Enter the Shinigami Women's Association
Soifon put down her brush. She looked through the sheaf of papers filled with neat rows of freshly-written words and blew the ink dry. She rubbed her temples and leaned back in her chair, silently wishing for a vice-captain who could take on the more administrative aspects of her duties.
The dinner gong sounded, startling her. The hours had flown by and she had been lost in her work. And there is still that meeting to attend, she thought glumly.
Soifon put on her haori and left her office. She found Yoruichi loitering outside and nodded a greeting. "If you wish to accompany me, Yoruichi-sama, I will be going for the meeting now."
"What meeting is this, Soifon?"
"I am not sure myself. Captain Unohana requested my presence this morning, and she said to ask other females along…"
And no one says no to Unohana, thought Yoruichi darkly. And you would have gone alone since the entire Onmitsukido membership is male. You would have gone alone since you have no other female friends… perhaps no other friends…
Yoruichi fell silent and walked alongside Soifon. They made their way to a meeting room in the Fourth Squad where they were greeted by Unohana. "Ah, Soifon, you have come. And Yoruichi – you will be joining us as a guest today? How wonderful."
Unohana beamed beatifically, and directed them to sit. Soifon looked around the room where several Vice-Captains had already gathered. "Soifon taichou", they greeted, and she nodded in acknowledgement.
Unohana continued to smile and rapped on the table for attention. "Please, ladies, the meeting has begun. From this point on, you will address me as 'Chairwoman'. And as long as this meeting is convened, the only person you will address as taichou and fuku-taichou will be the President and Vice-President of the club. Today, we are welcoming a new member – Soifon. A round of applause please, before I hand over to President Yachiru for the welcome address."
What the… Soifon suddenly regretted turning up. Soul Society is on high alert with the disappearing cases in the real world and here I am… But it was too late. She stared at her fingers, while the other ladies clapped politely. Behind her, Yoruichi sniggered.
The little pink-haired Vice-Captain of the 11th Squad jumped up on the table and began nattering. "Soi-chan! You always looked so fierce so we didn't dare invite you, but we heard you have renovated the Second Squad. Can we use your new place in winter? It would be nice and toasty-" She was suddenly distracted by a bowl of candy that appeared magically in front of her and she stopped speaking and proceeded to feast on the sweets. Ise Nanao, a vein throbbing visibly on her forehead, stood up. "What the President means to say, Soifon, is that we are glad to welcome you to the Shinigami Women's Association. In my capacity as Vice-President, I hereby induct you, and look forward to your contributions as we advance the welfare of all female Shinigami in Soul Society."
Nanao adjusted her spectacles and her voice took on a firmer tone. "First business of the day, if you please, Madam Chairwoman." Unohana nodded her consent. "Attendance. Is everyone accounted for?" Kiyone's hand shot up. "Please, fuku-taichou, Rangiku Matsumoto and Rukia Kuchiki send their regrets that they are unable to attend. They have been dispatched to the real world to help with a problem in Karakura Town."
Yes, I know what that problem is, and I should be out there on the streets of Soul Society making sure we are safe! I… I should find some excuse to leave…
The attendance report was cut short by an incoming draft as the wooden door slid open. Byakuya Kuchiki walked into the room and sat down wordlessly. The ladies looked at each other, puzzled. Nanao's throbbing vein grew in size. Unohana continued to smile beatifically. Yoruichi began grinning while Soifon finally looked up from her fingers.
"And may I ask why Kuchiki taichou is here?" Nanao tried her best to be polite. "This is an official meeting of the Shinigami Women's Association, for ladies and invited guests only."
Byakuya looked up coldly. "Rukia has been sent on a mission to the real world. As her brother, it is my responsibility to represent her in her meetings when she is unable to attend. Now, what is the next item on the agenda?"
He… he is so strong… thought Nanao, dumbstruck for a moment, before she recovered her composure. "Next up, a discussion of the club's plans for the year ahead…"
"Bya-kun! I am so happy to see you! Did you bring snacks for me?" Yachiru had wormed her way over to Byakuya and was chatting happily to him whereupon he produced a large bun which Yachiru proceeded to wolf down, giving Byakuya some peace. Yoruichi was in hysterics by now and had to excuse herself.
In her corner, Soifon drew a small measure of comfort in the fact that there was someone else who did not want to be at the meeting as well.