In the Soul Society, Kaichou was standing in the middle of the room with all the old photos of the Kurosaki clan. Kaichou was looking particularly at the photo of her, Isshin, Retsu, Jushiro, and Shunsui from their Academy days. Only in the picture, Retsu was wearing a full Soul Reaper Kimono.
She smirked as she glanced towards the door as she sensed the sudden appearance of a massive but familiar spiritual pressure approaching her location.
"Zaraki, stealth is not your forte." Kaichou said moments before Kenpachi flew in with his Zanpakuto drawn, but Kaichou was faster and had blocked with Hensen Tatsujin.
"As I recall. We still have a fight to finish." Kenpachi said with his trademark grin.
"Not really. As I recall, I surrendered thus ending the fight in a draw and with honor." Kaichou said with a smirk.
"Then let's have a rematch. You and me." Kenpachi challenged as Kaichou rolled her eyes.
"Zaraki you can't call a rematch for a fight that you win. It just isn't done." Kaichou said but Kenpachi didn't give up.
"I want to see what your strength is like since returning to the Soul Society after one hundred and ten years of exile. I want to see if you've got what it takes to bring down the tough foes. I want to see what you're made of nowadays. So do you have the guts to face me or are you just as stuck up as all the other nobles?" Kenpachi asked as Kaichou smirked. She did love a challenge.
"Okay you've got a deal Zaraki. Rematch on Sokyoku hill this afternoon. But the fight will not be to the death. Understood?" Kaichou said as Zaraki grinned even wider.
"Perfect. I'll see you there and don't back out." Kenpachi said as he sheathed his Zanpakuto and headed out with the grin on his face. Kaichou immediately rolled her eyes as soon as he left.
"Wonderful." Kaichou grumbled sarcastically as she plopped down on the floor and began to meditate.
"You just made Kenny very happy." Yachiru said as she popped up from a trap door in the floor.
"What the-?! How did you do that?" Kaichou asked in disbelief as the pink haired lieutenant smiled and leapt out of the tunnel.
"I made secret tunnels under your mansion like I did Byakuya's." Yachiru replied as Kaichou smirked and proceeded to chuckle.
"Oh geez. You are just precious." Kaichou said as Yachiru plopped down on the floor next to her.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready for your fight with Kenny?" Yachiru asked curiously.
"I suppose I should be but I'd rather take a stroll down memory lane. That's what I do when I come to this room." Kaichou explained as Yachiru cocked her head to one side curiously.
"What'cha thinking about?" Yachiru asked curiously as Kaichou smirked at the young Lieutenant. She then reached forward and grabbed the photo from earlier.
"Who do you recognize in this picture?" Kaichou asked as Yachiru looked at the photo and giggled.
"I see Pasty (Ukitake), Kissy (Kyoraku), Uno (Unohana), and I think that's Ichi's sister Thunder." Yachiru replied as Kaichou mussed her hair playfully.
"Close. That girl there is actually me, back when I was very young." Kaichou said as Yachiru's eyes widened. She then looked back and forth between Kaichou and the photo several times.
"No way." Yachiru replied as Kaichou chuckled.
"Way. I was young and foolish then. Want me to tell you about it?" Kaichou asked as Yachiru nodded eagerly.
"Well let's see. After the academy I was immediately assigned to squad ten and my brother was assigned to squad eleven. Now you know Ichigo's father right? The one with the scythe shaped Zanpakuto?" Kaichou asked as Yachiru nodded.
"Well Ukitake and Kyoraku got assigned to the very squads that they're now Captains of. I remember when I first arrived in the squad ten barracks…"
Flashback…
396 years ago...
Squad Ten Barracks…
A fourteen year old Kaichou, wearing the black kimono of the Soul Reaper for the first time in her life, stood frozen outside the barracks. She nervously walked inside with her faithful Zanpakuto, Hensen Tatsujin, on her back like Toshiro Hitsugaya would wear his Zanpakuto many years later. As she entered, she received curious glares from her new squad mates.
"Since when do kids get to come in here unattended?" one of the squad members asked.
"Hey, just because look young doesn't mean I can't handle myself." Kaichou replied with an annoyed glare.
"Uh huh. Sure." The same squad member from earlier said as he walked up to her. He towered over her, naturally. He then reached down and picked her up by the collar on her kimono and raised her to his face so they were looking eye-to-eye at each other.
"What's your name kid?" the squad member asked darkly. Before she could answer, a thin feminine hand was placed on the squad member's shoulder. The very touch, made the man shudder.
"That is no way to greet our newest member." A woman's voice said. The woman then entered into the light. She was a beautiful woman with long flowing silver hair with crystal blue eyes. On her kimono sleeve was the Lieutenant's sash for the tenth squad.
"Lieutenant!" the man yelped as he abruptly dropped Kaichou onto the floor but she retaliated with a swift kick to the left shin. The man immediately started hopping around on one foot as he cradled his injured shin.
"Consider yourself lucky that I didn't use my Zanpakuto." Kaichou threatened.
"Kaichou Kurosaki, I am Lieutenant On Ji Ta. I am the lieutenant of Squad ten. Captain Suzunami is waiting to speak with you." The lieutenant greeted as Kaichou bowed humbly. All around them, the squad members stared at Kaichou in surprise at the mention of her last name.
"It is an honor to meet you Lieutenant." Kaichou said as On Ji Ta smiled.
"It would be rude of you to ignore the Captain's request." On Ji Ta said as Kaichou nodded and followed the lieutenant into the Captain's office. Once inside she saw the Captain sitting at his desk, looking over some papers. He had dark red hair with it parted down the middle and one stray bang on the left side of his face. He then turned towards Kaichou with a serious expression.
"Kaichou Kurosaki, correct?" the Captain asked as Kaichou nodded. The captain then held up a file in his hand.
"Do you know what this is?" he asked as Kaichou gulped nervously.
"My file? Sir?" Kaichou asked meekly.
"Yes it is. While exemplary, only one demerit in the academy but I'm told that it was trivial. But I'm here to tell you right now that if you're expecting to make it in this squad simply by the fact you're the new clan head of the Kurosaki clan, then you are surely mistaken. Humility, skill, and trust, will get you five times further." The Captain said as Kaichou nodded understandingly.
"Yes Captain. I understand." Kaichou replied with a bow. The Captain finally smiled with a caring expression.
"Good. Now your instructors at the academy recommended you for a seated position due to your performance. You scored high in your intellect and strategy tests, and you were third in your Kido class. I will take their recommendation under advisement, but I will decide whether or not you become a seated officer." The Captain said as Kaichou nodded again understandingly.
"Thank you sir." Kaichou replied.
"Good, now where are my manners? I am Captain Seigen Suzunami, Captain of squad ten. And I would like to be the first to welcome you into the ranks of the Soul Reapers." The Captain said as he stood up and bowed to Kaichou who bowed in return.
"It is an honor sir." Kaichou replied.
"You're dismissed for the day. I suggest you prepare for tomorrow, because new members of squad ten must prove themselves in combat and tomorrow is your test." Captain Suzunami said as Kaichou nodded and bowed again before turning and leaving.
…
"The next day was definitely a test. I had to go up against every member of the squad, one by one, in a one on one fight. The second one of my opponents was knocked out the next would leap in and attack. I made it all the way through to the fourth seat but exhaustion and blood loss took its toll and I fainted before I could even raise my Zanpakuto at my opponent. I woke up in the squad four med center being treated by a good friend of mine."
…
In the squad four med center, with bandages wrapped around her head, arms, legs, and most of her body, Kaichou moaned as she managed to open her eyes slowly.
"Easy now Kaichou, you're in no condition to move." Retsu said caringly as Kaichou cracked a smirk.
"Retsu. I somehow knew you would be the next person I'd see." Kaichou whispered.
"You took quite a beating. But you'll be okay. My Captain and lieutenant both say that you will make a full recovery." Retsu said as Kaichou sighed with relief.
"Good." Kaichou said as she closed her eyes.
"Ah how's my newest squad member?" the familiar voice of Captain Suzunami asked.
"Captain Suzunami! She is recovering well. My Captain and Lieutenant say she will make a full recovery." Retsu said with a bow.
"Excellent. May I have a word with her?" Suzunami asked as Retsu nodded and bowed again before leaving.
"Hey Retsu. Come back later, okay." Kaichou said.
"I will Kaichou." Retsu said as she walked away.
"Retsu? I take it you know each other?" Suzunami asked as he sat down on a small stool next to her cot.
"Yes sir. We became friends in the academy." Kaichou said weakly.
"Save your strength and don't speak Kaichou. Let me do all the talking." Suzunami said as Kaichou complied.
"You may be wondering why I have those fights. Truth is I hold them for several reasons. First it helps the new members to gain respect from their comrades. Second it allows me to see how you react in combat. I have to say that this is the first time in a long time that I saw something that truly impressed me and that's saying a lot since I don't impress easily. Your behavior in battle was typical of a noble but you didn't put down your opponents, instead you encouraged them, told them of moves they could improve on and you took defeats in stride. Your Zanpakuto, Hensen Tatsujin, is unlike any I have ever seen. Shape shifting Zanpakutos are very unique and very rare. But it says a lot about the person wielding it. It means that you are forever changing and can adapt easily to new environments and new conditions. You have the potential to become more than just a simple Soul Reaper. I told you when we first met that it takes humility, skill, and trust to make it in squad ten. You exhibited all three of those qualities but in ways that more seasoned Soul Reapers do. You showed humility when you were injured and I even heard one of the other squad members apologize for cutting you. What really surprised me was when you told him that it was okay, that he was just doing his best and that he should work on his backswings to improve his skill. You showed skill by defeating every squad member up to the fourth seat. You probably would have made it to Lieutenant On Ji Ta and maybe even to me if your strength hadn't given out. But that is not anything to be ashamed of. To last that long is something to be proud of. You showed trust when you trusted in your skill and the skill of your opponent, as well as trusting that your opponents wouldn't inflict too much damage upon you. I believe that in the future, you will become a powerful yet very wise Soul Reaper. You may even reach the rank of Captain and I for one would be proud to have had served alongside of you." Suzunami said as Kaichou listened to every word.
"I leave you with this final piece of news. My fifth seat received transfer orders three days before you arrived and thus the fifth seat position is open. You will be taking his place." Suzunami said as Kaichou's eyes widened. Suzunami gave her a smile before standing up and walking out, leaving a stunned Kaichou behind.
…
I remained the fifth seat for a total of three years. During that time the men and women in the squad started calling me the "Black Haired Wrangler," as a joke at how I "wrangled" the position of fifth seat. I didn't care really, I kinda liked the nickname. Then something unexpected happened. I was on assignment to the world of the living with Lieutenant On Ji Ta and a group of other Soul Reapers to track down what Central 46 believed to be an Arrancar. Ironically enough it was right where Karakura Town was first being settled, though back then it was Karakura Village. I was acting as second in command of the hunting party and when we finally found the Arrancar, it attacked and killed half the hunting party, including the Lieutenant. Luckily Isshin, Jushiro, Shunsui, and Retsu were on the party as well and the five of us worked together with the remaining squad members to bring down the Arrancar. After we returned to the soul society, Captain Suzunami was understandably distraught by the loss of the Lieutenant. We all were distraught actually. She was a very kind and gentle soul and we all would miss her deeply. Then a few days after the tragedy, Captain Suzunami presented me with unexpected news…
…
393 years ago…
The Kurosaki Estate…
It was evening as a seventeen-year-old Kaichou sat on the wooden porch, lost in thought gripping something in her hands. She then heard a whistling sound and it turned out to be Shunsui Kyoraku wearing the pink and flowery kimono with conical hat. He wasn't alone as Jushiro and Isshin each entered the estate grounds from the entryway.
"Hey look who's here." Shunsui said as Kaichou quickly hid the object in her sleeves and looked up at the approaching group. Shunsui had become the ninth seat in squad eight, Jushiro had made third seat in squad thirteen, and Isshin was one of three fourth seat members in squad eleven.
"GOOD EVENING KAICHOU!!!" Isshin shouted as he launched towards her but she simply used Hado number one, Sho, to knock him away and into the wall that surrounded the estate.
"Hado at this time of day? Something's got ya down." Shunsui said as Kaichou sighed.
"I got some…unexpected news today." Kaichou said reluctantly as she stared down at her feet.
"What sort of news?" Jushiro asked curiously as he sat down next to her on the porch.
"Are you pregnant?!" Isshin asked in mock-surprise but quickly was hit by a new little feature Kaichou had discovered on her Zanpakuto known as the Shinigami Chop.
"No you idiot. I'm fine…well physically at least." Kaichou mumbled.
"So why the long face?" Shunsui asked as he reclined in the grass with a long blade of grass in his mouth.
"Captain Suzunami told everyone who that we were getting a new Lieutenant. He said that it was going to be one of our own squad members." Kaichou replied.
"Did he say who?" Jushiro asked as Kaichou leaned against his shoulder.
"Yep." Kaichou replied reluctantly.
"Then who is it?" Jushiro asked as he gently stroked Kaichou's hair. She then sighed and pulled the object from her sleeve. It was the Squad Ten lieutenant's armband.
"Me." Kaichou said softly.
…
"After that I began working immediately under Captain Suzunami. For seven years I served under him, leading strike forces, making sure things were in order. By the end of those seven years, Isshin was still fourth seat in eleventh squad, Retsu was third seat in squad four, Shunsui was fifth in squad eight, and Jushiro was on the list of candidates for being promoted to Captain. It was a great time in each of our lives, but things were about to take a unique turn once again. We were sent to the world of the living again and an Adjuchas class Menos escaped from Hueco Mundo. Three Captains and their respective lieutenants were dispatched to face the Menos but only one Captain didn't survive. Captain Suzunami was consumed in a Cero by the Adjuchas. In a fit of rage I accidently unleashed my Bankai for the first time ever and slew the Adjuchas. I then hurried back to my Captain's side. He told me he was proud to have had me as his subordinate. He later died as we were taking him back to the Soul Society. My performance with achieving Bankai and being the highest ranking officer in Squad ten automatically made me a candidate for the position. I made Captain shortly after that by the recommendations of the other Captains. But upon my Captain's death, I realized that I had changed. My Bankai was an example of that change. I still remember being called to the meeting chambers…
…
386 Years ago…
Main Meeting Hall…
A twenty four year old Lieutenant Kaichou Kurosaki, now with long black hair that reached the middle of her back slowly, quietly, and somberly entered the Main Meeting hall where General Yamamoto sat in his chair at the opposite wall with the two parallel rows of six Captains per row on either side of the center. She recognized each of the Captains, especially Captain Ginrei Kuchiki of the Kuchiki clan, one of the Kurosaki's fellow noble clans. Luckily the Kuchiki's and the Kurosaki's tended to get along well.
"Lieutenant Kaichou Kurosaki…" General Yamamoto started, "…Do you know why you have been summoned before us?"
"No sir. I do not." Kaichou replied, allowing some of her black hair to dangle down in front of her face. She quickly however swept it to the right side of her face.
"You have been summoned here so that we may inform you of the identity of Squad Ten's new Captain." Yamamoto answered.
"I will be honored to serve under whoever it is that will be Captain of Squad Ten. I will serve them just as well as I did under late Captain Suzunami." Kaichou said as she braced herself to face her new superior officer.
"That won't be necessary…Captain Kaichou Kurosaki. You received personal recommendations from six Captains as well as the approval of five of the remaining seven. By Soul Reaper law and tradition, that makes you a Captain in the Soul Reapers. Squad Ten awaits your commands." Yamamoto said as his lieutenant, at the time, approached with a rectangular wooden box with the squad ten insignia on it. The lieutenant opened the lid, revealing the squad ten Haori inside.
Captain Kuchiki removed the Haori from the box. The Lieutenant set the box on the floor and together with Captain Kuchiki, they placed the Haori on Kaichou's shoulders. After that, Kuchiki removed the Lieutenant's armband and handed it to Kaichou who grasped it in her hand.
"Welcome to the thirteen court guard squads, Captain Kaichou Kurosaki." Yamamoto said as Kaichou shook her head.
"With respect General. I refuse to answer to Kaichou Kurosaki anymore. The last few days have made me realize something." Kaichou said as Yamamoto arched a confused eyebrow.
"What have you realized?" he asked.
"I have thought long and hard about this General. The Kaichou Kurosaki we all know fell silent the second she first used Bankai. I emerged from within her. Granted Kaichou and I am the same person and I am of one mind, but there is another side that I cannot control. I must learn to control this side and the only way I can do that is to abandon the name Kaichou Kurosaki and embrace a new name. From this day forward, I will be known…as the Black Wrangler." Kaichou said as Yamamoto and the other Captains stood in silent understanding. They had seen or heard of what her Bankai was like and they knew why she was doing what she did.
End Flashback…
"So that's how you became known as Blackie?" Yachiru asked as Kaichou smiled and nodded.
"It was a long time ago. So long ago." Kaichou replied as she looked around the room. Her eyes then settled on an old Tenth Squad Haori draped with the back turned towards the middle of the room on a simple wooden stand with a t-bar top for the sleeves to rest in.
"So why do you walk down memory lane when in here?" Yachiru asked as Kaichou smiled again.
"This room has great significance to me. This was my father's room. It's where he passed away. I keep these memories of mine and Isshin's past in here as sort of a testament to my father's last wishes, his last wish for me and Isshin to become Soul Reapers. I pay my respects to him this way, by putting all these mementoes in this room so that if he's watching, then hopefully he's smiling from ear to ear at what Isshin and I have accomplished." Kaichou replied as she ran a hand over the tenth squad Haori.
"Hey it's almost afternoon, don't ya think you should go get ready for your fight with Kenny?" Yachiru asked as Kaichou nodded and headed to her room. She emerged a moment later in traditional Soul Reaper kimono with the Squad five Haori. Her hair wasn't even being held up in the usual ponytail or covered by her usual Stetson and she had even switched to the tabi socks and sandals of the regular Soul Reaper uniform.
"Come on Yachiru, let's go." Kaichou said as the young Lieutenant leapt onto her shoulder before Kaichou flash stepped into the air.
End Chapter 32…
Next up, the continuation with "Return of the Arrancar" Arc. I've decided that, like the series, my fic has story arcs in it too. Here's a list of the arcs.
Chapters 1-10 - "The Black Wrangler" arc.
Chapters 11-26 - "The Soul Reaper Academy" arc.
And Chapters 27- the present - "Return of the Arrancar" arc.
Hope ya don't mind this little decision.
Oh and I do not own Captain Seigen Suzunami. He is from the game "Bleach: The 3rd Phantom." I do own Lieutenant On Ji Ta however.
