28 Chapter 38: A Captains Tasks

Taking a paper from the pile I began to sign reports. Proofreading articles for the magazine and making a few minor adjustments.

"Here you go Captain Hatake" Vice-captain Shuhei said handing me another report

"Oh thank you"

I began to check it over, but a gaze kept me from working.

"Did you need something, Vice-captain?" I asked

"May I speak with you? Off the books" he asked

"Off the books"

"Did you know Captain Tousen?" he said bluntly

I signed a paper and placed it with the others.

"No, not really though I did hear somethings about him from Captain Komamura" I answered signing another paper

"Do you think he would really betray the Soul Society?" He asked

I could tell from his voice he was in some sort minor denial.

"Yes"

"Really? With no thought as to why?" He asked defensively

Stopping my paperwork temporarily, I folded my hands.

"He attacked your comrades, and left like it was nothing...if anything he's just as worse as Aizen" I said bluntly

His hands clenched tightly in anger, sighing I got up.

"What are you doing?"

"Come on"

He arched his brow in confusion, but followed me nonetheless.

Training Yard

"What're we doing here?"

"Tell Shuhei, did Tousen teach you a lesson one that you've never forgotten?"

"Of course" he said with a bit of pride

"What was it?"

Shuhei clenched his hand and took a deep breath.

"Those who don't fear shouldn't...be allowed to fight"

"Hmmm why is that?"

"Tousen told me that fear gives us the courage to fight for those we wish to protect" he answered reminiscent of former Captain Tousen

I stood looking at the sky, and tried to wonder about a few things.

"I'm not afraid, do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because I have so many people counting on me that can't afford to be afraid"

Shuhei may have seen this as a insult to his own creed or code. I then pulled out my blade and pointed it at my Vice-captain.

"Captain Hatake?"

"If we're ever going to understand each other it will be done with our blades" I explained

"Why our blades?"

"What's a more honest way?"

He was hesitant at my request, but pulled his blade out. Gripping it with both hands, as I only used one. He charged thrusting his blade as I swiped them away. Raising his blade high he flashed behind me, before he could land it. My blade blocked it as sparks flew off, pushing him away.

As he landed I flashed behind him, as he turned I switched our positions. Swing my blade hard he was barely able to block the strikes. Shuhei was being pushed back gradually. Despite our differences in power he was handling himself well. Maneuvering my sword I parried it out of his hands. Shocked as my blade tip pointed at his throat.

Sheathing my Zanpakuto he steadily went to grab his.

"Now we understand each other a bit better now"

"Captain Hatake" A messenger called

"Yes?"

"A Captains meeting has been called"

"A meeting? Alright then let's go"

Captains Council Chambers

"Do we have the whereabouts of Sosuke Aizen?" Captain-Commander Yamamoto asked

"No, unfortunately no intel has him in the Soul Society, but Menos that came to his aid might point us to Hueco Mundo" Soi Feng answered

"Hueco Mundo, we can't send any squads without a proper location" he grumbled

"That's correct, we might have to wait or til sends his own to investigate" I suggested

"So we must be on the watch for Kaname Tousen and Gin Ichimaru" he announced

We all stood quiet as a form of agreement.

"On a lighter note, tomorrow is Graduation where many of the students will showcase their abilities" Captain Shunsui said

"Yes, we must build up our strength if we're ever to fight to Aizen" Captain Utitake agreed

"Fine, bring us new blood so that we can defend the Seireitei" the elderly Captain reassured

Next Day

Me and the other Captains came to the Graduation as well as the entrance exam. The only that didn't show was the Captain-Commander himself due to his squad having need for more experienced Soul Reapers.

We all stood in a line as we awaited the students to enter.

"You think there'll be any worth checking out Kakashi?" Captain Shunsui asked

"Maybe, but we'll just have to see"

The bell rang as over a hundred students came out. All numbered so it would be easier to remember them. Each displayed their skills from swordsmanship to Kido. Many were either decent or good, but only a few caught my eye as I began to write down their numbers.

"Oh Kakashi already writing down a few?" Captain Shunsui asked

"Yes, but only a few sadly" I said

I needed to assign seated officers, but wasn't able to find many. Then saw a woman with purple hair and a very creepy smile. Writing her number down I would have to wait to meet her tomorrow.

"It's about to end in a few moments" I said noting the time

"Seems not many we're able to show much potential" Captain Unohana said looking at the former students

Home

"Another day" I said about to enter my home

"Sir"

Just before I did a courier came with a clipboard.

"Yes?"

"We have a delivery for you" he said handing me the clipboard

Signing it I gave it back, and opened my door. Gifts came and were sat down in my home.

"Thank you" I said closing the door

Turning to see the large pile of wrapped and bowed gifts.

"Oh boy"

I went through each gift as it followed:

A Library of rare books, from the Kuchiki Clan.

A ring that symbolizes a eternal friendship with the Shihoin Clan.

A few gift baskets and rare food items from other clans. As well as coupons from my other Soul Reaper friends.

"Well that was thoughtful" I said taking a look at Rangikus gift of a coupon to a noodle shop

Before I could sort it out, one caught my eye in particular. It had a note as well.

'Dear Captain Hatake,

I am sending this as a way of saying thanks, you will always be our friend and comrade'

I didn't see any name or an address, opening it was something that I would never had expected. It was a picture, one that had forgotten. In it was me, Toshiro, Momo, Rukia, Renji, Sajin, and Kaien. It was right before we had ended our training sessions. Toshiro had an annoyed look as Kaien smiled ruffling his hair. Momo had a great big smile as did Rukia and Renji, Sajin stood opposite of me on the right side.

I stared at it for what seemed an eternity, but couldn't help, but bring a smile to my face.

"Thank you"

AN: Sorry for the wait, I was debating on rewriting another story I wrote.