Bleach - Sea of Fire

The Commander's Decision

They were bleeding. Kneeling before the commander, staring nothing but his back. There was a mixture of fear and shame in Ukitake's eyes, but he knew that nothing could be worse than the defeat he had already suffered. Kyouraku, on the other hand, was feeling anxious. He definately wanted to see the commander's reaction.

A wind blow crossed the corridors, and for a brief moment the first division symbol flickered on the white background of Yamamoto's cothes, until he finally turned to face the captains.

Despite of his height and age (Yamamoto was a bit short for a warrior, and so old that nobody really knew his true age) his eyes were as iron globes, always judging the world with absolute firmness. His face was austere. He had a posture of a true leader.

"What happened to Ginrei?" asked the captain of the first division. That was a simple and direct question, but his voice sounded like a sword blow, harsh and biting.

"He was taken hostage" said Kyouraku, a drop of blood dripped from his forehead.

"And how did you manage to escape, if even Ginrei wasn't able to defeat the enemies?" Yamamoto asked.

The young captain's eyes widened. Ukitake instinctively lowered his head and stared at the floor. But the commander asked another question before they could say a word. 

"How many were they?" 

"Seven" Ukitake answered, the strands of his white hair over his eyes. The wind seemed to be alive that day, always flying free through Soul Society's buildings, whistling and blowing cold. "They were..."

"Vasto Lordes" said his friend, forging a fearless voice, yet the expression on his face showed that he was not so confident.

"Are you sure?" Yamamoto asked, his semblant hard as stone. It was impossible to look at him in the eye for too long.

"Yes" both the captains answered at the same time.

"And how many are left?"

"We were able to kill two of them" Kyouraku explained with a clearly tired voice. A strong pain was tormenting his mind. "Ginrei-san had killed another one..."

"I did not realize there were so many" Ukitake admitted. "Their leader arrived accompanied by three others. We wanted to stay on the battle field, but Ginrei-san forced us to backdate. He made time for us to escape, using a sequence of spells. We apologize, a Soul Reaper should not abandon a fellow..."

"Fools!" the commander roared like a thunder. It was the first time Yamamoto seemed really angry. "You wish you had stayed there to perish? So feel free to go back and die!" but them he realized how injuried the captains were. The commander decided he could not blame them for the situation. "Do not cry the sacrifice of your comrade. Be thankfull and honor his effort". 

The two captains were still young and had a lot to learn. The simple fact they had faced Vasto Lordes and managed to escape was something worthy of admiration. Surely they would become exemplary captains in the future. Yamamoto knew it. He saw in Kyouraku the potential for a great leader, even knowing he was lazy sometimes. And Ukitake, despite of his illness, was actually the chosen to bear a burden meant to redeem any sin, as his body was carryng an unrivaled power. A hand of a god was locked in his heart, and his white hair was a proof of his duty. Those two were undoubtedly his favorite students. Yamamoto was not just a leader, but a warrior who loved them as a father, the reason he was so demanding towards them.

Sasakibe, the lieutenant who was watching everything without saying a word, approached the commander.

"Shall I call the other captains?"

"No" Yamamoto knew what to do. "You stay here.  Keep things in order while I'm gone" demanded. He looked at the other two. They were dripping blood and seemed exhausted. "Your injuries seem serious. Both of you will have to see the hot springs's demon, for a complete revitalization" he approached them, giving permission to stand up. "If Ginrei is not dead, I will rescue him myself."

"What if it's a trap?" asked Ukitake, letting out a bloody cough, having to put his hand over his mouth to keep from soiling the commander with blood. Kyouraku put an arm around his shoulders and helped him to stand.

"Of course it's a trap" said Yamamoto categorically. "But a long time has passed since I was forced to brandish my Ryujin Jakka. Moreover..."he looked at Sasakibe, who seemed apprehensive" there is a beast I have to release, and she needs to kill once in a while.