4-1 Lingering Shadows in Squad 3

There! He's over there!

It's all over.

Lieutenant, care to confirm?

No doubt about it. This is the cat.

Well, then. Mission complete.

Hey, uh, why are we chasing after some nobleman's cat anyway? And yesterday, doing security for some clothing store sale? Lately, all our work's been like this.

Well, I'm sure our captain must have reasons for giving these assignments. Lieutenant Kira, what do you think?

Huh? Uhh, that's a...good question.

Well, I for one prefer going on more important missions.

I hear you. That aside, what do you say we go for a drink?

I can't. I, uh, should write up the report.

Excuse me.

Well, welcome back, Izuru.

Huh?!

You okay?

Uh, I'm fine. It's just... I was a bit startled to hear my first name.

Yes, well I thought it would help the squad feel more comfortable with me if I started using first names around here. Do you approve?

Huh? Oh, I'm...just not used to it.

Ahh. Yeah, I see. I thought it was a decent idea, but I guess not. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

Here is today's report, and sir... About the mission for tomorrow. What's this about repairing the walls at the Squad 12 barracks?

Just what it sounds like. You're fixing the walls.

No, sir, that's not what I'm getting at!

What's the purpose of these orders?! The squad thinks that I...

Lieutenant. Look, I know this might be difficult for you to deal with, but Squad 3's previous captain, Gin Ichimaru, betrayed these men. Understand?

And the fact is, when you lose somebody's trust, it's tough to get it back.

I don't know how things will play out, but we'll have to work hard to regain the respect of the Soul Society.

Don't you worry, okay? Seeing you like this makes me realize something. When he was captain, Gin Ichimaru played too big a role in this squad.

Huh?

You are a lot different than he was, and no one expects you to act the same way.

A charismatic captain can bring a team together, but once that pillar falls, the team can as well.

That's why I want to rebuild the squad with you and Makoto. The three of us will be the pillar of strength this team needs.

Hmm.

Say, where is Makoto at now?

Well, um... He's drinking with the others.

I see.

All right. Well, then I think I'll call it a day too. Go enjoy your evening. You worry too much, you know?

See you around.

Good evening to you too, sir.