Trash Can

Where the real treatment is.

They were doing paperwork again. Assigning cleaners and healers and whatnot. She knew a captain at some points in their work must face all these papers. She just wished it wasn't mainly about cleaning duty. It was at times like this when Unohana wished there were more patients looking for her. At least when that happened, she could really do what she did best, healing.

In her own desk, Isane was mumbling and grumbling under her breath. It was occasional, but when they had been locked up in a room for hours and Unohana had ignored it for a long time she just had to ask.

"Is something the matter, Isane?" The vice captain in question raised her head sheepishly.

"Nothing...at least nothing big, taichou. I was just bored and-er-a bit irritated, that's all." She huffed loudly. "I mean, we're healers, for goodness sake! Not cleaners! At least I had thought so when I joined the school of shinigami. I had thought that since I couldn't fight, I could at least be a useful healer." She blinked. "I'm rambling, aren't I?"

Unohana gracefully shook her head. "Nonsense. After all these hours, Isane, I'm actually wondering why you had kept quiet."

Isane scratched her head tiredly. "I guess I'm just too engrossed with my work. Ah! Sorry, taichou, for interrupting!"

"Not at all. I was looking forward a talk anyway. That would really help both of us."

"Really? How or why?"

"Isane, two sane people couldn't possibly be cooped up in the same room doing the same work and yet didn't interact at all."

"Right then." Isane pondered. "Then can we take a break now?"

Unohana smiled. "No, Isane, unless you want to work overtime."

"Of course not."

Silence passed between them, filled only with scratching noises.

"Taichou? Where is everyone? It's so quiet today."

"Today is Sunday, Isane."

"...Sunday...?"

"Grand cleaning day. Everyone's out for work."

Isane pursed her lips. "Sorry for my absentmindedness."

"It is but normal, Isane."

Silence fell again.

"Taichou?"

"Yes, Isane?"

"I was wondering...if I'm not intruding anything...but how do you always get the high-ranked patients?"

"Pardon?" Unohana removed the paper in front of her. A tall stack was still waiting for her, but she decided she could use a break.

"Well, I mean, they are not even badly injured or anything. But they always look for you anyway."

"I...don't know. Does it matter?"

"Not really...it's just a bit odd. Oh, is it because you are you?"

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"You are the gentle, motherly Unohana-taichou of the fourth division. Maybe they just want to share their secrets with you."

"No, Isane", Unohana smiled at that comment, "As gratifying as your compliment was, I don't think that's the main reason." She took a paper and began reading.

"Then what?" Isane had forgotten the paper in front of her.

Unohana hesitantly replied, "They are captains and vice captains, Isane."

"So? So are us."

"Yes, but they tend to have...ah...big pride."

Isane smirked. "So they are embarrassed by whatever the problems they have and come to you because you're not a gossiper?"

"I guess that is the blunt way of saying it."

The vice captain stretched. "It sure will be nice if they burst in right now."

"It is not a form of entertainment, Isane."

"But I'm bored."

There was a knock on the door. They looked expectantly at the opening door.

"Unohana-taichou", said the small figure, "I need to see you."

Silence. No one moved a muscle. The voice said menacingly, "Kotetsu-fukutaichou, if you'd please?"

Isane grumbled breathily, almost inaudibly. She shuffled through the other door.

Unohana stood up. She welcomed her guest. "What seems to be the problem, Hitsugaya-taichou?"

"I am wondering if there is any way to get rid of Matsumoto's protruding front. It seems to be a problem of some sort. Does she catch a disease or anything?"

Unohana looked behind her shoulder. The other door was shut tightly. She sighed.

"That, Hitsugaya-taichou, is a question I need to explain. You see..."