· In the soul society with Yoruichi*
Yoruichi released a sigh as she traversed the halls of the second squad. It had been several hours since Soifon had departed, entrusting Yoruichi with the responsibility of overseeing the squad in her absence. Yoruichi comprehended Soifon's reservations regarding her lieutenant and was willing to assist her in any way possible.
Though the favor was minor, the former captain was prepared to do anything for her beloved protégé. However, what troubled her was the unexpected kiss planted on her cheek by the younger woman. The mere thought of it caused her cheeks to flush with a blush. Shaking her head to regain composure, Yoruichi reminded herself that she would contemplate the matter later. Her primary focus was ensuring the safety of Soifon's squad, as promised.
Before she could delve further into her thoughts, a hell butterfly approached her, prompting her to extend her finger for it to alight upon. "I wonder what the head captain desires," she murmured, observing as the butterfly fluttered its wings. "Head captain Yamamoto wishes to meet you in less than five minutes."
As Yoruichi observed the hell butterfly departing after delivering the message, a frown creased her face. "Why did the head captain choose to send me the message instead of the lieutenant?" she murmured to herself, shaking her head. "Perhaps Soifon had a conversation with him before she departed," she speculated silently.
Once she concluded her thoughts, Yoruichi swiftly employed flash-stepping to reach the location of the meeting, the first division. "However, I am curious as to what the head captain wishes to discuss. Sending two captains and two lieutenants to an unknown realm seems quite significant," she pondered while navigating to the first division. Upon arrival, she confidently entered the expansive room, accompanied by the opening of the grand doors courtesy of the guards.
"Yoruichi, welcome," greeted the head captain, positioned in the front of the room where the other captains respectfully directed their gaze towards her, wearing expressions of intrigue.
As the former captain of the second squad proceeded down the rows of captains, she positioned herself in the vacant spot previously occupied by Soifon. "Greetings, Head captain," she courteously addressed him. "Might there be a particular reason for my presence here?"
"I request your presence in the second squad to handle matters while Captain Soifon is away on her mission, as I am concerned about the division's unity." The Head Captain calmly explained, leading the dark-skinned goddess to nod in agreement. "Captain Soifon has already entrusted me with the responsibility of overseeing her squad during her absence, and I have willingly accepted it," Yoruichi stated, bowing her head respectfully to the Head Captain, who acknowledged her words.
"Allow me to provide the reason for gathering all of you here today, as we are in need of captains for squads three, five, and nine," Yamamoto explained, directing his gaze towards the captains and a curious Yoruichi. Shunsui inquired, "Whom do you have in mind?" while looking at the elderly captain.
Yoruichi observed the Head Captain, waiting for his reply. "I do have a candidate in mind, but I require assistance in retrieving him from the Rukon District," Yamamoto declared, surveying the captains and noticing their shocked expressions. "Someone from the Rukon District?" Byakuya questioned.
Indeed, that is precisely what I stated," responded the Head Captain, his gaze fixed upon the captain of the Sixth Squad. "We require not just any soul, but rather an individual of considerable strength who can effectively lead a squad." Yoruichi attentively listened, glancing at Retsu, who stood beside her, as the Fourth Captain spoke up, inquiring, "May I ask who this individual will be?" The braided captain responded calmly, her serene blue eyes unwavering.
The Head Captain regarded the female captain, offering a respectful nod. "His name is Itachi Uchiha," he replied. He was well aware that the dark-haired woman knew exactly whom he was referring to, as she had knowledge of the ninja world from when she had brought Captain Soifon here.
Yoruichi, feeling perplexed, decided to speak up. "Who exactly is this Itachi Uchiha?" she questioned, her golden eyes meeting the gaze of the Head Captain. He proceeded to explain, "Itachi was once a ninja in the ninja world, possessing significant strength and intelligence. However, he was tragically slain by his younger brother a few years ago and now finds himself here, accompanied by his mother and father."
Unohana nodded in agreement as she gave the head captain a concerned look and began to speak. "Do you truly believe it is wise to appoint Itachi as a captain?" she asked calmly. She held reservations, especially if Soifon were to discover the truth about her past. The head captain inquired, "What do you mean by that, Captain Unohana?"
Yoruichi shared these same thoughts. What could be the harm in considering Itachi Uchiha for the position of captain? If he possessed strength and combat prowers, why should there be any hesitation?
Unohana gazed into the head captain's eyes, her own blue eyes showing determination. "You are aware of what I am referring to, Head Captain. I am concerned about the potential consequences if Itachi were to become a captain and the truth about Soifon's presence were to be revealed," she calmly expressed.
Unohana was aware that the head captain had knowledge about the second squad captain's past, as she had previously informed him about bringing Soifon to their ranks as a mere infant. There were a select few captains, such as Shunsui and Jushiro, who were also privy to this secret.
Yoruichi's golden eyes widened in surprise upon hearing Soifon's name. She pondered over the connection between her former student and the secret at hand. She wondered if Soifon was aware of this secret, and if so, why she had not shared it with Yoruichi. Despite their history, Yoruichi believed that Soifon would confide in her if there was something to hide.
However, the young captain had always been guarded, even in their earlier days. Curiously, Yoruichi was about to inquire about Soifon when Byakuya voiced the question before her. 'What does this have to do with finding another captain?' he asked.
'And why are you discussing Captain Soifon?' Yoruichi observed Unohana, the head captain, and Shunsui exchange looks. Shunsui pulled his hat lower over his face as the Eighth captain spoke with an unusually serious demeanor. 'I believe it is time to reveal the truth about Captain Soifon's past,' he asserted, locking eyes with the others.
"Captain Kyōraku, may I inquire about the subject matter of your conversation?" Unohana calmly asked, directing her gaze towards her friend. Kyōraku reciprocated her gaze as he replied, "Allow me to explain. If we continue to keep this secret concealed, what course of action would you take when Itachi eventually discovers the truth? Despite not having seen his sister since birth, it is highly likely that he would recognize her." He adjusted his hat before continuing his train of thought.
"We have all witnessed the intelligence of this young boy. Do you believe Captain Soifon would prefer to learn about her past from a stranger rather than from us?" he questioned. Yoruichi furrowed her brow, acknowledging the validity of Kyōraku's argument.
"Captain Kyōraku is speaking the truth," she admitted unintentionally. "Soifon would not appreciate it if you withheld this information from her. And you are well aware of how guarded she is."
The head captain pondered the words of Yoruichi and Kyōraku, then turned to Unohana with a contemplative expression. "I believe they are correct, Unohana. Soifon is of an age where she should be informed about her true identity," he responded calmly.
Captain Unohana contemplated the concern apparent on her face and acknowledged the validity of the others' arguments. Captain Soifon was no longer a child, but rather one of the strongest captains they had at present. "I comprehend your apprehension, Captain Unohana," broke in the commanding voice of the head captain, interrupting her train of thought. "However, we must recognize that Captain Soifon is no longer a defenseless child. She now holds the position of captain and has matured into a woman." He asserted firmly.
"Moreover," continued Shunsui, speaking softly, "she possesses great strength, and once she learns the truth from us, she will likely be grateful in due course."
Observing Unohana's nod of agreement, Yoruichi chimed in, "I believe you are correct. It is about time we discuss her past." She glanced around, noticing the gazes of every captain fixed upon her.
Curious, Captain Komamura inquired, "Would you care to elaborate on this new secret to the rest of us, or must we wait in suspense?"
Yoruichi, eager to gather the whole story as well "Indeed, we all would appreciate learning the details. But first, let us finalize the task of bringing Itachi here," the head captain concluded.
"I am willing to accompany whoever else is going to retrieve Itachi," Yoruichi offered as the head captain began selecting the individuals who would be going to find Itachi and bring him back. The old man nodded in agreement, saying, "Very well, Yoruichi, you can go with Captain Kuchki, Unohana, and Komamura."
Yoruichi nodded with a smile, preferring to actively search for Itachi rather than simply waiting around and being bored. Byakuya then asked in his usual composed tone, "When do we depart?" The head captain promptly replied, "Right now." He tapped the floor with his cane to dismiss the captains.
"Let's proceed immediately," Unohana said, following the other captains out of the meeting hall. Byakuya and Komamura followed suit.
Yoruichi remained in her position, lost in deep thought. 'So Soifon isn't from the Soul Society?' she pondered, unable to shake off her uneasiness. 'If Soifon were to discover the truth, would she leave?' Worriedly, she thought, 'No, she would never abandon her home. I won't allow it.' She slowly followed the others.
(Could you kindly provide suggestions regarding the ideal circumstances for Soifon's introduction to Sasuke, such as the stage in the narrative at which they should encounter each other, as well as how the revelation of their sibling relationship should occur? And should Soifon still get dreams about Madara coming to her?)