Hitsugaya sat on a large black cushion and stared silently at the tatami mat floor of the meeting room as if he wanted to set it ablaze. The current situation had not left his mind for a second and continued to plague his thoughts throughout the day and previous night.

Captain Yamamoto called a 'Captain's meeting' in the early hours of the morning under the pretense of the normal monthly reports. It was a convenient excuse, seeing as it would be the correct time for such things, but everyone knew that it was a meeting to discuss the future of one Kagome Higurashi. The issue was currently the most popular debate amongst the lower ranks, even going so far as to split entire squads down the middle. Some argued for the woman to be detained, as per the law, but others countered that she had the ability to save numerous lives if given the chance.

Among the higher ranks, it was hardly a discussion. The majority wanted the laws followed and justice delivered. To them, she had broken the laws and that was that. Toshiro, of course, wanted her to be free of all charges but he was one of the scarce few that held the same ideal. He knew that Captain Unohana shared his desire to see the girl free and maybe even reintroduce her into their ranks but that was all that he was sure of. He also knew that he could not depend on the Fourth Division Captain to lead the defense since she was often far too polite and soft-spoken, it would be immensely beneficial to have her backing the proposition but that was all she would be likely to do at the current time.

The white-haired Captain looked up from the floor as the echoing tap of Captain Yamamoto's cane reached his ears. Yamamoto nodded to all of the others present and sat down on a large red cushion looking relaxed and at ease; Hitsugaya, who sat rigidly, was almost envious. On edge and thinking about how he could turn the outcome to his favor, as he observed the rest of the Captains. Unfortunately none could be read so easily as with a quick glance so instead, he turned his attention back to the Commander who was seated behind the only desk in the room, which was of course piled with papers of various concerning matters submitted by someone or another.

"I, Captain Yamamoto, call this meeting to order." he looked out to the other seated Captains making certain of their attention before continuing, "Our first topic will be presented by Captain Retsu Unohana"

Unohana nodded respectfully at Yamamoto before addressing the others in the room,

"It was brought to my attention that we have in our custody Kagome Higurashi, formerly known under the name Kiname Higurashi of the Fifth Division. Recently she has shown incredible prowess in the art of healing. It is my wish to reinstate and introduce her as a member of the Fourth Division."

The Captain was concise in her statement and it surprised Hitsugaya how bold she was in her push to pardon Kagome. While completely unexpected it was also relieving that such a powerful and respected Captain was heading the attack. There was a deafening silence after her words but soon enough another voice raised its opposition.

"Is it not also true that Ms. Higurashi abandoned her post and was reported missing for the last twenty years, not only did she resist arrest but she is also under speculation of murder. Regardless of whatever power, she seems to demonstrate she broke Shinigami law and by those laws, her punishment should be, in the least, detention" The Sixth Captain, Byakuya Kuchiki, spoke. His argument was sound and sent a slight panic running through Hitsugaya's veins. He would wait to see how the issue ran before he would reveal what he had learned from Kagome herself; it wasn't much but if it came to such a point then it could tip the scales, her knowledge of Aizen's "secrets" could be argued to be invaluable. Surprisingly Sui Feng was the next to speak up

"I agree with Captain Kuchiki, if the girl has broken the laws then she must be punished accordingly."

Hitsugaya could see how this was going and it wasn't in his favor, he needed someone to speak up but he didn't want to reveal his argument until it was truly necessary, its weak nature could become a hindrance instead of a help if used incorrectly. When no one spoke and it seemed that the Commander was about to call for a vote, Hitsugaya opened his mouth to speak but was beaten by Kenpachi who interjected before the argument could become stale.

"Captain Unohana, how many healers are currently in your division?" his voice rumbled through the air like thunder.

The Fourth Captain looked startled to be suddenly addressed but answered the question anyway "We have one hundred and twelve currently"

"And how rare are healers?"

Captain Unohana raised her eyebrows at what exactly Kenpachi was getting at,

"Good healers are rare due to the specific reishi needed and the delicate control required to do any sort of healing. Recruits must train for years before they are ready to heal so much as a paper cut." she continued more confidently, addressing the whole room, "The Fourth Division currently is the smallest division and the hardest to find recruits for. Not only are competent Shinigami desperately needed but in the event of war or large-scale illness we currently don't have enough members to deal with it. Kagome is skilled and is able to heal multiple people at one time, something that takes rare talent and a certain level of proficiency."

Before Hitsugaya could bring up anything else the Commander nodded and began to speak,

"I believe it is time that we vote on a course of action, all those in favor of allowing Kagome Higurashi to be reinstated?" Hitsugaya immediately put his hand up along with Kenpachi, Captain Unohana, Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, Captain Komamura, and Captain Ukitake. The voting was exactly half, excluding the Captain-Commander, and Toshiro looked to the Head Captain for his decision. The old man sat for a moment before addressing the room,

"Since the voting is split I will allow Ms. Higurashi to be reinstated, after three months time, we will reconvene to discuss the issue once more. Should the vote still be split then she will be detained." The Tenth Captain visibly relaxed and let go of the breath that he had been unconsciously holding. They had a chance.

"Thank you all. If there are any more discussions please talk to my Lieutenant; you are all dismissed." As the Captains all got up to leave Yamamoto spoke again, "Oh and Byakuya, a word"

The Sixth Captain stayed seated as the others filed out, catching the eye of Hitsugaya when he looked back at them as he left. Byakuya cleared his thoughts and sat silently, his posture poised and perfect as usual, until the two were alone.

"Captain Kuchiki, I want Kagome Higurashi to be a member of the Sixth Division" the Captain Commander informed him, never one for frilly words he got straight to the point, "I think with the right structure and training she could be useful to us". The Sixth Captain narrowed his eyes fractionally, "Would the girl not be more suited to the Fourth Division? I'm sure Captain Unohana is more than competent-"

"Yes but I think you would be better" Yamamoto interrupted as he stared at the younger Captain with hard eyes until Byakuya acquiesced; there was no arguing with the Commander.

"She will be tested and treated accordingly in two days time, we shall see then where she falls" Byakuya countered. While he could not outright reject an order from the First Division Captain he would not settle for a subpar Shinigami in his squad.

The older man smiled, the crows feet around his eyes crinkling, "I would expect nothing less"

AN~

So just to clarify one thing that I figure may be a little confusing: the average size of a squad is around 200-300 members. Squad Four only has 100-150 which makes them the smallest squad by a large margin. this also means that they have a legitimate excuse to ask for Kagome's reinstatement.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Bleach; all rights go to their respective owners