Okkay~ Here's the Unohana Taichou part! ^^ I have a soft spot for Hanataro kun, so I ended up writing more about him than Unohana Taichou X3
Enjoy!
After a pleasant cup of tea with Komamura Taichou, Ukitake once again headed outside.
As he was walking onwards, he suddenly heard a shout. He quickly walked towards the sound, only to find several of the 11th Squad members bullying Yamada Hanataro, the Seventh seat of the 4th Squad.
"Please… please forgive me! I will never again trip over in front of you while carrying the laundry for-"
"I said no excuses, brat! You will do as I say and be our servant for the rest of the month, or face our wrath!"
"Your…? Oh no! Please, I beg of you! Don't make me! Please let me go!" Hanatarou was on the verge of tears.
"Now what is going on here?" Ukitake demanded the 11th Squad members, in a voice full of authority.
"Uh… er nothing, 13th Squad Captain, Sir. We were just leaving…" Said one in a shaken voice. With an urgent whisper to his nakama, the man left with his group.
"Hanataro kun, are you all right?" Ukitake helped the frail little boy up.
"Ha… Hai, Taichou. I'm very sorry for wasting your precious time…" Hanataro stammered, picking up the laundry he had dropped.
"Not at all, Hanataro kun. I should help those in danger, shouldn't I?" Ukitake gave the boy his signature warm smile.
"A…Arigato, Ukitake Taichou…" Hanataro looked more than a little intimidated. But then, he always does.
"Let me escort you to your barracks. I'm sure those men are nearby, looking for a chance to assult you again." Ukitake offered compassionately.
Hanataro looked as if he was going to reject the offer, but seeing the kind look in Ukitake's eyes, he agreed.
"Ah, Ukitake Taichou, what business did you come here for?" Unohana Retsu, 4th Squad Taichou inquired as soon as they stepped into the 4th Squad barracks.
"Unohana Taichou… I was taking a walk when I saw some of the 11th Squad members assaulting Hanataro kun, and I offered to accompany him here." Ukitake explained.
"How kind of you, Taichou. Would you like to come in and rest awhile before you go back?" Unohana Taichou asked.
"Thank you, Taichou. I am feeling a bit worn out." Ukitake accepted.
"What have you there, Ukitake san?" Unohana taichou motioned to the little cat, which was now fast asleep in her master's arms.
"This is my pet, Shiro chan. Rukia san brought her to me from her last trip to the World of the Living."
"I see. But don't you think it would have a negative effect on your illness? As appealing as it looks, I think taking care of such animals require a lot of effort and energy, am I wrong?" Unohana Taichou asked.
"Hehe, you have a point there, Unohana san. But I do not think that my illness is getting worse since I started taking care of this cat. Rather, it is the exact opposite." Ukitake explained, as Hanataro brought him a cup of tea, and sat nearby politely.
"Now, how could that be?" Unohana Taichou wondered.
"Since I got Shiro chan, she had helped me a lot in reducing my stress levels. I notice that just by keeping her nearby while I do my paperwork, I can do the work faster, with much ease. Also, today, while I was going for a stroll with Shiro chan, I noticed that I could walk for a longer time without getting tired or dizzy." Ukitake clarified.
"That could be true." Hanataro looked rather ashamed to interrupt. "When… When I was in the World of the Living with Ganju kun, working at the Convenience Store, there was an old woman who was a regular customer. She had a cat, and she explained to us how it was helping her in her well being. Her cat always follows her everywhere, and if it goes away, the lady gets very ill." Hanataro blushed after making this little speech.
"Oh… such things do happen, don't they? How interesting." Unohana Taichou marveled. " Then I am very happy for you, Ukitake san. I hope you are very happy with your little kitten." She smiled kindly.
"Thank you, Unohana san… Ah, I must be going now. Have a good day, Taichou." With a warm smile, Ukitake left.
"Hanataro?" Unohana Taichou called.
"Yes, Taichou?"
"Next time I sent you off to the World of the Living, please make sure you bring back several of those little animals for me…understood?"
"H…Huh?" Hanataro wondered if he had heard it right.
"You will bring me some kittens, yes?" Unohana smiled, her eyes closed.
"Y…Yes, without fail, Unohana Taichou!" Hanataro darted out of the room.
Did you like it? Please review! ^^ and thanks for the previous reviews. I have tried to correct all my mistakes. Hope you like it. ^^