Kataku

Chapter Nine: Kira's Hesitation, Zaraki's Decision


"My, my, where could Ichigo have gotten to? He's late," Ichimaru muttered to himself, sitting alone in his study. His kingdom was at war right at his front door, and yet Ichigo was nowhere to be found. He knew if his second-in-command was in a hurry, he could make it back to the castle in under a day. Yet it had already been nearly two since Hitsugaya informed him the soldier had left Shikaku. Was it possible he got caught up in a fight on the way back?

A knock at his door stirred Ichimaru from his thoughts, and he immediately assumed his subordinate had returned. A simple 'come in' revealed not an out-of-breath Ichigo or battle-worn Ichigo, but an unsettled Kira.

"Ah, Kira-kun, what's wrong for ya to be in here at such a time?" Ichimaru's contemplative face melted away into his usual grin on sight of the blonde.

"The war outside;" Kira said, his voice quivering, "it's so close to the castle and our soldiers are being outnumbered, at least three to one!"

"There's no need t' be so frightened," Ichimaru assured him. "Shikaku's on the way now, help will arrive."

"We won't last that long, at this rate-!"

"Lower your voice, will ya? It's upsetting to see you so nervous." Seeing that his new servant had contained himself, he allowed the boy to continue.

"Even though we're holding our own even against Shokkaku's numbers, we still have Kyuukaku's strength to worry about," his voice became softer and nearly nostalgic as he spoke of his old kingdom. "Zaraki-san has probably already left, and is heading this way now."

"We're in a tough spot, ain't we? But I do hope Ukitake-san and his kingdom are alright, they ain't fighters t' be attacked like that."

Kira stared, bewildered, at his king. "How can you be so relaxed and only show concern for your allies and not yourself?" he demanded. "Do you not care what happens to your soldiers and your kingdom?!"

"I don't like repeatin' myself, but it seems you weren't listenin' before," Ichimaru said. "There ain't nothin' t' worry about, so there's no need t' act so worried." Before Kira could begin to panic again, he continued. "Why don't ya find Hanatarou-kun and help him prepare for the injured that'll be comin' your way?"

Kira sighed and bowed his head. "If that's what you wish."

He left the king to himself and, just after shutting the door, looked up to see Ichigo heading his way. "Ichigo-san!"

The soldier approached the blue-eyed boy and raised a hand in greeting. "Everything okay in here?" he asked. A cut bleeding out the side of his face signaled that not everything was so peaceful outside the castle doors.

"Yes," Kira told him, "but you're injured... did you come in right through the front door or something?"

"I did, it's a mess out there," Ichigo said offhandedly, casting a glance over the railing and towards the castle's main entrance.

"You must be extremely powerful to have fought your way through all of that and only come out with a scratch," Kira remarked, in slight awe-- he hadn't thought Ichigo looked very strong.

Upon hearing this, Ichigo grinned and heaved his large blade over his shoulder. "I'm not Ichimaru-sama's second-in-command for nothin'."

"Ichimaru-sama," Kira repeated, "is he always so laid-back in situations like that?"

"Yeah," Ichigo confirmed, chuckling. "I used to get frustrated and panicked about it, but now I just find it encouraging."

"Encouraging? How in the world do you do that?" Kira asked, still in the 'finding it alarming' state.

"Ichimaru-sama never worries about these types of situations because he always knows he'll come out on top."

"Confidence and arrogance are two different things," the blonde pointed out, knowing firsthand how arrogant Zaraki was. Even though his previous lord had the pure muscle and strength to back up all of his claims, he didn't pin Ichimaru in the same category as Zaraki.

"He may be a lot of things, but arrogant isn't one of them," Ichigo assured him. "He always comes out on top, regardless of whoever else gets hurt, but also makes sure those close to him are alright, too."

Kira wasn't sure about the 'sacrifice whoever in order to win' mentality Ichigo spoke up, but he did know that one thing was certain. "Maybe your faith in him isn't so misplaced." He admired the younger one for having so much faith in his lord, and never remembered having so much trust placed in Zaraki. He even thought his lord was going to kill him that one day, and knew Ichigo would never have to worry about that. "Though," he reminded himself, "he did say that Ichimaru-sama wasn't very stable, but does that really mean he doesn't trust him as much as he says he does?" Ichigo didn't seem the type to put on an act for anyone, not even Ichimaru. The two of them together were impossible to figure out and it gave Kira a headache.

"You alright?" Ichigo asked, narrowing his eyes slightly in concern for the other boy, who looked like he needed a serious hug.

"I..." Kira trailed off, frowning. He cast his gaze down to the floor and wondered when he had become so lost. Was it really just recently when he was shipped off to Kan? Or was it longer ago, when he had been robbed of his parents and his freedom? He knew he used to be a happy child, but Zaraki had taken all of that away. Even so, he had remained loyal to the man, even defending his name while he wasn't around. Was that the kind of person he was, to make friends out of those that should be his enemies? If that was the case, then why did he hold hostilities against Ichimaru, who had done nothing to him and asked nothing of him?

"What's wrong?" the soldier questioned again, reaching out to place a hand on Kira's shoulder.

The blonde didn't even register the touch until moments afterward when he looked into Ichigo's eyes, determination riddling his own. "I want to fight against Zaraki-san." Not just Kyuukaku, no, he wanted to fight Zaraki.

"Wh-what?" Ichigo asked, startled. His hand lifted off of the steely-eyed one's shoulder. "There's no way you'd be able to win against him, you're still injured from the last time."

"I know that, I know I can't win," Kira shook his head, "but that doesn't mean I can't fight. I refuse to stay on the sidelines again while everyone else goes and fights. I don't want to stay back while Zaraki-san destroys this kingdom." He didn't care for Kan, it wasn't his home, but he did care for something. "How much faith you place in Ichimaru-sama... I want to place that same faith in Zaraki-san. I believe that he won't kill me, even if we meet with swords clashed." He hesitated before continuing his speech. "I want to see him again, even if it has to be on the battlefield," his eyes never tore themselves from Ichigo's, "and I also know that's the only place I'll see Yumichika-san again."

"Yumichika?" Ichigo repeated. "Who's that?"

Deciding there was no one better to tell his story to; Kira finally glanced back to the floor. "About five years ago, when I was only thirteen, Zaraki-san ordered two soldiers to my home to kill my parents. With no explanation as to why it was happening, Yumichika-san and Ikkaku-san came, murdered my mother and father, and took me back to Zaraki-san's castle."

Ichigo stared at the boy in front of him, taken back by the tale. More so, he was startled by how easily Kira had relayed his past, as if it no longer bothered him. Carefully, Ichigo regained his composure. "So you want to find this Yumichika guy again to get revenge on him killing your parents?"

It was Kira's turn to look surprised as he raised his head and offered Ichigo a smile. "No, of course not. Afterwards, Yumichika-san became my friend. He said he didn't want to do what he had done, but that he spared no compassion for a stranger over his lord's order. I couldn't blame him for that, seeing where he was raised. Over time, we became a lot closer, and he's one of the only people I feel I can really trust."

Ichigo gave a weary sigh and ran his hand through his hair. "You're really a mess, aren't you?" Hearing everything, he couldn't help but agree. "Alright, you can fight, but I don't want you going out aimlessly; wait until Kyuukaku arrives."

"Of course," Kira said, "I only want to meet with Zaraki-san and Yumichika-san out there, no one else has my interest." Bowing quickly, he ran off to help Hanatarou until his time came.


"Choukaku sent up a distress signal just after nightfall of the day before yesterday. Soon after, a large part of Shokkaku's forces attacked the kingdom and though Kan's army has held their own so far, we cannot be expected to win when Kyuukaku joins the fight." Ichigo stared across the desk at his lord, who took the news in stride.

"But for now, everything's under control, right?" Ichimaru asked, never expecting a disappointing answer from his younger subordinate.

"For now," Ichigo agreed, "but the army that has attacked our defenses is not Shokkaku's full strength. It's likely that the remainder of Aizen-san's army is the force that assaulted Choukaku."

"And who's gone to Choukaku's defense?"

Ichigo hesitated before continuing. "Our soldiers, as well as those of the Kingdom of Shikaku, are focused currently on defending against Shokkaku's army and the anticipated attack of Kyuukaku. However, we have no doubt that Kuchiki-san has seen the distress signal and will immediately go to Choukaku's aid." Sensing that Ichimaru was not pleased with this answer, he continued, "In addition, Ukitake-san, who by a series of events ended up in Hitsugaya-san's castle, has remained there since the day before yesterday, and is uninvolved in any battles at this time."

"I see," Ichimaru said after the report was finished. "Well, if Ukitake-kun ain't in any danger, then I guess Choukaku'll just have t' wait for other reinforcements t' arrive." After all, Ukitake, and not Choukaku, was his ally. "Kuchiki-san probably anticipated such a thing, anyway, and is most likely on his way there now, so no need t' get concerned about it, yet."

Ichigo nodded, relieved that Ichimaru wasn't upset with the way things had been handled. He added one last bit of information. "Kyuukaku is quite a distance from here, and I doubt Zaraki-san will go straight through Shikaku to get here." He guessed Zaraki would take the path with least resistance, in order to get straight to the fighting, and would work his way through the nearly-defenseless and wounded Choukaku. "It should take their army at least another day to arrive here."

Just as Ichimaru was about to speak, Hanatarou rushed in, bowing. "I apologize for interrupting," he said quickly, "but Kyuukaku's forces have arrived and begun their attack!"

"What?" Ichigo asked. "How did they get here so fast?"

"Seems they're one step ahead of us, doesn't it?" Ichimaru asked, never wavering in his grinning expression.

"Even though Hitsugaya-san is on his way, it'll still take him a while to reach our location;" Ichigo informed his lord, "Kan can't win like this." He frowned, but his determined gaze never faltered. "I'm going to join in the battle."

"That's a smart move," Ichimaru agreed. "Round up whoever else can fight before ya head out, and have some fun." He tilted his head in Hanatarou's direction. "Start preparin' for the wounded soldiers, Hanatarou-kun, I'm sure we'll get a boatload of 'em in, soon."

Hanatarou and Ichigo both bowed their understanding of their orders and exited the study, once again leaving Ichimaru to his own devices.


Hanatarou and Ichigo split ways and just before he entered the battlefield outside, Ichigo cast a glance over his shoulder. "I wonder where Kira is." He knew, though, that he couldn't waste time tracking him down and that he would most likely hear of the invasion soon enough.

Outside, not even a mile away, bodies cluttered the land. The sound of metal clashing and men screaming their last breath filled the air, and the scent of blood and sweat was nearly overwhelming. It hadn't been this bad when he first arrived back from Shikaku, and Ichigo knew that the added brutality that Kyuukaku brought was the cause.

Not hesitating, Ichigo dashed into the thick of the battle, eyes trained for white and red armbands. He easily cut through enemy soldiers, meeting very few that could resist him, and none that slowed him down. Growling in frustration, Ichigo knew that this was all child's play, and screamed out from inside for a stronger opponent-- he couldn't serve Ichimaru well by stepping on ants.

Finally, his blade met with another's, and he could tell that its wielder was strong. The opposing glint of metal didn't even waver as he poured his strength into the attack, and after a moment he jumped back to survey the enemy. Of course, he noted, the man was from Kyuukaku.

Ikkaku grinned upon meeting some resistance in his slaughter. "Finally!" he exclaimed. "I finally meet someone with some decent strength! And here I thought I'd be unlucky the whole day."

Yumichika, who was nearby fighting off his own, weaker opponents, glanced over to his comrade and Ichigo. "Do you know who that is, Ikkaku?" he asked, bringing his two, twisted-blade short swords in front of him to defend against an attack. "That's Ichimaru-san's second-in-command, Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Really?" Ikkaku asked, excitedly. "That's even better, I really am lucky today!" Before continuing his attack, he shot the other Kyuukaku soldier a look. "Don't you get in my way, Yumichika."

The bob-haired man smirked as he gutted a soldier in front of him and gracefully parried a block with one blade while stabbing his opponent with another. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Ruthless was the only word that came to mind when Ichigo watched his comrades being slaughtered. He wondered if this was really Kyuukaku's true power before the conversation registered in his head. "Yumichika?" he repeated, staring at said man, "You're the one Kira wants to see again so bad?" Had Kira really gotten so close to someone so dangerous?

"Kira-kun?" Yumichika repeated, glancing over his shoulder at Ichigo and frowning slightly. "So you know him, where is he?"

Ichigo knew Kira wanted to see this person, but he couldn't help but feel that Yumichika was too dangerous for the soft-spoken servant to be near. He shook his head and pointed his sword at the Kyuukaku soldier. "No way am I telling you."

Yumichika's frown melted into a scowl as he turned to face the boy. "Who says you have a right to deny me? After all, I am much more beautiful than you, you ugly duckling."

"Ugly duckling?" Ichigo wrinkled his nose. "Now there's no way I'm telling you."

"Then I'll force it out of you!" the vain warrior shouted, immediately attacking Ichigo.

The first attack was blocked easily, but Ichigo soon found out that Yumichika wasn't so weak. The Kyuukaku soldier was fast, and his assault followed through to the end. He struck Ichigo's broadsword repeatedly, forcing the boy back towards the castle's steps. His shouted demands of where Kira was were as relentless as his attacks.

"I said I'm not telling you," Ichigo growled, pushing forth more power and turning his defense into offense. He cut across where Yumichika should have been, but met with air. He pressed his attack, following the retreating soldier closer to the bulk of the battle.

"You stole him!" Ikkaku shouted. "You said you wouldn't!" Yumichika didn't respond, however, and the bald-headed soldier growled in frustration before charging back into battle to find another, worthy opponent.

Ichigo continued his counterattack, bringing his blade down towards Yumichika's head, only to be blocked again. He cut across the man's chest, knocking him back into a few of his comrades, but only had a moment before the retaliation began again.

"Where is Kira-kun?" Yumichika demanded, aiming low and stabbing Ichigo in the thigh.

Ichigo barely winced, aiming to take off Yumichika's arm and forcing him to pull back. "I'm not telling someone like you, and he's probably inside, anyway."

"You ugly, horrible boy," Yumichika spat. "You better be taking care of him."

Ichigo grinned. "I didn't know Kira had someone who cared so much about him in that place."

"It's none of your business, let me through or I'll force my way through!" The threat was the last the two spoke to each other before their fighting resumed. Yumichika, more enraged than before, distorted his face into an angry grimace and reinforced his attacks, once again driving the defending Ichigo back towards his destination.

"Yumichika-san!" a voice rang out, immediately drawing both fighters' attention to the castle doors. The Kyuukaku warrior took advantage of the distraction and knocked Ichigo aside before looking up to the boy.

"Kira-kun," Yumichika whispered, "you're alright." He quickly made his way to the blonde, but stopped just as he reached the steps, his eyes widening slightly. Time seemed to stop as Kira, Yumichika, Ikkaku, and Ichigo all froze, their attention trained on the man who had appeared next to Kira. Zaraki had entered the scene.


Byakuya was nearly finished all of his past-due work when Renji burst into his office. The wild-haired boy bent down into a bow. "Kuchiki-sama, I apologize for interrupting, but Choukaku's defense signal went up recently and I think they're under attack." His voice was panicked, but he kept it low; he knew how his lord despised shouting.

"I'm aware of the situation," Kuchiki commented, calmly, "I sent a portion of our forces to help with Rukia leading them."

"Rukia? You never send her." Even though the younger sister of Mikaku's lord was a very capable fighter, perhaps one of the best in the land, Byakuya always refused to send her out into battle. He said that she was too passionate and fought with her heart instead of her mind, and that would result in her getting hurt easily. It was one of the few scenarios in which he actually showed compassion towards any of his subordinates.

"Take half of our remaining forces and follow with her. I want no survivors from Shokkaku's assault."

Renji was about to ask how he knew Shokkaku was the attacker, but realized that everything leading up to this had been a distraction. Aizen was meaning to take over Kan, but he had used his declaration of war, sending a note out to everyone, to draw attention to Ichimaru's kingdom. Meanwhile, he sent out a party through his ally's kingdom and snuck in to attack the weaker ally of Kan. With Kyuukaku's full force backing him, he could afford to send out a good part of his army and still come out of the war victorious. Renji was certain, though, that he hadn't bet on Mikaku entering the fight, as he was unaware of Byakuya and Ukitake's close relationship.

Understanding Byakuya's lack of patience with Aizen, Renji bowed again. "I'll leave immediately."


Haha, Kira had an angsty, cliche past, like everyone else gets in AU fics. He tries not to angst over it, though XD, but that usually makes it worse x-x. Someone should tell him to let it go, hm? o.o Zaraki... he's creepy, that's my only comment about that XD. And Byakuya on revenge-mode... is kind of awkward. All in all, a rather...OOC chapter, but I like it XD. And I also apologize for your long, long wait x-x. I don't deserve your generosity, but you do deserve to be recognized for it:

DarogaDaae, Lady Charliie, Hair-Noodles, fangirl666, and blitzkriegdemolitiongirl. Thanks for reviewing!