Chapter 7
Renji sat on his desk, doing his hated paperwork. He had thirty minutes left before he had to do a training lesson with the weaker members of his Squad. But his eyes drifted over to his little garden every so often to see the two women sitting in the shadow of the big tree.
They were out there for two and a half hours now and he was impressed by Tatsuki's ability to get a handle on the control of her reiatsu in such a short time. He felt it rise and being extinguished the next moment. It was a common practice to get a feeling for the flow of reiatsu and also helped to control it. She was good.
When he started at the Academy it had taken him weeks to get to this level. If she went on with that pace she would be able to do her first Kido in a few days. Taking his eyes back on his desk he sighed at the sheer amount of work. I really do need a Lieutenant!
The doors slid open and Rukia and Tatsuki stepped inside. Obviously they had finished their lesson.
"Thank you, Rukia. You're a great teacher."
He didn't look up at the sound of their voices.
"No need to thank me. Tomorrow we'll try another technique. But you should practice in your free time."
"I will do that."
The door opened and closed again, then there was silence but he knew she hadn't left with Rukia.
"How did it go, Sweetheart?"
She went over to him until she stood next to his desk.
"It was great. Exhausting but great. I could feel the reiatsu flowing though me for the first time and even control it a little. Rukia said, I was the best pupil she had ever taught."
He turned in his chair to look at her.
"Really? Well, since the only other people she ever taught something were Ichigo and me, that says a lot." he teased. She punched him lightly on the arm.
"Stop that! I was good!"
He pulled her into his arms, silencing her with a quick kiss.
"I've never said you weren't." he wiggled his brows, grinning at her blush.
"How about you go on and finish your papers and I go and get us some coffee?"
She had wrapped her arms around his neck, their foreheads touching. He sighed.
"Okay, do that."
She pulled back and left his office. He turned back to his papers when a knock sounded. Again. He really started to hate that sound.
"Come in!"
The door opened and his third Seat stepped before him, bowing his head respectfully.
"What is it, Kudo?"
The blond man straightened up.
"Sir, I came to tell you that the seventh Seat Okada has returned from his mission in the world of the living."
Shit, he had almost forgotten that he had sent the Officer to collect information on Tatsuki's death.
"What did he report?"
"Sir, he said that Arisawa- san died two nights ago in a fire. The house she was living in burned down completely. He spoke to Kisuke Urahara who told him that all tenants died in their sleep because of some toxic gas. It was an accident. They didn't felt anything, Sir."
On the one hand he was glad that she didn't had to suffer in her death, but on the other he felt sorry that her life was ended by some stupid accident. Now he had to tell her. Would it be wise to tell her right now or to wait till evening?
"Thanks Kudo."
He bowed his head again and left without another word. Renji liked Kudo a lot. The man was reliable and knew when to speak or to shut up. He was also very smart. If it wasn't for the fact that he wasn't strong enough he would be the perfect Lieutenant. He had trained with him for months but it seemed that he was at the maximum of his abilities.
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Tatsuki was walking the corridors of Squad Seven with two big mugs in her hands. She passed several shinigami, greeting them friendly. She was in a very good mood. The training with Rukia had motivated her. She could do this. She could become a shinigami. And a very good one. She had always been ambitious. Years of training had earned her the kyudan in both karate and judo.
So becoming a shinigami would be a child's play for her. With her spirits raised she opened his office to find him still doing papers. Holding up the cups she stepped inside.
"Captain Pineapple! I've got your coffee!" she almost sang.
He looked up at her, a frown creasing his brows.
"What's with the good mood?"
She sauntered through the room, gave him his mug and sat down on top of some papers on his desk, sipping her coffee.
"Nothing. Everything's fine. You're done here?"
He leaned back in his chair, the cup in both hands while he looked up at her with his chocolate eyes.
"Never. That's the one thing I really despise about being a Captain. Paperwork. When you think you're finished someone comes up with a new pile. Or two. But for today, I'm done. Now comes some training and after lunch I'll teach you zanjutsu."
"What is this zanjutsu exactly?"
Closing his eyes he leaned his head back.
"Basically it's the Art of the Sword. You'll learn how to fight with a katana."
A huge grin spread on her face.
"So it's kendo?"
He nodded. "Yeah, partially at least."
When he opened his eyes again she hurried to clear her face of it's euphoric expression and settled for a scowl. She hoped he hadn't seen it. He looked up at the clock, sighing.
"I have to go. You wanna come and watch?"
Watch Renji training or sitting here alone? What a hard choice! She jumped off his desk and put the cup down next to his.
"Let's go, Captain!"
They exited the office and went through several corridors until they came past a door that showed her a hall-like room with at least sixty shinigami sitting in small groups, talking or eating. Renji paused and looked at her over his shoulder.
"Come with me."
He led her into the room and stood still until all heads turned toward them and everyone was silent. What was he up to?
"I know some of you already heard it but I'm going to tell you anyway. This is Tatsuki Arisawa." he gestured at her.
"She'll be staying in this Squad. It was the order of the Head-Captain that I, as well as Lieutenant Kuchiki will train her personally to become a shinigami. I want you all to help her in any way you can since she's new in Soul Society."
Oh, great Renji! Now I'm the new girl that gets special treatment. Thank you so much! I can't wait to get the evil eye for this.
"And don't forget, she's under my protection!" she glared up at him.
How dare he! She didn't need any protection! The assembled shinigami eyed her up and she repressed the urge to kick him in front of his subordinates.
"If you'll excuse us. Your Captain has a training appointment." she almost spat his title as she spoke in a sweet voice.
Taking a firm grip on the lapel of his haori she hauled him out of the room and into the corridor.
"Tatsuki, what's wrong?"
She came to a halt around the first corner.
"Nothing is wrong of course, Captain. Everything is fine. I just so love to get treated like a child in front of unfamiliar people. You know what? Fuck you! Until right now I was happy. I was in a fucking great mood. Thank you very much!"
She was furious now and wanted to turn and go but he held her arm in a firm grip. Looking up she saw that he was pissed.
"I've got no freaking idea what your problem is, but you'll not run away from me. You'll listen. This here, the Gotei 13, is military. I am the Captain of this Squad which consists of 216 shinigami. My job is to protect every fucking individual in this Squad with my life. They follow my command because they know I'll protect them and if I tell them that you're also under my protection they'll treat you as a fellow squadmember and not as some foreigner that doesn't belong here. I didn't intend to treat you like a child but right now you're acting like one."
His voice boomed through the hallway but she didn't care.
"Now I'm acting like a child? You could have just said something like 'Yo Guys, that's Tatsuki. She'll stay here so be nice'. But no, you had to go all authoritative on them with your 'she's under my protection' shit. It sounded more like 'If you dare lay a single finger on her I'll kill you'."
Her arms akimbo she mimicked his deep voice. He got even louder, almost screamed when he spoke.
"That's because I will! The Head-Captain himself gave me the order to protect you and I'll do as he says."
He had to be kidding.
"So I am just a part of your job? Another duty?"
He looked as if she had slapped him. All fury and anger vanished from his face in seconds to be replaced by confusion and anxiety.
"That's not what I meant! Tatsuki, listen. I WANT to protect you. That the old man gave me the order is secondary. Even if he hadn't, I would have done it anyway. In front of the men over there I spoke up for you because I want to make your life here as easy as possible."
"But I can protect myself! I always did. I was the one who protected everyone around me. I protected Orihime when all the other kids would hares her. It was me that kicked the kids asses when they picked on Ichigo because of his hair color when we were small. I am completely capable of taking care of myself!"
She wasn't as pissed as before anymore, but why wouldn't he understand? She had always done everything on her own, without ever asking for help. She was independent and strong. There was no need for him to protect her!
"I know that, Sweetheart. But from time to time we all need someone to take care of us. Trust me, I was the same until I became friends with Ichigo and realized that it's not a bad thing to let others help you. It doesn't make you less strong in the eyes of your friends. It's quiet the opposite. It makes us stronger."
His hand had slid up until he now cupped her cheek.
"Please, Tatsuki, let me help you. I promise you to not constrict you but from time to time, let me take care of you so you can lean back and breath."
How had he done that? A minute ago she was ready to kill him and now all she wanted was to cuddle into him and let him hold her. His eyes were soft, almost pleading when he looked into hers. They stood toe to toe, their faces only separated by the difference in height. Her eyes must have given him the answer because he exhaled slowly and took a step back, his hand falling away.
"Come on. The guys are probably already waiting."
She just nodded and let him lead her towards the training ground. Her mind was spinning. Could she really let him protect her?
She knew that he was right. That everyone needed help from time to time. But it were two different things to know and to act. She was used to do everything on her own. Could she change herself? She didn't know.
They stepped out into the sun, a big sandy yard in front of them with some trees to her right and some small building with a flat roof to the left. There were fifteen or so shinigami standing in the center, waiting for their Captain to arrive. When they saw them standing there they quickly formed a row.
"You can sit over there on the roof and watch if you want."
She turned and went over where he said, climbed onto the roof and took a seat, her legs dangling over the edge. The voices were low from here but she could hear Renji greeting them and giving them instructions. In pairs of two the man and women scattered over the yard, drawing their katana and started to fight. The sounds of metal against metal filled the air.
Renji stood at the side at first, observing the groups. She did the same. There was a young man that was pushed back by his taller opponent. The man's defense not strong enough and with another blow his katana flew through the air. Renji went over to the pair, picking up the sword on his way. He handed it back and demonstrated how to do it right.
Drawing his own weapon he took position in front of the man who had attacked, both hands on the hilt, the tip pointed at the other man. He explained something before the man attacked him, his own sword raised over his head. The blades collided and Renji changed his stand slightly to let his opponents blade slide down his own by the force of the blow.
He wheeled around, the katana drawing a half circle over his head to come to a sudden halt against the man's neck, Renji standing at his back. When he pulled the blade away both man looked at him in awe and he gave them some more instructions. He stepped back and they started again but this time they were more evenly matched.
The smaller one's stand more firm, his defense more effective. Renji nodded at them and went on to the next pair. She was quiet impressed by his teaching abilities.
He showed patience with some. Explaining something a few times until the man or woman would understand. Sometimes he laughed with them or padded them on the back when thy did something right. He didn't seem to notice the happy looks on their faces, the respect that was shining in the eyes of all of them. They loved their Captain.
"Enjoying the show?" came an all to familiar voice from behind her.
She turned to see Ichigo standing there, smiling down at her. He came over and sat down next to her. She didn't answer, her eyes back on the yard below her and the man and women.
"He's really good at that, you know? When he became the Captain of this Squad the members were still in grief of the death of their former Captain. Their Lieutenant transferred to another Squad and left them as well. He had no idea what to do. They showed him respect but just because they had to since he was their new Captain. They didn't want him here. But he managed somehow. It took him almost a year and a near death experience, but now you see the result. Renji was never a very patient man but he learned."
She listened carefully. It wasn't often that he spook in such high praise of someone. But she knew him long enough.
"What do you wanna tell me with that?"
He grinned sheepishly, his hand ruffling through his hair.
"Well, I've heard from your fight."
"How? It just happened half an hour ago."
His hand ruffled some more and he now looked like he just got out of bed.
"Here in Seireitei rumors spread fast. In about two hours mostly every shinigami will have heard about it."
Her face fell in horror.
"And they say you two were pretty much screaming at each other so the whole Division heard every word." he added under his breath.
She wanted to bury her head in the ground. Everyone had heard them? Oh God!
"But he is right, you know? We all need some help. There is no shame in depending on others from time to time. I had to learn it myself. It doesn't always have to be just in emergency cases. But the small things in our everyday life. Why not tell the guys from his Squad to be nice to you so you don't have to fight for it. This way they'll accept you as one of their own right from the start. You'll have a long hard way in front of you so let us help you."
She thought about it for moment. He was probably right. But it would be hard for her to change.
"I'll try. But Ichigo? Stop going all sentimental on me. I'm still the same girl who'll kick your ass." she joked and he smiled broadly at that.
"I wanna see that happening again. By the way, thanks for telling Rangiku and Toshiro all those stories. Now my Squad think their Captain was a pussy who had to be protected by a small girl when he was a kid. Gee, all the years of hard work to gain their respect blown away in a single moment." he said theatrical.
She chuckled.
"Baka!"
They sat their in silence, watching Renji train his subordinates.
"I have to go or Rukia will have my head for leaving her with all the papers. Again." he added sheepishly.
"You will never change, will ya?"
He grinned again.
"Nope, otherwise she would get bored. How about dinner tonight? The four of us could go to that tiny sushi restaurant."
"Sure. I'll ask Renji when he's done. Now go or you won't need any dinner tonight since you'll be missing a head."
He grimaced and vanished.
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"Good work everyone! We're done for today. Next session is on Tuesday. Now go and eat some lunch."
With that Renji dismissed the group. They had trained for nearly two hours and he was hungry now. Turning he saw Tatsuki hop down from the roof, landing gracefully she sauntered over to him. Her mood seemed back to normal since Ichigo had come over and talked to her.
He had felt the other Captain's reiatsu as soon as he entered the grounds of his Squad and had seen him sitting next to her for a while. He had no idea what they had talked about but it seemed to have helped her.
Shrugging he waited for her to come to over.
"I'm sorry." he said apologetic.
She came to a halt in front of him.
"I know and you don't have to be. You were right."
Changing the subject she went on.
"But you really have to tell me what 'going Bankai on someone' means." she smiled up at him.
"I'll explain it on the way. Come on, let's go and grab us some lunch."
They went to a small stand and brought some takoyaki while they talked the whole time. It was truly relaxing. He enjoyed her company and before he realized it, they were back in his office where they found his waiting third Seat.
"Oi, Kudo! Hope you haven't waited long."
He shook his head.
"No, Captain. I just came in myself."
Renji nodded.
"Alright. Tatsuki, this is my third Seat Fujimaru Kudo. He will give you a tour around and show you your new quarters. Kudo, when you're finished bring her to the training ground."
The man stepped for, inclining his head.
"Yes, Sir. Arisawa- san, would you please follow me."
She followed his third Seat and they closed the door behind them. He thought about what he should do now. There were still some papers to sign. But he dismissed the idea and instead went outside into his garden, taking his favorite place under the huge tree.
He pulled Zabimaru out and positioned it on his cross legged lap. Breathing deeply he closed his eyes and entered his inner world. As soon as he felt the change of air he opened his eyes again to find himself in the all to familiar dessert of his Zanpakuto's world.
He lay in the sand and looked up into the clear blue sky, the sun burning down on him until a shadow fell over him.
"Do you intend to just lie around here?"
He grinned.
"Thought so. But you won't let me, will ya, Zabimaru?"
A deep chuckle came from the figure that stood to his side.
"Same lazy ass as always, Renji."
The shadow moved away and Renji was momentarily blinded by the harsh sunlight. He sat up to see the huge white baboon with the snake tail moving around until it lay down in front of him, his tail wriggling in the air. Raising a brow at this unorthodox behavior of his sword.
"What's wrong old friend?"
Zabimaru closed his eyes and sighed.
"I'm just not in the mood to fight today. Your laziness rubs off, you know."
Renji knew that he was joking.
"Oh, come on. I'm not that bad."
He huffed.
"No, you're worse. But why are you here?"
Renji fell silent for a moment. Yeah, why was he here? He had felt the urge to talk to Zabimaru.
"Can't a friend just come by for a visit?"
He lay back on the sand. His sword ignored his question.
"It's about the girl, isn't it? You're confused about the feelings you have for her."
He wanted to say something but his sword stopped him.
"Don't even think about denying it. You always forget that I'm a part of your soul. Listen, you're an idiot and don't forget that she's maybe the only woman that can kick your sorry ass. Now, go and let me sleep."
Before Renji could reply he was pushed out of his inner world and found himself back in his garden. What the hell, Zabimaru?
"Captain?"
He was still a little confused about his sword when he heard Kudo. Kudo? How long had he stayed in his inner world? He hated the fact that you lost all sense of time in there. Grumbling under his breath he got up and went back inside. Kudo stood in the door.
"Sir, Arisawa- san is waiting for you at the training ground."
He tucked Zabimaru back through his obi as he went for the door.
"Thanks. Was everything okay?"
The man's mouth twitched as if he was suppressing a smile.
"Yes, Sir."
What had she done?
"Okay, if you're done for today you can go home now. Enjoy your weekend."
Kudo bowed his head.
"Thank you, Captain."
Renji was still thinking about Zabimaru's words as he made his way to Tatsuki. What did he mean by that? Sure, Tatsuki was strong but not that strong. There was only a handful of people that could kick his ass and Tatsuki sure was not one of them. He grabbed two training swords out of the storeroom before he stepped out into the afternoon sun.