Sajin’s time at the academy had been a bit uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to being around so many people. That feeling of judgment had never really gone away. His son was really what kept him going. Komamura’s perseverance paid off, as he graduated earlier than most. His graduation actually had Yamamoto show up, much to the shock of many Daiko had also come to his dad’s graduation, sitting right next to him. Sajin couldn’t help but feel proud of all he had done. Though, shortly after his graduation, there was an incident. The squads lost 6 captains! Squads 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12, all lost. As well as lieutenants from squad 8 and 12. Sajin had been assigned to squad 7, but it was a mess. With only a lieutenant filling the role, everyone in the squad was on their own. Sajin remained diligent in his work, rising through the ranks. Shortly after he was a high seated officer, his son entered the academy too. Daiko was very young, only around 10, but most thought he was a grown adult. The young boy kept his distance from most of the other students, though he heard rumors of a young man a few years his senior. His name was Shuuhei Hisagi. Shuuhei was quite talented. Daiko was well known for his own skill, focusing on speed. Despite being Hisagi’s underclassmen, the two regularly sparred, after they met. There was a class field trip, where actual hollows attacked. Luckily, no one was hurt, as Aizen had shown up to save the students. The young boy was in awe as Hisagi explained what had happened, though Hisagi has embellished to make himself look cool, not that Daiko noticed. “Yeah, it was pretty cool, Komamura-kun.” Hisagi said, a slightly cocky smirk on his face. Daiko was grinning, not that Shuuhei could tell. “Those three are pretty impressive to even try to fight hollows.” He said, Daiko having heard about the three other students. Izuru Kira was considered a very talented young man too, though he was only good in all areas. Renji was very…well, he was strong. Momo was a rather kind girl, sometimes she’d offer Daiko a piece of peach. Overall, Daiko was impressed the upperclassmen handled it so well. “Hisagi-san, why did you become a soul reaper?” Daiko asked. He was curious about shuuhei, especially that weird tattoo he had. Shuuhei smirked and told his story, how a captain had saved him as a kid, a captain who had this tattooed on his back. “Well, I hope he’s okay.” Daiko said with a nod. Shuuhei smirked again “so, big guy, what’s underneath that cloth?” He asked. There were all kinds of rumors, ever since Sajin arrived. Things like being yamamoto's bastard child, secretly being hollows, or having disgustingly deformed faces. Daiko always shrugged them off, as they weren’t important. “Hisagi-san, if I were comfortable answering that, I wouldn't wear them. Just know, Yamamoto-sama is fully aware.” He said, never wanting anyone to know. He knew what people did when they found out. His dad may have hidden the attacks themselves, but being injured was much harder. Every time he saw his dad hurt, he just wanted to hug him, and tell him it’d be okay, as long as they were together. Even now, Daiko worried for his dad. Hisagi nodded. “Alright, just know, I won’t think any less of you, no matter what.” He said as he stood up, reaching over and helping Daiko stand. “Jeez, you’re heavy.” He teased, before grabbing the training sword “how about we go again?” Daiko nodded, and resumed their sparring. Though as they trained, the 3 other students came. The young boy looked over as they did, just long enough for hisagi to smack his hand. “Gah! No fair! They distracted me!” Daiko protested. Hisagi just smirked and shrugges. Izuru pat Hisagi on his shoulder. “Well, how about you let me have a go, shuuhei-san.” He said as he took the training sword, and squared off with him. Daiko kept his eyes on him, though he noticed momo was drawing. In the split second he looked away, Izuru charged and went to hit his side. Daiko was more prepared the second time, and blocked him. He pushed back, getting back and ready for more. The young boy dashed, surprisingly agile forchis size. Rather than a slash, he went to stab Izuru. Luckily, Izuru was quick enough to jump back. “That was close. Just a second slower and I-“ he stated, before getting a hard smack on his arm. Daiko took the moment Izuru spoke to move in and swing. He was certainly fast, and if you let your guard down, he’d strike. That was something he was excellent at, taking opponents out quickly and efficiently. “Hah, got cocky, Izuru, I want a go!” Renji said as he got ready. Daiko just sighed. Renji was strong, but he was very predictable. Renji charged and swung straight across. Daiko deftly blocked it, and knocked it out of his hand. Izuru and Shuuhei both laughed, purely at how quickly Renji was beaten “I’m sorry, Abarai-san, I’m fairly familiar with the style you use. It’s very direct” the younger man said as Renji just pouted. “How about you, Hinamori-San?” Daiko asked, before taking a peek at her drawing. She was drawing all of them, though she drew Daiko as a very attractive young man, which just made him blush. “W-Well. You certainly took…artistic liberties.” He said, as she just smiled. “Well, yeah, without knowing what’s under there, I gotta draw something fitting. Besides, the stories of samurai unveiling their helmets, and being handsome men is really cool.” She said, as Daiko felt even more embarrassed, “Hinamori-san, I know I look older…but I'm still a kid, like toshiro.” Daiko said, knowing about hitsugaya, she talked about him a lot, He viewed the two like siblings. It was certainly embarrassing to be portrayed in such a grown up manner. He was mature for his age. Momo was a bit embarrassed. “Oh. I’m so sorry!” She said, before turning to a different page. Izuru just pat her head reassuringly. Momo kept sketching as the guys were sparring for a while longer. After a few hours, Daiko headed home. At home, Sajin had been incredibly busy. He had been working incredibly hard since he became a soul reaper. He had finally learned his bankai! He was hoping to become the captain of squad 7. Lieutenant Jinemon had been running the squad since the incident. He was getting ready to retire, and wanted an actual captain. Sajin was the only real pick, but he needed 6 recommendations for it. Some of those recommendations were easy, as the head captain's recommendation held tremendous weight. Just his words were enough to sway Kyoraku, Ukitake, and Unohana. Aizen had also given his recommendation. He just needed one more person. The head of the Kuchki clan was recently appointed captain, and Sajin had a meeting scheduled with him, later tonight. Tousen had offered to give his recommendation, but Sajin wanted to try someone else, to prove he could do it on his own. Kaname accepted his friend’s reasoning, but kept the offer in place. As Sajin was about to leave, Daiko came home. “Welcome home, Dai-chan” he said, making his son blush. He had gotten older, and always felt embarrassed when his dad treated him like a kid. “Dad! Don’t call me that! I’m gonna be a teenager soon, and that’s humiliating!” He said, as his dad smiled under his helmet, and hugged his son. Sajin found it cute when his son tried to be more of an adult. “Alright, Daiko. I’ll only call you that when you’re with your classmates.” He teased, knowing full well he wouldn’t do that. “Now, I’ve got an important meeting, and I can’t be late.” Sajin said as he let his son go. Daiko sighed, he couldn’t argue with his dad. “Who are you meeting with?” He asked, before Sajin explained his meeting with the captain of squad 6. “Oh…can I come?” He asked, mostly curious about what kind of place a noble lived in. The father was a bit surprised by the request, and gave it a minute of thought. Surely family would be seen as important to the noble. He nodded “Very well.” He said, brushing the dirt off his son. “We can’t go looking like a mess.” He said, further embarrassing his son. Both Komamuras left their small house, heading towards the kuchiki estate. The whole place was rather quiet, as it had been a little under a year since the lady of the estate had passed. The pair headed towards the main building, as a man opened the door for them. Byakuya was outside, feeding fish in his koi pond. Once they arrived both sat down and bowed. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Captain Kuchki.” Sajin said as Byakuya turned to face them. “Why did you request to meet me?” He asked, as he looked at the younger man. “And why did you bring a guest?” He asked, stoically. He didn’t sound offended, just like this could be a sleight. “Forgive me, Captain Kuchki, this is my son. I figured seeing you would be a good influence on you.” Sajin said, still bowing. Kuchki just nodded, allowing him to continue. “I came to request a recommendation, squad 7 is going to need a new captain soon, and I’d like to fill the position.” He said, trying to size up the captain. “I see, and do you have any recommendations already?” Byakuya asked, he already knew of the ones he had. He just wanted to see how the large man would respond. “Yes, Captain Kuchki. I’ve received five so far. I could get one from Captain Tousen, but I wanted to get recommendations from others.” The large man said, still bowed, prostrate to him. Byakuya kept his eyes focused. “That is admirable, if nothing else.” He said as he looked over at the younger man. “What about you, what sort of company are you keeping at shinso academy?” He asked, not expecting much. Daiko looked at Byakuya. “Well, Hisagi, Kira, Hinamori. Also, Renji, and his friend, Rukia.” He said, listing then. Byakuya raised a brow at that name. He seemed to be in thought. Daiko assumed he was judging them, though Renji would likely not be someone Byakuya would hold in high esteem. Captain Kuchki merely looked back at Sajin. “Tell me, Komamura, what is it you treasure most?” He asked, mostly wanting to hear what he had to say. “What I treasure most?” He asked, mostly to gather his thoughts. Sajin turned to his son. “Well, if anything happened to Dai-chan, I’d do whatever needed to be done, even if it costs me my very life.” He said, resolute in his choice. The young boy appreciated the sentiment his dad gave, but he couldn’t bear the idea of his dad throwing his life away like that. Of all the people who deserved to live with no worry, he felt it should be his dad. Though, he figured everyone felt that way about their parents “Dad! Don’t call me Dai-chan!” He protested, rather embarrassed. Though, he swore he saw Byakuya smirk. The Captain just nodded. “Very well, I shall inform you of my decision, after I take care of my late wife’s last wish.” He said, even more solemnly than he had been before. “You may go.” He said, dismissing them both. Sajin and Daiko both stood, then bowed, before leaving. Daiko looked at his father as they walked home, and just hugged him. Sajin was a bit surprised by the suddenness of it, but hugged him back. “Dad, please don’t do anything reckless.” He said as he let go of the embrace. Sajin put a hand on his son’s shoulders, reassuring him without speaking a word. Sajin was always prone to protecting people, so he didn’t want to promise anything, but he’d try his best for his son. “Alright, how about we train? I want to see how you’re doing at the academy.” Komamura said, his son nodding in agreement, before they went into the woods, for privacy. Once they arrived in a glade, they both removed their face coverings. “That feels so much better.” Daiko said, letting out a sigh of relief. Sajin patted his son’s head, making the young boy smile. If they were in public, he might feel more embarrassed by it. The older man smiled back at his son, before they both drew their weapons, getting ready for a sparring match. Sajin was, naturally, stronger and more skilled. Daiko was a lot quicker than his size led people to believe. He rushed in fast, swinging his large blade up, from left to right. His dad knew how he fought, so he blocked the strike. “Don’t be so predictable!” Sajin said as he pushed his son back. Daiko just nodded as he rushed in again, Sajin went to block his right, expecting his son to switch sides. Instead, he pivoted behind his dad, and poked his back. Sajin smirked at his son’s progress. Daikos speed made him incredibly dangerous to anyone who couldn’t keep up, and even those who could match him. “Excellent job.” Sajin said as he ruffled the fur on his son’s head. He could have blocked, but he wanted to encourage his son to think on his feet. Daiko loved hearing his dad’s praise, it made him strive to improve. “Let’s go get something to eat. I know a good beef place” He said as they both put on their face coverings, before going out to eat. Sajin had his helmet, while Daiko kept the cloth over his face. The father and son both went out, avoiding any large crowds. Neither one liked large crowds, so when they arrived, they ordered their meals to go. It cost more, but not being stared at all day was worth the cost. Sajin looked a bit more nervous, and that talk with Byakuya made him anxious. “Don’t worry dad, I’m sure Kuchki-san will give you that recommendation.” Daiko said with a smile. Sajin patted his son’s head. “Thank you. I’m sure he will.” He said, more to comfort his son. “If it comes to it, I can ask Tousen for his.” He said as they got home. Both of them ducked down to get in. If Sajin got that promotion, he really needed to get a bigger house. As they sat and ate, Sajin talked with his son about the training at the academy. Daiko was always glad to talk with his dad about everything he learned. He was already working on trying to unlock his shikai. He had a training regimine planned. Things like training with weights. He was already incredibly powerful, so he wanted to work on being fast. Even the speed he drew his blade needed to be fast. The man smiled, proud of how serious his son was taking this. Even if he never became captain, he knew his son could. The thought of that was having him beaming. Nothing would please him more than knowing his son surpassed him. The meal, naturally, took forever to eat, mostly because they were talking. By the time they got home, Daiko was tired, and rested on his dad. Daiko was still a kid, so Sajin just smiled and carried his son to bed. He even instinctively snuggled on his dad, despite being asleep. Having his most important person nearby was always a comfort. Though he slept soundly once his dad put him to bed. Sajin smiled at his son. Nothing made him happier than knowing he was safe. He’d do anything to protect him. The mere thought of him being hurt, made his heart ache. If possible, he wanted Daiko in squad 7 with him. After all, what other squad would accept him without knowing his secret.