The Price of Command
It was a quiet night. And on this quiet night Toshiro pulled himself away from the papers and work to stand by the balcony in the moonlight. Quiet nights were a rare thing for the young Head-Captain. If he wasn't dealing with the population of souls in the World of the Living, hollows here in the Soul Society or even the bombastic attitudes of his subordinates. Kenpachi Zaraki was always causing troubling greeting everyone else who would say "Hello" to him with a challenge to duel. Captain Kuchiki caused some trouble when he found his sister at the Squad Three barracks and almost destroyed the entire place in the ensuing battle. And Captain Kommamura's dog kept getting out and 'releasing' himself next door at Squad Eight, on Captain Kyoraku's favorite cherry blossom tree. Sometimes while the old captain was sitting right there.
Captain Hisagi was the next on Toshiro's list. Like Byakuya the man had gone without a Lieutenant for too long, but once that was resolved the Gotei 13 would be at full power once more.
Shuhei had once requested for one of Toshiro's two Lieutenants to come to him permanently. And a second glance wasn't needed to figure out who he meant. So Shuhei was surprised that Toshiro agreed and was even more surprised when Chojiro appeared at his door. That last the weekend. Some like Ukitake and Unohanna viewed it as cruel, Kenpachi and Soifon thought it was funny. And Shunsui even commented that Shuhei would refuse and Lieutenants given to him, waiting until it was finally Rangiku. He will wait forever.
At that moment the Lieutenant in question entered the office. She had a way of walking and a smell about her that Toshiro recognized without even looking at her. He said nothing as she came alongside him and rested her head against his shoulder.
Suddenly the door burst open and in ran the other Lieutenant of Squad One.
"Head Captain! Head Captain!" Chojiro said frantically as he ran into the room.
"What is it?" Toshiro asked turning to him.
"An Emergency, sir." The Lieutenant said stopping before his superior's desk." Students from the Academy, they've been trapped in the world of the Living." The Head-Captain was quick to act.
"Call out the Captains of Squads Five, Six, and Seven." Toshiro commanded." Tell them to get to the Senkaimon immediately!" As he spoke he moved past the two Lieutenants and headed for the door.
"Captain?" Rangiku questioned.
"Let's go!" He called back to them. Chojiro was already a step ahead of them painting his arms and using Bakudo 77 Tenteikura. He placed his hands out and a black and white square appeared before him. And his voice was heard all over the Soul Society.
"Attention this is Lieutenant Chojiro Sasakibe of Squad One. By order of the Head Captain the Captains of Squads Five, Six and Seven are to report to the Senkaimon immediately! This is not a drill, This is not a drill!"
As Chojiro spoke Rangiku chased after her Captain. Using shunpo to keep up as he moved across the Soul Society. And when they arrived at the Senakimon their party was already waiting.
Captain Sajin Kommamura and Lieutenant Iba Tetsuzaemon and several other high ranking members waiting at the Senkaimon. Matsuri Kudo and Momo represented Squad Five. Aside from his new Lieutenant Byakuya had brought his third seat Koga Kuchiki with him.
Then suddenly the trio of Squad One appeared. But before anyone could ask anything of the situation Toshiro had run past them.
"Follow me!" He commanded. And with the Head-Captain leading the way, through the Senkaimon they went.
One by one they followed after him until they all stood under the night's sky in the world of the living. Toshiro then began delegating sectors. Pointing the commanders in the direction he wanted until his was the only one left. Then with Rangiku and Chojiro at his side the descended into the city.
Yushiro Shihouin had never seen something so dazzling, so wonderful or exciting as the Human World. There were buildings as tall as the sky with bright lights in many different colors and sizes. Everyone from back in the Soul Society had told him something he had to try and look for. And tonight Yushiro had hoped to try them all…with his Captain's permission.
"Lieutenant." Called Byakuya. Yushiro was quickly snapped out of his daydream and ran to his Captain's side.
"Yes, sir." He said with a hand on the hilt of his sword as he ran to his Captain's side. Koga Kuchiki was on Bykauya's left and his face squinted when he saw the young Lieutenant run over to them.
"Lieutenant." Byakuya said as he observed the town from their position above it." Take some men and begin searching the Northern section of town." He pointed a finger in the direction he was referring to.
"Yes, sir." Yushiro said." Roger, sir. Right away, sir!" This was his first mission as Lieutenant of Squad Six and he hoped he wouldn't disappoint anyone. He turned back to the others they had brought with them and began making his team.
"You go with him." Byakuya said with a half-glance over his shoulder to Koga. Byakuya must not have been aware of Koga's indifference towards the Lieutenant but he quickly tried to compose himself and take it with a grain of salt.
"As you wish, sir." Koga quickly left and walked away to join the Lieutenant.
"Koga." Yushiro smiled as he noticed him walking over." Are you coming with us too?"
"Yes." Koga answered." The Captain has requested it."
"Wonderful. Then let's get moving." Yushiro said.
Shusuke Amagai was a sixth year student and almost ready to graduate. He'd been talking with members of the Onmitsukido and had been offered a chance to join them. The Omnitsukido were like assassins and feared nothing. You had to be fearless to join them. But Shusuke was full of fear now.
He'd already seen his classmates eaten, ripped in half, and squashed. And the only thing that saved him from their fate was that he kept moving. But he knew the Hollows were coming after him. He could hear their roaring and the stomping of their feet behind him, getting closer and closer.
The only other classmate who managed to survive it with him was his classmate Ryunosuke Yuki. And he was just as freaked out as Amagi was. They kept running, Shusuke with a slight lead. Until suddenly Yuki tripped over heimself and at the worst possible time.
Standing above him was a hollow the size of a building.
"No!" Shusuke yelled. But he knew there was nothing he could do. More and more hollows appeared and he couldn't take them on alone. Yuki was on his back looking up at the gapping jaws of the beast, terrified.
He thought that would be the last thing she saw. Suddenly he saw nothing and it became hard to breath, he was defiantly dead. But then he felt her face pulled back and saw the starry sky above.
"Oh sorry." A voice said. Surprised Yuki looked around and saw herself on the arms of a Soul Reaper with orange hair and an enormous chest. Perhaps that could account for her sudden loss of vision and breath.
Shusuke couldn't believe it himself. It was the fastest display of shunpo he'd ever seen. They went from right before him to being on a rooftop. But his attention slowly went from one savior to the next.
A tall, thin shadow appeared alone the side of a nearby building. And a figure who looked as grim as the hollows stepped out and into the open. And with a look from his cold blue eyes seemed enough to destroy the hollows.
He tilted his head up and looked at the savior of Yuki.
"Clean this place up." He commanded. She nodded her understanding and drew her sword in her free hand.
"Growl Haineko!" she commanded. And the blade turned to ash. And when she swung the hilt the ash flew forward and like a typhoon engulfed the hollows. Shusuke stayed on the ground with his own savior standing over him.
When the wave of ash had passed he turned down and looked at the boy.
"It's alright." He said." Your safe now."
Lieutenant Shihouin was standing at the head of his group. Third Seat Koga Kuchiki was right behind him and the rest of the group after him.
"Lieutenant." A voice chirped behind him. Yushiro turned to see 9th seat Mihane Shirogane coming towards him." I think this is the spot Captain Kuchiki wanted us to patrol."
"Is it? Oh" He said." Oh okay. Then…then we'd better get looking."
"How should we, sir?" one man asked." What should we do?" Koga said nothing as he watched Yushiro put on the spot. Now he'll see what his Lieutenant could really do.
"Well uh we've got to go find the Hollows and save the students. So we'll..so we'll start looking." Koga liked watching him struggle. He wondered if he whispered in Yushiro's ear if he'd say whatever he was told.
"Should we split up?" Mihane asked.
"Yes." Yushiro answered with a vicious nod." Yes we'll, we'll all split up. Grab, Grab a buddy everyone." And everyone began doing as ordered. Koga turned and looked around for someone who wouldn't slow him down. Mihane moved up and towards the Lieutenant.
"Can I go with you Lieutenant?" she asked.
"Me?" he repeated." No 9th seat I'll be going with Third Seat Kuchiki."
"What?!" Koga turned to him.
"You look for someone else." Yushiro smiled. Mihane smiled as well even if it was a small one and turned away from him. Then with that same smile Yushiro turned to Koga." Well Third Seat, let's get going." The Lieutenant reached down for his sword and ripped it from it's sheath. But either the sword was too long or he too short because that movement nearly made him fall over. But he quickly adjusted himself, although it wasn't graceful." C'mon." He said moving past Koga.
Captain Kudo had drawn her sword. Her Lieutenant was behind her and the five students they'd protected behind her.
The Captain arched herself back holding the hilt of her sword with both hands. Then in one swift motioned pointed it forward and called it's name.
"Swath Kotomaru!" And when the blade went forward it changed from a regular kitana into a much longer blade with a double edged pole-like shape and a small ax just above the red hilt.
Then she held the blade above her head and began spinning it wildly. Then just as the hollows were about to close in on them she swung her blade forward. And a gust of wind flew from her sword and at the beasts.
She had only swung it for a few seconds but she had managed to destroy all the hollows and even destroy some of the nearby buildings.
Yushiro's sword was drawn, gripped with both hands with each careful step he took. Koga Kuchiki was right behind him and rolled his eyes at the clumsy sight of a Lieutenant. His robs looked like the barely fit him, sagging around his ankles, his sheath went almost to his ankles he'd be better off with it on his back.
Yushiro jumped over and pressed his back against the wall, breathing heavily. Koga more casually and silently pressed his shoulder against it. He looked across to see his Lieutenant's face covered in sweat, fingers gripped nervously around his sword. He looked to Koga and nodded.
Then without another word turned and jumped into the alley, pointing his blade into it. Koga stood back and waited. Waited for something to lash out at the Lieutenant, but nothing came. The only thing Yushiro had to be afraid of in the alley was the dark.
Still breathing heavily but relieved Yushiro turned to Koga with a smile. He was glad there was nothing in there. Koga couldn't help but roll his eyes again, what kind of Lieutenant was afraid of battling a hollow.
Yushiro waved at Koga signaling him to follow as he turned out and into the main street. Koga moved away from the building as Yushiro stepped around the corner. But then he came immediately back into Koga's view, flat on his butt and sword out of his hand. He let out an annoyed sigh thinking Yushiro had run right into a pole.
But his annoyance died when he saw Yushiro point his finger up and scream at the top of his lungs. A second later a snake-looking hollow appeared over Yushiro.
He wanted to reach for his sword, It was right in his reach but he couldn't. He was too afraid. His hands were trembling, his eyes filling with tears. And the hollow opened it's haws and closed in one him.
Lucky for him before he could even think about reach for his sword Koga jumped forward and with one slash of his unsealed zanpaktou cut off the beat's head.
"T-Thank you, Third Seat." Yushiro panted on the ground." Thank you." Koga turned around to view the Lieutenant with his but on the ground and tears building in his eyes. How could he ever have lost the position to this? He had to know!"
"I can't believe you!" he growled turning to face him fully. And the sound of his voice seemed to make Yushiro even more frightened." What kind of Lieutenant drops his sword?!" Yushiro's body began to shiver and his nose sniffle. Koga would have said more, he wanted to say more but he was interrupted.
Around him on all sides were dozens of hollows. He turned away from Yushiro and grabbed his sword. He wouldn't be able to protect Yushiro now, but he could protect himself.
"Oh No. "Yushiro cried as he crunched down and to the ground." Oh No." He was still afraid, to afraid to even pick up his sword and try to fight but Koga wasn't. He was a member of the Kuchiki Clan, a respected member of Squad Six and the real Lieutenant of the Division.
One of the hollows jumped out and lunged at Koga. He turned and with one slash of his sword sent a slash of spiritual energy at the beast, cutting it in two. Another flew at him from above and Koga simply had to jab his sword up to stab it in the head. But one began to charge from his left.
Koga simply raised his hand and aimed at it.
"Hado #31 Shakkaho." He said softly. The red blast shot from his hand and went right through the hollow and all the others at it. But he was distracted from the battle by a girlish cry. He turned his head to see Lieutenant Shihouin still on his back, sword still out of his reach as he cowered away from hollows closing in one him.
Koga would do nothing. He wasn't worth saving and with him gone there was no one to get in his way of being Lieutenant. He turned away expecting that to be the last time he ever saw Yushiro Shihouin.
But then he noticed something. A faint flash to his right, he turned his head to inspect it further. And there it was.
A pink pedal flew across the sky as quick as a flash. Then suddenly there were hundreds more and they all flew towards the hollows. It only took one pedal to cut one of the creatures in two but then all these present it cut them to pieces until they disappeared into nothingness.
"C-C-Captain." Yushiro stammered. Byakuya held his blade at his side allowing the pedals to fly back to him and reform his blade. Then he sheathed it and quickly appeared on the ground between his subordinates.
Koga expected thanks. Byakuya must have been watching and must have seen what he'd done, how he'd done overshadowing even their Lieutenant. But Byakuya said nothing and walked past his cousin to Yushiro on the ground.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Uh Y-Yes." Yushiro answered with a gulp. With the help of his sword he pushed himself up to his feet."I'm-I'm-"
"That wound looks like it hurts." Byakuya said noticing the red mark on Yushiro's bare shoulder. A scratch he most likely gave himself when he fell back onto the ground.
"Uh yes." He responded looking at it himself." Just a scratch actually but-"
"When we return to the soul Society." Byakuya said." Go to Squad Four and have that looked at."
"Yes, sir." Koga was enraged. Byakuya had looked right over his accomplishment and instead was coddling their Lieutenant. He had certainly had his fill of this.
"Captain I-" He began
"Third Seat." Byakuya said to him cutting him off." Take what's left of the Squad and scout the area, see if you can find of there are any more hollows." Koga stood back and grinded his teeth in anger." Do you understand?" Byakuya said taking Koga out of his rage.
"Yes." He answered.
"Yes?"
"Yes, sir." He corrected. Without another word he turned and began walking away with the others following him. But looking over his shoulder he could see Byakuya with Yushiro standing at his side.
Once the Hollows had been exterminated the Soul Reapers all regrouped with the surviving students. They met in the spot where the senkaimon had originally opened and from there they headed back to the Academy.
And waiting for them at the gates to the Academy was a familiar face. Former Captain of Squad Three and Current Head Master of the Shino Academy, Bansui Amatsuki.
He reigned as Captain of Squad Three for nearly sixty years, and then began to teach classes back at the Academy. A few short years later he hung up his Captain's coat to follow his new passion, teaching. And he's been here ever since. He had aged considerably since his days in the Gotei 13. Most of his purple hair had now greyed and the wrinkles that now defined his face gave him a much kinder look.
As he saw the group approach more importantly as he saw his students approach a grin grew on his face from ear to ear.
"Children." He said greeting his students. He walked forward and began patting them on their heads and shoulders. And the smile and reassurance of their Head Master made them feel safe for the first time this night. Bansui now turned his attention to the heroes of the night, his former co-workers. "Young Hitsuguya." He said taking a step forward. He smiled as he looked the boy over." Last time I saw you, you were" He held his hand out and up to his own chest, laughing to see how much he'd grown." And look at you now. What have they been feeding you?" He laughed. "We're the same you know." Bansui continued." You commander of the Gotei 13 and I Head Master of the Academy for the Gotei 13. I suppose we're both Head-Captains." He laughed.
Yushiro Shihouin liked the care-free demeanor the Head Master had, and he smiled along with him. But he was the only one. Nobody else was laughing or even cracked a smile. After a glance to his Captain Yushiro changed his demeanor.
"I was sorry to hear about Head-Captain Yamamoto." Bansui continued." But I can see he left command in some capable hands." His smile was accompanied with a slight chuckle. Toshiro averted his eyes for the first time from Bansui and to the students they had saved.
"Your students have had a long day." He said." They should turn in for the night."
"Of course, of course." Bansui nodded. He turned to the young students." You heard the Head-Captain children. Off to bed with you, you need to get at least eight hours. And don't forget classes start bright and early tomorrow." He turned back and saw Toshiro' stern face still looking at him.
"And my men had been aroused from their own sleep." He pointed over his shoulder at them." I think their entitled to your generosity."
"Yes, Yes of course." Bansui nodded." Ladies and Gentlemen, in the teacher's longue are food and drink. Cookies, pastries, and adult beverages." Iba gave a nod to his subordinates and the lower members of Squad Seven took the hint. Walking off to accept the Head Master's hospitality. Koga turned his head and looked at his cousin. Byakuya gave a nod dismissing him. Yushiro naturally thought the same thing and was in the mood for some cookies right now. He took a step forward but was stopped as his Captain had reached out his arm and stopped him. When he looked up Byakuya just shook his head at him. Looking around he saw Lieutenants Matusmoto, Hinamori and Iba had remained as well. " If you'll follow me-" But he was cut off as Toshiro stretched out his arm to place his hand on Bansui's shoulder.
"We need to talk." Was all he said.
"Of course, of course. We-"
"Someplace quiet."
"Yes, Yes." Bansui nodded." In-In my office." And with the Head Master leading the way the rather large group journey to his office. Whatever the reason it couldn't be good, Captain Kommamura was hiding something under his big arms.
Bansui opened the doors to his office and welcomed everyone in. The Office was standard. The only decorations he allowed himself were the flowers on the windowsill, and the symbols of the Third and Thirteenth Division hanging from the ceiling. And sitting behind his desk, carefully preserved was his zanpaktou. Looking more like a trophy than the weapon of choice for a Soul Reaper, let alone a former Captain.
"Can I get any of you anything?" He asked turning back to them. Sajin ducked under the door and entered. Toshiro stood at the head of the group, his Lieutenants by his side. Toshiro wasted no time.
As the door shut behind them he nodded to Sajin. The Captain of Squad Seven moved forward, opened up his big arms and put something on the floor. Yushiro watched as four dead students, three boys and one girl were laid out on the floor. He wanted to jump and fidget but his Captain stood still as a mountain, so he did the same.
"Oh my." Bansui shrieked as he covered his mouth.
"These students were under your care." Toshiro said as he took a step closer to the Head Master." And you sent them out into danger without proper protection."
"I-I-I" Bansui stammered.
"You are a former Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads." Toshiro continued." You are as qualified as anyone else in this room. And yet you called us from half way across the Soul Society when you had the capability of reaching them faster than us." Bansui's eyes shifted. This wasn't what he wanted. He had come back to the Academy to teach the children, to be their mentor. He never wanted or expected this. " Their blood is on your hands just as much as they are mine." It took every ounce of restraint Toshiro had not to beat Bansui within an inch of his life.
"Oh Toshiro." Bansui said reaching out and putting both hands on the Head-Captains and sobbing on his shoulders. This annoyed Toshiro but given the man's emotional position he was willing to stomach it." You and I are the only ones who understand. The one's at the top who see how see how the waterfall of decisions flows from top to bottom." That kind of talk Toshiro would not stand.
With his right hand he reached up and punched Bansui in the chin, sending him flat onto his back.
"Don't compare yourself to me." Toshiro growled. He did not understand true leadership. The hardest thing he had to do was grade papers and deal with a disruptive student. He did not deal with the extermination of Hollows, the Protection of Existence itself, and most importantly not have to kill his predecessor for his position.
Toshiro turned around and headed for the door while Bansui was helped up by Lieutenants Iba and Shihouin.
"Gather your men." Toshiro said to his subordinates as he left." Let's get out of here."