6. Bunch of Marionettes
It has been two days since Captain Commander Yamamoto received the report from Byakuya. He hasn't sent for either of them since. There was no need, the real exam has been passed. It was a good thing that Ichigo was not the brightest of the class; it made it much easier to make him do whatever was necessary - if you knew what buttons to push it was a piece of cake.
Ichigo is very strong and from the strategic point of view it is good to have him in the Gotei. But he lacks discipline and psychological strength and wits to be able to control his massive power and endure the consequences of it. The boy needed to learn how to obey and not to act solely based on his desires and principles. He needed to learn what it is to be a full-time Shinigami. He needed to become a man. If he managed to learn all of these, he would be a great asset to the Soul Society as a whole. There were things he could pass on to others and help them with, but first of all Kurosaki Ichigo needed to mature - in every meaning of this word.
The only way the orange devil would learn that was for him to live through it. Yamamoto made sure the youngster did not have much of a choice with it. The truth is, if he had simply told him about the characteristics he is lacking, Ichigo would most probably just tell him to shove it. That boy did not like to be criticised. He is kind, caring and protective - that is all true but it has to be related to something or someone he is fond of. Yamamoto wanted to make a man out of him, someone who would understand the responsibility of having a great power, someone who could help him better the Seireitei. One could easily see that behind the curtains there still is a boy in there.
Everything went according to Yamamoto´s plan up until now. Ichigo was stripped of all his certainties by telling him he was "expendable". That brought the young man down from the heights he has been floating in. Ichigo wouldn't have expected something like that to be said to him after being such a key person in one of the biggest conflicts the Soul Society had to endure. The fact that the young captain had to stay in the Soul Society was a big help with the scheming too. And from the very first moment, Yamamoto knew that it would end up with Byakuya being his teacher. The boy was impossible when he wanted to be and that would make everyone try to avoid contact with him as much as possible. But that was good. If Ichigo was to learn how to compose himself, how to think as an adult - there was no better example of that than Kuchiki Byakuya. The man used to be as hot-headed as Ichigo when he was young - but he changed in order to live up to the expectations the clan had of him and in order to handle the responsibilities he had. If Ichigo would be exposed to that example long enough, he would pick up a thing or two. He would learn by watching, what it is to be truly responsible and reliable - what it is to be a man. But he had to stay in oblivion for this to sink in. And Byakuya was a great observer - he could pick up a thing or two from Ichigo also.
But now Captain Commander had a problem. Byakuya proposed Ichigo for the mission, saying that he would be to use only his kido skills in the combat. The whole Hollow problem in the Real world was very troublesome. Yamamoto could not easily decline that proposal. He would blew his cover, if he did. Byakuya would have noticed that something was off. Yamamoto knew well enough how that man thinks, he is too sharp for his own good sometimes. So he approved. Now to make the situation even more complicated the boy had to get himself seriously injured in the combat and Byakuya didn't even try to hide it.
...Kurosaki-taicho defeated his first opponent. Afterwards when facing the next one, he lost his concentration and had the spell explode on him. Due to severe injuries he was then unable to continue in the mission. ...
He could not have written - Kurosaki Ichigo failed the exam - any more clearly. And it has been two days since the Captain Commander received the report. He knew already how the whole thing went, but he had hoped that Byakuya would at least try to back Ichigo up. He should have known better. Thank God, he asked for a written report not an oral one. By this time even Ichigo has to be suspicious of something.
The old man was holding his head in his hands. He needed to figure out what to do next. He can't simply strip Ichigo of his post, but he can't let him stay there as it is now either. Troublesome. One could easily see, that he didn't have the need to scheme for a very long time, Yamamoto lost some of his cunningness. So? What would be the proper way to handle it? There obviously need to be some consequences for failing the "test". There is no way he could just settle it with giving him another chance. Not when Ichigo was called expendable. It needs to be logical. And there is no time left for him to think anymore. Yamamoto was expecting Ichigo to barge in the doors any second now. Why him? Well, Byakuya would not do something childish like that, he would have asked for a proper meeting. But Kurosaki Ichigo did not have problem to come to yell at him. The fact that he hasn't yet just proved that he in fact has picked up a thing of two from Byakuya. Or he is even more dense that Yamamoto thought up until now. What to do? What to do now...But if he was able to wait two whole days and not make a scene, then he might a well try to be honest with him. He could...
"I am telling you, Renji! Something is up. It has been two days and the old man still hasn't called for me. And now you tell me that he hasn't even called for Byakuya? What the fuck?!" Ichigo threw his hands in indignation.
"Well, why would he call for Byakuya anyways?" Renji mused.
"Why? Are you seriously asking me why? And whose fault do you think it is that I failed the fucking exam in the first place, huh? The old man should see that! But why hasn't he..." Ichigo was in rage.
"ICHIGO! Calm the fuck down already!" Renji cut him short."Shouldn't you be fucking happy that you are still a captain, huh? And stop acting like a little brat!"
This conversation has been going on for a while. Ichigo was complaining about not being punished already or at least told what is going to happen to him. He was well aware of the content of Byakuya's report. That bastard made it crystal clear that he is not going to cover for him, that it was Ichigo´s own fault. And Renji was there to console or whatever it was that his friend needed. Based on the past half an hour, it was clearly someone to yell at.
"How am I supposed to calm down?! Your idiot captain practically spelled out in the report that I failed the fucking exam! Even though it was him who rushed it in the first place! He should have taken some responsibility, for crying out loud! And now I am in the dark for two fucking days already! Two days, Renji! HOW am I supposed to fucking calm downi? Huh? If you know then just tell me, because I sure as hell don't." Ichigo continued his yelling.
Renji just slid lower in the chair, crossed his arms and gave Ichigo an irritated look. "Did you make me come here so you could just yell at me? It that it? Because seriously if you're so unhappy then just go and fucking ask the man yourself!"
Ichigo froze for a moment. "You are right! Finally you gave me some good advice. I am going to ask him and I am going right now!" He stood up and was headed towards the door.
Crap. Was all that Renji thought to himself.
"Are you crazy? Stop." the readhead yelled at Ichigo, who made nothing to indicate he was still listening to the other man.
"Stop, you idiot! Oi, Ichigo! Are you even listening to me?" Renji was up on his feet now, too. He grabbed the other one´s arm and yanked him to face each other. "You can't just barge in! It is the Captain Commander! You need to go through the formal stuff, you dumbass! It is not like has nothing else to do then wait for you to come to yell at him!"
Ichigo glared on the hand that was holding him and then on the one, whom it belonged to.
"Let me go, Renji." The voice was calm and low. The way this sentence was said made it redundant to add something along the lines of - unless you have a death wish.
But Renji was not one to lose just to a spoken threat. "I told you to stop acting like a brat!"
"Renji..."
They stayed like that for a moment, just exchanging the resolve in their eyes.
Rangiku came on the scene carrying some reports as it seemed.
"Trouble in the paradise, already?" The innocent look resided on her face, but her eyes were laughing.
"SHUT UP!" Both of them snapped.
She just laughed. "Ok, ok. Seriously though - how come you are still a captain, Ichigo?"
Renji face-palmed himself mentally. If the color of her hair would be just a few tones lighter, she would have made a perfect blonde.
Ichigo yanked his arm free and switched the object of his glaring. "How the hell should I know."
"You mean Captain Commander still hasn't spoken to you? Hmm, how weird..."
"Ya´ think?!" Ichigo snapped.
Renji leaned on the door frame and sighed. "Rangiku, seriously, I think you should stop drinking so much, your brain is not taking it too well."
"You said something, tatoo-boy?"
"Who do you think you're calling a boy!" Renji replied and, as Ichigo made his move to get out of the door, added: "And where do you think you're going, huh?"
Renji´s hand has been positioned so that it would block the exit. Ichigo stopped just inches from it.
"Seriously, Renji, move it. I am going out." He turned his head. The expression on his face was different now. He was calm and composed. If he had used different wording, it would be like Kuchiki Byakuya facing Renji. The look did what words couldn't. Rangiku wanted to protest, but stopped as soon as she saw the change.
Renji moved his hand.
"Could you please ask Captain Commander if he has a minute to see me?"
Ichigo was standing by the gate of the First Division. It took everything he had to suppress the need to just barge in without asking any questions. But maybe, just maybe, it could be that he hasn't heard from the old man, because he was willing to give him a second chance. For that to happen, if it was the case, Ichigo needed to make a good impression. He need to show just what would the old man lose by losing him as a captain. Renji was right he needed to stop acting as a brat.
"Your visit has been approved, Kurosaki-taicho. Please follow me."
Show-time.
He has been following the other Shinigami down the halls and then politely and quietly waited to be called to enter the room.
Good. This is good. I can pull it off. It is sure as hell better to know than wait in the dark for any longer.
I will not freak out if he tells me I lost the spot. I will not. I will not.
The door opened and the Shinigami, who has guided him there made a motion with his hand to show him it was ok to enter.
The old man was standing by the window looking outside. He made no movement to indicate he acknowledged Ichigo´s presence in the office.
The captain cleared his throat. "Good afternoon, sir. I am sorry to intrude, but I have some matters that I would like to discuss with you."
The old man turned around and inspected Ichigo. He looked him up and down, his expression was unreadable. Then he finally met the young men´s eyes.
"So you do, it seems."
Ichigo practised his speech on the way here. He tried to recall the phrases Byakuya or Urahara used, when they spoke with others. The were good with words. Damn, it was hard. This was the first time Ichigo seriously wanted to make an impression on someone so badly.
"Erm,...you see..." He lost all of his composure under those piercing eyes. Crap. Focus. Focus!
"I suppose you want to talk about the report, correct?" Yamamoto turned to face the window again.
"Yes." The young man took a deep breath. "Why am I still a captain?"
Silence descended upon the room after that.
Finally the Captain Commander turned around to face Ichigo. He was just looking at him. Inspecting his composure and expression. Ichigo cracked at that. Screw the impression.
"You know what, I´ve just had enough! Seriously, if you're going to fire me then just do it!"
Yamamoto smiled.
"What? What is it?" Ichigo snapped. By this time all of his composure was gone. This man here was clearly toying with him.
"I almost thought that you have changed, Kurosaki Ichigo." He then turned back to the window again.
"Why do you keep turning your back to me? You know it is not very polite, old man." Ichigo´s irritation was getting the better of him again.
"So, you came to teach me of proper etiquette then?" Yamamoto was stalling. That was not like him at all.
Someone came to the door and from behind it said: "Please forgive the intrusion, Captain Commander, but Kuchiki Byakuya came here to request a meeting with you - immediately if it would not disturb something important."
The old man sighed while still facing the window. "Let him in."
"Hey! And what about me!" Ichigo protested.
"What I have to say concerns both of you and I´d prefer not to repeat myself." The expression that resided upon his face was weary and if you really looked deep in his eyes you could find some other emotion in there, but it was hard to name it. Yamamoto has decided that it would be easiest to come clean - to tell them what the exam was really about. Besides the way Ichigo made his entry - he was different. It made the Captain Commander proud to see him like that. There is a good chance that they will understand and even if they don't...well, what can they do with it now? And he would have had to tell them anyway - sooner or later.
"Byakuya." He greeted the newcomer, who just bowed his head in reply.
Yamamoto looked at both of them to show the seriousness of what he was about to say. Neither of the men averted his eyes.
"Kurosaki Ichigo, you have not failed the final exam."
Silence.
"I haven´t?" Ichigo finally said, sounding dumbfounded. "But in the report..."
"That was not the reason you undertook the exam. Kido is not the most important thing for a captain to master, isn't that so Kurosaki-taicho?"
Byakuya took on a look of a antique statue again, his emotions unreadable.
"So, you are trying to tell me...you are trying to tell me that I have been working my ass off for no good reason then? Is that it?!" Ichigo said in a slow manner, the anger of being deceived slowly making itself known. He resembled the Shinigami standing next to him so much at this moment, that despite his better judgement the old man had to smile.
But that set off the raven-haired man. "Sir, are you saying that you deceived us on purpose?" His voice was cold and rang of danger. Both him and Ichigo were now openly glaring on the third male in the room.
"You should know better than to call me a liar, Byakuya." The accused retorted, but then continued with an explanation. "The newest member of Gotei, and that would be you Kurosaki Ichigo, did in fact need to learn kido, but that was not all he needed to master. He needed to...mature and learn the responsibilities that come with such a power as is his. And from what I have witnessed myself, I'd say that he has successfully passed. Are there any objections to my decision?" His voice was firm and leveled.
"You have got to be..." Ichigo started to yell, but stopped when he felt a cold hand on his shoulder and heard an almost whispered - don't. He turned around and gaped at the rest of the body attached to that hand.
Byakuya had the death sentence engraved in his eyes and with that face he said: "Thank you for hearing us, sir. We acknowledge your decision." Then he gave a silent request for Ichigo to follow him and left the room.
Yamamoto knew this was far from over. The next meeting of the captains will be very entertaining, indeed.
Once they left the building, Ichigo grabbed Byakuya's arm and yanked him to face himself. "Are you just going to leave it like that?! What the fuck, Byakuya! Seriously not a word?" Ichigo was pissed. What made him even more angry was that Byakuya did not even argue. He was his teacher or whatever. He was supposed to care!
"Not here."
"Hey! I am talking to you! Shouldn´t .."
In one quick, fluent movement Byakuya was beside him, holding him by the upper arm close to him and whispered coldly: "I told you not here." Then he turned around and, with barely hearable follow me, dragged Ichigo by the hand towards his house.
"Let me.." Ichigo didn't get to finish. Byakuya went into shunpo and tightened the grip on his hand.
They stopped at the gate to Kuchiki mansion. Ichigo was finally free of Byakuya's grip. But the man didn't even stop and went straight in. Ichigo stood there puzzled for a second, but then the raven turned around and uttered: "So are you coming or not? I thought you had something you wanted to say to me." His face was no longer expressionless.
The young captain shook his head and uttered some insult under his breath, but followed. This was the first time he saw Byakuya lose his cool.
I want to thank all of you for the support (favs, follows, reviews) and for some good advice. I wanted to make this story like 6 chapters long, but it keeps getting longer. I hope some of the things that were not clear in the past few chapters became understandable with this one. And again - I am open to any constructive criticism. :)