The next day was chaotic. Regular Soul Reapers, lieutenants, and captains ran amuck the Soul Society preparing for tomorrow. It was a battle just to stay on your feet in all of the commotion. But one captain remained perfectly on his feet. More like in his sick bed. Late last night, during the captain's meeting discussing the plans for the war, Ukitake had a major attack. Ever since, he had been unable to leave Squad 4 Barracks. "Ukitake, you still stuck in the hospital?" asked Toshiro as he walked through the door. Ukitake nodded yes and frowned. Toshiro completely entered the room, his hands behind his back. "What do you have Toshiro?" Ukitake asked with a raised eyebrow. The captain of squad ten smiled as he walked closer to Ukitake. When he got over there, He placed a large basket of candy on the table next to his bed. Ukitake smiled lightly as Toshiro's smile widened. Never in his life had Ukitake seen so big of a smile on the captain's face. "I hope that satisfies your sweet tooth Jushiro." he said, not moving from that spot. "You're not leaving?" asked Ukitake, a little surprised. Toshiro nodded no as the smile slightly escaped his lips. "I figured I might stay a while since it might be at least ten o'clock before someone else gets to come and visit. So I might as well stay a while."Toshiro said as somebody walked through the door. It was the seventh seat of squad 4, Hanataro Yamada. "How are you Captain Ukitake?" he asked as he walked through the door, being careful not to trip over the wires of all of the expensive equipment. "I'm fine." replied Ukitake with a smile. Hanataro smiled as well. "That's good to hear. But, the real reason that I'm here is to tell you that you can get out of bed. You're free to go." said the seventh seat as his smile widened. "That's great news Ukitake!" said Toshiro, feeling really happy for the poor 13th squad captain. Ukitake immediately shot out of bed, being careful not to move too quickly. All of the sudden, captain of squad 4, Unohana Retsu, and her lieutenant Isane, rushed into Ukitake's hospital room. "Hanataro, we need you to come with us!" shouted the captain. What do you need me for Captain Unohana?" asked Hanataro completely surprised. "It's Head Captain Yamamoto!" shouted Isane.
"This is awful! How could this happen?!" shouted Toshiro angrily. "Please keep your voice down Captain Hitsugaya." Unohana said in her usual calm voice, although that voice was not suited for this particular moment. Head Captain Yamamoto had fallen ill. "But, how could this happen just overnight?" asked Shunsui as he walked through the door. "It wasn't just overnight Shunsui." said Captain Unohana. "He has been keeping it a secret from everyone for a while now." "So, he's always been like this?" asked Ukitake. "Yes, I have." Yamamoto answered for himself. "You're really good at acting, Yama-Jii." said Shunsui. "Be serious for once you stupid drunk!?" Toshiro yelled, obviously still angry. "Shut up! Captain Unohana said-"started Ukitake, but was soon cut off by the fourth captain. "Please be quiet. I need to see what I can do to save the Head Captain's life. It will take quite a bit of concentration to do this." she said in almost a whisper. "We'll wait for you outside." said Ukitake as he dragged the others outside.
It had been three whole hours since Ukitake, Shunsui, and Toshiro left Unohana to work on the head captain. Shunsui sighed and yet again mysteriously pulled out a large bottle of sake and drank the whole thing down in what seemed to be one gulp. Everyone grew anticipated and Toshiro had became so nervous, the usually calm captain of squad ten, started to fidget! Captain Unohana finally exited the large mansion, a look of dissatisfaction on her face. "Well, how is he?" asked Shunsui. A long swept over the Soul Society. It was as if time had halted. She opened her mouth to say something. Unfortunately, it was not good news. "Ukitake Jushiro, the head captain asked for you personally, to take his place as head captain." she said quietly. "What Was That?!?!?!" everyone shouted, completely surprised.
It was the next day and it was definitely not going to be peaceful. Considering today was the big day. It was time for war.
At Huenco Mundo
Tosen Kaname, former captain of squad 9, stood quietly looking out the window. He was also looking deep into his own thoughts, thinking back to all of the good times he had with his old friend Komamura. But, there was one memory that really got to him. It was quite a long time ago.
Flashback
"So Tosen, why did you want to become a Soul Reaper?" asked Komamura. Tosen looked at his friend with his sad, blind eyes. "I want, I want to avenge my deceased friend." he said, a hint of sadness in his slightly deep voice. "Deceased?" Komamura asked. Tosen nodded. "She was also a believer of justice. She had just recently gotten married, and her husband killed her." he said, looking down on the grave. Komamura looked down as well. "I'm sorry Tosen. I shouldn't have said anything." the wolf said apologetically. Tosen looked up and smiled. "No, it's okay."
End of Flashback
Tosen sighed and looked down at the sandy ground beneath him. "What's with you? Just enjoyin' the scenery? Ya must be prett~y bored to be doing just that." said Gin Ichimaru, former captain of squad 3, as he came in with that usual, bone chilling smile of his. "So, Yamamoto died? That should make things simplr' fer us, shouldn't it Tosen?" asked the strange man with the face formed to look like a fox. "Hmph." said Tosen and as he walked out of the room, leaving Gin all alone. He sighed and looked back up. "Things will soon begin to get interesting."
To Be Continued ...