Chpt 8 - Captains
*Flashback*
As time passed following her arranged marriage, Sayuri had all but hope that she would ever have to see Byakuya again. Instead, she focused on her studies, slowly but surely beginning to heal from her hurt heart through companionship of friends.
Hitsugaya and Sayuri were standing together in their favorite spot of Sayuri's house gardens - a small but cozy corner nestled into one of the far corners of her grounds where the grass felt soft under their feet, inviting them to stay awhile and talk.
They were alone in this peaceful glade, surrounded by nature and birdsong.
Sayuri spoke softly but with affectionate emotion as she spoke of how beautiful the place was. "It's so amazing here," she mused wistfully.
"Yes," Hitsugaya agreed, looking away from the lake to look back at his companion.
Sayuri gazed out over the lake. "Sometimes I think about when we'll be captains of our own divisions. I can't wait!"
Hitsugaya smiled. "Me too. It's just… too far."
Sayuri responded with confidence. "We can get there together."
Hitsugaya nodded his agreement. "Yes, we can. All we have to do is focus on our goal and do the hard work needed."
Sayuri replied with an upbeat tone in her voice, "There will be lots of obstacles."
Hitsugaya assured her. "But we will be prepared." If we remain determined and work hard enough, success can be reached."
Sayuri smiled brightly. "Yes, we can manage."
As the sun set, they both fell into an inviting silence. Hitsugaya became lost in thought, contemplating his journey ahead. When darkness descended and stars twinkled across the night sky, an unexpected sense of hope filled him.
As Hitsugaya and Sayuri prepared to part, Hitsugaya reached out and gently grasped Sayuri's hand, gently squeezing it before saying in his confident tone "We can do this together".
Sayuri smiled and nodded her approval. "Let's do this together," she replied, nodding at Toshiro.
As their journey unfolded, they both set out in search of adventure - ready to face their respective futures and lead by example as captains of their respective divisions.
•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••
Hitsugaya Toshiro, a young man of eighteen, and Sayuri, a young woman of sixteen. Both had been questioning the wisdom of their decision to come here, and both were determined to make the best of it.
As they approached the entrance of their destination, the sun shone down brightly on them as they made their way up the path towards its gates, almost glowing in its light. Behind them stood an endless building complex. Both took a deep breath before embarking on their exciting adventure ahead.
Hitsugaya had always wanted to be a Soul Reaper. He wanted to protect people, to make sure that justice was done, and to help the world. He had worked hard to get here, and he was determined to make the best of it.
Sayuri had her own reason for wanting to join. Uncertain of what her exact goal in life was, all she knew for certain was that she wanted to make an impactful statement through activism - she never felt more nervous in her life; nevertheless, she was determined to make the best out of every opportunity presented to her.
They both stopped at the entrance and gazed upon the building with wonder, sensing something important or mysterious in the air.
As soon as they entered, two large doors were opened and they were welcomed by a tall figure in a black robe who welcomed them to the Soul Reaper Academy.
He explained that this place was where only the best could come to learn how to protect those living from evil in the otherworld. Hitsugaya and Sayuri both listened attentively as the man described this unique environment - not knowing exactly what their experience would entail here.
The figure also stressed the significance of loyalty and friendship; for them to succeed at their academic studies, they would need to rely on each other.
Hitsugaya and Sayuri looked at each other and smiled in anticipation, knowing this would be the start of something great and determined to make the most of their partnership.
Hitsugaya and Sayuri were taken to their new dormitory. There were already other students living there, but They weren't concerned; their attention was solely focused on the task at hand and on exploring all that awaited them.
They Explored the academy, learning about all its classes and instructors. They were both amazed at the immense knowledge and power the academy possessed.
Soon, their days became routine: each morning they would attend classes on Soul Reaping and other world history before using what they learned to practice their abilities in the afternoon.
Evenings were spent sitting together in the dining hall and sharing stories or simply enjoying one another's company - this marked the start of something truly memorable.
•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••
Hitsugaya and Sayuri had long anticipated this momentous occasion at the Soul Reaper Academy's headquarters. Their excitement and anticipation quickly faded as they realized they are new captains now.
The building was a large grey structure with multiple floors and balconies jutting out from all sides, enclosed by a tall metal fence with lush green grass beyond and trees providing shade. At its center was what seemed like an entire city of Soul Reapers who greeted Hitsugaya and Sayuri upon their arrival.
As they approached the building, they were welcomed by Head Captain Yamamoto - a towering figure with a distinguished appearance, an intimidating face, a well-kept beard, and an equally intimidating presence - but surprisingly soft-spoken voice.
"Both of you have come so far, and I am immensely proud of both of you!" he exclaimed.
Hitsugaya and Sayuri bowed and saluted their Head Captain with respect. Both had trained under him for two years now and held him in high regard.
"Thank you very much, sir," Hitsugaya expressed. " I am deeply appreciative."
Sayuri was overcome with emotion as she replied, "Thanks so much for everything you've done for us."
Head Captain Yamamoto expressed his pleasure, noting, "It has been my honor. Both of you have come a long way and I am confident you will make excellent captains."
He motioned towards a building behind him and suggested, "Let's go inside to meet with the other captains."
Hitsugaya and Sayuri followed him inside, taking in the grandeur of the academy's headquarters. Their eyes took in all that the lobby offered: Soul Reapers of all varieties were present from experienced veterans to recent graduates, wearing their finest uniforms with eager anticipation for meeting of the captains.
Head Captain Yamamoto led them into the meeting room where other captains had already assembled. A long, curved table stretched across the room with chairs on either side and at its head was a large projection screen displaying an interactive map of Soul Society.
Hitsugaya was shocked to see so many familiar faces in the crowd; most had trained with him or interacted with him in some capacity.
Head Captain Yamamoto addressed the room, "Let us start. Hitsugaya and Sayuri have just graduated from the academy, and I have invited them here to receive their initial mission as captains."
Yamamoto spoke, and all the captains listened attentively as his words took effect, taking every measure necessary to secure victory against the hollow.
Yamamoto began by acknowledging the difficulty of this task at hand: "No doubt this fight will be tough, but I trust each and every one of you and depend on your strength, courage, and skill to restore peace and security to the Soul Society."
As they listened, the captains nodded with silent determination.
"Now I have an announcement I think will aid our fight. I would like to bestow Captain titles upon two of our own: Hitsugaya Toshiro and Sayuri Yamamoto."
As soon as the new captains stepped forward, there was an audible gasp from within the ranks. Bowed in unison and with determined expressions, they presented themselves for appointment.
Byakuya was left impressed. Hitsugaya and Sayuri had been chosen captains at such an early age which was truly remarkable. Yet something in Sayuri's gaze made Byakuya feel regretful of his past decision to give her up.
"You were selected for this honor for a reason," Yamamoto stated, "and have the potential to become great captains. I hope that both of you rise up to meet this challenge and make me proud."
"Yes, sir!" were their unison answers to his command, with strong and confident voices echoing.
Yamamoto nodded his approval. "Very well. That is all."
He then stepped back, and the captains began dispersing, With Byakuya remaining behind to watch as Hitsugaya and Sayuri started to leave; Byakuya grabbed Sayuri's arm. Sayuri and Byakuya stared at each other; Sayuri fuming angrily while Byakuya kept a calm facade up; For a moment, the only sound in the room was their heavy breathing.
As Toshiro observed the two of them, he felt an electric current run through his veins.
"What's going on here?" he inquired in a firm and authoritative voice.
Sayrui took the floor first with her angry tone: "let go of me!" "Byakuya you left me at our wedding but have the nerve to still try and talk to me like nothing happened." she lashed out.
Byakuya was emotionless on his face, yet Toshiro could see from his body language that he wasn't pleased.
Byakuya felt terrible for his decision, and truly regretted it now that it's too late. "I just wanted to say that unfortunately, I did not recognize my feelings until after it had happened and thus made that choice in haste." "Please accept my apology, Sayuri," Byakuya whispered hesitantly before pausing with a painful voice trembled with emotion. "Please understand when I say I didn't realize until it was too late that these feelings existed within me until now."
Sayrui had softened slightly yet was still clearly angry. "You just married Hisana without caring to find out where I went or if I was even ok; you just left after everything, I thought we were closer than that." she lashed out, her voice cracking slightly.
Byakuya tried to reach out for her again, but she pulled back away and crossed her arms. Toshiro could tell she was upset and felt an overwhelming urge to protect her; so, he quickly moved forward, ready to intervene.
When word had spread throughout the Soul Society that Toshiro had proposed to Sayuri and had hit Byakuya ears, Byakuya became enraged and upset.
Byakuya and Toshiro stood face-to-face, with hard yet determined expressions on their faces, showing intense emotion that was ready to burst forth into violence.
"Toshiro, I was surprised and disappointed to hear about your proposal to Sayuri." Byakuya eyes flashed with anger as he demanded an explanation from Toshiro. "What are you planning?" asked Byakuya as his dark eyes flared with displeasure.
"It's captain Hitsugaya to you and What does it look like?" Toshiro replied, his voice cool and collected.
Byakuya's mouth twisted in mocking disgust. "Over my dead body!" he bellowed as he prepared his sword to battle. Step outside now and draw your blade!
"Do you seriously believe you can stop me?" Toshiro asked with an angry gaze.
Byakuya laughed in response.
"Sayuri has already chosen me; who are you to interfere?" Toshiro asked with an irritated tone in his voice.
Byakuya revealed, in his deep and low voice: "I am her true love, her first love."
Toshiro appeared shocked for an instant before quickly recovering his composure: "It doesn't matter; she has made her choice."
Byakuya was offended. Byakuya snapped, "What kind of man are you, to try to play on a women's emotions?!"
Toshiro's jaw tightened in response. "I'm not taking advantage of her; you had your chance and you stood her up. This wasn't an arranged marriage; she chose me out of free will." Added Toshiro: "I'm giving her the chance to build a better future with me at her side."
Byakuya curled his lip. "So, you think that you can give her a better life than me? Why are you so sure?" he inquired.
Toshiro smirked "That is because I am the superior choice."
Byakuya narrowed his eyes as he said, "If that is indeed the case, then let me offer her something you never could: Security and safety."
Toshiro's face was unreadable. "Maybe I cannot offer her those things," replied Toshiro with an uncertain expression. "But maybe something else might interest her more."
Byakuya looked away in disdain. "What could you possibly give her?" he demanded of Toshiro.
Toshiro held Byakuya's gaze for an extended moment before speaking in an authoritative tone: "She deserves love and happiness - something you cannot provide her."
Byakuya laughed. "And what kind of future is that? She needs one where she will always be taken care of, no matter what happens."
Toshiro's eyes burned with passion "Love is a powerful thing. While I may not be able to give her what you can give her in terms of money Toshiro spoke passionately: "Loyalty and devotion cannot be bought."
Byakuya gave another disapproving shrug. "Sayuri, this would be an imprudent action on your part."
Sayuri gazed lovingly upon Toshiro and smiled. Her eyes sparkled with affection. "Well, I guess I must be foolish then." Toshiro's expression softened slightly.
"Let's go Toshiro," she suggested.
As Sayuri reached for Toshiro's hand, he hesitated, still giving Byakuya an angry glance.
Sayuri pleaded with Toshiro: "Please, Toshiro. This won't get us anywhere!" Her voice became increasingly discordant as her words carried a warning that things wouldn't end well this way.
Bayuka watched as Toshiro and Sayuri left without even a glance back.
