Captain Commander Shunsui Kyoraku waited patiently as the room slowly filled. This was one of the least painful duties that had landed on his plate with his new position, and he now appreciated why the old man had insisted on them. They were a legitimate excuse to blow off the Central 46 and his paperwork.
With an uncharacteristic blush, Captain Sui Feng flash stepped into place, completing the formation.
"Alright, now that we're all here, I officially call this meeting to order! Captain Sui Feng, would you please report on the progress of the Second Division's games? I've been anxiously awaiting an update since our last meeting, and I am sure I am not alone." Kyoraku smiled as the short woman took a moment to compose herself. It was clear that for a moment she had feared he would point out her behavior, but he knew how long it had taken her to reach the point of emotional freedom she was at now, and he would not tarnish that.
"The current score stands at 154 to 157, in favor of Lady Yoruichi's team. My team has held the lead for nearly a month, but lost the last four games in a row. I have every intention of reclaiming the lead by our next meeting, or making my team regret their poor preformance even more than they already do." There was a new edge of pride and competitive spirit in the ninja's tone that had not been there a year ago.
"I look forward to hearing your next report, and seeing your men in action. Captain Isshin Kurosaki, would you mind giving us an update on your daughter's progress?" The Captain Commander leaned back and watched carefully, waiting to see if the man would give an honest report, or if he would have to send Nanao to get the real story.
"Uryu says that she is making steady progress, but not very quickly. At her current rate, he estimates it will be three years before she is up to her full potential, and that is assuming she doesn't grow tired of it, give it less effort and attention, or find a certain portion of her training to be more challenging than what she has encountered so far. On the other hand, Isane has reported her skill with Kidou to be rapidly improving, and she will need a tutor from the Kidou Corps within the year." Isshin gave the report calmly, and Kyoraku was inclined to believe the man.
"Excellent. Captain Ichigo Kurosaki, I am eager to hear your report most of all. How has the trial period with the former Espada, Grimmjow Jaegerjaques gone?"
"He's been a pain in the ass with anything resembling paperwork or manners, but he is also eager to prove himself, and he's been remarkably good with Kaien. The rest of the division is used to him, finally, and I've had him helping Chad with training. Chad handles the newest recruits, Grimmjow handles the more seasoned soldiers and those that Chad picks out for advanced classes. All in all, I would say that he has exceeded my expectations, and if it were up to me, I would remove his probation and give him the seat he has earned." Ichigo growled. It was the one day of the month when he would put up with being addressed by his title. He was also long since convinced that Grimmjow was fully committed to his new roll, and was more than willing to give him the full rewards and responsibilities that he deserved.
"I am glad to hear things have gone better than expected. I will get back to you about removing him from probation as soon as I am able to consult with the Central 46. Ah, Urahara, you will be reporting on behalf of the Delta Division today?"
"Yes sir." Kisuke grinned and tipped his hat back out of his eyes. "Captain Kurotsuchi and I have been working on this in our spare time, and we finally had a break through." He held up what appeared to be a carrot with a peculiar iridescent glow. "Hollow food. Made from super dense Reishi particals, and modified with Reiatsu from both Hollows and Shinigami. We engineered it so that once it is finished, it will behave like any other plant. It can be farmed, and in time, we can even grow them in the sands of Hueco Mundo."
"Hollow food? Do you mean to say that Hollows could be convinced to eat this rather than the souls of dead humans and other Hollows?" Kyoraku was leaned forward eagerly now.
"That's right. Although it would be meant primarily to dissuade them from hunting in the living world or the Rukongai. We intended to allow the interactions between Hollows to remain primarily unchanged and under the control of Tier Haribel, but she said this decision should be made by Ichigo." Kisuke turned to the orange haired hero. "So, what is your decision?"
"Can a Hollow advance to the next stage of its life by consuming this food?" Ichigo shifted uncomfortably. He rarely had to speak on behalf of Hueco Mundo. For the most part, Haribel was willing to act as his proxy, and usually knew more about a situation than he would anyway. But occasionally, when a decision was bound to affect all Hollows for centuries to come, she would pass it onto his shoulders.
"No. They would be sustained, but they could not grow." Kisuke smiled sadly. He knew it was a hard decision for the young man to make.
"Then... I think at least for now, we should allow them to continue as they have been. Use the food to keep them in Hueco Mundo, and allow them to advance as they always have. Do we have any sort of program to help Adjuchas and Vasto Lorde to become Arrancar? As I understand it, it's nearly impossible without the Hogyoku."
"You're correct. Right now, we only help Adjuchas and Vasto Lorde that are brought before us specifically by one of the representative of Hueco Mundo, but I would like to work toward a system where they can handle it on their own. The research is slow going, though, and we are relucatant to allow anyone access to the Hogyoku, for obvious reasons." Urahara sighed.
"Alright, well until that happens, that's my decision." Ichigo said, straightening his shoulders and not allowing any doubt he felt to show.
"Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" Kyoraku looked around the assembled captains. "No? Then you are dismissed!"