Chapter 4: A Confirmation with Good Behavior

Baldo sat rubbing his shoulder on the enormous couch while Garland and Rotondo sat around a coffee table when Captain Komamura entered carrying a tray of tea and biscuits.

"Thanks, dad," Baldo winced reaching.

"That was pretty clever," Komamura handed Baldo the cup.

"What was?"

"Making a deal with Kenpachi's sword."

"It was pretty dirty," Rotondo added.

"But clever nonetheless," Garland chuckled, "Turning his sword into a club."

"Oh, you guys heard that," Baldo rubbed his neck seeing all three of them wiggle their ears. "Oh yeah, I forgot how good your hearing is."

The trio burst into laughter while Baldo continues rubbing his shoulder muttering, "Clubs hurt."

"I've got some good news. Head Captain Yamamoto has been quite impressed by your squad's results," Komamura smiled, "He's giving your squad a week off."

"Alright," Rotondo cheered, "What are we going to do?"

"That's the conundrum," Garland answered, "Though time away is appreciated."

Baldo remained silent.

"Should we go camping or maybe the beach," Rotondo thought hard, "What do you think, Baldo?"

"Do you have time off too, dad," Baldo asked.

"Sadly, no, I've got to work," the wolf captain responded seeing Baldo's face turn depressed, "You're 15, Baldo. You can do some things without me."

"I know," Baldo said dejectedly before asking, "Can I go to Karakura Town?"

"Really you want to spend your vacation in the World of the Living," Rotondo interjected.

Komamura nodded seeing Baldo's mind was distracted, "I understand. I'll put a request in. Though there are restrictions placed on captains going to the World of the Living."

"That's fine," Baldo whispered.

"Do you two want to go, too?"

"Na. I think I'll hang around here," Rotondo responded.

"Me too," Garland followed up, "Even the captain needs personal time away. Besides his wounds will probably heal faster if we're not bothering him."

"Alright," Komamura answered seeing Baldo rub his shoulder again.

"Hey Baldo, why'd you fight Captain Zaraki anyway," Rotondo asked.

"I thought it would be the best way to bring in new squad members," Baldo replied, "But I think all I did was scare people away. They just looked at me like the monster I am." Baldo let out a soft laugh.

"Keeping up with all that spirit pressure was exhausting," Rotondo yawned, "I'm turning in for the night."

"Me, too. I'll see you off in the morning Baldo," Garland left but Rotondo hesitated at the door.

"I'm sorry I questioned your pride," Rotondo apologized sincerely. His eyes swelled when Baldo rubbed his shoulder again, "Thanks for defending our squad's honor." Rotondo disappears.

The wolf captain sat beside Baldo on the couch.

"Are we really getting time off because of our success," Baldo asked, "Or because the Head Captain was thinking of disbanding our squad since no one wants to join it?"

"How did you know?"

"I felt it in your voice," Baldo said, "So it's true?"

"Yes. It will be discussed while you're away but after today," Komamura sighed, "I don't know which way he'll go."

"If he disbands the squad, will you allow Rotondo and Garland into Squad 7?"

"Of course. And what about you?"

"Maybe Squad 4, learn some stronger medical Kido, or Squad 1," Baldo frowned, "Though I'd like to be part of seven, too."

"Sorry, you know family cannot serve in the same squad," his father sighed, "I wish I could let you join too," he sipped some tea.

"Maybe I'll join Squad 12."

The wolf spits his tea choking, "Don't even joke about that!"

"Okay," Baldo laughed.

"How about Squad 11? They're just as beastly as you," the wolf winked.

"I'll never make it with those savages. I rely on all my abilities in battles not just raw strength," Baldo complained rubbing his shoulder, "Humph, Kenpachi."

"So what did he say to goad you into that fight anyway," his dad sipped his tea again.

"He asked which one of us was the Alpha."

Komamura choked again spraying the couch, "And what did you tell him?"

"I told him," Baldo blushed bright red turning his head, "That if he wanted to spar all he had to do was ask."

"Way to dodge the question," his dad laughed.

"I'm sorry," Baldo's face turned a deeper shade, "I never really thought about it." Baldo took a deep breath, "You're my father. I just assumed you were in charge," Baldo finished a plum color.

Komamura smiled, "Hmm. I think I'm going to go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night, son."

"Good night, dad," Baldo replied laying down on the couch closing his eyes, "Thank you for letting me into your house."

Sajin placed a hand on Baldo's back and whispered into his ear, "Thank you for making it a home."

Baldo felt his father's muzzle press against his forehead but by the time Baldo opened his eyes the wolf was in his room.

The next morning Baldo walked alone to the Senkaimon, the gateway to the World of the Living, as his father was already gone when he woke up. Baldo was surprised to find him waiting at the Senkaimon.

"Hi dad, how come you're here," Baldo asked.

"I wanted to wish you the best on your trip," the wolf smiled then turned serious, "And deliver the only set of orders for your trip but we'll wait for the rest of your party."

"Orders? My party?"

"Hey Baldo," Rotondo shouted, "Don't leave without us!"

"Rotondo? Garland? I thought you were staying here," Baldo said surprised.

"We heard you talking last night," Garland answered.

"But how," Baldo asked then slapped his forehead when they wiggled their ears and calling himself an, "Idiot."

Garland's tail wagged, "If our squad's going to be disbanded then let's take our final mission together."

"Besides, we can go to the beach and stuff in the World of the Living," Rotondo added, "The day after tomorrow of course."

"Thanks guys. You're the best squad members a guy can ask for," Baldo fights back tears. He turns to his father, "Orders Captain Komamura?"

"Karakura town is one of the highest spiritual places in the World of the Living. Once you're there go to Urahara's Candy Shop. He's got specially made gigai for you to wear. He'll explain the rest," Komamura finished with a smile, "Enjoy your trip."

The gate opened. Baldo paused at the entrance and looked back. "Thanks, dad. I have something I have to talk to you about when I get back."

"I'll look forward to it for the next week," Komamura answered as they disappeared entering the Senkaimon.