The Winds of Change

The Sixth Division had always been the run by the Kuchiki, one of the four great noble clans of the Soul Society. Byakuya's Grandfather had been the previous Captain and his father was Lieutenant. But members of the noble family could be found throughout the whole division, usually ranking in high positions.

In modern times Byakuya is the Captain and Lieutenant was Renji Abarai. Was, now that position was vacant so the third seat of the division had to fill in for his duties.

Koga Kuchiki was the 3rd seat of the Sixth Division. A member of the noble family and cousin to Byakuya. He had been in the Sixth Division nearly as long as his cousin had, rose through the ranks with him and seen him become one of the most powerful, fearsome and one of the most respective Captains in the entire order.

Koga knocked as he stood outside Byakuya's office.

"Come in." Byakuya said in a calm but assertive voice. Koga walked in with a stack of papers under his arm.

"Byakuya." Koga said as he made his way over to his desk. The Captain lifted his head up from his work to see his own flesh and blood standing before him.

"You must refer to me by my proper rank." Byakuya said without a second thought. Blood or not, Byakuya was very prideful of his Captains position and would not be talked to otherwise." Do you understand 3rd Seat?"

"Yes, Captain." Koga nodded. He didn't take it too personally, he probably would do the same if he was he in this position.

"What do you have for me?" Koga took the papers out from under his arms and held them out.

"Documents from the First Division. They require your signature." Byakuya took them from his cousin and rested them on his desk, preparing to start on them right away." Is there anything else you need from me?" But as he spoke Koga's eyes scanned to a vacant spot in the room, the Lieutenant's desk.

"No that'll be all." Byakuya answered looking at the papers. But Koga had not heard him, he was too preoccupied with the Lieutenant's vacant desk nearby.

He wanted that position plan and simple. He was strong enough, stronger than Renji ever was. He came from a noble house who'd served the Gotei 13 loyally since it began. And now that Renji had been promoted it seems he might have his chance.

"I said that'll be all." Byakuya said again, this time in a stricter voice. Koga heard this time and was snapped from his daydream. He bowed to his Captain and made his way to the door. But right before he was about to walked out he stopped and turned back to face Byakuya. The Captain didn't seem to notice him and he was already working on the documents he'd just been given.

"Byakuya." Koga said. And Byakuya picked his head up and stared at his kin from across the room.

"What did I just tell you about-"

"I know, I know." He said waving his hands as he walked across the room to stand before Byakuya's desk once more." But I need to ask you something, not as Superior and Subordinate but as family." Byakuya obliged him and set his pen down, giving Koga his undivided attention.

"Very well." He said. "Speak." He leaned stood up straight in his chair and crossed his arms across his chest. Koga took a deep breath and let out a calm exhale before he spoke.

"I would like to be promoted to Lieutenant of the Division." Byakuya turned his head and gave his cousin a curious look. From that look Koga knew he'd have to convince his cousin somehow." I'm stronger and smarter than Renji ever was, I've been a valuable member of this division, and I'm part of the Noble Kuchiki Family. It would be in the best interest of the Sixth Division and it would lean some of the workload of you." Byakuya was silent and looked at Koga with a face of neutrality. And when he spoke his voice was just as neutral.

"I will decide what is best for the Division. But you are right, we do need a Lieutenant." Koga smiled.

"Then you'll do it!"

"I will talk it over with the other Captains. If an agreement can be made it will be done." Koga smiled. There was no way this couldn't work, with his own cousin backing him he had the position for sure.

"Thank you. Thank you so much Byak- I mean, Thank you Captain Kuchiki." He bowed to his cousin.

"That'll be all 3rd seat." Byakuya picked up his pen and turned back to his work. Koga turned and walked out the door with a happy, little smile on his face.

At that moment the Head Authority in the Gotei 13 was making his rounds about the Divisions. He was making his way down the street when he bumped into someone he would rather have not.

"Shiro!" greeted Momo as she walked up to him with a smile.

"Don't call me that." He grumbled turning to her with a stern look on his face." I'm the Head-Captain, not some little boy anymore!"

"It's just I'm so happy to see you." She giggled."We haven't seen eachother in such a long time."

"I have been very busy." He said quickly." Such as I am now, if you'll excuse me."

"Do you think you could stop by the Eleventh Division?" She said stopping him." And checking on little Fuji?" Fujimaru Kudo was the younger brother of Captain Matsuri Kudo and newest edition to the Eleventh Division. Toshiro usually stayed out of the business of lower officers keeping it mostly to his Lieutenants, but he liked knowing the names and stories of those who served under him.

"I may." He responded." If I have the time."

"Thank you, Shiro." She said." And my Captain says Hi." He waved her off and headed on his way.

It was not a completely unseen thing for people to bow their heads to him. He had been a seated officer for many years and many and many had requested this of him. But never had the access to such information as Fujimaru did.

"Please!" He pleaded with his head bowed low to the ground." Please teach me!" Ikkaku scratched his chin in silence.

"Uh Fujimaru I-"

"Please! You taught Captain Abarai Bankai. You have Bankai!"

"SHHH!" Ikkaku said jumping up to his feet. He took a long look to his left and then to the right. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that no one had heard him." Why's it so important to you?!" He said in a harsh whisper.

"I want to be stronger! I want to be a stronger fighter!" Fujimaru knew what he'd say next. 'Then go have your sister teach you'. But Fujimaru did not want to learn from his sister he wanted to learn from a true swordfighter." There's no one who has a better understanding of melee zanpaktou than you!" He bowed his head once more." Please!"

Ikkaku stood back in silence as Fujimaru waited for his answer. And for the longest time he thought he'd say no.

"You want to learn something?" Ikkaku said. Fujimaru picked up his head and Ikkaku reached down and pointed to the sword at his belt." Fight with your zanpaktou in your left hand." Fujimaru looked between his hands curiously." When released you already have the gauntlet on your right hand so there's no need to wield your sword there as well. If you wield with your left you can attack your enemy with two weapons." And Fujimaru's smile went from ear to ear. He had never thought about that before.

Koga Kuchiki meanwhile continued about his daily duties. One of them required him to pick up a list of medicines at Squad Four.

"Thank you, have a good day." He beckoned to Lieutenant Kotetsu as he left with the items. And looking at the tall Lieutenant only made him smile more. It put him in a better mode than usual. The sun seemed to shine brighter and the grass was greener as the idea of being Lieutenant Koga Kuchiki mused in his head. He continued to make his way through the streets.

"Koga!" called out a voice. The third seat turned to see a tall man with long red hair and a Captain's coat.

"Captain Abarai." Koga greeted with a smile." How are you doing?"

"No need for formalities between us Koga." Renji snickered." We're old friends." Even though Renji had accomplished his goal of becoming a Captain he didn't let it elevate his attitude. He could defiantly teach Byakuya a thing or two.

"Alright Renji." Koga replied with a smile." Where are you off too?"

"The training fields." Renji replied." I'm doing a joint Training session with Shuhei and Squad Nine." Koga always liked Renji for his strength and determination as well as his seriousness. He'd also served in three other divisions before becoming Captain of a Third, he had a lot of talent to bring to them.

"That's good." Koga said." The training will do you some good. Don't let yourself get sloppy." Renji let out a laugh in reply.

"Ha. Maybe you'll stop by and participate sometime. I know some of the guys in the Squads would love to meet you."

"Really?" Koga asked.

"Oh yes. A skilled guy like you would be most welcomed in my Division or any Division for that matter. It would really show the younger guys what hard work really accomplishes." That only brought Koga's confidence up more.

"Well I may be rewarded for that soon enough."

"What do you mean?" Renji asked with a raised brow. Koga turned to him with a smug face.

"You're looking at a future Lieutenant of the Sixth Division here."

"Really?!" Renji asked with wide eyes." Are you sure?! When will it be announced?"

"My cousin will talk to the Head Captain about it." Koga told." I imagine by the end of the week at the latest."

"That's good news congratulations." He slapped a hand onto the man's back.

"Thank you." Koga beamed with pride. But perhaps he was celebrating too soon.

The Head-Captain had gone from Squad Seven to Eight and had just left Squad Nine. None had any officers he deemed worthy of a Lieutenants spot. Not that they didn't lack candidates. But Jirobo of Squad Seven was too vain for a true leadership position. Tatsufusa Enjoji third seat of Squad Eight had an ego to match his size and all Shuhei Hisagi talked about was how much he disliked his last Lieutenant and what he wanted in a new one. There were two positions that needed filling and Toshiro was sure he could find those two at Squad Eleven. Kenpachi would no doubt part with Ikkaku and Yumichika if he commanded it, and he was sure the two would be willing to rise in the ranks if permitted.

That is where Toshiro headed now. But to get there he had to pass by Squad Ten, his old home. And that's just what he planned on do, passing by. He had no need to stop and chat with Kiganjo and Yoruichi, he was too busy as it is. But as he passed the division he noticed something in it's courtyard.

And for a moment he thought he was the goddess of flashstep moving about in the courtyard but a second glance he realized it was not. It was Yushiro Shihouin, Yoruichi's younger brother.

He was small for a boy of his age, shy and timid. But it was hard when you were so small in a wide world. None understood that better than Toshiro. The Head-Captain stopped dead in his tracks and watched Yushiro as he ran about the courtyard. He was moving about the courtyard with a water bucket in hand amongst the flowers.

If there was anything Yushiro greatly enjoyed about Squad Ten it was the garden. Before it was full of weeds, insects and contained more dirt than flowers. But one Yushiro was promoted to third seat all that changed.

Whenever he could spare time he went out into the gardens and did his work. Nobody ever bothered him out there, it was one of the only places he could be himself. He had a garden just like it back at the Shihouin Mansion where he himself looked over it. It was a favorite pass-time of his.

He fantasized about starting a club. He knew there must be someone in the entire Gotei 13 who thought the same. There must be. Squad Four had a very pretty garden, it must have taken a lot of work to get that to what it was today. But he didn't know who to talk to about that.

Some of the flowers were beginning to bloom bringing out a lot of color into what was once a dull looking courtyard. Yushiro walked around with a bucket of water and splashed it around the flowers.

"Lots of water and sunshine." He said as he walked between them." That's what you need to grow strong." He walked now over to the purple aster and ocean breeze orchid. They weren't in bloom yet, but in a few more weeks they would be." It'll almost be time for you to bloom soon." He tipped the bucket over and watered their position." And everyone's gonna want to look at you. From every division for miles around." He chuckled lightly to himself." Your welcome." He finished once he was finished.

He turned and prepared to walk back the way he came but found the war blocked.

"Good Morning Third Seat Shihouin." A voice of rumbling thunder said to him. Looking up Yushiro saw the Head-Captain standing before him. Suddenly he felt all his confidence leave him. He took a few gasped breaths and stepped back.

"G-Good Morning Head-Captain." He said looking at the ground. Toshiro moved himself deeper inside his old division looking around at the place.

"Is your Captain in?" He questioned." I need to speak with him. He isn't expecting me, I just thought I'd stop by."

"Y-Yes, sir. In-In his office." Yushiro pointed it out to him although he didn't have to. Toshiro gave a him a nod of thanks before heading towards the door that led to the barracks. "Oh!"Yushiro exclaimed." Uh Allow me, sir." He jumped forward and pulled the door open with both hands.

"Thank you, Third seat." Toshiro said as he walked into the barracks. Looking at his back Yushiro saw the symbol of the First Division, the supreme authority in all the Gotei 13. If anyone knew the answer to his question it must be him.

"Uh Head-Captain."

"Hm?" Toshiro turned his head and glanced over his shoulder at him. Yushiro once against couldn't meet Toshiro's eyes and looked at the ground.

"Uh I-I was wondering, sir. If, If you knew what I should do about proposing a club idea?" Toshiro raised his eyebrow at him.

"There is a meeting tonight concerning such matters." Toshiro told." You have to present your idea to the already established clubs and they will decide." Yushiro picked up his head with a cheery smile finally able to look Toshiro in the eye.

"T-Thank you Head-Captain." He said bowing his head. Then he closed the door and disappeared outside. Toshiro turned his head forward and continued walking.

Sometime later.

Byakuya sat in his office behind his desk, signing away at his paperwork. Next to him were his speakers where he had music playing.

'For he himself has said it.' It sang as Byakuya continued to work comforted by the music.'And it's greatly to his credit' But even over the music the Captain of Squad Six became aware of a growing presence standing outside his door. He heard heavy footsteps get louder and louder until they stopped before the door and then, there was a knock.' That he is an Englishman'

"Come in." said Byakuya not taking his eyes off his work. The door opened up and the heavy footsteps continued until they stopped right before his desk. Then Byakuya looked up and saw Head-Captain Hitsuguya before him.

'He remains an Englishman!' sang the music.

"Head-Captain." Byakuya greeting rising from his chair and preparing to go to attention.

"As you were." Said Toshiro stopping him with a raised hand. Byakuya sat back down in his seat.

"What brings you all the way here to see me, sir?"

"You Captain Kuchiki." Toshiro replied taking a seat across from Byakuya." I've come all this way to see you." Byakuya reached over and turned off the music, but never once took his eyes off Toshiro.

"And why would that be?" He asked. Toshiro glanced around the room and noticed that the Lieutenant was missing from the Lieutenant's desk. An obvious fact since Byakuya's Lieutenant was promoted to Captain not too long ago, leaving his former position vacant. Toshiro turned and looked back at Byakuya making eye contact. Skipping right to the point he continued on.

"You've been without a Lieutenant for too long. I think it's time to fill the vacant position."

"Indeed." Agreed Byakuya as he set his pen down and interlocked his hands." Do you have someone in mind?"

"I was wondering if you did." Toshiro responded. At that moment Byakuya's cousin and third seat of the 6th division Koga Kuchiki was walking by the office." Someone from your own division perhaps?" He heard. The curious Koga put himself up against the wall and slid up to the door, putting his ear into it. From what he could hear the Head-Captain and his cousin were in there. And from the conversation he'd had early his skin was crawling with hope and anticipation. Finally he'd be able to get the promotion he desired.

"No." answered Byakuya. Koga shuttered in his place.

"No one?" Toshiro asked. Byakuya nodded firmly. Outside Koga gritted his teeth together." What about your cousin? Isn't he your third seat? And from what I hear a very powerful Soul Reaper." And that lifted Koga's spirits. If the Head-Captain suggested it, it might prove well for him after all.

"Permission to speak openly, Head-Captain?" asked Byakuya.

"Of course." Toshiro answered. Byakuya and Toshiro had a close relationship, they acted and trusted the other as if they were brothers. And Byakuya cared for Toshiro more than several members of his own family.

"My cousin is powerful. Far more powerful than others who wear the Lieutenants badge. He showed great skill in past battles. But he is not suited for the position mentally. He thinks only of himself and not the overall structure of our order. A high leadership position would suit him, myself, and most of all you very ill."

Outside Koga was in a rage, his own cousin had not supported him. With only a few simple words he dashed his hopes of being an officer of Squad Six or even Squad Nine. Even worse he had said it before the Head-Captain who would take his words to heart. But before Koga could do anything outrageous like storm off or jump into the room Toshiro spoke.

"Well if that's how you feel, I have a suggestion." Byakuya leaned in and prepared to listen." There is the third seat in Squad Ten whom I believe could use a promotion, Yushiro Shihouin."

"Shihouin?" Byakuya questioned." A younger sister to Yoruichi Shihouin?"

"A brother." Toshiro corrected. But that did not seem to put Byakuya's mind at ease." He's a bit young and his power has a long way to go, but he has a great desire to learn. He's got a spark and lots of spirit, puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Guidance is what he needs and a firm role model. If I were to place him here as your Lieutenant, would you see it fit to look after him?"

"Yes, sir." Nodded Byakuya." I will do whatever you ask."

"Very well." Said Toshiro rising from his place, Byakyua did so with him." Then that is all we have to discuss." Toshiro turned and made his departure from Squad Six. He opened the door from Byakuya's office to see Koga Kuchiki standing there. Their eyes locked for a moment and it was in there that Koga saw his dreams truly shattered. He could see that the Head-Captain had listened to Byakuya's words and made his conclusion on them.

"Good Afternoon. "Toshiro greeted him. His voice was as cold as his eyes. And with that Head-Captain Toshiro Hitsuguya turned and walked away.

Yushiro stood in the Eight Squad Barracks amongst the presidents of their respective clubs.

There was Lieutenant of Squad One Chojiro Sasakibe who ran the Tea Ceremony Society. Captain of Squad Six Byakuya Kuchiki were ran the Calligraphy Society. Lieutenant of Squad Seven Tetsuzaemon iba who ran the Men's Soul Reaper Association. And Lieutenant of Squad Eight Nanao Ise Vice-President of the Women's soul Reaper Association. And that was counting some of the other officers and listeners in the room.

"We will now yield the floor to any propositions or requests." Nanao said. She sat in her chair and with a wave beckoned Yushiro in.

Byakuya Kuchiki watched with his arms crossed as the boy who would be his Lieutenant walked into the room.

He'd had hardly ever seen this many important people in a room before. And now he was standing in front of them. He had a sheet in his hands where he'd written down what he was going to say. But now suddenly standing there in the middle of the room he found himself unable to read it.

"G-Good Afternoon. Uh T-Thank you for having me."

"What is it you're proposing?" Nanao asked. The manner in which she spoke wasn't harsh but straight-forward. But Yushiro was frightened by it all the same.

"An uh..uh" He fumbled with the paper in his hands." A Gardening club." He looked up hoping to see their expressions change but they didn't. So Yushiro thought they must have hated the idea. But he still had the floor and had to explain the idea."It…It would revolve around the care and special treatment of flowers and, and how get rid of weeds and other best." His face began to grow redder with every breath. I-I-I really like gardening and I know there must be other people who do as well." He took a gulp and when he went silent that made everyone think he was finished.

"Thoughts?" Nanao asked.

"Men shouldn't garden." Iba spoke out." I vote no." That already felt like it crushed his dreams so he didn't expect any better from the others. He waited in silence for disappointment.

"If I may." Said a woman's voice. Everyone turned and watched as Captain Unohana stood up and made herself known. Yushiro watched as she quietly stepped across the room to stand at his side." I am in favor of Third Seat Shihouin's idea." She reached over and rested her hand on his shoulder. Yushiro looked up at her in shock." And I personally would like to be a part of this club." She turned and smiled at him. So he couldn't help but smile.

"All in favor?" Lieutenant Ise asked. And to Yushiro's surprise Lieutenant Sasakibe and Lieutenan Ise both raised their hands. Byakuya Kuchiki sat back a moment longer. This was the boy who would be his Lieutenant. After the other two he slowly raised his own hand." Motion passes. Yushiro Shihouin is now present of the Garden Society with Captain Unohana as his Vice President."