✩ 018
I'm honored to accept the position of new captain of the Fifth Division. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get here.
[Filtered to Members of the Fifth Division/Away from Hinamori]
I know it's gonna be kinda weird for all of you to take to a new authority figure at the head of the pack, but I'm gonna do my best to try and pick up the pieces that have been left scattered for these past two years and make 'em into something more than they've ever been. Here's hoping you'll all help me do it. Some of you I worked with way back when I was fresh outta the academy, some of you I've never even met before, but I'm not willing to let the stigma of fear and betrayal that has been smeared on this division continue to fester. We'll make something better out of what was broken; just you wait and see.
[Filtered to Kuchiki-taichou]
I dunno what to say, taichou. There really ain't no words to properly say how much I owe you for helpin' me get this far, so... Well, you never seemed real big on words anyhow. I kinda feel like I'm runnin' out on ya, after only working with you for just over two years, but it's been a rippin' couple years, hasn't it? Despite everything that's happened and all those times I know I pissed you off and that time I tried to kill you I know for sure that without you this never would have been possible for me. So...thanks. Hope you don't mind if I bug ya for advice sometimes.
PS: Make sure you pick somebody really badass to be my replacement. I ain't gonna be satisfied otherwise. *big laugh*
[Filtered to Ikkaku-san]
Thanks for all your help over the years, buddy. You really whipped my ass into shape, and I couldn't have asked for a better mentor. Who'd'a thunk you an' me would end up captains one day, huh? Let's show the Gotei 13 what we're made of.
[Filtered to Hisagi-senpai]
I think you were destined to be a captain from Day One, senpai. Just try not to overwork yourself too much, okay? *big laugh* I ain't keen on haulin' your heavy unconscious ass to Fourth all the time.
[Filtered to Kira]
I think I owe you drinks for life after all the help you've been these past few weeks. I still remember how you said that day all those years ago how you knew you could be a captain one day, and I think I always believed you--you were always smarter than me, and you could kidou circles around me. Never thought we'd end up gettin' here together though.
Here's to friendships that stand the test of time; I dunno what I'd'a done without ya, buddy. I got a fistbonk for ya, right here. Feel free to cash in on it anytime.
[Filtered to Rukia, Ichigo]
I'm sure there's nothin' I can say you two don't already know, but...thanks. For everything. No way I could'a done this without you guys.
[Private to Ukitake via Hell Butterfly]
*awkward pause*
Okay, there's no way to say this tactfully. Hinamori has been talking with Ichimaru. To what end or how often, I'm not sure; she let it slip in a conversation with me, and I didn't acknowledge it, so I don't think she knows I know...but Kira knows as well. To my knowledge we are the only ones who know this.
I am aware this means she can't be trusted. I am aware this means sensitive information cannot be exchanged in her presence. I'll admit I don't know what to do about it at this point, but I'm asking...I'm begging you, sir, not to take drastic measures. I really don't want to end up seeing another old friend on death row and consequently having to stage another dramatic rescue attempt. I can't confide in her as a lieutenant knowing she has contact with Ichimaru, and if my first executive decision as captain of this division means having to demote the old lieutenant and have her confined to the detention unit, then so be it, but I don't want to see Hinamori tried as a traitor...regardless of how close to being one she has fallen.
The decision is ultimately up to you, but at this point I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe from Aizen and Ichimaru...and all of Seireitei if necessary. I owe her that.
I await your decision, Soutaichou.
[Private to Hinamori self]
...I'm so sorry, Hinamori.
[Additional Private to self Added in Later]
...Good GAWD that was like...receiving an award on TV or something. What the hell was I thinking, writing all that cheesy shit? At least I didn't say 'I'd like to thank the Academy'. *facepalm*