Foundation Of Hope
Chpt 20
Toshiro slowly opened his eyes and lifted his gaze to the sky. The early morning air was damp and heavy, the fog surrounding the Sereiti like a blanket. He left his office and started heading toward Captain Yamamoto's office.
They greeted each other with a bow, and Toshiro could feel the sincerity of the gesture. The captain was an imposing figure, his gray hair still thick and his eyes sharp with wisdom.
"Good morning, Toshiro," the captain said.
"Good morning, Head Captain," Toshiro replied.
The two men stood in silence for a moment, studying each other.
"I've asked you here to tell you the news," Captain Yamamoto said, his voice low. "About Sayuri."
Toshiro's gaze darkened. "What news?"
"Sayuri has awakened."
Toshiro felt a wave of emotion crash over him as the words sunk in. Sayuri had been in a deep sleep for weeks now since she arrived, and he was worried that she may never awaken. But now, here was the Head captain, telling him that she was awake.
He could not find the words to respond, and the captain, sensing his hesitation, smiled and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"You may go and speak to her privately if you wish. She needs your comfort, Toshiro. I believe it is what she needs most right now."
"Captain, there is something I need to discuss with you."
"Aizen," Toshiro said, "He is Sayuri's father isn't he."
The captain's face hardened. "How did you find this out?"
"I overheard a conversation you were having with Captain Unohana," Toshiro replied. You said she was his daughter… I knew that he was the one after her but not as her own father. When were you going to let me know Head Captain!"
The captain was silent, his brow furrowed. After a few moments, he turned away and spoke.
"I apologize, only a few know of this information as I have kept it hidden. We must protect her," he said. "Aizen is a powerful man, and he will not hesitate to use his daughter as a weapon."
Toshiro nodded. "I agree. But how?"
The captain thought for a moment. "We must make her spiritual Presence disappear somehow," he said.
The captain's words had a calming effect, and Toshiro felt his fear and anxiety slowly dissipate. He nodded his head in agreement, and the captain returned the gesture before Toshiro started turning and striding away.
Toshiro's only objective now was to speak to Sayuri and to make sure she was all right.
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Toshiro quickly made his way to the room where Sayuri was being cared for. He knocked on the door gently, and a moment later it opened to reveal a young woman looking at him with confusion.
Toshiro felt his heart ache as he watched her. She seemed so perfect, so beautiful. He was filled with a sudden longing to reach out and touch her, to tell her how much he had missed her.
But Sayuri did not remember him. She still hadn't regained any memories, and even now, after all these years, she did not recall who he was.
He took a deep breath and tried to steady himself. There was still a chance that she might recognize him, and his heart leapt at the thought.
Toshiro noticed the details of her face. She still had the same eyes that sparkled in the sun. But there was something different now, something he had not noticed before. He noticed a new strength, a new determination in her. She had seen much since he had last seen her, and it had changed her in subtle ways.
The moment stretched on as Sayuri and Toshiro just stared at each other. She paused, her eyes slightly widening in some recognition.
Toshiro's heart seemed to stop. Was she starting to remember him?
He felt a sudden rush of emotion, joy, and relief.
"Sayuri," he said softly, his voice like a whisper. "I'm so glad you're here."
He stepped into the room and embraced her, feeling her warmth and her calm presence wash over him. He held her close, unable to hold back the tears that threatened to spill down his cheeks.
Time seemed to stand still as they held each other, and Toshiro felt a peacefulness he had not felt in years. He thought of all the moments they had shared, the laughter and the tears. He thought of all the promises they had made, and all the dreams that had yet to come true.
But for now, it was enough just to be here in this moment, just to hold her and make a memory.
"I'm so sorry," he said between sobs. "I should have protected you better."
Sayuri shook her head and wiped away his tears with her fingertips. "I'm sorry but... do I know you? I mean you seem very familiar like I do know you, but I can't figure out from where."
Toshiro nodded, feeling a wave of peace wash over him. He drew back and looked into her eyes. "I keep forgetting that she doesn't remember me."
Captain Yamamoto watched silently from a few feet away, his expression unreadable. Sayuri looked up and became aware of his sudden presence but for the moment, her focus was entirely on Toshiro.
To make things less awkward, Sayuri spoke.
"My name is Sayuri," she said. "What's yours?"
"Toshiro," he said. He held out his hand for her to shake, and she hesitated for a moment before accepting it. His grip was warm and firm.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Sayuri said.
Toshiro slightly blushed and smiled, nodding. He was aware of Captain Yamamoto observing them as well now but wasn't sure what he was thinking.
Sayuri bit her lip, her mind racing. She wanted to ask questions but wasn't sure which ones were appropriate.
"Do you… Do you have any family?" she asked hesitantly.
"No," Toshiro said, shaking his head. "But that doesn't mean I'm all alone. There are people who care about me, even if I'm not related to them."
Sayuri nodded, her heart heavy.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"Don't be," Toshiro said. "I'm used to it. But I'm grateful for the people who have looked after me."
"Do you have any more questions for me, Sayuri?" Toshiro asked.
Sayuri blinked, taken aback by the question.
"Um, I… I don't know," she stammered.
"It's okay," Toshiro said. "Take your time. We can talk as long as you'd like."
Sayuri thought for a moment, her mind whirring. Finally, she settled on one question.
"Do you know who I am?" she asked.
Toshiro smiled.
"Yes, I do" he said.
Sayuri smiled and nodded, and Toshiro rose from the bed.
Getting an alert that an emergency was happening from his Denreishinki beeping, he quickly proceeded to leave with a heavy heart.
"It was nice to meet you, Sayuri," he said.
He bowed slightly before turning and running away. Captain Yamamoto watched him go and proceeded to leave the room as well. Sayuri watched them both leave with a strange mixture of emotions. Part of her was intrigued by the mystery of Toshiro, but the other part felt a strange sadness that he didn't answer all her questions.
