Chapter Seven
1st Company Headquarters
Soul Society, Japan
As he looked around the room, Yamamoto could only feel relief, with all the positions filled, Soul Society was much more stable and could now concentrate on more important matters. Mainly protection of their world, aiding souls to pass over and the protection of their king's realm. All the captains stood in line waiting for him to begin the meeting.
'I have just received word that the delegation from England will be in Japan within a day. I would like the protection squad to prepare. They will be heading out to the real world soon and head to the Tokyo airport to meet them. Urahara Taicho will leave within the hour to prep the gate for their use. The others will be met by Ryuken Ishida, he will be assisting us in this matter.' Yamamoto could feel the shock echo around the room. A Quincy willing to help a soul reaper.
'I know that must seem like a surprise. But Kurosaki Taicho has known Ryuken Ishida for years and though the quincy and soul reapers are usually on different sides of how to handle hollows. Both sides agree that compared to the situation with hell demons and hollows, we must put that aside to work together. As an old quincy acquaintance of mine suggested long ago.'
'Because of Ryuken's position in Japan, he has connections in the real world that we would need. All he asks is that when the real battle starts they are not forgotten. I have agreed to this. He will meet with the protection squad at Urahara's Shop with whatever is necessary to transport our guests from the airport to wherever it is they will be staying. I understand that Henry-sama also has connections and has used that to get the Japanese government's approval to use one of the imperial residences while here in Japan. The protection squad will also be staying there with them until it is time to meet up with Captain Urahara in Karakura Town to transport them here.'
'Kuchiki, Ukitake and Kyรดraku Taichos you will prepare your teams to meet at the gate before the sunrise tomorrow. Ryuken will meet you in the real world and he will be accompanying you to meet our guests. Remember their protection is our priority. Use whatever means is necessary for their safety. They will have one week in the real world before coming here. You must keep vigilant, we do not know what Aizen has planned and anything could happen.'
'Suo-Taicho, how many are we expecting from this delegation?' Byakuya asked.
'I understand that there will be 10 in all. Along with their equipment and such.' Yamamoto answered.
'10?! Is it necessary for so many, all of them must travel here.' Byakuya stated. 'Are we really comfortable with that many being in Soul Society?'
'Yes, Kuchiki Taicho. They all have a purpose to be here. I trust they will know how to behave while here. Do not worry, I believe all are well-trained.'
Nodding Byakuya dropped the issue, already thinking ahead of what he needed to do before he could leave. With him and Abarai leaving for a week, he would need to ensure that his third seat had a handle on the company. Also, would need to let Takashi know that he would be overseeing the Kuchiki Clan while he was away and what to look out for, especially with the information that he received regarding Hisana. He did not like what he was hearing and though Takashi knew as much as he did, that Takashi could not be complacent when it came to her. He did not trust Hisana, but neither did many of the Kuchiki council. There was something off with her and always had been. She was very different from her younger sister, Rukia. He was very thankful for the fact that Hisana was much too old for him to adopt as his sister. His late parents had always had a soft spot for Rukia, perhaps because they saw how Hisana treated Rukia badly. When it was possible they quickly adopted Rukia and brought her into the main house of the Kuchiki Clan. After years of being on the receiving end of Hisana erratic behavior, he was very glad that his parents had only adopted Rukia.
'I have Mayuri, Kurosaki and Yoruichi looking into the movements of Hueco Mundo and if anything urgent comes up, they will contact you. Kenpachi, Soi Fon and Komomaru will begin preparing the companies for the demon training.'
'Hitsugaya Taicho, do not forget that you along with Kuchiki Taicho will be in charge of the actual protection squad while our guests are in the real world and when they enter Soul Society. While in the real world, Kuchiki and Hitsugaya Taichos please ensure that your third seats are aware of their responsibilities while you are gone. I will not have any disruption in the daily operation of your companies.' Yamamoto stated.
Toshiro Hitsugaya could only sigh. He was not looking forward to this mission. He and Captain Kuchiki would do what they were ordered, but he was not happy knowing that he would have to baby-sit not only his vice-captain, but many of the same people he just reprimanded earlier this week for using his headquarters to have a celebratory sake party. He should have known that he could not trust Matsumoto when it came to any excuse for a party and sake. It never failed by the end of it, someone if not several of them would be practically naked and he did not like walking into that, which Matsumoto would always have him do. He could never trust the woman to listen to him about not having sake parties in the headquarters. He didn't know where she hid the damn sake bottles. He was sure he found them all the last time and had them thrown out. But, Matsumoto was sneaky, he was sure that she knew when he was planning on searching the office and would move them. Running his hand through his shocking white hair, he was frustrated. Now he would be stuck with her, the three drunken fools he found last week and to make matters worse he would have Kurosaki, Ayasegawa, and Madarame. How much did the Captain-General expect him to deal with before he snaps and sent Hyourinmaru after them all.
All Toshiro Hitsugaya could do was nod his agreement. He and Captain Kuchiki would be baby-sitting the 'children' whether they liked it or not. And he was suppose to be younger than them. Goes to show age did not ensure maturity.
'We will adjourn and those that are scheduled to depart for the real world will prepare. We will meet at the gate by sunrise tomorrow.' Yamamoto said watching his captains leave the room.