Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. Bleach and all its characters are the property of Kubo Tite.
Goodness, it's been a while since the last chapter… The Zanpakuto Arc seems so long ago, I wonder if anyone would be reading this anymore at this point …
Note 1: The new OC zanpakuto Tsuki-Oumono (mentioned at the end) belongs to general zargon – who very kindly allowed me to use one of her OC zanpakutos! Thank you again, general zargon!
Note 2: There's one scene – that I debated on whether to put it in or not because I thought it may be quite OOC for Muramasa to do something like that (Even though I'm not sure how much I've been writing him 'in character' so far). But it's something I really wanted to put in so…
It's kind of funny to reply to reviews almost after two months but I really wanted to express my gratitude….
Zangetsu50 – Thank you always for your comments! All my chapters seem to turn out too long...
Seriyuu – It's always great to see the words 'update again soon!' Well, this chapter is about the rest of Seireitei dealing with Muramasa – or maybe the other way around
animelover1993 – Thank you for the lovely review…^^ You scared me when you mentioned "training session between Ichigo and Muramasa because that was one of the very first scenes I thought of when I came up with this idea. O.o I hope to have fun writing it later on…
general zargon – Thank you so much again for your OC zanpakutos! I'm sorry that he's only just mentioned at the end in this chapter – planning more scenes involving him later on!
Scribblechan – Thank you! Glad you found the story interesting ^^.
symbion – Thank you for reading and reviewing!
dementedxc00kiie – Thank you! I really want to update soon but I take too long writing…
As always, big thanks to everyone who reads this work!
A delicate distance
Close enough to strike
Far enough to not hurt.
Chapter 7
Let Me Introduce Myself - Again.
"Again, try to concentrate."
"I am."
"Then try harder."
The orange-haired teen groaned in exasperation as he adjusted his stance and focused on the intricate threads of reiatsu swirling around him. Whenever the teen tried countering them with his reiatsu, the elusive strands swayed back, changing direction. The teen managed to shrug off those tendrils just before they wrapped themselves around his throat, and barely countered the next assault to his right shoulder. Then he had to re-focus because he lost track of them altogether. Irritated, the teen shook his head.
"What the hell is this supposed to DO, anyway? I already broke this technique once!"
"It may not always be as easy as simply scattering the reflection like last time. After all, now I know that you know. That's half of your advantage already lost, as I'll never try the same technique again with you."
"It doesn't matter anyway because it's not like we'd be fighting each other anytime soon. So isn't the point kind of moot?"
The complete lack of expression from the figure before him made the teen wonder if he'd said something… ignorant. The teen may have imagined the zanpakuto spirit's reply as it was a ghost of a whisper: "You think so, do you?"
Before the teen could ask, the zanpakuto spirit spoke in a more definite voice.
"In any case, this isn't the same technique. It's a… more subtle version of it."
It was different. Certainly much more complex than the snake-arms that the teen had to contend with before, and vastly more annoying. The teen muttered:
"You know, during all my 'training', I was nearly eaten up by a hollow, nearly got cut by the old man himself, and was beaten up within an inch of my life. Somehow, this is more frustrating than all of those put together."
"Not all training involves blood and sweat - doesn't mean they're any less important. To make maximum use of me, you'd do well to familiarize yourself in sensing and manipulating various reiatsu. Not only that, this would aid you in any battle - the last one being an example. It's something that'd actually be useful even when I'm gone."
Something vaguely resembling anger flickered inside the teen and he snapped:
"Do you have to be like that?"
"Like…?"
"Like you're going to be gone tomorrow and will have nothing to do with me ever again."
Silence reigned.
The teen nearly shifted his weight as he looked at the absolutely still figure before him. Then the zanpakuto spirit suddenly flicked his index finger. Immediately, the teen's left arm shot up, twisting back. Whatever that held the arm stopped just before it became painful.
"There, you lost focus and I got you. Again."
Kurosaki Ichigo bit his lip and growled as the invisible bindings let him go. Yet he concentrated as Muramasa's reiatsu maneuvered around him again.
"Okay, so one division tolerates his presence. But that division isn't exactly representative of the whole Seireitei."
'And thank goodness it isn't.' Everyone in the room heard the unspoken sentence. Ichigo snuck a glance towards the zanpakuto spirit sitting beside him but the figure remained immobile, one arm on the table, his head lightly propped on the back of his hand - calm and serenity personified.
The hollows from the previously possessed (and now, unfortunately, thoroughly lifeless) shinigami were quickly subdued by the 11th division. Such was their fervor that later on, Ichigo was suspicious that they were actually glad of this excuse for some action.
At that time, however, Ichigo couldn't concern himself with such matters…..
... Not with Ikkaku standing a sword's length away from Muramasa. Ichigo desperately wished for reinforcements but there was no sign of Renji, Rukia, or Captain Ukitake. Ichigo had no way of knowing that the three had their hands full restraining Captain Kurotsuchi who, after the initial stupor, fell into an unstoppable rage and tried to release Ashisogi Jizo into full bankai – under the logic that if he poisoned the whole of Seireitei, he'd certainly get the possessed shinigami as well. Captain Ukitake had barely managed to knock Captain Kurotsuchi unconscious just before he actually carried out his plan.
Not knowing any of this, Ichigo was desperately racking his brains for an explanation as he was the sole barrier between the apparently enraged shinigami - his eyes gleaming even more than his shining forehead – and the zanpakuto spirit who didn't seem to take barest interest in the proceedings at all.
What transpired after went roughly like this:
Something like a pink and black cannonball hurtled past Ikkaku and Ichigo. Half-thinking that this must be some new attack by Ikkaku, Ichigo frantically turned around to find a little girl clinging to the zanpakuto spirit - who had instinctively caught her in one hand. A mass of pink hair and rosy cheeks looked up - with eyes so huge and enthusiastic that they seemed capable of swallowing up anything they looked upon. Yachiru nearly screeched with glee.
"You're out! You're OUT! And you're with Icchi! Now you can BOTH fight Ken-chan!"
Before Ichigo could recover, Ikkaku stepped forward. Ichigo quickly tried to intervene but Ikkaku was already looking up at Muramasa, his own zanpakuto casually thrown over his shoulder. Then, all of a sudden, Ikkaku grabbed Muramasa's one free hand and shook it energetically.
"Hah! I always wanted to thank you for giving me a chance to fight my own zanpakuto! One does not get to do that very often!"
Ichigo was aware that he probably looked moronic with his jaw hanging open, but he couldn't help it as he stared incredulously at Ikkaku pumping Muramasa's hand – although the latter looked as if he'd have found an all-out attack preferable to this.
This was the scene that greeted the rest of the 11th division as they arrived….
… And one needed to know this about the 11th division: If the vice-captain was alright with something, then it went without saying that the captain was alright with it. If the captain was alright with it, then Madarame Ikkaku was alright with it. And if Ikkaku was alright with it, Ayasegawa Yumichika was alright with it. Therefore, it was ALRIGHT.
The problem was, now that the cat was officially out of the bag, there were other divisions to consider…
"I don't need to tell you, most aren't exactly happy that this bastar-"
Tittering momentarily at the impact of Rukia and Ichigo's razor glares, Renji grudgingly replaced his intended expletive with a milder option.
"– that…. 'he', is back. And they're even less happy knowing that the captains have been keeping this whole thing a secret, even going so far as to 'shelter' him. You have no idea what an earful I just received from vice-captain Iba for keeping my mouth shut about this. Hell, I was nearly throttled! And vice-captain Rangiku, don't even talk to me about vice-captain Rangiku."
'Oh, please talk to me about vice-captain Rangiku', would've been more fitting to the tone, thought Ichigo a shade sourly. Ichigo's bitterness probably wasn't solely responsible for Renji's comments sounding as if they were tinted with a certain kind of glee.
However, aside from the personal touches that Renji had liberally employed in his assessment, the shinigami's summary of the situation was more or less correct. Captain Ukitake was now lying down because his sickness apparently relapsed due to the stress of dealing with Mayuri rampant and facing his concerned and enraged seated officers afterwards. As a result, they had turned to Rukia for explanation (likely she was here to escape them as well). Any verbal or physical torture by Rangiku to Renji was probably nothing compared to what Captain Hitsugaya was being subjected to.
Only two captains were seemingly unaffected by all this: Captain Soifon ignored everyone and went around with a cold air that conveyed the statement 'I told you so'. And Captain Kuchiki Byakuya was… Captain Kuchiki Byakuya.
"The only reason nobody's barging in to get a piece of him is thanks to us dragging him here so that he's out of everybody's sight. Considering what he'd done, I've half a mind to toss him to them -."
At this point, Muramasa spoke for the first time since they came into the room.
"Would that help?
All three simultaneously turned their heads towards the zanpakuto spirit, who went on in a perfectly peaceful tone.
"Perhaps we can have everyone lined up and each can have a 'go' at me, if it helps. After all, it's not like I'll be 'killed' as long my 'wielder' is fine. So I can still be around to be of use."
Rukia put her hand to her forehead and Ichigo shook his head.
"Be serious."
"But I am. Now that I think of it, lining up might take entirely too long. Perhaps ten of them can go all at once? The captains still need me to explain a few things and we need to save time."
Renji gestured towards the zanpakuto spirit, while giving his two friends a look that clearly conveyed the words 'See? He's not even taking it seriously!'. Ichigo spoke again.
"You're not helping, you know."
Muramasa merely shrugged and Renji continued.
"Okay, as tempting as that idea is, fat chance any of the captains will allow it. But hell, all the same, everyone's on the edge – and by 'everyone' I mean the zanpakutos as well. What's getting to them is the fact that he's free to roam around like this - when we can barely trust him."
"Look, Renji,, I'm his wielder! I'm keeping watch over him."
"Except you're 'watching over him' in a different way. You know, like a mother he.…"
Retaining some sense, Renji stopped short even before he saw Ichigo's expression. However, he wasn't through yet.
"And he did run after that possessed shinigami and no-one could hold him back."
"I caught up with him!"
"Only after a while! Who knows what went on between him and that thing during that time?"
"Well then, what do you suggest, Renji? All you've been doing is just venting…"
Muramasa interjected again.
"If it's necessary, I 'could' go back to the sealed cell like before. Of course, all I can do from there is merely talking, so you have to consider that my usage level would somewhat decrease…."
"You're NOT helping!"
Both Ichigo and Rukia shouted at the same time, whipping their heads towards the zanpakuto spirit who carried on in that infuriatingly calm voice.
"You asked for a suggestion so…"
Rukia repeated the hand-to-forehead gesture and Ichigo sighed. Renji put his hands on his waist and growled but even he was surprised as Muramasa dipped his head low and murmured.
"Now that I think about it, you may have been being too 'familiar' with me… and that could be a problem for you all."
"What? What are you talking about?"
Muramasa lifted head and looked at Ichigo.
"Even though the captains approve of you, I'd think a good portion of Seireitei would look upon a substitute shinigami with… ambivalence, at best. So you appearing to give me any 'support' probably wouldn't help your already dubious position."
Ichigo was about the say something but Muramasa, smiling that wry smile of his, didn't give him any opening.
"I know I'm the one who accepted your offer. But it wouldn't look very appropriate if you keep on acting like anything other than a 'guard' to keep me properly 'leashed'. On that note, I do apologize for my rash behavior that vice-captain Abarai has brought up. I admit I forgot myself when I chased that 'thing.' You must have been rattled."
"I wasn't…!"
"And then there's you, Kuchiki Rukia."
As Muramasa abruptly turned towards Rukia, Ichigo stumbled over the objection he was about to make and Rukia blinked her eyes.
"Me? What do you…"
"You are a Kuchiki. You're actually in a worse position because of it. I know you feel responsible because you're the one who brought Kurosaki Ichigo to me and that's why you keep close. But you did notice that the captains, aside from the times they need information, are trying to have as little association with me as possible? Even then… well, we all heard how they're under siege from their subordinates. Perhaps it's wiser for you to keep distance from now on. Any damage to your reputation might spread to Kuchiki Byakuya, and to the Kuchiki clan as a whole, and I know how important that is to the Kuchiki clan."
Rukia blinked a little more, and then her face hardened.
"You think we should be worried about tainting our reputation by 'associating with you'?"
Rukia's question was deceptively calm but it was as hard as a marble. Seemingly unaware of this, Muramasa tilted his head.
"Shouldn't you be?"
Rukia narrowed her eyes. Ichigo recognized the look. It was a look she gave just before delivering a blow that'd knock him out of whatever pool of idiocy he happened to be drowning in. Rukia folded her arms and declared in her best 'Kuchiki' voice.
"Muramasa. I take that as an insult. Not just to me, but to the whole of Gotei 13."
Even Ichigo was surprised (and Renji stunned) as Rukia stepped up, took hold of Muramasa by one arm, and lifted him off the chair. Then Rukia proceeded to drag the zanpakuto spirit out of the room. Renji, finding his voice, sputtered:
"Rukia? What do you think you're doing?"
Rukia didn't even spare a glance.
"This is just… silly. We're going to Captain Ukitake and ask him to help us put an end to this."
"Wasn't Captain Ukitake bedridden due to stress…"
"By now, I can recognize when he is really bedridden or merely wishes' he's bedridden. Muramasa is right about one thing: we have no time to waste. Not when an apparent threat is looming over Soul Society and we need all the resource we can possibly get. If anyone has a problem with it, they'll just have to deal with it."
"What are you going to do, Rukia? Gather everyone up and make a speech?"
"If necessary, yes."
Renji, frustrated, furiously scratched his head.
"What about Sode no Shirayuki? Is she fine with you siding with him?"
Rukia's suddenly whipped around to face Renji. Her tone changed from a marble to a sword's edge as she carefully rested her hand on her zanpakuto .
"It's not a question of 'siding' with anyone. As for Sode no Shirayuki, true, she was wary at first. She's still wary. However, she knows what the priorities are and understand that we need Muramasa's help. You know what she went through last time but even now, she's saying she's with me and Ichigo all the way. I expect no less from everyone. No-one worthy to be in Gotei 13 would let a petty malice get in their way."
Renji cringed at the last sentence.
"It's not 'petty malice!' It's a precaution! It's true that this bastard is dangerous…"
"Well, that's a risk we'll have to take. As Gotei 13, it is our duty to be fully capable of such danger. After all, we survived the last incident and if anything, we should have learned from it."
"Rukia, that is…"
"Renji, I'd also like to say something."
Renji pulled his head back as Ichigo suddenly stood very close to him and spoke in a deadpan manner.
"I'm his wielder now. So if you or anyone else has issues with him, then they'd better confront me first."
Leaving Renji staring, Ichigo turned around and took hold of Muramasa's other arm.
"Worry about our reputation? Ha, my friends and I once turned the whole Seireitei upside down. I should tell you about it …"
"Renji, you're free to stay here and sulk all you want."
With that, the two led Muramasa away as Renji stood still with his mouth open.
Just before being led fully out of the room, Muramasa looked over his shoulder at the red-haired shinigami. His mouth parted slightly and Renji tensed – getting ready to counter whatever verbal sting the zanpakuto spirit might throw at him.
A red tongue slipped out from the parted mouth in a very deliberate movement - the zanpakuto spirit's expression remaining impassive the whole time. Then Muramasa turned and allowed himself to be led out to the hallway, out of Renji's line of sight.
Because it was totally unexpected, it took Renji a while to register that he had just been mocked in the most traditional and possibly the most childish manner in the history of all insults.
About three minutes later, should anyone happened to be passing through that particular hallway (No one was, thankfully), they'd have been knocked down by a chaotic blur of red and black that screamed as it hurtled down the hall.
"RUKIA! ICHIGO! You're both being FOOLED! Can't you see that he's EVIL? EVIL, I tell you! EEEEEEEVIL!"
Well, it's better than we expected, Ichigo thought as he looked over the surroundings. Sure, the hostility is almost tangible, but no one tried to kill him outright.
Yet.
Rukia had assured him that it was under control - the captains had taken care of it. Actually, what the captains did was what any other officers of any organization would do under such circumstances. They quite literally passed the matter up: 'Well, I'm sorry for keeping this under wraps. But Captain-Commander had already decided. You're perfectly entitled to make objections. No? You don't feel comfortable going up to him in person? Why, I'll help you fill out the proper complaint form.'
So it was that everyone (grudgingly) settled (for now) for a formal apology and a vow that Muramasa will abide by any of the conditions attached to him by Seiretei – the presentation doubling as the first real (re)introduction of the zanpakuto spirit to the rest of Gotei 13.
Ichigo looked around once more at the group of shinigami – standing in half a circle on the Sokyoku Hill . As most of the captains and the vice-captains (Except for the 11th division where 3rd and 5th seat officers replaced their absent superiors as usual) were present, the view was quite imposing. Apparently many were intent on making most of this as they held their zanpakutos in full display as well as keeping their reiatsu carefully honed, ready to be unleashed into full battle mode at the barest hint of provocation.
According to Rukia, these were all the members that Muramasa had 'summoned' when he made his rather memorable first appearance, and the same place. While the irony might be fitting, Ichigo wasn't sure if this was the best way as all seemed to remember that moment very vividly.
Captain Ukitake cleared his throat and started.
"Well, as we're all here, if everyone would…"
He was cut off as Muramasa suddenly strode past Ichigo and Rukia without warning - right towards the group. The zanpakuto spirit seemed completely poised (with both hands tucked inside his robe as usual – Ichigo and Rukia noticed worriedly), letting all the glares and hostile reiatsu pass straight through him.
At last he stopped at about midway between Ichigo's group and the group of shinigami. Rukia and Captain Ukitake exchanged nervous looks across the distance and Ichigo was sure that the thought running through their minds must be the same as his: Within a very convenient reach of an attack. Almost like he's…taunting.
Many shinigami were already scowling and Renji stepped forward.
"How arrogant are you…"
Then the zanpakuto spirit slowly went down on one knee – to the dusty ground with his head bent low. As the shinigami blinked in unison, Muramasa spoke.
"I regret that I am unable to address everyone in Soul Society. Yet as the circumstance demands, please permit me to address all shinigami present here as representing the whole of Soul Society."
Well, that isn't a bad start…. thought Ichigo but Muramasa's next words made him choke.
"I shall not apologize."
Rukia and Captain Ukitake exchanged horrified looks and the hostile reiatsu became downright murderous. Renji was nearly snarling when Muramasa spoke again.
"Because I am not worthy."
Confusion dissipated the dangerous edge off the reiatsu and Muramasa continued.
"My past sins are too great for a mere apology. The deeds committed were inexcusable and the damage irreparable. Everyone in Soul Society has every reason and right to annihilate me right here. And should anyone choose to do so, I shall gladly receive the punishment."
As if to drive the point home, the zanpakuto spirit lowered his head even more so that his hair almost brushed the ground and that his neck was exposed.
"I have no right to ask anyone to believe me when I say that I'm trying to atone for my crimes. I do not ask for forgiveness or trust. I merely ask you to permit my presence for the time being, if only for the sake of the Captain-Commander and rest of the captains, who decided to summon me in the hopes that I'd be of use in the current crisis."
Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other as the tension noticeably diffused. It was too much to hope that the shinigami were buying everything the zanpakuto spirit was saying, but the obviously submissive gesture was having its effects.
"I also implore you to not hold anything against the captains, who risked a great deal to bring me here. I also extend this wish towards substitute shinigami Kurosaki Ichigo, Kuchiki Rukia, and vice-captain Abarai Renji, who willingly undertook the burden of watching over me despite any misunderstandings or accusations this might bring unto them, all for the good of Soul Society."
The last part must have made the most favorable impression, as the reiatsu significantly toned down and some even showed slight embarrassment. Renji also seemed somewhat placated but was apparently determined not to give in so easily.
"Aren't you forgetting to address certain people?"
To that, Muramasa gave a soft reply.
"How can I? They were the greatest casualties of my deeds. Everything I've said were also towards all the zanpakutos in Seireitei. To those I have manipulated against their will, dishonoring the sacred bond between them and their wielders, forcing my will upon them to go against their noble nature."
After a pause, Muramasa lifted his head and slowly stood up. When Ichigo thought that he had finished, Muramasa's voice rang out once more.
"But this I only extend to those who deserve it."
There was a bout of confused blinks. Renji took it upon himself to voice everyone's question.
"What the hell does that supposed to mean?"
"It is true that I did separate the zanpakutos from their wielders. However, as for putting them under my control… shall I say, there were differences in the degrees of 'manipulation' that I had to employ for each?"
"What?"
"If one unleashes temperamental or even rabid dogs, then that one is undoubtedly responsible for all the harms caused by such action. But one hardly needs to defer to the dogs themselves, now does he? Especially if the said dogs were ready to rip their masters' throats at any given chance. I'm sure that the ones I'm talking about know it themselves."
Ichigo nearly winced as the reiatsu level hit an all-time-high. Renji, though, was the first to show a visible reaction.
"Why you…."
Suddenly, Muramasa turned to face Renji and lowered his head.
"I especially wanted to express my regret towards you, vice-captain Abarai Renji, and to Zabimaru."
Taken by surprise, Renji resorted to the broadest of all responses.
"What?"
"What I've used on Zabimaru was nothing short of brainwashing. Zabimaru's loyalty towards you was so great that it'd have been impossible for me to turn them against you otherwise. Not even Ryujin Jakka or Senbonzakura had put up such resistance as Zabimaru had done."
Renji blinked.
"They… did?"
"Of course, does not their memory loss afterwards speak for itself? That was how much force I had to exert upon them. As it is, I am doubly ashamed that I've dishonored such a strong and honorable bond."
It was glaringly obvious that Renji's facial muscles were fighting a losing battle against the oncoming grin born of sheer pride. When he spoke, most of the previous edge in his voice had been melted away.
"Well… I mean, yes, they did return to normal pretty soon. As you said, the bond between us is very powerful so it's not like your… manipulation can do any lasting harm anyway… Come to that, I did learn a thing or two during that encounter…"
It was just as well that Renji couldn't see everyone's expression. After looking at his red-haired friend (chuckling now, no less!) in disbelief, Ichigo surveyed the group again. He fancied he could discern their (and their zanpakutos') thoughts: to display any offense at this point would only draw suspicion that 'they' might be the ones that Muramasa was talking about. While Renji and Zabimaru had been (strategically) praised, there was no telling what the zanpakuto spirit's next verbal counter might be. The best course of action was to stay unruffled to show that the accusation had nothing whatsoever to do with them. Muramsa turned again towards the group.
"If everyone would excuse me, I believe the captains wanted me to enlighten them on a few more matters regarding the current situation. Isn't that right, Captain Jushiro Ukitake?"
Addressed so suddenly, Captain Ukitake was momentarily taken aback but he soon regained his composure and gave assent, taking leave of the group. The zanpakuto spirit gave a parting bow and turned, leaving behind a gawking group (and one very mollified – even happy shinigami) of Seireitei's best.
As Muramasa joined Rukia and Ichigo, both of them couldn't help pointing at him and stutter.
"You… you're… you're really…"
Muramasa gave them a sidelong glance and the two gave up trying to find an appropriate comment.
The head servant didn't know what to make of this one. The guest's attire bespoke of, if not quite on par with the highest noble families, a lineage belonging to one of the lesser nobles. Yet what noble would just 'drop in' and request to be taken to the head of the house? Yet the speech was eloquent and the guest's mannerism, immaculate.
Therefore, the presence of three swords hanging from the figure's sash was just baffling.
As if sensing the servant's discomfort, the figure smiled.
"I apologize for the sudden visit. However, I would truly appreciate it if you could let the master of the house know that he has a guest. Tell him the guest bears a message from a Kuzumori."
The servant blinked at the unfamiliar name but the visitor's confident air was intimidating. He murmured for the visitor to excuse him for a moment and turned to alert his master.
Just before he stepped into the house, the servant caught the whispery end of what sounded like a conversation.
"…. sometimes, direct approach is best, Tsuki-Oumono."
The servant turned his head only to face the visitor's smile. Somehow unnerved and embarrassed, the servant turned back and hurried into the house, deciding that he must have misheard or that the visitor had been talking to himself. After all, the mysterious figure was standing all alone.
Unless the visitor was talking to her swords.
*I really, really want to see this story through… I already planned the ending. The only problem is the middle part...
