A Hero Comes Home part 1

The day was September 29th. And that was a very special day for Toshiro because it was about a very special person close to his heart. When he opened his eyes he expected to see her laying there in the bed beside him but she wasn't. But the blankets had been ruffled and moved signaling some recent movement.

With a great yawn and a stretch of his arms Tohsiro sat up in bed. The golden rays of sunshine were pouring into the room from the open window which let in a slight breeze. He smacked his lips together as he looked over at clock resting on his bedside, a gift from her.

'7:35' it read. That meant it was time for work. And he'd better get moving to since there was going to be a Captain's meeting this morning. So Toshiro bounded from bed put on his robes and Captain's cloak and headed into the bathroom.

It was there that he came face to face with himself for the first time that morning. There was a time when he despised when people called him 'Boy' or 'Baby-Captain' but now he longed for those days more than ever. Looking like a man in his forties but his stern gaze and cold eyes had only intensified with age, making him look closer to sixty. His head once covered like a field covered with snow. Only now that field was withering away starting to open up for a shining bald spot turned up. His hair he kept in the same fashion a top knot while trying to cover up his receding hair line. But Toshiro turned his attention from his hair to the stubble on his chin. He couldn't sit there and berate the younger soul reapers for not shaving when he himself didn't. He could hear Rangiku now saying how even in old age the whiskers helped him to look 'sharp' and 'dangerous'. But rules were rules and Toshiro was the very last word in regulations. What else would you expect from someone who had been Head-Captain for nearly nine hundred years?

So he turned on the hot water and let it run. And while he waited he reached into the nearby shelf to pull out his straight razor and cream. It was always calming for Toshiro to shave and he gotten used to doing it himself for some time.

And as the water began to steam and fog up the mirror the Head-Captain covered his hand in shaving cream and applied it to his face, humming a tone as he did.

He thought he heard the soft crunches of sandals against the wood floor and then the door open behind him. No doubt it was his Lieutenant come to ask if he needed anything. He turned to the door expecting her to appear in some dramatic fashion as she always does. He stared at it a good long while but nothing happened.

And when he was ready Toshiro exited the room and walked to his office. He pushed open the doors to see his Lieutenant already at work in his office.

"Lieutenant." Toshiro said causing his Lieutenant to turn and face him fully. Lieutenant of Squad One Yushiro Shihouin. Not the timid boy who Toshiro once trained but a man grown, Leader of the Shihouin Clan and Keeper of the Heavenly Armor. His zanpaktou was on his right hip and his hair tied back in the same fashion as his master.

"Good Morning, Head-Captain." Yushiro greeted. Toshiro nodded back to him as he entered the room." I have made you some tea, sir."

"Excellent." Toshiro said now standing behind his desk." Pour me a glass." Yushiro nodded and went to work doing just that. Toshiro walked around his desk to the dresser by the wall. It was of carved wood with two big doors could only be opened by the key. And only the Head-Captain had that key.

With delicate hands he pulled the key from his pocket, put it into the lock and with one turned opened it. With a hand to each door he slowly opened it to reveal the content inside. There were important files lining the cabinets. But the most important item had the bottom shelf all to itself.

And from looking at it a smile formed from ear to ear on Toshiro's face.

"Your tea, sir." Said Yushiro as he came to his side.

"Thank you." He said accepting it. The Lieutenant then stood by his Captain's shoulder to view what was inside. And it made Yushiro happy to see his Captain smile it was something that became less and less frequent in recent years.

"Excuse me." Said a voice. The two men swiftly turned to see the door opened slightly and a woman's head popping in, though it was a face the two knew well. It was Matsuri Captain of Squad Five. Though she wasn't as buxom as she was in her youth but slightly plumber and greyer. But she was not alone.

Standing behind her was Senna, Matsuri's own daughter. She was a small girl with purple hair and bright big eyes. She was the Lieutenant of Squad Five under her mother.

"Daddy!" she cheered at the sight of Toshiro. A small smile formed on the Head-Captain's lips.

"Hello princess." He said shutting the dresser doors as quick as he could and setting his tea down all in one move. The girl jumped forward into her father's arms for a big hug which he returned. His Captain was so quick to cover the situation he had forgotten to closer the doors fully. Therefore Yushiro casually managed to before anyone had noticed.

"Good Morning Captain-" he Yushiro as Matsuri approached.

"There's no need for that." She stopped him with a smile." You don't have to call me Captain when no one else is around."

"Very well." Yushiro said with a pause." Good morning Mrs. Hitsuguya."

"So what are we doing this morning, daddy?" Senna asked.

"Well what would you like to do?" He responded with a smile.

"I am afraid." Yushiro spoke up in a monotone voice." The Head-Captain has many priorities this morning Lieutenant. Paperwork and then there's a Captain's meeting later."

"Oh but he can overlook that for family, can't he?" Matsuri chuckled turning to her husband.

"I'm afraid not." Toshiro replied with a sheepish smile as he stood back to his full height." Yushiro is right." The Lieutenant nodded as Toshiro turned back to his daughter." You run along now my dear, I'll see you later." He leaned down and kissed her on the top of her head. And as the daughter left Toshiro turned to his wife." And you to my dear." She reached up and kissed him on the cheek and he the same to her. He'd always told her he never liked public displays of affection so she kept in to a minimal to please him.

The couple said there goodbye and after the two women left it was only the two men. Toshiro let out a deep, tiring sigh as he rested against his desk. Day in and Day out it was the same thing every day. He glanced to see Yushiro extending the tea cup to his Captain.

Yushiro was the trustworthy character Toshiro needed in his life. He was polite, respectful, honorable. An ear when he needed to vent, a voice of reason when he needed council, and a friend when he needed one most.

"Thank you." He said. But he didn't just mean it for the tea. He meant it for also getting Matsuri and Senna to leave." Say how's that girl of your's doing?" Yushiro had been dating Mihane Shirogane ever since his time at Squad Six. Shortly after his promotion to Squad One and her promotion to third seat of Squad Six he married her. And now they were expecting their first baby.

"She's doing well." Yushiro responded." Any day now the doctors say."

"Good, Good." Toshiro said with a nod and a smile. Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Allow me, sir." Yushiro said when he noticed Toshiro advancing for the door. He marched across the room and opened the door slightly to poke his head out.

Yushiro poked his head outside and there was the third seat of their division. Toshiro could not hear them but he could hear the hushed whispers and the disgruntled look on the third seat's face. After a brief exchange the third seat left and Yushiro slowly turned to his Captain.

"Sir." He said turning to him." Requesting permission to for relief. Something has come up and I-"

"What is it?" Toshiro questioned." Nothing about your wife I hope."

"No, sir." Yushiro shook his head." Something else."

"What is it?" But the Lieutenant did not answer right away." Spit it out." And his tongue came untied.

"There's a disturbance at Squad Eleven." Toshiro rolled his eyes. He was expecting this sooner or later. With the cat out of the bag Yushiro continued." With your permissioned I'd like to go and deal with this myself."

"No." Toshiro said rising up." We'll both go."

"Sir that's hardly necessary. I-"

"I've put up with this for far too long." Toshiro said as he began crossing the room and over to the door." Let's go." He said passing him at the door.

Squad Eleven had always been the combat division and always attracted a more 'unsavory' group of people. It was never more evident than when Kenpachi Zaraki led the Division.

And it was during times like this that Toshiro missed the maniacal laughter and character of his old friend. He shouldn't have gone the way he did.

After Unohanna, Toshiro made it his business to train Kenpachi to achieve his full power. He was almost there, almost at Bankai. It was after one particularly difficult training session that the challenger appeared. Under normal circumstances Kenpachi could have beat him blind-folded but it was different. He was still healing from his training but was never one to turn now a challenger. Toshiro could only blame himself for what happened.

Ikkaku Madarame had been there the day Zaraki was killed but the 12th Kenpachi hadn't reigned for more than a minute as Ikkaku shouted the words 'Bankai' and killed him where he stood. He since took up his Captain's cloak and continues to lead the Division in his memory.

And Ikkaku like his predecessor died as a Kenpachi should, with his sword in hand. Though Ikkaku was not killed by a challenger but on a mission in the human world. That was just over a hundred years ago and since then the Leadership of the Division had fallen to it's Lieutenant.

Toshiro's own brother in law Fujimaru Kudo.

When he and Yushiro arrived at Squad Eleven the Lieutenant was easy to find. He confided himself to a nice shady spot. But while he seemed comfortable the rest of the division did not. Nervous glances shot all around as the duo from Squad One approached the Lieutenant.

"Lieutenant." Toshiro said in a commanding tone of authority as he looked over him. Fujimaru slowly opened one eye to see his brother-in –law and his Lieutenant standing there.

"Well, well look who's stopped to visit." Fujimaru said.

"I heard you've been calling yourself Kenpachi again." Toshiro said.

"I am the Kenpachi." Fujimaru said jumping to his feet.

"That badge on your shoulder says otherwise." Yushiro spoke up. Fujimaru now turned his attention to Toshiro's 'lap-dog' as he called him. There was a time when Fujimaru simply looking at Yushiro would strike fear into him. But those days had long past. Yushiro stood proudly by his Captain's side.

Toshiro had trained with Fujimaru for a short period of time. After their family bond had been made he took the young man under his wing and tried to make him the best he could be. Just as he had done for Yushiro, Rukia Kuchiki and Shusuke Amagai. But Fujimaru had been different. He never achieved what Toshiro's other students did, he never achieved Bankai and thus would never become a Captain.

"I've been in the Gotei 13 for nearly a thousand years, most of that time as Captain Commander." Toshiro began as he took a step towards Fujimaru." And in that time I've known dozens of Captains. And Five of them have claimed to be a Kenpachi." He continued to walk forward until he stood before Fujimaru." A title given to only the Captain of the Eleventh Division, the Greatest Swordsman of each Generation. Their names commanded both fear and respect for their mastery of the art." He shifted his gaze down at him." But you are no master and a disgrace to the very name you want to hold." Fujimaru's face squinted." I don't care how powerful you think you are, you will never be the Kenpachi. Not now, not ever!"

That was the last straw. Fujimaru would show Toshiro just how powerful he really was.

"Why you! Flash Ryūjōmaru!" He swung his blade forward, shikai drawn and ready to take the Head-Captain's head off. But he was stopped, a blade clashed against his stopping the deed.

Between the Head-Captain and Fujimaru was Lieutenant Yushiro Shihouin sword drawn and ready for battle. Whether or not Fujimaru like to admit it he could not fight, not now when both the Head-Captain and his Lieutenant were there.

Angered but admitting defeat he stepped back, blade resting at his side.

"Well done Lieutenant Shihouin." Toshiro said.

"Thank you, sir." He said sheathing his sword.

"Lieutenant Kudo." Fujimaru grinded his teeth as he was forced to meet his superior's eyes." Since you are so concerned with the title Kenpachi rest assured I will do everything I can to find a suitable one as soon as possible." And that enraged Fujimaru the most. He watched as the symbol of Squad one walked out his barracks, Lieutenant at his side.

"Toshiro." Fujimaru grumbled." You no good, dirty son of a-"

With their business concluded the leaders of Squad One returned to their barracks.

And when the doors opened wide there were the Captains that ran the Soul Society. Before the doors opened full and their faces with them Toshiro tried to remember what they looked like. Soifon with her military discipline. Byakuya Kuchiki with his strict eyes. Shunsui Kyoraku with his cheery laughter and pink coat. The Lumbering Gosuke Kiganjo and playful Yoruichi. The maniacal Kenpachi Zaraki and evil genius Mayuri Kurotsuchi. And lastly his fellow Shiro, Ukitake.

It had been a long time since he'd seen any of their faces, making his memory of them distorted. He could see them now as shadows with black coats instead of a Captain's white. And others stood in their place now.

The only familiar face from the old days was Sajin Kommamura still Captain of Squad Seven. Though now his once red-ish brown fur had turned all white, and had grown long on his upper lip and over his eyes.

Squad Six must always be run by a Kuchiki so Toshiro's first student Rukia was promoted to fill that role. She looked like a women nearing fifty now, her skin starting to wrinkle and hair starting to grey. Rangiku would be about that age with her skin wrinkling and hair turning as white as Toshiro's own and those big breasts she loved so much starting to sag.

In the beginning Genryusai Yamamoto had Genrie Kuchiki and Yachiru Unohanna to rely on. In these times Sajin and Rukia filled those spaces. They along with the Head-Captain had held their positions for over 500 years, Sajin and Toshiro even longer.

There was Shusuke Amagi who was Toshiro's former Third Seat's Shin'etsu's son and his pupil, now Captain of Squad Three.

After Uhoana's death Toshiro stepped in for the longest time as the stand-in Captain of Squad Four, since none would rival him in healing kido. But a man could not be both the Head-Captain of the Gotei 13 and Captain of Squad Four, something had to be done. So Toshiro began taking on many students of Squad Four and teaching them in the art of combat. And while some had managed to join other officer positions none were suited enough to become the Captain of the Fourth Division. The obvious choice was Isane Kotetsu. She was already a Lieutenant and would therefore require the least amount of advancement to become a Captain. It was a long process to learn it and a long process to master it, taking twice as long as it did anyone else. But eventually she was given the position. She was no great fighter by Captain standards but he was a damn good healer and that was good enough. Though the years and added stress did nothing to help her already delicate attitude. She'd gained some extra weight from the stress eating and had taken up smoking. Her Lieutenant was Hanataro Yamada another of Toshiro's students.

Toshiro's own wife Matsuri still Captain of Squad of Five.

Squad Eight by Eikichiro Saido. A former member of the Onmitsukido and seated Officer during the last few years of Soifon's career. His training from the executive militia giving him good skills as a Captain.

Squad Nine was headed by Kouga Kuchiki, the late Byakuya and Rukia's cousin. The vacant position left by Shuhei Hisagi's retirement needed to be filled so he stepped up. And with his special training and noble name he was perfect for the join.

Squad Ten was Toshiro's old Division. And although he had been in Squad One for much longer Squad Ten was always his home and he would not let just anyone into it. He turned down several candidates, instead giving them positions in other Divisions. It wasn't until Sajin suggested his own third seat Zennosuke Kurmadani that Toshiro listened. And he did not disappoint and was rewarded with the Captainship of Squad Ten. A point of pride for the man thinking it gave him some leverage with his Commander.

Captain Ran'Tao ran the Twelfth Division, the very one the Head-Captain introduced her to. Her Lieutenant was Nemu Kurotsuchi And being a machine she hadn't aged a day. But he was still just a reminder of brighter times.

The only current vacancy was of Squad Two at the moment. It's Captain a cousin to Yushiro and Lieutenant Mareyo Omaeda, none other than the younger sister of Marechiyo Omaeda. After her brother's retirement from Squad Two the position was taken up by her other brother Marejiosabu. But he didn't find the rough style of the Division to his liking and instead transferred to Squad Twelve where he eventually became it's third seat.

But Squad Thirteen was without a Captain, ever since Ukitake left. Shortly after the Quincy War a new Soul King was needed and Jushiro Ukitake filled that roll. He had been gifted with power from the left hand of the Soul King, and as a part of him filled that space. And Shunsui had left to become the new leader of the Royal Guard. They used to make frequent visits to the Gotei 13 and his old family. But the years passed one and his visits became fewer. It was nearly four hundred years since Toshiro last saw them.

It was once a point of pride and honor to be an Officer in the Gotei 13. Toshiro's long gone comrades had known that. He once held a dream to make the Gotei 13 stronger than ever but that dream had fallen very short in recent years. When he became a Captain he lived besides Legends come to life but their kind is long gone and those who took their place are less that dirt. They bring shame to the very order they represent, almost as much as Toshiro himself. Not the family he wanted but the one he had.

All the chatter died down when the duo of Squad One were seen in the doorway. The Head-Captain said nothing as he entered the room and the Captain's said nothing as he walked by. He looked nowhere except his destination, the chair at the end of the room. He paused only a moment to glance at Sajin Kommamura and nod him a greeting which was retuned. But he made no notion to any of the others until he was in his seat.

"Let us begin." And at Toshiro's right stood his Lieutenant Yushiro Shihouin 23rd Head of the Shiouin clan.

Suddenly there was a rapid banging at the door. Toshiro looked at Yushiro and pointed to the door. The Lieutenant quickly ran across the room but by the time he opened the door the figure had already fallen through.

It was none other than Lieutenant Mareyo Omaeda of Squad Two. Her uniform had been cut down her right arm from shoulder to forearm and was bleeding badly. Weakly in her left arm was Captain Shihouin wrapped in his white coat. They'd been given the assignment to journey into the world of the Living and deal with the former Substitute Soul Reaper Kugo Ginjo who had disappeared from their detection hundreds of years ago.

"Lieutenant!" Yushiro yelled as he steaded Omaeda onto one knee.

"Captain Yamada!" Sajin Kommamura called. The little man made his way past the crowd and towards the duo. The Head-Captain now rose from his chair and made his way to the center of the room. Captain Amagai and Koga moved aside as he came through. Now only Captains Kommamura and Rukia stood closest to him.

Captain Isane started first with the Captain though it was a sort autopsy. She picked up his head and looked at the Head-Captain. And a shake of her head told what the truth.

As Isane turned to Lieutenant Omaeda Toshiro turned to Yushiro. The man's own cousin was lying dead at his feet. But he was holding himself together well though his eyes were shut to hold back the tears and his teeth biting into his lips to keep him from making a scene.

"Lieutenant." Toshiro said to Mareyo." Explain this."

"Yes, sir." she said inching forward." Of course, sir." And once she cleared her throat she explained the events that unfolded and led to his Captain's demise. The former substitute Ginjo had learned some new tricks since he was last seen, something he called 'Fullbringer'. Evidently it was something unlike anything before especially if it was used to kill a Captain class Soul Reaper.

Toshiro was silent after the recap was made, thinking to himself about what had to be done.

"This fiend must be dealt with!" called out Captain Zennosuke." Give me leave to go Head-Captain and I'll see that justice is done."

"I'll do it Head-Captain." Rukia spoke up.

"Head-Captain." Sajin said as he hovered over his friend. Toshiro glanced upward at him. "I have never failed you before. Let me prove my worth again." Toshiro turned his head away from the giant and back to Yushiro.

The Lieutenant of Squad one helped Captain Kotetsu lay his cousin on his back then covered his face with the Captain's cloak.

"Lieutenant Shihouin." Toshiro called. Without another word Yushiro was on his feet and at attention.

"Yes, sir."

"Your cousin was an honorable man." Toshiro began." And he deserved more than this." His face grew colder with each word." Follow me and we'll see that justice is done." Then he walked past his Lieutenant and headed for the door.

Yushiro like the rest of the Officers present must have been confused. The Head-Captain was going to battle, what an amazing sight.

"Lieutenant!" The Head-Captain called when he was out the door. Yushiro quickly remembered his duty and followed after the Captain.

Now they stood at the Senkamon. Toshiro stood before it with Yushiro right at his back. And needless to say their departure had brought a small crowd. Captain Kommamura and Kuchiki came with their Lieutenants.

Iba tetsuzaemon was just as stalwart as his Captain and held his position despite his old age. And the Lieutenant of Squad Six was Ryunosuke Yuki who followed her from Squad Thirteen. Shusuke Amagai another of Toshiro's formers students arrived to see his master off. But he was not the only pupil present.

The Lieutenant of Squad Eleven Fujimaru Kudo had joined the group. His arms crossed with a grimace on his face in Yushiro's direction.

Despite intense training from both Ikkaku and Toshiro himself Fujimaru was never able to learn bankai. And perhaps seeing Yushiro standing there as the pinnacle of all Lieutenants at the Head-Captain's side angered him further. Fujimaru stood aside with his sister and niece.

"You don't have to go." Matsuri protested. With his back to her Toshiro rolled his eyes. She took a step forward." Let somebody else go. Someone younger" Toshiro began to tune her out and simply waited for the senkamon to open before him, it would only be a few seconds more." Let me come with you." He heard her say into his ear as she laid a hand on his shoulder.

"NO!" Toshiro commanded as he turned to face her. The sheer strictness of his voice caused her to take a frightened step back. By the look on her frightened face Toshiro lightened his own." Do not fear." He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder." I will be alright, Yushiro will be with me."

"I'd feel better knowing if I was there to protect you." She said putting both of her hands over his. And the feel of her soft hands and against his heavy, caused goosebumps to break across his arms.

"I will be fine." He said taking his hand away from her.

She leaned up and kissed him on the lips. Passionately she had hoped but he only pursed his lips slightly for her. But it was understandable, the Head-Captain never really liked public displays of affection.

"Head-Captain." Said Yushiro. And in one quick movement Toshiro turned from his wife and to his Lieutenant." It's ready, sir." He pointed to the wide open doors to the world of the living.

"Then let's get going!" Toshiro ordered him. He broke away from Matsuri his hand sliding out from her's. Then she watched along with family and co-workers as the father of her child walked into the white light.