Okay, everybody, Chapter 6 is here and ready for publishing. Hope you like it. Read and review if you get the chance.

Chapter 6—Partnership

The announcement of the tournament had Jin on pins and needles as the days steadily winded down. The news of the tournament had spread remarkably quickly, even by gossip standards. Not only did everyone in the Seireitei know the day it had been decided; the news had spread like wildfire throughout the Rukongai too, with many of the Rukongai's citizens queuing up to be one of the first to see a match.

Two days later, as promised, Captain Yamamoto had the tournament rules and regulations worked out completely. His lieutenant, Chojiro Sasakibe, came by, holding a stack of documents in his hand, to be delivered to the many Divisions of the Gotei 13. After being granted permission by Jin to enter into his office, the lieutenant walked in proudly, straight-backed and humble.

"Captain Narukami, Captain-Commander Yamamoto has put together the rules of the tournament to take place soon," Lieutenant Sasakibe said, speaking clearly and calmly, as he put two documents onto the desktop. "He wants to stress to all participants that lethal force is prohibited."

Jin looked over the documents carefully before scowling. "Teams? What does that mean?"

"It was a decision Captain Yamamoto made," Sasakibe remarked. "He has requested that all the captains participating in the tournament choose another captain as their partner. This goes for the lieutenants as well. We will be having two separate tournaments. First, a captains' tournament and then a lieutenants' tournament, both will involve partnerships."

"So, who's my partner?"

"You must choose your partner, Captain Narukami, among those who wish to participate."

"Who's participating?"

"I know that Captains Zaraki and Hitsugaya will certainly participate. Captain Soi Fon is planning to join in as well."

"What about Sajin?"

"Captain Komamura? I do not know," Sasakibe replied.

"Can you find out?"

"I'm sorry, but I have many other things that I must attend to," Sasakibe said. He gave a small bow and excuse himself, leaving Jin's question unanswered, hanging in the air awkwardly.

Jin sighed; he might as well go ask.

He stood, but just a few seconds later, the door opened once more and someone entered. Koji sauntered into the room lazily, looking pretty bored.

"Hey," he said informally.

"I'm a captain, you know," Jin said. "You could pretend that I'm a superior, but I'm glad you're here. I've got a question for you. Is your father—Captain Komamura—going to participate in the upcoming tournament? I need a partner and—"

"That's kind of why I'm here," Koji said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "See, Father's kind of awkward about the whole thing. Doesn't really like to fight, you know. But I want him to be in the tournament because I want everyone to see just how strong he is. So, I wanted you to try to convince him to fight in the tournament."

"Me?"

"Can you?"

"Why me? You're his son; you can do it, can't you? If you can't, who can?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Why not?"

"I don't think I can do it," Jin sighed. "I mean, I'd love to have him as my partner, but if he doesn't want to participate, then—"

"Please," Koji insisted. He gave his best puppy-face, hoping it would work in his favor. "I'd really appreciate it, Captain Narukami."

Jin scowled. "I'll try, but I can't promise anything."

"Thank you, sir! You won't regret it."

"Father!"

Komamura stopped his walk, turning back behind him to face the direction from whence the voice came. Running towards him was his own son, Koji, and—to his surprise—Captain Jin Narukami, who looked more than a little nervous. Koji had barely stopped in time to keep from running over Komamura.

"I thought you were training," Komamura mentioned. "How'd it go?"

"Just fine. Captain Narukami came up and helped me a little bit," Koji lied, "but then he asked about being your partner for the tournament."

Judging by the confusion on Jin's face, Komamura guessed that part of that statement wasn't true. "Koji, I told you that I don't want to be involved in a pointless fight. I'm probably not going to get involved in the tournament. I'm sorry, Captain Narukami, but I think you need another partner."

"I'll do it!" Koji suggested. "I'd love to fight against a real captain."

"You can't," Komamura chided. "Just because you have a Bankai doesn't mean that you're ready to battle against a captain."

"Well, you're not going to do it," Koji said. "Someone has to represent the Seventh Division, Father. If not you, then why not me?"

"Tetsuzaemon has more experience than you," Komamura stated. "He's more equipped to battle a captain, but I still wouldn't allow—"

"Lieutenant Iba doesn't have a Bankai! I do!"

"No," Komamura snapped. "I'm not letting you do that."

"But Father, someone has to be the Seventh's representative," Koji insisted. "If you don't do it, I will!"

"No! I'd much rather do it myself than let you," Komamura said.

"Are you just saying that?"

"No."

"Really? You mean it?"

"Yes."

"Great, so you'll just need to sign-up with Captain Narukami as your partner," Koji said. "I've got some things I need to do back at the barracks. Captain Narukami, meet your new partner."

With a mischievous grin, Koji walked off, leaving both captains to wonder what had just happened.

"Did he just trick us?" Komamura asked.

"Maybe."

"Did we fall for it?"

"I think so. So, are you really going to be my partner?"

"I... suppose," Komamura sighed. "Train hard, Captain Narukami. We've got quite a task ahead of us."

"Yes, sir, Captain Komamura."

Here's chapter 6 and a little mischief from Koji. Enjoy. The tournament starts next chapter.