I do not own Bleach, but please do not use my original characters. Thanks.
Chapter 5
Becoming a Lieutenant could prove difficult for even the most skilled Soul Reapers. Shikai was only one requirement for the position. Most divisions required a certain level of proficiency in all key skill sets. That was even not enough. Most Captains were particular when it came to personality, skills that complimented their own weakness. Let alone the factor that noble lineage played in their politics.
Regardless, there were countless Soul Reapers who applied for each position every time there was an opening. They could posses no distinct or exceptional skills whatsoever, but took their chance regardless.
On Byakuya Kuchiki's desk sat at least 30 applications for the Division 6 Lieutenant position. The pile seemed to be never ending. No matter how many he rejected, there was another to take its place.
He had yet to see the name he hoped for.
Kei Saito.
He didn't want to admit, but he was attached to his Third Seat. Her work was excellent and detailed. While far more personable than himself, Kei maintained a high level of professionalism he respected. While wary at first, the Division had grown to respect her quickly, which only improved his own opinion.
Even if she still could not achieve Shikai.
He witnessed her working and training regularly. She was diligent and thoughtful, taking advantage of resources that would grow her talents. Still, it appeared to allude her. He could only imagine the application forms that she would complete and how well suited she would have been for the position. Her Kido and Shunpo were improving year over year and she had a level head about her. It was difficult to phase her unless you were Ikkaku Madarame.
Byakuya pulled himself from his thoughts as there was a knock on his door. He stayed by the window, taking a moment to refocus from his wandering thoughts.
"Enter."
He watched out of the corner of his eye as Kei entered his office. She behaved as normal, entering the room and bowing respectfully. He'd heard plenty from Captain Kyoraku about Kei's downtrodden mood since the opening in Division 6 was announced but saw no signs of it. She continued as she always did without change. Paperwork was completed on time and quickly, training sessions were thorough, and her general mood was pleasant.
Kei had a stack of files in her arms. He had a sinking feeling they were more applications. She seemed to understand and offered a sympathetic smile.
"Place them on my desk."
Kei nodded and did as she was told before moving back to stand near the door. He turned and moved to sit back down at his desk. This seemed to perplex Kei, who began to fidget slightly. She used her thumb to rub the inside of her forth finger. A mindless tick she had when she began to worry.
"Do you know Renji Abarai?"
Byakuya watched for a reaction. There was just a flicker of confusion on her face. He knew that Kei knew Renji. Ginjiro reported back to him regularly regarding her training with Division 11 and the lack of progress on Shikai, but great progress on general fighting.
"Yes, sir. I do know him."
Byakuya picked up a file from his desk and held it out to her. Kei approached and accepted the document before scanning it. From here he could see the bandage wrapped around her forearm, likely another training injury. One of the main downfalls of training with Division 11
"You train with him?"
It was a statement more than a question
"Yes, Captain. For a few months now. He's surprisingly helpful and reasonable for a Division 11 member. He's skilled and thoughtful about his work."
"He has applied for the Lieutenant position."
Kei nodded, still studying the file. She didn't seem shocked or hid it well. Sometimes she was difficult to read.
"What are your thoughts on him as an officer?"
Byakuya remembered Renji Abarai from their brief encounter fifty years ago. He didn't know much as Rukia never mentioned him in that time, but an impression was made. It was hard not to with the way he looked and the lack of manners he possessed back then. His rise and skills were nothing to scoff at though, regardless of his background. Except for his Kido skills. Those were seemingly abysmal according to anyone who had seen them.
"I don't know about the other candidates."
Byakuya watched as Kei looked up to face him. He supposed that she was trying to avoid the question. He imagined that she knew of this, since the two spent a great deal of time together.
"I think he'd be a good choice. He'd be a good balance if you can get past the brashness. He's a little loud, but I don't think people will mind, especially when they see him work. I swear that he and Fifth Seat Yumichika are the only two who do any work at all there."
Nothing about that surprise Byakuya. He was aware of how Kenpachi operated. It was amusing how the corners of Kei's mouth turned up a bit, amused by the observation of who did any work in Division 11. Still, he appreciated her sharing the opinion and would have allowed her to stay silent if she insisted.
"Very well. You are dismissed."
Kei handed the file back to him before leaving as quietly as she entered. To her an order was an order, and she would do as she was told when she was told. It was both a flaw and a benefit to the division. And any time she deviated from an order; he could clearly see her anxiety. It was never as if she did it for the wrong reasons or to purposefully, but regardless, she was a ball of nerves any time those situations arose.
He had to wonder if her achieving Shikai would erase some of those anxieties.
