It was a calm day in the Seireitei when suddenly, an explosion was heard from the 1st division. The flames from the head-captain's Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka erupted from part of his office that was open.
The Soul Reapers on the ground could see someone leap out of the flames before disappearing towards the Hakutō gate.
The lieutenants had gathered for a meeting and Shūhei slammed his fist against the table.
"There's no way that's true! Katsurou would never betray the Gotei 13!"
"Calm lieutenant Hisagi, said Sasakibe"
Shūhei took a deep breath and sat down.
"I'm afraid that it is true, lieutenant Ukitake has gone against the Soul Society"
"Why would he do something like that, said Izuru"
"He's the most loyal lieutenant out of all of us, said Rangiku"
"It could have something to do with this man, said Sasakibe"
He held up a photo of a blond man.
"Who is that, said Renji"
"His name is Akira Takahashi and was until last month a member of the 5th division"
Everyone turned to look at Momo.
"It's true. Akira was our 5th seat and he was also close with captain Aizen since he saved him from a Hollow when he was younger"
"So what does this Akira have that connects him with Katsurou, Isane asked"
"They're both from the 75th district of west Rukongai and they actually grew up together until Akira disappeared from the district"
"And Katsurou was adopted by the Ukitake family, said Shūhei"
"I wonder why he decided to go after him if that's the case, said Izuru"
"We're not sure either but the head-captain has ordered the capture of both of them, said Sasakibe"
"May I add something to this, said Nemu"
"Go ahead lieutenant Kurotsuchi"
"A reishi concealing cloak that we were working on was stolen last night"
"Do you think he could have taken it?"
"Maybe. If he wants to find Akira, he needs a way to hide himself from us"
Shūhei looked at her and then down at his hands.
"Suro, what has happened to you?"
"If any of you encounter either Ukitake or Takahashi, you are to do anything to capture them and bring them in"
Meanwhile.
Katsurou was sitting in a pretty torn down house in the 60th district of west Rukongai.
"I knew it would be hard getting away but Yamamoto sure lives up to his name as the strongest Soul Reaper"
He looked at his sleeves that were slightly burned from escaping the Head-captain's flames.
"I had a feeling you'd be here little Katsu"
He turned his head towards the door and saw a blond man stand there.
"It's been a while Akira"
"Over 100 years to be exact"
Akira walked inside and sat down opposite him.
"I was surprised to hear from a few people that you, a lieutenant had left the Seireitei after being attacked by the head-captain"
"That old man Yamamoto was trying to kill me so what choice did I have"
"What did you do that angered him and led you to betray them?"
"I just realized that the Soul Reapers are cruel since they only care about themselves and keeping the balance with the world of the living"
"So you finally realized that what we were told as kids were true"
"Yes. Despite me being raised by a very kind man, I realized that everyone has a dark side to them"
Akira smirked.
"Good to hear my old friend"
He then stood up and held out his hand.
"Join me then. I'm working to change things to help the man who inspired me"
"Who's that?"
"Lord Aizen, the man who will take over control of the Soul Society by taking the place of the Soul King"
Katsurou looked at him before grabbing his hand.
"I'll join you but I'll do it to acheive my own goals"
"Fine with me, little Katsu"
"Could you drop that name, I'm not that little anymore and I'm obviously stronger than you since I had a higher rank in the Gotei"
Akira just chuckled.
"Let's get out of here then"
Katsurou nodded and put on the cloak he had taken from the 12th division before taking off the badge that still was tied around his arm.
He looked at it before creating a Byakurai that he used to make a hole in the badge before leaving it there.
"I hope everything goes the way you think it will..."
The two then made their way out of the house.
"So were are we going?"
"Back home to the district we came from. At least for now"
"I see"
They then started to Flash Step towards the 75th district.
World of the living.
Ichigo was stretching out on his bed when he heard a beeping sound.
"Rukia turn of that annoying sound!"
He then heard a gasp and Rukia opened the closet door, he Soul Pager by her ear.
"I understand, thank you Renji"
"Something wrong?"
"Lieutenant Ukitake tried to attack the head-captain and he then escaped to west Rukongai.
-They've labeled him as a traitor"
"What?!
-Why would he do such a thing?"
"Renji told me that he may have joined a man from his past who left the Gotei 13 last month"
Ichigo saw the upset look in Rukia's eyes.
"Rukia listen..."
Right then, Kon came out from under Ichigo's bed and jumped towards Rukia.
"Let me comfort you with a hug my sweet Rukia!"
She just stepped on him as usual.
"You were saying what, Ichigo?"
"That there must be a reason behind all of this. Katsurou is the kindest guy I've meet over there so I don't think he would betray his friends for ONE guy he once knew"
"I guess that's true. Something about this sure doesn't feel right to me"
"Did Renji tell you anything else?"
"Only that they have orders to capture both lieutenant Ukitake and the other man called Akira Takahashi.
-The lieutenant has also stolen a cloak that conceals his spiritual pressure"
"So it won't be easy to find him huh"
"No and no one really knows Akira's spiritual pressure that well"
"We just have to wait and see then. If the two of them comes here, we should try finding them before anyone else and talk some sense into Katsurou"
"I agree"