not, but I doubt it. This is my interpretation of the steps to Bankai
(1) Kaigan: Awakening-The step of learning your Zanpakuto's name and releasing the shikai the first time
(2) Judaku: Acceptance-The step of realising your Zanpakuto's own soul. This ones my add in, it was during the fight with Kenpachi that Ichigo went through "Judaku"
(3) Sosei: Reviving-The step of facing a higher power, and overcoming your trauma of it. Once again another add in by me, Ichigo has gone through multiple Sosei's, but the one that strikes me the most would be Byakuya almost killing him in the real world. For the record, Renji's Sosei is spiritual, when Byakuya effortlesly took Rukia from him when they were young, that gap in their power became his Sosei, and it was his will to finally overcome it that lead to his Bankai. Ikkaku's Sosei was from Kenpachi, Soi Fon's was her resentment in the gap between her and Yoruichi. I don't feel like inventing any more XP
(4)Jitsugen: Materialisation-The step of materilizing the Zanpakuto spirit. Self explanitory
(5)Shoufuku: Submission-The step of forcing the submission of the materialised Zanpakuto. This one has a new feature for me, your Zanpakuto will not recognise you if you have't proved your worth via the Sosei step.
Anyhow, thanks for reading yet another chapter! I have obtained the confidence now to keep this up for a good while. Sorry if you guys are missing the romance element, I am still undecided on who it might be, regardless there will be an interesting bit in the next chapter, nothing major but it should be fun if I can nail the writing down right. Seeya then!