With winter break nearly over, employees and dorm students at the Academy of Healing and Medical Arts eagerly prepared for the spring semester. President Iemura, as was his habit, was desperately trying to get everything in order before the first assembly of the semester. He guessed he should have become used to unpredictability since Yamada Seinousuke had assumed his late grandmother's seat on the board of directors. Still, though...
"Truthfully, I have no idea what His Supreme Excellency the Soul King is thinking " he admitted to his guest, who was mounting signs outside the door of a new office. "This is all highly irregular."
"We're still getting used to him, too," the guest agreed. "He's got a wild bur up his nose about something." He glanced down the hall as the two continued their tour of the campus. "This is kind of nostalgic, though."
"A lot has changed since you founded this academy, Kirinji-san."
"Yeah. I'm not staying long. I'm just the messenger today."
The day before...
"Are you sure about this, Sousuke-kun?" Hikifune prodded at the weekly Royal Guard meeting in Aizen's kitchen.
Aizen sighed quietly. "We have discussed this already. If our suspicions about Tsunayashiro Tokinada are correct, we must act preemptively."
"How's this going to help?" Kirinji wanted to know.
"I simply believe that we need to learn everything we can about Tsunayashiro's intentions before we commit ourselves." He looked each member of the Royal Guard in the eye. "You are not to tell my mother the actual reason for your presence at the academy."
"You underestimate Mistress Yume's intelligence," Senjumaru countered. "We don't have to tell her everything, of course. But do you really think it's wise to keep everything from her?"
"She won't like it, Sousuke-kun," Hikifune warned.
"I am willing to take that risk," the Soul King murmured. "It is not an ideal plan, but this is not an ideal situation."
"I guess I should get my notes ready, huh?" Kirinji muttered.
"Yes," Aizen agreed. "You all know your assignments."
"Clouds," Tsunayashiro Tokinada rasped as he sat in his rock garden. "They are indeed beautiful, are they not, Hikone?"
"Of course, Lord Tokinada!" the child agreed. "I like clouds too."
"I am glad to hear that. When my plan comes to fruition, every day will be like this."
"I don't understand."
"You are part of my plan. That is all you need to know."
"Sei-kun...that...rough trip," Yume moaned, closing her eyes to regain her bearings. "Why...we rush?"
"Are you excited about starting your new role, love?" her husband asked gently.
"Glad...spend more time...with you. Not like...rough trips."
"I don't know how she slept through it all," Seinousuke chuckled, nodding toward the cat in Yume's arms. "Did we really need to bring her along this time?"
"Sei-kun! Of course...bring Ringo. Not make her...stay alone...all day." Her lovely face lit up. "Maybe...buy tuna...after lunch."
At this, Ringo stirred, and her ears perked up.
"She knows the word tuna, huh?" The couple laughed at their cat's newfound love for all things tuna.
Up in the Royal Realm, Aizen paced nervously through his living room. He hoped that this plan worked, for everyone's sake. Yet he wasn't quite sure why he was apprehensive about how things could go. Had he and the others closed all the loopholes? His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Hikifune?" he wondered aloud as he let his old friend in. "I am guessing you need to speak with me about...that."
She nodded gravely as she placed the carton of almond cookies on the kitchen table. "Maybe we can talk over these?"
Over cookies and white tea, the former lovers ruminated over their plan to protect Yume and prevent Tsunayashiro from realizing his horrifying scheme. "Hikifune...have we truly done enough?" My mother's safety is paramount."
"We all are concerned for her, Sousuke-kun," Hikifune assured him. "But you do remember what I mentioned before about Senjumaru-san's latest project, right?"
The Soul King raised an interested eyebrow. "Yes, continue."
"I apologize for going behind your back on this, but Kirinji-san's already taking care of the first step. The next step...we need your expertise on."
"Good. The update is most welcome."
Finishing her tea, Hikifune rose to leave. "Just so you know, Sousuke-kun...I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't love and admire Yume—no, make that Lady Yume."
"I am glad to hear that. Keep me informed." With that, he walked her to the door and sat down to think.
"Not realize...campus...so big," Yume remarked, letting Ringo down to stretch her legs. "Ringo...not get lost," she warned cautiously.
"You've been to my office, right, love?" her husband smiled, leading the group to the garden. "Let's sit down for a bit," he invited once they were at some benches. "I don't know about you, but I'm tired already."
Ringo, sensing the familiar aroma of roses, sauntered under a bush and squatted down to fertilize the ground beneath.
"Ringo! Not do that here!" a shocked Yume exclaimed.
Her husband began laughing uncontrollably. "Look over there," he chuckled, pointing at a sign near the rose bushes.
"Pet...rest area?"
"Yep. It mean's Ringo's allowed to take care of her business there. It's just part of what Sousuke has planned."
"President Iemura...not complain?"
"Even he won't rail against an order from the Soul King."
Now finished, Ringo trotted back to her pet parents. "Ringo...like it here?" The cat jumped into Seinousuke's arms and contentedly rested her head on his chest.
"Guess we should get going then."
"You wanted to see us, Captain-Commander?" the editorial staff of the Seireitei Communication asked quizzically.
"Yes, actually," Kyoraku answered jovially, waving the Squad 9 pair to a quiet corner of the Squad 1 lobby. "Nanao-chan!" he called. "Bring tea and come join us."
Once everyone had tea, Kyoraku cleared his throat and studied the others. "Kensei-kun...Hisagi-kun..."
"You're starting to worry me," Nanao sighed. "Is this about that letter we got from...that person?"
"Unfortunately, yes," the Captain-Commander confirmed, passing the letter around. "Seems the new head of the Tsunayashiro family wants us to feature him in a special edition."
"Huh?" Kensei sputtered. "Even I've heard things about that guy. He had a reputation at the academy."
"Sir?" Hisagi interrupted. "I've heard of the noble families, but I don't understand why this guy wants all this pomp and circumstance."
"It's just how he is," Kyoraku explained gravely. "Tsunayashiro Tokinada...likes to rub things in people's faces. It's like a game to him."
"So what's our role?" Kensei prodded. "You don't want us to...interview him, do you?"
"He's a creep," Nanao agreed. "But he's pretty insistent on getting a full-length feature. That means interviewing him, as distasteful as it is."
"Covert Ops is keeping an eye on him," Kyoraku added. "Seems he's got some kid involved." He cleared his throat again. "Lieutenant Omaeda, as you know, lives in that district. He may know some things about Tsunayashiro."
"Where would be a good place to start?" Hisagi wondered. "Besides Omaeda, of course."
"I have an idea, actually," Kyoraku told him, handing him a simple flyer. "Pick Omaeda's brain first; then go here. I know someone who might be able to help with that."
"Sei-kun!" Yume exclaimed delightedly as her husband showed her to her new office on the fourth floor. "I...get office?"
"It's right across the hall from mine," Seinousuke grinned, setting Ringo down. "Look in the corner." In the corner lay everything a cat could possibly want to relax in comfort. "This was Senjumaru's idea," he explained. "If Ringo's going to be spending the day here, she should have her own place to do cat things." The couple laughed as Ringo examined her new cat bed and water dispenser. Purring with satisfaction, she curled up in the cat bed and fell asleep.
"Where do you want this, Yamada?" interrupted Kirinji, bringing in a watercolor painting of blue indigo flowers.
"Kirinji-san!" Yume greeted him warmly. "Not...expect...see you here."
"I founded this place, you know. Aizen sent this to decorate your office." A gleam came to his eye as he and Seinousuke made eye contact. "If you're going to be spending more time here, the place should look good."
"Thank you...Kirinji-san." She bowed gratefully to him. "Still...not understand...my role."
"That'll come in time," her husband assured her. "That's part of why we're here today." He pecked her on the cheek. "I've got to go for a bit. Sousuke's wanting me to get one of my family's clinics set up as a satellite campus."
"Why...leave me here?" She folded her arms and gave him a hurt look. "Not like this."
"It's a long trip, and someone needs to stay with Ringo. Besides, I thought you'd like to finish getting your office set up." This time, he hugged her closely before looking her in the eye. "I won't be long. Promise."
"We still...buy tuna?"
"Of course, love." After one last kiss, he left.
"Sei-kun..."
Out in the hall, Seinousuke was stopped by Kirinji. His concern must have been obvious, for Kirinji remarked, "Something going on, Yamada?"
"Yeah. Going to the other campus. Yume's not happy about being left behind."
"She probably shouldn't go...there," Kirinji agreed. "We'll keep an eye on things here." His expression grew grave. "Watch yourself. I'm not sure you know what you're up against."
"Yeah. I know." Letting out a pensive sigh, Seinousuke made his way to Rukongai #1.
"Me? But how can I help?" the young man wailed.
"Hanatarou-kun..." Kyoraku responded patiently, "you have some photography skills, right?"
"Yes...Sir," Hanatarou answered nervously. "I don't understand."
The other young man interrupted. "I'm supposed to interview this nobleman for a special edition. You're going as my photographer."
"That makes more sense, Hisagi-san," the youthful healer nodded. "Why me, though?"
Kyoraku produced a business card. "Take a little detour before you talk to...Tsunayashiro."
Hanatarou's blue eyes widened as he saw the name on the card. "I'd much rather go here first."
"You should probably get going then," Kyoraku suggested. With that, the two lieutenants made their way to their first destination.
"Is this the place?" Hisagi wondered, scanning the area for signs.
"Hey, there's the logo," Hanatarou confirmed. "Let's go."
Once inside, the unlikely partners began searching for a directory or an information desk. Soon, they were stopped by a short blond man with glasses.
"And what is your business here?" the man asked flatly, one eyebrow raised.
Instinctively, Hanatarou bowed, thrusting the business card in front of him. "I'm here to see him."
The man fixed his gaze on Hisagi. "You haven't told me who you are yet."
"Sorry!" Hisagi stammered. "Lieutenant Hisagi Shuuhei, editor of the Seireitei Communication."
"Oh yes, I've heard of you. Please forgive my rudeness. I'm Iemura Yasuhisa, president of the academy. If you'll have a seat, I'll see whether Yamada-sensei is available." Iemura headed to the elevators and made his way to the fourth floor, where Kirinji was helping Yume set up her office. "Have you seen Yamada-san?" he called.
"Naah, he left to see how the satellite campus is doing," Kirinji explained.
"He's got visitors. Maybe..." His eyes lit up. "Your Excellency, are you ready to start your new role a little early?"
"I...try my best," Yume told him nervously.
"Let me bring them up, then." Soon, he returned with the two lieutenants. "May I introduce you to our goodwill ambassador..."
But before he could finish, Hanatarou had already run over to Ringo and picked her up to pet her. "Ringo! And...Yume-san?"
A miffed President Iemura cleared his throat loudly. "You can't address Her Excellency so informally, young man! Have you no respect for the Queen Mother?"
"President Iemura," Yume smiled patiently. "This...Sei-kun's brother. Hanatarou...a lieutenant...call me 'Yume-san'...if he like."
"But Your Excellency!" Iemura insisted. "You can't let people be disrespectful."
"President Iemura," Yume repeated. "Hanatarou...my family member. Not worry."
"If Your Excellency insists." With that, he skittishly left her office.
"Wait a minute," Hisagi started. "You're...the Queen Mother?" He grabbed Hanatarou by the shoulders. "This is news! It's almost unheard of for someone of her stature to live and work among the civilians." With renewed determination, he looked Yume in the eye. "Your Excellency! Do you mind if I interview you for the Seireitei Communication?" he requested exuberantly.
Somewhat taken aback, Yume sat down. "Not know you," she responded simply. "You...Hanatarou's friend?"
"You could say that," Hanatarou answered, setting Ringo down and sitting in a guest chair. "He's the editor of the Seireitei Communication. I'm here as his photographer."
"You come...interview Sei-kun?" She patted the arm of her chair, where Ringo jumped up to be petted.
"Actually, Your Excellency...Ma'am..." Hisagi explained, "we wanted to talk with your husband about his family's clinics." He gave Hanatarou a warning look. "But an opportunity to sit and talk with Your Excellency doesn't come every day."
She gave the two lieutenants a motherly smile. "Not need...call me...'Your Excellency,'" she laughed. "On campus...at Squad 4...you...call me...Lady Yume."
"Hey Yume, where do you want these?" Kirinji interrupted, holding up two signs. Both were written in elegant calligraphy and featured colorful butterflies. "Aizen really went all out to get you set up here."
Hanatarou and Hisagi studied the signs. "'Lady Yume: Goodwill Ambassador,'" Hanatarou read aloud. "And...'Ringo: Animal Ambassador'?" At this, Ringo meowed approvingly.