Bleach: New Generation

Chapter 40: Small Assignment

Kazui's POV:

I walked up the torch-lit staircase and made my way back up to the Division 1 Captain-Commander's office. There were too many things to process right now, and I didn't want to discuss this to anyone. Well, not that I had a choice.

"It's something important that may change the course of the mission. And I also advise you to not tell any of this to your friends, Kaito and Ichika"

He was right after all.

It would probably worry them that I would be hiding such a thing, so I won't tell them anyway. After all, they wouldn't mind if I kept a small secret, right? This information is nothing much because...well...

I smacked the back of my head with my hand. Crap, of course it's important! It is my power after all! In the current state I am in now, I'm no better than a mid-class captain in the Gotei 13, so how should I get stronger? How can I be able to rescue Renji and Byakuya from our enemy if I can't even handle the situation that well? And how do I do it without risking the lives of others around me?

As I finally arrived at the top step, I saw Lieutenant Ise talking to Kaito and Ichika about something. They turned their heads around when they heard my footsteps.

"Hey, Kazui! How was the training!", Ichika greeted me with a wave.

"Oh...uh...it was good. I was able to land a hit or two on him..."

Kaito raised his eyebrow, "You alright, Kazui? You sound kinda weird"

I didn't notice the nervousness creeping up in my voice as I spoke to them. The news that Shunsui said to me still surprised me up until now. My voice was shaking, and I didn't know what to do. Luckily, someone behind me saved me the talking.

"Don't worry about Kazui here. He's just a bit tired from training with me since, of course, he couldn't keep up with my talent", answered an amusing voice behind me. Turns out Shunsui followed behind me while I was walking up.

Nanao sighed, "Captain-Commander Kyoraku, no need to make fun of him for that"

"Sorry, just a little humor to wake Kazui up a bit, eh?"

He wore a playful smile on his lips, but his eye said otherwise. From my point of view, he had a serious gaze in his eyes. I've noticed from our brief time with each other that Kyoraku seemed like a laid-back guy on the outside but had a really complex personality inside. I didn't know what he was currently thinking of right now with a mask like that. So far, it looked like he was just covering for me.

"Anyway, there seems to be a problem that has arisen", Shunsui looked at lieutenants Nanao and Genshiro before glancing back at us, "I won't be able to train Ichika nor Kaito today, but I'll make plans for them soon"

Ichika crossed her arms whereas Kaito smiled politely, "That's alright, at least you got Kazui's training in"

"Yeah. But you could do this one thing to prove your strength so far. It also has something to do with that problem...Our Soul Reapers who have scouted the area of District 37 of Rukongai. We've withdrawn our stationed officers so that you can go in"

I looked up to the Head Captain, sighed, and nodded, "We understand. We'll go first thing in the morning"

"That's what I like to hear! Anyway, you are now dismissed", Shunsui said cheerfully, "Okikiba, please escort them outside"

"Yes, Head Captain Kyoraku", he bowed and gestured for us to leave.

Kaito, Ichika, and I all walked with the old lieutenant to the large door where we originally entered from. I waved goodbye to the Division 1 office and turned around. It was a quiet walk to the exit as all of us didn't say a single word. The sun was slowly setting in the distance, making the sky look crimson. My nervousness remained, but slowly fading away. Even a silent walk with my friends was enough to calm my nerves.