My Path of a Shinigami by Silent Hero13
A/N: I don't own bleach or anything related to the music, series, manga or movies and I am a beginner in the world of Fanfic, I only own Kai Shugosha and any other characters I create and add to the story, advice and helpful criticism welcomed. I still am sick and I have to deal with school, sorry for the late update, oh I'm going to start putting the name of the bleach track(s) which fits the main scene of the chapter (if I think the chapter deserves that specific one) Enjoy.
(Blaze of The Soul Reaper, Nothing Can Be Explained)
Chapter 9: My Captain
Ryan and I had just been bored out of our minds by the extremely long Shinigami initiation ceremony. The ceremony was held at the same place the Academy ceremony was, near the freshman gates of the school. Ryan kept falling asleep and almost missed his cue to stand when his name was called. As soon as the Head-Captain a.k.a 'gramps' spoke those glorious, long awaited words 'you are dismissed' we bolted out of that area as fast as possible, heading for Kuso Palace. We entered the establishment and we were welcomed by the intoxicating aroma of ramen that filled the air. We sighed blissfully as we slumped; face first, on cushions at our usual table.
"Man that was boring!" Ryan complained.
"I know, damn. I'm glad we don't have to go through that again." I replied. Ryan and I sat up now.
"Yeah, but it was worth it. I look awesome in this lab coat." Ryan said with a smug grin.
"Okay, keep telling yourself that nerd."
Ryan was glaring daggers at me.
"You wanna start something punk?" Ryan said balling his hands into a fist. I decided to play along.
"Please, you aren't even worth my time, 4th seat." I said adding emphasis on the last part.
"Oi! Don't pull that superiority shit on me!"
The waitress placed to drinks on our table. We came here so often that we didn't even have to order constantly, which was nice.
"Here you go you two."
"Thanks Nami." I said. She smiled and left us and then I turned my attention back to Ryan.
"You're lucky my tea is here or I would kick your ass." I said sipping the tea, not taking my eyes off Ryan.
We both couldn't maintain the seriousness in the conversation and we burst out laughing. When our laughter finally died down, Ryan was the first to speak up.
"So what time are we supposed to go to our Squad barracks?"
"Around 11:00. The time right now is… 10:45. We should get going actually."
"Already, but we just got here." Ryan whined.
"C'mon, we don't want to be late on our first day." I said standing up.
I left the money on the table and we both walked out. Our Squad barracks were in opposite directions so Ryan and I had to part ways at Kuso Palace.
"Alright, I'll seee you around 4th seat." I said smirking.
"Hmph. Later, Lieutenant." He said smirking as well and we both departed.
I arrived at the gate of my Squad barracks. I inhaled deeply before finally exhaling as I walked along the concrete path. The barracks consisted of five double-storey buildings that were connected by wooden walk ways. It had orange roofs, white walls, wooden floors and wooden support beams, the basic look of a barracks. There was hardly anyone who had arrived yet, just twenty or so people lingering around. I saw a sign that read 'Captains office' and had an arrow pointing right, so I proceeded hesitantly in that direction. It was time to meet my Captain. The arrow had led me to the east side of the barracks until I found the quarters labelled 'Captain'. I heard music playing from inside. It was strange, but oddly infectious which made my head nod rhythmically, but it didn't sate the butterflies in my stomach. I tapped on the framed sliding door.
"C-Captain?" I asked timidly.
"Yeah, c'mon in!" He answered.
I opened the door and stepped into the Captain's room. The room was plain; it had dark yellow walls, a mirror, a bathroom and a table with a weird silver machine on top of it. The music seemed to come from it. I stared at the man that was my Captain searching through folders. He had long blonde hair that draped over his shoulders and down to the lower part of his back and he brown eyes. When he was done he looked up at me and smiled, only revealing his upper teeth.
"Ah. You must be Kai. Welcome to Squad Five." He said tapping his hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you Captain Shinji Hirako." I said with a bow.
He let out an exasperated sigh as he clutched his head.
"You don't have to use the full title with me. Just call me Captain or somethin'."
"Yes Captain."
"Aggh Whatever… Let me give you the details." He said as he turned his back to me. "My previous Vice-Captain had to be transferred to another squad due to some personal issues, so I was without a Lieutenant. I wanted to pick an experienced Shinigami, but you came highly recommended even though you're just a newbie. You're spiritual pressure is nuts, but very controlled. You achieved Shikai while you were at school… not many people have done that. So tell me… Do you have what it takes, newbie?" he said solemnly
"To be honest, I didn't expect to be ranked a Lieutenant so early and I hardly have any experience, but I can tell you that I will work harder than anyone if that's what it takes to remain ranked as your Lieutenant. I mean, if I'm not good enough you can replace me right? It's as simple as that isn't it Captain?" I responded honestly.
He turned around with a huge grin on his face.
"Simple, I like it." Shinji said as he reached into his coat. "Here ya go." He said tossing a Lieutenant's badge.
I caught the badge and observed it with pride. I held the solid, metal badge shakily, still in disbelief of what occurred.
"Hurry up and put it on, we ain't gonna stand here all day are we?" Shinji said clearly annoyed.
I slid the armband on the right bicep area where it tightened the sleeve of my uniform and the badge gleamed in the light of the sun. The badge gave me an overwhelming sense of honour. Shinji gave me a large smile.
"So, how does it feel?"
"Perfect."
"By the way Captain, who was it that recommended me?" I asked.
"Oh, well you better keep your mouth shut about it, but it was Captain Kuchiki."
"What?!"
"Hey, hey what did I just tell ya."
"Sorry, did he say why?"
"Uh, he said something about it being good exposure to a young recruit with vast raw talent, I think." He said scratching his head.
At that moment I couldn't help but smile.
'I see, so that's your game Byakuya. To see if I sink or swim. You're still pushing me even after I graduate, figures.'
"Really? Wow." I said faking innocence.
"Yep, I would be an idiot to turn down a recommendation from a man like him, but it pisses me off that he's so serious all the time. In any case it's time for ya to address the whole division."
"Address?"
"Yeah, introduce yourself and all that stuff. C'mon it'll be fun." He said shoving me out the room.
Captain Hirako had pushed me all the way to the entrance of squad hall. The hall was made of wood and was surrounded by small plants and bushes. He kicked the door open and it flung of its hinges. Men hit the deck as the door went flying in and slammed into one of the men who was unfortunately still standing. The group of men looked at the poor guy twitching in pain before standing up. There were roughly over one hundred and fifty men in the hall.
"Oi, Listen up! This is your new Vice-Captain; treat him with respect as he addresses all of you guys." He said pulling me in front of him. I was now the centre of attention and I had nothing to say. I stared wide-eyed into the sea of people who were just waiting for me to say something. I prayed mentally for the words to just magically come out.
"Just relax kid, you'll do fine." Captain Hirako whispered to me.
I mentally sighed before putting on a serious and brave façade. A trick I picked from Byakuya himself.
"My name is Kai Shugosha and I will be your new Lieutenant. I know many of you may disapprove of a rookie being in second command. Well tough! I have obviously been positioned in this rank because of my already developed skills and fighting prowess and that your captain thought I was the right person for the job. I hope we can all work together and strengthen our bond as a squad. I don't know what reasons your previous Vice-Captain had for leaving, but I assure you that I won't let my personal issues get in the way of doing my job. I will risk my life to protect yours and anyone else, but the question is; will you do the same, members of Squad Five?"
Silence filled the hall as I saw no one had dared to make a sound. They all stared at me with admiration and loyalty burning in their eyes. I had nailed it.
"I asked, will you do the same?!"
"Yes Lieutenant!" The men roared with passion.
I smiled as they continued to cheer.
"Good. They'll definitely follow ya with that attitude." Captain Hirako said slyly with a huge grin.
'A guy could get used this.' I thought.
After all the introductions the Captain ordered me to attend the Vice-Captain's meeting that was already being held. I already knew where it was because the Academy had many field trips to most of the important sites in the Seireitei, one of them being the Vice-Captain meeting room. I arrived there quickly by using flash step and by taking a shortcut through a narrow rocky pass. I walked along the wooden path until I found a flat with several people with high spiritual pressure. I stood by the wooden sliding door, preparing myself to meet the other Lieutenants. I felt things were happening too fast, but I couldn't betray Byakuya's faith in my abilities. I braced myself as I opened the door. Inside were nine other Lieutenants. Seven of them were sitting and the remaining two leaning against a wall, they all observed me as I stood in the doorway.
"Uh hey my name is Kai Shugosha and I'm the new Lieutenant of Squad Five." I said with a sheepish grin.
"Hmm… So you're the guy who took over Momo's position." A guy with light blonde hair said.
"There were rumours of a graduate being placed in a high rank around the Seireitei, but I didn't think it would be of Lieutenant Class." Another guy said. He had the number 69 tattooed on his face.
"He's so cute!" A woman with long orange hair and very large... (Ahem)… assets exclaimed.
"Welcome to the fold," A man wearing shades said. "My name is Testuzaemon Iba, Vice-Captain of Squad Seven."
"YAY! We have a new friend!" A short girl with pink hair exclaimed as she jumped on my back. She looked oddly familiar.
"I'll call you porcupine!" She said patting my head.
"What? My hair isn't that spikey, is it?" I said feeling a bit self-conscious.
Everyone laughed which made me feel more comfortable.
"We're all pleased to meet you, especially me," The orange-haired woman said with a wink which made me blush.
"My name is Rangiku Matsumoto and the rest of these guys are Izuru, Shuuhei, Isane, Nanao, Nemu and you've already met Yachiru," She said with a giggle. "And that pig over there is Omaeda." Rangiku said with disgust.
"Hey that's uncalled for!" said as he continued stuffing his face with food.
"It's awesome to meet you all, but I can see some of the others aren't here." I said.
"Yeah, they left a little earlier for duty, this position can get a little hectic, but I'm sure you'll do just fine." Shuuhei said.
"Heh, good to know then."
I felt someone's reiatsu approach the room, before he walked in.
"Captain? What are you doing here?" I asked
"Good morning Captain Hirako." Everyone said, but me.
"Yeah, yeah mornin'. Sorry for interrupting, but I need my Lieutenant right now. C'mon Kid." He said as he walked out of the room.
"I guess I'll see you guys later." I said and I quickly followed after Shinji wondering what could be up. He was perched on another building so I quickly jumped up to meet him.
"We have an assignment."
"Already? What is it about Captain?"
"Well ain't very pretty. A certain hollow has been hunting patrolling Shinigami around the Rukongai areas and turning them into a hybrid of Shinigami and hollow."
"What? How is that even possible?!"
"We're ain't sure how yet, but that's not the worst of it. We also know that the specific hollow is controlling these hybrids to do its dirty work, no doubt this hollow is tactful."
"So we need to kill this thing before it infects someone really powerful or we may have a problem."
"Yeah, we're leavin' tonight; our reports say the evenin' is when it's most active."
"Understood."
"One more thing rookie; prepare yourself to kill any of the possessed Shinigami."
I shuddered at what Shinji just said.
"What?" I said in a slight whisper.
"They're hollows now; the poor bastards don't even know what they're doing. They're abominations that can't be saved. The best thing can do fer 'em is put them out of their misery. Even if they have the slightest clue of what they're doin', they probably wish they were dead, I know from experience…" He said desolately.
'What did he mean by that?'
"So don't hesitate, not even for a second, or ya'll end up dead."
I was about to speak up, but then I stopped myself and half-heartedly nodded. We travelled back to the barracks in silence, only the sounds of flash step were heard the entire way back. I kept replaying the words Captain Hirako said in my mind, trying to figure out what he meant.
'My Captain is truly a mysterious man.'
(A/N): I hate doing introductions, sorry for the sucky chapter (if it was) but it's done for now. (Yes!) Sorry internet was down so I couldn't update, so you'll get two chapters =), hope it makes up. Yes on with the main plot I'm so amped =D lol. The music Shinji was listening to was from when he first fought grimmjow, just letting you know.
