Summary: In a world where two opposite ideology clashes

Disclaimer: All Kubo Tite's


Chapter 7

Back in District 50 Army base, Ichigo let his men to recuperate, to have their wounds treated and rest for a while. None from his men were killed but several soldiers were seriously wounded. Uryuu, his First Lieutenant reported that they were able to capture the three remaining North members and that a dozen of them were already down from battling with the west group. He supposed it is to be expected as the battlefield was held in the west territory and Rukia's group were seemed to be prepared. They were not able to capture any West member either.

But why did the north attacked? Was it the same reason that Rukia told him? No, there might be a deeper reason, Ichigo thought.

He weighed everything that Rukia told him. He also added in his father's words that she didn't betray him.

Perhaps the group that killed his mother have all been replaced by people like what Rukia had said? Perhaps there might be truth in Rukia's words of their MO? But they are still operating outside the law, whispered by Ichigo's sub-conscious.

Ichigo doesn't know what to believe anymore.

Three days has passed since Ichigo's encounter with his friends, no, not friends, with the west group, he amended. He could not sleep properly. He thinks he is developing a migraine with all the thinking he is doing.

While Ichigo is nursing his head, someone knocked on his door. "Come in."

Hisagi entered his office and sat on the sofa opposite Ichigo's table, sighing. "You called for me, Captain?"

"Got anything from the captives?" Ichigo asked the sergeant.

"Yeah, they're all telling me full of crap. I just wasted my time with them." Hisagi said.

"What did they tell you?" Ichigo asked.

"That their leader is a man named Kaname Tousen. How fucking ridiculous is that?" Hisagi said, laughing.

Ichigo's headache suddenly disappeared. He looked at Hisagi seriously. "That's your uncle's name, right? Did the three of them tell you that?" What is happening? First him with his friends, now Hisagi with his uncle? Ichigo wouldn't be surprised if the captives are telling the truth. He has learned that nothing is impossible anymore.

"Yeah. But he will never join them. I'm sure of it." Hisagi said with confidence.

I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, Ichigo thought inwardly, bitterly. He made a mental note to question the captives personally later.

Before end of the day, he went and question the captives. And he believes them.

The next day, Ichigo spent half the day to write his report to his superior. When he finished, he reads it and he cringed. He knew he shouldn't get credit for cleaning the north, it was all Rukia's group, he was only there to wrap things up, and he was not able to subdue the west either which is his main mission.

Hours later, after he sent his own report, he took the file on the side of his table and read it again. This is now the third time he is reading it. It was the report of the officer that captured Rukia and her group. In the report it was stated that Rukia's comrades were killed for attacking the soldiers. But how much of this is true?

Ichigo decided he will do his own investigation.

...


In the Capitol, in Ichigo's superior's office, Major Barragan's brow is knitted while reading his Captain's report. "Damn kid. You are cleaning the weeds that were purposely put there." He sighed. "The Prime Minister wouldn't be happy with this."


...

A week after, when everything settles down, Ichigo proceeded with his own investigation. He went to Komamura's place and discreetly asked random people there, and the more information he gathered the more his head aches.

Most of the stories he gathered are the same, that a beautiful woman with long braided black hair along with three men were loaded to an army truck with their hands tied except for the woman, they were accompanied by nine soldiers, that after that they never saw Komamura again. 'Komamura was a good guy' they all said.

So Rukia's allegation might have a truth to it. If their hands were tied, there was only a small chance that they could attack as stated in the report given to him. They were only three plus a woman, versus nine armed soldiers. They were totally outnumbered.

Now that he thinks of it, Rukia could have been easily killed that time as well. A cold shiver run his spine. He thanked the heaven profusely that the soldiers just suspected her.

That gives him another set of investigation to do. He has to investigate his own men, specially the North soldiers.

Another interesting fact he learned is that Komamura and Kaname Tousen were friends. Was the reason why Komamura was with the West group was to retrieve Kaname as well? Why didn't he ask the army instead? Was it because he was afraid they will kill his friend instead of bringing him alive? Maybe Rukia's group could answer this.

Ichigo thought he needed to clear his head, he was thinking of going for a drink when he saw his Lieutenants are approaching him.

"Captain." The Lieutenants both greeted.

"What are you two doing here?" Ichigo asked.

"I have things to buy, Sado came along. Also, someone's waiting for you in your office." Uryuu said. Ichigo did not buy it but he didn't say anything. He knew his Lieutenants are tailing him.

"Captain, we brought the truck, are you going back to the base?" Sado asked.

"Yeah." Ichigo said. He had better get a start on with his plans. They all headed to the truck.

At the other side of the concealed part of the road, three men cursed at the same time, well, two men and a woman. They were just about to approach Ichigo when they saw his two Lieutenants are approaching.

"Dammit! I told you we should just knock him unconscious and drag him to our camp." Grimmjow said.

"Ichigo need to come with us willingly or his comrades will think he was abducted or worst they'll suspect him. I think his Lieutenants are already suspecting something." Rukia said.

"Whatever. Let's go back to Karin's. I asked her to prepare some drinks." Renji said. Rukia rolled her eyes.

...

Back at the army base, in Ichigo's office, he was surprised to see he indeed has a visitor. "Orihime?"

"Ichigo!" Orihime stands from the sofa and ran to him. She hugged him. Ichigo patted her back.

"Why are you here?" He asked.

"There was a nurse needed in the 53rd District clinic, so I apply and I got the job. I already started 2 days ago and I found a house to rent there too." Orihime said, beaming.

Ichigo was conflicted. He still hasn't settled his feeling with regards to their friends. Aside from that he is also doing his own dangerous investigation that could possibly turn to treason.

He just nodded.

"Have you heard anything about our friends yet?" She asked with a low voice.

"Let's not talk about them here. I'll bring you home." Ichigo said and put on his jacket again.

When they were heading to the truck, Ichigo was surprised to see Sado there. "Do you want to drive, Captain?"

"Sado, you don't have to come." Ichigo said. He is getting annoyed.

"Captain you are going West. It's dangerous if you go alone." Sado reasoned. Ichigo conceded. His Lieutenant is right.

So they traveled west. When they passed by the busy area of the west, Orihime asked. "Can we stop to eat, please? I'm hungry. You can stop on that cafeteria, they have great food."

The three entered and settled their selves in one of the table. The restaurant was almost empty except for a two men eating in the corner near the counter, their backs on them and a lone man near the door.

They sat in the table near the two men with Ichigo and Sado facing the entrance. Orihime thought those two men's hair are familiar except she couldn't be sure because they were wearing caps and she could only see their backs.

"Jeez, what's taking her so long?" One of the men said. Ichigo's eyes went wide.

"Go and check." The other guy said. And Ichigo's eyes became wider even more. He was about to stand when Sado beat him to it.

"Don't move. Hands up!" Sado said in a quiet but firm voice.

Renji and Grimmjow stilled. Both eyes communicated.

Then it happened so suddenly that Orihime thought she just imagined it.

Grimmjow gripped the edge of the table and flipped it and throw it to Sado and Ichigo's direction, then both men dove to the counter and took cover. Sado and Ichigo fired. Thankfully for Renji and Grimmjow, the counter wood is sturdy. Ichigo was relieved as well.

Renji and Grimmjow took out their guns and covered their faces. Both waited for the opportunity to retaliate.

Orihime thought her heart is going to burst from beating so hard. She's shaking badly.

Before Sado and Ichigo can pull the trigger again,

"Don't shoot." A woman's voice said.

Great, this is so fucking great! Another spectacular reunion. Ichigo thought again. He turned his head a little and saw Rukia's holding Orihime, her gun is pointed to Orihime's head. Her face is covered but he knew Orihime knew who held her hostage.

"I'm sorry, Hime." Rukia whispered to her. Orihime couldn't decide whether she's more afraid or sad.

"Let us go and we won't harm her." Rukia said while starting to head towards the door with Orihime still covering her. Renji and Grimmjow cautiously stands from the counter, both guns pointed to Ichigo and Sado. They followed Rukia outside where their motorcycle are parked.

Renji and Grimmjw mounted their bikes and kicked it to start. "Come on, princess." Grimmjow called to Rukia. Rukia sat behind Grimmjow and released Orihime. "I'm sorry." She told her again. Grimmjow revved the bike handgrip and speed away. Renji tailing them.

Orihime watched her friends leave her again. Actually, she doesn't mind whether what they're doing is wrong or right. She just wanted to be with her friends. She didn't realize she was crying.

"Captain, aren't we going to go after them?" Sado asked.

"No. I'm sure they have comrades here. Don't worry. We'll make sure to get them next time. I'm sure there is next time." Ichigo said. Sado agreed. He knew they will encounter them again.

"Please bring me home, I'm not hungry anymore." Orihime said. She directed Sado to her house. When they reached her house, she invited them in but Sado refused, said he will stay to man outside.

Inside the house, Orihime fidgeted. She wanted Ichigo to speak, to tell her everything. But Ichigo just stands behind the door with his head down. Orihime decided she'll just have to do the first move so she walked towards him but stops when Ichigo finally raised his head.

"Orihime, I think we should stop seeing each other. I mean we still can, but only as a friend." Ichigo said.

"Why?" Orihime asked. Her heart started to beat faster, but this time it wasn't from fear for her friends but fear to lose the man she loves.

"You saw what happened earlier. That could happen again. I was there but they still got you…."Ichigo started.

"But you know that they will never hurt me?" Orihime said in a low pleading voice.

"They won't but you cannot say that to their other member who doesn't know you. It is better if we don't see each other often." Ichigo said.

Orihime was silent for a while then "I can't change your mind, can I?" Orihime said. Ichigo shook his head. She nodded. She doesn't like it one bit but she knew Ichigo is conflicted at the moment. He too is hurting. Maybe when this is all over, they can be together again.

"You take care." Ichigo said and left.


...

Weeks passed. One Sunday night, Ichigo have no idea how his men were able to bring him to the place he is currently in. He was sat in a long chair in the corner with a small table in front of him. Also sat in the long chair with separate tables are his two Lieutenants and his Sergeant who are all nursing their drinks and eyes focus on the stage with four scantily dressed girls dancing in a slow music. He took a look around. The club is not like the ones in the capitol where everything is modern. This place is secluded. It's small. The walls aren't even concrete. The selection of alcoholic drinks are limited to bottled beer and few cheap liquors. Ichigo supposed the girls are all right.

They have been inside the club for an hour. Despite Ichigo's reservation to come, he is enjoying himself, not with the ladies seductively dancing but he is actually enjoying his conversation with his colleagues.

They were talking about funny things during their missions. Then the conversation leads to why they joined the army. Hisagi told them what Ichigo expected. To bring back his uncle and of course because being a soldier is an honorable job.

Ichigo turned to his first Lieutenant. "How about you Uryuu?"

"I found the army challenging but I joined mainly to piss off my father." Uryuu said nonchalantly.

"Why is that?" Hisagi asked. He knew the first Lieutenant is well-off, he's from the capitol if that isn't proof enough.

"He wants me to become a doctor and I don't want to." Uryuu answered. Ichigo supposed there might be more to it but he didn't prodded.

They all waited for Sado's turn to tell his story and after a few seconds "My grandfather said my body is built to protect people. That's what the army's doing, right?"

"That's right." Only Hisagi answered. Ichigo and Uryuu focused on their drinks. Then the conversation veered up again to funny things and Hisagi was just telling them how his girlfriend find out he went out to a bar when a beautiful, tanned and curvy woman approached their group.

"Hello there soldiers! I hope you are enjoying yourselves. Would you like to enjoy more and have a company?"

"Do you table now Ms. Yoruichi?" Said Hisagi wriggling his eyebrows.

Yoruichi smirked at him and said "only if you can beat my husband."

"Right. That would be a no then. That lady in the center, is she available?" he said, pointing at one of the girls on the stage.

"Of course. As I told you, you can have whoever you want tonight as a reward for bringing your superiors with you." She told Hisagi, winking. Then she turned to Sado and Uryuu. "How about you Lieutenants?"

"None for me, thank you." Uryuu said.

"Are you sure? How about that lady there? Her name is Nemu. I think you both suit each other."

Uryuu looked at where Yoruichi is pointing and he saw that she is indeed good-looking, her curvy body is clothed with a short skirt and an off-shoulder blouse, and even with that clothes she still looked decent. When the lady catch him looking, Uryuu looked away blushing. Yoruichi smirked.

"Alright, the first lieutenant is fixed. How about you second lieutenant?"

Sado just pointed to one of the lady in the stage as well.

She smirked. Then turned to Ichigo. "How about the captain then? Wait, I just have the right one for you." She said jovially.

Ichigo spluttered in his drinks. And hurriedly told her "No, thanks. I don't need one."

"Oh, come on captain. Even if you have a girlfriend, I'm sure no one here is single if not committed. Besides, you don't know if you still live tomorrow so why not enjoy tonight? When you see the one I prepared for you I'm sure you will forget your girlfriend's name the moment you lay your eyes on her." Yoruichi said with a glint in her eyes.

"Please I don't need one." Ichigo insisted.

"Well, if you say so." She conceded but she smirked knowingly. "If you'll excuse me soldiers, I'll arrange for your company to join you in a moment."

After few minutes more, the girls dancing left the stage and were replaced by another batch.

Nemu and the two other ladies join in their corner.

Ichigo's eyes are focus on his drinks when catcalls were heard. Loudest came from Hisagi.

"Oh man! I've never seen such a beauty before. I need to have her." He said

Ichigo looked at the stage and he stuttered in his drinks again. His heart thudded violently. His eyes were wide in disbelief.

I couldn't be this drunk am I? And I couldn't be hallucinating either, he asked himself. He shook his head to clear whatever is fogging his brain then he squints his eyes on the stage again.

It wasn't a hallucination. She's there and she's real. Rukia is there on the center stage, swaying with the music, her hands are slowly running her petite body. Her black shiny hair is loose that cascade down her back and dancing along with her body. She really does look like a princess except princesses doesn't wear a seductive make up that Ichigo might have not recognize her had Rukia's face is not implanted in his brain. The bottom of her black sleeveless shirt is knotted tightly at her back covering only her chest. Her firm torso is exposed. The red skirt she's wearing is folded in her waist to shorten it that the skirt ended showing half her white, smooth looking legs. Then he looked down and she's wearing a ...a dirty combat shoes?


A/N: I apologize, I got busy. Please feel free to point out the mistakes.

Lilyglamstar123: Hope you enjoy this one too.

yeahbuddy2256: I'm sure your guess is as good as mine haha.. It will all be revealed in few more chapters.

qjane409: Misunderstandings will be cleared soon enough. I know it's becoming slow, right? I'll try to speed up with just a little background.

Kejora: Yeah, I really hope I'm giving their emotion enough justice.

Sayuri: I hope you are done with your exams. Here's another treat for you.

Hopelessromantic: Yeah, I'm liking the mini Rukia harem too. Well, it is to be expected actually that a lot of guys will like her. Even in the canon, If I'am a man I would prefer Rukia over Orihime any other day... I'm a little disappointed with the latest manga chapter though. Check it out if you haven't yet.

Thank you guys for the fantastic review and for reading, please make me happy and keep reviewing.