41 Fifth Division

Orihime woke up to the sound the sound of a wooden post striking a large bell. The number of hits signaled a meeting of the captains. She knew today was the day the all of the captains would get together and come to a decision regarding the missing seats. She prepared herself and went to the upper court area.

The captains will discuss the reinstatement of Shinji, Rose, and Kensei. However, there would be a twist. Orihime's name would appear in the discussion due to having shown her strength and playing a pivotal role in the battle at fake Karakura town.

…

"Are there any objections to allowing the previously exiled members return?" Yamamoto said while hit his cane to the ground three times. The room remained silent.

"Very well, you three may enter now." At that command, a side door opened and Shinji Hirako, Rose Otoribashi, and Kensei Mugurumu entered the meeting, each wearing shihakusho.

"The former captains of divisions 3, 5, and 9. Are there any objections to these three returning to their positions?"

No one had a complaint at first, however Shinji stepped forward with an annoyed look.

"I refuse. This lacks too much sincerity, old man."

His comment made Chojiro get angry. Just as he was going to reprimand him, Yamamoto slammed his cane down.

"Is this really the time to settle old scores?"

"Captain-commander Yamamoto, since former captain Shinji Hirako does not wish to become captain again, I suggest Second Division's Orihime Inoue."

Captain Hitsugaya had spoken up and made Orihime's bid known. This caused the indignant Shinji to be stunned. He only wanted an apology, but instead he seems to have gotten pushed aside. What surprised him was that no one had an objection to this option.

"I, too, have had my eyes on Third seat Orihime Inoue. You may enter!"

The door at the other side was opened and Orihime was led inside. She had a very humble expression and bowed to Yamamoto and the other captains.

"Captain Commander, division captains, thank you for allowing me this chance to become a captain."

"What? I was only kidding, captain-commander. How can you let a kid become captain!"

"Do you have a problem with the age of a captain, Shinji Hirako?"

Captain Hitsugaya was the youngest to become captain, and if Orihime became captain, she would become the next youngest. What mattered for a captain was the strength to lead. Kenpachi did not have a bureaucratic bone in his body and yet he was still a captain. At the heightened tensions, Kenpachi got excited.

"How about you both attack me, the first person to injure me should become captain."

"Enough nonsense, Captain Zaraki. However, your suggestion does give me an idea. Captain commander, why not have the two candidates fight to show which is stronger. This would allow for us to witness Third seat Orihime Inoue's bankai and determine who is more capable."

"I'll allow it."

Orihime stepped forward half way towards Shinji and bowed. She then drew her Zanpakuto and readied herself. Shinji, however, was flabbergasted. This little joke of his he made in annoyance had blown up to such proportions. He walked forward but did not even draw his Zanpakuto.

"Former captain Hirako, it is my honor to fight you. I will not hold back out of respect. Bankai, Hanayo no hime."

This partial transformation was something Orihime had been working on since her time in the Dangai. When she releases Hanayo no hime completely, her power is separated in two. Since her first release was a fused form where Hanayo no hime was the controlling body, Orihime assumed she could do the reverse.

Orihime's partially transformed form was very similar to the adult form of Hanayo no hime. She had a mask covering her face and her bearing switched over to a noble one. Her steps were elegant and her outfit was humble. The simple dress covered every part of her, not revealing any skin. However, this did not detract from its beauty.

Shinji did not expect Orihime to use bankai immediately. He did not witness her strength during the fight at fake Karakura town, since he was stuck outside of the barrier. However, he did witness her capability to heal every captain and several seat members. He drew his sword when he sensed her attack and he was shocked at her speed.

Shinji had to release his Zanpakuto, Sakanade, to defend. After doing so, a pink mist covered the fighting area. His sword was a strange design, as it had a large ring at the pommel. He began spinning it, releasing Sakasama no Sekai, as he expected this to completely stop Orihime's advance. However, Orihime struck at him with precision.

She had only gone for a shallow attack so it was easily blocked. However, the shock on his face was prevalent. Her fists were extremely agile and always came at a tricky angle. Orihime seemed to completely ignore his ability. He attacked her a few times and she either dodged or blocked. He could tell that she wasn't affected by his power.

"Why is my upside-down world not affecting you?"

"Hanayo no hime does not see the world as real or illusion. Her perception is unique, like a fourth dimensional being viewing us three dimensional beings. While transformed, I share her perception. Just like how we view a picture or a story, Hanayo no hime views reality in the same way.

"Therefore, she and I can see through all illusions, just like reading the narration in a book. Right now, to me, your movements are as simple as left, right, forward and back. However, I am moving in all directions."

In order to prove it, she disappeared from existence. However, this was simply Shinji's perception of reality. She was moving in an axis that did not exist in a three-dimensional plane. Orihime appeared behind Shinji and pressed her fist up against his back.

"I surrender."

Shinji sheathed his sword and put his hands up. Orihime sighed in relief as her bankai was ending soon. She let the transformation revert, as several strips of paper floated off her body and turned into nothingness. She stepped back and bowed towards him again.

Yamamoto and the other captains had watched carefully, but as Orihime explained her ability, some of their eyes widened. They understood now why she was able to take out such a powerful opponent like Baraggan and not be affected by Aizen. Such a power was the ultimate trump card against illusion users.

Orihime bowed to all of the captains and thanked them. Most of the captain's she had won over did know about the strength of her bankai. Soi Fon was the only one who had personally fought Orihime in her transformed form and was not surprised. An ability that redefined reality could not be countered with simple speed.

"Chojiro!"

He knelt down at Yamamoto's side and awaited instructions. Orihime looked at this loyal man, whom would give his life for Yamamoto with respect. She patiently awaited his decision.

"By my orders, I declare Orihime Inoue the new captain of the fifth division. As well as the reinstatement of third division captain Rojuro Otoribashi and ninth division captain Kensei Muguruma."

…

Once the meeting ended, all of the captains left leaving the three of them inside to receive their promotions. Outside the room, Captains Kuchiki, Hitsugaya, Ukitake, Zaraki, Soi Fon and Kyoraku were waiting. Some were surprised, others excited, at Orihime being chosen. She had laid the ground work for this over several months.

When Orihime stepped out of the room donned with a captain's haori, the ones that remained began congratulating her.

"Thank you for your support."

"Forget the nonsense, now that you're a captain, fight me!"

"Aha, sorry Captain Zaraki, using my Bankai has drained most of my spiritual power, maybe next time."

"Orihime, congratulations." Captain Ukitake said earnestly before going into a coughing fit.

"Congratulations. Rangiku wanted me to invite you to drink with her regardless if you succeeded or not."

"Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya. Let her know I would love to."

"Congratulations and good luck."

Everyone already left after giving their congratulations except for Soi Fon. Orihime walked up to her and hugged her while no one was watching. Soi Fon turned red and pried her off. She turned her head and crossed her arms.

"Hmph, you were so quick to leave my squad even after Lady Yoruichi put so much effort into convincing me."

"Captain Soi Fon, thank you for everything. I know you gave me all that work to do because you wanted to help me quickly adapt to the court guard squads. You were a great teacher; I'll always remember what you did for me."

Soi Fon left without saying anything else. Orihime had already gotten a grasp on her personality. Although she was strict and stubborn, she had a very endearing personality to those close to her.

Orihime headed toward the fifth division barracks, wearing her captain's haori with a large grin. She felt the fifth division's symbol, lily of the valley, was a perfect match for the original Orihime: sacrifice, danger, pure love, humility, and sweetness.