User blog comment:Njalm2/Fanon Canon: Relationship Workshop/@comment-18812574-20141211185828

Takashi Sakuma's thoughts on...

Gotei 13

Takashi does not have an entirely positive view of the Gotei 13, as he was a Rōnin for many years and witnessed the grievances committed on Rukongai residents by Soul Reapers. This is partly why he takes his duties so seriously, as he does not want to make the same mistakes. As an essentially humble and perceptive individual, Takashi treats all Gotei 13 members with respect and addresses them properly according to their rank, although he may hold very different personal views on the person in question. However, as he is rather mild mannered in disposition these views remain entirely private, except to his hawk/Zanpakutō Kohaku.


 * 1. Shunsui Kyōraku: Takashi shows the upmost respect and deference toward the Head Captain, and recognizes that Kyōraku is several levels above even Byakuya in power and experience. Despite Kyōraku’s lackadaisical and skirt-chasing reputation, Takashi firmly believes that Yamamoto made the wisest decision in choosing his successor. Takashi hopes that Kyōraku will be wiser and more just (especially regarding the common people of the Human World and Rukongai) than Yamamoto was, but knows that the position often demands great pragmatism. He dreads the day when the Captain Commander’s orders will conflict with his own personal principles, as duty demands that he follow orders completely and without question. This, more than anything else, is what causes Takashi to fear Kyōraku.
 * Maika Yamabe: He finds Maika to be a strong-willed and responsible young woman, but feels as though she is inexperienced for her position. (He also considers her wearing a white haori to be a grave mistake and a slight against the Captains, but is not personally concerned by it.) He finds it interesting that both she and Kyōraku are missing an eye, and hopes that she is able to form a bond with the largely solitary Head Captain, both to lessen his burden and also to perhaps to relay his actual intentions to the rest of the Gotei 13. He does not feel that it is his place to discuss the possibility of Maika becoming such a “safeguard,” but has mentioned it to Byakuya who shares his feelings on the matter of having eyes within the 1st Division.


 * 2. Kurama Shihōin: Although he is respectful towards Kurama, Takashi also keeps his distance as much as possible. As a former member of the Second Division and Onmitsukidō, Takashi is aware that manipulation and deception are all just names to the game, and knows that Squad 2’s Captain— no matter who it may be, is always someone to be wary of. He has warned Kazuo that Kurama’s outrageous behavior may be masking sinister intentions, but Kazuo lightly suggested that Takashi may just be paranoid, since he said the same thing about the Captain-Commander.
 * Kazuo Hanazawa: Takashi sees Kazuo as a brooding and rather lonely man, but is also able to easily connect with him because they share many of the same traits, such as diligence and careful attention to duty. Similar to the relationship shared between and  they have/will become good friends, as they face the same sort of pressure from being the direct subordinates of two of the Gotei 13’s more powerful Captains. They enjoy sparring with one another and Takashi has expressed a desire to meet Kazuo’s family, although Kazuo has so far brushed his request aside.


 * 3. Teruo Akui: Takashi shows Teruo the respect he deserves as a Captain, despite him being young and inexperienced. Since the true extent of Teruo’s powers is unknown, he treats him with a certain degree of caution, especially considering his rather schizophrenic disposition. For some reason, Kohaku is incredibly uncomfortable around Teruo and so Takashi tries to avoid him as much as possible.
 * Yuji Akui: Takashi finds it strange and slightly suspicious that Teruo would select his younger brother as Lieutenant, a sentiment that seems to be shared by many in the Gotei 13. On a personal level, he finds Yuji rather immature and naive, but will address him as he would any other fellow Lieutenant nonetheless.


 * 4. Rikuri Suigyoku: Takashi shows her a great deal of respect and will always address her politely. Like most individuals, her calming Reiatsu puts him at ease, although its weight suggests that she has tremendous power, and so he still treats her with caution. As a Rōnin, Takashi roamed for several years throughout the fringes of the Rukongai, and often came across women like Rikuri, although he never held much interest in them. He does not understand how such a forgiving and kind-hearted woman could emerge from the deplorable conditions of the Rukon slums, especially after having witnessed them first-hand. Unlike many male members of the Gotei 13, Takashi is not in anyway attracted by Rikuri’s physique (as he prefers more “normal” women) and is instead somewhat uncomfortable around her. If he is ever injured seriously, he hopes he is treated by someone other than Rikuri, as he’s heard several questionable rumors regarding the Captain of Squad 4. Nevertheless, he is grateful that Rikuri seems to lack the intimidating aura exuded by her predecessor, as he had an even greater wish to avoid Squad 4 Headquarters in the past than he does now.
 * Ichimaru Fuyutama: As Ichimaru tends to keep to himself Takashi is not very familiar with him, and keeps their conversations as brief and assignment-related as possible. He is still a fellow Lieutenant, however, and Takashi addresses him as such. He finds the traces of Hollow Reiryoku in Ichimaru’s Reiatsu disconcerting, and is also puzzled why a man with very little skill in the medical field would become the Lieutenant of the 4th Division.


 * 5. Alvin Ryūren: Takashi finds it ironic that Alvin is generally not very well accepted by the other members of the Gotei 13, considering the numerous Visored who served during the Wandenreich Invasion and the few who even held Captain’s positions. Unlike his views towards some of the other Captains, Takashi does not feel that Alvin holds any ulterior motives or sinister intentions, and is simply a silent, angry individual. He treats him as he would any other Captain.
 * Cynthia Kazuryū: Although Takashi treats her like he would any other Lieutenant, he finds her childish and somewhat abrasive, especially in Lieutenant meetings where she tries (unsuccessfully) to seduce those Lieutenants she perceives as “handsome.”


 * 6. Byakuya Kuchiki: Takashi obeys his Captain unquestioningly and shows him all due respect, and feels a sort of kindred spirit in that they both adhere to duty. However, he has not established any personal connection with his Captain, and the emotional distance seems to be mutual as their relationship is entirely perfunctory and defined by obligation to each one’s duties.
 * Masaharu Sasada: Takashi appreciates the determination shown by the Squad's 4th Seat, as Masaharu is eager and willing to complete all assignments given him. He is kind-hearted and good-natured, if a bit young and inexperienced, and Kohaku seems to have taken a liking to him.


 * 7. Hein Ueda: Takashi came across several gangs during his years in the Rukongai, and at first he thought that Hein might just be another typical gang leader: ruthless, temperamental, and slightly unintelligent. But he has begun to see that this is not the case. Although Hein has only been with the Gotei 13 for a very short time, Takashi has seen and heard of some of what he has done-- or not done. Whenever he is near him he gets an intense feeling of unease. He knows that Hein is more than what he seems, and is not, in any way, to be trusted.
 * Kōsetsu: Takashi finds her easy to approach, as she is a patient and attentive when he converses with her. Although she may be more soft-spoken than other Lieutenants, he senses that she has a great knowledge of both the Soul Society's history as well as life in the Human World. He also appreciates her skill and unique abilities. Above anything else, however, Takashi has tried to get closer to her in order to discover more about Hein. Unlike the way he approaches Maika, there is no timidity when discussing the possibility of Kōsetsu acting as a "safeguard," and he has even asked her opinion on the matter directly. He has promised to stand by her in the event that Hein ever becomes dangerous.


 * 8. N/A
 * Naomi Shirogane: While Naomi is young and promising Takashi notices how often her stubbornness gets her into trouble, and thinks her iron-will should be tempered with more practicality and common sense.


 * 9. Kazuya Kuchiki: As Kazuya is Byakuya’s cousin, Takashi would go out of his way to make sure he is given the proper respect. He finds that Kazuya is much more introverted and bookish than Byakuya, but admires his extensive skill in Kidō nonetheless (which is not Takashi’s strongest ability.) Other than that, he has noticed that Kazuya often appears over-worked and melancholy, and so Takashi tries to keep his distance and give the Captain some space.
 * Nisei Yagami: Takashi identifies strongly with Nisei, they were both born around the same time and both spent considerable time in the Rukongai. Nisei is one of the few members of the Gotei 13 who is aware of Takashi’s true relationship with Kohaku/his Zanpakutō, due to the power of her Hakuto Kaigan. She remains rather distant and harsh in conversation, concerned with her quest of vanquishing injustice. However, this only serves to deepen Takashi’s intense crush on her. (Eh, tentative…)


 * Nisshō Ichijōji: Takashi appreciates the loyalty he shows his Division and Captain, but finds his appearance a bit disconcerting, considering rabbits are one of Kohaku's favorite foods. That being said, since she usually wants to attack him whenever Nisshō is around, Takashi tends to avoid him.


 * 10. Ginkōgō Kusahara VII: Ginkōgō and Takashi share a similar past, and he respects her experience, talent and noble status. As she is a silent and aloof individual he has formed little opinion of her past that, but appreciates the fact that she addresses everyone with grace and without the condescending airs that one would expect from the nobility, which makes it easier for him to show her the proper respect.
 * Venturro Aurientis: Takashi is accepting of the Visored, reasoning that they are still Shinigami, but can't understand why an Arrancar would be allowed to be in the Gotei 13. Ever since he was a child Hollows have been the bitter enemies of the Soul Reapers-- to have one as an ally is cause for suspicion. On the other hand, since he respects both Kyōraku and Ginkōgō, he assumes they had a very good reason to promote Venturro to the position of a Lieutenant.


 * 11. Kenpachi Zaraki: Takashi has mixed feelings about Zaraki. He still remembers clearly the days when he was feared throughout the Seireitei and Rukongai alike, and was known for his brutal and blood-lusting nature. Now that Zaraki seems to have gained enlightenment and become a master of Zanjutsu, it is easier for him to respect Zaraki as a Captain. But Takashi cannot forget his past, and still treats him with caution. He has also perceived a great sadness that seems to follow the Captain, giving his presence great weight and solemnity.
 * Taiga Rōkuro: Takashi would address him as he would any other Lieutenant.


 * 12. Mayuri Kurotsuchi: Takashi hates the man with a passion. He is the embodiment of all the worst traits typical of the Shinigami he encountered in the Rukongai: ruthless, sadistic, and possessing an utter disregard for human life. He is still a Captain, however, and Takashi will address him properly, if coldly. He makes sure to keep a "closed face" whenever Mayuri is around. Fortunately he has little contact with the Captain of Squad 12, as conversations with him try Takashi's patience.
 * Nemu Kurotsuchi: Everyone now knows she was fabricated by Mayuri. Takashi treats her as he should any fellow Lieutenant, but her robotic nature is strange to him so he usually tries to keep his distance, especially since Nemu is hardly ever seen without her Captain.


 * 13. Seia Tulia Honoria: Takashi appreciates the strength that Seia has brought to the Gotei 13, as she possesses great wisdom and foresight considering her age and experience. However, he has also noticed her lack of honorifics in conversation, which annoys him to a certain degree, and he hopes she never asks him or his Captain out for a drink, considering her reputation. Kohaku becomes incredibly uneasy when Seia releases her Zanpakutō, as the air itself becomes heavy with electricity, unnaturally threatening and dangerous for a hawk; so Takashi makes sure to steer clear of her when she fights.
 * Glacies Fidus: Takashi tries to treat him the same as he would any other Lieutenant, despite this being incredibly difficult considering Glacies is, well, a dog. Glacies obviously possesses an immense amount of knowledge regarding both the Human World and the Soul Society. He also wonders how Glacies manages to wield a Zanpakutō as a quadruped, and would like to see it in action. Although Takashi would most likely prefer to keep his distance from Glacies, Kohaku will not allow this to happen as she has taken a distinct liking to Glacies. Perhaps this is because she senses a similar spirit to Glacies, especially considering that they are both animals. She enjoys Glacies' company and forces Takashi to translate her thoughts for Glacies, thus effectively causing Takashi to act as a middleman for her and Glacies' conversations. As a result, Glacies is one of the few people in the Soul Society who is aware of Takashi's true relationship to his hawk (most others simply consider it to be a normal, dumb animal), which places Takashi in a delicate situation of trust. He holds no personal dislike of Glacies, but (as stated earlier) is unsure of how to think about him. Kohaku has also expressed a keen interest to hunt with Glacies, especially for pheasants. Takashi patiently tried to explain that Glacies is not a bird dog, to which Kohaku responded by pecking him soundly on the ear.

Unaffiliated


 * Seireitou Kawahiru: During his years spent in the Rukongai he came across several Rōnin who claimed to be trained by the legendary grand master, but were obviously lying as Takashi was easily able to defeat them. Seireitou is a powerful being that is to be both feared and respected, his past as the "white demon" is still told in stories throughout the Rukongai, so Takashi can't not be aware of him. He doubts the rumors, however, and would have to witness Seireitou's power for himself to believe such disproportionate accounts.
 * Ichigo Kurosaki: He sees Ichigo in very much the same way he sees Seireitou, with the exception that he actually saw him in action during the Wandenreich Invasion. From what he has been told, Ichigo is a man who did not allow his power to cloud his compassion for human life, something Takashi can respect even without ever having met him.
 * : He is aware that Kisuke has served as an informant in the Human World, a communication link to Ichigo, and a key-player in the defeat of Aizen. If he were ever to come across Kisuke he would be sure to treat him with both respect and caution.
 * : He is aware of her history with the Onmitsukidō and subsequent defection, but she remains a mystery. Almost all members of the current Gotei 13 share his impersonal view towards her.

Wandenreich:
 * Considering that the Soul Society barely managed to survive the horrors of the recent war, Takashi has no reason to simply start trusting that the new Wandenreich will remain within their bounds. He fears another attack, as do most members of the Gotei 13.

Espada:
 * The Espada are, as they always have been, a powerful threat to the Soul Society. Takashi is aware of the immense strength they once held in the past. Like most members of the Gotei 13, he is currently unaware that they are attempting to reform. He would see them as incredibly dangerous due to their level of power, but other than that would treat them as he would any other Hollow, without malice and entirely framed by his duty as a Soul Reaper; that is, to cut them down without hesitation.

Quincy King Soul Fragments:
 * Takashi would have serious qualms about killing any Human, regardless of whether or not they posed a threat to the Soul Society (with the exception of the Quincy, whom he views in the same way he would see rogue Shinigami.) He witnessed the tyranny of the Seireitei during his years in the Rukongai, and fears perpetrating such atrocities, whether he is in the Rukongai or the World of the Living. To him, the killing of innocents is never justified.