"Show her in," he said, hiding the curiosity he felt.
"Yes, Kuchiki Taicho," the little secretary said formally and hurried out.
A moment later the door opened and Ise Nanao entered. He looked the woman over for any sign as to why she'd requested a meeting with him, but besides a black eye, was met with only stoic professionalism. Not that he expected anything else out of her. He'd always approved of Kyouraku's young fukutaicho. If she'd ever come asking for a position he'd have taken her on himself. He'd been more than happy to help her years ago when she'd asked for advice on how to block her Taicho out when he tried to read her reiatsu against her will. She'd been a quick learner and not a bad hand at calligraphy, which she'd used as a cover for spending time with him.
"Kuchiki Taicho," she bowed respectfully. "Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice."
"It's not a problem, Ambassador Ise," he replied formally. He saw her blink at the form of address and inwardly smiled that she still hadn't been able to adjust to her new position. From his distant observations of her, she definitely was a creature of habit. She must be more than unbalanced in her new post. "How can I help you?"
"You trained with Shihoin Yoruichi, did you not, sir?" she asked getting directly to the point.
"Not specifically with her, but we grew up together, yes," he answered wondering where this was going.
"I have found myself lacking in various areas of expertise over the past couple weeks," Ise admitted grudgingly. "My tenure at the 8th didn't provide me with many outlets to improve any skills beyond my administrative ones. Mostly I used kido in the field, but hardly require much more guidance in that area of my life."
He carefully concealed any shock that would have shown through on his features. Ise Nanao was many things, but a humble woman meekly admitting faults and asking for help had never been something he'd attributed to her. It was well known that she didn't operate in the capacity that many other fukutaichos did. He himself had sent Renji out on several missions he wasn't entirely sure the boy would come back from. It was no shock that Kyouraku Shunsui was unwilling to do the same. The girl couldn't possibly know how many times Kyouraku had maneuvered to get her out of dangerous missions during Taicho meetings and such. Byakuya had always assumed she didn't have much drive beyond keeping to her Taicho's side and maintaining the 8th. Not that keeping the 8th running was a simple task either. Byakuya had to repress a shudder at imagining keeping that unruly drunken division in line. He refocused as she continued talking.
"I was hoping that you may have some free time to help me with my shunpo," she finished simply.
"Your shunpo is sufficiently within the range of a fukutaicho," he said calmly. "What is the problem with it? Does the yakuza family often employ that method of travel?"
"No, sir," she answered honestly. "I am more than likely equal to or faster than any member of the Higurashi."
"Then the problem is?" he asked.
"I have discovered lately that I have allowed myself to languish in a sort of mediocre stage," she said tightly. "I did not have a very good father, as you are probably aware, but he was very good at business. He told me once, never be content. If you become content you become complacent. While normally I ignore all of my father's advice, I don't think he was wrong in that assessment. I believe I have become complacent, and would like to rectify the situation."
"Interesting," Byakuya commented lightly. He'd already made up his mind to help the girl, if only because it'd drive Kyouraku mad. He was well aware that Kyouraku was the one who had encouraged Yachiru's fascination with him as retaliation for teaching Ise to block the nosey Taicho out, and Byakuya was more than happy to get a little revenge through the woman. Kyouraku certainly didn't like anyone else playing with his 'Nanao-chan'. Besides, it'd be good for the girl to start supporting herself more. That being said, he didn't have to make it easy on her. "My division requires much of my time, Ambassador Ise."
"I understand," she said bowing. "I had thought to come to you first as you were closer in proximity, but it makes more sense to go directly to the source. Shihoin Yoruichi would probably have more free time as well, though it will be a pain to cross between worlds. Thank you for your time, sir."
Clever little thing, he thought with an internal smirk. Many people knew of his and Yoruichi's competitive streak. She clearly thought implying Yoruichi was better than him would goad him into action. In truth, it did have some effect, but he highly doubted the Soutaicho would allow her to travel between worlds daily for a little training, and he said as much.
"You may be right sir," she said bowing her head in acknowledgment. "In which case, I shall simply ask Soi Fon Taicho. She was Yoruichi's student after all, and I had already planned on asking for her help with hand-to-hand combat. Soi Fon Taicho is such an organized and disciplined woman, I'm sure she'll be able to manage her division and the slight extra burden I present."
And now veiled insults. How in the world did a man like Kyouraku deal with the twisty little woman? Obviously by playing her game. Kyouraku was so fond of games after all. It must have frustrated her to no ends to be constantly thwarted by the pink clad man. Byakuya could appreciate the feeling. He considered refusing her again while making a comment on her being more than a slight burden, but decided that it would be simpler to let the woman win. Especially since she wasn't the one he would take the pleasure in punishing.
"It would be wrong of me to overburden my colleague further," he said tiredly. "I suppose I can find time to help with your shunpo, but if you are slow to learn I cannot promise how long the lessons will continue."
"Of course," she said quickly. "I will not waste your time. Thank you, sir."
"We will begin tomorrow after the regular work day," he stated, not caring if the time worked for her.
"Yes, sir," she agreed lightly, bowing and heading for the door.
"Oh and Ambassador Ise," he called as she reached the door. "If you're late I'm afraid I won't be able to wait around."
"I won't be, sir," she said calmly. "And I would prefer Ise-san or Nanao-san, if you don't mind."
"As you wish, Ise-san," he said simply. She exited and he took the moment to lean back in his chair and smile. Maybe he'd lead her on a chase past wherever Kyouraku happened to be. Then he'd stop to physically correct her form in front of the overprotective Taicho. Yes, he was going to enjoy this immensely. Kyouraku should have never sent that little pink haired monster after him.
"Send her in," she said disgruntled. She really didn't like being disturbed during her morning training session. The subordinate hurried away and she tsked at how pathetically scared he was.
"Soi Fon Taicho," Ise Nanao greeted a few minutes later.
"What do you need Ise?" she asked, not bothering to look away from the men currently moving through their exercise motions.
"I was hoping you could help me out on a small endeavor," Ise said firmly.
Soi Fon finally turned to look at her and quirked an eyebrow at the black and blue mark radiating out from her eye. "And what endeavor would that be?"
"I require more training in hand to hand combat and the martial arts," the woman said firmly.
"Obviously," Soi Fon said glancing again at her eye. "Why is that my problem?"
"It isn't," Ise replied, "but I was hoping there may be room in some of the training classes the 2nd division members participate in. The Soutaicho made it clear to me, that while I don't have a particular division, I am free to seek help wherever it may be found."
"2nd division training is for 2nd division members," Soi Fon replied unconcerned. The bookworm was just fine in the SWA, but it wasn't like they were friends, and it wasn't like she thought the girl had any real potential.
"Perhaps you would have some free time to train with me then?" Ise pushed. "As it stands I've made a complete mockery of the shinigami training and the yakuza are going to be even more belligerent in the Rukongai."
"Then I will put them in their place the next time I'm out there," Soi Fon said dismissively.
"It won't matter," Ise countered. "I'm the representative the Gotei 13 chose to send. As far as they are concerned, I'm the measure of all shinigami. And how often do Taichos really go into the Rukongai? It is going to be our men, most much weaker than myself, who are going to feel the heat."
"Then our men will get stronger," Soi Fon said with a shrug.
"They're laughing at us," Ise replied equally as coolly, "and without proper training there is nothing I can do about it."
"Use kido," Soi Fon suggested bored.
"Against their rules," Ise said.
"Ask someone else," Soi Fon answered.
"There is no one better than you to ask," Ise said and went in for the kill. "Look, I know you don't want to help me, but please take a moment to consider. Kyouraku Taicho brought me up, protected me, made sure that I was always safe, and now I'm alone. I don't know what else to do."
Soi Fon felt her heart ache with an old wound. More often then not she tried to ignore the still dull pain, but she knew what if felt like to be discarded by a mentor, and her and Shihoin Yoruichi hadn't even been lovers. She glanced again at the girl and the rigid way she held herself. Regardless of the fact that she didn't know much about Ise, and had always assumed her to be a bit of a masochist for sticking with Kyouraku, she had always respected the woman's understanding of privacy. Ise didn't share and Soi Fon didn't want to know. For her to say what she'd just said had cost her something.
The dark haired woman sighed. "I will see if Komamura Taicho has time to help me. Thank you for your consideration."
"Ise," Soi Fon said, stopping her before she fully turned to go. "Level 3 classes begin at 8 AM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Can you handle that level to start?"
"I believe so, yes," Ise replied.
"You will not be given special treatment," Soi Fon clarified.
"I would be less than pleased if I was," Ise said sincerely.
Soi Fon gave her a curt nod and turned back to her men. Maybe she could teach Ise enough that she'd go out and kick her ex-Taicho's ass herself. That'd be fun to watch.
"Who?" Kenpachi demanded irritated. "Whatever, you deal with it. I've got things to do." He picked up a bottle that had been abandoned on his desk and walked out of the office the back way.
Ikkaku sighed. He hated dealing with office duties. Not that there was anyone in the 11th who liked them. He walked back out and down the hall to his own office. Ise was sitting in the chair next to his desk where he'd left her. She lifted her head to look at him as he approached, and he wondered again what Kyouraku found so fascinating about her. She was a petite thing, didn't look like she had much muscle on her at all, and with the glasses and the strict updo she didn't seem like she'd be a whole lot of fun. He certainly had no interest in inviting her to his bed. He wondered again where she'd managed to pick up the shiner. Maybe she tripped and fell or something.
"Kenpachi Taicho is out. What do you want?" he asked.
"Should I come back later?" she asked politely.
"Naw, he'll still have me deal with it. So?" he asked, stretching lazily.
"I was hoping to join your endurance training," she said calmly.
Ikkaku started laughing, but quickly realized the woman was serious. "You want to train with us?" he questioned shocked.
"Yes, if possible," Ise said seriously. "The 11th is well known for its hard endurance training."
"You wouldn't be able to keep up," Ikkaku said honestly. "Does the 8th even do training?"
"Of course," she said looking offended for a moment, but quickly controlling it. On the other hand, it'd probably be fun to make her lose that control. Maybe that's what Kyouraku liked. Ikkaku wondered briefly if she was a filthy talker in bed. "I realize my training has in no way prepared me for this, but I'm willing to work my way up."
"Do whatever you want," Ikkaku said with a shrug. At least it'd give him and the boys a laugh for a little while.
"So it's fine?" she asked looking confused.
"Sure, not like Taicho is a stickler for rules. Show up at five every morning, but don't expect anyone to wait for you," he said.
"I'll be there," she said firmly.
"Great," he said sarcastically, flopping back down into his own chair.
She stood up and headed for the door and then paused. "Also, I didn't mean to be nosey, but you've made a mathematical error in the 5th column of the form you're working on. If you don't fix it now all the proceeding documents will be incorrect."
He glanced down at the form, and it took him a moment to locate the mistake. She was right, and had probably just saved him about three hours of redoing work and trying to figure out where it'd all gone wrong. Ikkaku glanced up in surprise, but the woman had already slipped out the door and down the hall. Damn, he thought looking back down at the form, if she caught that so easily Kyouraku was a damn fool. Losing someone that good at paperwork must have been a blow.
The knock at his door broke him out of his reverie. "Yes?" he called.
Ise Nanao stuck her head in and he stumbled in his haste to stand up. "Hisagi Taicho," she greeted formally. "Sorry to interrupt you, but I couldn't seem to find anyone to come and announce my presence."
"No need to apologize," he said with a grin. "Most everyone is out to lunch. Come on in." He moved quickly around his desk to move the stack of papers that had piled up on the only other seat in the room. She sat down gracefully and he went back to his own chair. "So what brings you here?"
"I was hoping you could help me," she said earnestly.
"I'll try my best," he said, "but if it's talking Matsumoto out of something I can assure you she doesn't listen to me."
That got a smile out of her, and he glimpsed again the woman that wasn't all business. He liked that woman quite a bit. He wouldn't necessarily call it a crush, but he did like the little he'd seen of her relaxing, and he certainly wouldn't mind her crawling into his lap the next time she'd drank too much. Well besides the imminent death that would follow. Kyouraku had thrown him a less than pleasant look at the Taicho meeting last week.
"Unfortunately no one seems to be able to talk Matsumoto out of anything," Nanao replied, instantly more comfortable. "I'd have a far less ridiculous wardrobe if it could be done."
He laughed and leaned back in his chair. "And I'd have a healthier liver," he agreed. "Though far less entertaining stories to tell."
He was rewarded with a small smile. "No, it's not about Matsumoto. Actually I was hoping you might help me practice some swordplay a few days a week."
Shuuhei raised any eyebrow and asked, "Does this have something to do with the black eye you're sporting?"
"A bit," she admitted ruefully. "I got thoroughly trounced in a fight. Let's just say it beat a little humility into me, and I don't like it one bit. I've been out of the field for so long I'd almost forgot that sometimes you need things other than kido."
"I'd be happy to help," he said, and then sighed. "I just need to figure out a time. Maybe after work?"
"I have shunpo lessons," she said, blushing slightly in embarrassment. Well, if Rangiku was right the woman didn't know how to do things by half.
"Before work?" he asked.
"Training with the 11th," she said.
"Ouch," he said with a grimace. She must be set on killing herself. "Well I don't have much time during the day. Maybe lunch a few days a week?"
"That'd be perfect," she agreed. "I'd be more than happy to bring you lunch in return."
"You really don't have to," he said smiling at the offer.
"I'd like to," she said earnestly. "You'd be doing me a great favor. I'm not too bad of a cook."
"Your choice," he said shrugging. "I'll do it regardless."
"Thank you so much Hisagi Taicho," she said standing up and giving him a slight bow.
"Hisagi or Shuuhei is perfectly fine, Nanao-san," he said. "Once I've passed out in your living room you have the right to call me by a more familiar name."
"Hisagi-san," she corrected. "Shall we start tomorrow?"
"Sure," he agreed. She turned to head for the door and he called out to stop her. Ise turned back and he smiled. "I do enjoy onigiri if you're so inclined to make it."
She just smiled and slipped out the door. It was dangerous what he was doing. He was sure Kyouraku wouldn't be pleased when he found out, but frankly the man didn't really have the right to dictate her life anymore. He remembered how helpful staying busy had been after Tosen's betrayal. If he could offer her even that small piece of comfort he'd be damned if he wouldn't. In the end, he was just glad to get the chance to know her better without Matsumoto shoving them at each other. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and turned back to his paperwork. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
A/N: Yay for Nanao! I think only one or two people guessed Kuchiki. I think everyone got Hisagi, ha.
Anyway I got a couple comments letting me know I'm a touch slow with the plot lines again. Sorry guys, I know it is my weakness! I thought about reworking some stuff to make it move faster, but I've already written ahead and it'd change a lot of things so I'm really sorry, but I hope everyone will just stick with me and my turtle pace.
As always reviews please :)