I intend to include some of the anime filler arcs, such as the Zanpakuto Unknown Tales arc, in this story. I'm willing to take other arc suggestions, with the exception of the Shusuke Amagai arc, so please review/PM me with any particular arc you would like to have included.

Chapter 11: 3, 5, and 9

"Are all of the seated positions filled in the Third Squad?" Saki asked Kira as the two walked towards their division's barracks.

"No," Kira replied, "We are missing someone for Third Seat."

"I see," Saki murmured, "In that case, I'd like you to find someone suitable for that position as quickly as possible."

"Shouldn't you do it, taicho?" Kira asked uncertainly.

"I would," Saki agreed, "But I don't know the abilities of all of the Shinigami in the Third Squad. On the other hand, you do, so it would be much quicker if you choose the Third Seat. After all, you are the vice-captain of the Third Division, so I'm sure it's not a big problem."

"Okay. Understood, taicho."

Saki and Kira finally arrived at the barracks for the Third Division. There were already some Shinigami gathered at the entrance, whispering excitedly among themselves. When they saw their captain and lieutenant, they quickly bowed at the waist, saying, "Kuroichi-taicho! Kira-fukutaicho!"

Kira stepped forward, about to say something, but Saki waved him back, signaling that she wanted to talk to them herself. Kira obeyed, standing to the side silently as Saki addressed the Shinigami.

"Are the other squad members inside?"

"Yes, Captain!" One of the Shinigami answered, "We are only the seated officers. The rest of the squad is inside, waiting for you."

"Okay. Lead the way," Saki ordered.

"Hai, taicho!"

Saki and Kira followed the other seated officers through a long corridor, until they stopped in front of a door with 'Squad Meeting Room' written on it. Someon epushed the door open, shouting, "All right! Quiet down! Our new captain is here."

The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at their new captain. Saki stepped through the doorway, green eyes observing her subordinates, before saying loudly, "I am Kuroichi Saki, Third Squad's new captain, and we'll find out later whether or not it's a pleasure to meet you all."

Some of the Third Squad members were stunned by Saki's bluntness.

"I don't know how your previous captain ran this squad, but there are some things I expect from all of you," Saki continued as though she hadn't just made a cold comment, "First, if you see anything suspicious going on in Soul Society, I expect to know about it immediately, no matter how tiny your suspicions are. Second, always do what's best for Soul Society, not just for the Third Division. And lastly, never abandon your comrades, no matter how much you hate them." She cast a serious look at the Shinigami that were listening attentively to her every word. "If you fail to meet these expectations, you will be facing me. If you fail to meet the expectations and put Soul Society in danger because of it, then I shall arrange a trip to Kurotsuchi Mayuri's lab and see if it's possible to program something useful into a Shinigami. Am I understood?"

"Y-Yes, Captain Kuroichi!" Everyone shouted shakily. The deadly glare left Saki's eyes.

"Good," she said a little more nicely, "Other than that, I won't interfere with your daily lives too much, but never hesitate to speak to me or Kira if you need to."

"Understood, Captain Kuroichi!"

"This is the barracks for the Ninth Division?" Amina asked, peering at the building that stood before her.

"Hai, taicho," Hisagi answered.

"That's so cool!" Amina admired, "I like it!"

"R-Really?" Hisagi was taken aback by his new captain's sudden declaration.

"Of course. Why would I lie about it?" Amina asked innocently, "Anyway, let's go in so I can meet the rest of the squad."

"Ah, wait for me, taicho!" Hisagi called as Amina skipped up to the front door. As they dashed up to the barracks, a Shinigami that was just inside the front door saw them. His eyes widened and he turned and ran inside.

"The captain's here!" he shouted, "Captain Kuroichi's here!"

Pretty soon, the majority of the Ninth Division was outside crowding around Amina and Hisagi. There was the buzz of chatter as all of the Shinigami tried to speak to Amina at once.

"Wow, this squad sure is lively," Amina laughed, "Anyway, most of you seem to know this already, but I'm Kuroichi Amina, the new captain for the Ninth Division. Nice to meet you all!"

"Nice to meet you!" The Ninth Squad echoed, bowing to their new captain.

"Let's all do our best for Soul Society!"

"Yes, taicho!"

"This is Lieutenant Hinamori's room," Unohana stopped in next to a door in the Healing Bay.

"Oh, thank you very much, Captain Unohana," Hanako thanked. She reached for the door handle but was stopped by Unohana.

"Captain Kuroichi, I must warn you now that Aizen is a very sensitive subject to Lieutenant Hinamori," she explained, "Please do not be offended if she still sees Aizen as the captain of the Fifth Division, and do try to watch what you say to her. Aizen damaged Lieutenant Hinamori both physically and psychologically."

"Of course, Unohana-taicho," Hanako agreed, "I will do my best."

Unohana smiled and stood aside to allow Hanako to enter the room. The blonde-haired captain did so, and her eyes immediately fell on the figure that was lying on the bed. Hanako approached quietly, not wanting to wake the injured lieutenant if she was asleep. Luckily, Hinamori was wide awake, watching Hanako with wide brown eyes.

"Hello..."

Hanako smiled. "Hello, Lieutenant Hinamori. How are you feeling?"

"O-Okay, I guess," Hinamori's voice was still weak and her voice cracked slightly, "Are you Captain Aizen's replacement?"

Hanako hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yes."

"I see," Hinamori smiled weakly, "Nice to meet you."

"Same to you," Hanako replied, "May I call you Hinamori?"

"Of course, taicho."

"Well, Hinamori, would you like to tell me what Squad 5 is like?" Hanako inquired softly.

"Um, members of Squad 5 are always friendly with each other and very talented, too, thanks to Captain Aizen..." Hinamori's voice faltered and her eyes became moist. Hanako gently wrapped the grief-stricken lieutenant in a hug, allowing Hinamori to cry into the captain's haori. The youngest Kuroichi patted her lieutenant on the back, waiting patiently for Hinamori's tears to run dry.

"M-My apologies, C-Captain," Hinamori sniffed, wiping her eyes.

"That's all right," Hanako soothed, "I understand that it must be hard for you to see someone you trusted and worshipped leave. Don't sweat it, okay? If you want to cry, then cry."

"H-Hai," Hinamori said, "Thank you, Captain Kuroichi."

"Let's work together, 'kay?" Hanako suggested, holding out her hand.

Hinamori stared at Hanako's hand for a second before her face split into a happy grin. "Okay!" she agreed, reaching out to grasp her new captain's hand.

Kuroichi Amina's Battle Data
Offense: 100
Defense: 90
Intelligence: 60
Kido/Reiatsu: 60
Physical Strength: 90
Mobility: 100
Total: 500/600