Expeditions and Second thoughts

"Hueco Mundo is the dimension where Hollows reside. I gave the idea of having an expedition into Hueco Mundo to really see how Hollows live and figure out the true nature of the things we kill. The Central 46 accepted but the bad side is I'll be going with only one other person. The Head captain and the central 46 believed that I should be used as a test and that depending on my findings more people will be allowed on regular trips to Hueco Mundo. The truth is, I wasn't planning on going at all. In fact, I didn't want to go."

"Sounds fun, can we tag along?" Yoruichi asked.

"As much as I'd love to smuggle you to Hueco Mundo and teach you about different types of hollows, I can't let you come due to the unknown dangers. I promise I'll bring you one day."

"Man that sounds Like a bunch of fun, I wanna see a hollow in the flesh."

"You'll run into them one day. If you're strong enough they shouldn't be problems. Unless they are Vasto Lorde hollows. Those ones are all business. They are captain level opponents, however, there aren't many of them. The problem with this is that Shinigami haven't been to Hueco Mundo for centuries."

"So they are outdated. It's a good thing you're doing this. To get a good grip on the numbers of our enemies is a nice advantage to have." Tessai commented.

"Who is the one other person you're going with?"

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"Now this Captains meeting will discuss the idea proposed by Yasushi of the 8th division 7 years ago. After discussions with the Central 46, we have decided to grant his request of an expedition into the realm of the hollows. Hueco Mundo. Any comments?"

The head captain began the meeting as usual. All 13 captains were present including Captain Ukitake who was usually ill and had to sit out of the meetings.

"May I ask why Yasushi isn't here? It's his idea he should at least be present." The motherly captain, Unohana asked.

"He's busy with other affairs currently. If you want to meet him you can find him in your own time."

"Head Captain if I may?" The captain of the 11th division asked.

"You may, Kuruyashiki."

"While I'm not brushed up on my history, I believe it's been around 850 years since we last ventured into Hueco Mundo and that ended in the death of a captain. Why is it that when a third seat asks it's accepted. I'm well aware of how strong and powerful Yasushi is, in fact, I believe that he's strong enough to be a captain level opponent with a few years of practice and training."

Captain Kuruyashiki was an odd man. He didn't adhere to the regular stereotypes of the people who held the title "Kenpachi". While he enjoyed a good fight he was intelligent and respectful of others.

"Nicely worded, Kuruyashiki. The reason is simple. Yasushi participated in a debate with the central 46. All 46 of them."

This shocked all the Captains present apart from Yasushi's own captain who was aware. The central 46 were stubborn old fools who weren't willing to budge to anything which went against their values and traditions.

"He stood for hours giving them reasons why it should be done. He ended up convincing a majority of them and won. However, they said that he and only one other person must go. This is the main part of the meeting. Which one of you will go."

"I offer myself up, Captain Yamamoto," Kuruyashiki said.

"Any objections?"

"Here, sir!"

The voice came from the captain of the 12th division.

"Captain Hikifune, the reason for the objection."

"I believe this mission is perfect for the 12th division and will benefit the soul society more If I accompanied Yasushi on this mission. While Captain Kuruyashiki is strong without a doubt, I believe it would be a waste if nothing of worth was brought back for research. I would know everything that is worth it and what isn't. For the optimal value in the long term, I believe I should go." She announced.

"Any objections, Kuruyashiki?" The head captain asked.

"While I disagree with some of those points, I agree with the greater argument so I'll leave it to Captain Hikifune."

"Then it is done. Captain Hikifune will accompany Yasushi on the mission to Hueco Mundo. Meeting finished.

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"Why didn't you offer yourself, Kyoraku?"

Four captains were in a small bar in the soul society. They were in a booth which was quite spacious.

"I don't think Yasushi would have had as much fun If I was there."

"What do you mean?" Kuruyashiki asked.

"If I was there he'd be doing things like normal. Following the rules and being as stiff as a sword. Captain Hikifune has an inner child within her so she'll allow Yasushi to enjoy himself much more."

"Inner child? I wouldn't describe myself like that. It's the wonder of finding something new. Finding something beyond your wildest dreams which you can't comprehend. So you put everything you have to understand it and make it better. It's a scientific mindset." Captain Hikifune defended herself with her own creed.

"You call it a scientific mindset, I call it a child in human form."

The 4 captains all shared a laugh.

"Though it's exciting isn't it? The first venture into Hueco Mundo in centuries, it gives me goosebumps." Hikifune gleed like a child.

"I agree. I haven't heard this kind of news in years. I hope everything goes well and it allows more ventures into the enemy territory." Ukitake commented.

"I wish I could go. To find new strong hollows who are worth my time would nice to have." Kuruyashiki said.

"Well, let us raise a toast. To the expeditions!" Shunsui shouted.

"To the expedition!" The other 3 captains shouted.

The cups clinked and they gulped down their drinks.

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I dodged a slash from Yoruichi who had gotten behind me by using a shunpo.

Once I had avoided the slash, I returned a kick which she dodged by squatting down on the ground.

However, once my foot went over her head I landed on it and used the momentum gained to use my left leg to land a kick to her face. It sent her backwards on the floor.

I put my finger out and used Bakudo 1 without the need for a number. It was a simple kido to understand so it was easier to use. The kido restrained her and forced her arms behind her back.

"Better much better. You managed to get behind me with a shunpo. The fact you can use it at such a young age is only a testament to your skill. You should've gone for the kill the first time. If you're not going to fight me with the intent to kill me then it's useless. Were you scared that you'd hurt me?"

"What pfft of course not." She clearly lied.

"Trust me, there are only a set amount of people in the soul society who could land a hit on me. And you are not one of them."

Yoruichi sheepishly shrugged and looked a bit embarrassing.

"The only thing I feel from your blade is fear. Are you scared of killing people? As the future head of the Shihoin family, you will be tasked with heading up the second division. That means you will be tasked with hunting down rogue Shinigami and eliminating them. Blood will be on your hands. When you are faced in a situation to save someone from an enemy you will have to kill. Don't get me wrong I'm not teaching you how to kill, I'm teaching you how to prepare yourself for that dreadful moment."

"I just don't understand how I'll do it. To take someone else's life, I know I'll have to do it but I just can't imagine it."

Was I ever like this? Innocent and young? Growing up in the Rukongai desensitises you to certain things like this. Was I really in the place to console her about her emotions? Sometimes I wonder if I should have joined the 11th division. Fighting is a part of my life that I'll never get away from.

"When you're in battle, throw away your thoughts. Focus only on staying alive and keeping those around you alive. You will be in a place of authority one day, princess. People will look to you for advice and help. But if you have to be selfish, be selfish. Do anything you can to survive." I said to her.

"How can I be selfish. I rely on the people around me to better myself as a person. I don't think I could sacrifice others just so I could survive. It would be against my morals and

"Princess that choice will be up to you. I won't stand here and tell you that you will never be in that situation. But I will tell you this, don't think too much about it right now. You're young, you have so much to learn and an entire life ahead of you. Don't live your entire life with this gut-wrenching feeling. When you are placed in the situation I'm sure you'll do what you think is right."

"Thank you sagely old man."

I grabbed her head and picked her up. "Don't call me old, I'm only 96."

"That's old. What kido are you using to hide your wrinkles? I bet you look like the head captain." Yoruichi laughed.

Sometimes I envy these children. They have innocence and youthfulness, things which were taken from me at a young age.

But it's my job to give them the best possible future.

And I intend to carry it out to my fullest capabilities.