The scrap of paper with the riddle had arrived in the night, but he didn't given it more than a glance. He couldn't. He had become a captain to help others.
Slipping it in his kimono, he left his room and headed towards his squad's mess hall, where he started preparing hot chocolate. An hour later, Kiyone and Sentaro entered, rubbing their eyes and necks, the result of another long night of unease.
In two more hours, the majority of those in his protection had followed the smell of the chocolate, wandering in and trying to smile with him. Even with unnamed Asauchis at their waists, the loss of everyone's zanpakutos continued to disturb the natural peace of his grounds, contributing to long, restless nights. Juushiro took note of those in the worst shape. Much as he wanted Sogyo no Kotowari back at his side, he wished the thief had returned the swords of the youth first. He could cope with the emptiness better.
Thankfully, things were getting better. Scattered laughter bounced off the walls today and more food from the table disappeared for breakfast. Kiyone and Sentaro, as usual the last to retire for the night besides himself, hadn't gone to bed last night without thanking him for being there for them all; however, he believed the strength now being shown by his chosen third seats had lifted the squads spirits further than himself. He smiled lightly as he watched from his position at the head of the room.
Thanks to the hot chocolate, Sentaro's wide grin and laughter didn't falter as he poked fun at the men, even going so far as to leap backwards comically when someone threatened him. Kiyone, not nearly as alert as her co-leader, had her own act going. She didn't hide the fact that she was exhausted, going so far as to drape herself over frowning members with a zombie-like groan, before cackling to herself about ringing the thief's neck. More and more members found themselves shaking their heads at her antics with a slight grins. It was too much like normal times, after they had both spent the night over paperwork, to not get some reaction out of everyone.
Juushiro chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "They'll be alright," he murmured to himself, before sitting at his own breakfast.
.....
That night, after tucking in those who were sleeping the worst, he returned to his personal chambers, retrieving the riddle from his kimono.
"Stiff is my spine and my body is pale, but I am always ready to tell a tale."
Juushiro read it twice to be sure then reached for the book on the top of his stack. There, stuck in the middle, was another slip of paper.
The captain sighed as he withdrew it.
Continued: What Do Children Adore...
