Yoruichi had a cat-like grin on her face as she regarded Itachi and Jiraiya. "If what I saw last night and during Phase Two today is any indicator, I think you guys are gonna be naturals at both Hakuda and Hohō. Squad Two would be a natural home for you once you graduate!"
Jūshiro smirked. "Looks like someone's a little eager with her recruitment pitch!"
"Come on, Yoruichi," said Kirio with a smile, "You can't hog the best applicants to yourself. They've both shown themselves to be rather intelligent, so I think Squad Twelve would be a suitable division for them. What do you two say?"
"Don't listen to her," said Shinji, "She'll have the two of you waste your time maintaining the archives."
Kirio folded her arms. "That's not true, Shinji! I already have plenty of good hands managing the library. I think Itachi and Jiraiya would be best suited to my field-study teams!"
Love shook his head. "Field-study? For two men capable of taking down a Hollow barehanded with no training whatsoever? No way, Kirio; these two are front-line fighters. If you guys want to go somewhere that'll let you put your talents to good use, Squad Seven's right up your alley."
"Not so fast," said Kensei as he regarded Itachi and Jiraiya, "If you two had the guts to take on a Hollow without the education of a Soul Reaper, then you'll be that much more formidable once you've graduated from the Academy. I can already tell that you two are the types who'll keep pushing themselves even after graduation. You should consider Squad Nine; I'll drive you two hard, but you'll thank me once you've unlocked your true potential."
Mashiro smiled. "We're also in charge of the Seireitei News Magazine! We're always looking for new editors and columnists, so if either of you have any writing talent you should join up with us!"
Jiraiya grinned. "Well, I was a novelist on the side while I was still alive. Never tried my hand at journalism before, but there's a first time for everything. I might just take you up on that."
"A novelist, eh?" said Shunsui, "I like a good book now and then. What was your genre?"
"Romance and comedy," he replied, "Life is meant for love and laughter, after all, and there's no reason why the afterlife can't be the same way!"
Shunsui had a good chuckle at that. "An argument I've made myself on more than one occasion. As long as we're all making recruitment pitches, I think you'd do all right in Squad Eight. Normally I only extend such offers to women, but I'm willing to make an exception here."
Jiraiya's face lit up. "Wait a minute, are you saying that, aside from you, your division is made up entirely of women? Count me in!"
Lisa groaned. "Don't be ridiculous; we accept both male and female recruits. This is one of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, not my Captain's personal harem, no matter how much he tries to make it one!"
Shunsui laughed. "Now, now, Lisa; don't go scaring away a potential recruit. It's bad for the squad!"
"Please take no offense, Jiraiya," said Lisa, "but I can already tell that you'd be no different from my Captain here, and I can only handle one of him in Squad Eight. Itachi, on the other hand, would be a most welcome addition our ranks."
Jiraiya sighed, but Itachi could still see an amused light in his eyes. "Some guys really do get all the luck…"
"Captain Hirako, I'm rather surprised at your sudden silence," said Jūshiro, "Aren't you going to make a pitch for them to join Squad Five?"
"I'd rather wait for them to graduate from the Academy first," Shinji replied, "Don't get me wrong; you two had by far the most impressive exam results out of all the candidates, so it's clear that you've got a lot of potential. I just prefer to wait and see how students do at the Academy before making a recruitment pitch; the curriculum does a good job at illuminating the strengths and weaknesses of a potential Soul Reaper. Once I've had a chance to review your final test scores, I might just pay you a friendly visit before the graduation ceremony."
Jūshiro nodded. "A reasonable approach. That's usually mine as well, although I'm more than willing to scout the field, as it were. For what it's worth, I think you two will do very well at the Academy. When the time for graduation draws near, do keep Squad Thirteen in mind as a potential first assignment. We're always on the lookout for talented individuals, and I believe that every person has something special to offer to the division."
"That's a very open-minded approach to recruitment," said Itachi.
Jiraiya looked around. "Well, if nothing else, it seems like we'll have plenty of options for when we graduate. How come the other Captains aren't here?"
"They've either got duties to attend to or just weren't interested," said Yoruichi, "It's always a different batch of Captains each year that gather to review the entrance exam scores. Don't worry; once you two graduate, you'll meet the rest in due time."
"Do not become overconfident," advised Lisa, "You may have performed well in the entrance exams, but the Academy is not to be taken lightly. Expect a rigorous curriculum."
"Oh, they'll be just fine," said Kirio, throwing a friendly wink at Itachi, "and once they're done, it's straight to Squad Twelve with them! At the very least, I'd like to see you join our ranks, Itachi!"
"I'm sorry, but I think you're mistaken," said Love with a smirk, "They're both clearly meant for Squad Seven."
"No, Squad Nine calls dibs!" chirped Mashiro.
"That's rather premature," Lisa asserted, "Jiraiya's an open question, but I would contend that Itachi should come to Squad Eight upon graduation!"
Yoruichi laughed. "I knew you two would be popular! Jiraiya, don't take this the wrong way, but they can fight over you to their hearts' content. However…"
Before Itachi knew what was happening Yoruichi leaned towards him. There was a playful, almost feline, look in her eyes, and a moment later she licked him on the cheek.
"None of them are getting you, Itachi!" she said with a cat-like grin, "I'm marking my territory here and now; you're mine!"
It wasn't in Itachi's nature to blush, but he could feel a slight warmth coming to his just the same. Just how exactly was he supposed to respond to something like that?
Yoruichi chuckled, and the mischievous look in her eyes told Itachi that she had a pretty good idea regarding his current state of mind. "What's the matter, Itachi? Cat got your tongue?"
He was vaguely aware of the smirk on Jiraiya's face. "I'd say that's a pretty good way to put it."
"No fair!" Kirio pouted, "Yoruichi, that's cheating!"
Yoruichi folded her arms and smiled. "Hey, we never laid down any ground rules for claiming recruits, right? I'd say it's fair game!"
"Then if I lick him, that means he'll have to join Squad Nine!" cheered Mashiro, "Come here, Itachi!"
Kensei bopped her on the head. "Mashiro, cut it out! That's now how a Lieutenant is supposed to behave."
"But Captain Shihōin did it!" Mashiro protested.
"She's a Captain," Kensei countered, "She has greater leeway… even if some of her behavior doesn't necessarily set the best example."
Yoruichi laughed. "Oh, lighten up, Kensei! Let her have a little fun!"
Kensei folded his arms. "No offense, Captain Shihōin, but I don't need you rubbing off on my Lieutenant. If she falls under your influence, then the next thing I know she'll be Flash Stepping out of her clothes!"
Itachi raised an eyebrow as he turned to Yoruichi. "Wait… do you actually do that?"
Yoruichi gave him a playful smirk. "Want to find out?"
"Yes, please!" cheered Jiraiya.
"I… I don't think that's necessary," said Itachi, unused to feeling quite so flustered.
Jūshiro chuckled. "I'm with Itachi here, Captain Shihōin, as are the others I would imagine."
"Now, now," said Shunsui, holding up a hand, "Let's not be so hasty here! It's just starting to get fun!"
His Lieutenant whacked him on the back of the head. "With all due respect, Captain, keep it in your pants!"
Shunsui laughed as he rubbed the spot where Lisa had hit him. "All right, all right. I guess a Captain stripping down in the middle of an Academy conference room wouldn't be very professional. We'll have to save the exhibition for another time, Captain Shihōin."
"That's too bad," said Yoruichi, winking at Itachi, "I was ready to put on a show. Oh, well."
Shinji smirked. "There's never a dull moment when you're around, is there?"
Yoruichi shrugged. "Well, me or Kisuke, really. Without the two of us, Squad Two would be a lot less interesting."
"Especially if that Lieutenant of yours was running the show," said Love, "What was his name again? You know, the guy that's got his head shoved up his ass because of how rich his family is?"
"Ōmaeda, I think," said Kensei, "Marenoshin Ōmaeda. Seriously, how did he wind up becoming your Lieutenant, Captain Shihōin? I know he's achieved Shikai, but he's not exactly talented with it. No offense."
"None taken," Yoruichi replied, "To tell you the truth, taking him on as Squad Two's Lieutenant wasn't exactly my choice. Sure, he met the requirements, but I had other potential candidates who weren't nearly as condescending towards others as he is."
"Do you not have the freedom to promote your own subordinates?" asked Itachi.
Yoruichi shook her head. "Normally I do, but this was a different set of circumstances. You two already know that I'm not just a Captain; I'm also part of the Soul Society's nobility. The Ōmaeda family isn't anywhere near as powerful as mine, but they're still quite wealthy and thus are inevitably part of the games that the noble houses like to play with each other. Long story short, he's my Lieutenant because of Soul Society aristocratic politics, and I can't get rid of him at will partly because of those politics but also because he possesses at least enough competence to do his job without requiring constant supervision. It's not an ideal situation, but it's one that I've learned to work around."
"You mentioned that he's achieved Shikai," said Jiraiya, "What's that?"
"Something you'll learn about at the Academy soon enough," Yoruichi replied before standing up, "Speaking of which, I really ought to get you two over to the student dorms now. It's tradition for a party to be thrown for the candidates that make it through the entrance exams, and it would look strange if the two top performing applicants weren't there. So as fun as this has been, I'm afraid we need to get going."
"That's a shame," said Jiraiya, "I was really enjoying myself here. Ah, well. If there's a party to be had, I'm not about to turn it down."
"It was nice to meet all of you," said Itachi as he and Jiraiya joined Yoruichi.
Jūshiro smiled. "Likewise. Best of luck with your time in the Academy."
"Enjoy yourselves!" said Shunsui with a grin, "The Academy doesn't have to be all learning and no fun, after all. My student days certainly had their share of adventures."
Jūshiro chuckled. "That's putting it mildly."
"Captain, stop setting a poor example for the new students!" Lisa scolded before turning back to Itachi and Jiraiya, "Please take your studies seriously. The better your grades, the better your chances of gaining a seated officer's position when you graduate from the Academy."
"Study hard," said Kensei, "I'm looking forward to seeing what the Academy will turn you into."
"Don't forget to subscribe to the Seireitei News Magazine!" chirped Mashiro, "Students get a discount, and the fees can be subtracted automatically from your Academy spending accounts, so you won't have to worry about forgetting payments!"
Shinji gave them a wave. "Have fun in class. Don't goof off too much!"
Love smiled. "Show everyone what you can do."
"Hit the books and keep your grades up!" cried Kirio, "I'm expecting great things, especially from you, Itachi!"
"Catch you all later," said Yoruichi as the door shut behind them, "Come on, let's get you two settled in."
Itachi nodded as they set off towards the student dorms. "Thank you for introducing us to them. It was a very informative experience."
Jiraiya smiled. "I'll say. You Soul Reapers sure are an interesting bunch!"
Yoruichi laughed. "Yeah, that's definitely one way to put it! Keep an eye out for the other Captains and Lieutenants while you're at the Academy; eventually most of the higher-ups will pay the school a visit at least once during your time there. Some hold guest lectures while others just observe students and try to find potential recruits."
"Does that include the Head Captain?" asked Itachi.
Yoruichi nodded. "Occasionally, yes. Normally he just gives the big speech on the first day of the new school year, and he'll also address the year's graduating class as well, but every now and then he'll make an appearance that isn't ceremonial. Nine times out of ten it'll be during one of the history lecture halls; the Head Captain's by far the oldest Soul Reaper on active duty, so a lot of the events you'll read about will personally involve him."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Really? Just how old is he?"
Yoruichi's brow furrowed. "Hard to say. He's been around since the founding of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, so the bare minimum would be over two-thousand years. I wouldn't be surprised if it was closer to three or four-thousand, but that's just my take on it."
Itachi's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Completely," Yoruichi replied, "He's the most powerful Soul Reaper in all existence; he hasn't lived so long in such a dangerous line of work by being a pushover, after all. Age hasn't slowed him down a bit, either. They say that at full-strength he's a match for every other Captain and Lieutenant in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads combined, and I'm inclined to believe that. You don't mess with the Head Captain if you want to live, take my word on that."
Itachi nodded. "I see."
"He's not thinking of retiring anytime soon?" asked Jiraiya, "Two-thousand years is a long time to be on the job."
Yoruichi shrugged. "He doesn't seem to mind it. From what I can tell, I don't think he'd ever consider doing anything other than what he is right now. The Head Captain will serve until he dies, and may it be a long time yet before that day comes."
Despite her casual attitude, Itachi could tell that her respect for the Head Captain was genuine. As swift and powerful as she was, she was still deferential to him, which made Itachi quite curious as to what the man was like. He supposed that he would find out one way or another in due time.
After leaving the main building and walking through a broad courtyard, they came to the student dorms. There were several small groups of people in front of the building, mostly consisting of students or faculty.
"Here we are," said Yoruichi, "If you head inside, just to the right after the front entrance is the student help desk. Tell the secretary your names and she'll tell you where your rooms are. There should already be some basic school supplies inside them, and you'll get more come orientation tomorrow. It's been a while since I've been here, but if I recall correctly the first-year students are concentrated on the second floor. There should be a common room in the middle; that's where the student parties are held."
"Thank you for everything, Captain Shihōin" said Itachi, bowing his head, "We wouldn't be here today if it was not for you."
Jiraiya bowed as well. "He's right. Thanks for all your help, Captain Shihōin."
Yoruichi smiled. "Hey, now, what did I tell you guys earlier? There's no need to get all formal with me. If you have to, call me Captain Yoruichi. Otherwise, Yoruichi works just fine."
Itachi couldn't help but give her a small smile in return. "In that case, thank you, Yoruichi."
Jiraiya smiled as well. "We owe you one."
Yoruichi folded her arms. "If you want to pay me back, then you can do so by showing the instructors here what you're really made of. The Hollow encounter last night and your exam results today are all I need to know that you two are something special, but the teachers here are another story. There'll be plenty of fun in your student days, and I definitely want you two to enjoy yourselves, but don't forget that this is first and foremost a school. Study and train hard, because by the time graduation rolls around I want to be able to make you two seated officers right out of the gate; you've definitely got the potential for it."
"I appreciate the confidence you have in us," said Itachi.
"You've earned it so far," said Yoruichi, "but the real work starts here. I've got no doubt that they'll put the two of you in the advanced track based on your test scores, which means you'll have twice as much work as the other students. Hit the books as hard as you hit that Hollow the night before, and your classmates will run out of breath trying to keep up with you."
Jiraiya chuckled. "Sounds like we've got our work cut out for us. Should be fun!"
"I give you my word that your faith in us will not be misplaced," said Itachi.
Yoruichi grinned. "Good. Well, it's getting late, and I need to get back to Squad Two. I'll see you two around!"
She turned to leave, but she had only gone a few steps before looking over her shoulder. "Oh, and Itachi?"
"Yes?" he said.
She gave him a wink. "If any of the other Captains swing by, do me a favor and don't let them sweet-talk you. Come graduation, you're mine!"
"I'll… try to remember that," said Itachi, once again unused to being so flustered.
"Glad to hear it," she said as she waved, "Catch you later!"
Jiraiya smirked at him as Yoruichi went on her way. "You Uchiha… your clan's just a bunch of natural-born lady-killers."
Itachi doubted that he'd meant his words as a barb, but they cut deep all the same. Even after all the time that had passed since the Uchiha Clan massacre, the wounds on his psyche were rawer than he let on.
"You have no idea," he said after a moment, his tone grim.
Jiraiya studied him carefully for a moment before speaking again. "Well, then, shall we go settle in? If they're hosting a party up there, it'd be a shame to miss it."
"Parties aren't really my thing," Itachi replied, "but I suppose it would look odd if I wasn't in attendance. An obligatory appearance will do, and then you and I have some business to attend to."
Jiraiya nodded, his eyes narrowing. "That we do."