Okay, everybody, Chapter 5 is here and ready for publishing. Hope you like it. Read and review if you get the chance
As a special note; the person who helped me with this story, , is more than willing to help any author with new ideas for new stories or those who are experiencing writer's block.
Chapter 5—The Tournament
The next few days passed too slowly for Jin's liking; the days seemed to be dragging by as he became more acclimated to his work, assisted by his lieutenant, Shuhei Hisagi. He wasn't sure why, but he had thought that being a captain would be much more... entertaining than just simply signing documents and reading over reports.
Then that changed.
An emergency meeting rang out throughout the Seireitei for captains and lieutenants, ordering them to gather immediately at the First Division barracks. Glad to have the monotony broken, Jin and Shuhei hurried over to the barracks, taking their place in the line-up of captains and lieutenants. Much to Jin's surprise, Koji had attended as well, standing just behind Komamura and beside Lieutenant Iba. When the last captain and lieutenant pair had sauntered in, Captain Yamamoto cleared his throat.
"We face a grave issue," Yamamoto said, "and one that cannot be ignored. My lieutenant has informed me that we are in danger."
"What kind of danger?" Captain Kuchiki questioned calmly.
"We find ourselves running low on funds once more," Lieutenant Sasakibe stated, "and quite frankly, we need some kind of fundraiser immediately. Right now, we've got enough funds for the next week, and that's if we scrape together what little we have in reserve for this kind of emergency."
"Wow, that bad, huh?" Kyoraku mused. "That is potentially problematic."
"So, what kind of fundraiser were you thinking of doing?" Unohana wondered.
"We called you here to listen to suggestions and ideas from each of you," Sasakibe remarked. "Anyone have ideas?"
Almost everyone did, ranging from select photos of the beautiful Soul Reaper women (compliments of Kyoraku, who was promptly quieted down by Nanao) to the suggestion of making wonderful new kimonos (from Ukitake) and gourmet food (from Captain Hirako from the Fifth Division). Of them all, Captain Kurotsuchi had the most interestingly creepy idea. He had seemingly been talking to himself, but he was audible: he was clearly playing around with the concept of actually poisoning the inhabitants of the Rukongai then selling antidote to the infected. Needless to say, it was hurriedly shot down by everyone except Nemu.
"How about we sell good fights?" said someone, and all eyes turned to Captain Zaraki, and it was hurriedly seconded by his own lieutenant, Yachiru. "I say that we have some great fights that we sell to the Rukongai's people. They'd love the idea to see what high-class Soul Reapers can do."
"What would someone like you know of class?" Captain Kuchiki muttered under his breath, though he was inaudible when Lieutenant Yachiru began cheering.
"That's a great idea! Kenny's a genius! He can win a big tournament and save us both!" she squeaked happily.
"Really? That's kind of barbaric?" Captain Hitsugaya remarked.
"You aren't scared, are you, shrimp?" Zaraki growled. "I bet the new kid would love a chance to show us what he can really do."
Jin flinched slightly, unprepared for the suggestion, but it was already out. Everyone was watching him now and he took a deep breath before speaking. "I suppose a... tournament could really interest some of the Rukongai's citizens and could really make some money. I remember when I was in the Rukongai, I had always wanted to see the Soul Reaper captains' powers. Everyone I knew did."
"Does that satisfy everyone?" Yamamoto spoke.
The captains all exchanged looks before Soi Fon spoke. "I think it could interesting."
"I can tend to any wounds anyone takes during the tournament," Unohana noted.
"And if it's necessary for the sake of the Gotei 13, then I, too, shall agree to this tournament," Captain Kuchiki noted.
"Good. I've been waiting to slice you up," Zaraki said with a manic grin.
"Very well," Yamamoto stated. "I shall work out the details within the next two days. This tournament will be held within four days. Dismissed!"
As Jin left with Shuhei by his side, he was soon approached by Komamura and his companions, Koji and Lieutenant Iba—he noticed that the bandage on Koji's hand had finally come off.
"So, Captain Narukami, have you become well acclimated to your new post?" asked Captain Komamura.
"Yes, very much so," Jin replied. "Shuhei's been a major help to me, though it's not nearly as fun as I thought it'd be. It's a lot of tedious busywork."
"The life of a captain is not nearly as glorious as other people think it is," Komamura stated, "but it is still a great position to have... even with hard-headed subordinates, right, Koji?"
"But I mastered the trick, right?"
"That's not the point," Komamura sighed. "You shouldn't be playing with your sword at all, Koji." Komamura's attention returned to Jin. "This tournament seems strangely barbaric, does it not? Senseless violence."
"We do what we have to," Jin remarked. "If we're ordered to fight in a tournament, there's not much more we can do."
"I suppose you're right," Komamura said. He sighed. "Well, I must get back to my Division. Have a nice day, Captain Narukami."
"Same to you, Captain Komamura."
Okay, everyone. A simple chapter that will lead into a mess of craziness, coolness, and wonderful reading. Enjoy.
And once more, consider speaking to if you need some ideas. Don't be shy