The Reference (Kuro & Cruff)

Tatsuya walked through the 2nd squad barracks thinking of the meeting he had scheduled with Captain Kuro. He hoped it wouldn't be a waste of time for the captain. He turned the corner to see Katsumi standing outside the captain's office with an escort. Katsumi was the key element for this meeting. "Glad to see you, Katsumi." He smiled and extended out his hand. "Thank you for locating and bringing him here." He appreciatively stated to Katsumi's escort. "I'll take it from here." He pleasantly dismissed the escort. "Yes sir." The escort walked away without question. "In case you are wondering, I called you here for a meeting with Captain Kuro. I'm gonna recommend that you be graduated from the academy and be placed in this squad. For now you can come in and have a seat." He had a serious but anxious look on his face. He turned to the door and knocked. "Captain Kuro. 11th seat Tatsuya Okibi, reporting for our meeting." He stated before entering and closing the door behind them.

Kuro was aware of the meeting, but he had found no reason to change his normal routines in preparation for it. Keeping to his go with the flow attitude, he had been shirking his paperwork again and catching a light nap in his chair at his desk. Roused from slumber by Tatsuya's knock and introduction, he groggily sat up and tried to play the more responsible role. Not so easy in this case. Tatsuya was one of few that he let his formal attitudes die around. He watched as the two entered his office and motioned for them to be seated in two chairs he'd had brought in earlier.

"So what was it you wanted to meet with me about?"

Katsumi had never set foot inside of a Captains office before. He caught himself looking around to see what the surroundings were like. As he walked in, he found himself being directed to a with Tatsuya. "It's good to meet you Captain Kuro." Katsumi spoke directly to the Captain Kuro and looked him right in the eyes to show respect. Trying to remain calm and professional seemed difficult because of all the excitement that was brewing inside. Katsumi looked at Tatsuya and then at Captain Kuro. "It's a beautiful day isn't it?" Katsumi said with a chuckle, trying to lighten up the room. Katsumi began to scratch the back of his head and slowly sat down in the chair he was directed to.

"Good Day, Captain Kuro." He took a seat in the chair. "Well Captain, I'm we are here because of this man, Katsumi." He directed their attention to his friend. "I strongly believe that Katsumi is a perfect candidate for our squad. He is strong willed, honorable, and an expert in close quarters combat." He looked back and forth between Captain Kuro and Katsumi, while offering his praise. "With that said... I would like to, with your permission and backing, have him immediately graduated from the Spiritual Arts Academy and given a position on the squad." He stated, nervously clearing his throat. "I know this is an unusual request, but make no mistake Captain. You would not find a better candidate anywhere in Soul Society." He spoke more confidently.

Kuro listened to Tatsuya's request with his eyes shut, taking in all the information by ear. This sort of request was rare, and usually meant something good when they came up. To receive such support from a gotei member for immediate graduation, this Katsumi must have shown great skill in the academy. Kuro stood up from his seat and began thinking things through while pacing back and forth behind his desk. He began to throw out a few questions to the aspiring member.

"Do you yourself feel you are ready for graduation? Squad work can be difficult at times and many would want to take as much time in the academy as they can. How's your footwork? Our squad excels not only at hand-to-hand fighting, but speed and stealth as well." Kuro stopped pacing and gave the student a hard look. "If you do indeed feel ready, I have no reason to refuse your request. But I need to know that me and my squad can depend on you and your skills. On your first day assigned to our squad, I will organize an exercise for you to demonstrate yourself to us."

Katsumi had a good feeling come over him. He knew that going into a squad meant more responsibilities and missions that needed to be completed as accurately as possible. When Captain Kuro began to question Katsumi, Katsumi tried hard to listen intently. After all these questions were thrown at Katsumi, he new that he had to show himself worthy of the squad. Katsumi stood up and looked Kuro dead in the eyes.

"I haven't been in the academy as long as some would like, but I know what it takes to be in Squad 2. As far as coming into this particular squad, I have Bakudo 19 - Energy Fade. I'm fast and vigilent. Do I feel I deserve to graduate early. Probably not, but I was brought here because someone has seen that I have what it takes to be here. I'm willing to learn whatever you need me to learn and I would consider it a priviledge to be brought in."

Katsumi felt confident in his words. As he sat back down, he looked at Tatsuya and then at Captain Kuro again.

Tatsuya was unsure of how Katsumi would respond, but was quite content with outcome. Tatsuya couldn't help but smile at Katsumi's confidence. He was sure Katsumi would prove himself a great asset in this squad. "Like I said Captain, Katsumi is a worthy candidate for our squad. Any exercise you choose to test him in, I'm positive he will pass."

Kuro lowered his head and closed his eyes with a smile spread on his mouth. He was pleased with the confidence Katsumi displayed. He saw no reason to refuse him the chance to prove himself if he felt he was ready.

"Very well. I will submit the forms necessary to apply for your immediate graduation. When you are informed of your new assignment to my squad, we will begin with your test."

Katsumi was excited inside that he had been accepted by the captain. He stood up quickly and bowed his head to Captain Kuro, "That you for this opportunity Captain." Katsumi looked at Tatsuya and grinned. "Looks like you stuck with me again." He said under his breath.