Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Invitation
Yami sat at his desk, the dim light of the lantern casting long shadows across the room as he poured over yet another stack of mission reports. His dark purple eyes, now deeper and more intense after over fifty years as the 11th Division's Lieutenant, scanned the documents with practiced efficiency. The steady sound of his pen scratching against the paper was the only noise in the otherwise silent office.
He sighed, leaning back in his chair for a moment, rubbing his temples. The years had been long, but they had also been fulfilling. He had grown stronger, mastered his abilities, and earned the respect of his peers and subordinates. But with that strength and respect came responsibility—mountains of it, in the form of paperwork that seemed to multiply by the day.
Just as he was about to dive back into the reports, the door to his office burst open with a loud bang. Yami didn't even flinch; he knew that only one person would enter so brazenly without knocking.
Captain Kuruyashiki, with his broad grin and infectious energy, stood in the doorway, holding a large bottle of sake. His white captain's haori swayed slightly as he made his way into the room, the bottle sloshing with each step.
"Yami! You look like you need a break," Kuruyashiki declared, his voice booming with the kind of cheerfulness that was impossible to ignore.
Yami could only sigh at his captain's usual antics. "Captain, I wouldn't have this much paperwork if you didn't laze around every day."
Kuruyashiki paused, a bead of sweat forming on his brow as he realized the truth in Yami's words. He quickly changed the subject, raising the bottle in a friendly gesture. "Come on, Yami. Leave the paperwork and mission reports for the night. Join me for a drink—Captain Shiba is already waiting, and there are a few people I'd love for you to meet."
A tick mark began to form on Yami's forehead, but he knew better than to argue with Kuruyashiki when he was like this. The captain could be persistent when it came to avoiding responsibility, and tonight seemed to be no different. Yami sighed again, packing away the reports into a neat stack on his desk. "Fine, Captain. But you owe me for this."
Kuruyashiki let out a hearty laugh, clapping Yami on the back. "You won't regret it, Yami! I promise!"
The two left the 11th Division's barracks and made their way through the quiet streets of Seireitei. Yami followed his captain, his curiosity piqued when he realized they were heading towards the 2nd Division. He raised an eyebrow but kept his thoughts to himself as they approached a small, unassuming building with the Shihōin clan emblem prominently displayed above the entrance.
"Why are we here, Captain?" Yami finally asked, confusion evident in his voice.
Kuruyashiki chuckled, stepping forward to open the door. "You'll see."
Yami followed his captain inside, and as he crossed the threshold, he was greeted by a sight he hadn't expected. The interior of the building was beautifully decorated, with intricate designs and warm lighting that created an inviting atmosphere. In the middle of the room, a large table was set up, laden with food and drinks. A group of people sat around it, engaged in lively conversation.
Yami's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the individuals gathered—captains and lieutenants from various divisions of the Gotei 13. His gaze was drawn to a tall, athletic man with bronze skin and sharp, angular features. The man had short, spiky black hair with a streak of silver running through it, and piercing amber eyes that exuded authority and wisdom. He wore the traditional white captain haori over his Shinigami uniform, with the emblem of the Shihōin clan embroidered on his sleeves.
"Ah, Captain Kuruyashiki, and this must be your Lieutenant," the man said, his voice smooth and commanding. "Welcome. I'm Shihōin Raiden, Captain of the 2nd Division."
Yami inclined his head respectfully, recognizing the name and the reputation that came with it. "It's an honor, Captain Shihōin." 'this must be Yoruichi's grandfather' yami thought to himself.
Raiden smiled, gesturing to the table. "Come, join us. It's not often we get to relax like this." Some captains and lieutenants greeted them with a wave or a nod, while others simply smiled in acknowledgment.
Kuruyashiki nudged Yami forward with a grin. "See? I told you it would be worth it."
"Yami, over here!" called out Captain Shiba, his voice warm and welcoming. He sat with a relaxed posture, one arm casually slung over the back of his chair. His newest lieutenant, Haruto, sat beside him, already pouring another round of drinks.
Captain Kuruyashiki let out a hearty laugh and patted Yami on the back. "Come on, Yami! Let's join in before all the good food is gone!" He guided Yami to an empty spot next to Captain Shiba, where a fresh bottle of sake and a clean cup awaited them.Yami sighed, resigning himself to the fact that this night was not going to involve any paperwork. He took a seat and nodded politely to the captains and lieutenants around the table.
"It's good to see you out of your office, Yami," haruto said, raising his cup in a toast. His s eyes seemed to gleam with amusement. "We were beginning to think you were more of a ghost than a Shinigami."
Yami smirked, raising his own cup. "Someone has to keep the division running, haruto. If it weren't for me, captain Kuruyashiki would probably be buried under a mountain of unfinished reports."
Kuruyashiki, clearly trying to deflect the criticism, leaned forward with a grin. "And that's why you're the best lieutenant I could ask for! But tonight, no talk of work. We're here to enjoy ourselves."
"That's the spirit!" Captain Akitomo Susumu chimed in, his stern expression softening as he took a sip from his cup. "Even the hardest workers need to let loose once in a while. Besides, it's not often we all get together like this."
Lieutenant Nishikawa Haru, seated beside her captain, nodded enthusiastically. "It's nice to see everyone in a relaxed setting. The 3rd Division always seems so serious—this is a welcome change."
Captain Tsubasa Hikaru of the 5th Division, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up with his usual calm demeanor. "It's a rare opportunity to share a drink with comrades without the weight of duty hanging over us." His lieutenant, Moriyama Nao, added with a slight smile, "Though I suspect we'll all be paying for it tomorrow morning."
A young Captain Ginrei Kuchiki future grandfather of Byakuya Kuchiki, ever the epitome of poise, raised his cup. "A small price to pay for the company of such esteemed peers." His lieutenant, Makoto Tsukishima, nodded in agreement, though his stern expression never wavered.
Yami, feeling the warmth of the sake starting to spread through him, allowed himself to relax a little. He leaned back and observed the group, noticing how different each captain and lieutenant was in demeanor and personality. Yet, despite these differences, there was a strong sense of unity—a bond forged through countless battles and shared responsibilities.
Captain Jirōbō Kasumioji, the large and imposing captain of the 7th Division, was engaged in a lively conversation with Captain Tsukishiro Aoi of the 8th Division. Despite their contrasting appearances—Jirōbō with his rough, battle-hardened look and Aoi with her ethereal, almost ghostly presence—they seemed to share a mutual respect.
"You know, Aoi," Jirōbō said, his deep voice rumbling through the room, "I never would have guessed you'd be the type to enjoy a good drink. You always seem so... distant."
Aoi smiled serenely, her icy blue eyes glinting in the dim light. "Even ghosts enjoy a drink now and then, Jirōbō. Besides, it's not the drink that matters—it's the company."
Her lieutenant, Kuroda Rei, chuckled and nodded in agreement. "And what fine company it is tonight."
Across the table, Captain Takeda Haru of the 9th Division was engaged in a friendly argument with his lieutenant, Asano Kenta. Haru's strong, commanding presence was a stark contrast to Kenta's youthful energy, yet there was a clear bond of trust between them.
"Kenta, if you're going to argue about the best way to engage an enemy in battle, at least have the experience to back it up," Haru teased, his amber eyes twinkling with amusement.
Kenta grinned, unfazed. "Experience or not, you can't deny that my way gets results!"
Captain Fushimi Hayato of the 12th Division, ever the observer, was watching the exchange with a slight smirk. His lieutenant, Shirogane Akira, sat beside him, her calm lavender eyes taking in the scene with quiet interest.
"Let them argue," Hayato said softly to Akira. "It's these little moments that build stronger bonds within the ranks."
Captain Fujimura Tsubasa of the 13th Division, seated at the far end of the table, was listening intently to a discussion between Captain Shihōin Raiden and Captain Ginrei Kuchiki. His lieutenant, Inoue Sora, was laughing and joking with Haruto, clearly enjoying the break from their usual duties.
As the night wore on, Yami found himself surprisingly at ease. The captains and lieutenants shared stories, some humorous, others more serious, but all reflecting the unique bond they shared as leaders of the Gotei 13. Yami listened more than he spoke, his usual reserved nature keeping him in the background, but he found himself enjoying the evening nonetheless.
At one point, Captain Shiba leaned over to Yami, a sly grin on his face. "You know, Yami, you've changed a lot over these fifty years. You've grown stronger, more capable... but you've also become a bit too serious. Tonight, let's just enjoy ourselves, huh?"
Yami couldn't help but smile slightly at that. Captain Shiba had always been straightforward, never one to mince words. "Perhaps you're right, Captain. It's just… old habits."
Kuruyashiki, hearing their conversation, laughed heartily. "That's the spirit! Tonight, we're not captains or lieutenants—we're just comrades enjoying a well-deserved break!"
As the night continued, Yami found himself unwinding, the weight of his responsibilities momentarily lifted. He realized that even in the midst of duty, it was important to find time for moments like these—moments that reminded him of the bonds that held the Gotei 13 together.
And as he looked around the room, at the captains and lieutenants laughing and talking, Yami felt a deep sense of respect and appreciation for the people he had come to know over the past fifty years. These were more than just his colleagues; they were his comrades, and a few he could call his friends.
hi guys i know alot of you would like for the fml to be Yoruichi' or lisa but i dont think its a good fit due to the different time periods
FML IS BETWEEN
UNOHANA
HARRIBEL
NEIL
KIRIO HIKIFUNE
OR AN OC
VOTE NOW
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Theshadowveil7
Theshadowveil7 hope you guys enjoy if you want a character sheet of a few people let me know
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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