"Enough!"
The Head Captain's stick slammed into the ground sending a wave of Reiatsu that silenced the hall once more.
"Mind your words, Zaraki. Do not insult another Captain in my presence.." The Head Captain caused Zaraki to relent, but even so, the sneer on his face rubbed everyone off.
"Give the order now, old man. Let me go and kill the bastard. I want to know what tricks he used to beat that weakling, Kensei.." A timed grunt from Zaraki's hoarse voice broke the silence.
"Hmmm. Central 46 have issued an order. He is now a wanted criminal and has been assigned a run on sight for all Shinigami below Lieutenant level. We are to go after him.." The head Captain's voice echoed in all their ears. They heard him loud a clear.
Unohana sent a concerned look.
"Run on sight? The bastard's getting more credit than he deserves.." Love Aikawa of the seventh division, an afro haired man opened his mouth to say. "Interesting.." Kisuke's eyes squinted, probably in deep thought.
"A code red for a newbie soul in the Rukongai. Yeah, make it make sense.." Shinji chipped in, facepalming.
"Sigh. I think we know too little of our fugitive to make guesses. But luckily for us, my lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto knows something we don't.." Isshin looked at the Head Captain for a moment, waiting for an approval. The old man nodded and then Isshin urged Rangiku to step forward.
Rangiku's heart pounded within her chest, all eyes were on her, she knew what she had to do. With a calm deep breath, she readied herself.
"His name is Minato. If my research is right, then he arrived in the Soul Society about a month ago. He lived together and worked under Fujitaro Kazuya in the 50th District of the Northern Rukongai.. The forge master who worked for the Omnitsukido.."
She paused. All eyes turned to Yoruichi for a moment whose brows furrowed.
Rangiku took a deep breath, what was coming next wasn't going to be easily taken in by some of the Captains. "During all two Hollow attacks on the 50th District, he singlehandedly saved the lives of multiple citizens by stopping the attacks to the best of his ability.."
She paused, seeing the gobsmacked look on the faces. "50th District?" Kisuke turned to his lieutenant, Hiyori who nodded with a look. "A newly reincarnated soul fighting off two Adjuchas? I've heard better.." Rose shook his head and sighed. Could such a thing even exist. If it did, where was the fairness?
"It's Bullshit is what is.." Shinji chipped in with a sneer. "Hey, Matsumoto, did you come to lie to our faces?" He turned towards Rangiku with a look that made her heart shudder.
"Even if what you're saying is true, tell me, Lieutenant Matsumoto, how do you know all this?" Shunsui Kyoraku of the eighth division finally raised his head from whatever drunk stupor he was in and sent her a grave look.
The room went silent. Rangiku could hear her own heartbeat. Everyone was looking at her. Their Reiatsu bearing on her...It took all her willpower not to crumble to the ground.
"We received the order from the Head Captain to be deployed immediately to scene, I arrived there with Captain Isshin Shiba and headed off to investigate, when I found someone. A little boy, Genma, buried underneath the rubble..
He knew Minato. He claimed to be his student and from him and my own research do I know all this.." She answered dutifully.
"And where's the boy now?" Shunsui went on to ask. "In Shino Academy. He's a talented boy. I believe he can become a powerful Shinigami one day.." She answered.
"He told me Minato was dead but-"
"So you bring in the student of a murderer and a fugitive! I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about that, Lieutenant Matsumoto.." Rose's words were harsh. Rangiku lowered her head, holding onto her shaking hands.
"At the time, I had no idea that Minato was-"
"So why wait with all of this information?! You could've submitted a report from the beginning instead you head off on your own, such insubordination!" Rangiku was cut off again, this time by Ginrei Kuchiki. "Have you brought him here to train him so that when he grows, he can start killing us just like his master.."
"Oi, old man, back off. You want someone to recite your codes and laws to? Come to my face! My lieutenant only wanted to serve the interests of the Soul Society.." Isshin was pissed. The playfulness from before was nowhere to be found. His reiatsu spiked.
"And how exactly does her bringing in the heir of a murder serve the interests of the Soul Society?!" Ginrei Kuchiki clapped back, staring daggers at Isshin.
"I was just trying to help the boy.. He was hurt and he was lost.." Her voice cracked. " Help him do what exactly, Lieutenant Matsumoto? Train and grow and then seek revenge?!" Love Aikawa stepped in, his words were venomous and they stung Rangiku's heart.
Captain Unohana sighed deeply. She looked at Matsumoto and then turned to the Head Captain who was simply quietly observing.
"I just wanted to help him because he reminded me of myself! He was lost, hurt, helpless. I wanted to give him a place to live, to grow up!" The tears in her eyes welled up, refusing to fall as she broke down.
"You don't deserve to serve as a lieutenant. You are a disgrace.." Ginrei shook his head, disgusted. "You want to go, old man!! Because I can wipe that condescending look off your face faster than you could ever imagine!" Isshin was really pissed. The air around him was starting to ignite like sparks around him.
"Enough!"
The Head Captain stepped in. "Calm yourself Captain Shiba. Captain Kuchiki, you have no right to tell another Captain who he or she deserves to appoint as a Lieutenant. Keep that in mind before you attempt to speak such words.." He didn't mince his words towards the old man.
"You can go back now, Lietenant Matsumoto. But, for your sake and for the boy, I hope the criminal can be brought to Justice.." Rangiku walked slowly to Isshin who patted her back and then turned his head to the Captain Commandant. On the surface his words looked hopeful, sympathetic even, but he could read between the lines, and he didn't miss the subtle threat.
"Captain Yoruichi, Captain Isshin. You along with your subordinates will take care of tracking down this criminal. You can gather other Lieutenants from other Divisions. There must be no mistakes..."
The order came through to them. Isshin and Yoruichi nodded solemnly. "Hold on, why shouldn't I come along?!" Zaraki sent a glare towards the Head Captain.
"An unrestrained wildcard like you has a penchant for the unpredictable. This matter is of utmost importance to the Soul Society. You wouldn't understand.." Ginrei was quick to show his distaste for Zaraki.
"Sheesh..Old man Kuchiki really doesn't hold back.." Shunsui lowered his hat with a nervous laugh..
"You really want to test my blade, old coot? I'll cut you down without hesitation.." Zaraki glared at him. The old fogey was really beginning to get on his nerves.
"This matter is indeed of utmost importance." The Head Captain spoke and the turned to Yoruichi and then to Isshin. "You leave immediately.."
They both nodded. "Then that is settled. This meeting is over.." He rose and then walked away, his lieutenant following silently and diligently behind him.
A/N: Timeline seems a little messed up. But it's necessary for the plot. If I had to use the original I wouldn't have a lot of characters to work with🙏. Keep the donations coming. The reviews. Two for an extra chapter. Two reviews + 10 powerstones for 3 chapters. Who's up..