DUNDUNDUNDUNDUNDUNDUN OVER 100,000 WORDS!. This is quite the milestone for me, I'm happy to see this thing grow and change like it is. Anyways I want to thank everyone who's stuck with me so far, I really appreciate the support. Just read the newest bleach chapter, hope Harribel will be alright. One common thing about a lot of anime or Japanese story telling is a trait to kill off a lot of characters right near the end of a story. So Chojiro's dead but I'm going to ignore that for this story. I kind of hope this isn't what the plan is for bleach. Also I've decided to put the Hanataro pairing up to a vote between Rukia and Harribel, so plz review to let me know what you think. Alright let's get this thing rolling. Bold= Place and time/emphasis, "Dialogue", Italics= thoughts/flashback.


4th Division

The next couple days had gone by too fast for Hanataro to like, the time spent either with his family or loads of friends from the 4th and other groups to visit him. It was touching for him to see all these people checking up on him, and for him it was one of the most peaceful times he had ever lived. But as all people know such times have to end.

"Are you sure you want to get back to work so soon, I could give you a few weeks off if you wanted." Hanataro shook his head as he walked with his mother, the two heading towards the hospital. "N-No I've rested enough for now, I w-want to get back to work."

"Alright, but if you feel like today is too much for you I want you to take a break, alright?" Hanataro nodded, knowing it could be bad for someone to push themselves if they weren't ready. The two walked into the office, where numerous different reapers said hello to the pair. The two entered Unohana's office, she sat down behind the desk. As she did this Hanataro felt something warm glomp him from the back.

"I didn't get the chance when you came back, it's good to have you back Hanataro." Hanataro looked back, seeing Isane standing behind him. "I am too Isane-san, how is Ganju and Kukaku doing." Isane's smile tightened a little at this, releasing the boy and heading towards her desk.

"O-Oh they're doing fine, just sometimes they fight a l-little too much." Hanataro gave out a nervous chuckle, remembering the first time he had seen Ganju piss off the Shiba head. It had taken him nearly an hour to heal the burn marks. He came out of it at the Unohana's voice. "Hanataro, today I'm assigning you and your squad to cleaning the 5th and 10th division. After that please return here and wait for me to come back from the captains meeting."

Hanataro nodded, giving his usual bow before exiting the office, his sword swinging on his hip. "Isane, watch the division for me for awhile. I need to head to the captains meeting." Not waiting for a reply Unohana stood up, exiting the office and heading out of the division.


Kuchiki Estate

"So Captain Kuchiki, how should we conduct ourselves at this meeting, is there any protocol we should be aware of?"Byakuya nodded as he walked along the corridors, Harribel standing next to him while the other former arrancar followed behind them. "There are a few things like standing still and addressing the captains only when your input is asked for. For the most part though just be respectful and patient, especially with some of the more eccentric captains. As to the actual protocol itself, that'll largely depend on what the head captain wants."

Mila-Rose looked a little nervous at the mention of the old man, remembering when he had roasted her and the others. "Are...Are you sure we'll be able to stay here? This isn't some sort of trap is it?" Harribel turned to give her subordinate a stern look when Byakuya continued as if nothing happened. "If the head captain had wanted you in custody he would have ordered it the moment he woke up. As to what he will do with you beyond that I'm not sure."

"I hope I can join Chiru-chan's squad, then we could pway everyday!" Appaci turned scarlet at this, still angry at the two for making her chase them with her chest open for all to see. Sun-Sun and Mila both saw the expression on her face, forcing themselves not to burst into laughter. Menoly saw where the situation was going and decided to intervene before it blew up.

"So will Rukia be coming to the meeting? I was hoping to spend some time with her today." Byakuya shook his head, never faltering in his stride. "This meeting is for captains only, the lieutenants will be in charge of the divisions while this takes place, minus the 11th of course. However I'm sure you'll see her later in the afternoon."

Walking through the corridors they exited in front of the first division, the center of the Seireitei's massive building standing before them. As they walked towards it all the newcomers, even Harribel felt a little apprehension. Byakuya had been heading towards one of the meeting rooms when he was approached by the first division.

"Captain Kuchiki, the head captain has decided to hold the meeting at the first division training grounds. However he asks that our guests wait here until after the captains decide where each one of you is to be placed. After that your individual captains will come out to introduce themselves to you." Chojiro said this with a series of bows, first to the captain and then to the group as a whole. Byakuya nodded then turned to the group, eying them each in turn.

"I understand, I apologize for this inconvenience, hopefully you will not have to wait long." Menoly answered him, averting her eyes from his. "It's alright, we've gotten pretty good at waiting. We'll see you in a bit captain." Byakuya nodded, eyes lingering on the blond for a tenth of a second before turning away, heading toward the training ground.

Menoly for her part turned around to talk to Nel when she saw her three sisters staring at her, catlike grins on all three of them. "Umm...why are you staring at me like that?" Sun-Sun waved her off, looking over at her two sisters and putting her hand in front of her face. "Oh it's nothing Menoly-chan, don't mind us." Menoly looked at them suspiciously but turned to Nel regardless. Appaci moved up next to Sun-Sun, leaning back near her.

"So we're going to try-" Sun-Sun nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Yes, I think that would be nice for her, although it won' t be easy, especially with a buffoon like you helping me." Appaci turned a hateful glare an her sister, but had been warned beforehand to keep her cool so she just sat back with a huff.

Byakuya for his part was unaware of the plot's being hatched in the group he left behind. He entered the training ground of the division, seeing the other captains had already arrived. Yoruichi was also standing next to Sui-Feng, a smirk on the woman's face. Once he took his position the old man began.

"Now that we have all gathered we can start the meeting, Before we get to the potential recruits I want a report of the situation in the Soul Society." He ended the sentence, waiting for the inevitable. As always Sui-Feng spoke up first.

"Reports from my operative have reported a boom of new plus's in all districts outside of the Seireitei, the averages have yet to be determined but we estimate at least a couple hundred thousand new souls have appeared in the Soul Society. The inclusion of these new souls have also lead to an increase in hollow activity in the outer districts. At the moment our men are hard pressed to keep order and chaos is running rampant through the streets. I believe these souls are the ones from the hollow Bone Ripper."

"Anything else?" Yamamoto asked, curious about the situation. Sui-Feng nodded, pulling a slip of paper from her haori.

"One of the attacks in the Zaraki district was particularly unusual. A local tavern called the Red Dragon was attacked. This bar was a known holdout of the "Nefarious Dragons" gang currently in control of the district. All of the gang members in the area were killed, but I don't believe it was the work of a hollow. While some of the men had bite marks and were torn to shreds, others had clearly died by a blade of some kind, a massive one. However we have no leads as to who is responsible at this time."

Yamamoto frowned slightly at this, it was unusual but not unheard of for such slaughters to happen in the Zaraki district. Still he'd make sure to keep an eye on the incident. "In order to restore order to the outer districts divisions 7 and 9 will send additional men to assist existing patrols. Their direction will follow under your jurisdiction Captain Sui-Feng. Is there anything else to report?"

Hearing no answer Yamamoto nodded his head, tapping his cane on the ground. "In that case we will begin discussing the new recruits. You have all read the reports written by Captain Unohana, we will discuss each recruit one at a time. Let us begin with recruit Mila-Rose." For a moment nobody said anything, each one weighing the looks of the other. Then with the raise of Shinji's hand the debating began.


5th Division

Hanataro was heading towards the captain's office while his subordinates were spread through the rest of the division. He sighed as he headed towards the door, it was a well known rule that the squad leader in charge of cleaning the 5th division would have to take care of the office themselves. The official line of the shinigami under him was that they felt it would be more respectful to the division if a seated officer took care of the duty.

The truth though was after nearly 2 years the office still had a taboo feeling around it, just one of the marks Aizen's betrayal had left on the Seireitei. Standing in front of the door he forced down an instinctive shudder that always went through him and knocked on the office door. "You can come in the doors unlocked." Turning the handle he entered the office, meeting eye to eye with the lieutenant Momo Hinamori. "Hanataro!" The girl said standing up, walking over from the desk and hugging the boy. "I'm glad to see your alright, sorry I didn't visit but things have been so busy here."

Hanataro gave her a hug back then broke the connection, nodding his head at her in understanding. Hanataro had been one of the one's to help Hinamori through her physical therapy, and over the months the two had become good friends.

"I-It's alright, I know y-you've got things to do, I just came to clean the office." Hinamori waved this off, grabbing him by the arm and sitting him down in front of the desk. "The office is perfectly fine, sit down with me, have some tea." She stood up and moved over to a shelf, pulling a slightly steaming pot of tea off of it along with two mugs, placing the two in front of them.

Hanataro had to suppress a small smile as she poured the tea, this wasn't a strange occurrence for him. Just about every time he visited he ended staying for a cup of tea with her. We'll, as long as Captain Shinji wasn't around anyway, he could be a little hard to deal with. "Th-thank you Hinamori-san." Hinamori smiled back, placing the tea pot down and raising her mug up.

"Always a pleasure Hanataro, I must admit I missed these conversations." Hanataro nodded, taking a sip of the tea. It had a very calming smell to it, and as always he could just taste a hint of vanilla mixed into it. "Yeah, I did to. B-But I guess it was all for the best." Hinamori grinned, looking at the blade on his hip.

"We'll the sword is a definite improvement, but knowing who your parents are now, that is so cool." Hanataro looked down a small smile on his face. "C-cant disagree with you there. H-how have things been going here?" Hinamori's smile became a little more strained, but she kept it on her face.

"Oh things have been g-going well, Captain Shinji is very nice and it's b-been good to get back to duty." Hanataro noticed the slight stutter, he looked at Hinamori with a slightly serious expression. "Hinamori, a-are you sure everything's alright? You can t-tell me if you wish."

Instinctively Hinamori thought about pretending like everything was fine, but she couldn't. Hanataro had taken care of her when she was cracking up and always seemed to have a way of pulling things out of her.

"No...everything's not alright. I walk around the division but everyone always stares at me, like I'm going to break down or turn like ca- like him. And Toshiro he...he's just turned so cold lately, he won't even speak with me and we haven't talked since before the war ended. I just don't know what to do." She said this last part with a sniffle, turning away to hide the tears threatening to spill out. Hanataro didn't know how to help her but knew he had to try.

"I-I'm sure it's not as bad as y-you think. P-people don't think your g-going to break th-they just want to make sure your okay. As f-for Captain Hitsugaiya, h-he just needs some time to adjust. E-Everything will w-work out in the end." Hinamori wiped her arm across her eyes, doing her best to get rid of the moisture. "You really think things will get better Hanataro?"

Hanataro nodded, wanting to make the lieutenant feel better. Hinamori was still for a moment before a smile came back on her face, feeling better than she had in the past couple weeks. "Thanks Hanataro, like I said it's good to have you back. Now why don't you tell me about the people you brought back with you, I hear some of them are quite beautiful." Hanataro turned blood red at this statement, doing his best to sink into the chair.

"Oh th-their all very nice pe-people. Nel and M-Menoly are k-kind of my adopted sisters now, a-and Sun-Sun and her sisters are good friends. Rubodone is v-very courteous and p-polite, if a bit quiet." Hinamori nodded, a sly grin appearing on her face. "I believe your leaving one out Hanataro, a certain tall blond with Matsumoto level appeal? Or is she the mean one of the group" Hanataro's panicked at this, hands waving in the air in an excited manner.

"N-No y-you've got it all wrong, Harribel-san is v-very nice!" At the comment Hinamori put a hand over her mouth as if in shock. "You think she's "very nice"? Hanataro I didn't know someone like you had such impure thoughts. Just what would Rukia think if she knew you were like Renjii." If it was possible for Hanataro to turn any redder he would have exploded in a pop of crimson.

"H-Hinamori-san that's not w-what I'm saying at all! I j-just meant that's she a very g-good person, not that I'm saying she's pretty. Gah I mean not to say she isn't pretty she's very-" Hinamori who had been doing her best to keep control while he dug himself in further, couldn't contain it anymore and burst out laughing, the sound floating on the air.

Hanataro for a moment felt happy to have helped bring her spirits up, before realizing he had been had. He slumped back in his chair, expression downcast. "Hinamori-san that isn't very nice." The girl in question had gotten control of her laughing looked at the boys downcast look, finding it both a little guilt tripping and endearing at the same time.

"Sorry Hanataro but your just so much fun to poke at. But I suppose I've kept you for long enough, you probably need to get going." Hanataro nodded, finishing his tea and placing the cup down. "Y-Yeah we still h-have to clean out the 10th b-before the end of the sh-shift." Standing up he picked up his cleaning tools before heading to the door.

"Hanataro, thanks for listening, I...I hope your right, about what you said." Hanataro looked back at the girl, sitting behind her small desk, Aizen's old one almost looming over it in comparison. "I...I hope it does to." Before she could ask him what he meant by that he closed the door leaving her alone again. Just her and the specter of someone she had once trusted more than any other, seeming to whisper at her from every corner.


1st Division

"So it is settled for these four recruits. Sun-Sun, Mila-Rose, Appaci and Nel will be inducted into the 3rd, 5th, 9th and 11th divisions respectively. As for the last one however she will spend some of her time as an honorary fourth division member." No sooner had he finished his sentence than a certain pink haired menace let out a cheer, racing out towards where Nel and the others were waiting. Many attending the meeting gave both a shudder and a sigh of relief that Yachiru had a new playmate to spend time with.

For Yamamoto he continued as if nothing had happened. "We'll now that the first half of the recruits have been assigned let us proceed with the next one. Former exequias leader Rubodone, who would wish to take him?" Two hands popped up at this, Soifon and Mayuri respectively.

Yamamoto had dreaded this, for the most part recruit selection had been fairly simple so far. Sun-Sun was a no brainer with her personality similar to the former captain Gin and weapon style similar to Captain Rose. 3rd as we'll as the 5th division were both in need of men due to massive transfers, which was why Shinji was given priority with Mila. Appaci had an unusual throwing weapon, something that could be properly trained in conjunction with 9th division Hisagi, and Zaraki had made it very clear that Yachiru wasn't going to be denied her playmate, one way or the other. Better just to keep them all in the same spot, with some supervision from Unohana.

Now however they had hit an impasse, a recruit could not be chosen unless one captain backed down, a compromise was met or the captains as a whole voted. "Captain Soifon and Mayuri, why do you both desire this recruit? Please one at a time give your reasoning for this."

Soifon who was standing next to Yoruichi spoke up, eyes glinted in their usual determined expression. "The former arrancar was the leader of Aizen's special forces, he has tactical experience as well as a level in regards to stealth. He knows how to command a force of troops and would be an excellent addition to the 2nd." Mayuri strode forward, a sneer on his face.

"Please if you send him their he'll simply end up in charge of the Maggots Nest, and his abilities wasted. His skills as a tracker and hunter would be useful in dealing with my research specimens, and my useless lieutenant believes he has some knowledge of science which could prove more useful than being a glorified jailor."

Yamamoto sighed, sensing the tension between the two groups. Tactically he felt Rubodone might be more useful in the 2nd in terms of combat, but Mayuri had good points to, albeit selfish ones. "Would either of you be willing to back down on this issue? After all we still have another candidate to discuss."

Mayuri immediately turned away and scoffed, showing his unwillingness to relent. Soifon was about to do the same when Yoruichi leaned over slightly, words whispering in her prodigy's ear. "You can afford to let this one go Soifon, be patient." Soifon hated the thought of conceding anything to the mad scientist, but would not allow her pride to stand against her masters will.

"Very we'll, the 2nd division will agree to let this recruit go return for ten percent of the 12th divisions budget for the quarter." Sensing everyone's eyes on him Mayuri, did a quick cost analysis of this, and saw that he came far ahead. "Fine, I accept." Nodding the two stepped forward, clasped hands and then let go as quickly as they could.

"Now we move on to the last recruit for today. Menoly Mallia, take a moment to review her file before making a decision." Surprising to the group Byakuya stepped forward immediately, hand upraised. "The 6th division is willing to take this recruit as a member, she has the right sense of duty and loyalty that are a requisite for this division. I feel this would be the best fit for her."

Soifon's hand which had been going down was pushed back up, Yoruichi whispering to her again. "This girl has potential Soifon, do not lose this one." Yoruichi stepped back, a smirk on her face as she saw the matchup between her two students. Yamamoto didn't say anything, simply standing back an eyeing the two.

"With all due respect Captain Kuchiki, this girl belongs in the 2nd division. Her skills and combat abilities are more closely aligned with the 2nd than the 6th, and they would reach their full capacity with my training." A glint appeared in Byakuya's eye, surprising the assassin with its strength. "Under my command she will have the opportunity to advance and grow through the ranks. Perhaps even take a position of leadership as opposed to a glorified jailor."

Soifon batted Byakuya's bait with a verbal backhand. "Considering the 6th already has a lieutenant capable of Bankai, I very much doubt your divisions leadership is in any true peril. The same cannot be said of the 2nd, considering the incompetent fool hoisted upon me as a lieutenant."

Byakuya frowned slightly at this, mouth drawn in a thin line. "And we should take the failure of your ability to motivate Omaede as a reason to concede to you?" Soifon's eyes widened in outrage and Yoruichi shifted herself just in case her students decided to argue in a more physical way.

Yamamoto however had let it go as far as he was willing. "Enough! We will not bicker amongst ourselves, since neither side is willing to concede it will be your fellow captains who decide. I want everyone's opinion, then I will give the tie breaker if needed."

Rose stepped up first, a disinterested look on his face. "I must agree with Captain Soifon on this, the girls skills would develop much more under the 2nd division, and in a battle that will mean life and death. I vote for Captain Soifon." Stepping back he turned to Retsu only for her to raise a hand, indicating she would wait till later.

"I'm afraid I must disagree with you Rose, skills only come second to ambitions and drive. Still I will agree the 2nd would be best for her." Shinji said this, stepping back into line. Kommamura strode forward, face stoic. "I agree as well, the 2nd would do well with her addition."

Shunsui was the next to speak, eyes closed as if half drunk. "Oh it would be such a waste to cover up such a pretty girl in all black, are you sure I can't take her into my division?" The hateful glare his teacher threw him, as well as the surprisingly almost non-existent one from Byakuya made the answer clear. "We'll in that case I vote for Kuchiki, his division could use some more pretty faces."

Kensei sighed, back leaned against a tree. "I really don't care one way or the other, but I'll vote with Shinji, he's usually got a good view of things."

Toshiro was next to go, eyes focused yet almost distant, as if he wasn't there. "Aizen more than proved one needs the strength to back up their ambition, I vote for 2nd division."

Zaraki grinned, eyes pinned straight at Byakuya. "If it helps get the stick out of Kuchiki's ass I'll vote for him. She better be a good fighter though."

Mayuri waved his hand, wanting the meeting done with. "Just throw my vote with the Neanderthal's, honestly I have better things to do then being here." Having reached the end of the line, Ukitake cleared his throat as the group stared at him.

"I...am not entirely sure who to vote on to be honest. Either division would be a good fit for her but this is ultimately something she'll have to decide on whether she stays in it or not. However for now I feel she would be more happy in the 6th division, considering she knows some of the people there." Retsu nodded at this as we'll, showing her agreement with her partner.

Yamamoto sighed, his vote being the last to go. He tapped a cane to the ground bringing the attention of all gathered.

"I may hold the last vote in regards to this young woman's situation with my vote, but with such division it would be to insulting to our captains for me to choose one side or the other. Thus Ms. Mallia will spend one week in each division, to see which is more comfortable. After that she will be free to choose which she will stay in. As of now however it would be prudent for her to join the 2nd, to better evaluate her strength and growth potential."

Soifon was a little ticked at this to say the least, but once the head captain made up his mind there was no arguing with him. Byakuya nodded at the head captain, a little more stiffly than usual.

"We'll, now that this has been settled we can move onto our final piece of business. The first is in regards to the former espada Harribel. As her power level is we'll above a lieutenant level, I would like to see her made a captain. However as all the current positions are full I feel it would be best to put her in the reserve list at the moment until such time as she can be called in."

This caused a few of the older captains to wince in memory, the reserves was created when the number of capable shinigami outnumbered the positions available. Essentially the person would be stuck there until they could be slotted in, either from promotion, death or retirement. The reserve list could also take years to get off of.

"So if she's going to be in the reserves which division will she be in until a position opens up?" Kommamura asked, curious to meet a future comrade. "Normally the person would simply stay in their original division until the time came, but considering the circumstances Harribel will be allowed to decide for herself. I assume this ends the meeting?" Shinji said in a drawl, looking away from the group in a disinterested fashion.

"Yes, although I will tell you all Harribel may not be in the reserves for as long as you may think. Things will be changing soon, that's all I can say at the moment." The two nobles passed a knowing look between the two, something that did not go unnoticed by Unohana and Ukitake. Yamamoto tapped his cane on the ground, starting to turn away. "Those captains who have chosen recruits please introduce yourselves to them, Unohana please explain the situation to Harribel. The rest of you are dismissed." The captain disappeared from sight, the majority of the others doing the same.

Unohana and Ukitake approached the two clan heads, with Soifon standing nearby, serious expressions etched on their faces. "Captain Kuchiki, Shihoin-san, what does he keep alluding to? We know you're in on this, I assume whatever this topic is what you wished to discuss with us?" Byakuya nodded, feeling nervous before the two older captains for the first time in a long time.

"Byakuya, Soifon, go introduce yourself to your new division member, I'll explain things here." Byakuya nodded, thankful not having to tell them while Soifon just looked confused. Once the two were gone Yoruichi leaned back against a tree, letting out a small sigh. "Alright, you two may wish to take a seat this will be kind of shocking."

As Yoruichi was dropping whatever bomb she had on the two the remaining captains had made their way out to the waiting group. The newly deputized shinigami looked at the approaching captains, both excited as well as fairly nervous. For a second the captains each sought out their recruits, then as one moved up to them.

"So you're the insignificant specimen Nemu asked for. You better be worth the budget I just traded away, or I'll recoup my losses from your hide." Rubodone didn't respond verbally to the insult, simply choosing to give a bow to Mayuri. The clown faced captain raised an eyebrow at this, but otherwise said nothing turning and heading back towards the 12th. Rubodone tactfully followed him two steps behind.

Kensei , Shinji and Rose approached the three sisters, the three of them whispering to each other as they sat on a stump. One of them seemed to make a snide remark that got the other two to curse at her, but besides that the three captains couldn't hear what they were saying. Once they were close enough the three women stopped talking, noticing the three standing over them.

"Oy, which one of you is Apacci?" Kensei said, crossing his arms over his chest. The shingiami in question stood up, looking up at the tall man, a hand on her hip while the other was in her pocket. "She'd be me, I'm guess you're my new captain?"

Kensei narrowed his eyes at the defiant stance, remembering similar positions from Mashiro. "Great out of all the one's I could get I end up with the tomboy." The two sisters winced as the dreaded nickname was said so offhandedly. "ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY I'M NOT FEMININE?" Apacci yelled as he fist collided with his face, sending his head back. Harribel stood to immediately reprimand the girl but could not get there before Kensei began yelling back, hand falling on top of her head.

"THAT'S PRECISELY WHAT I"M IMPLYING, HOW ELSE COULD YOU TAKE THAT STATEMENT?" Saying that he gave her head a light squeeze. Apacci's eyes widened at the sudden pressure, reaching her hands up to try and wrench the arm off, only succeeding at digging her nails into his arm. "OW your hurting my head bastard!"

Rose sighed as the two went at it, choosing to turn to the remaining sisters. "I'm to assume one of you is Sun-Sun?" Sun-Sun walked over to him, extending a hand out. "Your Captain Rose, Yachiru told us your names when she came running out here. Now the nickname "girly hair" makes a lot more sense." Rose chuckled a little at this, extending his hand. "We'll seeing you here I understand why she called you the snake lady. Sun-Sun raised an eyebrow that he took her subtle insult in stride, but extended her hand and clasped it with his.

That just left Shinji and Mila-rose by themselves, the vaizard looking at the former arrancar. "You'll forgive me if I don't have an emotional greeting, that's not really my style. names Shinji, and as long as you don't backstab me like my former lieutenant we should be fine." Mila nodded as she stood up following the man out of the clearing. "And what did your lieutenant do that was so terrible." Shinji didn't stop moving, although his answer stopped Mila in her tracks. "You should know, he's the one that turned you into an arrancar."

While this scene was going on Soifon and Byakuya approached Menoly and Harribel, the two waiting for them expectantly. Harribel gave a small bow to the two, one Menoly quickly copied. "So Captain Byakuya, is this Menoly's captain...?" The assassin captain did not answer, walking up to Menoly. Menoly tried maintaining eye contact with it but found it hard to do so, Soifon's gaze seeming to pierce into her.

"For one week you will be under my command, then you will switch for a week to Captain Byakuya's. At the end you must choose which division you are going to permanently join. You will be at the 2nd division grounds entrance at 0600 hours sharp is that clear?" Menoly nodded, suddenly feeling incredibly nervous about the whole affair. Soifon went to walk away, only to turn back and look at the girl. "And at all times from now on you will address me as Captain Soifon."

With a flash the woman disappeared, leaving the others alone. Harribel turned to Byakuya, a frown on her face. "I'm not sure I understand the protocol for captain/subordinate conduct, but I do believe that was rude." Byakuya nodded, arms folded behind his back. "Captain Soifon is not always the most...tactful in that regards but you would be hard pressed to find many with her drive and skill. Sometimes she simply has too much of the former."

"Perhaps, but I guess that doesn't matter to me as of now. So now that my subordinates have all been assigned to different squads which will I be joining ?" Byakuya gave a small hmm, walking past the two towards the estate. "We'll, it's a little complicated, but I guess in large part that's up to you." Harribel was a little mystified by the comment, but listened as Byakuya began to explain.


4th Division

"Alright g-good job everyone, th-that should be all for today." His squad mates all nodded, heading off in different directions. Hanataro for his part gave a small sigh, entering his former residence to do the paperwork. Closing the door he sat down at the desk, starting to write on the work. Despite having worked a shorter shift than before he had to admit he felt pretty drained. Still, it's only about 2:00, I should be able to get this done before they get back.

He got about halfway through the paperwork when a knock was made on his door. Standing back up he walked to the door and opened it up. Standing outside of the door an old woman was standing before him, only an inch or two below his own height. She wore a simple blue and white kimono, and despite the wrinkles on her face one could sense the strength this person held. Her hair was pure white, even brighter than Isane's was. The way the hair was looped in front of her however was very familiar...

"Hello, umm i-is there something you need?" The old woman observed him, blue eyes piercing him like a hawk. "I was told this is the residence of Hanataro Yamada, would you happen to know him?" Hanataro nodded, opening the door a little wider.

"Y-Yes, I-I'm Hanataro. H-How can I be of service?" The old woman didn't say anything, choosing instead to step into the room. She looked around the room, appraising it like one would a painting. Eventually she frowned, lips set in a thin line. "To think you've lived here all these years...how distasteful."

Hanataro's confusion only continued to rise at the woman's behavior. "Umm, I don't mean to b-be rude-" The woman reached forward taking the boys head in her hands, turning him left and right. "You're not child, just give me a moment. Dear me your so skinny, part of your mothers physique I know but I thought more of your father would be more apparent. We'll at least you have some of his features."

The physical prodding was a little too far even for Hanataro. Stepping back he tripped over his sword sheath, falling to the ground. "A-Alright hold on a s-sec, wh-who are you?" The old woman blinked, bending down to look at him. "My apologies, I'm Fuyu Unohana, head elder of your mother's clan, as well as your grandmother."

"G-Grandmother?" Hanataro asked, eyes as wide as saucer's. Fuyu sighed, standing up straight. "We'll I knew you hadn't learned about them until a week ago, still I thought they'd at least mention me. Now stand up, I want to see my grandson better."

A chuckle broke out behind the two, causing them to look over at the door. Leaning against the door was another old man, although age seemed to be all they had in common. Where she was prim and proper he was a bit more...disorganized. He was dressed in a oak leaf green with a standard looking zanpakuto hanging loosely from his sash. While his head was bald one could still see he had sharp features as well as black eyebrows, looking in human terms in his late fifties

"More like you want to inspect the boy to make sure he fits your standards. How very...like you Fuyo." The woman snorted, turning completely to face the old man. "Mifune, I am surprised to see you out of bed before evening time, have you run out of sake to satiate yourself?" The old man let out a laugh, stepping into the room.

"Ah such a sharp tongue, it's surprising to hear it again, usually the creak of your bones block out the sound. To answer your question though I felt it was high time I met my great nephew." Hanataro looked at the two, surprised to meet two family members in one day.

"Y-You're my mother's uncle?" Fuyo looked askance t this while Mifune laughed at this, a small hiccup coming out at the end. "Ah if only I was so lucky kid, no little Jushiro is my nephew, although I must say there's not much of a family resemblance. Oh we'll, at least he knows how to pick good friends, but I guess I'm getting sidetracked. It's a pleasure to meet you kid."

He reached a hand forward to shake Hanataro's hand, only for the old woman to slap Mifune's down with a fan she produced from her sleeve. "Child I know you've lived on your own for the most part, but don't shake a drunks hand it's bad luck. Now where are your parent's, I have some things to discuss with them."

"You mean you that you wish to chew them out. You should lighten up, the circumstances surrounding their relationship-" Fuyo cut him off, rapping the hard side of her fan on his head again. "Are of no excuse, I understand the situation regarding him but that means little. Honestly to think I would do such a thing to my own blood over a grudge."

The old man had just recovered from the blow when he decided it was time to throw in another comment. "Considering how freely your using that fan at the moment i don't think I can urk-" She rapped the fan onto his head again, this time nearly crumpling the old man. "Be quiet your voice irritates me. 160 years, a 160 years they've kept this little secret while I thought that my family was without an heir, this is inexcusable."

"Um Grandmother, Uncle?" Hanataro said, trying to get the attention of the two. However they seemed to be lost in argument.

"Perhaps your strict ways were what drove them to be secret, after all you do have that temper of yours." Fuyo went to whack him only for the man to block it, taking out his own. "Oh, and I suppose it wasn't how free you were with that boy that caused this, you were always a light touch in your dealings with him."

"Umm excuse me?.." Hanataro tried again with very little luck. "Better a free hand then controlling them from the moment they start to crawl. Honestly I don't know how half of you haven't blown a gasket yet, considering how strict you all are." Fuyo looked over the pair of locked fans, anger in her eyes that was replicated in Mifune's.

"How dare you, at least my clan doesn't spend half it's time and resources getting sloshed when there could be work to be done."

The two got closer and glared at each other, upper parts of their faces darkened over in shadows. Just as it looked like they were going to use their fans again a pair of voices cleared themselves, breaking the glaring match between the two. Unohana and Ukitake were standing by the doorway, along with what looked like half the 4th division. A quick look from Unohana sent the latter of the three scurrying back to their duties.

"Mother, honored Mifune Ukitake, it is good to see the two of you have lost none of your vitality or drive." Unohana said this respectfully, although one could feel the lack of warmth emanating from her. Fuyo scoffed, placing the fan back in her sleeve. "Spare me your false modesty Retsu, I'm not in the mood. You know why we are here, I have been trying to meet with you ever since your return."

Mifune didn't say anything to Ukitake, but he did raise an eyebrow at the captain, causing him to look a little cowed. Ukitake answered, doing his best not to sound confrontational. "And as I'm sure you both know, there were things that prevented us from meeting with you. We just came back from a captains meeting and were going to go straight to you."

"Perhaps, or perhaps you were going to stall us another couple of days while you two tried to scheme up an excuse." Unohana dropped her neutral expression in favor of a harder one. "Don't be ridiculous, it isn't like we could trick you when you already knew. In any case how did you both find out so quickly?"

"I have my sources." Both elders said at the same time before sending a quick glare at the two.

Elsewhere...

Omaede was laughing uncontrollably as he munched down on rice crackers in the office, counting through a pile of money. We'll, he was until his captain walked by and threw a banzai plant from nearby, pegging him in the back of the head. "WHY AREN'T YOU TRAINING THE MEN LIKE I ORDERED OMAEDE?" Omaede's eyes drifted to the money, causing Soifon's to narrow. Around the barracks 2nd divisioners chose this as good a time as any to wal away, far far away."

Back to the current conversation...

"We'll, however you learned I suppose it doesn't matter. What is your plans for Hanataro?" Fuyo strode forward, pulling a small scroll from her kimono. "You should know better than that Retsu, we don't discuss matters with outsiders, despite the circumstances. I expect to see the two of you in the morning for breakfast, yes?" Hanataro noticed the way she seemed to ignore the other two, acting as if they weren't there.

"Wh-why is it only the two of us, why c-can't dad come as well?" Fuyo was surprised to hear the question, she turned a calculated look on the boy. "Clan business involves clan members only, outsiders are not welcome unless specifically involved. I'll see you both tomorrow." She walked past Unohana heading towards the door. As she passed Hanataro she slowed down for a second, as if there was something she wanted to do, but she resumed her step and left in a prompt manner.

"Ah still has that bug stuck in there, well some things don't change I suppose. Still it is a shame to see. Jushiro dear boy I hope you and your family come for a visit in a couple days, don't feel pressured to do it soon though. Just let me know when so I can cook up some grub." He wrapped Ukitake in a quick hug, nodded his head at Unohana then started walking out. Only when he went by Hanataro he didn't hesitate, putting a hand on the boys head and ruffling his hair. Giving a small hiccup he set out, closing the door behind him.

Unohana sighed, walking over to Hanataro and sitting him down, getting to work on his hair. "We'll, I suppose that went as well as we could have hoped. They didn't fight to much around you did they?" Hanataro shook his head, feeling a load calmer now that the two were gone. "N-No but th-they looked like they were going to. Why where they f-fighting?" Ukitake sighed, sitting across from the boy.

"That...is a long story, suffice to say there's a lot of bad blood there. Whatever their animosity towards each other, it's good to know they won't let it be aimed towards you. They however don't matter for the moment, for now let's just go home." Hanataro nodded, then turned a guilty look at his paperwork sitting half done. Unohana noticed his glance and walked over to the desk, taking the paper in her arms.

"Not here Hanataro, we should head back home first before discussing it. First though let's drop your paperwork of to Iemura,, he can take care of it for you today." Hanataro wasn't sure, but for some reason his parents seemed exhausted, both of them looking worn out. Nodding he went over and picked up his blade then headed out the door towards home.

It's funny, there was a time I would have considered this my home. I'm glad that's changed. Had he not been so caught up in his thoughts he might have noticed how his parents seemed to hover close to him, or how their hand's rested on their blades as if expecting the need to draw them.

As the door closed a corner of the room began to shimmer, eventually materializing the hooded female into reality. She walked over to the door, sliding it open slightly to watch the group depart. Nodding in satisfaction she reclosed the door and began shimmering to disappear. At the sight of something on the floor she stopped herself, walking over and picking it up from the ground.

It was a picture in a simple frame, the glass slightly smudged and the frame surrounding it cracked and aging. The picture itself was what drew the woman's attention. It was a picture clearly taken in the Rukongai, showing the boy in some kind of living room or another. He seemed young, very young and the clothes he was wearing seemed old and frayed. Next to him in the photo was an old woman with one leg and a katana. At the sight of the woman's blade the woman let out a small gasp, recognizing the woman. So that's where you ended up sensei, it is curious to see you met this boy at such a young age. Why though is the question.

Hearing a couple of 4th division members pass by caused her to come out of her inner thoughts. She went to put the picture back only to hesitate. Eventually she took out a strange camera out of her pocket, taking a picture of the picture before putting it back, finger tracing the old woman's face as she let go. Standing up she shimmered out of reality again, with even more questions than she had before.


Rukongai 79th district

"You're certain of this, those four passed through here?" Bone Ripper asked as he held a street thug up in the air, one hand circling the thugs entire body, while the massive weapon was in the other. "I-I swear to you man, th-that's all I know. Th-they were heading to the inner districts, th-that's all!" Bone Ripper lowered his head down near the man, impossibly large and very sharp teeth close to the man's head.

"Huh, alright, you wouldn't happened to know why they were going there?" At this his mouth formed into a grin, one that shouldn't have been possible on the strange face. The thug shook his head, scared out of his wit by the monster standing in front of him. Grunting Bone Ripper dropped the man, letting the man drop the eight feet he had been held at. Fortunately (Or unfortunately you could argue) the corpses of his fallen cronies softened the impact. Once the thug had recovered his wits he looked around in fear, but the beast was already gone. I guess this is a sign I should starting praying more often. Maybe I'll take monk Sonyok's advice and join the monastery.

Bone Ripper for his part was racing across the rooftops, the pounding of his massive legs frightening whoever was under the roof he ran. Seireitei far in the distance the beast's mouth was in a thin line, cog's whirling in his brain. I suppose some of them would end up here, still it is always surprising to know such powerful individuals are capable of redemption. Then again who am I to judge? We'll know matter I should be able to catch up to them by tomorrow.

He was about to keep blitzing through when he heard th sound of female laughing. A nobleman was walking down the alleyway with what was clearly two prostitutes on each of his arm. Behind the man a pair of men in uniform walked behind him, zanpakuto strapped to their belts. A poor street urchin who wasn't fast enough to get out of the man's way received a boot to the posterior, courtesy of one of the bodyguards. Bone Ripper watched the scene, eyes peering at the large sack swinging from the nobles belt.

Hmm that man is wasting his power and wealth in such an foolish manner, and the old bastard thinks I'm a monster. It would just be criminal to let this go by, guess I'll have to delay things a bit and reclaim that wealth. Specifically for me.The creature grasped the massive axe on his back, blades almost a black red on the edges from the blood spilled earlier.Besides, I can stand to have a little fun every now and then.


And that's chapter 11, man that was a bitch to write. But I must say I've been having a lot of fun with it. For now though I'm going to take a break from it while I enjoy my time in Hilo, Hawaii. THanks for reading everybody and see you at the next update.