[8th/8th] Week 202: Show Me Your Best

[Code of the Noble]

Kago is Kago
Seitaro aka Sene
​

~Show Me Your Best~
(2630)​

The sun was creeping into the main hallway, illuminating the unique artwork. A lone figure cast a shadow against the wall as he made his way into the main lobby. Shifting his eyes from side to side, Kago examined the room. A single desk separated the librarian from him; several shelves books lined the walls and spread throughout the entire facility.

As his gaze made its way around the room, his eyes stopped upon a shinigami standing near a shelf. His long ponytail obscured his face from sight; however, the former captain immediately noticed the badge strapped onto his right bicep.

Making his way over to the man, Kago recalled the words that his new captain had spoke to him at Takimoto manor: ‘Do not dishonor me, the division or your house any further than you already have.’

Taking his words to heart, the noble bowed his head slightly and introduced himself. "Good Afternoon, fukutaichou. I am Takimoto Kago; Anenkoji-taichou asked for me to meet you here.”

"Ah, Kago. Good day to you,” replied the tattooed man as he closed the hard cover book and placed it back on the shelf.

Seitaro quickly surveyed the solid man who stood before him. "Captain Anenokoji briefed me on your situation, however, we will get to that a little later,” he quickly dismissed as he walked past Kago and headed for the exit, gesturing his tattooed arm, "This way please.”

The young noble followed the vice-captain to the exit doors.

"I was told to give you a tour of the grounds.

"You’ve already seen the captain’s office and the kidou library. Anenokoji-taichou was not very fond of the Twelfth Division’s horrid condition or choice of material he found in their library, nor did he even want to adventure to other divisions to see what theirs did or did not contain. So, he ordered new books and had this library constructed.”

The tall pony-tailed vice-captain strode with a royal presence through the courtyard. He retrieved a long wooden tobacco pipe and a small box of matches from his uwagi. "Very rarely do I smoke unless I am celebrating a special cause,” he volunteered and pointed the pipe in Kago’s direction, offering him a smoke.

The unseated shinigami made no movement toward the pipe and politely declined the offer. "No, thank you. Smoking and I do not get along.” A warm smile spread across Kago’s face.

As Seitaro retracted the extended pipe, curiosity took over the noble’s mind. Choosing his words carefully, he inquired about the other man’s choice of words. "If you do not mind me asking, fukutaichou, what are you celebrating?”

He smiled at the man’s question. "It’s a bit of a personal one, but I would not mind sharing my thoughts with you so as long as you promise to keep them between you and I.

"However, I would like to discuss that after I am done fulfilling my order as to escort you around the division grounds as I was instructed to.

"Fair enough?”

"I understand,” Kago answered with a nod. He agreed with Seitaro’s priorites and saw a bit of Senesati’s influence in his demeanor. "Duties must take precedence over pleasantries.”

Falling into step behind the tattooed shinigami, he inquired about the grounds. "You mentioned that Anenokoji-taichou had the library constructed. How much of the eighth division has been constructed under him?”

The vice-captain choked after the first hit of the flavored tobacco as he recalled the blueprints and the financial statements that were on his desk from the construction. He patted his chest several times to catch his breath.

"About eighty-five percent constructed and fifteen reconstructed or remodeled,” he answered, clearing his throat.

"Those days were pretty hectic,” he added. "Why’d you ask?”

The former captain glanced over at a newly renovated building. "I recall the amount of reconstruction that was needed at the twelfth division and was wondering how much was needed here. I personally believe that having up-to-date facilities for division members allows them to perform better and boosts morale.

"Plus, seeing how well a leader takes care of his men speaks volumes about his character. Do you agree, fukutaichou?”

He smiled, "Absolutely.”

Curiosity struck the man regarding the shinigami’s past. "Forgive me for prying, but if I may: what possessed a man like yourself to take up the mantle of a division such as the Twelfth?”

Kago stepped off to the side and stared into the distance. Allowing his eyes to glaze over, he thought about all the various reasons that eventually culminated into his captaincy. Waves of images rushed to the forefront of his mind, but he held his emotions at bay.

After a moment, he addressed the vice-captain’s question. "More than anything, I was tired of seeing my comrades dying around me. I wanted to assume the role as a captain to train the division better, teaching them the necessary skills to aid them in successfully completing their duties without having to sacrifice their lives as means to that end. I thought I could bring about a change within them that would usher in a new age of prosperity for the entire Gotei.”

Hanging his head, the former captain paused and reflected on his failings. "I was foolish back then, assuming that it would be that easy.”

Turning back to Seitaro, Kago met his gaze. "But, I didn’t answer your question yet, have I?” he asked rhetorically.

"To be honest, I believe that I saw the twelfth as the best way to reach my goals. What better place to bring about a change? To renew the morale of a group who had just lost their previous leader? To restore honor and pride to numerous wayward assassins? To raise a decrepit division from its ashes?”

A hidden, burning desire swelled within the unseated shinigami, reflecting in his voice. "Some may assume that I wanted power for myself, but all my actions were truly done for those around me. And even though I have been stripped of the title of taichou, I plan to pursue my goal of training a better force for the Gotei, one shinigami at a time.”

"A better force for the Gotei?” inquired the vice-captain.

Holding his head downward, Seitaro tried to comprehend the noble's words. "I am not quite sure if you meant we need better squads and leadership or expand and better the forces we already have. I have heard numerous candidates, unseated officers, and even academy students say the same thing many many times.

"The thing that makes Anenokoji-taichou different is that his goal is to protect what we already have. Not saying your aim is a bad one, but there are more objectives you can implore upon and stand out in a crowd, that would possibly even make you a candidate for captaincy once more, if that is your goal. And to me, it seems that is exactly your aim, but first you need to clear your slate and learn from your own past mistakes.”

"You misunderstand my intentions and that is my fault, fukutaichou,” he explained. "I am not seeking to become a captain again. I merely wish to protect and improve our current forces, to make them better in order to encourage the prosperity we once had.”

"Oh?” Seitaro shockingly added.

A slight smile crept across Kago’s face. "And I agree with you on the reasons that make Anenokoji-taichou an excellent leader. I noticed them while I was still a captain, and it is for those reasons that I requested to serve under him.”

The former captain intentionally did not address his past mistakes. He understood that he needed to make up for them, but bringing up his countless errors would only make for boring conversation. Besides, by joining the eighth division, he was already taking the first steps towards fixing his flaws and mistakes.

Perhaps there is more to you than meets the eye, Kago Takimoto, thought the tattooed man.

"I guess it is time to take you to your office then,” said Seitaro.

The former captain’s eyes widened in shock and a look of disbelief spread across his face. He was not expecting a ranked seat upon transferring to the eighth. No, he had wanted to hone his skills and temper his soul before even considering such an idea. Perhaps Senesati had more in mind for him than he had expected.

"I’m sorry, fukutaichou, but I think my ears are failing me. Did you just say that you were taking me to my office?” he asked, needing confirmation.

"That is correct,” he added and headed back toward the office building, which housed the highest seats in the division.

"I guess it's dawned on your that if I am escorting you to your office that you have officially gained one of the single digit seats,” he smiled and added, "but which seat should you be given?” he questioned himself.

Kago questioned that thought as well. With his recent removal from captaincy, he did not foresee a ranked seat and a single digit seat was an impossibility to him.

"I am unsure,” he answered honestly. "To be given a seat in my current dishonored state is beyond my comprehension. I humbled by the notion that Anenokoji-taichou is giving a chance to restore my honor through a ranked seat.”

"Anenokoji-taichou does some unexpected things for reasons I myself cannot fathom at times until the last moment.”

The tattooed man smiled as he gestured his arm toward the familiar glass doors to the captain’s lobby. "This way,” said Seitaro.

The proud noble entered the the glass doorway, Seitaro followed in his wake. "Now just head right up the stairs, I want to show you something.”

Still bewildered by the thought of holding a high ranked seat in the eighth, Kago nodded and proceeded up the staircase.

The newly polished banister glistened as he skimmed his hand across it. With each step upward, the noble’s heart pounded. The anticipation was gradually building within him, culminating when he reached the last flight.

Stepping aside, Kago allowed Seitaro to pass. "I’ll let you lead from here, fukutaichou,” he stated humbly.

Seitaro glanced at the empty desk of the secretary and said, "I believe that’s an excellent idea.

"Besides, I need to make a stop by my office for something on our way.”

Seitaro took the lead and calmly paced up each stair. Ayame always running behind on schedule it seems... he mindfully added with his back to Kago. "Once we reach the top of the stairs, please wait outside my office.”

I can only imagine what foul prank Ayame may try to pull if she is not expecting me to arrive with company...

The former captain followed closely behind Seitaro as they climbed the last flight of stairs. Inside his mind so many questions were swirling about that he found it difficult to concentrate on a single one. Deciding to allow patience to guide him, Kago remained silent for the time being.

As they reached to the top, he stepped off to the side and watched as the vice-captain approached his office.

As he wrapped his tattooed hand around the golden doorknob, Seitaro looked back at Kago and said with a faint smile, "You may relax, Kago.

"I will be but a moment. Just need to make sure the preparations are complete.” The vice-captain entered his office, shut the door behind him, and addressed the secretary, of which whom was waiting in his office.

Stepping up to the wall next to the office door, Kago turned around and leaned his back against the wall. He used the time that he needed to wait to think about all the things he needed to improve.

Great...this means I need to improve my kidou skills even faster...

Ayame exited the door and pulled it close to the hinge. "Oo!” she jumped, holding her left hand to her bosom as she gazed upon Kago. "Um, go ahead and go in, Seitaro said so,” she concluded and proceeded back to her desk below.

"Thank you,” the nobleman called out to her as she walked away. "And I am sorry if I surprised you.”

Reaching for the handle, he opened the door and entered the office. Aside from the number of books lining the walls, nothing immediately jumped out at Kago. He made his way over to what appeared to be Seitaro’s desk. "Is everything in order, fukutaichou?” he asked curiously.

Seitaro laid eyes on Kago. "Earlier you asked what I was celebrating,” he began and took several steps toward the young noble, "well now would be the appropriate time to tell you.

"Anenokoji-taichou gave me the full authority to promote you as high as I see fit as I have his best interest in things as not only his vice-captain but his personal advisor as well. I have been waiting for the moment to relinquish my title as vice-captain, but we have had a difficult time in finding the proper candidate.

"Kago,” he added, revealing the wooden placard with the Eighth Division’s insignia engraved into its surface, "you are now the Vice-captain of the Eighth Division,” he concluded and tied the badge onto Kago’s right bicep.

Seitaro’s eyes rolled up from Kago’s bicep to meet his eyes. "Do not make me regret this decision,” he added as he finished tightening the vice-captain’s badge in place.

The newly appointed vice-captain was speechless. Looking down at the placard, he couldn’t figure out how this happened. His transfer to the eighth was done so that he could start from the ground up again, but here he was with the Eighth Division’s insignia on his arm.

"I..” he began, still stunned.

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. Looking up to meet Seitaro’s gaze, he inquired. "What is going to happen to you now?”

"I will still be around as I still have a group of officers to manage or maintain rather. Not to mention Anenokoji-taichou’s financial and political affairs, among other things, including looking after you from time to time. As for my rank I am happy to remain an unseated officer.

"My desire was never to have a position with that much responsibility, on top of my already busy schedule. I merely took the task as our captain needed some sort of... assistance with keeping the division in tact and what better than your personal advisor, whom of which is already familiar with your lifestyle and choices to help with such needs? Truth is I haven’t the passion for that type of position, I feel that you would be much more suitable for the task.

"But before you hop into things, I’ll have you co-run this position with me until you are all settled in. For now you may have this office,” he concluded with a smile.

"Well, I am honored that you think so highly of me, Seitaro-sama,” Kago announced with a bow. "Thank you for this honor.”

Eager to learn more about his new division and get started in his role as vice-captain, he stepped behind the desk and placed his fingertips softly on the surface. "Before you leave, would you mind filling me in on some of the expectations Anenokoji-taichou has for the vice-captain role? Maybe even share some of your knowledge about some of the shinigami in the division?”

"Now that takes experience. Just as the Twelfth Division required time to know you, it will take time for you to get to know the officers of the Eighth and them you.”

He turned his back to Kago and whipped out the wooden tobacco pipe again. A smile etched across his face s he added, "As for Anenokoji-taichou, he had already informed you of his expectations.”

Seitaro then exited the office.