A/N: Well this chapter took a fair bit longer than I thought it would, also turned out to be a fair bit longer than I thought It would! I've also got rid of a few spelling mistakes and changed a few of the Kuchiki's to Kurosaki's, since I forgot Rukia is now Ichigo's wife. .
Chapter three: The Cats Tale
It was the following afternoon after Rukia's telling of how she got together with Ichigo and Sode no Shirayuki sudden desire to become a permanently released Zanpakutō. Brother had very reluctantly let Kisuke and Yoruichi into the estate to try to solve the mystery after Rukia had pointed out that they had discovered the three day Banki trick, and therefore were probably pretty clued up on the subject.
"So why is she in Shikai form all the time now then?" Rukia asked Kisuke after he and Yoruichi been examining Sode no Shirayuki for some time. He looked her Zanpakutō over a few more moments before turning to her.
"Well theres the simple reply and the long winded and considerably more interesting explication.... which one you want Kurosaki-san?" Urahara replied with a silly grin she could just make out behind his fan.
"Simple first, long winded after."Rukia answered simply before adding sarcastically."You might not have noticed, but I have tons of free time at the moment."
"Well to put it simply Sode no Shirayuki has gone into Shikai as a defense measure to deal with all the extra spiritual power that your little one is creating." Kisuke explained. "Now while that working for now and it just means we have to deal with the slightly annoying side affect of it being a bit cold in here, the route cause could cause... problems."
Maybe it was the it was the way he said problems instead of something more precise that worried Rukia. Maybe it was the way he said it so very seriously. Maybe it was the months of worry and fear that had been eating away at the back, and more often than she really like the front of, Rukia mind.
"We talking about my death here aren't we?" Rukia asked starkly.
"Its very possible." Urahara said as serous before. "I'm going to need to examine you two properly to get a better picture of what going to happen and how to deal with it. But the fact is your body is dealing with increasingly levels of spiritual power that are seemingly working towards a level that quiet close to Ichigo-kun's..... and you not Ichigo-kun.
"Based on your medical report by Captain Unohana, your Vice-captain level of combat ability is mostly a matter of your control of Reiatsu and strength of spirit, not your raw ability to hold large amounts of Reiryoku. Unfortunately it's your Reiryoku holding threshold that going to be a deciding factor in between living or dying."
There was a long moment of silence in the coldness of the room. Worrying that her baby might kill her was one thing, being told by man known for being a genius and getting things right more often that not that her death was a very real possibility was something else.
"Erm... Urahara-san...."Hanatarō eventfully asked awkwardly. "How did you get hold of Kuchiki-dona medical details in the first place if you don't mind me asking? The Captain is very fussy about confidentiality and only telling medical details on a need to know bases..."
"Oh Yoruichi and me have our ways through I must admit that the security on Captain Unohana files is amazing!" Kisuke exclaimed as he returned to his more light hearted side, much to Rukia's relief. "To think that a healer like her would be able to turn her knowledge of medicine into traps that put most Covert Ops members traps to shame!"
Rukia raised a eyebrow at him suspiciously.. how he know about the exact nature of of Unohana security?
"Which she showed me when I asked her to see Kurosaki-san s files of course." Kisuke explained as he caught Rukia eyebrow. "And not as I cunning sneaked around the Fourth Division barracks two nights ago between three and four am. I mean Kurosaki-san, suspecting that I, a former member of the Covert Ops, would gain information covertly! I am so insulted that you think I do such Kurosaki-san!"
Rukia looked at him a few moments as tried to figure out if he was telling the truth, partly the truth or just trying to mislead her somehow, eventually she finally figure it out.
"A member of the Convert Ops, I'm assuming Sofion, tried to get the information covertly two days ago between three and four am , but failed due to underestimating her traps and then somehow you got the information the legitimate way latter?" Rukia asked the insane head of the Shinigami Research Institute.
"Correct bar one point Kurosaki-san." Kisuke replied with a rather happy look on his face.
"We sent Ōmaeda-kun instead." Yoruichi explained casually. "We thought he needed a good test."
"And for failing it he been put on a weight loss program by Captain Unohana, which if he fails to keep too, she tell the Captain-commander he was in her files!" Kisuke explained.
"And however you at look at it." Yoruichi calmly went on "All is right in the world and no one loses out."
"Because we got the information anyway and Ōmaeda-kun really does needs to lose weight." Kisuke said with flourish of his fan.
Hanatarō just looked at the pair with disbelief, clearly not use to there habit of breaking rules and being rather frank about it. Yumichika however commented.
"He will be fundamentally more beautiful at the end of it" Yumichika said as he adjusted some of his feathers.
"Exactly." Yoruichi said with a slight smirk on her lips.
"But you broke a important rule!" Hanatarō shouted out in his normal nervous tone. "Medical details are to be told only on need to know purpose for a reason! Doctor-patient relationship need to be totally open and the only way they can is if theres trust!"
After this little outburst Yoruichi quietly wandered over to the Seventh Seat and lowered her her face so it was close to his, Rukia wasn't remotely shocked that Hanatarō was blushing rather badly.
"You so remind me of my Little Bee you know.. and she was Captain while I was away. A pretty good one too may I add."
"Me a ca-captain!" Hanatarō stammered out.
"A caring attitude and a desire to stand by your principals." Yoruichi explained as she eased to a less embarrassing distance away from Hanatarō face . "Are all far more important then superfluous things like Banki. You will gain Banki in time, principles typically don't change that much, especially if there lousy in the first place."
"But Shihōin-dona you still broke..." Hanatarō tried to point out before being interrupted.
"...an important rule?" Yoruichi said calmly. "But I did so for all the right reasons after giving it a great deal of thought, and it not like I'm unwilling to deal with the consequences if I mess up anyway.... so don't so don't worry too much about my rule breaking ok?"
She finished with a gentle messing of the hair on his head and a smile that Rukia would give a ten out of ten for reassuring. Rukia took notes on her method, she have try it out on her Strawberry if she lived past childbirth and he was being annoyingly stubborn.
"Maybe it be best if I told you the story of how I helped Rukia out big time in the past with a little 'twisting' of the rules hum?" Yoruichi said with a playful grin and a soft humor in her tone. "Just so you can understand properly how sometimes you have to careful work around the system and maybe break a few rules to get things done."
"I like that Shihōin-dona." Hanatarō replied politely and in a rather relaxed tone, especially for him.
"Then let me tell you the story of how I managed to get a human, turn Shinigami, turn Vizard considered a respectable choice of husband for our dear Kurosaki Rukia here by some of the most stubborn traditionalistic nobles in the whole Soul Society."
As the first noble guess started entering her home ,Yoruichi considered the resources she had. Firstly she had her bumblebee Sofion. Who was today in a lose fitting and beautiful gold and black kimono that not only suited her perfectly, but also helped highlight her more feminine features and hid all those muscles she had built up over the years. Combined with her good understand of protocol and ability to act respectfully, she was ideally suited to support Yoruichi in any convincing and hence was sitting right next to her. Then she had Ōmaeda sitting at quiet the opposite side of the room from where Yoruichi was planning to sit and quiet away from most of her followers. With any hope any of the more defiant opposition would think he was one of them when they deliberately avoided sitting near there host...which with a few clever comments from him at the right points could sway there mood.
It was nice to have Jinta and Ururu about the estate too. Not only where they a great help in organizing all the meals and keeping things tidy, they should also be useful in stopping things get a bit noisy and if anyone did start screaming insults at anyone and derailing debate. Yoruichi had instructed Ururu to do her best upset little child act. Then of course she had Tessai and Kisuke sitting with Sofion and her. Who's main job was to make intelligent points and basically look big and important in there uniforms and generally keep up the appearance that the house of Shihōin was a house to be taken seriously.
However back to the present....
"Yoruichi-dona." Shunsui said politely as he entered into the estate and bow his head to Yoruichi. "Such a unexpected pleasure to be invited to a dinner with a lady of such high stature as yourself."
"Oh you do like your flattery." Capitan Kyōraku." Yoruichi said with a giggle. "And I see you brought along your Vice-captain and Third Seat with you too."
She motioned to Lisa and Ichigo as they entered in shortly after, as usual Lisa was mothering Ichigo...
"And remember to always use the correct honorifics Ichigo-kun, even if you are on good terms with the person your talking with!" Lisa nagged at Ichigo. Clearly they been having quiet a argument on the way.
"Yer yer, Lisa." Ichigo muttered in a clearly annoyed air. " But come on it's Yoruichi party..."
"Lisa-san and Shihōin-dona!" She screamed out as she gave him a well aimed roundhouse kick to the stomach.
"Ok ok!" Ichigo yelled out as he suddenly nearly bent double from her attack. "I be ultra respectful with everyone ok!"
"Good boy." Lisa said with a smirk as she turned to Yoruichi "I do apologize for that little outburst Shihōin-dona, but you know what the boy is like..."
Yoruichi nodded sympathetically.
"All too well." Yoruichi replied. "But I'm sure you can keep him in check tonight, just try not to create a scene as quiet a few people of rank are coming."
Lisa nodded thoughtfully in reply.
"Ururu-chan!" Yoruichi shouted out softly. " Do show our gusts to there place please."
The young girl nodded and showed the little group to there strategically chosen seats.
A fair few more guest came in, including House Kasumiōji, and Yoruichi went through all the normal pleasantries. Surprising of the four great houses it was actually Kuchiki who came last. As Byakuya and Rukia came in, it didn't take long for Yoruichi to figure out why. Somehow Byakuya had persuaded Rukia to wear what must have been a very expensive and old kimono that was of royal blue and black with some silver jewelery scatted on it. Rukia looked very uncomfortable in it.
"Kuchiki Byakuya and Kuchiki Rukia." Yoruichi said with a smile. "So glad to see you two here tonight, through I must admit I wasn't expecting Rukia to be wearing your great grandmothers heirloom."
"It been long since there been a event like this." Byakuya explained. "And the maiden daughter of one of the most noble of all house's should be one who's appearance creates envy amongst daughters of other houses."
So he was trying to find possible suitors for Rukia was he? Yoruichi nearly smirked at the thought, instead she politely nodded.
"Jinta-chan do show our honored guests to there please." Yoruichi ordered the small boy.
With those two sent to the right place and a few more guests latter, Yoruichi decided to formally start the dinner.
"Dear honored guests." Yoruichi spoke firmly and then waited a few moments before continuing. "It pleases me to start this meal with some of the most noble of families in the Soul Society and I suppose some of you are wondering why I called you here."
She stood up and took a sip of her drink, mostly for the sake of creating drama.
"We are now well and truly in the twenty first century. " Yoruichi explained. "And the Soul Society has been through some rather dramatic changes as of late, and I suspect there going to be even more to come."
Sofion at this point stood up and unfolded a reasonably generic picture of a male Vizard. Lisa and Ichigo were suddenly rather alert. Most of the other room occupants where shocked and outraged, a few were oblivious and some people were wearing very neutral expressions that more than slightly suggested they had strong views on the issues.
"The fact of the matter is that several high ranking members of the Gotei Thirteen are Vizards now." Yoruichi continued, ignoring the considerable reaction. "And the old laws forbidding Shinigami from gaining hollow like powers have well and truly been ignored in there cases...."
"And why should they be continued to be ignored!" yelled the head of the Suzuki clan, Isamu Suzuki as he smashed down his fist on the table with some force. "There abominations that when the Central Forty Six is reformed it will have executed and cleansed!"
Yoruichi wasn't shocked that Ichigo stood up rather dramatic and reached for Zangetsu at this point. Fortunately it seemed Shunsui had come to the same conclusion.
"Ichigo-kun." Shunsui spoke firmly as he placed his hand on Ichigo's lower arm and stopped him drawing his blade. "We are not the Eleventh Devision."
"Forgive me Captain." Ichigo replied as he reluctantly sat back down, through he was clearly still fuming.
"Your still young and headstrong." Shunsui said as turned to the head of the Suzuki clan. "But you are not so young and I thought far from headstrong Isamu-dona. Why do you use such strong and dreadful words in a house that showing you such hospitality and contains children?"
"But.." Isamu started , only to be swiftly interrupted.
"You have a good a grasp of manners as you have of Vizards?" Lisa said with a annoyed air. "Or is it fear that rules your heart I wonder?"
"I..." Isamu said weakly before being interruption by a certain rather short Vice-Capitan...
"Don't know much about Vizards?" Rukia spoke with a rather authoritarian air. Clearly she not taken his words lightly either. "Then perhaps it be best if Vice-captain Yadōmaru explained the nature of Hollowfication for everyone's benefit?"
Isamu simply nodded, clearly he had given up on trying to speak without interruption.
"I think that be a good idea actually." Yoruichi spoke deliberately in normal tone, masking her joy at how well things were going. She not expected Isamu to be beat down so easy. "But perhaps we should eat first? I do smell the smell of fully cooked food after all!"
She did a little grin at the end of that. Let a bit of normality insure everyone maintained agreeable as she attempted to change views held for millennium.
The meal was quiet a pleasant one with plenty of choice and tailored towards each sitters preference. Information which had took the Convert Ops quiet a while to gather, but in Yoruichi's experience, people didn't like to insult those who's cooking they had just ate and enjoyed. It was during her eating a excellently prepared piece of cod that Sofion decided to have a whispered conversation with her.
"Yoruichi-sama." She whispered softly. "Was it truly wise inviting the boy here?"
She didn't mention the why or who of course, but it was obvious what they were.
"It's important he's part of this Little Bee." Yoruichi explained. "He need to be thought as one of the respectables."
Sofion sighed.
"Buts he's nearly as bad as Kenpachi and a easy target to rouse to anger." Sofion said with a annoyed air. "He could easily compromise our attempts to make the Vizards fully accepted. Why is it so important that he becomes considered respectable anyway? He already hold the post of Third Seat and spends his time mainly within the Gotei Thirteen who hold him highly by and large anyway."
"We owe Kuchiki Rukia a favor thats why." Kisuke said as he buttered into there conversation. "She has strong personal reasons to desire Ichigo to be considered respectable after all. So were going to be nice and help that dream become real."
"Ah, the debt of honor she owes because he saved her life." Sofian said with a gentle nod. " I see now."
No you don't. Yoruichi silently thought. Because you don't see that it went well beyond honor with those two a long time ago.
Yoruichi had been pleasantly surprised when she had picked her haori back up and took the Convert Ops over again as Capitan. She had hope that Sofion, being personally trained by her, would have kept things running smoothly and ensured that the Soul Society's eyes and ear remained sharp. What she had found was a organization that was considerably more disciplined and better organized than anything Yoruichi could of pulled of. Being the wise captain she was, Yoruichi had let Sofion continue to hold a lot of power in the Convert Ops, far more than any of the other vice-captains by far.
However there was some things that her Little Bee was utterly clueless with... such as relationships and other emotional matters. Yoruichi had also found the Convert Ops had a far higher number of members with 'personal issues' than any of the others. Yoruichi had now thankfully sorted out most of the tangled emotional messes that were part of her Devision, but it had taken a fair amount of her time to do so, and good portion of the messes would never have got so messed up if Sofion had showed a little emotional insight a few decades earlier...
However Yoruichi was brought out of her thoughts as she noticed that her guests where just finishing off there food, it was time to put her mind well and truly back on the matter at hand.
"I do hope you all enjoyed your meal my esteemed guests and are now ready for Vice-capitan Yadōmaru talk on the nature of Vizards." Yoruichi told them in a voice she normally used when she was teaching new recruits. There was the normal chorus of nods and various yeses from the gathered.
"Well it seems you have your chance to do some explaining Vice-captain Yadōmaru." Yoruichi said with a motion of her hand to Lisa, who promptly stood up and bowed slightly in her direction.
"My thanks Shihōin-dona." Lisa spoke calmly. "Now lets get to the subject that getting certain poorly informed parties rather worked up. The subject being Vizards in the Gotei Thirteen . A Vizard is a Shinigami who gone through a process called Hollowfication. To put it in simple terms, if they were a Plus, they would have turn into a Hollow."
"Such as those poor souls that Aizen twisted into Hollow's over a hundred years ago in those missing people incidents." Kisuke added.
"Indeed. " Lisa added with a nod. "A Plus has no way to fight the Hollowfication process, the lack the will and lack the means. But a Shinigami is different, a Shinigami is a Plus who has awakened there warrior self and can therefore fight the Hollow within.... and crush it under there will."
She added the last point with dramatic empathizes and rather darkly.
"Crush it under your will?" One of the noblemen said nervously. "What you mean?"
Lisa took off her glasses and cleaned them with a tissue before continuing.
"As most of you are most likely aware. " Lisa explained as put her glasses back on. "For a Shinigami to unlock there Zanpakutō powers they must enter there inner world to do so. To crush ones inner Hollow, you must enter that world and defeat it. But before anyone asks the question "So its just another Hollow to fight?" I will answer it. Yes its a Hollow, but no it nothing like the ones we Shinigami fight day to day. It is human in shape, it wields your Zanpakutō and all its powers against you. It knows your weaknesses, your insecurities and your flaws and it will use them ruthlessly against you. Theres two ways such a fight will go, either you will lose and corrupt into a monstrously powerful Hollow or you will find your inner strengths and virtues and beat the Hollow into submission and become a Vizard."
Lisa looked around the room, clearly daring anyone to speak..and someone did.
"So Vizards are Shinigami who have quiet literately conquered there own dark sides?" Ōmaeda asked.
"Indeed we are. " Lisa replied. "Because if we hadn't, we be dead or worse."
The room was then full of the kind of tense silence that no one really want to break, because they feel whatever they say, they will come across as a fool. Lucky the houses resident jester was quiet happy to break it.
"And Ichigo-kun is still single girls!" Kisuke said with boyish glee. " So if I was you I start sending those invitations for him to come and visit your daughters before someone else does!"
"Urahara-kun!" Sofion yelled at him in annoyance. "This is not the time for such silly and childish talk!"
Kisuke did his best fake hurt impression, the sort a five year old could see through.
"But I thought that was the whole point of these things." Kisuke said before adding in more excited tone. "To play matchmaker!"
Sofion muttered and sighed.
"Next you be trying to set me me up Kuchiki Byakuya or something as ridiculous..." Sofion said with a annoyed air.
"Oooo!" Kisuke exclaimed. "You have a thing for Capitan Kuchiki Sofion-san?"
"I do not have a thing for Kuchiki Byakuya" Sofion yelled at the fan wielding jester as a huge and very bright blush covered her face.
Yoruichi coughed.
"Kisuke-kun." Yoruichi said sternly. "Please don't start playing matchmaker with Kuchiki Byakuya."
She then turned to a more mischievous tone.
"Because we know it far more fun to play matchmaker with Kuchiki Rukia."
This caused most of the noblewoman in the room to giggle a fair bit and Rukia to go rather red. It also caused Ichigo to become rather attentive.
"I mean lets considers the facts." Yoruichi spoke cheerfully. "One she's the most recent Shinigami to be promoted to Vice-captain. Two she's a member of the respectable Kuchiki clan. Three her military record includes many notable victories, including one over a Espada and four her recent book 'How to fit in and survive in the world of the living" has become required reading at the academy."
Rukia was trying very hard to hide her embarrassment and shyness, it wasn't working.
"She's a member of my clan." Byakuya spoke pridefully."Of course she going to have notable deeds to her name by now."
However there was some sour grapes in the room.
"Oh stop with this Shihōin-dona."Said Ai of the powerful Yoshida Clan "She is no true noblewoman. She was adapted from the lowest of the Soul Society and her book nothing but a mere update of my clan's mighty codex."
Yoruichi was expecting one of the Kuchiki's to react strongly to that, perhaps Ichigo to do something dumb, instead....
"Capitan Shihōin Yoruichi. " Ichigo said very calmly and politely. "I have a humble request to make. Could you possibility ask the children to leave the room since the discussion in here in getting into adult only territory?"
Yoruichi nodded at the rather calm Ichigo, even his Reiatsu seemed mostly under control, through Yoruichi's trained senses did detect the tell tell signs of Reiatsu that was being forcefully being held in check. Yes it would be rather wise to get the children out of the room.
"Kisuke-kun?"Yoruichi said calmly. "Could you please take the children to morning room?"
Kisuke nodded and took the children to the room that was conveniently about as far away from the dinning room as you could possibly get without leaving the mansion.
After all the children were safely out the room, Ichigo stood up and calmly walked over to Ai, who who was rightfully looking somewhat nervous about what he was going to do next.
"Your a member of the House of Yoshida correct?" Ichigo asked in a probing tone. "I because the book I assume you talk of was written by a Yoshida."
She nodded.
"I found it quiet a good read to be honest." Ichigo said calmly "It went in great detail about class distinction, notable noble family lines and major and important cities and towns."
She nodded again and spoke more confidently.
"All useful information would you not agree?"
"Not really." Ichigo replied with a shrug. "Since Japan a democracy now and gone through some huge social changes in the last sixty years or so. You see Yoshida-dona your families codex is quiet simply out of date and talks of matters that are no longer relevant. Kuchiki-dona's on the other hand is a book based first and foremost on highlighting likely problems and how to overcome them. She uses diagrams and photos to create clarity and show examples. She use fonts and lists to highlight points and finally she continuously points out that the information she is giving will in time become outdated and warns her readers that they should take time and effort to gather information quietly before any major social interactions."
Ai looked at Ichigo with wide eyes.
"Kuchiki-dona's book is designed to be guidebook, while yours is a historical text. "Ichigo calmly explained. "I do not see how it can be considered to be a update."
Ichigo then pulled out a small book at this point, the Shinigami guild to the Seireitei in fact. A book most Shinigami were given in the Academy.
"Now to moving onto your second point." Ichigo explained as he quickly flicked through the pages. "Rukia nobility, or you would argue, lack of. If you don't mind, I would like to read a small section of text in this book I believe highly relevant to the discussion."
Yoruichi did a quick look around the room at this point, everyone was staring quiet intently at Ichigo and Byakuya mouth was very uncharacteristic ajar. Clearly he was having serous issues dealing with this seemingly polite and civilized Ichigo.
"Go on Kurosaki-san." Ai said in a polite if very nervous tone, clearly unsure where this was going.
"Thank you." Ichigo politely replied before reading from the text. "There will come a time when a Shinigami is asked by others of the purpose of nobility and what separates them from the common folk The correct response to this line of inquiry is to inform said poorly informed person of the three traits and and three duties of the nobility. The three traits of the noble are leadership, honor and civility. The three fold duty is to Clan, Soul Society and the Souls of the Innocent."
Ichigo then calmly put the book away and looked deep into Ai eyes.
"Please tell me how Kuchiki Rukia fails to be a true noblewoman again please Yoshida-dona?" Ichigo asked firmly and with the exact same kind of resolve that Yoruichi had seen in him in battle.
She did not reply. Yoruichi let a small smile pass her lips. The boy was learning, the boy was good at learning when people he cared about where counting on him. He turned away and said one simple line.
"I thought as much."
He then calmly walked back over to his seat and sat between his Captain and Vice-captain again. Ai then did something incredible stupid.
"She and her house will end up like the last holder of her post in the end."Ai muttered. Yoruichi only just followed what happened next. Ichigo flashed stepped across the room onto the table, entered Banki, put his mask on and held his Zanpakutō at Ai's neck.
"Don't even think about trying to put those kind of plan's into motion." Ichigo said in that horrible distorted voice that all masked Vizards had as he let finally let his restrained spiritual pressure out. Ai then promptly fainted.
"I don't think Kurosaki-san takes murder plots too kindly." Sofion noted.
"I'm just surprised his temper held out so long." Lisa added.
"Third Seat Kurosaki Ichigo." Shunsui said firmly. "Could you please get down from there and make yourself suitable for your current surroundings please."
"Sorry sir." Ichigo said as he got down and dismissed his powers.
"How should I file this Yoruichi-sama.?" Sofion asked as she pulled out a blank report. Yoruichi wasn't surprised she had one on her.
"File what Sofion-san?" Yoruichi said with a little grin. "She only had a bit too much sake to drink and it not like she muttered dark things under her breath that cause Kurosaki-kun to totally flip out on her was it?"
"Course course." Sofion said as she put the blank report back.
"Talking of sake." Shunsui said casually. "I think it about time we had some don't you think?"
Yoruichi grinned. Yes it was time for sake.
Some hours latter and many sake bottle latter it was coming towards the end of the evening. Yoruchi was enjoying swooping tales with Shunsui, it never got old.
"So me and Lisa-chan had just saved this innocent woman from a Hollow." Shunsui said as he finished yet another drink.
"And she was hot!" Lisa added with a giggle while nearly falling backwards of her chair. Clearly she had had one drink too many.
"Oh she was and seemed to be really appreciative..." Shunsui said with a sigh. "But then guess who turned up."
"Boyfriend?" Yoruichi asked as she took another sip of her drink.
"Worse." Shunsui said with a sad air.
"Her terribly sweet and adorable six year old daughter." Lisa explained.
"Ouch."Yoruichi simply replied.
"Anyway." Shunsui said as he look over at his rather drunk Vice-captain. "I think it time I got my two back to the barracks."
Yoruichi nodded softly.
"Well we best free Ichigo from there grasp and wrap things up then." Yoruichi said with a smirk as she turned to look at Ichigo the human climbing frame.
"Jump on Ichi-chan!" Shouted one of the small children just before five of them did so. Kisuke was standing to the side with a slight grin on his face having unloaded the responsibility of entertaining the children to Ichigo shortly after returning to them to the dinning room on the premises that he needed to talk with Sofion about a few things. That had been oh.... two hours ago.
"Honored guests!" Yoruichi said loudly and clearly as she returned to her table. "Could I have your attention, especially my younger honored guests!"
Yoruichi wanted a few moment for the various nobles look to her, for the various children to run back to there parents and for Ichigo to make his way back over to his squad mates table.
"It been a long and I hope a pleasant evening for you all, but sadly like all things, this evening must come to a close. So it time to say our farewells."
It was ten minutes latter and all the guest had finally left. Kisuke had gone to his lab and Tessai was putting the children to bed. So in fact the only people present where Yoruichi and her Little Bee.
"I think that went pretty well." Yoruichi said joyfully to Sofion before adding. "Both objectives were fulfilled after all."
Sofion nodded.
"I caught a few comments on the way out that suggested that Kurosaki-kun is now considered a defender of the Soul Society." Sofion remarked. "Especially of the Kuchiki Clan. In fact a fair few seem to think that marriage between him and Kuchiki Rukia is highly likely in the future."
"And what you think of that Sofion?" Yoruichi inquired. Her Little Bee looked thoughtful at the comment.
"I always thought they were comrades in arms to be honest." Sofion eventuality replied. "He cares deeply about her honor and wellbeing because she has saved his life and been a rock he could rely on."
"And isn't trust a good foundation for love?" Yoruichi pointed out.
"I suppose so." Sofion said with a shrug. "But I don't honestly think about romance much to be honest."
"Sofion...." Yoruichi said as she softly placed her hand in Sofion's. " Do you trust me?"
"Stop right there!" Rukia exclaimed loudly from her bed. " I don't want to hear about you seducing a woman, I'm straight for crying out loud!"
Yoruichi smirked.
"And what makes you think I was seducing my dear Little Bee?" Yoruichi said with fake innocence.
"I don't want to talk about it! " Rukia replied angrily to the shape shifting ninja cat who seem to enjoy driving people up the wall.
"Hum?" Yoruichi said as she tapped her lip. "You don't want to know.. but what about Hanatarō?"
She grinned devilish at the rapidly blushing medic.
"I...I.." Hanatarō stammered. "I see your point about rule 'twisting'."
"Oh do you now?" Yoruichi asked in a more serous tone. "And what is my point?"
"That rules are only constructs that we build." Hanatarō explained "For the sake of convenience. Far more important are the principles that we base our building on."
Yoruichi nodded.
"Good to see you understand." Yoruichi said as she pattered him on the head before adding more mischievously. "And would you like to understand what exactly going of between me and my Little Bee, because I could tell you all the details?"
He went red and Rukia fell back on her fall back plan.
"Nii-sama!" Rukia shouted very loudly. "I think our guest should be getting back to there duties!"
It took a grand total of two seconds before her older brother open her door.
Kisuke pulled a mock sad face.
"Meanie." He said childishly as him and Yoruichi left Rukia's room.