Chapter 49 - A New Mission (1/2)

Itachi made his way back to the 13th division barracks. He went to Ukitake's office and knocked on the door.

”Come in.” A voice came from behind the door.

”Captain. I have to inform you of something.” Itachi said as he walked in.

”Is it about the promotion?” Ukitake asked, smiling.

”I…” Itachi was surprised. He had just received the news himself.

”Haha, it's because I was the one of the few who recommended you.” Ukitake said laughing.

Itachi remained silent.

”Me, Kyoraku and the oldman all witnessed your strength personally. It would not be an exaggeration to say you surpassed all of the lieutenants and a lot of the captains already. I met with Kyoraku and we both agreed that you are ready to be a captain.” Ukitake said.

”Thank you Captain, I will consider it.” Itachi replied.

”Great, take your time and think it through.”

Itachi left the hall and went towards the training field. He still had time to think about the Captain-Commander's offer. 'Becoming a Captain will grant me access to information that has previously been kept from me, information that could have originally helped me find out Aizen's plan ahead of time. Right now, Soul Society is in a weakened state due to the betrayal of three Captains. I will accept this offer.'

----

During the next three weeks, Itachi continued training and performing his lieutenant duties. One morning while sitting at his desk, a hell's buŧŧerfly appeared with a message.

'So my promotion to Captain has been accepted but postponed until Central 46 finishes refilling and reorganizing and I'll most likely be ȧssigned to the Fifth Division. I see...also it appears Zero Division won't be helping in regards to my zanpakuto currently. As to be expected of them, they were never ones to ȧssociate themselves with the lower problems of Soul Society that do not immediately threaten them.' Itachi thought as he read through the message from Yamamoto. As he finished reading the message, Ukitake walked in.

”Captain Ukitake, how was the meeting?” Itachi asked.

”Well...not so great. Aizen had sent Arrancar to attack the world of the living. The Captain Commander decided that it would be best to send an elite squad of shinigami to stay in the human world for the time being to serve as a deterrent and to protect them if the Arrancar were to return. And you're on that squad, along with Kuchiki, Lieutenant Abarai, and Madarame.” Ukitake responded as he handed a scroll to Itachi containing the mission information.

”When do we leave Captain?” Itachi asked as he accepted the scroll.

”Tomorrow morning. Don't worry about today's paperwork Itachi. I'm feeling much better so I can deal with it. And I'll have help from Kiyone and Sentaro as well. Rest up until tomorrow.” Ukitake replied.

”Thank you, Captain.” Itachi said as he left the office. As he walked back to his room, he read the mission information on the scroll. 'A mission to the human world...Aizen what are your goals? He sent two Captain class arrancar to scout for him...No I remember he had an interest in Kurosaki Ichigo. Is he planning to use him for something?'

---

The next morning, Itachi woke up and waited outside the Thirteenth Division barracks. A few minutes later, Rukia showed up.

”Sorry I'm late Lieutenant.” Rukia apologized.

”You're not late. Are you prepared for this mission?” Itachi asked. Rukia firmly nodded in response. Without another word, the two of them vanished from their spot and headed towards the main Senkaimon.

Upon arriving at the main Senkaimon, they were greeted by the kido corps. Itachi and Rukia waited for a few more minutes and five more figures showed up. Itachi raised an eyebrow at the people who were there.

”I was expecting Renji and Ikkaku but…” Itachi looked at the three other people who were with them. ”Captain Hitsugaya, Lieutenant Matsumoto, and Ayasegawa?”

”Well if Ikkaku was going, I would come too naturally.” Yumichika replied.

”It's not often we get together like this so I thought it would be fun!” Rangiku added on.

”Matsumoto is going so here I am…” Toshiro sighed.

'Is this some sort of picnic...' Itachi thought to himself.

”This is a powerful team we have ȧssembled.” Rukia commented as she looked at the people around her.

”That may be so but we need to be cautious. These arrancar aren't ordinary hollows.” Toshiro said. ”As the only Captain here, I'll take the lead. Do you all have your Gigais prepared?.” Toshiro asked. The rest nodded.

”Great, then let's be off.” Toshiro said.

Toshiro began walking towards the open Senkaimon and released a hell's buŧŧerfly. Itachi and the rest of the group followed him and walked through the gate, becoming enveloped by its bright light before arriving at the human world.

---

The group of shinigami arrived in an alleyway next to Karakura High School.

”Now that we're here, we'll need to use Gigai to blend in. Everyone get yours ready. After we change, we will go into Karakura High School and blend in with the students while we locate Kurosaki Ichigo.” Toshiro ordered. After changing into Gigai, the group of shinigami walked towards the school.

”Is this necessary? Why are we wearing this? Couldn't we just wait for Kurosaki to come out and then approach him?” Itachi said as he looked at the school uniform as he had never seen such a style of clothing before.

”We have to approach him as soon as possible, so let's just meet him now.” Toshiro replied and lead the group into the school.