First Division Captain's Office

Shunsui chuckled and lowered his hat. “Of course I am, old friend. Don’t ask stupid questions.” He looked up again. “And who said I was drinking to nurse my loneliness? That was a toast towards beating Aizen in this game. But if you insist,” he set the lid in the bottle and set it at his feet.

“What news do you bring me, Kisuke? Since you said it depends on what news you consider good, I assume that unfortunately, not all has been well.”

Juushiro took over. “Kita was freed thanks to the goddess and Ichimaru. Aizen disposed of Orihime and that’s got Kurosaki in all sorts of knots. But as long Orihime goes into hiding, in case Aizen or his goons change their minds again, I think he is stable.” He chuckled. “Yes, I spoiled his kid. He should have known it would happen.” As Shunsui chuckled, his own smile faded. “Kita feels guilty for leaving Yumiko on the goddess’ orders, and if we don’t move, Kita may go back in there just for that. Those two have really bonded.”

“That’s not enough to make you lose your smile,” the commander muttered. “It’s been grim fighting every movement of this war.”

Juushiro sighed. “Yumiko’s been hurt badly. When Kita saw her, she was in a trance and hardly paying attention to anyone until the last minute.” His eyes narrowed. “She suspects Vale Tervaden is responsible.”

Kisuke laughed, "I think that crazy ass espada would be in seventh heaven. he has been wanting to get back at Aizen for stabbing him this last time around." He nodded, "count us both in."

he then reached into his pocket and pulled out the same two bags he showed Juushiro along with his gloves. He set everything out on Kyoraku's desk and slipped into his gloves, set up the objects and looked to Juushiro, Kisuke placed his index finger over his own lips.

"Shhh. Don't tell him." He looked to Kyoraku. "Release a little more of that sexy reiatsu of yours, old man."

"Unless Sousuke does something that changes the face of the war.  Again," Juushiro stated, voice grim.  

"That's always the case," their friend and commander muttered, hands still steepled.  He looked up at his oldest friend.  "I don't think there is a way to prepare for his move in a way beyond creating the best offensive/rescue mission we can.  Is there something else that comes to your mind?" 

"I worry about what he will attempt to get Kita again," the captain admitted.  "He's already done many terrible things, including threatening a child."  

Juushiro turned to Kisuke.  "From their report of their battle in Las Noches, do you think that Sousuke's focus will be on Yumiko, Kita, or Ichimaru at the moment?" 

Shunsui nodded. “I agree with you, old friend. Aizen is nothing if not vengeful.” He stayed silent for a moment and then rose from his seat, calling over one of his guards. After a short conference, the man bowed and left. Shunsui closed the door. “For me, that means Hitsugaya and Mutsu are going to have to be without their lieutenants for a while. Both Matsumoto and Kira have suffered enough, and they are in my protection.”

Juushiro frowned. “is there a place they can hide that Sousuke doesn’t know about?”

Shunsui smirked. “I had my family members finish preparing a couple in case we had to hide someone away again, in particular Yumiko. They’re brand new, not on anyone’s map or memory, and their reiatsu is untraceable inside.”

He sat at his desk again. “Kita and the child I can’t protect. She is far too much a part of this war to disappear and be allowed to stay gone. The best I can do for them is leave them to any protections you have up your sleeve and any bodyguards you wish to steal from my ranks.  And Ichimaru was never one to accept any protections on himself." 

Juushiro shook his head and waved his hands.  "You both know that's not true," he protested to more laughter.  The room suddenly felt a lot lighter in spite of the threat of Sousuke Aizen in the background. 

Juushiro wiped tears from his eyes and looked to Kisuke.  "Are you saying Ichimaru would accept protection or a companion to watch out for trouble?" 

As Shunsui blabbered another apology, someone knocked on the door. Juushiro chuckled and patted Kisuke on the shoulder as he slapped his friend’s hat off his head. “Act your age, boys,” he teased lightly as his best friend retaliated by knocking off Kisuke’s hat.

At the door stood Captain Mutsu and Captain Hitsugaya along with Kira and Matsumoto. The lieutenants and their captains looked determined yet resigned. After explaining the situation to the captains, both left with their lieutenants to gather their things. Both captains murmured something about Ichimaru owing them after this was all over.

Alone once more, the three grew serious again. Deciding who to send with Kisuke as Ichimaru’s second pair of eyes. They chose Shinji Hirako because there was no telling when Juushiro’s health would finally give way to an attack. That would help no one.

By the day’s end, word had spread that the lieutenants were on a secret mission for an indefinite time. And Aizen’s army had a new animal to deal with at the shop. One who had never trusted Sousuke from the beginning. Kisuke left after knocking off the commander’s hat one last time. For luck.

They’d need it, even with all their cards in play. Sousuke Aizen was a dangerous man, and they’d be fools to think it was over yet.