" But Nii-san! I reeeaaaallly want to go swimming!"
" I already gave an answer to your request. No. It just rained and I refuse to have anyone of the Kuchuki family taint their skin with the disgusting bacteria that are most certainly in that pool. I will have a cleaning squad from the fourth division clean it. They should be here in less than half an hour." Byakuya blew a loose strand of hair out of his face, a habit of his when he was irritated, arousing startled shouts and gasps from the various servants assembled around him.
" Sir! I insist if your hair is in your eyes, do not take it upon yourself to move it! Have one of our groomers do it for you!"
" Is the hair gel I gave you this morning not powerful enough, sir?"
" I am fine. You are all dismissed. Alert me if the cleaners show up," he said shortly.
The servants retreated, various mutterings of 'such a brave man' and ' I really should look into a more powerful hair product for him' filling the air.
Rukia pouted. She actually wasn't really in the mood to go swimming, but it didn't hurt to take advantage of her stay in the Soul Society. She had a multitude of servants and maids at her command, and a brother who viewed the word 'spoiled' as a phrase used by people who were jealous of their financial situation. Plus, the constant spiritual particles around her were helping her regain her powers. She hadn't drawn her sword during her stay so far, not having a reason to, but she was pretty certain if she did, she would be in prime fighting condition.
Byakuya sent her a glance, his usually steely eyes softening slightly. " Are you bored Rukia? There is plenty of entertainment in the house, if needed. Or we could spar. I haven't seen you pull out your sword in a while.
Rukia was about to agree when the sound of fast moving footsteps echoed through the door behind them. It flew open and Renji ran in, trailed by a cluster of protesting servants.
Renji appeared as though he had been running for a while. Sweat dripped down his brow, and panting, he pulled his sword out of his sheathe, leaning on it.
Hints of disgust registered on Byakuya's face. " Please go get Abarai a towel. His sweat is forming a puddle on the new tiles."
Through heavy pants, Renji said, " I apologize for intruding sir. As for the towel, I should be fine. "
Byakuya's face obviously said that he valued his tiles more than Renji's personal opinion, but he shook his head in dismissal. " What brings you here?"
Renji regained his composure, wiping the perspiration from his face. " I need Rukia. A matter has risen up in Karakura town. Ten mysterious reiatsu can be detected. We don't recognize any of them as any of the members of the squads, but they are different than hollow's."
" What?" Rukia stared at him. " When did they show up on the radars?"
" A few days ago. Sorry I couldn't come earlier, I had other...things to do." Byakuya could sense the very obvious vibe that Renji wasn't pleased that he had dumped all that paperwork on him just before the weekend. Renji grimaced. " And... We think that one of them killed some one. "
" Oh no. We should go down there, " Rukia gasped.
" Just what I was thinking, " he smirked, satisfied by their spontaneous agreement.
" Just a sec. I have to change." Rukia dashed back to the house.
Renji could feel Byakuya's eyes boring into the back of his head.
" What?" he exclaimed, turning around to face him.
" You keep her safe, all right?"
Renji blinked in surprise. " Of course."
" Good. " Renji wasn't so sure, but he thought he saw a hint of a smile on his lips.
The door burst open and Rukia emerged, clad in her shinigami uniform, sword worn at her hip.
She nodded to Renji. " Let's go."
They both launched into the air, leaping over the fence.
Byakuya shook his head. " Idiots."