The 8th Division Intern
WHO: Kunio, Nanao
WHAT: Kunio is elected to intern for a week with the 8th Division, on recommendation from Jyuushirou Ukitake. Nanao shows him the ropes.
WHERE: Seireitei - 8th Division
It came as a surprise at first, but Kunio decided to go ahead with it. He was offered a chance to help out with some work within one of the divisions of the Gotei Thirteen, even though he was just a first year. It sounded decidedly more appealing than the last two encounters he had with the actual shinigami he was studying to join, and he was eager to rid the bad memories from his mind by replacing them with something better.
It wasn't that he didn't like the thirteenth division. The captain was incredibly kind considering that they had broken into his grounds (even if it wasn't on purpose). But Kunio was definitely glad that the request had come from another division entirely, and especially not the 11th. That was another bucket of worms entirely.
The nervous feeling he had felt in his stomach at first slowly gave way to anticipation. They wouldn't have requested the help of a student and then accepted his volunteering if there were still any ill will leftover. So as soon as class ended, he hurried back to his room to put away his things, before heading towards the eighth's grounds as instructed. It was a bit of a disappointment that Katoji was nowhere to be found in the meantime, but his brother was not very likely to head right back to his room as soon as he was freed from class. Kunio would have to tell him later.
Eventually he arrived outside the gates to the division, and stared at the entrance. Was he supposed to simply go inside? Or wait here for someone to find him? Tentatively, he raised a hand towards the door.
The door moved out of his reach. It's not that the door was spiteful, nor had Kunio missed, but it had simply opened from the inside, and moving through the door was a slim, black-haired woman bearing a large book beneath her arm. She gave pause as her eyes locked onto Kunio, blinking in surprise beneath the oval-framed spectacles. Calm swept over her features again as she gave him a quick glance over, her fingers rising to adjust the edge of her glasses. "You must be Shoda-san, correct?"
She took a step back, curling her fingers around the edge of the door to draw it back and admit him entrance. "I'm Lieutenant Ise. Step into my office, and I'll explain the nature of your internship. This way, please," she invited with a curt nod of the head.
Kunio stood there a moment and blinked back at the shinigami who opened the door. To her question, he dropped his hand again and nodded in affirmation. "Yes ma'am." Wait, he was going to be shown in by the lieutenant? Quickly he added a bow of greeting, not expecting to meet someone important right off the bat. "It's nice to meet you, Ise-fukutaichou."
Inside he stepped, glancing around the grounds. It wasn't every student that got to see this so soon. He hadn't had much of a chance to learn things aside from rules, simple skills, and bits of the history of Seireitei yet. This would be a good chance to learn quickly, but what exactly was it that he would be useful enough for at this early a stage? The curiosity over what exactly he would be doing soon won over his wonder of the landscape, and he followed after the lieutenant.
The Eighth Division did have very lovely grounds. They were tastefully landscaped, and were full of flowers, greenery, and even a big stone statue (that'd been molded over in some places, giving him a fuzzy green skin here and there). Nanao's steps were brisk, her stride purposeful as she led the way with nary a word of conversation. Perhaps she was allowing him a moment to take it all in and get used to the place. Or maybe she just had nothing to say for now.
The central building was clean and tidy. Nanao skirted past the captain's office, opening the sliding door to her own before stepping in. "Have a seat," she invited with a gesture towards one of two chairs against the wall next to her desk. The lieutenant moved to take her own seat, laying her book aside and reaching for a portfolio of handwritten papers. "As you may know, our division occasionally selects students of interest from the academy to spend a week of internship with us, if they so desire. We feel that it promotes good public relations, as well as a chance for students to better choose a division they feel best suits their skills and personality. You are not obligated to enlist with us after graduation, but if we find that the arrangement is agreeable to both parties, you are more than welcome to join, with Kyouraku-Taichou's blessing."
Which was to say, Nanao's blessing. Shunsui only voiced hearty approvement of female recruits.
He nodded and took the seat closest to him, placing his hands on his lap. The lieutenant seemed like a quiet person, although once she began to explain things, it became more apparent that she was simply all business. It reminded him of a few of the teachers. Kunio figured his stop here was something like the explanation she gave. Getting to know a division before you decided on it was a good idea after all. But hearing it all laid out like that was a lot more reassuring.
Still, he had little idea what went on behind the division walls when they weren't out battling hollows or performing soul burials. "What exactly does a first year intern do, anyway?" he asked once she had finished.
"You'll be acting as my assistant for the time being," Nanao replied, taking up a pen and scratching something down in neat, precise kanji. "It's the best method for allowing you to see how the division functions on a daily schedule. I may assign you a few additional tasks while I take care of private matters as well. On my days off, you will be working directly with the captain or, should he prove absent, our third-seat Tatsufusa-san." She laid down her pen and rolled up the paper, passing the scroll to Kunio. "Keep this with you. It bears my signature, acknowledging that you are here under my supervision should any question your presence within this division." She withdrew her hands and laid them on the desk before her.
"Before we begin, I would like to know if you bear any particular special talents or skills so that I might best know how to apply them. This would include anything you might have learned outside the Academy." She regarded him stoically, awaiting his answer.
Kunio couldn't help smiling a little. He was already starting to feel a bit more at ease at how normal the lieutenant seemed. And that's who he would be assisting? Her reasonings made perfect sense, although it was more than he expected. Especially once she mentioned working with the captain. "Seriously?" he asked, unable to keep the surprise out of his voice. Would that make this the third one he was going to meet already? Deikou would be incredibly jealous when he heard about it.
The student took the scroll from Nanao as it was handed to him, glancing at it briefly before carefully tucking it into his robes with a nod. Then he considered the question. "Well... I suppose you could say that I'm good with working with large groups of people. My um... family has grown kinda big lately." Kunio hesitated a moment on describing his living situation. He wasn't ever really reluctant to mention that he was from Rukongai before, but it sort of felt as though that wouldn't lend itself too well to a job qualification. Even still... "Usually I end up sort of playing peacemaker."
Another pause, as he considered the other things he had learned. Running away wasn't exactly an impressive job skill, so it was definately left out. Finally, Kunio shook his head. "I'll do my best, so... please don't hesitate to challenge me."
"An important skill indeed," Nanao replied, regarding the boy in front of her. "It is often said that one's division becomes their family in time. From the moment one takes on the uniform, they are never truly alone." Some might find that comforting. Others who prefer privacy might not find it so. Nonetheless, it was true, and loners really had no place within the 8th Division. The captain tended to make certain of that. "That you have learned diplomacy as well will prove useful."
The lieutenant blinked at his final words...and to the surprise of anyone who really knew her, she smiled. It was a small smile only, but it was warm and sincere. "As you request, then, Shoda-san. You'll find that you shall never know boredom under my supervision." Her workload was too constant for that. She rose to her feet, taking up the large book beneath her arm. "Come. I will show you to your quarters and have you fitted for a uniform." If he was going to act the part, he may as well look like it as well.
He was just trying to make up for what he felt was a major shortcoming for his first impressions! Kunio had always ended up picking up the slack for work at home. That had earned him a bit of a reputation as the responsible one, and he had no desire to become portrayed as a troublemaker as soon as he left it. It had taken him a while to get over past mishaps, and if he was going to be tested with an opportunity like this, then the worst thing he could do was to be lazy about it.
Standing as the lieutenant instructed, Kunio did a doubletake at her words. It was only for a week, yet they were putting him in uniform for it? It took him a moment to hurry after, the idea of wearing real shinigami robes still sinking in.
He didn't question her decisions, which Nanao appreciated. He could take orders, and though his surprise was evident by the look on his face, he obeyed. This one would get along very nicely with the strict lieutenant. She exited the offices and the central building itself, veering a sharp turn to the right which led to the men's barracks. "You may stow your personal belongings in one of the lockers, or within your quarters. It's your choice." She reached out to slide open the door which led to the common room, where several shinigami lifted their heads to blink curiously. A few scrambled to hide things swiftly behind their backs once they recognized Nanao's face.
"This is the common room, for the men," Nanao informed Kunio, striding into the room. She didn't even break her stride as a fan suddenly appeared in her other hand, sharply rapping a shinigami's shoulder. He barked a sharp protest, and guiltily put his bottle of sake on the table. It was confiscated in an instant. "Drinking is prohibited in here, except on special occasions," she said with a faint turn of the head. It was probably clear that the words weren't meant just for Kunio's sake. Other bottles slowly made their way onto the table as Nanao's penetrating gaze fell on each and every perpetrator. How did she /know/?! "If you would please gather the bottles, Shoda-san?" The one she held was dropped promptly into the trash, and somewhere in the room sounded a barely audible groan. That was high quality sake!
Kunio didn't bring much with him, not that he had many belongings to start with. The asauchi was left in his room because he wasn't instructed to have any use for it, and so other than the clothes on his back, which would be set aside for the new robes he'd be wearnig for a week, there was little to worry about storing. As they reached the common room, he glanced around at the shinigami gathered there. The swift scrambling to hide items wasn't missed. He turned a questioning look back towards the lieutenant, only to almost jump as she produced a fan from nowhere to scold them.
Ok, so she was stricter than he thought... still, they seemed to get along so far. It wasn't like Kunio drank sake, so in that regard he didn't need to worry. Although he hoped suddenly he didn't do anything to get on her bad side. With an apologetic look to the shinigami in the room, he carefully picked up the bottles, cradling them in his arms until they could be disposed of.
There came another chorus of groans, these more audible. And yet, there wasn't a single hateful look on anyone's face. It was almost as though they reflected the expressions of children who had just been denied the cookies they'd tried to sneak out of the pantry before dinner. But these groans were immediately silenced at one sudden, cold look on Nanao's face. As slight as the woman might be, there was an impression that she could slay a Hollow with just one baleful glare.
Once the lieutenant held everyone's attention, she raised her hand sharply. A few flinched. "This," she began, before settling the hand on Kunio's shoulder with far more gentleness than one might expect, "is Shoda Kunio, from the Academy. He will serve as an intern within our division for a week. Please treat him kindly." It was not a request, judging by her tone.
But even without Nanao's stern words, smiles of greeting reached the young man. A few nodded. One standing by the window bowed politely. Nanao turned her head towards Kunio once again. "In the evening you will have time to better acquaint yourself. Come." She turned into a narrow doorway which led into a large hall, moving to climb the stairs that ascended to a second story.
It was actually a bit of relief that none of the shinigami seemed to take it personally. Actually, Kunio was too busy admiring how one person like Ise-fukutaichou could be so polite yet intimidating to get a room full of grown men to hand over all of their drinks, while keeping a slight distance from that look as well. But the introduction brought a smile back to his face, especially as they seem to accept him.
"Um, nice to meet you all," he bowed slightly, and was careful not to lean too far and spill the sake. With a nod after the instruction to leave, he followed after Nanao up the stairs. "What should I do with these?"
He still had them? Nanao turned partway, her hand lingering on the stair's railing as she blinked down at him. "Dispose of them in the trash." It was the only place where the captain wouldn't get into them later. "I'll wait here."
She adjusted her glasses, her stoic face bearing a look of steady patience. He couldn't be blamed; after all, she only told him to gather the bottles. He really was very obedient, wasn't he? How interesting.
"Oh... Right!"
It wasn't quite that Kunio couldn't think for himself, but to dump all of those bottles into the trash? The sake was understandable to be tossed, of course. While it might be wasteful, this was a workplace. But living in Rukongai, if something was salvagable, you saved it. So to toss even the bottles themselves? Kunio blinked at the order, but soon enough was hurrying down the stairs to find the correct place to dispose of them. The thought passed to perhaps pour them out, but it was pretty easy to tell what the lieutenant might think of that considering how she treated the first bottle, and the looks given to her subordinates.
Once the task was done, Kunio met her on the stairs again. "Sorry about that," he apologized with a sheepish smile.
"Quite all right," she nodded, and proceeded up the stairs again. She could understand first-day jitters. It was only when someone intentionally broke a rule that Nanao brought down the hellfire and thunder.
Once they reached the second floor, Nanao flipped open her book and cradled it within the crook of her arm, scanning down the page with her finger. She paused before the seventh door on the right, then slid it right open. The room contained two beds, but it was clear that neither were being used for the present time. So he wouldn't have to worry about a potentially rowdy roommate. "Here we are. You will use these for your quarters. If there's anything you require from the Academy, one of the unseated officers will fetch it for you." Surely he'd want a toothbrush and some clean undergarments at the very least. Nanao stood to the side, allowing Kunio to enter and inspect the room for himself. She closed the book and held it against her stomach, waiting for his assessment.
The rooms didn't seem too different from what it was like at the Academy, Kunio noticed. He could hardly complain anyway. Sharing a room had almost always been the norm for him, and it didn't take him long to nod once he was inside the room. "Ok... Thank you, Ise-fukutaichou." What happened next? Did he start right away? She had mentioned him being fitted for a uniform, and he couldn't help but be a little excited about that. Even if it was temporary.
She nodded in acknowledgment. "Don't forget which door." Nanao imagined that it wouldn't be the case, but better safe than sorry. And once more, she led the way. As she passed through the common room, a few of the shinigami flashed Kunio a wink or a thumb's up of encouragement the moment they passed out of range of Nanao's peripheral vision. (She could see them within the reflection of her glasses, actually, but there was no need to scold them for something like that.) "Good luck, kid," a broad-shouldered man flashed a cheerful, toothy grin, inclining his head from where he reclined against the wall.
It didn't take them long to reach a small wooden building that hummed with the sound of sewing machinery. Within, two female faces turned towards the new arrivals. One woman, with small eyes and a large mouth, was bent over her work, a new set of black robes pushed through a machine powered by the pumping of a foot pedal; the other was olive-skinned and sticking pins into a set modeled on a headless mannequin. "Oh, Fukutaichou!" The one at the machine nodded her head, the one standing bowed politely. "We weren't expecting you so soon. Is this the intern?" the olive-skinned woman smiled at Kunio.
"Yes. I'm a bit ahead of schedule," Nanao replied. "This is Shoda Kunio."
"Ahhh, must be nice for a change," the woman chuckled, and nodded to Kunio. "A pleasure to meet you. Please step over here, and I'll take your measurements. We should have a spare set for you ready to go, but it doesn't hurt to make certain, ne? Arms up!" she commanded with a grin, patting the inside of his forearm.
He took a moment to count the doors before they left, since they weren't labeled like the ones in the Academy. On the way back, the enthusiasm was infectuous, because most of his nervousness from before seemed to disappear completely at the friendliness of the shinigami. It's a different atomosphere entirely than what he expected, considering the types he had met previously.
But without much time to think on it, Kunio found himself being introduced to the seamstresses, and hurried into sizing for his clothing. "Nice to meet you too, miss," he bowed. Obediently, he lifted his arms quickly, glancing around at the sewing machines in curiosity. Mending his own clothes he had always had to use a small needle, so it was the first time he ever saw something like that. "Do you make all of the division's clothes with those?" he asked, certain that there must be a ton of people to provide for.
"That's right," the woman smiled, her eyes twinkling. The woman at the machine had gone back to her work, pumping steadily. A few stray wisps of her fell across her cheek. Snapping out a tape measure, the olive-skinned woman stretched it out across his shoulders and arms, over his chest, moving with the skill and ease of a professional. Nanao had fallen silent at this point, once again cradling the open book in her arm and working over it with her pen. "It's not as difficult as it might seem, we rarely need replacements. Usually a little mending is all it takes," she winked.
Finally she stepped back, satisfied with her measurements. "I believe we have something in your size, fortunately. Wait right here." She moved briskly into a large walk-in closet, her gaze skimming the racks of white and black garments until she drew down two of each. One of these sets was pressed into Kunio's arms shortly before she began herding him towards a curtain-covered stall. "Go on now, try that on, tell me if it fits all right."
"Still, that's a lot of clothes..." he answered, impressed with how quickly his measurements were gathered. Was that all she needed to know? Kunio blinked at the clothes pressed into his hands, suddenly holding the robes a lot sooner than he thought he'd be. Sure enough, there were a lot stored in the closet. "Ok..."
Not long after, he stepped from the stall dressed in the black shihakusho. It was comfortable, just like his academy robes, but Nanao had been right. Dressing the part actually made it feel more official. Kunio resolved then, as he glanced down at the black fabric, not to let anyone's expections down. "I think they fit just fine," he grinned, turning around once to show the seamstress. Was it really ok, letting a student like him wear them?
The seamstress beamed, clapping her hands in mild applause. "Oh, very handsome! You'll make such a fine shinigami someday, won't he, Fukutaichou?"
"Yes," Nanao replied, lifting her head to look Kunio over. She seemed satisfied, and tucked the pen behind her ear before closing the book. "You noticed the 8th Division patch on the inside of your robes, correct? That will identify you as one of our squad. We'll issue you two robes, they'll be laundered daily. Deposit the garments you wish to have washed inside the labeled hamper and wheel it into the hallway before bed. They'll be washed and returned by noon." She ran a pretty tight ship, nothing was ever out of order when Nanao was in charge.
The lieutenant turned, offering a light bow of gratitude towards the woman. "Thank you. We'll be taking our leave now."
"Good luck out there!" The seamstress at the machine glanced up at the other woman's words, and grunted an encouraging sort of sound in agreement. Nanao stepped out of the building and into the bright sunshine of the courtyard. "We have morning and evening practice sessions out here," she indicated, crossing the stone. "Officers are required to be out of bed before 6:30 a.m. and ready for the day at 7:00. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 7:45, practice begins sharply at 8:00 a.m. Those who are late will run ten laps around the sector." She turned her eyes to Kunio. "Don't be late." That should go without saying. "Lunch is served between noon and 2:00 p.m., with a one-hour break period allowed between those times. Evening practice begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 when dinner is held. Most officers are allowed free time at this point, save for those who have elected for a later patrol. There are many jobs to be done, including surveillance
in the living world for threats, and occasionally patrolling the Rukongai districts. As an intern, you are exempt from these duties as they are considered too hazardous for a first-year student. But for graduates, this is what we are required to do."
Kunio turned slightly red at the praise. He wasn't one yet! The boy said nothing until his attention was directed to the patch of the division, and he nodded. Already tucked into the new robes was the scroll he had been given earlier to identify his placement, but it was good to know that it was there. He listened carefully to all the instructions given, but it was starting to be a bit of information overload. With a bow and word of thanks to the seamstresses, he grabbed his Academy robes and followed after Nanao.
His eyes widened slightly as she listed the punishment for tardiness, Kunio nodded again and shaded his face from the sun. It was a good thing, he decided, that he already woke early for classes. As long as he stuck to that schedule, then hopefully he wouldn't be running any laps.
So there were patrols assigned and rotated out, and breaks given when they were over. It sounded like a pretty full day. Kunio was torn between being greatful that he wouldn't have to do any of that, and a slight disappointment that he still wasn't going to see the living world yet. But that would come eventually, right?
"How come they only patrol Rukongai sometimes?" he asked, remembering seeing the occasional patrol and not quite understanding the purpose. At first he had thought they were just recruiting people or walking around for their own reasons. Shinigami weren't always liked in Rukongai, though the ones he had met weren't so bad. But there was need to patrol there as well?
"Because the monitoring of the Rukongai falls outside our jurisdiction, as Soul Reapers," Nanao replied, turning her attention back to Kunio. She raised two fingers. "What we are meant to do generally condenses to two things: One, to guide the dead to Soul Society, two, to exorcise the Hollows and keep them from preying upon others." Her hand lowered to rest upon the spine of her book. "The number of souls compared to the number of shinigami is vastly overwhelming. There simply aren't enough of us with spiritual power to monitor the day-to-day activities of the Rukongai. Such tasks normally fall to those who reside there, though occasionally we make an appearance to scout for those who may possess spiritual energy, or to ensure that the safety of the Seireitei and its gatekeepers is maintained."
Nanao's steps didn't slow as she continued. "There are many who hold us in contempt, particularly in the districts of higher number. We're believed to be receiving 'special treatment', and their envy poisons their thoughts. It is not safe. Even I was once attacked in a sector that we formerly believed to be peaceful by a large number of armed men." Thankfully, Shunsui had been present to squash any awful ideas they might have had about cutting his lieutenant into bloody chunks.
"It may seem cold," she said, turning her head towards Kunio, "but the dangers that violent men pose to one another are generally dismissed in lieu of the greater threat. There are far worse things than death," she replied gravely.
That wasn't exactly what he had meant. Kunio had come to understand what a shinigami's job was, at least as far as he had studied in school just yet. It was important to keep souls safe. But he was trying to figure out why if it was neccessary for them to guard Rukongai, why only part of the time. The answer wasn't quite what he expected.
He tried to hide the frown that almost slipped over his face. There really was quite a difference between the Seireitei and Rukongai. He was lucky having lived where he did - It wasn't as bad as some districts. But he still had to struggle to find food at times, especially before meeting his family. He couldn't blame them, and yet, at hearing that there were those that had attacked the lieutenant, he couldn't blame her either...
What to say... "Oh," he answered, turning it all over in his head and looking aside. One of his brothers disliked the shinigami and wasn't too pleased to hear he had been going. The other loved them. The rest of his siblings had mixed feelings, in general, and he sort of felt stuck in the middle not knowing where he stood. But then he shook his head. He was here to become a shinigami, and to find his place, whether they agreed or not. That didn't mean that he'd have to give up his connections to home because of it.
"For what it's worth... I don't think they're helping things by striking out," he finally said, continuing to follow along. But it would be nice if things weren't so unbalanced, he thought.
There was a softening of Nanao's sharp features. She could see the emotions plainly on his face, and knew he didn't care for the way things stood. "Do you understand why this is so?" He looked as though he did...at least he wasn't outwardly voicing his protests, complaining that it wasn't fair. And if he did, Nanao wouldn't have contradicted him. It wasn't fair. But that's the way things were, and they could not be changed at present.
"I harbor no grudges," Nanao said, slowing her steps, and coming to a stop. "I was not born into the Seireitei." On that matter, she would speak no more. What was past, was past. "If you would voice your feelings on the matter, you may. I won't reprimand you."
Kunio blinked, looking back up at Nanao. "Oh, no no, it's not... I mean, yes. I do understand," he said, stumbling over an explanation and waving a hand in front of him. It was surprising that she would like to hear his opinion. He hadn't meant to complain, especially after they were so helpful as to give him this internship, so he let it go.
"If there's not enough help to go around, then it can't be helped." There was more to it, of course, but it wasn't like it was something the lieutenant alone could change. Kunio smiled again, looking around the division grounds. It was really pretty, and he could be jealous of it if he let himself. But it was just as easy to admire it. Someone had to have worked hard to make them look as nice as they did. Everyone had their part, right?
Nanao nodded. His temperament was admirable, as was his understanding. Should he choose to enlist with the 8th Division, she was certain he would be welcomed with open arms...even if he wasn't female. Nanao smiled, then began forward once more. "We do what we are able. That is all anyone can do." She pushed up her glasses, stepping through one of the archways that led from the walled courtyard towards the central office.
Letting out a small breath of relief at the smile, Kunio was glad to have not started an argument. The lieutenant may have said she wouldn't scold him for speaking his mind, and he may have liked to share it, but he didn't like being at odds with people. He especially didn't want his first impression to the second head of a division to be of someone who whines. He nodded, following her inside.
WHAT: Kunio is elected to intern for a week with the 8th Division, on recommendation from Jyuushirou Ukitake. Nanao shows him the ropes.
WHERE: Seireitei - 8th Division
It came as a surprise at first, but Kunio decided to go ahead with it. He was offered a chance to help out with some work within one of the divisions of the Gotei Thirteen, even though he was just a first year. It sounded decidedly more appealing than the last two encounters he had with the actual shinigami he was studying to join, and he was eager to rid the bad memories from his mind by replacing them with something better.
It wasn't that he didn't like the thirteenth division. The captain was incredibly kind considering that they had broken into his grounds (even if it wasn't on purpose). But Kunio was definitely glad that the request had come from another division entirely, and especially not the 11th. That was another bucket of worms entirely.
The nervous feeling he had felt in his stomach at first slowly gave way to anticipation. They wouldn't have requested the help of a student and then accepted his volunteering if there were still any ill will leftover. So as soon as class ended, he hurried back to his room to put away his things, before heading towards the eighth's grounds as instructed. It was a bit of a disappointment that Katoji was nowhere to be found in the meantime, but his brother was not very likely to head right back to his room as soon as he was freed from class. Kunio would have to tell him later.
Eventually he arrived outside the gates to the division, and stared at the entrance. Was he supposed to simply go inside? Or wait here for someone to find him? Tentatively, he raised a hand towards the door.
The door moved out of his reach. It's not that the door was spiteful, nor had Kunio missed, but it had simply opened from the inside, and moving through the door was a slim, black-haired woman bearing a large book beneath her arm. She gave pause as her eyes locked onto Kunio, blinking in surprise beneath the oval-framed spectacles. Calm swept over her features again as she gave him a quick glance over, her fingers rising to adjust the edge of her glasses. "You must be Shoda-san, correct?"
She took a step back, curling her fingers around the edge of the door to draw it back and admit him entrance. "I'm Lieutenant Ise. Step into my office, and I'll explain the nature of your internship. This way, please," she invited with a curt nod of the head.
Kunio stood there a moment and blinked back at the shinigami who opened the door. To her question, he dropped his hand again and nodded in affirmation. "Yes ma'am." Wait, he was going to be shown in by the lieutenant? Quickly he added a bow of greeting, not expecting to meet someone important right off the bat. "It's nice to meet you, Ise-fukutaichou."
Inside he stepped, glancing around the grounds. It wasn't every student that got to see this so soon. He hadn't had much of a chance to learn things aside from rules, simple skills, and bits of the history of Seireitei yet. This would be a good chance to learn quickly, but what exactly was it that he would be useful enough for at this early a stage? The curiosity over what exactly he would be doing soon won over his wonder of the landscape, and he followed after the lieutenant.
The Eighth Division did have very lovely grounds. They were tastefully landscaped, and were full of flowers, greenery, and even a big stone statue (that'd been molded over in some places, giving him a fuzzy green skin here and there). Nanao's steps were brisk, her stride purposeful as she led the way with nary a word of conversation. Perhaps she was allowing him a moment to take it all in and get used to the place. Or maybe she just had nothing to say for now.
The central building was clean and tidy. Nanao skirted past the captain's office, opening the sliding door to her own before stepping in. "Have a seat," she invited with a gesture towards one of two chairs against the wall next to her desk. The lieutenant moved to take her own seat, laying her book aside and reaching for a portfolio of handwritten papers. "As you may know, our division occasionally selects students of interest from the academy to spend a week of internship with us, if they so desire. We feel that it promotes good public relations, as well as a chance for students to better choose a division they feel best suits their skills and personality. You are not obligated to enlist with us after graduation, but if we find that the arrangement is agreeable to both parties, you are more than welcome to join, with Kyouraku-Taichou's blessing."
Which was to say, Nanao's blessing. Shunsui only voiced hearty approvement of female recruits.
He nodded and took the seat closest to him, placing his hands on his lap. The lieutenant seemed like a quiet person, although once she began to explain things, it became more apparent that she was simply all business. It reminded him of a few of the teachers. Kunio figured his stop here was something like the explanation she gave. Getting to know a division before you decided on it was a good idea after all. But hearing it all laid out like that was a lot more reassuring.
Still, he had little idea what went on behind the division walls when they weren't out battling hollows or performing soul burials. "What exactly does a first year intern do, anyway?" he asked once she had finished.
"You'll be acting as my assistant for the time being," Nanao replied, taking up a pen and scratching something down in neat, precise kanji. "It's the best method for allowing you to see how the division functions on a daily schedule. I may assign you a few additional tasks while I take care of private matters as well. On my days off, you will be working directly with the captain or, should he prove absent, our third-seat Tatsufusa-san." She laid down her pen and rolled up the paper, passing the scroll to Kunio. "Keep this with you. It bears my signature, acknowledging that you are here under my supervision should any question your presence within this division." She withdrew her hands and laid them on the desk before her.
"Before we begin, I would like to know if you bear any particular special talents or skills so that I might best know how to apply them. This would include anything you might have learned outside the Academy." She regarded him stoically, awaiting his answer.
Kunio couldn't help smiling a little. He was already starting to feel a bit more at ease at how normal the lieutenant seemed. And that's who he would be assisting? Her reasonings made perfect sense, although it was more than he expected. Especially once she mentioned working with the captain. "Seriously?" he asked, unable to keep the surprise out of his voice. Would that make this the third one he was going to meet already? Deikou would be incredibly jealous when he heard about it.
The student took the scroll from Nanao as it was handed to him, glancing at it briefly before carefully tucking it into his robes with a nod. Then he considered the question. "Well... I suppose you could say that I'm good with working with large groups of people. My um... family has grown kinda big lately." Kunio hesitated a moment on describing his living situation. He wasn't ever really reluctant to mention that he was from Rukongai before, but it sort of felt as though that wouldn't lend itself too well to a job qualification. Even still... "Usually I end up sort of playing peacemaker."
Another pause, as he considered the other things he had learned. Running away wasn't exactly an impressive job skill, so it was definately left out. Finally, Kunio shook his head. "I'll do my best, so... please don't hesitate to challenge me."
"An important skill indeed," Nanao replied, regarding the boy in front of her. "It is often said that one's division becomes their family in time. From the moment one takes on the uniform, they are never truly alone." Some might find that comforting. Others who prefer privacy might not find it so. Nonetheless, it was true, and loners really had no place within the 8th Division. The captain tended to make certain of that. "That you have learned diplomacy as well will prove useful."
The lieutenant blinked at his final words...and to the surprise of anyone who really knew her, she smiled. It was a small smile only, but it was warm and sincere. "As you request, then, Shoda-san. You'll find that you shall never know boredom under my supervision." Her workload was too constant for that. She rose to her feet, taking up the large book beneath her arm. "Come. I will show you to your quarters and have you fitted for a uniform." If he was going to act the part, he may as well look like it as well.
He was just trying to make up for what he felt was a major shortcoming for his first impressions! Kunio had always ended up picking up the slack for work at home. That had earned him a bit of a reputation as the responsible one, and he had no desire to become portrayed as a troublemaker as soon as he left it. It had taken him a while to get over past mishaps, and if he was going to be tested with an opportunity like this, then the worst thing he could do was to be lazy about it.
Standing as the lieutenant instructed, Kunio did a doubletake at her words. It was only for a week, yet they were putting him in uniform for it? It took him a moment to hurry after, the idea of wearing real shinigami robes still sinking in.
He didn't question her decisions, which Nanao appreciated. He could take orders, and though his surprise was evident by the look on his face, he obeyed. This one would get along very nicely with the strict lieutenant. She exited the offices and the central building itself, veering a sharp turn to the right which led to the men's barracks. "You may stow your personal belongings in one of the lockers, or within your quarters. It's your choice." She reached out to slide open the door which led to the common room, where several shinigami lifted their heads to blink curiously. A few scrambled to hide things swiftly behind their backs once they recognized Nanao's face.
"This is the common room, for the men," Nanao informed Kunio, striding into the room. She didn't even break her stride as a fan suddenly appeared in her other hand, sharply rapping a shinigami's shoulder. He barked a sharp protest, and guiltily put his bottle of sake on the table. It was confiscated in an instant. "Drinking is prohibited in here, except on special occasions," she said with a faint turn of the head. It was probably clear that the words weren't meant just for Kunio's sake. Other bottles slowly made their way onto the table as Nanao's penetrating gaze fell on each and every perpetrator. How did she /know/?! "If you would please gather the bottles, Shoda-san?" The one she held was dropped promptly into the trash, and somewhere in the room sounded a barely audible groan. That was high quality sake!
Kunio didn't bring much with him, not that he had many belongings to start with. The asauchi was left in his room because he wasn't instructed to have any use for it, and so other than the clothes on his back, which would be set aside for the new robes he'd be wearnig for a week, there was little to worry about storing. As they reached the common room, he glanced around at the shinigami gathered there. The swift scrambling to hide items wasn't missed. He turned a questioning look back towards the lieutenant, only to almost jump as she produced a fan from nowhere to scold them.
Ok, so she was stricter than he thought... still, they seemed to get along so far. It wasn't like Kunio drank sake, so in that regard he didn't need to worry. Although he hoped suddenly he didn't do anything to get on her bad side. With an apologetic look to the shinigami in the room, he carefully picked up the bottles, cradling them in his arms until they could be disposed of.
There came another chorus of groans, these more audible. And yet, there wasn't a single hateful look on anyone's face. It was almost as though they reflected the expressions of children who had just been denied the cookies they'd tried to sneak out of the pantry before dinner. But these groans were immediately silenced at one sudden, cold look on Nanao's face. As slight as the woman might be, there was an impression that she could slay a Hollow with just one baleful glare.
Once the lieutenant held everyone's attention, she raised her hand sharply. A few flinched. "This," she began, before settling the hand on Kunio's shoulder with far more gentleness than one might expect, "is Shoda Kunio, from the Academy. He will serve as an intern within our division for a week. Please treat him kindly." It was not a request, judging by her tone.
But even without Nanao's stern words, smiles of greeting reached the young man. A few nodded. One standing by the window bowed politely. Nanao turned her head towards Kunio once again. "In the evening you will have time to better acquaint yourself. Come." She turned into a narrow doorway which led into a large hall, moving to climb the stairs that ascended to a second story.
It was actually a bit of relief that none of the shinigami seemed to take it personally. Actually, Kunio was too busy admiring how one person like Ise-fukutaichou could be so polite yet intimidating to get a room full of grown men to hand over all of their drinks, while keeping a slight distance from that look as well. But the introduction brought a smile back to his face, especially as they seem to accept him.
"Um, nice to meet you all," he bowed slightly, and was careful not to lean too far and spill the sake. With a nod after the instruction to leave, he followed after Nanao up the stairs. "What should I do with these?"
He still had them? Nanao turned partway, her hand lingering on the stair's railing as she blinked down at him. "Dispose of them in the trash." It was the only place where the captain wouldn't get into them later. "I'll wait here."
She adjusted her glasses, her stoic face bearing a look of steady patience. He couldn't be blamed; after all, she only told him to gather the bottles. He really was very obedient, wasn't he? How interesting.
"Oh... Right!"
It wasn't quite that Kunio couldn't think for himself, but to dump all of those bottles into the trash? The sake was understandable to be tossed, of course. While it might be wasteful, this was a workplace. But living in Rukongai, if something was salvagable, you saved it. So to toss even the bottles themselves? Kunio blinked at the order, but soon enough was hurrying down the stairs to find the correct place to dispose of them. The thought passed to perhaps pour them out, but it was pretty easy to tell what the lieutenant might think of that considering how she treated the first bottle, and the looks given to her subordinates.
Once the task was done, Kunio met her on the stairs again. "Sorry about that," he apologized with a sheepish smile.
"Quite all right," she nodded, and proceeded up the stairs again. She could understand first-day jitters. It was only when someone intentionally broke a rule that Nanao brought down the hellfire and thunder.
Once they reached the second floor, Nanao flipped open her book and cradled it within the crook of her arm, scanning down the page with her finger. She paused before the seventh door on the right, then slid it right open. The room contained two beds, but it was clear that neither were being used for the present time. So he wouldn't have to worry about a potentially rowdy roommate. "Here we are. You will use these for your quarters. If there's anything you require from the Academy, one of the unseated officers will fetch it for you." Surely he'd want a toothbrush and some clean undergarments at the very least. Nanao stood to the side, allowing Kunio to enter and inspect the room for himself. She closed the book and held it against her stomach, waiting for his assessment.
The rooms didn't seem too different from what it was like at the Academy, Kunio noticed. He could hardly complain anyway. Sharing a room had almost always been the norm for him, and it didn't take him long to nod once he was inside the room. "Ok... Thank you, Ise-fukutaichou." What happened next? Did he start right away? She had mentioned him being fitted for a uniform, and he couldn't help but be a little excited about that. Even if it was temporary.
She nodded in acknowledgment. "Don't forget which door." Nanao imagined that it wouldn't be the case, but better safe than sorry. And once more, she led the way. As she passed through the common room, a few of the shinigami flashed Kunio a wink or a thumb's up of encouragement the moment they passed out of range of Nanao's peripheral vision. (She could see them within the reflection of her glasses, actually, but there was no need to scold them for something like that.) "Good luck, kid," a broad-shouldered man flashed a cheerful, toothy grin, inclining his head from where he reclined against the wall.
It didn't take them long to reach a small wooden building that hummed with the sound of sewing machinery. Within, two female faces turned towards the new arrivals. One woman, with small eyes and a large mouth, was bent over her work, a new set of black robes pushed through a machine powered by the pumping of a foot pedal; the other was olive-skinned and sticking pins into a set modeled on a headless mannequin. "Oh, Fukutaichou!" The one at the machine nodded her head, the one standing bowed politely. "We weren't expecting you so soon. Is this the intern?" the olive-skinned woman smiled at Kunio.
"Yes. I'm a bit ahead of schedule," Nanao replied. "This is Shoda Kunio."
"Ahhh, must be nice for a change," the woman chuckled, and nodded to Kunio. "A pleasure to meet you. Please step over here, and I'll take your measurements. We should have a spare set for you ready to go, but it doesn't hurt to make certain, ne? Arms up!" she commanded with a grin, patting the inside of his forearm.
He took a moment to count the doors before they left, since they weren't labeled like the ones in the Academy. On the way back, the enthusiasm was infectuous, because most of his nervousness from before seemed to disappear completely at the friendliness of the shinigami. It's a different atomosphere entirely than what he expected, considering the types he had met previously.
But without much time to think on it, Kunio found himself being introduced to the seamstresses, and hurried into sizing for his clothing. "Nice to meet you too, miss," he bowed. Obediently, he lifted his arms quickly, glancing around at the sewing machines in curiosity. Mending his own clothes he had always had to use a small needle, so it was the first time he ever saw something like that. "Do you make all of the division's clothes with those?" he asked, certain that there must be a ton of people to provide for.
"That's right," the woman smiled, her eyes twinkling. The woman at the machine had gone back to her work, pumping steadily. A few stray wisps of her fell across her cheek. Snapping out a tape measure, the olive-skinned woman stretched it out across his shoulders and arms, over his chest, moving with the skill and ease of a professional. Nanao had fallen silent at this point, once again cradling the open book in her arm and working over it with her pen. "It's not as difficult as it might seem, we rarely need replacements. Usually a little mending is all it takes," she winked.
Finally she stepped back, satisfied with her measurements. "I believe we have something in your size, fortunately. Wait right here." She moved briskly into a large walk-in closet, her gaze skimming the racks of white and black garments until she drew down two of each. One of these sets was pressed into Kunio's arms shortly before she began herding him towards a curtain-covered stall. "Go on now, try that on, tell me if it fits all right."
"Still, that's a lot of clothes..." he answered, impressed with how quickly his measurements were gathered. Was that all she needed to know? Kunio blinked at the clothes pressed into his hands, suddenly holding the robes a lot sooner than he thought he'd be. Sure enough, there were a lot stored in the closet. "Ok..."
Not long after, he stepped from the stall dressed in the black shihakusho. It was comfortable, just like his academy robes, but Nanao had been right. Dressing the part actually made it feel more official. Kunio resolved then, as he glanced down at the black fabric, not to let anyone's expections down. "I think they fit just fine," he grinned, turning around once to show the seamstress. Was it really ok, letting a student like him wear them?
The seamstress beamed, clapping her hands in mild applause. "Oh, very handsome! You'll make such a fine shinigami someday, won't he, Fukutaichou?"
"Yes," Nanao replied, lifting her head to look Kunio over. She seemed satisfied, and tucked the pen behind her ear before closing the book. "You noticed the 8th Division patch on the inside of your robes, correct? That will identify you as one of our squad. We'll issue you two robes, they'll be laundered daily. Deposit the garments you wish to have washed inside the labeled hamper and wheel it into the hallway before bed. They'll be washed and returned by noon." She ran a pretty tight ship, nothing was ever out of order when Nanao was in charge.
The lieutenant turned, offering a light bow of gratitude towards the woman. "Thank you. We'll be taking our leave now."
"Good luck out there!" The seamstress at the machine glanced up at the other woman's words, and grunted an encouraging sort of sound in agreement. Nanao stepped out of the building and into the bright sunshine of the courtyard. "We have morning and evening practice sessions out here," she indicated, crossing the stone. "Officers are required to be out of bed before 6:30 a.m. and ready for the day at 7:00. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 7:45, practice begins sharply at 8:00 a.m. Those who are late will run ten laps around the sector." She turned her eyes to Kunio. "Don't be late." That should go without saying. "Lunch is served between noon and 2:00 p.m., with a one-hour break period allowed between those times. Evening practice begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 when dinner is held. Most officers are allowed free time at this point, save for those who have elected for a later patrol. There are many jobs to be done, including surveillance
in the living world for threats, and occasionally patrolling the Rukongai districts. As an intern, you are exempt from these duties as they are considered too hazardous for a first-year student. But for graduates, this is what we are required to do."
Kunio turned slightly red at the praise. He wasn't one yet! The boy said nothing until his attention was directed to the patch of the division, and he nodded. Already tucked into the new robes was the scroll he had been given earlier to identify his placement, but it was good to know that it was there. He listened carefully to all the instructions given, but it was starting to be a bit of information overload. With a bow and word of thanks to the seamstresses, he grabbed his Academy robes and followed after Nanao.
His eyes widened slightly as she listed the punishment for tardiness, Kunio nodded again and shaded his face from the sun. It was a good thing, he decided, that he already woke early for classes. As long as he stuck to that schedule, then hopefully he wouldn't be running any laps.
So there were patrols assigned and rotated out, and breaks given when they were over. It sounded like a pretty full day. Kunio was torn between being greatful that he wouldn't have to do any of that, and a slight disappointment that he still wasn't going to see the living world yet. But that would come eventually, right?
"How come they only patrol Rukongai sometimes?" he asked, remembering seeing the occasional patrol and not quite understanding the purpose. At first he had thought they were just recruiting people or walking around for their own reasons. Shinigami weren't always liked in Rukongai, though the ones he had met weren't so bad. But there was need to patrol there as well?
"Because the monitoring of the Rukongai falls outside our jurisdiction, as Soul Reapers," Nanao replied, turning her attention back to Kunio. She raised two fingers. "What we are meant to do generally condenses to two things: One, to guide the dead to Soul Society, two, to exorcise the Hollows and keep them from preying upon others." Her hand lowered to rest upon the spine of her book. "The number of souls compared to the number of shinigami is vastly overwhelming. There simply aren't enough of us with spiritual power to monitor the day-to-day activities of the Rukongai. Such tasks normally fall to those who reside there, though occasionally we make an appearance to scout for those who may possess spiritual energy, or to ensure that the safety of the Seireitei and its gatekeepers is maintained."
Nanao's steps didn't slow as she continued. "There are many who hold us in contempt, particularly in the districts of higher number. We're believed to be receiving 'special treatment', and their envy poisons their thoughts. It is not safe. Even I was once attacked in a sector that we formerly believed to be peaceful by a large number of armed men." Thankfully, Shunsui had been present to squash any awful ideas they might have had about cutting his lieutenant into bloody chunks.
"It may seem cold," she said, turning her head towards Kunio, "but the dangers that violent men pose to one another are generally dismissed in lieu of the greater threat. There are far worse things than death," she replied gravely.
That wasn't exactly what he had meant. Kunio had come to understand what a shinigami's job was, at least as far as he had studied in school just yet. It was important to keep souls safe. But he was trying to figure out why if it was neccessary for them to guard Rukongai, why only part of the time. The answer wasn't quite what he expected.
He tried to hide the frown that almost slipped over his face. There really was quite a difference between the Seireitei and Rukongai. He was lucky having lived where he did - It wasn't as bad as some districts. But he still had to struggle to find food at times, especially before meeting his family. He couldn't blame them, and yet, at hearing that there were those that had attacked the lieutenant, he couldn't blame her either...
What to say... "Oh," he answered, turning it all over in his head and looking aside. One of his brothers disliked the shinigami and wasn't too pleased to hear he had been going. The other loved them. The rest of his siblings had mixed feelings, in general, and he sort of felt stuck in the middle not knowing where he stood. But then he shook his head. He was here to become a shinigami, and to find his place, whether they agreed or not. That didn't mean that he'd have to give up his connections to home because of it.
"For what it's worth... I don't think they're helping things by striking out," he finally said, continuing to follow along. But it would be nice if things weren't so unbalanced, he thought.
There was a softening of Nanao's sharp features. She could see the emotions plainly on his face, and knew he didn't care for the way things stood. "Do you understand why this is so?" He looked as though he did...at least he wasn't outwardly voicing his protests, complaining that it wasn't fair. And if he did, Nanao wouldn't have contradicted him. It wasn't fair. But that's the way things were, and they could not be changed at present.
"I harbor no grudges," Nanao said, slowing her steps, and coming to a stop. "I was not born into the Seireitei." On that matter, she would speak no more. What was past, was past. "If you would voice your feelings on the matter, you may. I won't reprimand you."
Kunio blinked, looking back up at Nanao. "Oh, no no, it's not... I mean, yes. I do understand," he said, stumbling over an explanation and waving a hand in front of him. It was surprising that she would like to hear his opinion. He hadn't meant to complain, especially after they were so helpful as to give him this internship, so he let it go.
"If there's not enough help to go around, then it can't be helped." There was more to it, of course, but it wasn't like it was something the lieutenant alone could change. Kunio smiled again, looking around the division grounds. It was really pretty, and he could be jealous of it if he let himself. But it was just as easy to admire it. Someone had to have worked hard to make them look as nice as they did. Everyone had their part, right?
Nanao nodded. His temperament was admirable, as was his understanding. Should he choose to enlist with the 8th Division, she was certain he would be welcomed with open arms...even if he wasn't female. Nanao smiled, then began forward once more. "We do what we are able. That is all anyone can do." She pushed up her glasses, stepping through one of the archways that led from the walled courtyard towards the central office.
Letting out a small breath of relief at the smile, Kunio was glad to have not started an argument. The lieutenant may have said she wouldn't scold him for speaking his mind, and he may have liked to share it, but he didn't like being at odds with people. He especially didn't want his first impression to the second head of a division to be of someone who whines. He nodded, following her inside.