"Zu-zu, what are you doing here?"
Kira Izuru stood up slowly with cheeks that had flushed brilliant pink. He'd been counting rolled bandages in a supply cabinet for inventory.
"It's Izuru, sir. Kira Izuru," Kira said. "I work here, sir."
"Is that right?" Gin said, sitting down on an empty bed. "Rangiku's around here somewhere with Shiro-chan. He went and fainted on us again."
"I'm sorry to hear that, sir," Kira said uncomfortably. He really was supposed to be finishing that inventory.
"Well, it's summer. Happens every year. What can you do? Kinta doesn't seem to mind the heat. I'm supposed to be watching him, but Isana-chan asked to borrow him. So here I am with nothing to do. Nice running into a friend," he added.
Kira blushed again. "Thank you, sir."
"You like working in Division Four?"
"Captain Unohana is a great woman, sir."
"That she is, also terrifying," he glanced over his shoulder. "Thought she might be standing behind me. She does that, you know?"
"Yes, sir," Kira agreed.
"I was just wondering, Kira-kun, if you were still interested in being on the front lines, risking your life to protect the innocent and all."
"Sir?"
"Remember you telling me you wanted to be more than a healer. If you're still interested I'm in need of a lieutenant. I've been stuck doing all the division paperwork myself for far too long. Think you'd like the job?"
Kira stared at Gin. "You would consider me for lieutenant, sir?"
"You've mastered your shikai, haven't you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then what's the problem? The job's yours if you want it," Gin said, standing abruptly. "I'd better fetch Kinta before Ran finds out I've dumped him on Isana. Just show up in the morning if you think you'd like to give it a try."
Kira stared at the empty doorway. If he ever thought he'd make lieutenant this was not how he'd thought it might happen. Captain Ichimaru had to be the strangest of all the captains. Even Captain Kurotsuchi wouldn't ask a random shinigami he'd only met once years before to be his lieutenant. It was just bizarre. He decided he'd speak to Captain Unohana about it as soon as he could be sure Ichimaru had left the building.
"Enter."
Kira stepped into the office with a very worried expression on his face.
Unohana raised her head and smiled gently. "Are you here about Captain Ichimaru's offer?" she asked.
"You know about it?" he said in surprise.
"Of course. Captain Ichimaru asked for recommendations from other captains three months ago. You were my suggestion. He requested your records last month, and we've spoken several times. We agreed you were the best match for the position. You are very conscientious and focused, and yet able to adapt quickly to change. Captain Ichimaru's only real concern is your lack of self confidence. Humility is not a character trait he has much familiarity with."
"You think I'm ready to be a lieutenant?" Kira asked.
"I would not have recommended you otherwise. The question," she said, calmly, "Is whether you believe you can handle working for Captain Ichimaru."
Kira stared at her for moment, trying to imagine what working for Ichimaru would be like. It was impossible. When he tried to think about what he actually knew about the captain all that came to mind was the memory of a much younger man clutching his zanpakuto like a lifeline while his wife brought their son into the world. Rumors said the captain of the Third was heartless, but that was one thing Kira was certain he was not. It made him wonder if anything he'd heard about Ichimaru was true. "What do you think of him, Captain?" he asked, the Captain of the Fourth was far more perceptive than most.
Unohana smiled at his question. "I think it is unlikely any of us truly know Captain Ichimaru. I have seen him treat his wife with a kindness and devotion that I doubt many would believe, but I have also seen him act with such casual cruelty, seemingly only for his own amusement, that I wonder if he can even perceive the pain of others. He is intelligent, cautious, and hardworking, but chooses to present himself as careless and lazy. I think it would be difficult for anyone to serve as his lieutenant, but I think you would provide balance for the division as a more compassionate leader, without undermining his authority, and your respect for him would help the entire division to finally really accept their captain.
"But I also expect he will do everything he can to make you regret taking the position. It is almost like a compulsion, for Captain Ichimaru, to learn the weaknesses of everyone around him and exploit them for his own entertainment. If you cannot take constant reminders of your own failings or if you have any secrets you cannot bear others learning I would recommend you refuse the position, otherwise you should accept with pride. You are the first in your class to advance to the position of lieutenant. I am certainly proud of you. You have worked hard to improve yourself in every field. You have definitely earned this honor."
"Thank you, Captain Unohana," Kira said, bowing low. "I think-I think I will take Captain Ichimaru's offer, but I am sure I will miss you and this division. It has become like home to me."
"And like any child who has grown up and moved on you are most welcome to come back to visit."
Kira bowed again. "Thank you, Captain."
"Good luck, Kira."