Hospital
After I sat in the hospital with my eye and body covered in bandages. My arm had been replaced with an new limb. It was all black just barely touching my elbow, Captain Unohana said it would turn to a normal color once it adapted to my own body. Rotating the black hand I still couldn't believe that my friends were gone.
"How are you doing?" Vice-captain Isane asked with a gentle voice
"Good, just need to get back to work is all and I'll be fine"
"About that..."
"What?"
"A new Captain has found to replace Kisuke Urahara, but he relieved you of your post"
"Why?"
"He said he didn't trust anyone he did not know" she answered
"So I'm out of a job?"
"Not precisely, Captain-Commander Yamamoto said he would like to see you once you woke up" she explained
What would the Captain-Commander want with me? Does he think I had a hand in it? Does he think I was withholding information?
Once I had gotten better with fresh bandages, I made my way to Captain-Commanders office. Knocking gently on the red wood, waiting for answer after.
"Come in" a booming voice ordered
Opening the door I entered with the eldest Soul Reaper sitting at his desk. Glancing he put his pen down and gestured for me to come forth.
"Vice-captain Hatake"
"You asked for me Captain-Commander" I said standing up straight
"I heard you made a full recovery, good the Seireitei needs more Soul Reapers like yourself" he commented
"Thank you sir"
"Now I have no doubt that you heard from Captain Unohana that you've been released of duty from Division 12"
"Yes, unfortunately"
"Unfortunate indeed, but fortunately for you a transfer is requested for your presence" he explained pulling out a few files
"Really? May I ask who?"
"Several in fact, almost half our Vice-captains and Captains deserted their post, many even want you to be a Captain" he answered
"Me? Captain?"
"Yes, but unfortunately we lack the numbers and the information needed to give you that status, so you must stay at a Vice-captain status"
"Who is requesting a post for me?"
"Captain Soi Feng, Captain Shunsui, Captain Utitake, a few noble families would like to request you as personal body gaurd" he listed off
I was in predicament three wanted me as Vice-captain, others wanted me as a gaurd. I was flattered, but still I needed time to think.
"Even one of the Four Noble Clans wish to have you"
I had heard of the clans they had most influential pull with in Central 46. Even within the Seireitei power they couldn't be touched or any noble house.
"Who?"
"The Shihoin Clan, you know their daughter was the heir, but now that she is in exile they need get back on their feet"
"Why me?"
"They were going to make the proposal earlier, due to their daughters high praises" he explained
"I see"
"But the decision lays on you, pick one to serve" he ordered
Looking carefully at the files, I just couldn't choose on such short notice.
"May I have sometime to think?"
"Of course, such a decision needs to be thought on" he agreed
Seireitei
Walking through the streets my mind in a storm of thoughts, how could I choose. I bumped into a small child while lost in thought, looking down it was a boy with black hair and a red hair tie. With the Kuchiki Clan crest on his back.
"Sorry, I didn't see where I was going" I apologized offering my hand
He got up by himself his face showing anger.
"You should watch where you're going!" He said in anger
"Byakuya!"
He winced at the voice of Captain Genrei approaching from behind him. He was an elderly man with a somewhat permanent frown, and a bushy mustache covering it.
"Oh Captain Genrei I didn't expect to see you"
"Hmm you must be Vice-captain Hatake, were you not part of Division 12?" He asked
"Yes, but I was relieved from that Division"
"So what Squad are you part of?"
"I do not know yet, my transfer hasn't been complete" I answered
"I see, may I ask a favor of you?"
"Yes, what do you need?"
"I need you to train my Grandson" he said placing a hand on the young boy
"What?" He objected
"Are sure?"
"Yes, he had a tutor, but she was counted among the exiles" he explained
"Oh very well then, when would you like me to come by?"
"Noon today, we'll see til then" he leaving as Byakuya gave a glare
Maybe do something could get my mind off the subject.
"Vice-captain Hatake"
Turning I saw Captain Soi Feng, with a determined stare.
"Yes, Captain Soi Feng can I help"
"Heh can't get used to that" she chuckled
"A promotion, good you deserve it"
Her face went down a bit, refocused on what she needed.
"Can I talk to you?"
Going to a private part of the Captain Counsel Chambers.
"Have you decided on my proposal?" She asked
"You mean to become your Vice-captain?"
"Yes...listen Kakashi I'm not confident that I can lead Division 2, I need someone to help me that's you"
Looking into her eyes I could see she was serious, nervousness and fear took her.
"Soi Feng, are you sure? If I accept your proposal I would act more like a crutch than a Vice-captain" I explained
"What do you mean?"
"Listen being Captain is no different than Vice-captain, but you are leading I know you can do it" I reassured her
She looked down taking a deep breath, and exhaled.
"You're right, but I still want you as my Vice-captain and if you choose another Division that's okay as well" she said leaving me with my thoughts
Not in a rush since I still had enough time til I needed to go tutor the Kuchiki child.
"Hey Kakashi"
Seeing Captain Shunsui approaching me, I guess it was for the samething.
"Hey so what did you think of novel?"
I was slightly wrong.
"It was good, though I haven't really gotten far unfortunately" I confessed
"Oh that's alright, are you thinking on my proposal? I saw talking with Soi Feng"
"Yes, she wants me to be her Vice-captain as well, but I think I would be more of a crutch than Vice-captain"
"I see well whoever you choose, just do it wisely" he advised
"Why not have Nanoe as your Vice-captain?"
"To be honest she isn't ready, she is very punctual and on time, but I want her to be able to handle split second situations" he confessed
"And Soi Feng need 's to learn to trust herself"
"Seems we got ourselves full huh?"
"Yes, I suppose so"
"Well I must be off before she actually comes to drag me back" Captain Shunsui said leaving with a wave
And I needed to go to the Kuchiki Clan compound before I become late.
Kuchiki Clan
Being escorted by the Kuchiki Clan gaurd I was put in the garden where it was obviously used for training.
"Aw Vice-captain Hatake you're on time" Captain Genrei said seeing me enter
"It wasn't all that hard to find you home"
"Now Byakuya you ready for your leason?" The elder asked
The teen just pouted as if it was a waste of time. Seeing a rack of wooden swords I grabbed one tossing towards the kid.
"Show me what you got" I said grabbing my own
Byakuya charged slashing, blocking it easily I pushed him back. Gripping his sword he charged again, throwing a series of slashes, all blocked easily. Byakuya was getting furious til he used Flash step, appearing behind me.
"Got you now"
Slashing I stepped to the side as he fell forward. Stumbling to the ground face first into the dirt.
"Don't be so sure of victory, til you're sure you've won" I advised
"Ow"
"We have a lot of work to do"
It was then I made a decision, I found where I would serve.
Captain-Commanders Office
Captain-Commander Yamamoto sat waiting for my answer, grabbing the file.
"Division 8, under Captain Shunsui"
"Yes, sir"
"Very well you start tomorrow, Vice-captain Hatake"