Suburo Hatakeyama

History
The Hatakeyama are a branch family of the Kuchiki, though possessing little social or political clout beyond that afforded by their servile position. As the firstborn son, the young Saburo became Kuchiki Byakuya's personal retainer. Whereas Byakuya was celebrated as a prodigy, Saburo's hard work was often ignored by all but his master. The two shared a relationship that was as brotherly as can be, given their positions. When Byakuya was accepted into the Gotei 13--as an officer of Ukitake Jushiro's 13th Division--he refused to let the "Fuujin and Raijin Duo of the Spiritual Arts Academy" be separated. He and Saburo were soon appointed to the top seats in 6th Division, where they were regarded as the most talented Captain/Vice-Captain pair of the Gotei 13 in their time.

Byakuya's wife, Hisana, often snuck out to Rukongai to find the sister she abandoned long ago and Saburo took it upon himself to protect her. During this time, Saburo met the love of his life, Mikata Chihiro (美方千尋). Chihiro's family lived in District 42 of North Rukongai, Seisankei (静山系; Quiet Mountain Path). Lacking the power to marry a commoner into the family, like Byakuya had done, Saburo was hesitant to approach her and would have pined away in silence if not for Hisana's encouragement. What followed was a tragically short romance.

One day, the Class-A Hollow known as "Sea Dog" infiltrated Soul Society and rampaged across North Rukongai. Occupied by the duties of his role as Byakuya's retainer, Saburo was unable to join the battle in time to save Chihiro. The rare flower from the mortal realm that he had given her--a token of his regard, now crumpled and bloodstained--was all that marked her passing; Sea Dog's victims were lost in the ether. A dispatch of Shinigami did little more than drive Sea Dog into the surrounding hills. Saburo personally gave chase and managed to deliver only a shallow blow before the Hollow vanished as mysteriously as he appeared.

Possessed by grief, Saburo found solace in the pursuit of revenge. Forsaking his family and all the responsibilities of his noble blood, Saburo sought a position in the Gotei 13 which would allow him the necessary freedoms. Byakuya--who was by now also a widower--was understanding of his subordinate's wishes, so he granted Saburo a humiliating transfer to 12th Division. Captain Kurotsuchi was mostly unconcerned with the administration of his division, so there was little supervision. Furthermore, as a Senior Officer, Saburo could secure a position as a Special Investigator for the Research Institute.

Saburo now spends the majority of his time tracking down the most powerful Hollows, with particular interest in those who display undocumented abilities, always hoping for another encounter with Sea Dog.

"I see." Ryan replied, "Then I'm gonna need you to help me make him see. Please, join us and stay as long as you please."