Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
A/N: Sorry for the long wait between updates. As always thank you for the reviews, favs, and alert saves.
The Shihoin clan meeting
Yoruichi and the other elders waited for Ai's arrival. No one spoke but there was electricity in the air. The elder's meeting room had not contained this much excitement in a long time. Then it happened Ai arrived, everyone bowed as the 4'11 silver haired matriarch of the Shihoin clan arrived. Her beautiful cooper skin bared a small amount of wrinkles no one would guess she was only a few decades younger than Ginrei Kuchiki. Ai's pixie haircut always made her seem sweet and gentle but she was beyond dangerous. Ai was a powerful woman but she like the other members of the Shihoin clan exceeded expectations when it came to masking spiritual pressure this ensured her anonymity when visiting the Shihoin clan. Ai's first order of business was giving Yoruichi a big hug. "It's good to you have back Yoruichi," said Ai as her emerald green eyes met with Yoruichi's golden ones.
"It's good to be back Ai-sama." Ai frowned. "I mean it's great to be back home Ai." Yoruichi smiled and Ai returned the smile with huge grin. The entire room relaxed after seeing Ai's grin. This was going to be a positive meeting.
"Well let's get on with the meeting." The matriarch of the Shihoin clan took her seat across from Yoruichi. "OK, lets hurry I have to leave before morning", Ai ignored the elders and Yoruichi's look of shock, "Yoruichi, how soon can you return to your position as head of the clan?"
"Ai, I can start as soon as the council approves it." Yoruichi's eye's found Emeka who had a small smile on his face.
"Good its already been decided". Ai gave a look to all the other elders who nodded in agreement. "Now that you are once again head of the Shihoin clan," she smiled at Yoruichi, "you and I need to you to meet Yamamoto to discuss the leadership of the Onmitsukido being returned to the Shihoin clan." Ai paused and raised her brow at Yoruichi's doe eyed look. "Come now Yoruichi you didn't think you'd just get to play princess did you."
"No, Ai I knew there would be more to this meeting but I wasn't expecting to return as commander so soon. What about Soi Fon and the 2nd Division?" Yoruichi confidently asked the question that was on all the elders' minds. They all waited and watched Ai as she looked down and smiled.
"My, my you are a smart one aren't you?" She looked up and smiled at Yoruichi. "You don't waver. I am glad that has not changed. That is why the king has chosen to completely separate the Onmitsukido from the 2nd Division with you, Yoruichi, leading the Onmitsukido. If you think it would be right for Soi Fon to remain as captain of the 2nd Division she will. Do you think that is a good idea?" Ai question was directed at Yoruichi almost as a challenge.
Yoruichi did not dilly-dally she quickly responded, "Yes, I do. When we take command of the Onmitsukido it will good to have a person in the Gotei 13 that understands the way Onmitsukido without us being linked to the Gotei 13 directly.
A big smile covered the older woman's face. " My thoughts exactly and the king agrees. He believes that Aizen waited until the Onmitsukido merged with the Gotei because it gave him better opportunity. He would like for the Onmitsukido return to its true role not as a support group for the 2nd Division". The women shared a knowing glance. Ai turned to the other elders for a response.
Kubota was the first speak up. The bald small-framed man hit his fist against the table. "Yes, there is no way the Onmitsukido should be left in the hands of the Gotei 13. Aizen took advantage of them because they are too soft hearted."
Emeka chimed in agreement with his brother. "I say Aizen would've never been able to pull off his scheme as a member of the Onmitsukido or if the Onmitsukido had been watching the Gotei 13 from a distance".
"I wouldn't be surprised if it was Aizen's plan all along to merge the two and he had a hold on some of those Central 46 members who kept pushing Yamamoto to ask Yoruichi to take the captain's exam," added Abha. "We won't give into them a second time," the dark skinned hazel-eyed woman said as she slapped her hand against the table.
"Yes!" the other elders echoed in agreement.
Ai noticed how quiet Yoruichi was as the elders continued on. "Yoruichi, we made the decision together to have you become a captain. It was our willingness to be a part of the Gotei 13 that blinded us. The king has decided that this will not happen again. The Onmitsukido will be the watchers of the Gotei". The old woman saw relief fill Yoruichi's eyes. "I have already scheduled an appointment to speak with Captain-Commander Yamamoto. We will leave within the next 30 minutes. In meantime, lets have some tea and cake." Ai smiled as she took a teacake, everyone knew Ai's one weakness is sweets. The elders smiled as the oldest and most powerful Shihoin stacked her plate with a variety of teacakes.
Within moments the mood of the Shihoin clan meeting changed from one of serious business to a casual family reunion of sorts. They laughed at Emeka's jokes about his younger brother Kubota. Ai told stories about the Shihoin clan. It was turning out to be a great day for Yoruichi and the Shihoin clan, but Yoruichi was still concerned about how Soi Fon would take the transition.
"OK Yoruichi, it's time to go." Ai took Yoruichi by the hand and both women stood up. "We'll be back soon." The two ladies of the Shihoin clan left and headed to see Captain-Commander Yamamoto along with several bodyguards. Yoruichi had almost forgotten what it felt like to be constantly surrounded by bodyguards. Yoruichi and Ai arrived quickly at the 1st Division. Yoruichi smiled as they arrived even at her age Ai still made Yoruichi put in an effort to keep up with her shunpo. They both laughed as they realized they left their bodyguards behind.
The door suddenly opened. Sasakibe Chōjirō, Vice Captain of the 1st Divison, bowed and held the door open for Ai and Yoruichi. "Hello Yama" said Ai as she and Yoruichi walked in the captain-commander's office. Captain-Commander Yamamoto had a softness about him that Yoruichi never saw before as he greeted Ai. His long braided grey beard hid the fact that he was smiling but his eyes told another story.
Yamamoto moved over quickly to greet Ai. "It is so very good to see you Ai"
"It is good to see you to Yama. I am sure you know why I am here. It's time."
"I figured as much. Come and sit and we will discuss everything."
After about 30 minutes of discussion about the separation the reconstruction of the hierarchy was finalized. Yoruichi left Ai to spend some time with Yamamoto while she left to break the news to Soi Fon. When Yoruichi arrived at the 2nd Division Headquarters she saw Soi Fon with her gigantic Vice Captain Marechiyo Yoshiayamenosuke Nikkōtarōemon Omaeda. Yoruichi watched as the 6'9" 333 lb Omaeda fell to one knee from one punch from Soi Fon. At least Soi Fon is in a good mood. "Soi Fon"
"Yes Yoruichi-sama". Soi Fon turned quickly to face Yoruichi ignoring a wheezing Omaeda struggling to stand behind her.
"I need to talk to you for a moment."
Soi Fon could tell by the seriousness in Yoruichi's eye's that it must be important. Soi Fon turned her head to the side. "Omaeda go."
"But, but, captain go where." Omaeda returned to eating his rice crackers.
Soi Fon slanted her eyes and said, "Go away".
Omaeda almost choked on a cracker as he attempted to speak. "I'll go make sure everyone is doing what they should be doing. Can't have people slacking off, " said Omaeda as he popped a couple of crackers into his mouth. Both women watched as Omaeda quickly moved away.
All the frown lines from Soi Fon's face disappeared as soon as she turned to face Yoruichi. "Please continue Yoruichi-sama"
"Soi Fon as of today I've taken over as head of the Shihoin clan." Yoruichi tried to ignore the gleam in Soi Fon's eye as she spoke. "As head of the Shihoin clan I will be taking command of the Onmitsukido once more". Yoruichi paused to gage Soi Fon's reaction. Soi Fon looked more confused than upset. "Of course you will remain as captain of the 2nd Division. You'll be a liaison between the Onmitsukido and the Gotei." Yoruichi stopped because Soi Fon looked as if she was about to burst from joy or throw up Yoruichi wasn't quite sure what to make of Soi Fon's facial expressions.
Then Soi Fon's eyes lit up and huge smile covered her face, she looked as if she'd just found the golden ticket. "Yoruichi-sama you're staying and we will be working together?"
"Yes"
"It will be you and me no Kisuke?"
A smirk appeared on Yoruichi's face. "Oh I forgot about Kisuke. Don't you worry Soi Fon I'll make sure you can work with Kisuke."
"But, but why?" Soi Fon attempted to appear unemotional. "Kisuke is lazy and shady and there really is no reason for us work together."
"But there is a reason Soi Fon."
Soi Fon was almost afraid to ask after seeing the look in Yoruichi's eye. "Yoruichi-sama, what reason would that be?" She said almost whispering.
"Because you want to work with him otherwise you wouldn't have asked. I think you two have been apart for far too long. Kisuke told me how much he enjoyed training with you."
A slight blush fell across Soi Fon's cheeks, "We, we barely even trained he kept goofing off." Yoruichi just smiled. "I am serious Yoruichi-sama he spent most of the time talking it was annoying". She cut her eyes to the side.
"That settles it I'll make sure to let Yamamoto know that you will be working with Kisuke as well." Yoruichi waved and disappeared before Soi Fon could say anything.
A red face Soi Fon just stood there staring until she felt crumbs falling on her head. She elbowed Omaeda in the gut and walked away. He quickly followed. Soi Fon told Omaeda about the separation of Onmitsukido¯ and the Gotei.
Omaeda fell to his knees and yelled "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" He reached his hands dropping his bag of rice crackers on to the ground. "What about me, what about us", he shock his head rapidly, "I mean will you still be my captain."
"I will still be a captain,idiot, as for you I don't know." Soi Fon quickly turned and walked away.
Two hours later Soi Fon stood with the other captains at an emergency captain's meeting called by Yamamoto. Yamamoto tapped his staff and started the meeting.
"Starting today the Onmitsukido and the Gotei 13 will once again be separated. Captain Soi Fon will remain as captain of the 2nd Division but she will no longer be Commander-in Chief for the Onmitsukido¯". The other Gotei captains were in shock but did a good job of hiding their expressions. The Onmitsukido¯ will be under the command of Yoruichi Shihoin".
Byakuya looked downward as his mind started to race. Yoruichi is staying and she's taking over her old command. Humph. Titles mean nothing to her she could easily leave tomorrow. Byakuya frowned and looked up as Yamamoto continued.
"The Onmitsukido will also have its own R&D division headed by Urahara Kisuke. Tessai Tsukabishi will also returning to his role as captain of the Kido Corps working in a joint leadership role with the current captain. After learning of Aizen's involvement the hollowfication of the Vizards as well as the framing of Urahara Kisuke and Tessai Tsukabishi it has been decided Yoruichi Shihoin, Urahara Kisuke, and Tessai Tsukabishi are completely exonerated of all charges. It has also been decided the Captain Soi Fon will act as a liaison between the Onmitsukido and the Gotei 13. That is all."
The captains left the hall and scurried in different directions. It was a short meeting but it left a lot of people talking. The only one who did not care was Kenpachi. The mountain of man hurried by Ukitake, Unohana, and Shunsui the moment Yachiru leaped on to his shoulder.
"I knew it had to be something more to that night, " said Shunsui as he lowered his straw hat.
Ukitake nodded in agreement. "Hmm, I had the same feeling."
"I know what you two mean everything surrounding that evening just seemed strange, " added Unohana.
Byakuya tried to pass without being noticed but it was too late.
"Captain Kuchiki how are you doing?" Unohana asked warmly stopping Byakuya in tracks.
"I am fine." Byakuya turned and walked away.
"Byakuya appears to be in a hurry. Maybe he's going to see... "
Shunsui stopped Ukitake with a pat on the shoulder. "I highly doubt that."
Shunsui was correct Byakuya was headed for home and not to visit a certain cat. When Byakuya arrived he felt a familiar spiritual pressure. He moved quickly in the direction of the spiritual pressure. Byakuya once again found his grandfather in his office. Byakuya took a deep breath. "Hello grandfather, two visits in one week. I'm sure you've already heard the news about Yoruichi taking over the Onmitsukido." Byakuya took a seat across from his grandfather. Byakuya felt a little uneasy. His grandfather was sitting behind Byakuya's desk, the change in position made Byakuya feel young again as if he was loosing power in his own home. His grandfather did not say anything he just stared at Byakuya."I am sure that's why you're here to see how I would take the news of Yoruichi officially coming and taking some of her old titles back. I want you to know grandfather it has not fazed me one bit. I don't care that she's back it does not change anything."
"You're wrong Byakuya." Byakuya started say something but stopped once Ginrei looked him in the eye. "Byakuya I did not come here to see you at all. I didn't even think you'd be here". Ginrei ignored Byakuya's perplexed look. "Ai and I had tea in the garden a little while ago. I just needed to write something down so I came to your office and now I am leaving." Ginrei stood up to leave.
"Grandfather." Byakuya stood up.
Ginrei moved past Byakuya and kept walking to the door.
"Good-bye Byakuya."
"Good-bye, Grandfather."
Ginrei stopped in the doorway. "Byakuya you're also wrong about Yoruichi staying. Yoruichi staying changes everything. Otherwise you wouldn't already be on the defensive."
"I am not on the defensive I was just stating the facts. It doesn't change everything grandfather, it doesn't change the past." Byakuya walked around and sat behind his desk.
"No it doesn't Byakuya". Byakuya saw Ginrei's bushy mustache move up as he smiled. "But it changes the present and even the future." Ginrei left Byakuya with those words.
At the Shihoin Estate it was joyous occasion Ai would be returning to the Royal Realm in just couple of hours so the Shihoin clan decided to celebrate while she was here. There was food, drink, and laughter.
"My you've let your hair grow," said Ai as she played with Yoruichi's long purple ponytail.
Yoruichi finished her cup of milk. "The length didn't make a difference in my cat form. I spent so long in my cat form hadn't even notice. Plus it wasn't like I could just stroll into one of the Seireitei salons and get a new haircut". Yoruichi laughed.
"I know dear. It just looks so heavy," Ai lefted the ponytail, "it feels heavy too."
"It's not really heavy. I am getting use to it. Nin Nin has worn her long since I can remember and her hair is even longer. I think I can take the weight of this ponytail."
"Adaeze, what do you think of Yoruichi's hair?"
Adaeze moved over next to Ai and Yoruichi. "It's nice. Why are thinking of cutting it Yoruichi?"
"Cutting it, why would you think that?"
"I just thought you preferred your old short and sassy hairstyle. This still is nice though too, " added Adaeze.
"You two don't like my hair." Yoruichi stared at both Ai and Adeaze.
Ai and Adaeze looked at each other both trying to come up with the best answer. Ai spoke first. "No, no, that's not it. It's just that having such long hair might cause an issue at times if you have to go out on missions. Plus you know I am fan of short hair," Adaeze twirled a piece of her hair, " but "if anyone can pull it off Yoruichi you can." She smiled at Yoruichi.
Adaeze placed her hand on Yoruichi's cheek. "I just thought you were going to cut for more of a personal and symbolic reason. You've been carrying such a huge weight for so long. I thought maybe you wanted to release some of that weight, that negative energy by cutting your hair, but there are other ways to do it". Adaeze moved her hand to Yoruichi long purple ponytail. "It's your hair and I think you're beautiful no matter your hairstyle," she kissed Yoruichi on the forehead, "I'll support you with either decision."
Decision what? Less than five minutes ago there wasn't even choice to be decided. The last thoughts on my mind were about my hair. Yoruichi looked at both women across from her. Adaeze and Ai were lost in their conversation. Neither Ai nor Adaeze even noticed Yoruichi staring at their hair. Adaeze's long silvery locks flowed gracefully in a single braid. Ai"s short pixie cut looked so carefree. My hair is my hair and I will style it the way I want to. Yoruichi poured herself another cup of milk.
A/N:
Velveteen: Yoruichi is staying yes.
Peace in Chaos: Yes, staying means more a chance to spend time with Byakuya
Meko: It's about time you posted a new chapter. So is Yoruichi going to cut her hair?
Peace in Chaos: I am not sure. I was thinking about her cutting her hair for the reason in the story and then we discussed on the Byakuya x Yoruichi FC also, but I am still undecided. What do you think Meko? I know how much you like sharing your opinion.
Meko: Whatever
Peace in Chaos: I guess we'll just have to wait and see
Thank you for reading this chapter. Please leave your reviews, comments, or PMs. I do appreciate them