So . . . updates are still going to be few and far between from this point on; my school has apparently found managing a double-major degree audit too complicated for the system to handle. Between that and work, as well as managing my muse, we're looking at a long haul here. Nevertheless, here's a bit of a nip for those few of you who could be called avid readers.
As a reminder, I have no beta and no proofreader other than myself. I know what I mean to convey and what I'm picturing as I write the story. That said, some things that are confusing to my readers may not be readily obvious to me. This is where reviews come in: to voice pros and cons in the writing I'm putting out. They also work wonders for a writer's motivation. (This one DOES address the timeline issue.)
-W
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In mid argument, 1st Division Lieutenant Chojiro entered and summoned them into the room, where the captains all stood at attention before the Captain-Commander. After they took their positions and were greeted with more than the normal amount of stuffiness, Yamamoto got down to business.
"Kira-Fukutaicho, please step forward." Kira did so without a moment's hesitation.
"Sir."
"You have not made any notable progress towards achieving Bankai. While I recognize that your Captain was a traitor, and thereby actively hindered your progress, I would like to know what, if anything, you intend to do about it?"
"Sir, I have concluded that I am in need of improvement. My flash steps are merely satisfactory, and I am quite confident that my martial skills have degraded since my time at the academy."
"I have seen your swordplay, lieutenant. It is acceptable."
"By martial skill, I meant my inability in hand to hand combat, sir." The General leaned upon his cane, his unseeing eyes focused solely on the blond before him.
"If memory serves, you received satisfactory marks in hand to hand when you graduated." Kira looked down, trying not to ponder when the General had time to look at his school records.
"That was some time ago, sir. I have not practiced those skills since."
"And what do you intend to do about this?"
"I need a tutor in hand to hand combat."
"Oh really? And who do you have in mind for such tutoring?"
"I feel that someone from the second division would be ideal if they could spare the man, sir."
"The second division is neither a school nor a babysitting service, Lieutenant."
"Very true, Soi Fon Taicho, but while my skills are rusty, they are too much for the lower ranked members of most divisions." Yamamoto eyed Kira closely.
"Your Zanpakuto is willing to teach you Bankai if you improve these skills?"
"He will be willing to allow me to make the attempt, yes, sir." The old man grunted.
"Very well, Lieutenant, I will consider your request. You may return to your post."
"Sir." With a bow, Kira turned and moved back into place, trying not to look at the angry glare directed his way by the 2nd Division Captain- a difficult task, given that he had to stand straight across from her. Hisagi took a deep breath and steeled himself as the heavy weight of the Captain-Commander's attention slowly turned down the aisle toward his spot, briefly resting on Renji and Iba .
"Kotetsu-Fukutaicho, it has come to our attention that you, also, have not been making any attempt to achieve Bankai. Please step forward and explain yourself."
Shuuhei watched in silence as she stood in the center of the isle, the Captain-Commander bearing down on her ruthlessly, waving away her explanations of overwork from the 11th division and her duties monitoring the city maintenance staff.
You know, now that she lost, I find it somewhat harder to hate the broad.
What do you mean 'lost'? And mind your tongue!
Silly man. You, of course. She cut you loose, and if she ever comes crawling back – which she won't, as she's too proud and that would be the only acceptable way for you to take her back after all she's done – You will look her in her doe-like eyes, ignore those tits of hers, realize that all she does is hurt you, and you will turn her down.
So sure of that, are you? Shuuhei was not amused.
If you are serious about trying to get Bankai, you will mature. If you mature at all, all of you will mature. This means you will be more emotionally sound and you will know better than to give your heart to a woman who will use it like a voodoo doll. He was still as he watched Isane begin to buckle under the scrutiny of the General. A tightening in his gut compelled him to aid her, though she would refuse any assistance he offered at the moment, given that they were finished now. How to get her help she could use without Kazeshini getting overly territorial . . . ?
.
.
.
Wait.
.
.
.
Would you peaceably take a message to Itegumo? She was instantly suspicious.
What do I get in return? It would appear she still hated the other Zanpakuto, if he had to bribe her after asking her for something. That or she was no longer desperate for his attention. He shoved that second option aside for now- the ramifications for the future were disheartening at best.
"I will polish you, and then cut my thumb on you tonight if you do so."He ignored the sudden giddy mood that overtook her, and the girlish squeak that escaped her.
What message? He could practically see her hopping up and down in her excitement.
One: that I, your wielder, apologize for your terrorizing of him. Two: I bear his mistress no ill will. Three: she could suggest transferring some of the sewer patrol duties to other squads, and allow them to patrol their own sewers. With men available to do the patrols, she is free to practice her Bankai. She was silent for a moment, and he was sure she would refuse. Her voice was perfectly controlled when she responded, setting him on edge.
Very well, master. You have a deal. And she was gone from his mind. The Captain-Commander was still grilling Isane, rudely putting her down and questioning her abilities as she tried to make her case while her Captain subtly glared at him from the corner of her eye. Finally, it seemed he was ready to move onto the others, as she was given the chance to make her final argument. There was a pause, as a slight tremor went up her spine – though Shuuhei figured the only reason he could spot it was his own . . . familiarity with it.
Suddenly emboldened, her spine straightened, she raised her head, her fear left her, and her voice gained strength. He ignored the jolt that went through him and nestled somewhere below his waist as she carried herself as she did before her unruly subordinates. Now was not the time to think of how hot she was when she took charge.
"Well, sir, a large portion of my time is taken up not by paperwork or doctoring, but by overseeing the patrols that have to go through the entirety of the Seireitei sewers, which are substantial. If some of the other squads could patrol the sewers beneath their own divisions, then I would have a substantial amount of time to work on my Bankai."
"Additionally, it would help increase familiarity with the sewers among the other squads, making it more difficult for ryoka or other enemies to enter the Seireitei from underneath us." A murmur of appreciation went through the captains at the idea, and the old man leaned back in his chair, and was silent for a few minutes as he appraised her with closed eyes.
"I am beginning to see why you captain values your insight so, Kotetsu-Fukutaicho. I will consider your suggestion. You may return to your post." With a relieved bow, she took her place behind her captain. There was no pause before the chopping block claimed its next victim.
"Iba-Fukutaicho, please step forward." Iba made his way to the end of the line and stood before the Captain-Commander, his posture and form perfect. He was, Shuuhei reflected, the most obedient of the group; he was not well known by most since he did his job and had little free time, and didn't ever really use his shikai to settle things. Mostly, as Shuuhei thought about it, because he didn't need to.
He is as dangerous as you, Shuuhei. Arguably more so, though that's really not fair, comparing the wind to the shadows. Neither one can hurt the other. If you two teamed up, though, the results would be . . . so . . . beautiful.
So his is a vicious killer too? You two must get along swimmingly.
Kagekoroyoshiya is a nasty mother of a Zanpakuto. It means 'Shadowy Hitman', what kind of weapon do you think it is? You think I'm bad? I never truly tried to kill you until you started treating me like an unappreciated burden. Him? He will kill anyone without a second thought, his master included. It's why Iba is always able to do whatever needs doing – if he fails, his sword will kill him. He's tried too, since day one, to hear him tell of it. She paused, thinking. How bad is it that he's proud of it?
"Iba-Fukutaicho, have you been making any effort to achieve Bankai?"
"Slight effort sir, yes."
"Explain."
"Sir, I have been attempting meditation. My Zanpakuto refuses to work further towards Bankai until I am able to enter a clear state of mind, so learning to successfully meditate is the first step."
"Have you had any assistance in this?"
"I have mentioned my attempts to no one, sir. This is the first I have spoken of it to anyone."
"I see. If someone provided assistance in your efforts?"
"Then I would be much closer to Bankai, sir. I am guaranteed difficulty in subduing my blade, but he has sworn to me that he will not allow me to try it until I have a chance to succeed." The Captain-Commander was silent for a time.
"Kuchiki-Taicho."
"Sir."
"Would you be willing to assist Iba-Fukutaicho in developing his meditation skills?"
"If he is willing to obey my instructions and his Captain does not wish to do it, then I will accept the task for the betterment of the 13 Court Guard Squads."
What a stuck up ass. I'm so glad I didn't get saddled with him. The man never cuts loose.
And I do?
If you want Bankai, you will have to. She sounded excited, anticipatory.
Shit.
I know! Isn't that wonderful, Shu~Ku~n?
"I am not practiced in the art of meditation. I would be very grateful if Captain Kuchiki had the time and inclination to assist my Lieutenant in this matter." Shuuhei wondered if Captain Komamura had ever been caught not paying attention to what was being discussed. The implications for his talks with Iba were unsettling.
"Then I will assist Lieutenant Iba to better clear his mind." The prick hadn't looked at Iba once during the entire conversation.
"Thank you very much, Captain Kuchiki!" Iba turned and gave the proper bow and show of respect to the 6th Division Captain. Shuuhei felt it wasted on the man, and was disturbed to sense that Kazeshini agreed.
"If that is all that is needed, then you may return to your post, Iba-Fukutaicho."
"Yes, Sir!" Proudly, Iba nearly strutted back to his spot in the line. The Captain-Commander's gaze fell upon Renji, uncomfortable for being skipped thus far, and trying to act as though he felt ashamed at being skipped, but unsure why. Shuuhei felt he was doing a good job of hiding his knowledge that he would be made a Captain soon; though it was quite possible he did feel anxious, given that his own Captain had campaigned against his promotion.
So slowly it was nearly torturous, those slit, all-knowing, dangerous eyes settled on him, going to his scars and tattoos first, like always, before setting on his own eyes.
What will you tell them?
As little of the truth as I can get away with.
"Hisagi-Fukutaicho, please step forward." With calm, military precision, Hisagi stepped forward and made a sharp turn, walking down the aisle to stop before the Captain-Commander, who eyed him carefully. He never took his eyes off the man before him as he walked to what would make or break his career, kept his form as perfect as possible, his eyes hard and clear. For more than a minute, the general simply stared at him, weighing his worth like the dangerous sack of meat he was. Kazeshini was about to add her two cents on his 'meat', when the General finally spoke.
"You do not have Bankai." So it was the hard-ass approach. How wonderful.
"No, sir."
"You have not been trying in the least." Well, thanks for the vote of confidence!
"No, sir."
"You rarely, if ever, use your shikai. Less than Iba-Fukutaicho, even, and often only when the fight is nearly lost." The subtle tone of disapproval spoke volumes. The old man could suck it, as far as he was concerned. He ignored the inquisitive spike that Kazeshini sent through him at his choice of words - stupid sword.
"Correct, sir."
"Explain." Why the fuck was everyone so mean to him? Was he really that dislikeable? Honestly? Gods be damned!
I could answer that, if you like. Her chipper attitude was not helping.
"Before I do sir, I would like to request that the majority of my report remain classified."
"That will be at my discretion. Explain, Lieutenant."
FUCK! This was going to suck balls, and how.
Maybe if you hadn't treated me so bad I would offer to attack him for you. Too bad, ne?
Petulance doesn't suit you, despite your familiarity with it.
"Yes sir. I can use my shikai, but my Zanpakuto is largely uncooperative. At least once per month, she tries to kill me in my sleep,-"
Damnit all! I knew I forgot something! Guess that's a free pass for you, Shu~kun. If I'm being polished tonight, it wouldn't do to go and get myself dirtied up right afterwards. He ignored the several gasps behind him, or the bark of laughter from Zaraki.
"She tends to harass every other Zanpakuto she encounters with few exceptions, she argues with me at every opportunity, compels me to acts of wanton violence, and refuses to cooperate on achieving Bankai until I have cut off a number of my professional and personal correspondences." Silence met the statement and he stared unflinchingly ahead, glad he was able to report calmly and emotionlessly the situation at hand. The general sat before him, unmoving. Behind him, he tried to ignore the feel of a soft set of eyes on his back, or the horror he knew he would find there.
"Your blade repeatedly tries to kill you? Why was the 4th division unaware of this?"
"Sir, for several years I would frequently be brought to Captain Unohana for emergency treatment whenever my former captain found me under attack. As time passed, my skill increased enough such that I am able to fend off almost all of her assassination attempts."
"And those you are not?"
"She has not landed a mortal wound on me in more than five years, sir."
Don't you just love tradition, Shu~kun?
Please be silent, Kazeshini. Distraction here could be fatal to us both.
"Why would your Zanpakuto try to kill you? If you die, she will die." Count on Captain Komamura to ask the uncomfortably insightful question. The General looked back at him, nodding.
"I will allow Captain Komamura's inquiry." Shit.
"My Zanpakuto is a murderess, Sir. She exists to end lives, has a compulsion for it. The longer I go without engaging in violence of some kind, the more satisfied she becomes with my own blood. Our philosophies and world views are diametrically opposed, and this escalates the severity of the problem."
"And this is why she tries to end her own existence? Because you do not kill often?"
"Yes, sir."
"What are you specifically trying to avoid telling me, Lieutenant? By this I of course mean the comment regarding your dealings with others." He sighed.
Gotcha, Shu~kun. The giggling in his head wasn't helping; he bit back a growl and screwed up his courage. Time for giving out uncomfortable information that he really wished he didn't have to share. Why did he want to keep his job again . . .?
"She is a jealous murderess, sir. Every relationship I have, be it with a friend or colleague, is influenced in some way by her. Some people she likes, and are easier to be around, as they pacify her and lessen her bloodlust. Others antagonize her to the point where the effort I have to make to keep her from materializing and attacking them leaves me fatigued and with a splitting headache from all her screaming." Murmurs – and at least one shocked but hushed gasp- filled the chamber but he forced himself to look forward, at the Captain-Commander, who seemed to be regarding him curiously. The old man's bones creaked as he leaned back in his chair.
"You have quite the Zanpakuto, Hisagi-Fukutaicho."
"She's a violent, brutal and remorseless killer, sir."
You know just the thing to say to leave me all a flutter, Shu darling!
Not now, woman! I will punt you! And indeed, he had – on more than one occasion.
"So your reason for failing to acquire your Bankai is that you are at constant risk for losing control of your Zanpakuto?"
"No, sir. I can control her; it is merely the amount of hassle she decides to give me at any given time that is the real issue." The General leaned forward once again, actually interested in the topic.
"How does this affect you in combat?"
"I am reluctant to let her loose in training, because, until I achieve Bankai, I will not be able to predict her movements myself, and she strikes to kill, sir. Always. As a result, the only opportunities I have to use her properly are the few times I am in actual combat against enemies I am obligated to kill. Additionally, there have been two instances where her bloodlust was significant enough to make her a danger to me and my squad, and I was forced to seal her and continue the fight without her."
"This is why your Shunpo, Kido, and martial skills are superb?"
"I would not say my martial abilities are better than anyone in second division or perhaps anyone here, but I have had more practice with them than others, yes, sir."
"What is the trigger that made her a danger to you and your men, Lieutenant?" Oh sweet merciful gods above, could he just let it rest? DAMN! Why wasn't he better at lying, or watching what he said? Damnit all!
"We are in disharmony, sir. As a result, every time she gets a little bloodshed, she goes blood-drunk."
"You are avoiding the question. I warn you not to sidestep it again, Hisagi-Fukutaicho. What is this trigger that made her a threat to you and your men?" Shuuhei was silent for a moment, staring at the Captain-Commander, his feet, and back again. He seriously contemplated telling the General to shove his Inquisitorial witch hunt and march himself up to the Hōgyoku just to spit in their eye when they demanded to know all his secrets before they offed him.
Bastards! He didn't WANT to think about this shit, and they expected him to just spill it? He felt the rage begin to rise again, and this time, he welcomed the flood of energy that poured through his veins, the teeming energy that he could use to -
Remember all the times you wished Isane would understand you? A one-word answer would cause so many revelations her head would spin off. Plus, you won't ever have to explain it to her- just tell the nice old man what he wants to know, dear. You haven't had to look her in the eye since the meeting started, and you can get out of it all the same. Just let it out, Shu~kun. Her words took the venom out of him, and his rage left him.
Hisagi took a deep breath, steeled himself, and then shamed himself before the most powerful people in the Gotei 13. That Kazeshini made herself helpful for once would be something to ponder later.
"Women, sir." Zaraki broke out in roars of laughter behind him while the Captain-Commander leveled his glare at the 11th division Captain. From the corner of his eye, he could feel the sudden killing intent that crossed Soi Fon Taicho's face.
"That's rich! Hey, Hisagi! You ever get demoted, come back to the 11th, I'll make you my 4th seat! Your sword kicks ass!"
I knew that man had a good sense of taste hidden under all that bloodlust and bad hair.
"Be silent, Zaraki! Elaborate, Lieutenant." Aw, piss! Here we go . . .
"Sir. When she's blood drunk, if she decides she doesn't like the way a woman looks or fights, she gets particularly hostile. Additionally, some women aggravate her more than others do. To be blunt, the only ones I can be near without having to fight her in my own head are Soi Fon-Taicho and Matsumoto-Fukutaicho, because she respects Soi Fon Taicho and Matsumoto-san amuses her." To the side, he swore he saw Soi Fon grin before his ears registered the self-satisfied 'hmph' from somewhere behind him.
"Hostile?"
"She goes wild and tries to kill anything that moves. Hollows, humans, my men, wild beasts, myself – if it breathes and has blood that can be spilled, she will try to kill it." Silence filled the chamber once more as the Captain-General eyed him from his seat. After a minute or two of silence, he spoke slowly.
"How long has she been doing these monthly assassination attempts, Lieutenant?"
"Since my first week after graduating from the academy, sir."
"You have been a Shinigami for some time, Lieutenant."
"Yes sir."
"That's a significant number of years having to sleep with one eye open all the time."
"I am a big fan of coffee, sir." He heard Kira and Iba stifle a laugh, and one escaped Matsumoto and Abarai.
"What steps are you taking to address your situation?"
"I made a deal to secure cooperation with her earlier today, sir. So long as I honor my part of the agreement, she will honor hers."
"For example?"
"For starters, I am cutting off my personal relationships and limiting my professional ones. This seems like it will help significantly. Any spare time will be spent working with her, until she is ready to train me to achieve Bankai. I have already resigned from my position as editor in chief of the Seireitei Times, as well as my membership in the Shinigami Men's Association."
"Hisagi-kun, please reconsider!" The shock and dismay in Ukitake Taicho's voice was nearly enough to make him turn around – but if he did that, even from the corner of his eye, his vision would be drawn to her, just like always. No, that wouldn't do at all; weakness had no place here. Man up, Shuuhei.
"Sorry, Ukitake Taicho. It has to be done."
"Has she given you a timetable?"
If he kicks Kotetsu out of the 13 Court Guard squads, I'll start with you tonight.
"No, sir."
Oh, come on, that was kinda funny! Though I'd settle for breast-reduction surgery . . . stupid silver-haired skank . . . stupid double -
"What else is necessary for your advancement? Is it workable, or is it sometime in the distant future?"
"My biggest issue is that she always aims to kill. There are no minor injuries when wounded by my Kazeshini since she is literally shaped to reap the lives of the living. I cannot train with her without killing anyone, unless I were placed against someone skilled enough to safely avoid deadly injury. The only attempt I made to train with her involved Kira-san, and he was in the 4th division's critical ward for a week. I haven't used her in training since."
"So you cannot progress with her until you dedicate yourself to nothing but training with her and find an opponent that can stand up to your strongest attacks while gradually increasing the difficulty of the fights you engage in?" Oh, now he kept things succinct. Jackass.
"Yes sir."
"If she is so dangerous, why was Kira-Fukutaicho only in the infirmary for one week?"
"Kazeshini does not get along well with other Zanpakuto, but she does seem to tolerate Kira-san's Wabisuke rather well. She decided to make the injury a serious one but not fatal as a result."
Wabisuke-kun is a sweetheart. So morose, and pessimistic, but honorable and lovably laconic. He's a brutal, stone-cold-fuck-nut merciless killer too, Shu~kun. We should do that again, it was fun. Please?
"You mean to tell me that the only reason your sparring did not kill Kira-fukutaicho was because your Zanpakuto plays favorites?"
"Yes, sir." He heard someone shift around uncomfortably at that, and he had a good idea who, too. He just wished his chest didn't freeze up at the sound of it.
Making her squirm never gets old. Too bad Itegumo is too easy to unsettle – it wouldn't be a fair fight.
"I find that hard to believe. It sounds to me like you can't control your Zanpakuto, Lieutenant." The tone was arguing for the sake of being difficult. Feh, women.
Or we could practice on Soi-Sauce over there. Suzumebachi is a little skank who needs to be put in her place. Two hit kill my ass!We will kill in one hit later, Shu darling. Just remember to fuck her up first chance we get.
No promises.But hell if it didn't sound attractive . . .
"Actually, Soi-Fon Taicho, the wound I treated on Kira-san was significant enough that it should have killed him. That he is alive at the will of Hisagi-san's Zanpakuto is very much true, in my professional opinion." Well, how about that; Unohana to the rescue, everybody!
"Of course, I am quite unsettled to find that Hisagi-san's Zanpakuto has not ceased in her attacks, given that she has never shown him mercy on the cases I was called to treat." He fought down the irritation he felt that she came to his defense just to twist the knife in his gut. He ought to -
Don't ever fuck with that woman, Shuuhei. She will fuck us up seven ways from Sunday without even breaking a sweat or a hair falling out of place. Probably without moving from where she stands, either.
"If one of the Captains were to regularly handle your training regime with Unohana Taicho present, would it permit you to make better progress towards attaining Bankai, Lieutenant?"
"Very much so, Sir."
Not to mention fun as hell! There was a long, pregnant pause while they waited for the General's next comment.
Just as Shuuhei was about to simply commit seppuku on the meeting room floor to break the tension – and possibly for shits and giggles, but he wasn't telling-, the General shifted.
"Very well. All of this information is to be considered highly classified, and is not to be discussed outside of official Captains meetings, nor mentioned to anyone absent from today's discussion. I wish you to keep me apprised of the situation in your reports, Lieutenant. I will inform you who will be your sparring partner in the near future."
"Understood, sir."
"Good. You may return to your post, Lieutenant."
"Yes sir." Executing a perfect about face, eyes dead ahead, he made his way back to his spot, ignoring the loud grunt Kira, Renji, and Iba gave him in support as he passed by.
Aaw, Shu, they support you!
They sound like children, grunting to show agreement in rebellion when their parents have told all of them they cannot have another cookie.
It shows they are behind you, which will matter when Kurotsuchi tries to have you demoted.
Why the hell would he do that?
Because the Seireitei only has enough room for one loose cannon and one lunatic, and despite his psychoses, he isloyal to the Gotei.
"Matsumoto-Fukutaicho, step forward." As Rangiku made her way to what would undoubtedly end in a ruckus, Shuuhei fought down a grimace and tried to zone out, while ignoring the curious glances from Isane and the fearful wariness radiating from Ise.
I don't want to see this, nor hear it.
Why not? At the least, you could do a counter-argument, help her out a little.
And shame her by tarnishing her pride further? No thank you.
What was it Kira-kun said? 'No shame in admitting fact?' The woman is awesome, yes, but she's the second laziest officer in the Gotei 13, Shuuhei. Her Captain loves her too much to ride her too hard, but the General has no compunction about cracking the whip. If she is to stay, her free ride is going to have to stop here, Shu.
Nonetheless, I have no desire to see her brought so low after fighting and serving for so long. She has always done what was needed. Sometimes more, sometimes just enough, but never less. He is a fool to replace her so readily. There were shouts and indignant remarks flying about, so the hammer must have finally dropped. He forced himself to tune it out as the shouting seemed to go on forever.
Well, fine, Shuuhei. That part is over, so you can listen again for now. Unless you want to elaborate on what you meant when you said you wouldn't tarnish her pride by acknowledging the problem. What does that say about your thoughts on Kotetsu, hmm?
Be silent!It appeared she was right; Rangiku had returned to stand defiantly behind her captain, and when their eyes met, he saw her nod grimly at the lack of pity his eyes held. She would not lose her posting if she did not choose to; he knew that, her captain knew that, and the others would soon enough. Come to think of it, they already would, if they knew her as well as many claimed they did.
"Ukitake-Taicho, have you demoted your third seats as I instructed?" That comment caused a stir amongst the lieutenants; the ladies were shocked, Isane visibly upset, and Kira playing along as well. Iba met his eyes for a moment, then Renji, and they said nothing more on it. Ukitake looked like someone had just made him watch one of Kurotsuchi's experiments, or told him he couldn't give Hitsugaya candy anymore because it made him look like a pedophile. Speaking of which, he though as he glared inward . . .
Oh for fuck's sake, it was a legitimate concern. How many grown men do YOU know who go around giving children candy that are NOT creepers, eh? Besides, I apologized, what more do you fucking WANT, eh?
"Yes, sir. Appointing a new Lieutenant will be problematic, as the only suitable candidate I have is unavailable for the position due to political reasons."
"Their name?"
"Kuchiki Rukia, sir." The General's open, glaring eyes rested on the 6th Division captain.
"Kuchiki Taicho, is this accurate?" To his credit, Kuchiki did not waver in any way under the intense, hostile scrutiny.
"She is unprepared for the obligations and requirements that come with being a Lieutenant. Her friendship with my own Lieutenant has been beneficial, but she is still too irresponsible to-"
"Enough of your nonsense!" The room went silent, Kuchiki's eyes wide at the sudden angry burst of reiatsu and the General actually interrupting someone, especially Kuchiki. "I have tolerated your coddling of her for far too long, Kuchiki. She is capable enough, and we are in a desperate state of war! Three of our strongest have turned traitor with an army of Hollows at their beck and call, replacements for our top positions are limited, and you continue to hold her back and out of harms way for the sake of pride! Enough is enough! You will remove the restriction on her this instant! You will no longer coddle her nor go to these ridiculous lengths to keep her from harm when all she does is throw herself into it anyway! Is that clear?" The room shook beneath the unleashed force of the Captain-Commander's reiatsu, and Shuuhei watched as Kyoraku-Taicho actually shifted to protect Ise, who looked like she was about to drop. Pleasantly, he noticed that Abarai, Iba, Matsumoto, and Isane were able to cover up their struggle to remain standing; Kira didn't even flinch in the time it took them to survey the room before briefly locking eyes.
"Perfectly sir." He turned to face Ukitake. "If you find my sister to be of use to you in a position of responsibility, then I encourage you to make use of her." Ukitake nodded before turning his gaze to the General.
"Then I will appoint Rukia-san as my Lieutenant.
"Good. At the appropriate time, you may promote someone who is capable to the open 3rd seat." Silence weighed heavily as the mood became tense, the Commander's sudden loss of patience hammering home to the Lieutenants just how dire the tactical situation was. Aizen, it seemed, really had them by the balls; Shuuhei hoped he wasn't around when Aizen finally started to squeeze. Then again, it had only been one month, so for the General to already start busting heads this early into it . . .
"Kurotsuchi-Taicho, has your Lieutenant's operation been scheduled?"
"In two days. I am having one lab prepared at the moment."
"You have made it your highest priority?"
"Yes."
"Very well. All Lieutenants, save for Lieutenant Abarai, are dismissed." As the rest began to make their way outside, Shuuhei stopped at the door with Iba and Kira, all three looking back at Renji. He met their eyes, and they offered him nods before Chojiro shooed them out and shut the door.