Chapter Nine

Kuchiki Manor

Soul Society, Japan

'Welcome home, Kuchiki-sama.' the servant bowed deeply as Byakuya entered the main gate.

'Thank you, Kyo. Please send Takashi to my study.' Byakuya commanded as he walked toward the main house, acknowledging with a slight nod to all the others bowing as he passed.

'As you command, Kuchiki-sama' Kyo replied as he ran ahead to inform the servants their master had returned and to inform Takashi he was needed.

Walking up the path to the main house, Byakuya noticed Hisana running from the one of the building that housed the minor members of the Kuchiki Clan and he sighed in irritation.

'Byakuya! Byakuya!' Hisana called out, ignoring the many looks of disapproval that was thrown her way from the various Kuchiki family member or servants that were on the grounds.

As she came up to him, Byakuya raised his eyebrow in censure. Hisana knew with that one look that she had made a mistake. She stopped and bowed deeply. Byakuya had no choice but to stop, it would not be polite for him to ignore her.

'I apologize Kuchiki-sama. I forgot myself.' Hisana tried to act apologetic.

'Yes, Hisana-san, it seems that you did.' Byakuya chastised her. He watched as her body tensed and her hands clenched tightly then loosen quickly. He knew that she was trying to hide her anger.

'Again, I apologize Kuchiki-sama.' Hisana replied with quiet anger in her voice.

Byakuya decided it was not the time to get into it. 'What is that you needed Hisana-san?'

'Um, I understand that you will be leaving for the real world on a mission.' Hisana asked.

'Yes, Hisana-san, I will be.' Byakuya confirmed waiting impatiently to find out what she wanted.

'Um, well, I was wondering how long you will be gone? Will it be dangerous? Who will be going with you? What kind of mission is it?' Hisana questioned him.

Byakuya looked at her in disapproval. 'You know that it is inappropriate for you to question me. Let alone think that you would receive an answer. Since you hold no position in the court guard or any position of authority in this household, there is no reason for you to have any answers.'

Hisana's face flushed in embarrassment as the others around them nodded in agreement. She was angry. 'How dare he talk to me like that.' she thought. 'I will show him some day.'

'I know Kuchiki-sama, but I was worried and wanted to just reassure myself of your safe return.'

'Oh, do you expect me to NOT return, Hisana-san?' Byakuya voiced his cynicism, hearing the resentment from his household.

Hisana tried to correct her mistake. 'No, of course not Kuchiki-sama. I know you will return safely. I just wanted..'

'Enough, Hisana-san. I have more important things to settle before tomorrow. What is it you require?' Byakuya impatiently asked.

Hisana attempted to hide her displeasure. 'Well I understand from Rukia, she has also been assigned on this mission. With both of you gone, you will need someone to oversee the household and I wanted to offer my services.'

'That will not be necessary. Takashi will be overseeing the entire clan until my return.' Byakuya retorted.

'Yes, I am sure that he will do an adequate job.' Hisana began, but Byakuya cut her off.

'If I did not think he could undertake this duty, he would not have been chosen. Do you now question my judgment?'

'No, of course I do not. But, perhaps Takashi-san will need help running both the household and the family. I could assist him, if you'd like.'

'That also will not be necessary. I have asked Huruhi-chan to aid Takashi, if necessary. But, thank you. If that is all, I will bid you good day.' Byakuya informed Hisana, naming his aunt. He trusted his father's sister implicitly, she would never betray the clan, he could not say the same for Hisana. He nodded to Hisana and walked away, Byakuya did not have to turn back to know that she was giving him a look of pure hate. He would have to make sure that Takashi and Huruhi-chan kept a close eye on her.

Takashi bowed deeply as Byakuya reached the front of the main house. 'Kuchiki-sama, I see that Hisana-san did not waste anytime trying to offer her help.'

'And that in itself is interesting.' Byakuya said as he walked towards his study. 'So you were aware of her request.'

'I was Kuchiki-sama. I did inform her that the offer was appreciated, but was not required. She insisted in asking. Since she did not take my word, I saw no reason to keep her from her embarrassment.'

'She was not happy with my answer. Though she tried to hide her anger and hate, I could feel it. She will need to be watched closely, Takashi. Make certain that she is shadowed. I will inform the Kuchiki council on this matter. Work with them and Huruhi-chan to find out what she up too. She is not to have access to the main house and any of the areas in which the records and documents are kept. I just received information from Yoruichi that Hisana has been seen in sections of the court guard that she has no business being in. That alone gives pause. Something is going on with her, something that is not in the best interest of the Kuchiki clan or Soul Society. Watch her carefully; I will expect reports on her. I will not allow her to bring shame to the Kuchiki name.' Byakuya's voice was filled with resolve.

'Yes, Kuchiki-sama.' Takashi agreed.

'Good.' Byakuya simply said. 'Is there anything else that we will need to discuss before I leave tomorrow?'

'No, you have already given me my instructions. I will have the reports ready for your daily check-in. If anything urgently comes up, I know to see Okita-san to contact you.' Takashi replied. 'Also, I had the servants prepare your uniform for tomorrow. I know that you will want to leave quite early.'

'Thank you, Takashi. I knew that you would have everything prepared. The clan will be in capable hands until my return.' Byakuya nodded as he walked out to head towards his rooms, Takashi following after him. Now he could concentrate on this upcoming mission. He did not look forward to it. With the situation involving Hisana, he felt his place was here trying to find out what she was planning. It was not good, but he was ordered, so go he must. It was quite a headache.