Chapter Text
Byakuya Kuchiki was a man who held honor and duty above everything else, even family sometimes. He has always done his best to fulfill his duties to his clan and the Gotei 13. Even the most unpleasant tasks have been completed with an impassive face. Not that it has been an easy thing to do, there have been times when he has ignored duty, and each circumstance some kind of divine punishment has befallen him.
Let's see. He married Hisana against his family's wishes; she died too young. He adopted Rukia as his sister, she was sentenced to death; sure the death sentence had nothing to with the adoption, but it is an awfully big coincidence that the one orphan kid, out of all the orphan kids that are from the Rukongai, the one he adopted, would be the one Urahara Kisuke would choose as the vessel for the Hougyouku.
Karma sure had it out for him and that’s why he was reluctant to ignore the latest request made by the elders.
Here’s what happened. In the last clan meeting the elders finally broached the one topic he didn’t even want to think about. Since Hisana’s premature death it had become a difficult subject for him, because it represented what could have been that never would.
As it stands, the elders wanted an heir and they wanted it soon. Knowing his luck, if he chose to ignore them this time, fate would find a way to kill him in the next three months just to punish him for not fulfilling his duty. The dilemma was how to go about it. He wouldn’t marry again, it was still too soon, and having a child out of wedlock wasn’t even an option. That left adoption or going to Squad 12 to see if one of their experiments could help him. He would die before stepping inside Kurotsuchi Mayuri’s division but he didn’t think he could pull off another adoption.
It was as he was about to head into his office that he heard it.
“... Losing his only guardian, poor kid” a person said.
“The kid’s strong, he’ll get over it” another person said, it sounded like Renji.
Byakuya got curious, who could they be talking about?
“I would agree with you but he has already lost his sister and on top of that he still has to manage a division, which he might lose if the rumor is real” the first person said.
Byakuya could guess who they were talking about, there was only one kid who managed a division after all, he needed context. He opened the door startling Renji and the other person, who turned out to be Lieutenant Hisagi.
“Captain” Renji greeted him.
“Since you seem so keen on gossiping during office hours, I am sure you won’t mind sharing with me” he said while sitting behind his desk.
Renji and Hisagi looked at each other in bafflement, they didn’t know if he was being serious.
“Look at the time, I should be heading back to my squad” Hisagi said, heading for the door.
“Have a nice day Captain Kuchiki, Renji” he took his leave. Renji could only watch as the other Lieutenant abandoned him.
“Well?” Byakuya asked expectantly.
“Ahh, you see Captain… we weren’t gossiping or anything” Renji said trying to save face.
“Regardless, I’m quite interested in what could be more important than your duties.” Byakuya said. He was starting to lose his patience. Why were people so scared to talk to him? Sure, he usually dismissed trivial conversations but this time he was genuinely curious.
“Well the thing is Captain, the kid’s, I mean Captain Hitsugaya’s grandmother passed away” Renji finally said.
“Now this is interesting” Byakuya thought. It could be the solution to his dilemma.
Captain Hitsugaya was one of the most competent captains the Gotei 13 had, at his young age he had already accomplished more than most people did in their entire lifetime. Maybe he could pull off the adoption after all, that is if he plays his cards right.
“What a saddening development” he said after a while. Renji looked at him surprised, it was not what he was expecting at all.
“What’s this rumor you were talking about?” he asked. Renji debated on whether or not to tell his captain the rumor. On one hand he might not care, but on the other hand if he was genuinely interested he might be the only one who could help the young captain. Not that he cared if the kid lost his captaincy but he felt he owed it to Hinamori to look after him.
“Some people are saying that since Captain Hitsugaya is not an adult yet and is without a tutor he might lose his captaincy” he said finally, he had nothing to lose anyway.
Byakuya mulled over what he just heard. He would like to say it was absurd to even think Gotei 13 would lose such a competent captain because of something as trivial as age, but the truth of the matter was there were other ways an interested noble family might get control over his position. He would have to investigate the issue.
“I would like to say that it is impossible but there might be a chance it could happen” Byakuya said to Renji’s dismay. The redhead might not like the little genius but he wouldn’t deny that he admired his dedication. It would be a great loss for the Seireitei if he were to leave his position.
“Very well, we should verify this rumor” Byakuya said and Renji’s eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t expect his captain to take personal interest.
” Send one of our most discreet subordinates to ask around. Should anything happen, I’ll be at Kuchiki Manor”. The captain said while taking his leave.
Renji just stood there trying to process what just happened. After a while he decided to just do what his captain told him, it would do him no good to try and figure it out.
******************
Byakuya had to act fast, he had a once in a lifetime chance. Sure, he felt sorry for the kid who just lost the last of his family, but he was the answer to his problem. Was he being selfish? Of course he was. But it’s not like he was going to mistreat the boy. In fact, he was doing him a favor. Toshiro Hitsugaya was going to be the next head of the Kuchiki Clan and the Captain of the Tenth Squad. Not so bad for a kid from Rukongai. So, yeah, Byakuya wasn’t the only one winning in this situation.
As soon as he entered the manor he called for an emergency meeting with the Elders and ordered one of the servants to look for Toshiro Hitsugaya’s file and make enough copies for the elders. Yes, he had files on every captain of the Gotei 13. The Kuchiki family had been gathering information since the beginning of the Clan, by now it was a habit to keep the files updated.
While he waited, he thought about what he would have to do to make the adoption happen. Hopefully this time the Elders would not oppose him. A few minutes later a servant entered the room to tell him the Elders were ready. He took a deep breath and stood up—time to get the show started.
******************
Elder Chihiro was nervous, it was not every day the Head of the Clan called for an emergency meeting. The fact that the meeting happened a few days after they gave him that ridiculous ultimatum made her even more nervous. She had initially opposed the idea but the other Elders were getting desperate and she along with a few of her counterparts were worried for the man, he had lost so much in such a little time that it was saddening seeing him so lonely. Sure his relationship with his adopted sister brought some joy to him but these days the girl spent more time in the World of the Living than in Seireitei.
When the man entered she knew he was about to take some drastic measures. Hopefully it had nothing to do with that awful captain of the Twelfth squad.
“Thanks for gathering at such short notice”. He started once he had taken his position.
“I will address some points before I get to the main topic of this meeting”. At this he got a hard look on his face.
“I will not be getting married anytime soon”. He said firmly. Realistically, Chihiro thought, none of the elders were expecting him to, all of them saw how fiercely he fought to marry the late Hisana, her death was not something he would get over easily.
“I will not have a child out of wedlock,” he added. Again, they didn’t expect him to, their leader was a far too honorable man to do such a thing.
“And I will definitely not subject myself to any experiment, though I thought about it.” Well, that was surprising. Not the part where he had considered an experiment, no it was the part where he wasn’t actually going to do it. As much as Byakuya Kuchiki hated the captain of the Twelfth squad, if it was the only choice, he would do it. Now the meeting got interesting.
“That said, I have taken your concerns into consideration and I believe that I have found a solution.” He said and then signaled a servant to give every elder a copy of the file. Elder Chihiro opened hers curiously. She was surprised when a picture of the tenth squad captain stared back at her. She had bumped into the young captain a few times in the past, he was always polite. She knew he was an impressive boy but after reading his file she realized he had the potential to be so much more.
The noble lady shared a look with Elder Saya, it seemed she also agreed that this child might be a good addition to their clan. Not only was the child a true genius he was also kind to old ladies, he would treat his great aunts well.
“Byakuya-dono you can’t really expect the Council to agree to you adopting another Rukongai child, especially if said child is meant to be the next Head of Clan” one of the councilmen protested. That this particular man was against it came as no surprise to any of the Elders. Elder Yahiko never agreed to Lady Rukia’s adoption, to this day he still doesn’t acknowledge the girl as a fellow clan member.
“Let’s not be so hasty Elder Yahiko. I don’t think it is such a bad idea”. Elder Saya replied, gaining the attention of the rest of the attendants.
“The Tenth Squad is one of the best run squads in Gotei 13, and that happened after that child took charge of it”. She said getting a few nods from some of the councilmen.
“Not to mention that he is the wielder of Hyourinmaru, the strongest ice-type zanpakutou.” Elder Chihiro said. “However if I remember correctly this child already has a tutor, his grandmother I believe.” She added.
“I have recently been informed of said tutor’s unfortunate demise.” Byakuya said solemnly. As expected there wasn’t much sympathy for the poor old lady from the Elders, however it garnered their interest.
“Well, that changes things”. Elder Saya muttered.
“I still don’t think this is the right course of action”. Elder Yahiko insisted.
“I agree with Elder Yahiko. You are suggesting we pass the leadership of one of the four noble houses to some random Rukongai runt. It’s one thing adopting Rukia-dono as a member but adopting a kid as the heir is a completely different thing. The fact that we are even talking about it is preposterous”. Elder Satoru said. He had always shared the same purist tendencies as Elder Yahiko.
"What other choice do we have? Am I the only one seeing the changes in Seireitei? The way things are evolving in the next few hundred years the Noble Houses might fade to irrelevancy. I think we are in need of renewal and maybe this is the way to go about it." Elder Chihiro stated. The room grew silent. Of course they had all seen the signs. Since the Aizen debacle, there were shifts in the way Seireitei worked. It was especially obvious seeing as there was little to no pressure in the reinstatement of Central 46.
“I think it might be worth mentioning this move would bring another Gotei 13 division under the Kuchiki Clan’s sphere of influence.” Elder Minoru added. Elder Chihiro raised her eyebrows in surprise, she had not expected this particular Elder to agree to this adoption, seeing as he had been against Byakuya’s marriage to Hisana and Rukia’s adoption.
“ This child’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Training him to be the next Clan Head will be easy, and why stop there? This might be our chance to take the First Division of the Gotei 13”. He added with greedy determination. It seemed greed could change even the greatest bigots’ minds.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. While it is my interest to go ahead with the adoption, all of these hypotheticals are worth nothing if Captain Hitsugaya doesn’t agree to be adopted. There will certainly be backlash from the Gotei 13 and the other Noble Houses if we try to do this by force.” Byakuya cautioned. “Should we decide to embark on this endeavor I propose we present the idea to him first”. He suggested.
“I agree with Byakuya-dono. That being said, I think it’s time to vote.” Elder Saya said. “All those in favor of the adoption of one Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya, please raise your hands.” The room grew tense as one by one those in favor of the adoption raised their hands.
In the end 6 out of the 9 elders raised their arms. “All opposed”. Two out of the remaining three raised their hands.
“Though the matter is practically settled I would like to wait for Captain Hitsugaya’s response and then cast my vote”. Elder Chihiro said.
“Understandable”. Elder Saya agreed. “Seeing as the majority has voted in favor the Elder Council of the Kuchiki Clan hereby approves of the adoption of one Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya on the premise of his acceptance of the procedure” She declared.
******************
When he got there Byakuya expected squad 10 would be in a state of disarray but so far everything seemed to be normal as organized as always, maybe he underestimated the young captain. He paid it no mind and went straight to the office. That’s where things got weird, the door seemed to be frozen shut, bits of ice could be seen from its corners. Rangiku Matsumoto, squad 10’s beautiful lieutenant, was waiting outside while frowning at the door.
Byakuya held no particular opinion of the woman. By all accounts, she was a capable lieutenant, devoted to her captain. Though she displayed certain eccentric tendencies, such traits were far from uncommon within the ranks of the Gotei 13.
“Lieutenant Matsumoto” Byakuya said as a way of greeting.
“Captain Kuchiki,” she said, unable to hide her surprise. He was not among their customary visitors. “To what do we owe this visit?"
“I came to offer my condolences”. He replied.
“Well, you’ll have to come back another time. The captain has not let anyone in since the funeral, that door only opens when he has to leave paperwork outside or to retrieve it”. Rangiku informed him. She didn’t need to tell him all that but she was very worried and frustrated, it felt good to vent.
“Hmm” Byakuya said while looking at the door. “Has he eaten anything?” he asked, surprising the blond woman once more.
“Not today. He ate some dinner yesterday ” she admitted worriedly.
“Well why don’t you go look for something he can eat, I’ll see about opening the door” he suggested. The blond looked at him confused but did what he wanted anyway. If it got her captain to open the door she would surely not question his motives.
Byakuya examined the door, and the ice on it. He knew from experience that nothing would be able to melt that ice.
“Hado #4, Byakurai” he chanted destroying the door. He did say he would open it.
He walked into the office where he saw the small captain resting on the couch.
“The door being closed means you are not welcomed, Matsumoto”. The boy said.
“I apologize. Feel free to send the bill to the Kuchiki Manor” Byakuya said.
“Captain Kuchiki” Toshiro said surprised. He hurriedly stood up and moved to his desk. He didn’t want to embarrass himself further. “What could be so important that you decided to destroy my door?” he asked curiously.
“I heard about your grandmother. I came to offer my condolences” Byakuya replied.
“Umm thanks, I guess, but you didn’t have to come all the way here” Toshiro said confused.
“I also heard that you haven’t been eating” Byakuya said while taking a seat.
“So…?” Toshiro asked weirded out. He couldn’t figure out why Byakuya cared, he couldn’t even recall when they ever spoke for more than 2 minutes.
“I understand what it is like to lose a loved one but burying yourself in work is not going to help anyone. You have to grieve at some point” Byakuya said.
“Well it’s not like I can suddenly leave my position to go crying like a child, my squad needs me” Toshiro defended.
“What your squad needs is for its captain to be at his best and you shutting yourself in and not letting anyone in is not your best” Byakuya retorted.
“Why do you care?” Toshiro asked angrily.
“You’re one of the most competent captains in Seireitei, we need you at your best” Byakuya said honestly. Toshiro was stunned, he had never heard Byakuya give anyone a compliment, not even Rukia.
A cough was heard and both captains looked at the doorway.
“Captain, your lunch is ready.” Rangiku stood at the ruined doorway, tray in hand, eye twitching slightly at what remained of it.
Tōshirō cleared his throat. “Leave it there.”
Byakuya rose and took the tray from her before she could step inside. “You may wait outside, Lieutenant.”
Rangiku hesitated, eyes narrowing faintly. “Yes, Captain Kuchiki.” She withdrew, though not without a suspicious glance at both of them.
Byakuya placed the tray neatly on the desk.
“Eat.”
Tōshirō exhaled sharply through his nose but obeyed. The silence that followed was less tense now, but heavy all the same.
After a few moments, Byakuya spoke.
“The funeral was attended by several representatives of the noble houses.” At least according to the information gathered by his subordinate.
Tōshirō frowned slightly. “I noticed.”
“They observed you.”
That made him pause. “Observed me how?”
“As one evaluates a variable,” Byakuya replied evenly. “A young captain. Powerful. Without familial ties. Without political backing.”
Tōshirō’s expression darkened. “I don’t need backing.”
“That is not how the noble houses think.” The words were not dismissive—merely factual. “The balance within Seireitei is delicate,” Byakuya continued. “The rise of an unaffiliated captain of exceptional ability does not go unnoticed.”
“So what? They’re afraid of me?” Tōshirō scoffed.
“They are wary of instability. And they never miss a chance to get more power”
Tōshirō set his chopsticks down slowly. “And you?”
Byakuya met his gaze. “I am Head of the Kuchiki Clan. It is my responsibility to consider matters of succession and political equilibrium.”
There it was.
Tōshirō narrowed his eyes. “What does that have to do with me?”
“The Kuchiki Clan currently lacks a direct heir.” The statement was delivered without embellishment. “My sister is not suited to the role of clan head,” Byakuya continued calmly. “And the elders grow impatient.” Realization began to dawn across Tōshirō’s face.
“You can’t possibly be suggesting—”
“I am.” Silence fell between them.
“This would not be an act of charity,” Byakuya clarified.
“Nor sentiment.” Tōshirō bristled slightly at that.
“It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.” He stood slowly.
“You want to adopt me.”
“Yes.”
“As your heir,” Tōshirō finished flatly.
“As the Kuchiki Clan’s heir,” Byakuya corrected. The distinction was deliberate.
Tōshirō stared at him. “You think the other nobles would accept that?”
“They would object,” Byakuya said. “Privately. But they would not oppose it openly.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you are a captain. Because your power is indisputable. And because aligning you with one of the Four Great Noble Houses secures the existing structure rather than threatening it.”
Tōshirō’s jaw tightened. “So I’m a political shield.”
“You would gain protection from interference,” Byakuya countered smoothly. “Your position would be insulated. No faction could move against you without directly challenging the Kuchiki.”
“And in return?”
“You would assume the responsibilities of heir apparent.” The words were precise.
“You would receive formal training in noble governance. Oversight of clan affairs when required. And, eventually, leadership.”
Tōshirō stared at him in disbelief. “You’re serious.”
“I do not speak lightly.” A tense pause.
“Why me?” Tōshirō asked quietly. Byakuya did not answer immediately.
“Because strength commands respect,” he said at last. “Because you are disciplined. And because you understand duty.” His gaze sharpened slightly.
“And because you have no competing allegiances.” That one landed. Tōshirō looked away.
“This has nothing to do with concern over whether I’ve eaten,” he muttered. Byakuya’s expression did not change.
“Your well-being affects your performance. Your performance affects the stability of Seireitei. I prefer stability.”
Tōshirō huffed a faint, humorless laugh. “You’re unbelievable.”
“On the contrary,” Byakuya replied, rising to his feet, “this is entirely believable.” He adjusted his haori.
“You are not required to answer immediately. Such a decision would require formal petitioning before the elders.” He stepped toward the doorway.
“But understand this, Captain Hitsugaya—” Tōshirō looked up. “If you refuse, another house may attempt a similar proposal. Their intentions may not be as… measured.” A quiet warning. “This offer ensures your autonomy as much as it ensures my clan’s succession.” He paused briefly. “Consider it.” And then he left.
Tōshirō stood alone in the wreckage of his office, lunch forgotten. Political maneuver. Succession. Heir to the Kuchiki Clan. His grandmother would have wanted him to have stability. He sank slowly back into his chair. “…Unbelievable,” he muttered again.