Chapter 10: 12th Division Captain

"Lieutenant Yamada," Kirara glanced over her shoulder as she pulled broken Zanpakuto from where it was embedded in the wood. In the doorway, she could see two Shinigami dragging the last man out. He was unconscious - just like the rest - and Kirara doubted he would wake until he was back in the Seireitei. "We have this handled. You could have returned with Third Seat Urahara," he said, and Kirara shrugged.

"I'm not needed with him. Thought I'd help out here, give him peace of mind when he's done," she said, tossing the broken blade into the pile with the rest. It clattered loudly, cutting through the silence of the shack.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. We're mostly done now. We can escort these men back to the Seireitei," he bowed his head, and Kirara nodded. With the group of deserters restrained and gathered together, she wasn't needed anymore.

"Okay then. Thanks for your hard work," she flashed a smile and bowed to them. The men still in the room bowed back, and left the shack. Kirara's smile faded, and her gaze swept the room. It was destroyed when Kisuke took them down, leaving nothing but a wreckage.

She couldn't even begin to imagine how desperate a person would be to not only risk deserting the Gotei 13, but to journey so far out to hide. They might have been away from the place they so clearly detested, but what life could they have after? Sequestered away from civilisation, in a miserable little home in a place where if you weren't worrying about bandits, you were keeping watch for Hollows?

Kirara shook her head and walked out, trying to put the image of the shack out of her mind. She squinted as her eyes stung at the sudden light, and once they adjusted, she started to make her way back to the Seireitei using Shunpo.

Back home.

There was almost a sense of relief in Kirara's chest as she saw the familiar white walls, allowing her to pass through without trouble. Most Shinigami gave her a wide berth as she walked through the streets, choosing to move at a slower pace to take it all in. Kirara ignored them, well used to it by now. It wasn't personal; just the fear that some Shinigami held at the idea of the Onmitsukido being integrated into the Gotei 13.

"There you are!" Kirara slowed and stopped as she saw Natsuki waving to her. "Drinks?" she asked with a grin. Kirara paused for a moment, mulling it over in her head. Part of her wanted to decline; she hadn't slept in over a day.

Then the image of that sad, decrepit shack flashed in her mind, and Kirara's hands closed into fists. She grinned at Natsuki.

"Fuck yeah."

Kirara had a personal grievance with the sun the next morning. It was too hot; too bright, and seemed to shine even brighter than usual that morning as she dragged her feet. Yoruichi had taken one look at her that morning and laughed, reminding her that they had an important ceremony to attend. Kirara had almost cried in response.

Now she dragged her feet as she followed Yoruichi through the streets of the Seireitei, her head drooping as it felt like it was filled with ants. Her Captain chatted all too loudly as they walked, and even though Kirara only responded in grunts and mumbles, Yoruichi continued on with a smirk on her face.

"I'd almost feel sorry for you, if you hadn't brought it on yourself," Yoruichi said as she looked over her shoulder at her miserable Lieutenant. Kirara lifted her irritable blue eyes to meet Yoruichi's golden ones.

"It was only meant to be one or two…" she muttered, exhausted. Yoruichi gave a very undignified snort.

"It's never just one or two with you. You'd think after all this time, you'd have learned that," Yoruichi teased her. Kirara just responded by sticking out her tongue, before groaning.

"Hell, even my hair hurts," she complained. "This is going to take forever, isn't it?" she asked, mustering as much energy as she could to keep up with Yoruichi's intentionally quick pace.

"You remember Rose's induction two years ago," Yoruichi reminded her of the last time they'd had such a ceremony to attend to. Kirara groaned, recalling it well. She'd almost fallen asleep on her feet, and she'd been completely sober.

A gentle wind blew past, whipping Kirara's hair from her face and providing a much needed cool air that made her sigh in relief. However, the relief faded quickly, as her mind instead went to the ceremony they were attending.

"There's something strange in the air," Kirara spoke softly, but Yoruichi tilted her head just enough to show that she was listening. "So many changes in the higher-ups within the Gotei 13 recently. And even outside of that…" she trailed off.

"Still worried about that unusual Hollow?" Yoruichi guessed.

"I haven't stopped worrying about it. It just feels like something big is on the horizon, you know?" Kirara said, and Yoruichi shrugged. "Maybe it's just the hangover talking," she then sighed.

"Maybe," Yoruichi answered, and Kirara would have rolled her eyes if it didn't risk her throwing up right there. "Maybe not. Trust your gut, Kirara. It's why I chose you, after all," Yoruichi glanced over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming. For a moment, Kirara just watched her, before she chuckled.

"Right," she nodded, thankful for her Captain in more ways than one.

Yoruichi slowed as they reached the Squad 1 barracks, waiting for the massive doors to open. She rested her hands on her hips, looking up at the imposing doors as Kirara yawned again loudly. When they heard footsteps, they glanced to their right, and as Yoruichi gave a warm smile, Kirara stood up straighter.

"Good morning, Captain Kuchiki," Yoruichi greeted the much older man as he approached. Kirara bowed to him respectfully, forcing herself to seem much more alert and awake. Unlike Yoruichi, he was alone. "Oh? Is Lieutenant Kuchiki not attending this morning?" Yoruichi asked, not seeing any sign of the man's son.

"Good morning to you too, Captain Shihoin, Lieutenant Yamada," Ginrei Kuchiki greeted them pleasantly. "I'm afraid he has fallen ill and cannot attend this morning," he said, before looking up as the doors in front of them began to creak loudly, opening slowly.

"I see. I hope he gets better soon," Yoruichi said as they began to walk. Kirara watched the two Captains as they walked in front of her, keeping quiet. She didn't know how Yoruichi did it - that polite, prim and proper attitude that was constantly demanded of her when around other nobles. Kirara couldn't keep up.

Still early in the morning, the 1st Division barracks were just as quiet as the rest of the Seireitei, yet there was an air of power that lingered in the air there. Kirara wasn't surprised, with the Captain Commander running the show, and the majority of the Squad were impressive in their own rights. But it still made the hairs on her arms stand on end.

When Yoruichi and Ginrei slowed to a stop, Kirara stopped as well and cocked her head, wondering what had stopped them.

"Why are you all blocking the corridor?" Ginrei kept a civil tone as Kirara peeked around them and saw the group of Captains and Lieutenants that were standing around.

"Pardon us," Aizen apologised as he, Lisa and Hiyori moved aside quickly to allow the two Captains to pass.

"Congratulations," Captain Unohana smiled warmly to Yoruichi, who paused as she made to pass the 4th Division Captain.

"Congratulate him in person, Captain Unohana," Yoruichi told her with a smile of her own, before she continued to walk. Kirara grinned to the three Lieutenants as they fell into step with her.

"You look as tired as I feel," Lisa told her bluntly. A quick glance to the taller Lieutenant told Kirara that she was not exaggerating.

"You have no idea," Kirara chuckled. "I'm begging for a short ceremony, or a quick death," she admitted. Lisa snorted.

"A quick death is more likely," she said honestly, and Kirara didn't doubt that. She sighed, running a hand through her hair and causing it to fall around her face.

"That's what you two idiots get for drinking all night," Hiyori rolled her eyes, quieter than usual. Kirara looked at her, but resisted making a comment. This ceremony was especially important to Hiyori, who would finally be getting a replacement Captain after Hikifune left.

"I thought you guys were leaving right after me," Love glanced over his shoulder as he heard their conversation.

"What time did you leave?" Kirara asked, not able to remember seeing the man leave.

"About 2am," he answered. While he was tired, he was in much better form than the two Lieutenants seemed to be. Kirara snorted at his words. "What time did you idiots leave?" Love wasn't able to contain his curiosity.

"I think the sun was starting to rise when we finally poured Natsuki into her bed," Kirara answered with a chuckle. Love sighed deeply, shaking his head, but there was a faint, fond smile on his face. Shinji just rolled his eyes, not getting involved. Especially when Yoruichi kept smirking at him.

"You two give Shunsui a run for his money," Ukitake considered, amused by the conversation taking place behind them.

"Not likely," Lisa's scoff made her Captain turn an exasperated look on her.

Finally they reached the main hall of Squad 1, and while the Captains were well used to the place by now, the Lieutenants were less accustomed to it. Having fewer reasons to visit, it was always something that made them pause. It was very different to the room they used for their Lieutenant meetings, which seemed a lot less official in comparison.

"I'll take it that we won't be seeing anyone from Squad 11 in attendance today?" Love asked as he walked by Kirara. She stifled a yawn, and looked up at him.

"If Captain Kiganjo isn't attending, Natsuki won't be either," Kirara shook her head with an entertained smile. She wasn't too surprised - Captain Kiganjo was well known for being quite lazy when it came to anything official, and considering how drunk Natsuki had been the night before, it was unlikely she'd be emerging from her bed.

"Kirara!" she yelped as a green blur tackled her. Caught unawares, Kirara couldn't keep her balance as her attacker wrapped her arms around her waist, and the two collapsed to the floor. Mashiro giggled as Kirara groaned. "I've missed you!" Mashiro nuzzled in, seeming obvious as Kirara tried to pull herself free.

"Mashiro-" Kirara groaned as Mashiro hugged her tighter, and for one terrifying moment, she was afraid she was going to throw up in front of everyone. The nausea then faded, much to her relief, and she looked down at Mashiro as she nuzzled into her chest. "I missed you too," she said, obliging the chaotic Lieutenant. "Now, would you please let me go?" she asked gently.

"But-" Mashiro's protest was cut off when Kensei's fist slammed into the top of her head.

"Let her go, you idiot! You're making a damn scene," he growled. Mashiro let go, instantly turning on Kensei with a tearful glare, and Kirara managed to slip free and scramble to her feet to get away.

"Oh dear," she glanced to Rose as he seemed to appear beside her with his usual sleepy look. "It would appear this ceremony is going to be as chaotic as mine," he smiled, reminiscing, and Kirara couldn't help but laugh. Kensei and Mashiro were shouting at one another, until Love managed to calm them down. "Well, almost as chaotic. Unless you and Shinji start fighting again," Rose teased.

"I'm far too hungover to deal with that idiot today," Kirara waved off the idea, though she didn't miss his glare as he heard what she said.

"I see," Rose nodded. "Ah, Kirara…" Rose trailed off as the last of Kirara's hair fell from its loose tie, and she huffed as it fell around her. Rose took in the sight for a moment - he'd never seen her with her hair down, and it was rather cute. Kirara, on the other hand, didn't think so as she tried to gather it all up.

"I have too much damn hair," she complained as strands kept slipping through her fingers. Already exhausted, Kirara struggled, until a gentle hand helped.

"You can be rather hopeless, can't you?" Rose teased her as he took the tie, fixing her hair for her.

"Gee, thanks," Kirara rolled her eyes, but when Rose stepped back, she realised her hair was secure. "Thanks," she said, this time meaning it. He just patted her head, and walked off, and Kirara made her way over to Yoruichi.

"You always have to make a scene," she teased, and Kirara quirked an eyebrow. She then shrugged, acting aloof.

"I can't help it if people are throwing themselves at me. Literally," she said, and Yoruichi had to stifle her laugh.

"I think the newbie is here," Kensei called, having finally calmed down and moved away from Mashiro before she could set him off again. Everyone glanced over at him, their idle chatter fading. "The old man says to line up and wait," he passed on the instructions.

The Captains took their usual places, lined up facing one another as their Lieutenants stood behind them. There was a gap on either side with both Squad 10 and 11 out, and an empty spot in front of Hiyori, whose eyes were lingering on it.

They fell quiet, waiting as most wondered just who had been chosen to be their newest colleague. Kirara was almost excited to see the reactions - both from the other Captains, and from their new recruit - and was struggling to stay still as footsteps pounded down the corridor towards them.

The doors opened, revealing Kisuke Urahara already in his new Captain's haori. He stared at the gathered group, at first with shock, and then it turned to nerves. Instantly the man laughed awkwardly.

"Don't tell me that I'm the last one," he groaned, aware that they were all staring at him. Kirara bit her lip, struggling not to laugh. So much for good impressions. Kisuke gave another nervous laugh. "I'm sorry I'm late," he apologised, before his smile turned more genuine. "And…it's nice to meet you all," he told them brightly.

There was another brief quiet as everyone took him in. Most knew the man by name - the third seat was a good friend of Yoruichi's, and despite being a member of Squad 2, was well-respected himself.

"What's this? Looks like we got ourselves a slacker," Shinji muttered as he stared at Kisuke, who was lingering in the doorway. "He looks too easygoing to be a Captain," he complained.

"Like you should talk," Rose said, earning a glare from the Captain standing beside him. Rose didn't look at him, but his smile made it clear that he was aware of the look.

Kirara's gaze went to Hiyori, who was sizing up the man with a less-than-impressed expression. She couldn't help but smile at the look on the other Lieutenant's face.

'Oh Kisuke, you've got your work cut out for you,' she mused idly.

"Uh…" Kisuke grew nervous again when nobody spoke. "May I enter?" he asked, hesitating in the doorway.

"Don't act like a wimp," Yoruichi's sudden bark almost made him jump. He looked over at his now former Captain, who had a look of exasperation on her face. "You're now a Captain of a Squad. Stand tall and enter, Kisuke," she told him. He blinked rapidly, swallowing his nerves.

"Right…" he murmured.

"Yes, get in there," an irritated voice came from behind Kisuke, and it was accompanied by a jab to the back from the Head Captain's cane. Kisuke stumbled into the room with a yelp. He whirled around, eyes wide as the old man walked past him. "Now…we shall proceed with the induction ceremony," Captain Yamamoto declared as he made his way to the head of the room where a seat was waiting for him.

'Lucky bastard,' Kirara complained to herself, feeling her legs protesting standing upright for so long. Kisuke stood at the other end of the line with wide eyes. He caught Kirara's gaze, and when she gave him a warm smile, he smiled back at her, managing to relax just a little. Almost immediately, she felt a shiver run down her spine as she felt eyes on her. She scanned the room quickly out of habit, before her gaze locked with Shinji's.

He had the mildest frown on his face - as to why he was watching her, Kirara had no idea. Her brow furrowed very slightly, before she decided to respond in the only way she could think of. She pulled a face so suddenly, that Shinji couldn't stop himself from yelping in surprise. "Is something the matter, Captain Hirako?" Captain Yamamoto barely even looked at him, sounding annoyed.

"No…sorry, Head Captain," he apologised as some of the other Captains tried to hide their laughter. The moment the Head Captain resumed what he was doing, Shinji shot Kirara a glare. She wasn't looking at him, but had a smirk on her face that she managed to school into a bland smile as Yoruichi glanced over her shoulder with a stern look.

Kirara then realised that Ukitake was looking directly at her, and she couldn't stop a mischievous smile from spreading across her face. He shook his head, trying to keep a disapproving look, but a smile he couldn't resist quickly took its place. Kirara's mischievous smile was infectious, especially in serious situations.

"I'm sure the rest of you Captains have heard," Captain Yamamoto started, and Kirara schooled her expression once more to look over at him. "Seven days ago, Squad 12 Captain, Kirio Hikifune, was ordered to relinquish her position to be promoted elsewhere. This resulted in a search for a new Squad Captain, and a notice was sent to other Captains," he explained what had occurred over the last week.

'I think he just likes the sound of his own voice,' Kirara mused idly, struggling to stay focused. Her eyelids were heavy, and her legs were protesting her straight stance, but she fought it. 'Good training, I suppose,' she tried to tell herself.

"The following day, upon Squad 2 Captain Yoruichi Shihoin's recommendation, the Third Seat from her Squad was summoned. Yesterday, I; Genryusai Yamamoto, along with the three Captains who were present, conducted an exam to evaluate his qualifications to become Captain.

We found no complaint in his abilities and character. I hereby appoint former Third Seat of Squad 2, Kisuke Urahara, as the new Captain of Squad 12," he announced.

The words seemed to ring out, as if there was power in the words. Kirara shivered, and turned back to Kisuke. He still looked nervous and overwhelmed, scratching the back of his head and messing up his already scruffy hair. Hiyori's eyes narrowed just slightly as she watched, and Kirara bit back her grin.

'Oh yeah. That's going to be real fun,' she thought to herself.

Headed off to London for a week so will update once I'm back :)

Hope you liked it!

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