DISCLIAMER DON'T OWN ANY CHARACTER EXCEPT FOR MS. KIN, LEE AND TAGE
SORRY PAIRING DON'T START IN THIS CHAPTER
MAYBE IN THE NEXT ONE OKAY
Chapter 9:- Making A Request and Asking For A Favor
"What did you just say?" asked one of the men sitting near the judges' bench, "I thought you just asked to see Sousuke Aizen."
"I did." Ms. Kin replied calmly.
The entire assembly before her looked flabbergasted. Immediately murmurs began spreading through the entire room. The judges as well as the other intellectuals seemed perturbed at her request. All of them looked as if they were having a serious internal debate with themselves.
After what seemed like an eternity one of the judges spoke, "Why do you wish to see Sousuke Aizen?"
"Yes why do you wish to see him Head Captain Kin?" asked another judge sitting right next to the first.
"It is a matter of personal choice." Ms. Kin replied curtly.
"Personal choice or otherwise, we still need a valid reason before we can even consider granting your request Captain." said the same judge who spoke first.
Ms. Kin knew they were going to be difficult to convince. Speaking to Aizen was not something much people wanted to do but she had to try and persuade them somehow or the other. So with a set look on her face Ms. Kin began to speak.
"As all of you know I was not here during that time of the Winter War therefore I was not there to experience Aizen," Ms. Kin added and little emphasis on the word experience to stress her point.
"I don't think anyone in their right frame of mind would want to willingly experience Aizen, Captain." said one of the noble men sitting on the lower benches.
Ms. Kin was a little annoyed by his comment but did well to hide it. She was determined to have her way even if it meant she had to be nice and courteous to these insufferable people before her.
"I know it quite an unconventional request but I believe it will benefit my skills at running the Seiretei." Ms. Kin openly lied.
"Oh is that so?" mocked one of the judges, "How is visiting this man going to benefit the Soul Society Captain?"
These people were going to be difficult and Ms. Kin knew it. So she decided to take a different approach to this task.
"As you know the anniversary of Aizen's defeat is coming. I was not present at the ceremonious event. I don't how it felt to finally be rid of that man because I don't know that man behind the story. To simply put it I want to understand what all the Soul Reapers under my command felt like during their long and arduous battle between us and Aizen. Maybe if I could visit him I could better understand why my Soul Reapers despise this man so. All I really want to do is do the best I can in the job that you assigned me."
Even though Ms. Kin spoke from the depths of her heart, her voice stayed flat and monotone so as to not reveal any emotion towards the request at hand. Although most of her reasoning was true that fact of the matter is she was really genuinely curious as to the kind of man Aizen really was.
However, she did note that her heart warming speech had struck a chord in the people present before her. They were all murmuring and speaking amongst themselves. Ms. Kin knew they were discussing her request, as she picked up every word with her keen sense of hearing.
Finally the head judge stood up and began to speak.
"After careful consideration we have decided to grant your request on the basis that you can get three other captains to willingly agree to accompany you to see Aizen."
"Well that is very convenient considering that there will be a Captain's Meeting this evening." Ms. Kin responded. As turned to walked back to the door none of the judges saw the smile of relief that graced her face only for a second.
One part of her plan had been successful but she now had the hard part to deal with. It will be quite difficult even for her to get to three Captains to willingly agree to go with her to visit Aizen. However, Ms. Kin knew exactly who she was going to ask.
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Instead of going back to her office Ms. Kin decided to pay a visit to the Twelfth Division barracks or more specifically, to the research and development lad at the Twelfth. She knew Captain Kurotsuchi was a very peculiar man to say the least. As she approached the gate both guards, who only a moment ago were idly chatting, now stood at full attention.
"Good morning Head Captain!" they both said as they bowed.
"At ease officers I'm here to see Captain Kurotsuchi. Please inform him that I'm here." Ms. Kin said as she waited patiently in front the gate.
After straightening up, the officer to her left sheepishly asked, "Um…. excuse Head Captain is our Captain expecting you today because we were not told of your impending arrival."
"Unfortunately no, your Captain was not expecting me today." Ms. Kin relied off handedly with a raised eyebrow, "That isn't going to be a problem is it?"
Both officers looked terrified as they shook their heads and mindlessly babbled, "No…No Head Captain no problem at all."
"If you'll follow us." Said the officer to her left as he opened the gate and ushered Ms. Kin inside.
Soon Ms. Kin was walking briskly behind the two officers. It did not require much for her to keep pace with the two officers, although they were moving slightly faster than expected. Ms. Kin suspected that their increase of speed was due to two reasons. One, they were scared senseless because of her unexpected presence here and two, because they didn't know how Captain Kurotsuchi would react to them disturbing him unexpectedly and Ms. Kin being here without previous warning.
Eventually they were all standing in front of the massive steel doors that led to Captain Kurotsuchi's office. The two officers looked pale. The fear was evident on their faces.
"Gentlemen, isn't anyone going to knock on the door?" Ms. Kin asked.
"Oh right. Sorry Head Captain." said the officer to her immediate left.
Gingerly he raised him right and moved it closer to the door. Ms. Kin could clearly see his hand shaking as he hesitated just before he knocked on the door. Deep from inside Ms. Kin clearly distinguished muffled cursing as furniture was roughly shoved aside and stamping were heard making their way to the door.
The door was angrily pulled open as Captain Kurotsuchi shouted, "Who the fuck is disturbing me now? Didn't I tell you lazy asses never to disturb me while I was doing work?!"
The two officers were quaking in their robes as they stood before their enraged Captain. Ms. Kin knew that Captain Kurotsuchi did not register her presence behind the two men. She had decided to hide her spiritual pressure so those like Captain Kyouraku would not sense her but it seems neither did Captain Kurotsuchi. He was too preoccupied with bellowing at his officers to notice her.
"Excuse me Captain," Ms. Kin said loudly.
Captain Kurotsuchi tore his gaze from the two men standing before him to glare at who ever interrupted him. To say he was surprised to see Ms. Kin was an understatement. Mayuri Kurotsuchi looked thoroughly confused. What was Ms. Kin doing here? And more importantly how hadn't he sensed her distinct spiritual pressure? In fact he couldn't even feel it right now.
"Oh….Captain I didn't see you there. What a pleasant surprise!" Captain Kurotsuchi said as he placed his hands inside his voluminous sleeves, "What can I do for you?"
Captain Kurotsuchi truly was an enigma.
"Captain I need to speak to you. Can we go in your lab?" Ms. Kin asked her voice taking on a more formal tone.
"Certainly Captain this way." he said as gestured for Ms. Kin to enter the lab.
During her time as Head Captain Ms. Kin had heard many interesting stories about the Research and Development Department. One thing she knew for sure was that Mayuri Kurotsuchi was an exception to the regular Shinigami Captain. From what she had heard he was not a man to willingly bow down to authority so to speak. He was not outright disobedient like Kenpachi but neither was he a stiff like Soi Foin.
In many ways Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi was a man in his own class. Even if that class happened to be defined as cruel, calculating and critical and at time stubborn as a mule.
"So what is it you wish to speak to me about Head Captain?" inquired Captain Kurotsuchi.
Although he appeared completely calm, Ms. Kin clearly distinguished the hint of annoyance in Captain Kurotsuchi's voice. He did not seem too happy at her unexpected visit. But she really and truly didn't care whether he was annoyed or not. She came here for a purpose not for a social visit.
'I'm here to check on your progress Captain. The month is almost up and I'm curious as to how far you've reached on our little endeavor." Ms. Kin said idly as she inspected one of Captain Kurotsuchi's numerous specimen jars.
A snort managed to escape Captain Kurotsuchi before he spoke again. "Well you should have dropped by sooner Captain. I finished the first prototype a week ago."
Ms. Kin raised skeptical eyebrow at his statement. She walked a little closer to the Captain and spoke lowly.
"That's all well and good Captain Mayuri but does it work?"
Captain Kurotsuchi looked as if he was going to pop a vein.
"Who are you to question my intellect Captain?" he literally spat the word with venom lasing each one, "I've never failed when I comes to my research and don't expect you to came in here and criticize my work!"
To her credit Ms. Kin seemed neither angry nor offended by Captain Kurotsuchi's angered outburst. She simply continued walking around and inspecting the lab. During her inspection she paused to examine a jar or two before returning to the initial inspection.
After walking the entire circumference of the lab Ms. Kin returned to stand in front of Captain Kurotsuchi. She looked him directly in the eyes. Mayuri Kurotsuchi stared back defiantly as he held her gaze. Ms. Kin was the first to break the stare. She turned and walked to a nearby examining table and leaned casually against it.
"Captain, actions speak louder than words." said Ms. Kin said calmly but there was a hint of steel in her voice, "Please show me you your prototype."
A wicked smile spread across Captain Kurotsuchi's face as he moved a little closer to Ms. Kin. When he was only a few feet away, he grabbed hold of his silk scarf and pulled it off. Immediately the shimmering piece of clothe morphed into Mayuri's zanpakuto, Ashisogi Jizō.
The glittering gold Zanpakuto was held inches away from Ms. Kin's face. Mayuri Kurotsuchi was a little annoyed that she did not flinch when he drew his Zanpakuto to her face but then again she was a Head Captain for a reason.
"Does this satisfy your inquiries Head Captain?" Captain Kurotsuchi asked in a mocking saccharine voice.
Ms. Kin stirred from her position on the examining table and walked a little closer to Captain Kurotsuchi. She moved aside his zanpakuto with two of her fingers and stared him directly in the eyes for the second time that day.
"Quite impressive Captain but how does it work in the world of the living? I mean the concept is ingenious. Concealing ones zanpakuto in an everyday article of dress is very unique. But has it been tested in a real life scenario?" asked Ms. Kin.
The smirk on Mayuri's face immediately fell and he for once seemed lost for words.
"I see," Ms. Kin said as she walked around Captain Kurotsuchi, "You will dispatch a team of four Soul reapers to the world of the living to test your invention as soon as possible."
A hell butterfly fluttered in from beneath the door just as Captain Kurotsuchi was about to open his mouth to speak again. It hovered closely to Ms. Kin for a moment after which it settled down on her out stretched finger. Ms. Kin's face quickly took on a serious expression. She listened intently to the message.
Soon after the hell butterfly flew away and Ms. Kin was left standing there. Turning to Captain Kurotsuchi she said, "My apologies Captain, but there is a pressing matter that I must attend to. If you'll excuse me."
Captain Kurotsuchi merely nodded in agreement. He was only too happy to see Ms. Kin leave. However, just before she exited through the door she turned back to face him and added, "I'll be expecting a detailed report on my desk at the end of the month on our little research project Captain."
When Ms. Kin had finally left Mayuri was left standing there gritting his teeth and clenching his fists. He would show her, eventually.
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After leaving the Twelfth Division barracks Ms. Kin quickly flash stepped to the Forth Division barracks. She quickly walked up the steps with her Captain's haori fluttering in the wind. She pushed open the door and walked into building. Immediately the third seat of Squad Four was there to meet her. He bowed deeply before he indicated for Ms. Kin to follow him.
They walked down many hall ways and corridors. As they walked on Ms. Kin observed the Barracks. The Squad Four barracks were clean and tidy. They floor were swept and the air smelled fresh and clean. Well what else could be expected of the Squad that was responsible for taking care of everyone's health? She also noticed that most of the rooms were filled with members of the Eleventh Division.
Finally they reached their destination a room almost to the back of the building. The third seat opened the door and allowed Ms. Kin to enter. Six people were present in the room already. Captain Unohana was bent over a figure on a bed near the window, while Lieutenant Isane was busy stitching up a wound on the other person with Hanataro standing close by to offer assistance.
Over to a corner Tage stood looking at the ongoing proceeding. The two figures on the beds were Lee and Rukia.
Ms. Kin walked over to Tage who had just noticed her. The look of concern was clearly visible in his soft blue eyes.
"Tage what happened?" Ms. Kin asked softy. She knew her brother was in turmoil. He was shifting nervously and a thin line of perspiration ran across his brow. Ms. Kin put a reassuring hand on her brother's shoulder and squeezed it gently.
"Tage it alright just explain to me what happened." Ms. Kin said again.
Tage looked at his sister and after taking a calming breath said, "We were scheduled to have a joint training session with Thirteenth. Rukia and Lee decide that it would be beneficial to the squad members if they saw two lieutenants fight. But the fight got a little out of hand when the two of them decided to release their shikai."
Ms. Kin sighed softly, "They should've known better but luckily no one else was hurt right?"
"No Captain. When I saw it was getting out of hand I erected Kido shield." Tage responded.
"That was smart thinking on your part Tage." Ms. Kin a said.
"Indeed it was," Captain Unohana said as she approached the two Kins, "I fear if that shield wasn't up we would've had more causalities."
"So how are they Captain Unohana?" even though Ms. Kin was the Head Captain she still had a greater level of respect towards Captain Unohana that one would not expect.
"Rukia suffered from some minor cut and bruises and a hard blow to the head, fortunate for us she managed not to sustain any life threatening injuries. Lee on the other hand sustained a large gash to his upper torso and a small cut just above his left eyebrow. Lieutenant Isane is stitching him up right now." Captain Unohana explained.
"Thank you Captain Unohana." Ms. Kin said.
"Oh please call me Retsu." Captain Unohana offered before she left to check on Isane.
Just then a loud ruckus was heard coming from outside. Shouts could be heard emanating from outside the room as loud footsteps could be heard making their way to the room. The door burst open and in rushed the panting figure of Renji Abarai.
Unfortunately Renji lost his footing on the door frame and was about to fall face first on the ground. Luckily Ms. Kin was there to save him. Before Renji could hit the floor Ms. Kin shunpoed over and caught him by the back of his uniform. She easily held up his weight which surprised him. With a goofy smile on his face Renji looked up at Ms. Kin.
"Uh… thanks Head Captain." he managed to say through his embarrassment.
After returning Renji to an upright position Ms. Kin asked, "Lieutenant Abarai you do know this is a hospital? So why is it that you were making so much noise and disturbing the patients?"
"Yes Lieutenant why were you making so much noise?" added Captain Unohana.
Off to the side Isane and Hanataro joined Tage in the corner. They couldn't help but feel sorry for Renji as he got reprimanded by two of the most intimidating women in the Seiretei and to make matters worse who would look to show up? None other than the stoic Captain of Sixth, Byakuya Kuchiki.
If it was possible Renji seemed to get more flustered. His sentences came out jumbled and he was sweating buckets.
"What the meaning of this?" Asked Byakuya in his monotone voice.
Ms. Kin looked at Captain Unohana who replied by smiling and give a small nod. Renji knew his goose was cooked. They would tell his captain and he would be in serious trouble now. Renji closed his eyes and waited for the bomb to drop but it never did. Instead Ms. Kin and Captain Unohana had decided to let Renji off the hook, this time.
"Good morning Captain Kuchiki. I hope you weren't too worried when you got my message." Captain Unohana said brightly.
Byakuya eyed her suspiciously but let the issue drop as he too was slightly afraid of Retsu Unohana. Instead he asked, "How is Rukia?"
Captain Unohana gestured for the two Captains to follow her to Rukia's bed. Renji was only a few feet behind following the three Captain's to Rukia's side.
"She merely sustained minor injuries Captain Kuchiki but we thought that it was important that you be informed." Captain Unohana explained.
"I see," Byakuya replied, "And when will she be released?"
"Hopefully by this afternoon." confirmed Captain Unohana.
Byakuya nodded and turned to look at the other occupant in the bed next to Rukia's. He raised a skeptical eyebrow at the figure on the bed and looked at Ms. Kin. She in reply simply shook her head which told Byakuya not to ask.
"Well I'll be back this evening to take Rukia home." Byakuya said just before he shunpoed away leaving everyone in the room staring at an empty space.
Renji now saw his chance and moved a little closer to Rukia's bed. He bent down and brushed aside a few strands of hair that stubbornly lay on her face. Straightening up he turned to Captain Unohana and asked, "You're sure she going to be okay?"
The concern and worry laced in his voice was clear to everyone in the room but Renji didn't care. All that mattered just then was that Rukia was going to be okay.
"She'll be just fine Renji."Captain Unohana reassured him, "She's a fighter after all."
A rare smile graced Renji's face as he moved his gaze from Captain Unohana back to Rukia. He watched her intensely.
A great realization dawned upon Ms. Kin as she watched Renji's demeanor with Rukia. He had feeling for the young Kuchiki heir. A dangerous choice but the hearty wants what the heart wants. She decided that they deserved a little time alone even if Rukia was unconscious and Lee was still in the room.
Ms. Kin caught Captain Unohana's eyes and indicated that they should leave these two alone. So with a nod of agreement Ms. Kin and Captain Unohana called over their subordinates and left Renji and Rukia alone. Once outside all five of them made their way to Captain Unohana's office.
In her office Captain Unohana made tea which she offered to Ms. Kin and Tage who both declined the offer politely. It was Ms. Kin who broke the silence that had engulfed the room.
"How long has he had feelings for her?"
Captain Unohana took a sip of tea before she spoke. "He never stopped having feelings for her. They're relationship has always been quite like a rocky terrain with many ups and downs."
"Hmm…it's been that rough then?" Tage asked.
"Yes it has," answered Isane who was standing close to the door, "They're relationship dates back to their time in the Rukongai. Since then they've been friends, enemies and everything in between."
"It seems they have a rich history together then?" Ms. Kin asked.
Both Captain Unohana and Isane nodded, even Hanataro managed to nod in agreement even though he felt completely out of place there.
"Well I don't think they'll appreciate us talking about them behind their backs. So we should end this conversation now." Ms. Kin said as she started to move toward the door.
Just before she grasped the handle she turned to Captain Unohana and added, "Thank you Captain for taking care of my Lieutenant I can see that he's in good hands."
Isane blushed a bit as Tage's eyes feel upon here after his sister's comment.
There was some form of unspoken understanding between the two captains as the two locked stares for a moment.
"Good bye Head Captain. I hope this evenings meeting bears fruits in your favor." Captain Unohana also added with a sweet smile on her face.
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As Ms. Kin sat in her office she couldn't help but wonder how Captain Unohana knew about her visit to Central Forty Six. During their time conversing while in the wards where Rukia and Lee were held, she gave no indication as to knowing about Ms. Kin's visit. However, the look that Captain Unohana gave her just before they left had her thing otherwise plus her fare well statement had Ms. Kin wondering.
But Ms. Kin had no time to ponder further on that issue. She could hear the captain's coming. For the most powerful individuals in the Soul Society they sure did act like children at times and she felt like the principal disciplining unruly children
Soon enough the meeting was under way. Both Captain Kurotsuchi and Captain Kenpachi were absent but that was to be expected. During the meeting they discussed various topics that dealt with issues ranging from infrastructure to the conditions in the Rukongai.
After the meeting just as all the captains were leaving Ms. Kin called out, "Captain Kuchiki, Komamura and Hitsuguya may I speak with you for a moment?"
The said captains all stopped and retreated back to the table while Shinji snicker from behind and exclaimed, "Ohh… someone's in trouble I wonder what you did to get called into the principal's office this time?"
"Captain Hirako would you like to join them in the principal's office?" Ms. Kin asked sounding clearly annoyed.
Shinji didn't wait to give an answer but instead decided to shunpo away.
After the last Captain had left, Ms. Kin turned her attention to the three individuals sitting before her.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you to stay behind."
"Well I won't say I'm not curious as to why you as us here tonight Head Captain." responded Captain Komamura.
"Yes indeed I'm I would like to know also." added Captain Hitsuguya.
"Well I have favor to ask of you all."Ms. Kin replied, "I would like you to accompany me tomorrow to visit someone."
"I mean no disrespect when I say this Head Captain," responded Byakuya, "but as Captains ourselves we have duties to attend to also. We just can't go off with you to visit someone."
The other two Captains both nodded in agreement. Ms. Kin knew it was going to be hard to convince these three but she had no other options. They were the most ideal candidates to accompany her on her visit to Aizen.
"This is no simple social visit Captains. I would like you to accompany me on my visit with Aizen." stated Ms. Kin.
"What?!"roared Captain Komamura, "Why are you going to visit a snake like him! He doesn't deserve your time."
"I agree with Captain Komamura. Why do you want to meet him of all people?" inquired Captain Hitsuguya.
"My reasons are my own Captains. But Central Forty Six has demanded that I bring along three other Captains if I am to visit him." explained Ms. Kin
"Then why choose us?"Byakuya inquired, "There are other Captain who could have accompanied you. I know for a fact that Captain Kyouraku would be more than willing."
A wary look spread across Ms. Kin's, "Indeed he would have jumped at the proposal but I believe you three are the most suitable. You are all level headed Captain and you will not let your feelings towards Aizen affect your actions."
The three captains looked at each other and all nodded.
"Do I take that as a yes then?" Ms. Kin asked.
"Yes we'll accompany you Head Captain but only because you are our superior and we have a duty to serve you." responded Captain Hitsuguya
A sigh of relief escaped Ms. Kin's lips as she leaned back in her chair.
"Thank you all very much. I'll expect you here an hour after dawn in the morning."
Finally I'm done. This was the hardest chapter I ever wrote. It took on so many twists and turn that I almost got confused myself.
I put a lot of effort into this chapter so please be kind a read and review.
My only wish for Christmas is to get thirty reviews by midnight on Christmas night so PLEASE READ AND REVIEW. I'M BEGGING ON MY HAND AND KNEES HERE!
