Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya was known throughout the Soul Society for his icy demeanour and his signature white hair. Though he assumed he was also known for his relative youth and lack of height, he hoped that the two former qualities were more well-known than the latter, for he felt they defined him more. At the young age of 10, he had become one of the youngest captains ever to serve in the Gotei 13, and he took his responsibilities very seriously. His stern expression was almost as famous as his exceptional talent with a Zanpakuto. On the other hand, his lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, was his polar opposite. She had a penchant for fun and flirtation, often wearing revealing clothing that showcased her ample assets. While Toshiro dedicated himself to his duties, Rangiku dedicated herself to leisure and revelry. Their stark differences often led to clashes at work, where Toshiro would scold Rangiku for her apparent lack of professionalism, and she would scold him for his seriousness and lack of humour (which of course would lead naturally to Toshiro scolding her for such insubordination). That was how things went in Squad 10, and against all odds it worked quite well. That was because occasionally, very occasionally, the lines would blur slightly and one would positively influence the other. Let me give you an example:
One sunny day in the Soul Society, Toshiro found himself unable to focus on his paperwork. Not due to distraction or boredom, but simply because poor Toshiro had been overworking himself lately and though he would never admit it, he was reaching his limit. Squad 10 had taken on the leading and organisation of a series of training exercises aimed at sharpening the skills of rank and file Shinigami across the Gotei 13, and amidst the mountain of plans, requisition forms and information requests he had to sign off on over the past week, Toshiro began to doubt he would be awake enough to even lead the training programme when it eventually started. It was as Toshiro dropped his pen and rubbed his eyes, that Rangiku entered his office. "Oh Captain, you look absolutely terrible!" she said, her voice a mixture of genuine concern and genuine mockery. "Thank you Lieutenant, that's just what I needed to hear, now get out, I'm busy!" he said, picking up his pen again. "Nuh-uh, no way!" said Rangiku, leaning over his desk suggestively in that way that only she could. Toshiro looked out the window rather than look her in the eyes. "You're coming with me today Captain, on special patrol!". These words made Toshiro look back at his Lieutenant, a choice he slightly regretted given her position, but all the same he asked "What special patrol?". Rangiku smiled "Just wait, you're gonna love it!"
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The Karakura Town Summer Carnival was in full swing. Children and their parents were playing games and winning prizes, waiting in line impatiently for poorly maintained rides, and eating more sugary and fried food than you could ever consume in a lifetime. Toshiro watched the families having fun and began to wonder idly in what world this qualified as "special patrol". Rangiku suddenly appeared beside him, holding two gigantic helpings of pink cottony candy. "Why are we here again?" Toshiro asked shortly. "I told you Captain, it was suggested that hollows can be attracted to large mortal gatherings like this, especially here in Karakura Town- our presence makes sense. Think of us a chaperone for all these people" she replied brightly.
Toshiro shuffled uncomfortably, not enjoying occupying this Gigai and being surrounded by so many people. All the same he could not argue with Rangiku's reasoning, and so with a sigh he walked off into the crowd. As they entered the carnival grounds properly, Toshiro couldn't help but scowl at the chaos around him. Colourful tents, vendors hawking their wares, and the laughter of children filled the air. He turned to Rangiku, who was wearing a playful smile, and said, "This is hardly a place for a captain to be." Rangiku chuckled and replied, "Come on, Captain Hitsugaya, lighten up a bit. You need to lighten up a little- experience the joy of a carnival!" She grabbed his arm and pulled him toward a game booth. Despite his initial protestations and lack of interest, eventually through cajoling Rangiku managed to make Toshiro play the game, the object of which was shooting targets with water guns. Toshiro was surprisingly skilled at it- knocking down four of the five targets. Though when the carnival worker picked up a small stuffed bear from beneath the stall which he presented to Rangiku, he said "Here's your son's prize ma'am!", which only added to her amusement. Toshiro instantly went beet red and soon as the words left the man's mouth, and though Rangiku could barely speak through her laughter, she found it significantly less funny when Toshiro pointed out he had assumed she was old enough to be a mother.
As the day went on, against all odds Toshiro found himself loosening up. He tried cotton candy for the first time, taking a suspicious bite of the voluminous pink mass of spun sugar. Rangiku laughed at him and said she had never seen someone eat something so sweet with such sour expression on their face. After that Toshiro made sure to soften his features and not look so miserable. Because he wasn't miserable. He was having a good time. Next, they rode a roller coaster, though he held on for dear life the entire time. Rangiku, in contrast, was laughing heartily and relishing the thrill of the ride. Later, they came across a fortune teller's tent, and Rangiku insisted they have their fortunes read. Entering the tent, they beheld a small old woman with a kindly face sitting quietly at small round table. Sitting across from her, the old woman first examined Toshiro's palm and said "you are a serious young man, but you must learn to embrace joy and camaraderie. Your strength lies not only in your power but in your bonds with your comrades." Toshiro was taken aback by the accuracy of the fortune, and he glanced at Rangiku, who winked and said, "See, even fate agrees with me!"
The next few hours were a joyful blur of indulgence and silliness. They played more games and rode more rides, with the pinnacle of their fun perhaps being the occasion where Rangiku very nearly gave onlookers an eyeful on the loop-the-loop due to a wardrobe malfunction, though Toshiro in the moment had not found that particularly funny. Later they ate friend chicken and consumed even more raw sugar in the form of slushies, something which Toshiro did like. Rangiku was quick to point out that of course he would enjoy something made of ice.
As the sun began to set, they watched the colourful fireworks light up the sky from a park bench. Toshiro's stern expression had long since softened, and he said to Rangiku, "I never expected to enjoy myself like this.". She seemed for a second surprised that Toshiro had spoken so plainly and honestly, but then smiled warmly. "It's important to have moments of fun and relaxation, Captain. But don't worry, I'll still be there to keep you in line when we're back at work." Toshiro chuckled. They were indeed quite different, he thought. But there was a deep respect and affection between them, and though he often complained about Rangiku, truly he treasured her. As they left the carnival, he found himself looking forward to the next day like this, knowing that he had a friend who could help him find the joy in life.