Chapter 2: Chapter 1
Soifon stood before the Head Captain, her arms folded, listening intently to his instructions. For nearly two weeks, she had been assigned a unique task that left her puzzled. However, she knew better than to question the Head Captain's orders.
"I mean it, Captain Soifon," Yamamoto's voice boomed, meeting her steely gaze. "No fighting Hollows or engaging in any work activities."
"That is the point of a vacation," the Head Captain explained.
Soifon nodded, maintaining her stoic expression.
"And there will be no training of any kind," Yamamoto added, his voice rising in emphasis.
"Yes, Captain," Soifon sighed in resignation.
Yamamoto nodded approvingly. "Very well. You will leave for Karakura Town immediately after this meeting. I have arranged for an escort to ensure compliance with these instructions," he said.
"What if there are Hollows around?" Soifon asked, her fists clenched.
"That's why we have Ichigo Kurosaki and his team," the Head Captain roared, pounding his cane on the wooden floor, causing Soifon to flinch.
"Fair enough," Soifon muttered, reluctantly acknowledging the presence of human allies in fighting weak Hollows. "Who's this person you want to assist me?" she inquired, hoping for someone compatible, like Yoruichi.
"Kisuke Urahara," Yamamoto replied, ignoring Soifon's expression.
"Seriously, Head Captain?" Soifon exclaimed. "Someone I can't stand!"
"Kisuke is the only one available," Yamamoto stated firmly. "Lady Yoruichi is assisting Ichigo's group with the Hollows."
Soifon groaned but refrained from further protest, unwilling to provoke Yamamoto further. "Fine," she mumbled, her voice heavy with disapproval.
"Good, now you can go," the head captain said. "But I must warn you that you can only take your Zanpakuto with you in case of an emergency, such as encountering powerful Espadas or Arrancars. You may communicate with your sword, but no training is permitted."
Soifon nodded. "Understood," she said, pleased that she could bring Suzumebachi with her. After leaving the first division, she used Flash Step to reach her own division and inform Omeada that she would be absent for several weeks.
During her absence, he would assume command of her squad, though she secretly loathed the thought of the clumsy giant leading her division.
Within minutes, the raven-haired woman arrived at the second squad, as her division was not far from the first.
Soifon entered her office and found her lieutenant sprawled asleep on the couch, a bag of rice crackers clutched in her hand. The tiny woman rolled her eyes. "OMEADA!" she shouted, kicking the couch to rouse her lazy subordinate.
"What?" the lieutenant yelped, startled. He almost tumbled off the couch. His captain stood before him, glaring, her arms crossed over her petite chest.
"Wake up!" Soifon demanded.
"Apologies, Captain," Omeada said, standing. "Is there anything I can assist with?" He suppressed a shiver as her piercing gray eyes met his.
"Indeed," she snapped. She resented having such an indolent lieutenant. She mused that even Rangiku, despite her own laziness, was more reliable.
Soifon considered trading Omeada to another squad, but dismissed the notion. Misfortune seemed to follow her like a shadow.
"I'll be away for several weeks," she said. "I entrust you with overseeing the squad." She suppressed a groan, reluctant to leave her subordinates in his hands. Brooke, her usual choice, was occupied with other duties.
"Where are you going?" Omeada asked, stuffing rice crackers into his mouth. Crumbs scattered on the floor at Soifon's feet.
The petite captain sighed in exasperation, resisting the urge to kick him. Perhaps Aizen would relieve her of his burden. Alternatively, she could pester the former Fifth Captain to take him.
Soifon sighed again. "Head Captain Yamamoto has ordered me on a brief vacation, until I can relax," she explained, shrugging. "I must depart now. Get to work!"
"If you need assistance with the squad, seek aid from Brooke, Megumi, or even Captain Haruko. She has experience managing a squad," Soifon instructed.
With that, she exited her office and made her way to the 12th Division's portal to the human world. She briefly considered that spending time with Kisuke might be preferable to dealing with Omeada, but she would never admit it.