Long Awaited Return [Henrex/Mirai]

He could sense her excitement, something that only made that warm smile tease the edges of his cheeks a bit more. As they sat down in his office, he waited for her to calm down a bit, while also gathering his own thoughts. He cared about her, and he tried his hardest not to show bias toward anyone. So, as they both took their deep breaths, he rested his arms on the desk, leaning in slightly.

"The first thing I want to address is...interaction. I understand that you just got back from a long mission in the Living World, but, I need to stress that you're also my second-in-command. You're in charge of the division when I'm not there, or in matters that don't require my immediate attention."

He sighed softly, his fingers idly fidgeting and tapping against the backs of his hands. He knew that Mirai was rather shy. She wasn't someone who rejected talking with people but she certainly wasn't a social butterfly. To some extent, it was a good thing to have that reservation. But, it was an important factor when considering something this important.

"I know that you're not exactly a social butterfly. It's...a hard thing to change. But, if you do want to become my Vice Captain, I don't want you to just be my...shadow, for lack of a better word. I want to see you interact with the other members, in our division and beyond. It doesn't need to be an overnight change, that's an impossible ask for just about anyone. But, I want to ask, can you do that for me?"

He was glad to see her replying with confidence -- but, even though he trusted her, actions still spoke louder than words. Who to suggest as a practice run? Hm...well, Furukawa and Arisawa were good choices when it came to their division, but, in his eyes, it was also important for a Vice Captain to be able to interact with some of the other divisions and their members.

"Furukawa is a good person to go to for practice from our division, as well as Ojo Koga. But, outside of the Stealth Force, there's Saiko Mori in the Seventh Division as well. Those are just examples, however. There are plenty of people in the Gotei to interact with. I have the upmost faith that you'll do well."

However, that alone could not be the deciding factor. In spite of his trust in her, there was still uncertainty about the role. Part of it was an issue with himself more than anything else, but, there was still something else that he wanted to address before that.

"Something else I want to ask is this: what would you do if I was left indisposed as both Captain of the Stealth Force, and teacher at Shin'o Academy. How would you handle the situation? What would your first thought and decision be?"

A Lieutenant was no true replacement, that much was true. However, the role of Lieutenant was also to act as his second-in-command, to be there when he could not. Were something to happen to him -- he knew that he needed to be sure that those he trusted in these positions could run the division without him.

"While I don't expect you to understand protocol immediately, I did genuinely want to see what your decisions would be. A Lieutenant may not be any true replacement for a Captain, especially not me, but, remember that if anything happens to me, you would be the first person that people will go to."

Despite the weight his words had, there was no judgment or malice in his voice, only genuine concern. He knew that he would likely need to train someone for the position, but he wanted the person who was selected to understand the responsibilities they'd be taking on. Perhaps he was taking it too seriously, or maybe he was putting too much expectation on the prospect of it.

"I don't have a problem training you, I just...want to be sure that whoever becomes my Lieutenant understands not just what the position demands, but what I want from them. I want it to be someone I can trust this division to."

He sighed, rubbing his temples as he mumbled to himself.

"I think I am taking this too seriously..."

That was the Mirai he knew, and as she got up in his face, he gently cupped the sides of her face, moving her a bit further away from him, before smiling and chuckling softly. Only she would jump the gun like that and panic from it.

"Now, now, don't go jumping the gun. Calm down, I'm not retiring anytime soon."

As she pointed to his chest, trying to reassure him that as long as his heart was in the right place, they'd be fine. But, part of him doubted it. He had changed over the the last hundred or so years he'd known Mirai. She had seen how much he had changed firsthand -- and he knew she would be the first to make him aware, should his heart waver.

Perhaps he was just overthinking it again. The kind, gentle smile quickly replaced the brief look of concern and worry, and he breathed a quiet sigh of relief, letting his hands go back to his sides.

"Besides, I probably would only retire once I find someone to settle down with, maybe have a family, and have someone I can leave the division to in my stead."

Thankfully, in spite of her jumping the gun and freaking out, she was also quick to calm down once he had explained himself. He leaned back in his seat slightly as she backed away, chuckling softly. However, as she started to stutter and blush, he idly put a hand to his mouth, lowering it as he awkwardly looked to the side.

"Um...sorry, too much information?"

Then, the conversation he had with Kaminari came to mind. He remembered what she had said, that refraining from talking to her about was selfish, and taking away her choice in the matter. His expression shifted as he stared off into space for a few moments. Perhaps now wasn't the best time to talk about it, but, while they were both here, without any prying eyes or ears...

"One last thing. This...isn't related to the Lieutenant's seat."

He trailed off, lightly fidgeting in place. Why did this feel so much more difficult than it was in thought? Was he still that worried about ruining their friendship with this?

"I...met with Kaminari, not too long ago. We spoke for a bit, and she wanted me to talk to you about this. She..."

He sighed, bringing a hand to his face. This was stupid, a Captain of the Gotei, a man who had seen more in his comparatively short life than most would see in their entire lifetime, and yet, here he was, at a loss for words, like an idiot.

"I wanted to know...how you felt about me."

That sounded so much better in his head.