So the morning there was a Captain's meeting to announce the induction of the new Captain of Squad 12, Seigen Suzunami. So all the Captains arrived in the meeting hall.
Toshiro walked in to see most of them huddling around in a circle. As he walked in the door Lieutenant Sasakibe gave him a respectful nod which Toshiro returned as he walked to the group of Captains. There was Bansui, Byakuya, Sajin and Matsuri.
"Does anybody know anything about this new guy?" asked Bansui.
"No." replied Byakuya." I only heard about this last night."
"Very last minute." Said Sajin. He turned over to see Toshiro walk in amongst them." Toshiro do you know anything of this?" Toshiro's eyes glanced around at everyone as they looked at him. The truth was 'Yes' because he was involved in the examination due to his training but he decided to keep silent on the subject.
"No." He replied shaking his head. The moment of Tension passed for Toshiro as the Captains all turned back to each other.
"Captains!" called Sasakibe from the door causing everyone to turn to him." Take your positions, the meeting will begin shortly." The Captains did as instructed and began to line up. Toshiro walked past Byakuya but then found himself standing before a smiling Matsuri. He looked at her with a raised brow as she continued to smile at him.
"Isn't this exciting?" She said." We're getting a new Captain."
"Yes well." Toshiro cleared his throat." That's been happening very frequently as of late, so it's not all that interesting." He turned away from her and headed to his spot in the line-up.
"But it's my first time seeing a Captain being inducted rather than be inducted myself." She said following him." It's exciting." She took her place on Toshiro's right while Sajin was on his left. Shuhei walked in next and took his place next to Ukitake.
And then lastly Head-Captain Yamamoto walked in with his Lieutenant closing the door behind him. The old man banging his can along the floor as he began making his way down the nearly completed isles. And the old man felt a sense of pride in that fact and spoke of it as he made his way to his chair.
"As you are all aware." He began." The strength of the Gotei 13 is in its military structure, namely it's Captains who act as a sole army." He continued walking and everyone followed him with their eyes." Recently with Aizen's betrayal and the Attack of the Quincies we were faced with the peril of fighting an enemy with our military strength cut nearly in half. But we triumph and have since been able to regain our former strength." He was before his chair and he sat in it." And thanks to the recent efforts of our staff we have almost achieved that goal. "He nodded to Sasakibe." Today that mission finally ends with the new Captain of Squad 12, Seigen Suzunami." The doors opened up and the new Captain stood there for all to see. Everyone turned their heads and watched him as he marched out into the center of the room.
Seigen made his way down the rows of Captains. Some faces he recognized like Unohana, Ukitake, and Shunusi who had proctored him and of course he knew the Head-Captain but everyone else's face was new to him. But then as he took a step forward and glanced around he saw someone, someone whom he didn't see before.
Standing there between the giant fox and a woman was the boy, the white haired boy who he thought was at his exam the other day. Seigen thought nothing of it at the time thinking him to be Ukitake or more likely Shunsui's kid, but seeing him here now as one of the Captain's both shocked and confused him, stopping him in his place. The two locked eyes for several seconds before Seigen looked away and started looking at the other Captains.
"I'm the former fifth seat of the first Division, Seigen Suzunami." He told." I was happy to learn after returning from a scientific expedition that I would be promoted to Captain." He glanced around at everyone as he spoke." And I think my background will give Squad Twelve a new direction." Some Captains nodded while others made no movement at all." Head-Captain." He said turning to Yamamoto." I have already appointed my Lieutenant, if that is alright with you?"
"Finalize it with my own Lieutenant." Told Yamamoto.
"Yes, sir." Then Seigen took a step back and walked into the rows of Captains, taking his place next to Shuhei but all the while looking over at Toshiro.
Yamamoto sat back in his chair, his mind was at ease. Now that all the Captains and Lieutenants positions were filled the Gotei 13's military strength was back to its full power and he could now use all his focus on another priority, training Toshiro.
The meeting concluded a short time after and all the Captains began to disperse. Yamamoto watched form his balcony as the Captains left and began to return to their barracks.
"It appears that everything is going as planned." Said Shunsui as he and Ukitake approached Yamamoto from behind and stood next to him.
"Indeed." Agreed Ukitake." So what's next?" Yamamoto just nodded his head.
"What is next?" said Toshiro as he stepped into the room. Yamamoto turned around to see him standing between Lieutenant Sasakibe and Captain Unohana." What task do you have for me today?"
"Let's try public speaking again." Ordered Yamamoto. The teachers all went to their respective spots as Toshiro went to the Head-Captain's chair.
Meanwhile at Squad 12 the new Captain was getting himself acquainted with his division. It was going to be an interesting learning experience on both parts since the 12th Squad wasn't known for being very open while it's Captain had come from the strictness of the first division.
When he first walked in Seigen didn't like the sight of the division just lounging about and he made all of them line up in formation, then and only then did he address them.
Along with the Captain was his new Lieutenant. And as the Captain walked back and for the before the Squad the Lieutenant stood back.
"My name is Seigen Suzunami." He said at last." You will call me 'Captain' or 'Captain Suzunami', I don't care which, but you will call me by one." He stopped and pointed to his Lieutenant." This is Makoto Kibune, he will be my Lieutenant. He and I worked together for many years out in the field and when I needed someone for this position I knew he'd be the right man for the job." He nodded allowing Kibune to step up and say something.
"I look forward to working with all of you." He said." If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask." He stepped back and allowed his Captain to continue.
"On that topic, there will be changes around here." This statement caused the members of Squad 12 to turn their heads in confusion." I understand this division's purpose and I understand it's had for lack of a better work a very peculiar Captain over the past several years." The division nodded their heads in agreement." But I will change that!" He started to walk before the ranks again." I understand this division's function is research and development but we are also a military unit. Therefore Lieutenant Kibune will oversee the Research and Development while I oversee the development of this company's military usefulness." He stopped and looked at his Squad." Do I make myself clear?"
"Sir, yes, sir." Answered the division. Although they were cautious about the venture they certainly would like to see their image in the eye of the public change. And most of the division was willing to accepted change, well all accept one. One loon man at the back of the formation did not like the sound of this.
Meanwhile Toshiro had just returned to his barracks. The Meeting had run short and therefore his training had ended early. It was a useful session today better than last time, but that wasn't what was on his mind. He knew who was waiting for him back at the barracks and for the first time in a while they would have some alone time.
"Rangiku." Said Toshiro as he came through the door." Rangiku." He walked into the office and saw her standing before the mirror flipping her hair." Ah there you are, no time to fix your hair." He said sitting himself down on the couch." Leave it down and get over here." He spread his legs out."
"Sorry Captain can't do that today." She answered.
"What?!" answered Toshiro confused." What are you saying?!"
"The other Lieutenants and I are going to welcome the new Lieutenant." She answered.
"You can drink anytime!"
"We can have sex anytime." Toshiro's face began to turn red.
"Rangiku as your superior, I order you to get over here and-" He stopped as Rangiku leaned down next to him and kissed him on the cheek.
"See you later Captain." She said.
"Don't you walk away from me, Rangiku!" He pointed at her back." Don't you walk out that door.-" But that's all he could say as she walked out the door. Toshiro turned and groaned, putting his head in his hands.
Meanwhile at Squad 12. The New Captain and Lieutenant were busy filing documents away in their new office. The suddenly there was a knock at the door. Seigen nodded to his Lieutenant who rose from his desk to answer it.
Kibune answered the door to see the Lieutenants of Squads 10, 7, 6 and 3tanding before them.
"How's it goin?" said Iba at the head of the group.
"Good evening." Answered Kibune.
"You the new Lieutenant?" asked Renji.
"Yes, I am." He nodded.
"Welcome to the neighborhood." Said Iba extending his hand which Kibune shook, only he didn't have as strong a grip as Iba." We're all getting together to celebrate your arrival, would you like to come with?"
"What?"
"You kind of have too." Said Rangiku ." Since it is your party and all."
"Um I don't know if I can." Replied Kibune." My Captain needs my help and-"
"Your Captain can't keep you in all night." Said Rangiku pushing Iba aside and stepping up, allowing Kibune to see her fully now." Come out, let's get to know each other better." She leaned in towards him and when Kibune looked down he saw her pouting face and then her large chest.
"Well I." he stammered adjusting his glasses. "I could ask him." Then he turned and walked back into the office.
"Captain." He said upon entering. Seigen gave a grunt in response, not taking his eyes from his papers." Some of the Lieutenants have come by and have asked if I can join them at a party." Seigen picked his head up and looked at him." In order for us to get to know each other better. Do I have your leave to go?"
Siegen nodded." Very well you may go. Just be careful." He pointed a stern finger at him.
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir" Smiled Kibune as he turned and headed back to the door and the other waiting Lieutenants." I'm free to go." He said to them.
"Alright!" they cheered. And as he walked out Iba put his arm around Kibune and Rangiku latched onto his arm.
"This is gonna be so much fun." She said.
The sun hadn't even gone down yet and the Lieutenants had gone out drinking while Toshiro was alone in his barracks. Today would have normally been the day he trained with both Sajin and Kenpachi in swordsmanship but neither of them were around when he called, on top of that he couldn't find Soion or Byakuya so training with them was out of the question. That didn't matter so much at first because Toshiro himself had cleared up the rest of his day in order to be with Rangiku. But that plan backfired and now he had nothing to do, that was until there was a knock at his door.
"Come in!" he groaned while rubbing his eyes. He heard the door open and two stomps against the floor. Toshiro then picked up his head and saw to his surprise Matsuri, Captain of Squad Five standing before him." Good evening." He said to her.
"Good Evening. "She answered. Silence followed in the aftermath of her speaking.
"Did you want something?" he finally asked.
"I think you're the one that wants something." She said.
"Excuse me?!" He yelled jumping up, but Matsuri looked at him confused.
"I heard you were being trained by the Captains of Squad 7 and 11 in swordsmanship." She told. Toshiro calmed down and straightened himself out.
"That's correct. But what's it to-"
"I could help you." She said quickly." Help you with sword fighting that is. If you'd like." Toshiro turned away from her and looked out the window. He'd already pissed away some of his afternoon doing nothing and Rangiku was out there getting drunk. So he'd have to pass the time somehow. And this seemed a productive outlet, train and learn something about the new Captain.
"Alright." He said turning back to her." Let's step outside."
"Great." She said following him.
Meanwhile the Lieutenants were at the bar. That being the Lieutenants of Squads 2,3,6,7,10 and 12. They all sat around in a circle with their glasses together, then all at once they raised them up and cheered and then proceeded to drinking.
Once finished they rested their cups down.
"Welcome to the group Kibune." Renji patted him on the back.
"Sorry I'm late." Said a voice. Everyone turned over to see not a Lieutenant but a Captain standing there, Captain Hisagi of the 9th division. Kibune quickly shot up.
"Good evening Cap-" But was stopped as Iba put his hand up.
"There's no need for that." He told." Shuhei's only got promoted from a Lieutenant to a Captain a few weeks ago." Shuhei looked over and noticed Kibune, the new guy.
"Captain Shuhei Hisagi." He greeted." But you can just call me Shuhei."
"Thank you, sir." Said Kibune.
"You don't have to do that 'sit' crap with me." Shuhei said sitting down.
"SHUHEI!" Rangiku yelled as she nearly jumped over the table and grabbed him into a tight hug." You managed to get away?!"
"Yea." He groaned as she finally let him go.
"Don't like the new Lieutenant?" asked Renji.
"He's a pain." Shuhei groaned while getting himself a drink." Always trying to get me to sign documents and go to meetings."
"Aren't you supposed to do those things?" asked Kibune. Everyone turned and looked at him strangely. Shuhei was the first to change his facial expression as he began chuckling.
"You are new here." He chuckled as he took a sip. Just then a new song came on over the radio and Rangiku slammed on the table.
"Shuhei!" she yelled at him." This is my song, dance with me!" Then without another word she yanked him up and began jumping around the room with him.
"She always like this?" asked Kibune.
"Whenever she starts drinking." Told Iba.
"What about normally?"
"She's pretty much the same." He chuckled.
"Who is she?" asked Kibune looking to Iba.
"She's Rangiku Matsumoto, the Lieutenant of Squad Ten."
"If she's like this, then what's her Captain like?"
"Quite the opposite." Was the response.
"And what would a man have to do to be with a woman like that?" asked Kibune adjusting his glasses to get her reflection in his glasses.
"Fancy her do you?" chuckled Iba." Unfortunately she's taken."
"Really?" asked Kibune. All the Lieutenants nodded.
Just then Rangiku sat herself down next to Kibune. She sat back down panting, her assets nearly falling out of her shirt. Shuhei sat down in his original seat.
"That was fun." She panted. Kibune looked her over interested as she laughed laying herself over the table.
"Rangiku." Kibune said getting her attention." Lieutenant Iba tells me you're in a relationship."
"Uh-huh." Rangiku nodded with a smile. She reached down into her shirt and produced a picture and handed it to the new Lieutenant. Kibune took it expecting to see the epitome of a man, a tall broad figure with a chiseled face and body, the only man Kibune could think of to have a woman like Rangiku. Thought what he saw surprised him.
There was the picture of Rangiku with a man alright if that's what you'd call him, he looked much more like a boy. Kibune imagined half the age of Rangiku. He was half her height and in the picture Rangiku was pulling him into a hug, putting his head between her chest as she flashed the peace sign. Kibune thought he'd just been made the butt of a joke, but soon found out otherwise.
"What is this?" he chuckled showing the picture to Rangiku, thinking it a joke on her part." Some kind of a joke?"
"No." she reached over the table and passed her finger over the two in it." That's me, and that's my boyfriend."
"That's your boyfriend?!"
"He's my Captain." She stated plainly.
"You're involved with your Captain?!" Rangiku nodded her head with a goofy smile on her face.
"Speaking of which." Said Izuru." Where is Captain Hitsuguya now?"
"He's back at the barracks. He wanted to have sex earlier, but I was leaving to come here."
"So you didn't do it?" asked Shuhei. Rangiku shook her head with a large smile across her face. Iba sat back and chuckled at the look of pure confusion on Kibune's face." What's he doing then?"
"Probably waiting for me." She answered running her hands through her hair.
"What has he been up to lately?" commented Renji." I see him in the company of my Captain a lot."
"I've seen him with Captain Soifon at Squad two every now and then." Said Izuru.
"I don't know." Said Rangiku." He doesn't tell me what he does on his off time. Mostly cause I never ask."
"What if he's hanging out with Momo?" suggested Renji. And that comment made Rangiku jolt in her seat, her drunken antics earning a laugh from most everyone around.
"What?" she said in a sinister tone as she turned her head to Renji.
"What if he's hanging out with Momo?" he asked again trying not to laugh to hard." The two of them are old friends."
"Or what about Momo's Captain, Matsuri?" added Shuhei. Rangiku blew on her tongue.
"There's no way." She responded matter of factly.
"If you say so." Said Shuhei." But he was standing next to her in the meeting today."
"What?!" asked Rangiku. Once again her drunken state force her to overcomplicate things, much to the enjoyment of her peers." This will not do, not at all!" She attempted to jumped to her feet but tripped over herself and fell onto the floor, causing everyone to laugh.
She stood herself back up and grilled them all down, stopping them from laughing. She looked over at Kibune who had the same look on his face as he was still looking at her picture.
Rangiku reached over and yanked the picture from Kibune's hand." Mine." Was all she said. The rest of the Lieutenants watched as Rangiku left, stumbling out the door.
"She's quite the character." Chuckled Iba. The rest of the Lieutenants nodded their agreement, they were of course used to Rangiku and her antics. Renji turned and looked over at Kibune who was still frozen.
"You alright?" he poked him.
"She's having sex with a child?!" Kibune yelled.
"Well technically he's several hundreds of years old, he's no mere child." Commented Izuru in a calm matter.
"She's a WHORE!" yelled Kibune as he jolted up. And that statement shocked all those around who froze up in shock, except for Iba. He quickly shot up to his feet and pointed a finger at the new Lieutenant.
"Now wait a minute!" He said. "I'll hear now talk about her like that, from you."
"Why are you defending her?" asked Kibune in a mock laugh." She's a cradle robbing whore, she-" And that was as far as he got before Iba reached over and punched him in the face, sending him to the ground. He would have advanced his assault if the others hadn't grabbed him.
There were several seconds of grunting and yelling before one voice yelled out.
"ENOUGH!" Then everyone looked over to see Shuhei' Lieutenant Genshiro standing there. Then the older man walked into the room and towards all of them.
"Genshiro what are you doing here?" asked Shuhei.
"Looking for you Captain." He responded as he stood before them." And it seems I've come just in time to help you arrest these drunken brawlers."
"Drunken Brawlers?" Shuhei questioned as Genshiro reached over and grabbed Iba by his wrists." No!" he commanded." Not him."
"I saw the whole thing Captain." The Lieutenant replied." This one lashed out and struck the other. The laws dictate we take them both back to holding." Shuhei was about to lash back at his Lieutenant but knew it was no good, rules are rules. He turned to Iba and nodded." It's alright." He said. The seventh Squad Lieutenant just nodded his head solemnly feeling no shame. Genshiro then restrained Iba and headed out the door with him.
Shuhei then turned to Kibune who had just picked himself up off the ground, his nose bleeding.
"Come here!" he grunted as he grabbed the Lieutenant forceful and restrained him violently. He himself was angry about how Kibune spoke about Rangiku and saw it fit to take that frustration out on the Lieutenant now. Then he marched him back to the 9th squad.
Meanwhile back at Squad Ten with Toshiro and Matsuri.
They'd been sparring for the better part of the night and while Matsuri viewed it as time used to get to know Toshiro better, he viewed it as another training session. Fighting with everything he had and every new skill he learned.
But eventually the two tired out and they called it quits.
"Well that was fun." She said stabbing her sword into the ground and sitting down on the edge of the porch. She looked up at Toshiro who still looked ready to fight but she smiled at him and patted the spot next to her, indicating she'd like him to sit down. Toshiro panted, nodding his head and returned his sword to its sheath on his back. Then he walked over and sat down to his fellow Captain." You're a lot faster than I thought Shiro." He whence knowing she'd been listening to her Lieutenant too much." And a lot physically stronger too, where'd you learn to fight like that?"
Toshiro cleared his throat." Well I um… originally at the academy, but recently the other Captains have been helping me."
"Why?"
"Well I asked, and they were more than happy to help."
"Oh so you're like the baby of the group?" she asked as she ruffled up his hair." Everyone looks out for you." Once she took her hand away he shook his head causing her to chuckle.
"Well." He responded slyly." I can't be the baby forever."
"Somethings never change."
"Something's do."
"What do you mean?" she turned back to him looking confused, knowing that he was implying something.
"Stick around long enough, you might find out." Matsuri turned back still looking confused but dismissed the previous conversation.
"Momo talks about you a lot." Matsuri told.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. She's upset that she doesn't get to see you all that much."
"I've been busy." Was his reply.
"Said she hadn't seen you since the party a few weeks ago, when you had to leave early?" Then a thought occurred to her." Say what did you have to leave for anyway?" Toshiro's eyes suddenly burst open." What did the Head-Captain want?"
"Well umm.. he…. He just wanted to go over the reports of my division for that month." He answered. And that answer seemed to work because she nodded and looked away.
Just then the sliding door opened behind them and the two Captains turned around to see Rangiku standing there.
"Oh Rangiku." Said Toshiro." So you're finally back." Rangiku cocked her head over to Matsuri and despite the playfulness of what was said back at the bar, now her worst fears were realized. And that factor was displayed on her face and Toshiro immediately saw it." Aw hell this isn't gonna be good."
Matsuri looked between the two confused." What's going on?" she asked Toshiro.
"You'd better go." Toshiro said to her as they both stood up."I'll handle this."
"No." said Rangiku stepping outside." Stay, as long as you'd like." She stepped out and closer to the two.
"Rangiku I don't think that's-" But Rangiku pushed Toshiro out of the way.
"Don't worry." Said Rangiku." We're just going to have some girl talk." And Toshiro knew that there was no way this could end well.
Just then there came a rapid knocking at the door." Rangiku, Rangiku!" a voice that was clearly Renji's was calling.
"Ah Rangiku!" Toshiro called to her." Door's for you, you'd better go and get it." But Rangiku did not listen and still continued to glare down at Matsuri. Toshiro then decided that if he couldn't get her attention then Renji most likely would.
"I know what you're up to." Said Rangiku.
"Up too?" was Matsuri's reply." I'm not up to anything."
"Don't play that game with me. I'm wise to your antics, I've seen the way you look at my Captain." Matsuri shifted herself forward and the look on her face darkened.
"And what business it that of yours?"
"I'm only going to tell you once." Said Rangiku." Stay away from me."
"You forget your place, Lieutenant." She said the last word in a scolding matter.
Toshiro went to the door and answered it, the frantic knocking and calling continued until it was open. And when the door opened and Renji saw Toshiro there his face went pale.
"Lieutenant. "He said." What's the trouble?"
"Ah umm. Captain… well it's um.. something for Rangiku." He stammered. And Toshiro knew from the way Ranji was speaking that whatever this matter was it was urgent.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Well umm. Lieutenant Tetsuzumon is in prison." Renji told.
"WHAT?!" yelled Toshiro." What for?"
"He got in a fight with the new Lieutenant of Squad 12. I was thinking Rangiku could sweet-talk Shuhei into getting Iba out." Now Iba was Toshiro's best friend's Lieutenant and he knew him to be a good man, any way he could he'd have to help.
"It's worth a shot." Said Toshiro and he bounded across the room and back out to the courtyard to see Rangiku and Matsuri still glaring at each other." Rangiku! Iba's in prison!" he called getting her attention.
"What?!" she exclaimed turning to him." What for?"
"Don't know but we've got to get him out." Said Tohiro." C'mon!" Rangiku then turned and ran out but not before turning back to Matsuri and saying "This isn't over." Toshiro spoke to her next.
"I'm sorry we have to run out like this." He said to her." But something urgent has come up." And without another word he excused himself and ran off.
The two Lieutenants and one Captain arrived at Squad Nine in only a few minutes. And after only a few minutes of entering the barracks they found Shuhei and his Lieutenant Genshiro waiting by the prison cells.
"Shuhei! Shuhei!" called Rangiku." What's happened, what's this all about?"
"Iba and Kibune are being held in holding." He answered." But since you here I can-" But he was stopped as Genshiro cleared his throat, reminding his Captain of his place and what he must do." And I'm afraid I'll have to keep them there until further notice."
"Further notice?" questioned Renji." What's that?"
"Until their respective Captains arrive." Told Genshiro." Only they or the Head-Captain himself can do it."
"Shuhei." Toshiro stepped up. "What happened exactly?" The ninth Squad Captain looked from Toshiro to Rangiku.
"Well Captain Hitsuguya you see we-"
"I'm sorry, sir." Broke in Genshiro." But we are not at liberty to give any information except to the Captains of their respective divisions or the Head-Captain himself." He said snobbishly.
"Well at least tell us what you can tell us." Said Rangiku." You can do that, can't you?" Shuhei looked back to his Lieutenant who nodded.
"They had a dispute and it resulted in Lieutenant Tetsuzimon punching Lieutenant Kibune." He told.
"So it's assault?" asked Renji. Shuhei nodded.
"And whenever there is an assault charge amongst officers of the Gotei 13." Told Genshiro." The Head-Captain hold a hearing for the parties involved." Toshiro jumped at the sound of that." He has already been notified and he will decide the time." Rangiku moved to speak again but Genshiro cut her off." I'm sorry ma'am, that's all that we are allowed to discuss." And with that he turned away, the issue finalized.
Shuhei gave them a saddened look, wishing he could do more but not being able to.
"C'mon." Toshiro said to the Lieutenants." We've done all we can." Knowing there was nothing else they could do Rangiku and Renji left with Toshiro and returned to their respective barracks.
And needless to say after not getting what she wanted, Rangiku was in a rage.
"I don't believe it!" She exclaimed upon entering the office." That he wouldn't listen to me, let alone not even tell me what happened. And now he's letting his friend rot in jail. He-" She stopped and watched as Toshiro walked by with a silly smile on his face.
"Captain, why do you have that smirk on your face?"
"Me?" asked Toshiro as he walked by his desk." No reason." But then when he looked on his desk he noticed something, an envelope that wasn't there before. He grabbed it and opened it.
It read:
"Meet in my office at 2100." And it was signed by Head-Captain Yamamoto.
This was just what Toshiro was expecting. This hearing would be another opportunity for him to learn the tools of Yamamoto's trade. Looking at the clock he realized it was 8:45, nearly nine o'clock. Toshiro turned on his heels and headed for the door.
"Rangiku." He told her." I'm going out for quick stroll."
"This late?" she asked." And at a time like this?"
"Yes." He answered." I might stop by Squad Seven and tell Sajin what's going on."
"Well I'll-" She said following after him.
"NO!" he yelled from the door." No." He said calmer." You just stay here." And to his surprise Rangiku did as he told." Don't wait up." And then he left.
Toshiro arrived soon after in the back room to Yamamoto's office where Lieutenant Sasakibe was waiting.
"Captain Hitsuguya." He greeted.
"Lieutenant." He replied." Where does he want me?"
"You will wait in this room, sir. And listen in on what transpires when the Head-Captain is ready for you he will announce you in."
"Very well." Nodded Toshiro. And with that Sasakibe left and went into the other room where the Head-Captain was waiting in his chair. Before him were the two Lieutenants in question and behind them their Captains along with the Captain and Lieutenant of Squad Nine in the background.
Sasakibe went up next to Yamamoto and whispered to him that Toshiro had arrived and was ready. With that Yamamoto prepared to get everything underway while Toshiro leaned in from the other room and prepared to listen.
Sajin's noise began to twitch. He smelt something, something familiar. But before he could investigate further on the matter Yamamoto got his attention.
"Captain Kommamura is something troubling you?"
"No, sir." He answered snapping back to attention.
"Now then." Yamamoto turned to the two Lieutenants." Will the convicted step forward." The two did as they were told." It is the job of the 9th Division to carry out punishments but the overall accusing of the punishment is left entirely to me." The two Lieutenants waited." We will start at the beginning, What actually happened?" But neither of the two Lieutenants spoke up and remained silent. "Lieutenant Kibune." Said Yamamoto.
"Yes, sir?" he answered.
"Why don't you tell us what happened?"
"Yes, sir." He stepped up." I was in my office located at Squad 12 getting comfortable with my new surroundings and finishing up some last minute paperwork when some of the other Lieutenants arrived."
"Which Lieutenants?" asked Sasakibe.
"The Lieutenants of Squads 3,6,7, and 10. They invited me out drinking to celebrate my promotion which once getting permission from my Captain I accepted." Everyone listened intently from the Captains to the Head-Captain to Toshiro in the backroom." And as the night went on we continued to drinking and some words were exchanged which led to the Lieutenant of Squad 7 striking me. An-"
"That'll be all Lieutenant." Said Yamamoto. He then turned his eyes to the other Lieutenant." Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon step forward." And the Squad Seven officer did as he was told." I have never had any problems with your Division, certainly not from your Captain." He glanced at Sajin who nodded proudly." And never from yourself. So tell me Lieutenant, what could have transpired to make you lash out on someone you were trying to welcome." Iba shifted in his place.
"Go ahead Tetsuzaemon." Encouraged Sajin.
"He…said something." told Iba." Something I didn't approve of."
"And what was it?" asked Yamamoto. He fidgeted some more.
"I'd rather not repeat it."
"For me you will repeat it." Ordered Yamamoto in a calm but commanding tone. Iba stopped shifting in his place and instead took a deep breath and prepared to say what he had to say. In the back room Toshiro leaned in and prepared to listen as best he could.
"He said that Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto from Squad 10 is a whore due to her relationship with her Captain." Needless to say this caused most jaws to drop in the room except for Yamamoto who did not stir in his chair. Sasakibe glanced at the back room looking for Toshiro.
The little captain stumbled back in shock, he never would have expected this case to hit so close to home with him.
"All of you, wait outside." Said Yamamoto pointing to the door. The officers did as they were told and shuffled out. Then Yamamoto turned to his Lieutenant." Bring him in." Sasakibe nodded and turned and went for the back room.
But the second he did the door flung open and Toshiro marched out in a rage.
"I take it you heard everything?" asked Yamamoto. But his speech went on deaf ears as Toshiro marched past him." We will talk about the punishment now."
"I'm delivering my own punishment." Said Toshiro as he reached back and unsheathed some of his sword.
"Stay that sword, Captain!" called Sasakibe." The Head-Captain was called you in here to discuss the punishment, not to deliver it yourself." Biting his lip Toshiro returned his sword to it's place and turned to face the First Division officers.
"What are we to do then?" he asked.
"What would you have me do?" answered Yamamoto.
"Fire the Lieutenant of Squad 12." Toshiro stated.
"After he had just been promoted, filling the last of the open ranks. And on what charge?" asked Yamamoto.
"Stupidity." Said Toshiro taking a step forward." Harassment." As he took another." Disrespect." He took another step and now stood right before Yamamoto.
"And what of Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon?"
"Let him go free. A slap on the wrist."
"Why?" asked Yamamoto." He was the own who assaulted another officer."
"But he had been provoked!" answered Toshiro. Yamamoto was silent." Are you saying you're going to terminate that man's services while the other stays?!"
"The odds do not look well for Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon, being that he is the attacker in this case."
"But you said yourself he has never given you any problems! Give him a free pass and-"
"If I gave him a free pass then I'd have to give them to everyone!" told Yamamoto.
"That's not fair." Said Toshiro knowing this was a losing battle.
"My job is not to be fair!" replied Yamamoto" My job is to preserve order, which starts with the Officer who run the Divisions! If I gave free passes to everyone then there would be no order!" Thus the purpose of Yamamot's position was revealed, to ensure order in anyway possible. The Head-Captain nodded to Toshiro ordered him to the back room.
The little captain did as he was told and began walking back. Once the door had shut behind him Yamamoto nodded to Sasakibe signaling for him to let the others back in.
So everyone walked back in and returned to their original spots. Toshiro poked his head through the crack of the door and listened once again.
"After careful consideration." Began Yamamoto." I have come up with the terms of the punishment. The two Lieutenants stepped up." Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon." The seventh Squad officer stepped up." The laws say that assault among officers is punishable by 2-5 years stay in prison. But given your service record along with the fact that your mother was a Lieutenant before you I am willing to shorten the sentence you six months. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir." He responded.
"Captain Kommamura." Yamamoto turned to him." Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir." He nodded half-heartedly.
"Lieutenant Makoto you are free to go." Kibune smirked to himself and turned to leave but was stopped by the sternness of the Head-Captain's voice." But you will keep this in mind won't you?" Kibune looked back at him.
"Y-Yes, sir." Then Yamamoto sat back in his chair and Kibune followed his Captain out the door. The Ninth Squad officers Shuhei and Genshiro then moved in to restrain Iba and take him away.
"That won't be necessary." Said Yamamoto stopping them, much to their surprise." Will it Lieutenant?" he asked Iba.
"No, sir." Then escorted by the Ninth Squad officers and his own Captain Iba was taken away. As the went to the door Sajin turned back to the Head-Captain, noticing Sasakibe heading off towards the back room.
"I'm sorry for this inconvenience, sir." He said. Yamamoto nodded his head in reply and Sajin did the same before turning and leaving.
Yamamoto then turned back to see his Lieutenant walking towards him.
"Toshiro's gone." Was all he said. Yamamoto just closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew of course Toshiro would not have been pleased with the outcome of this meeting, and wherever he was he was venting about it somehow. But this was a good lesson for him.
Life isn't always fair and sometimes good people get hurt. In war casualties were going to be made. If Toshiro was going to become Head-Captain he'd have to learn that above all things.
Meanwhile Seigun and Kibune were returning to their barracks.
Kibune walked behind his Captain who had remained silent ever since they left the First Squad Barracks. Thinking his Captain upset with him and trying to make up for it in any way possible the Lieutenant spoke out.
"Captain." He said." I would like to personally apologize for my behavior. It was uncalled for and unprofessional, and-"
"Indeed it was." Seigen responded. But he didn't sound as angry as Kibune thought." Only our first day as officers and you've gotten yourself into trouble. I will have much to do in order to get everyone to forget about this."
"I will do whatever you ask, sir." said Kibune.
"No. This is something I must do, if I am to undo the damage you've done." He turned and realized he stood before the Squad 10 barracks." And it starts now." He turned and walked into the barracks and towards the Captain's office. His Lieutenant followed him and together they found the Captain's office.
Seigen knocked on the door and after a moments wait it opened up but all he saw was an empty office.
"What do you want?" asked a voice. Seigen and Kibune both looked down to see Toshiro standing there. The Captain of Squad 12 looked down at the boy, seeing him now for the third time. Toshiro looked up with a scowl on his face at both of them.
"Excuse me." began Seigen." But I am looking for the Ca-" His Lieutenant then leaned in and whispered in his ear telling him the boy standing before them was the Captain. Seigen was surprised but he didn't let it show." Captain." He addressed Toshiro." I would like a word with you." He cocked his head into the office and noticed Rangiku nearby." In private."
Toshiro turned and went back into the office." Rangiku." He called to her." Step outside for a moment." And by the harsh tone of his voice Rangiku exited the room. She walked outside and noticed Kibune standing there.
"Kibune!" she greeted with a smile and a hug." How are you doing?!"
In the office Toshiro walked over to his desk and sat on it." What do you want?" He asked.
"I don't know if you remember me." began Seigen trying to make this somewhat formal with an introduction." But I've just been promoted to Captain, my name is-"
"I know what your name is." interrupted Toshiro." I was at the meeting today."
Seigen nodded." And you were at my examination the other day." Toshiro nodded." Why was that by the way?" Toshiro picked up his head and the two locked eyes.
"Why have you come here?" asked Toshiro changing the subject.
"There was a bit of trouble involving my Lieutenant earlier this night that involved your own." Seigen said.
"Was there?" answered Toshiro.
"Yes and he said a few tasteless things about your Lieutenant."
"Did he?" Toshiro said. Of course he already knew the story and the fact it was being repeated to him made him angrier.
"So on behalf of Squad 12 I would like to formally apologize for my Lieutenant's actions." And he took a short bow.
Toshiro smirked in response." How touching. But I refuse your apology."
"Excuse me?" said Seigen confused.
"I refuse your apology but I will tell you this." He jumped off his desk and walked until he stood right before his fellow Captain." If I ever hear about something like this again, your Lieutenant will pay the price." Feeling threatened Seigen knelt down and starred Toshiro down.
"Then you will deal with me." The Little Captain only smirked in response. Seigen infuriated turned and walked out the door." Kibune let's go!" He called. THe Lieutenant followed after his Captain and Toshiro went to the door to see them go. Rangiku looked and him and noticed the smirk on his face.
"What did you do?" she asked.
Seigen and Kibune meanwhile exited the barracks.
"That boy!" groaned Seigen." How dare he?"
"Sir, what happened, sir?!"
"I don't want to talk about it!" Seigen continued to grunt and groan all the way back to their barracks." That boy who does he think he is. Mark my words Kibune one day things will change here."
"What do you mean , sir?"
"One day things will change. I could change things here." He turned and looked out over all the Gotei 13." This place was once the center of power and order, now it has resorted to putting foul-mouth children in positions of power. Should I be Head-Captain that would not be happening."
"Sir you can't mean that-"
"I do!" Seigen turned to him." I have already changed the order of the 12th division and I could do so for all the Gotei 13."
"Sir your speaking angered, you-"
"Think about this Kibune. I was a former first division member and now after all these years he's promoted me to one of the most important Captain's positions. It is clear he favors he or he would not have picked me for this. And the Head-Captain is a very old man and getting older, who knows how much time he's go left in him. Therefore I could see him leaving the fate of the Gotei 13 in the hands of someone like me. Of course 'll have to get my name out there in a more positive light after what you've done tonight. But in the long run I could see myself as Leader of the Gotei 13. And then, things would change."
Seigen was silent as he looked up at the night sky in awe dreaming about what could be. But then he turned away and went into his own barracks.