Disclaimer: I do not own any Bleach characters...
I'm glad some people enjoyed Chapter 1!
Thanks for the reviews and here's the next chapter!
Chapter 2 – Be Swift to Hear, Slow to Speak
SOUL SOCIETY, KUCHIKI COMPOUND, SEIREITEI
"Ah-choo!"
Sniffing and cussing up a storm as he scowled at the damp mist coating the entire city, Abarai Renji stalked towards the looming entrance of the Kuchiki compound.
Screw whoever saw him act un-vice-captainly-like, he thought darkly. His Captain was going to be hauled off to the loony bin, the Sixth Division was in fucking chaos (and it didn't help that their barracks were between the Fifth and Seventh Divisions; smug fuckers the lot of them. He had never once imagined he would one day have to stop someone else from fighting but the snide remarks from both sides didn't help and his men were more than ready to put a stop to it. Forcefully.), and the one person he had been counting on to muster those condescending, egotistical, pompous Kuchiki Elders into action was nowhere to be found.
Renji swept up to the open doors, shooting ugly death glares at the Ninth Division guards posted there, only to feel a little guilty on hindsight as he realized they were Hisagi's men, not Ito's.
If they had been the Ninth Division Captain's men, the redhead thought darkly, he would probably have been delayed at the entrance for half a fuckin' hour before being let in.
"Rukia!" He barked as he reached the foyer. Damn, this place was ridiculously big. "Rukia, where are you? Kuchiki-taichou's goin' ta be locked up for good in less than six hours! Rukia!"
Ignoring the scandalized looks from Kuchikis and servents alike, Renji all but ripped the main sliding doors aside. He would make them rue the day they had given the Sixth Division Vice-captain free reign to come and go as he pleased here.
"Rukia-sama is busy with Clan business, Abarai-sama."
Renji spun around, eyes zeroing in on the brave, or stupid, servant (Himura? Honda? He was sure it started with an H.) and snapped, "Well make her un-busy and get her here right now! There's no time to lose! We have to do something!"
"Abarai-sama," Honda? Himura? murmured nervously. "If you would come this way. Perhaps a cup of tea–"
He was cut off by an enraged and nearing-hysterical growl that nearly made the servant cower. Luckily, all servants had to have nerves of steel to deal with the icy stare of doom every member of the Kuchiki clan seemed to inherit at birth.
On the other hand, Renji was about ready to fuck it all and Zabimaru the entire compound then and there. Only nobles thought tea of all things was the cure-all-save-all of the universe.
"Abarai-san."
The redhead stiffened at the stern commandment before steeling himself and turning to gaze woodenly at the old woman standing proudly by one of the doors.
Black hair streaked with grey and eyes the familiar color of onyx, Renji knew this woman to be one of the most powerful Elders in the Clan. An old bat (though only in his mind) who never ceased to give him migraines.
Also known as Kuchiki Wakana, his Captain's grandmother.
"Good mornin', Wakana-sama." Renji said stiffly, watching the woman warily.
Wakana nodded a curt dismissal at the servant still hovering nearby, who gladly bowed and excused himself as quickly as etiquette allowed.
Turning back, the Elder gave a cursory once-over at the tense redhead in front of her, before replying loftily, "I see nothing good about this morning, Abarai-san."
Renji almost snarled at the condescending note in the woman's voice but managed to keep his face straight, though he couldn't help shooting back, "Neither do I, but apparently, it's good enough that you're keepin' Rukia from makin' this mornin' better!"
The look the woman threw him next was completely scornful. "Abarai-san, if you would think for one moment, you would realize Rukia more than understands her duty as the sister of the Kuchiki head."
Renji sighed, suppressing the desire to massage his temples. He hated word games. He was not a noble, and had no desire to become one, but perhaps he should've listened to Rukia when she told him that learning noble-speech would help him one day. If he had known he would have to deal with rich snobs talking in circles around him and never actually getting to the point, he would've learned ages ago. Then again, the Kuchiki compound had been infiltrated and he knew he couldn't put it past Central 46 to have the entire place bugged. At least the spies who were listening in would be frustrated too.
Grimacing as he felt the first stirrings of a headache, he wondered briefly if this was what his Captain felt every time Renji failed to turn in paperwork on time. If it was, the redhead promised himself he would be more punctual from then on. Of course, that was only if he still had a captain come tomorrow.
"Abarai-san, would you like some tea?"
The stiffly formal question almost made the redhead lose it, would have too if he hadn't caught the piercing, meaningful look Wakana levelled at him. Frowning, he followed the woman to a more secluded room reluctantly. Another servant bustled in, tray in hand and set two cups of the stuff onto the table as Renji waited impatiently for Wakana to sit before he dropped down on the opposite side in a graceless slump. He ignored the disapproving glare sent his way with long-practiced ease. In his opinion, he had more than enough right to act however he wanted. Hell, he had barely scraped together a handful of hours for sleep in the past week ever since the Aizen fiasco. If someone had told him he would one day join rebellions and plan coups and think of ways to break his arrested Captain out of prison back when he had first joined the Gotei 13, he would've either laughed in their faces or quit.
"Abarai-san, is the tea not to your liking?"
After this blew over, Renji was going to swear off tea.
"No ma'am, thank you."
He picked up the teacup, and then froze, hands halfway between the table and his mouth. Brown eyes scanned the kanji words stencilled in Reiatsu in the murky green, mind quickly taking in their meaning.
Human World.
His gaze flickered upwards at the woman sitting across from him, eyes closed and features calm as she took a sip from her own tea.
Contrary to popular belief, Renji was not all brawn and no brain. Kuchiki Byakuya would never have accepted him into his Division if he was.
The Human World.
That could only mean that Rukia had somehow snuck out of Seireitei and was now currently in the Human World, with the rest of the Kuchiki clan covering for her.
And there was only one reason Rukia would be in the Human World, a reason that sent a thrill of childishly giddy excitement and equally painful anxiety lancing through his entire being.
Ichigo.
Even as the name crossed his mind, the words in his tea dissipated, leaving no trace of them having ever been there and he quickly downed the rest of the drink in two loud gulps, again ignoring the pointed reproach from Wakana.
"Thanks for the tea, Wakana-sama," He quickly spoke, already rising. "Please tell Rukia that I was here when she's finished with Clan business. I have to get back to my Division."
The old woman nodded regally, looking almost smug as she rose with much more grace than Renji had, and while that would've annoyed the redhead to no end in normal circumstances, his mind was already reeling with possibilities.
If it was Ichigo, they could do it.
Barely remembering to bow his way out of the Elder's presence, Renji was soon on his way back to the Sixth Division barracks, trying not to let his face split into a shit-eating grin, knowing it would be a dead giveaway to the spies lurking in the shadows of Seireitei.
Keeping a straight face, he marched into his Division, and something about the way he carried himself, steps lighter but with more purpose and back straighter but more relaxed than it had been ever since Byakuya had been arrested, must have tipped off his men that something was going to happen because Renji could almost see the ripple of excitement wash over the Shinigamis assembled around him.
I love this squad, he thought, fierce pride flashing through him as he swept past them, barking orders for someone to fetch the 3rd, 4th, and 5th seats and send them to his office.
Now then, Renji couldn't quite stop the grin spreading across his features as he stepped into the privacy of his office. How are we going to do this, Ichigo?
Later, Renji would think back and wonder why it was exactly that as soon as the orange-haired Vizard had been added to the equation, everything had immediately fallen into place in the redhead's mind, even though he had no idea how Ichigo would break his Captain out, or even if the other man would be willing to help.
Indeed, to him, that last question wasn't something that even had to be asked.
SOUL SOCIETY, HOLDING CELL, SEIREITEI, 30 MINUTES LATER
The sound of a metal door opening stirred the raven-haired noble, who had been sitting on his cot, eyes closed, back ramrod straight, even as the reiryoku suppressors bore down on him.
Eyes blinking open, he glanced over at the door, not letting so much as a flicker of surprise show on his face as his grandmother stepped in. Face impassive, Byakuya rose, movements only slightly stiff as he ignored the resentful glares from the guards (Third Division, he noted,) stationed outside his cell. The collar around his neck and the cuffs that bound his hands were meant to weigh him down, tear his proud demeanour apart, but it would take a lot more than this for the Kuchiki head to bow down to anyone.
"Byakuya."
The Captain focused his attention at the woman standing on the other side of the bars, regarding her with formal respect. Normally, prisoners could be granted private audiences if the visitors were family, but there was nothing normal about these circumstances. The guards around them shifted uneasily, having never been in the presence of two of the most powerful nobles in all of Seireitei. Wakana's stone-cold gaze could've put ice to shame.
"The Elders will take care of Clan affairs until further notice," Wakana began to speak, drawing Byakuya's attention back to his grandmother. "The Kuchiki clan will look into this matter; we will find out those responsible for this disgraceful mockery of the Noble House of Kuchiki."
Here, the Elder pinned each guard with a biting, near-malevolent stare that left every one of them cringing. Byakuya had never been so proud to have this woman as Family.
"Unfortunately," Wakana continued, and her gaze seemed to soften ever-so-slightly, though the intensity of it was no less powerful, and Byakuya knew the woman wanted to tell him something important.
"Rukia will not be visiting you before you are to be transferred. She has other business to attend to and cannot be spared at this time."
The Elder took a step back to indicate the end of their rather one-sided conversation, even as Byakuya's tired mind scrambled to reason through the woman's former statement.
"Byakuya," The woman waited patiently for the raven-haired man to focus on her again. "Five hours. Be ready."
And with that said, Wakana turned, wasting no more time in the dark prison as she made her way out, ignoring the guards as she swept past them.
Byakuya watched her go for only a second before returning to the cot, eyes closing once again. It would not do to seem desperate by staring too long after her.
Why would Rukia not visit him? He knew he and his adopted sister were much closer now than they had been even a half a decade ago. A flash of pain twisted through him at the thought of why they had grown so close. He owed much to the man that had played such a big part in his and Rukia's lives, only to fail him when he had had the opportunity to return a little of the debt he still had yet to pay.
His eyes flashed open. It couldn't be. But what other alternative was there? The other captains' hands were tied. Byakuya knew that, should any one of them say a word against Central 46's ruling in this matter, he would soon be sharing a prison cell.
He knew his Vice-captain was doing all that he could; just the other day, the redhead had stormed into the prison, all but spitting poison at the other guards as he raged, albeit quietly, at the unfairness of it all. Byakuya knew Renji's words then could've been easily mistaken for childish anger, and from the sniggers of the guards at the time, they had been. But the noble had seen the intense sobriety and unspoken promise that lingered in the other man's eyes, and knew his Division was doing everything possible for him.
Even so, Renji was one man, and had nowhere near enough power to have him pardoned, and he had a funny feeling that what his Vice-captain was going through at the moment was exactly what Kyoraku had gone through two years ago. That revelation had put shame and gratitude in him in equal measures.
And Rukia. Though it no longer mattered to him, Rukia was not a Kuchiki by blood, wasn't even part of his squad, and Central 46 would never take anything she said seriously, would never want to either. Rukia would know that, so she would do what she had always done when she could no longer see a way out.
Go to the only man they both knew would tear down Soul Society for her if it meant her safety and happiness.
Go to Kurosaki Ichigo.
Another flash of soul-deep pain shot through him, as it always did when thoughts of the orange-haired Vizard surfaced in his mind. He had betrayed the other man's trust, of that there was no doubt. The truth had hurt more than Renji's enraged shouts and Rukia's tearful accusations when they had both found out he had done nothing to stop the young man's banishment.
Kyoraku had summed it up in one word. The man hadn't yelled at them, though there had been plenty of shouting when he had all but forced Ukitake into a furious battle that shook the very foundations of Seireitei. But afterwards, when all the original Captains and Vice-captains had wordlessly assembled at the edge of the burnt and broken clearing after the Captain-Commander had forcibly stopped the match, as if summoned by some unknown force, the Eighth Division Captain had turned to all of them, looked them each in the eye and said one word, voice weary but no less powerful.
Coward.
Byakuya had been standing between Hitsugaya and Unohana at the time, trying to remember how to breathe. He still found it puzzling that, thinking back, he could remember their reactions but could not, for the life of him, remember how or when he had managed to make his way back to his room later that day.
The prodigal Captain on his left had flinched almost violently as Kyoraku branded them with the label. Byakuya could understand that. After all, it was Ichigo who had refused to leave Hitsugaya alone after Hinamori's violent death at the hands of Kaname Tosen. The Vizard had kicked the man's office door down three days after the child prodigy had locked himself away and coated the entire office with Hyorinmaru's icy breath. Without wasting any time, Ichigo had hauled the Captain onto the Tenth Division training grounds, demanded he snap out of his depression before he went Bankai on his ass (Byakuya had not actually been there at the time and had instead heard a second account of the events, courtesy of his own Vice-captain), told him his childhood friend would not want him to mope in self-pity, threw in a few choice swearwords for good measure (again, this was told to him by his Vice-captain, who had rattled off the curses with illogical relish), before proceeding to haul the startled man up again by his collar and tossing him into the nearby pond that decorated the barracks.
The white-haired Captain had come up spluttering, previously pale features coloured in angry red. The fight that had broken out after that had destroyed a third of the Tenth Division barracks and left both Shinigami and Vizard flat on their backs and breathing hard, bruised and battered, and with Hitsugaya in tears.
But the Captain had come back, mentally and physically, and had been a force to reckon with on the battlefield. Byakuya had often noticed, in the times when Hitsugaya and Ichigo had been fighting together, that the Tenth Division Captain would always keep one vigilant eye on the Vizard, cutting down any Hollows that tried to creep up on the man before they even managed to get within striking distance.
The guilt in Hitsugaya's eyes that day had been real and painful, and Byakuya often wondered why the child prodigy had not defended the Vizard during the hearing.
On the other hand, Unohana had barely reacted, the almost nonexistent lines on her face creasing with tension before the healer had turned and disappeared abruptly in a flit of shunpo. Byakuya wasn't sure, but he had heard rumors of the Vizard almost losing an arm in a successful attempt to save the Fourth Division Vice-captain.
Back to the present; if Rukia had gone to get Ichigo, and Byakuya was nearly positive that his sister had used the Kuchiki clan's escape route if even his grandmother knew about it, then did that mean the Vizard would come for him?
Perhaps not for him, Byakuya concluded almost wistfully, but most definitely for Rukia. And at least, if Ichigo came to break him out, the noble could try to find some way to apologize.
Unknown to the raven-haired captain, he would, much like his Vice-captain, later wonder why he had not questioned whether or not the orange-haired Vizard would be able to save him.
It was a given, after all. Kurosaki Ichigo always made the impossible possible.
Alone in the holding cell, Byakuya felt himself relax ever-so-slightly for the first time since he had been stuck in the place.
Five hours. Be ready, his grandmother had told him.
The slightest of smiles curved his lips.
He would be.
HUMAN WORLD, URAHARA SHOTEN, KARAKURA TOWN, TOKYO, JAPAN, NOON
"Oi, Kisuke! What's taking so long?"
Ichigo glared at the door separating him and the science lab Kisuke had locked himself in almost nine hours ago. Behind him, Rukia hovered anxiously in the kitchen doorway, eyes flickering to the kitchen clock every five seconds.
"Ichigo..." The female Shinigami shifted nervously from foot to foot, frown deepening. There were only two hours left before her brother would be transferred.
"I know, I know," The Vizard huffed almost agitatedly. "But he's not fooling around right now. Whatever he's making in there is important, and we'll probably need it later."
Shooting the door another half-hearted glare, he turned back to Rukia, pinching the bridge of his nose as he sighed. "Why don't you explain to me what that thing does one more time while we wait?"
Rukia scowled a bit but relented easily enough. Doing something was better than staring at the clock.
She took out the small flat stone with the Kuchiki crest carved into it. It hummed with raw energy, Reiatsu thrumming in her palm.
"This is the Koushou, developed by the Kuchiki clan and used for emergencies only. It only transports up to two people and there are only three of these in existence, all guarded by the Clan Elders. You just think of whatever place you want to jump to, send a burst of your Reiatsu into it, and the stone will take care of the rest. It can bypass any barrier, even the one around Seireitei and Soul Society that would normally keep those who are not allowed entrance out. I've already used this one to get out, and it can take us back in, but it'll be useless after that. Wakana-baa-sama, my grandmother, will have another Koushou ready for, well, when you need to get back out."
The noirette glanced uncertainly at the Vizard, who only nodded. "Byakuya will probably be safest in the Human World. They've taken Senbonzakura, haven't they?"
Rukia nodded grimly. "First thing they did. Nii-sama was not pleased."
Ichigo frowned. "I won't be able to get her back right now. He'll definitely be weaker without it, even more since they've suppressed his reiryoku. I can't be seen getting him out then, or they'll be knocking down my front door before he can recover."
As if hearing the Vizard, the door to the science lab finally swung open, dangerous-looking smoke pouring out of the room as a slightly singed shopkeeper stumbled out, fox-like smirk on his face as his hands produced two cloaks.
"Exactly," The blond declared, picking up from Ichigo's reply. "So I've invented these. They'll disguise you, hides your face by distorting the features so no one will be able to get a clear look at you. Even your hair will look dark brown at best, Ichigo, and Rukia-san will look taller, maybe even, er, bulkier."
Rukia's eyebrows twitched but said nothing as she reached out for the cloak. She had sensed the blond's new reticence behind the usual cheerful facade and, having seen the protective gleam in the man's shadowed eyes, she had guessed that the former captain was nowhere near as forgiving as Ichigo about the hearing.
"Thanks Kisuke," The orange-haired Vizard said briskly, observing the cloak with curious interest. "They'll be a big help."
"Of course," The blond mock-sniffed, before his features melted into a sly smile again. "You'll use your second-level Bankai?"
Ichigo smiled back, glancing down at Rukia's bafflement. "Yeah. No one can sense me on that level." He added for the noirette's benefit.
Rukia only had time to blink before a white sword tessellated with silver vine-like patterns materialized in the Vizard's right hand. Ichigo had left his body in one of the shopkeeper's guestrooms several hours earlier but Ichigo's Shinigami form was still dressed in the white shirt and black slacks that his human body had worn before. Rukia wondered if this was a side-effect from the confiscation of his Zanpakuto.
The Vizard had attempted to explain earlier how he still had his powers but Rukia had been lost halfway through. She had eventually settled on the explanation that Ichigo was just too strong for anyone or anything to stop him and they had left the conversation at that. This revelation had made her feel slightly better about his Zanpakuto's confiscation however, though she had caught the hollow loss in her friend's eyes when she mentioned this, and knew the Vizard felt the missing part of him just as much as he would even without any powers.
In the meantime, Ichigo had released Bankai, and Rukia could only stare at the man in front of her.
She had already noticed the physical changes in the man when she first saw him after two years. Ichigo had grown his hair out so that it now had to be tied back in a ponytail, but instead of Renji's spiky pineapple-like hairstyle, Ichigo's was sleek and hung downwards in uneven strands like the bottlebrush tail of a fox. Tied back, the longest tips of his hair touched the middle of his back, even as much shorter strands framed his sharp features.
Now in Bankai, Ichigo's right hand was covered by a black glove and the chain at the base of the sword's hilt extended out further than Rukia remembered, spiraling up the length of his sleeveless right arm with the additional portion of the chain hanging down freely from his upper arm. This wasn't so surprising either, as the noirette had also seen this form once or twice during the war, though not up close. What had changed was the sword that the black chain was now attached to.
The katana was white, with spirals of silver lacing the delicate-looking blade and curling around the slim hilt. Even as she watched, eyes wide, the sword seemed to shimmer and an almost invisible coat of sky-blue Reiatsu pulsed along the silver lines.
"Is that..." She hesitated. "Your Hollow's sword?"
"Girlie's smarter than she looks!"
Rukia all but jumped a foot in the air as she whirled around, catching sight of the white figure leaning against the refrigerator.
"You–!"
Ichigo sighed. "Shiro, don't scare her like that."
"Hah!" His Hollow leered at the frozen noirette. "She seems fine ta me!"
"Shiro!" Ichigo's voice was sterner this time.
"Che! You're no fun, King."
Just like that, Shiro disappeared again, leaving a gaping Rukia staring at the now-empty spot.
"How did–"
Ichigo smiled wryly. "Dunno that either, but both Zangetsu and Shiro can come and go as they please. They usually stay inside though. Guess he was bored."
Rukia nodded slowly, trying to absorb this new turn of events. A pointed cough from the doorway of the science lab quickly brought her attention back to more pressing matters.
"Nii-sama!"
Ichigo nodded, suddenly all business again. "Right, Rukia, transport us to Seireitei. We'll grab Byakuya and run the moment they start escorting him through the streets."
Rukia nodded, hand extending with the stone. "Alright, place your hand on top of this and think of the Kuchiki compound." She paused. "Wait, you don't know the Kuchiki comp–"
"I do, actually," The Vizard interrupted, calloused left hand dropping gently over hers. "Byakuya gave me the grand tour years ago."
Rukia's eyes widened at this revelation. Not many people were allowed onto Kuchiki grounds, and if they were, it was mostly for business. So her brother and Ichigo had been friends.
"Rukia?"
The urgent prompting quickly snapped her back to the present.
"Okay, here goes!"
A moment later, before Rukia could even think about sending her Reiatsu into the stone, a rushing wave of warm goldenbrightblazing Reiatsu washed over her, wrapping her in a dazzling kaleidoscope of color before she felt the ground shift, a gentle shudder beneath her feet and she looked up, dazed as the brilliant energy swirling around her ebbed, only to find herself in one of the many rooms of the Kuchiki compound.
"What–!" She gaped at her surroundings before rounding on the Vizard standing beside her. "What happened? I didn't do anything yet!"
Ichigo ran a careless hand through messy locks.
"Oops," He muttered quietly, sending a sheepish look down at her. "I think I put in too much Reiatsu."
And Rukia could only stare. Last she remembered, Ichigo's Reiatsu was a fierce red-and-black in color. What she had seen momentarily only seconds ago had been a mixture of every color possible, and the energy itself had been...
"Beautiful." She murmured.
"Pardon?"
The lieutenant started, flushing slightly. "N-nothing," She replied hastily. "Come on, Wakana-baa-sama must be waiting for us."
Ichigo blinked suspiciously, but shrugged and let it go. They had more important things to worry about.
As he followed the petite Shinigami out, he thought back to the conversation he and Kisuke had had while Rukia had been resting in his house.
Flashback:
"Are you sure this is what you want to do, Ichigo?"
Ichigo observed the shopkeeper across the kitchen table. The blond was uncharacteristically sombre, grey eyes intent.
"I'm sure," The Vizard confirmed after a moment. "I can't just leave Byakuya locked up in the Maggots' Nest. And Rukia's asking me for help."
The blond's lips thinned. "You could," He suggested, almost casually. "Leave him there, I mean. I'm sure the Kuchiki clan will get him out of there sooner or later."
Ichigo raised his eyebrows. "Now you're just trying to piss me off." He shot back. "Do you really think I would do that?"
Kisuke shrugged. "Guess not," The former captain mused. "Worth a try though."
Ichigo frowned again. "Why's that?"
The shopkeeper pinned him with a sharp stare.
"Ichigo, you don't owe any of them anything."
Brown eyes blinked, startled, before a faint smile tilted his lips. "Ah, I see. You're worried."
Kisuke hmm'ed. "Thought I'd put it out there." He agreed.
Ichigo was already shaking his head. "I'm not doing this because I think I owe them anything. I'm doing this because this isn't something I want to be dragged into, and because I still consider those people in there my friends."
"And Kami knows you'd go to the ends of the world to protect them." The blond sighed almost mournfully. "Very well. If you're sure."
"I'm sure, Kisuke," The Vizard paused. "But you can stay out of it if–"
The stern look on the shopkeeper's face was enough to cut him off.
"Whatever you choose to do, Ichigo, I will stand by your decision and support you to the best of my ability. I've told you that before. Don't tell me old age is starting to rob you of your memories."
Ichigo snorted, waving a hand in the air. "Don't get me started, old man. Better stop while you're ahead."
"Of course," Kisuke agreed amicably. "But don't worry too much. Short-term memory loss is a common symptom in aging–"
The blond ducked, grinning widely as the pillow Ichigo had launched at him with deadly accuracy soared over his head. Instead of putting a stop to it as any responsible adult would have, Kisuke only reached over for his own pillow as he prepared for the impromptu war.
It had been another ten minutes before both of them flopped onto the ground, sputtering out feathers and laughter.
End Flashback
Half an hour later, both were wrapped up in their newly-acquired cloaks, huddled in the shadows of the Kuchiki compound walls. Wakana had reassured them that Byakuya would be escorted past their grounds.
An unnecessary show of artificial power, the Elder had sniffed, disgust etching her features.
Ichigo had to agree. Central 46 was doing nothing short of hanging themselves. Byakuya was a popular Shinigami through and through, and while his arrest alone had not been taken well, this parade through Seireitei would stir up the Nobles' wrath. Judging by the fact that the street they were standing in was nearly empty, the Vizard knew the people were not taking the Captain's sentence well. They had enough respect for the noble to not cooperate with Central 46, and at least give the man a little privacy.
Ichigo surveyed the vacant street with cold satisfaction. This would make the snatch-and-run much easier. He wouldn't have to worry about harming innocent people.
"Ichigo!"
The orange-haired Vizard straightened, ears zeroing in on the distant sound of footsteps as he reacted to Rukia's warning.
"Here they come." The noirette seemed to huddle even deeper into the shadows. "You still haven't told me your plan, you know."
Ichigo smirked. "You think I had a plan beyond 'Break Rukia out of prison and run for it while cutting down anyone who gets in the way' all those years ago?"
The lieutenant beside him stiffened with slowly panicking suspicion as a group of Shinigamis came into view. Her brother's black hair could easily be seen even through the damp mist that refused to lift. "Wait, you don't have a plan?"
Ichigo shrugged. "'Course I do. It's called 'Grab Byakuya and Run Like Hell'. The plan is simple enough that the title says it al– ow!"
"You moron!" Rukia seethed, digging her foot into the Vizard's toes. "If you have no plan–"
The Vizard's low chuckles cut her off. "Stop worrying, Rukia. It's simple. You distract them while I break Byakuya out of the restraints. That collar will take more time, but cuffs I can handle. Your grandma said he'll be expecting us, right? So there won't be any awkward hesitations. He'll be ready to run. We just have to get rid of..." Ichigo squinted. "Eight guards, and I can feel their Reiatsu from here. They're not particularly strong or anything; lieutenant level at best. Those four Central 46 bastards leading the group might prove a little troublesome though. Not to mention the spies hidden around them. Well, we'll just have to hope for the best."
Rukia opened her mouth to protest at this reckless plan (because no matter how you looked at it, the odds were still two to a-very-unlikable-many), but the group was fast approaching and she had no more time to voice her opinion as Ichigo slipped away from her, silent as a shadow, and leaving her to her own devices.
Well, she scowled at the oncoming group. Here goes nothing.
They had agreed not to use their Zanpakutos as that would be a dead giveaway, or it would be for Rukia. She had a sneaking suspicion that Ichigo simply preferred to keep all his cards hidden until he could reveal them at the most opportune time. Another difference from the old Ichigo, who threw in everything he had the first chance he got and, if that wasn't enough, trained until he could pull another trick out of his sleeve and stick the enemy with it.
Taking a deep breath and releasing it with a quick whoosh, she waited until the group drew level with her, forcing her shoulders to relax a second before she threw herself forward, hands already out as she hurled a wordless binding Kido at the closest Shinigami.
Instant chaos erupted around her as the man went down with a muted cry. Rukia dodged two swinging Zanpakutos before spinning to the left. Hands quickly tracing the familiar symbols, she muttered, "Bakudo, number 9, Geki!"
Three of the guards immediately froze, toppling to the ground, their faces twisted in a grimace. Rukia spared half a second to pat herself on the back before her eyes quickly found her brother. The raven-haired noble, while unable to do any form of Kido with the restraints holding him down, had lashed out with one leg, catching a black-clad figure darting out of the shadows around the middle and the spy went down with pained groan.
But the suppressors had weakened Byakuya and he was two slow to stop two others as they leapt at him from behind, katanas drawn.
"Nii-sam–!"
She quickly bit back the words, but onyx eyes darted to her with almost alarm even as the man threw himself backwards, trying to avoid the oncoming attack. He was nowhere near fast enough, but that didn't seem to matter as a cloaked figure darted out, a lance of lightning Kido curling around the two spies before slamming them against the wall.
Ichigo landed, not even pausing as he darted forward and reached for the noble's hands.
"Hold still." He muttered, fingers brushing against the cuffs.
His voice had come out in a gravelly bass, but the Captain didn't seem to notice at all. Instead, his entire body stilled before leaning almost unconsciously, voice barely above a strangled murmur.
"...Ichigo?"
The figure didn't hesitate as he cut through the cuffs with a tiny, well-placed Byakurai.
"Yeah, it's me. Long time no see and all that, right? We can do the catching up later though. For now, we have to run. Hope you won't hate becoming a fugitive. Let's go!"
Byakuya barely registered the Vizard's words, only taking in the fact that the man didn't seem angry. Or upset, or cold.
In fact, Ichigo sounded glad to see him.
"Byakuya, come on!"
An insistent tug on his arm snapped him back to the present and he mentally shook the thoughts from his mind. Now was not the time.
He inclined his head in agreement, and then instantly wondered if maybe he should show a little more gratitude than the subtle movement that would scream arrogance to anyone else.
Of course, since when had Ichigo ever been just 'anyone'?
Byakuya sensed the smile from within the dark folds of the cloak as the Vizard moved to his side and slipped a secure arm around his waist.
"Just hang on," The Vizard intoned quietly. "Once we get to my place, we can get that collar off."
The noble nodded again, left hand coming up to hover briefly over Ichigo's shoulder before clasping it firmly.
Ichigo glanced around, catching sight of Rukia dispatching another three spies. Where were the Central 46 bastards?
"Hey Shorty! We're leaving!"
The other cloaked figure whirled around, and even without being able to see through the folds of black cloth, Ichigo knew a scowl had worked its way onto the female Shinigami's face.
With a mental grin, he tightened his arm around the noble's waist and shunpoed for the Kuchiki compound gates, Rukia at his heels.
Only to pull to an abrupt stop as he caught sight of the former four men that had been leading Byakuya to the Maggots' Nest.
"Intruders!" One of them stepped forward, hands raised, Reiatsu glowing in them. "You will not escape with our prisoner. Any resistance shall result in death."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed. Behind them loomed the Kuchiki compound and their way out. He glanced to his right and could actually see the heavy strain ticking at the muscles in the noble's jaw. With the collar still suppressing his reiryoku, all the Reiatsu emanating around them was taking a toll on the Captain, and if it was starting to show, Ichigo knew the other had to be in near agony. If he and Rukia were to perform any Kido at this close a distance to him, the man would quite literally collapse and most likely fall prey to internal damage as well.
On Byakuya's other side, Rukia stiffened with similar realization.
"What now?" The Lieutenant muttered, watching the men in front of them with rising apprehension. A net made of pure Reiatsu started to extend from all four of their fingertips, reaching greedily to their intended prisoners.
Before Ichigo could snap out an order, several crescendoing hissing sounds filled the air and they all looked up in time to see half a dozen small grey metallic spheres drop down on them. The Vizard's eyes widened in recognition and he hauled Byakuya backwards.
"Rukia, Byakuya, close your eyes and hold your breath!" He hissed lowly, and the urgency in his voice prompted both Kuchikis to obey without question.
Rukia clapped a hand over mouth, her eyes fluttering shut, as the spheres landed, filling the clearing with faint hazy smoke. Cries from somewhere in front of them sounded, just as a heavy hand clapped down on her shoulder, almost making her jump a foot as someone nearly jerked her off her feet.
"This way!" The familiar voice was the only reason Rukia did not attack as all her instincts screamed at her to do.
Several long seconds later, she could almost feel the air clearing around her and her eyes fluttered open uncertainly, releasing her breath in a staggered attempt to draw oxygen back into her lungs.
"Ichigo? Nii-sama?" The lieutenant whirled around, still panting, and her shoulders slumped in relief as she caught sight of the Vizard and her brother standing behind her.
"Right here," Ichigo quickly took in his surroundings as he struggled to push his hood back, taking note of the familiar barracks and the somewhat familiar faces scattered around the courtyard. "Everyone okay?"
Rukia gave a shaky nod, drawing her cloak off, and beside him, Byakuya, nostrils flared as even he couldn't quite keep the stutter from his breathing, nodded again. His entire body was practically slumped against the Vizard now, muscles shaking from the strain of the collar.
"Taichou, are you alright?"
The familiar voice drew Ichigo's attention to the familiar redhead standing off to the side, gas mask in one hand. The man received a cool glance and a brief, stiff nod from said captain, but it seemed enough to appease the Vice-captain as he turned his attention on Ichigo.
"...Ichigo," Renji started, a note of uncertainty creeping into his voice. He seemed to lose his train of thought as he opened and closed his mouth a couple times, no words conveyed as he struggled for an appropriate continuation.
The Vizard stared thoughtfully at the redhead before offering a crooked smile. "Yo, Renji, long time no see. Didn't think you wouldn't use the sleeping gas I gave you all those years ago. Thought you would've pranked someone with it sooner or later."
Renji blinked, taken aback by the lack of hostility before returning the gesture with a tentative grin of his own. "Nah, thought I'd save it for a rainy day."
Yells interrupted their banter and Ichigo's smile washed away as quickly as it had come.
"We have to get out of here," The Vizard announced, already looking around for a way out. "Is there any way to get back to the Kuchiki compound from here?"
Renji quickly stepped forward, his hand plunging into his shihakusho before withdrawing with a familiar stone.
"The old cro– I mean Wakana-sama passed by earlier and dropped this off. She said you might need it. Not in so many words of course."
Ichigo blinked, before grinning slightly. The old woman still had it. Even he hadn't expected to be cut off from the Kuchiki compound and end up at the Sixth Division barracks.
"Thanks," He reached out to grasp the stone before turning to Rukia. "I'll take Byakuya to the Human World and make sure he heals properly. I'll have Kisuke get a message to you through Yoruichi-san as soon as I can."
Rukia nodded, quickly stepping forward and wrapping her arms around her brother.
"Take care, Nii-sama." She whispered. "And look after Ichigo too."
Byakuya stirred, forcing himself to straighten as he circled a still-slightly-awkward arm around his sister.
"Of course; be sure to exercise caution as well. Central 46 will not hesitate to use any means necessary to rid themselves of those who stand against them."
Rukia managed a tearful smile, nodding before turning to the Vizard.
"Ichigo..."
Ichigo quirked an eyebrow before reaching out to ruffle the lieutenant's hair.
"I know, Rukia. I'll keep him safe. We'll see each other again. I promise."
Rukia nodded again, flinging her arms around the Vizard and hugging the man with the same force she had her brother.
"You take care of yourself too, Ichigo." She commanded shakily as she pulled back.
Ichigo just smiled. "Wouldn't dream of doing otherwise."
A shout at the front gates interrupted them. "They're coming, Fukutaichou!"
Renji stepped forward with more urgency. "You have to go. Quickly!"
Ichigo gave a sharp nod, manoeuvring his cloak off his shoulders before tossing it at the redhead. "Have Rukia explain what that does. You'll probably need it more than I do." His hand closed around the stone as he shifted so that Byakuya could grasp it as well.
"Ichigo," Rukia also moved forward, violet eyes determined. "I'll do what I can here. We all will. Just know that there are many people in Seireitei who would jump at the opportunity to help you."
The Vizard's eyes flickered briefly before he nodded. "Could you do me a favour? Obviously, I didn't have time last I was here. Could you thank Shunsui for me? For the trial. Tell him I'm grateful for what he did."
Rukia's eyes widened and shame flashed across her features, noticing a similar expression cross Renji and even her brother's faces. She nodded firmly. "I'll tell him as soon as I can."
Ichigo smiled again. "Good," He nodded, and then, to their collective puzzlement, the Vizard shifted, eyes scanning the area before settling on a silent figure standing nearby and meeting sharp, ceil-colored eyes.
"Thanks, Shun." Ichigo dipped his head, offering a half-smile tinged with gratitude.
The man shrugged, nonchalant even as a slight, unfamiliar smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You asked."
Ichigo nodded, eyes warm, before turning back to survey the crowd again.
"See ya later then."
All the Shinigami assembled in the Sixth Division barracks sans Rukia and Renji turned as one and bowed from the waist.
"Good luck and take care, Kuchiki-taichou, Kurosaki-sama."
Ichigo started slightly, shifting in surprise before glancing at the noble beside him. Burnt sienna stared back into pained but steady onyx.
"None of them have lost their respect for you, Ichigo. None of them have forgotten who you are or what you did for all of us during the War."
Ichigo stilled, glancing down at the ground before releasing his breath in a gentle huff. His head came up again and he tossed a brilliant grin at the Shinigamis around him.
"How many times do I have to repeat myself? It's just Ichigo!"
A blinding flash of light burst from the centre of the barracks as Ichigo activated the Koushou, taking the Sixth Division captain to safety without waiting for a reply.
As the light ebbed, a bark of laughter erupted from Renji.
"The bastard's still the same!" He stared for a second longer at the spot Ichigo and his captain had been standing in moments ago. He could only hope for their safety now. But when he saw Ichigo next, he promised himself he would at least get a few private words in with the Vizard.
To apologize.
And to thank him for hauling them out of trouble once again.
"Alright," He turned to scan the courtyard before settling on Rukia, tossing the cloak Ichigo had given him to the other lieutenant. "Rukia, ya need to get outta here. Take the underground route back to the Kuchiki compound and go get lost in that ridiculously-sized house of yours. As for the rest of us," He paused, gaze sweeping his men. "We didn't see anything, understand?"
A unified chorus of affirmation answered him and Rukia quickly slipped away just as angry demands poured from just outside the entrance to the Sixth Division. Renji quickly hailed his 4th seat, Yukimura Shun, and shoved his gas mask at him.
"Burn it," He muttered quietly. "And then start assembling the rest of the Division. I'll buy as much time as I can but they'll probably insist on a full Division interrogation."
Yukimura nodded curtly, tucking the mask into the folds of his Shihakusho before hurrying away. His eyes lingered briefly on the spot Ichigo had been standing in as he turned, slipping away into the shadows.
Renji stared after him, eyes narrowed. Yukimura Shun was strong, stronger than most 4th seats, and he had heard rumors that the man could rival Ikkaku in terms of power. He himself could attest to the other's strength as the redhead had been the one to allow him entry to the Division.
Compared to all the other seated officers of Sixth Division, as well as most of the unseated ones, the man was relatively new. He had been part of the Executive Militia in the Onmitsukido, and was a skilled assassin above all else.
But during a raid in the War, he had been cut off from his squad and had been severely injured by the small army of Arrancars that had ambushed them. As per regulations, his squad had left him for dead in the fatal odds, and he had been left to fend for himself. It was pure luck that Ichigo had been passing by on a solo patrol and had cut in before the remaining Arrancars could deal a final blow. The Vizard had hauled him back to the Fourth Division and made sure he would be taken care of before returning to the battlefield. Several days later, Yukimura had been the one to seek out the Substitute Shinigami, and something must have happened between them (Ichigo had skimmed over the details when explaining it to him) because the next thing he knew, an irate Sui-Feng-taichou had stormed into the Sixth Division barracks, almost breaking down his office door in her haste to enter, and all but turning his desk to splinters with one tiny fist as she snarled something about one of her top assassins turning in his resignation, with 'transfer to Sixth Division' as the reason.
Renji had been completely bewildered at the time, but had been saved from being gutted by the irritated female by his Captain's timely arrival. Byakuya had levelled a cold gaze on the shorter Captain, features stern as he told her off in his embarrassment-inducing, frustratingly arrogant I-know-better-than-you-and-you're-several-millenia-too-early-to-be-contradicting-me voice. Sui-feng had looked ready to kill the noble by the end of the conversation and only the 'No killing fellow captains' law had stayed her hand.
Byakuya had then proceeded to explain to Renji that he had received a transfer notice just that morning from one Yukimura Shun, former Onmitsukido assassin, and hadn't his lieutenant received the memo Byakuya had sent three hours ago? (Renji had hastily rifled through the mass of paperwork accumulated on his former desk and current firewood. He had found the note under a clutter of paperwork that should've been turned in three weeks ago.) His Captain's eyes could've frozen fire at that point, but all the noble had said was now that he had received the note, could Renji please assess the man as he had already been waiting at the Sixth Division training grounds for a good hour and a half. Of course, the please was simply protocol. Had Renji refused, his Captain would've Senbonzakura'ed him to kingdom come.
The redhead had made his way down to the training grounds, immediately catching sight of a mess of indigo locks and ice-blue eyes, belonging to a slim and lithely-built man sitting cross-legged on one of the rocks near the lake. Yukimura had given no sign of impatience or annoyance at having to wait. Instead, he silently took his place opposite Renji, slipping a slender dagger from his Shihakusho.
Renji had nodded cautiously, wondering what the Zanpakuto could do and just how good this man was to warrant Sui-feng-taichou of all people to rage about his resignation.
He quickly found out as each activated their respective Zanpakutos.
"Howl, Zabimaru!" and "Freeze all in your path, Akisame." had rang out in the training grounds, and it was all Renji could do to curl Zabimaru around himself as Yukimura struck with the ferocity and speed of wild flames. The dagger had extended, becoming longer with silvery-blue curling around the blade. With one sweep, a barrage of rain had hurtled towards him, and everything the water touched blossomed into spikes of ice.
The battle was short-lived as Renji quickly realized his Shikai to be useless and had moved on to Bankai. Even then, the lieutenant still took ten minutes to pin down the evasive ex-assassin, and by then, the battle had drawn a good portion of the Sixth Division, including his Captain.
The battle drew to an end and Byakuya had nodded in a somewhat approving manner at the newcomer's refined fighting style as he stepped forward and promptly offered the 4th seat, recently vacated as the Shinigami to occupy it last had been killed in the last battle, to Yukimura. There had been no protests, partly because it was Byakuya's decision, and partly because they had witnessed the man's strength for themselves.
To everyone's surprise, Yukimura had stiffly requested to talk to the Captain (and the Lieutenant, the man had said with a cursory glance that had made the redhead fume) in private. Byakuya had agreed after a moment of consideration and the three had retired to the noble's office.
Yukimura had then proceeded to shock them both (Renji was almost positive the slightly-more-blank face Byakuya had pulled was shock) by informing them that he was aware of the Captain-Commander's order for the Sixth Division to be stationed in the same area Kurosaki Ichigo would be fighting in, and while he would follow Kuchiki-taichou's orders, his first loyalty was to the orange-haired Vizard, and Sixth Division's new posting was the only reason he had requested a transfer to this particular squad. He had then asked if both of them could accept and work around this, and if not, he would have to turn down the position.
Byakuya had stared steadily at the former assassin for a long, considering moment, and Yukimura had stood there silently, features still and serene as he waited for the noble's judgement. Renji had had to give it to the other man; many men had quailed under his Captain's piercing gaze.
To this day, Renji still wasn't quite sure what his Captain had meant when the noble had finally agreed to the man's terms, saying only "If what you say is true, then I expect you to do your duty with the utmost care." Had Byakuya meant as Sixth Division's 4th seat in return for accepting about the man's terms, or had he meant Yukimura's terms itself?
Most days, Renji thought it was the first, but then he would remember catching sight of something foreign and unfamiliar but more intense than anything he had ever seen on his Captain's face flicker across Byakuya's features that day and he couldn't be sure.
After Ichigo had been convicted, Renji was sure the 4th seat would either quit and follow the Vizard out of Seireitei, or snap and attempt a group assassination of all those that had failed Ichigo during that fateful day. To his surprise, Yukimura had done neither, staying on in the Sixth Division instead, albeit with a much colder countenance than before and every one of them knew the former assassin, if not hate, then at least intensely disliked the very Captain he worked for.
Renji had never understood why the man would stay and continue to work for Byakuya, but after today, he had a faint inkling of the reason.
Shaking his head, the redhead focused on the commotion at the entrance and made a face. He really hated politics. He hated dealing with people up to their necks in the stuff even more.
With a sigh, he headed for the entrance. It was going to be a long day.
HUMAN WORLD, ABANDONED WAREHOUSE, FUSSA, TOKYO, JAPAN
"...Of course I'm fuckin' sure! What the hell do ya take us for, Kisuke?"
Shinji ran a hand through his hair, unusual irritation edging the movement.
"Look," He spat into the phone. "If it makes ya feel any better, not that I care either way, we ain't comin' back 'cause of you. Hell, the only reason I'm even talking to ya is 'cause of Ichigo. He'll need our help and we ain't gonna leave 'im high and dry."
The unspoken 'unlike you' rang loudly between them.
Scattered throughout the room, perched on crates or lounging on fraying furniture, the remaining Vizards weren't even trying to seem like they weren't eavesdropping. Hiyori's face was twisted in barely restrained rage, her sandaled feet kicking against the crate she was sitting on. Rose and Hachi were attempting to play a game of Shogi while simultaneously leaning conspicuously toward their unspoken leader. On the opposite side, Kensei was doing push-ups while Lisa polished her sword for what Shinji was pretty sure was the 18th time that day.
"If you've got something to say, Shinji, why don't you just say it?"
The sharpness in the other's voice didn't go unnoticed and the blond's mouth pulled up in an unconscious sneer.
"We both know what I mean, Kisuke. You consider that man your best friend. Your loyalty should be to Ichigo, not Isshin."
"Don't tell me who means more to me, Shinji. I'd do anything for Ichigo."
Shinji snorted derisively. "Apparently not everything. When he finds out what you've done, I'd be surprised if he didn't kill you. You and Isshin both."
A frustrated huff ran along the line. "I had no other option, and Ichigo didn't mean so much to me then as he does now. That's why I'm going to fix it now, as soon as I can."
"He'll find out eventually, Kisuke. Ichigo's not stupid. He'll see the difference in a heartbeat. This is his sister we're talkin' about here."
"I know. I know! And he'll have every reason to hate me once he does. But right now, I can still fix it. Just, don't tell him until I do."
For a long moment, Shinji stared hard at the opposite wall, sifting through all the memories he shared with his long-time friend, mind focusing on how Kisuke had helped his group with their Hollow powers after they had gone through Hollowfication. And then he considered Ichigo, a bright constant in his life ever since he had met the youth. The man always fought for what he believed in, never faltered no matter how strong the enemy, and...
Shinji's eyes drifted, settling on the fluttering ball of green light circling playfully around Kensei's head as the Viizard tried his hardest to ignore it. His attempts were fast approaching an ugly demise as he finally snapped, one arm shooting out to snatch at the glowing sphere, only to miss as it weaved around Kensei with a gleeful squeal.
Shinji's eyes softened. No matter what form, Mashiro would always be a cheerful reminder of good times. He didn't know, nor wanted to know, what Kensei would've done without Mashiro to temper him.
On the other side of the room, settled on Rose's shoulder, was a similar ball of light, save that it was a soothing ocean blue in color. Every now and then, the light would drift down to the Shogi board and bounce on a piece. Judging by Hachigen's increasing amusement and Rose's increasing exasperation, Love was still as bad at Shogi as he was when he still had a body.
Shinji closed his eyes and released a slow breath. There was really nothing to consider. When it came down to it, Kisuke had helped them because he had been exiled from Seireitei, with nowhere to go and a guilty conscience the size of Soul Society. Ichigo had risked life and limb, as he always seemed to do, to bring back what could be brought back of Mashiro and Love, had rushed to help them as quickly as possible after intercepting a call for help from Shinji himself. The summons hadn't even been meant for the orange-haired Vizard. Shinji had originally intended the message for Unohana, and while Ichigo had passed it on to the Captain, and Unohana had arrived as soon as she could, she had told them, quietly regretful, that there was nothing she could do. That Mashiro and Love were too far gone. The woman had received another urgent summons and was needed elsewhere and it was all Shinji could do to keep the rest of his group from outright attacking the medic then and there as she had turned and shunpoed away. All he could do to keep himself from doing the same.
But Ichigo had been there, had taken one look at the two mangled bodies lying on the ground, and asked, in that blunt, to-the-point way of his, if Shinji and the others would settle for their souls. The bodies were beyond saving, eaten alive by Aizen's own Reiatsu, and both would never die, would instead eventually become fuel for the Hogyoku Aizen possessed, but perhaps he could separate their souls and Aizen would only get their bodies.
Shinji and the rest had agreed instantly, and while the others wouldn't know, the blond had heard about soul separation and had been absently aware that there were risks from separating a soul from its container, for the one being separated and even more for the one doing the separating.
But Ichigo had succeeded, as Shinji had known wishedhopedprayed he would, and it wasn't until much later, months later, as the War raged around them and all the Vizards crouched in some sandy trench in Hueco Mundo taking a much-needed breather that the blond had remembered to ask.
How did Ichigo know how to separate a soul from a body? What were the risks? Why did Ichigo risk it? Why had he not asked for anything in return? Why hadn't he even hesitated before performing the separation?
Why?
Ichigo had looked almost as confused as Shinji had felt at the time. The Vizard had explained that he hadn't really learned it from anyone, that Kurotsuchi of all people had allowed him into his lab and given him access to old research notes. (How Ichigo had managed to convince Kurotsuchi Mayuri of all people to do this was something Shinji still didn't know to this day and wasn't sure if he ever wanted to find out.)
The risks, the Vizard had shifted uneasily, weren't really that risky. Shinji hadn't cared. He had pressed Ichigo until the man had told him, every word dipped in reluctance. He had told him that the one being separated would risk death, while the separator would risk being killed by the powerful Reiatsu needed to create a bridge between body and the outside world so the soul could leave its container, or would be sucked in along with the souls to wherever they were intended to go in the first place. In other words, to the Hogyoku.
Apparently, Ichigo's definition of risks was different to that of just about everyone else.
As for why, to all of the above, the man had simply replied that they were friends, and helping each other was what friends did. He had pointed out that Shinji had helped him out plenty of times.
Shinji had smacked the other Vizard upside the head, and then pulled him into a breathless, bone-breaking hug a second later, before ending the entire exchange by demanding that Ichigo teach him how to do the separation. Ichigo had originally refused but Shinji had insisted, pestering the man and not giving in until the Vizard caved.
After all, one day, Ichigo might be the one dying at his feet and Shinji knew he'd kill himself if all he could do was stare helplessly at the man while he bled out.
So,
"Sorry Kisuke," The blond said determinedly into the phone. "But Ichigo deserves ta know. You can tell 'im before we get there, but if not, I'll tell 'im myself."
With a click, Shinji hung up before the shopkeeper could say another word and rose to his feet, stretching the kinks out of his body. As if by unspoken agreement, the rest of the warehouse's occupants turned, Hachi and Rose quickly packing the Shogi set away as Love settled back onto Rose's shoulder, Kensei huffed as he sent an annoyed glare in Mashiro's direction, Lisa also got to her feet, sheathing her katana, as Hiyori jumped off the crate, already looking impatient. Each of them picked up a worn duffel bag containing the little belongings they had.
Shinji glanced around the warehouse, knowing every one of them would back Ichigo to the best of their ability. They had gotten word from Yoruichi of Aizen's escape and Byakuya's subsequent arrest a week ago, and Shinji knew automatically that someone would go to Ichigo with a request for help before long. The blond was one of the few who knew, if not exactly then close to it, just how strong the orange-haired Vizard was. He would not need their help retrieving the Sixth Division Captain.
But Ichigo would need help afterwards.
His signature grin stretched across his face.
"Let's go!"
Finished another chapter! Hope you enjoy and please review!