Ch. 10 Gather and Scatter

Disclaimer: Persona 4 is owned by Atlus and Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo

Foxchick1: Thanks, and I'm glad you enjoy them, I like to try and make people laugh for fun

Midnight49: The power of comedy is a strong thing, and maybe after some therapy and something to distract them, they'll forget it eventually.

Luckenhaft: Yes, unfortunately

Ultima-owner: Thanks, I try my best

Guest: That's funny, nice one.

HelenTheMoon: Thanks, I'll work on that

Ugly Braixen: Not the first time I heard that, and I'm still working on it.

Guest: Thanks for reminding me, I guess I get that confused a bit since Personas and Shadows feel different by description, and nice choice."

I hope you enjoy

August 5 - Morning

Yu's POV

Yosuke and I wake up with luckily no one around to attack us. We grab our weapons, my katana and Yosuke's kunai, and prepare to exit the warehouse. I take a peek outside the storage area to see if anybody's nearby only to see empty streets. I wave Yosuke forward and we both exit and take a left to head to the area I was previously in and try to head to the white tower from there. As we run down a corridor with tall walls, we take notice to a series of clashing swords. We take a peek from a corner to see Ichigo having difficulty against a large shinigami captain with a rugged sword, fierce joy in his eye with an eyepatch on the right eye, and a maniacal smile.

Yosuke whispers with shivering fear "That guy. I may not have Rise's analysing ability, but I can easily tell that this guy is very strong, like, boss shadow strong." I nod in reply as I can feel this immense pressure coming from the larger man.

I look to Yosuke and say "Lets go around, we'll just get in the way trying to cross them."

Yosuke asks with slight surprise "Umm, partner, what about the guy with the orange hair, shouldn't we help him."

I think about it for a few seconds and answer "I know Yosuke, but I trust Ichigo to handle himself against him." Yosuke nods at that simple answer until I add "And besides, I don't think that large man would let us help without a fight, and we would most likely die trying." Judging by Yosuke's shocked, I must have used my serious face and voice.

We both then went around and somehow found our way to the entrance to the white tower. Although, in order to enter the prison we have to climb plenty of stair to get there, so we start our run.

August 5 - daytime

Sokyoku prison

As we made it to the prison, we are surprised to what we see on the entrance bridge. Ganju, rukia, and a meek looking shinigami with a sash are being confronted by another captain based on the white hiori. I look to Yosuke who has a serious look on his face as he looks at me, we nod to each other and quickly run before things get worse.

Before we could reach there, Ganju tried to attack him only for the captain to quickly cut him, Ganju must've couldn't see him from the surprise look on his face and that he barely dodged the attack. We immediately quicken our pace before Ganju gets himself killed.

I called out as a warning "Ganju, stop!" Ganju looks back in surprise and stopped before he could continue, we also seem to catch the attention of the captain as he looks toward us.

Ganju calls back "Don't get any closer, he'll kill you in an instant!" I knew, but I had to keep going as the captain was about to make another attack. I quickly sped in front of Ganju and block the attack with slight difficulty as the captain must be highly skilled in sword combat.

The captain says with a slight monotone voice "So, you are able to block my strike, that is commendable to you Ryoka."

I reply as we separate at a small distance "I suppose I should take that as a compliment."

Rukia says with surprise and fear "Narukami, what are you doing here?! Why are you here?!"

I answer with seriousness "We're here to save you, because we're friends."

The captain says "What a pitiful reason to throw away your lives, what is your name."

I reply without hesitation "I am Yu Narukami, and we will save Rukia from grasp from death."

The captain replies "I am Byakuya Kuchiki, captain of squad 6. By the laws of the Seireitei, I will not let you go any further. You have sacrificed your lives the minute you stepped inside our walls."

Before I made an attack I call out "Yosuke, keep Ganju safe, I'll take care of him." I see Yosuke nod and stand in front of Ganju with his kunai's up in a defensive stance. I immediately go for the first strike in which Byakuya blocked with his blade and pushed back. We connect our attacks a few times as Byakuya is most likely trying to find an opening in my stance. I try to not only surprise Byakuya, but also to keep him on his toes with no opening by taking a couple of strikes then summon Izanagi to take a couple of hit in which surprise everyone else except Yosuke is surprised to see my persona. Izanagi attempts a couple of strikes with his naginata in which Byakuya blocks the best he can with the heavy strikes.

Ganju asks as I continue to take a couple of strikes "What the hell is that?!"

Yosuke answers for me "It's a persona, it's sorta like a representation of our personality in physical form." Ganju somehow still might not understands but decides not to question it right now.

As Byakuya and I clash again he says "I commend you for surviving this long, you made it much longer that Ichigo did." we separate our clash and I nod at his apparent compliment, he continues "Unfortunately, I have wasted enough time with this conflict, I must end this now."

Byakuya immediately holds his sword in front of his face as he chants "Scatter, Senbonzakura." The blade on his zanpakuto immediately broken down upon the chant and scatter as the appearance of cherry blossoms.

I knew something was wrong with that and as Rukia yelled "No, You'll kill him! Please, stop it brother!"

3-person POV

As the cherry blossom blades move closer, Byakuya felt assured of his win until he saw Yu hold his hand up as if something would fall on his hand as a card with the hermit arcana float over his hand and calls out with determination "Arahabaki!" The persona floats behind him and reflects all the cherry blossom blades that try to cut through Yu with what seems to be an invisible shield. This surprised everyone besides Yosuke at the sudden appearance of this new persona.

Yu says with focus and determination "I won't be defeated that easily, I have more than one persona to handle a multitude of situations. We will save Rukia."

Byakuya immediately got his emotions under control and tries to control the cherry blossoms with his sword hilt until a hand grabbed his before he could attack with his shikai.

The new captain that appeared says with a smile in a relieved tone "That was close, would've been dangerous, why don't we leave it at that captain Kuchiki?"

Rukia says with slight surprise "Captain Ukitake?!"

Ukitake replies "Hey there Rukia, it's good to see you. Are you alright?"

Byakuya asks with an angry look in his eyes "What are you doing here captain?"

Ukitake replies "Well, I could ask you the same thing, after all releasing a zanpakuto on a place like this is a first-class offense, even if it's to repel ryoka. What were you thinking Kuchiki?"

Byakuya answers "The Wartime Exemption allows the unrestricted use of zanpakuto."

Ukitake was surprised by this piece of information, as he probably has not been at the meeting stating the information as he asks in surprise "War exemption?! Has the ryoka infiltration gotten that bad?! Was it a Ryoka that killed Aizen?!" Suddenly, everyone in the area could feel a powerful spiritual pressure approaching. Instantly, Ichigo with an item that is giving him the temporary ability to fly ascends above the bridge which surprises everyone, especially Rukia, as he descends to the bridge.

When Ichigo lands he first checks to see if Hanataro is okay in which he replies that he is okay. He then goes to Rukia to tell her of their mission...in which they start arguing that he is not doing what Rukia pleaded him to do. Ichigo tells her to delay her scolding as he faces Byakuya with his damaged torso showing.

Ichigo yells "Hey Yu, I see your doing great." In which Yu replies with a smile and nod...then Ichigo begins to command to Rukia of his ignoring of her opinions and his declaration to save her. This causes the two to argue about being bossy and nagging towards each other, which makes everyone else sweatdrop at the awkwardness of the situation so far.

Yosuke says with a large amount of sarcasm "Wow, those two are the picture of professionalism and subtlety."

The two immediately stop as they start to take the situation serious again.

Byakuya and Ichigo start to move towards each other as they make small talk at the situation around them. Byakuya unleashes his power as he states how he is contemplating the fact that Ichigo re-obtained his soul reaper powers. They both made a declaration to each other before Byakuya used shunpo to attack Ichigo from behind. Only for Ichigo to block the back attack from killing him. Ichigo comments that he saw it coming and show his smirk to byakuya.

Ichigo parries and separates and asks "Well, what do you think Kuchiki? A little surprised? Your movements are all visible to me now."

Byakuya retorts "Don't confuse skill with a little luck. You daft fool."

Ichigo replies "So maybe you'd like to find out if it was just luck." Ichigo attempts to strike only for Byakuya to use shunpo again, in which Ichigo blocks the attack again. They continue to lock blades with each other as everyone is complimenting the fact that Ichigo is strong enough to fight Byakuya as equals.

Byakuya tries to use his shikai again only for a cloth to wrap his sword and Yoruichi to appear in her human form. Her appearance seems to surprise everyone, especially Byakuya.

Yoruichi stands and asks with a stoic expression "It's been a long time, hasn't it, Byakuya?"

Byakuya replies with the same stoicism "Yoruichi Shihoin, huh."

Yu was slightly surprised, but reigned in his emotions in case of another attack.

Hanataro asks "Who is she, I've never seen her before?"

Rukia answers "No, but I have heard that name before, she's…"

Byakuya finishes "The former commander in charge of the stealth force and ex general of the first division punishment force, Yoruichi Shihoin. I haven't seen your face in a while, you've been in hiding for over a hundred years. I thought you were dead."

Ichigo then says "Yoruichi, you came here to rescue me. I realize that, I appreciate it. But at the moment, I need you to step aside so I can beat this guy."

Yoruichi replies with a hint of astonishment "Beat him?! You think you can beat this guy?! You are a fool." She then uses shunpo and pierce Ichigo on the abdominals which surprises everyone. Ichigo then passes out as Yoruichi pulls back her hand and catches his falling body.

Ukitake asks "It's a drug, isn't it? A powerful anesthetic, forced directly into his body to try to save him. What do you intend to do with him Yoruichi?"

Yoruichi quietly says his name and Byakuya says "Don't waste time trying to help him, neither of you will ever escape from here."

Yoruichi replies with a hint of confidence "My, just listen to you talk like such a big shot now Byakuya. And yet I don't believe you've ever beaten me once in a game of tag, haven't you?"

Byakuya asks "Shall we give it another try?" he then uses shunpo to try to attack her only for Yoruichi to use a faster shunpo to get behind Byakuya.

Yosuke quietly comments "Man, there even faster than Naoto's shadow?!" Byakuya then tries to slash Yoruichi only for her to dodge backwards while carrying Ichigo on her shoulder.

They constantly try to out shunpo each other until Yoruichi tries to escape only for Byakuya to shunpo again and says "Did you really think you could escape with a flash step that slow?" Byakuya makes a slash attack that looks like it hit Yoruichi only for her to use an after image and land on his sword arm.

Yoruichi replies with a confidant smile on her face "Did you really think you could capture me with a flash step that predictable?" She then jumps on top a nearby building and adds "Three days, in three days I shall make this boy stronger than you. Until then consider the fight between you two postponed. Feel free to give chase if you wish but, Yoruichi Shihoin will not be captured by the likes of you." She then looks to Yu and asks "I trust you can take care of yourself for a little while longer?" Yu nods and she flash steps past the many buildings to her next hiding spot.

Yu's POV

Ukitake states "So you're letting them get away." Byakuya then walks pass us as Ukitake asks with surprise "Hey, Byakuya, where are you going? I thought you came to capture the Ryoka."

Byakuya replies "I've lost interest, do whatever you want with them."

Ukitake scratches his head and says with a hint of frustration "Oh typical, he does whatever he feels like." Rukia then passes out due to the tension finally being drained from the situation, something Yosuke and I usually see after one our friends obtain their persona.

The meek looking soul reaper runs to Rukia and asks with worry "Rukia, what's the matter?!"

I sheath my katana as Yosuke moves next to me and asks "What do we do now partner?"

I answer while keeping my eyes on captain Ukitake "We can't make a run for it, let's just wait and see for now. Yosuke nods and we continue to observe as the meek soul reaper tries to wake Rukia up.

Ukitake yell at a random direction "Hey Kiyone, Sentaro, get down here now." two soul reapers jump down from a nearby building and neal towards their captain, one is male with black hair and a white headband and straps over his uniform. The other is female with dark blonde hair wearing a basic soul reaper uniform with a collar protruding on the top and is wearing white gloves.

The two soul reapers say at the same time "At your service captain, what are your orders."

Ukitake looks to the meek soul reaper and makes a soft smile, he then looks towards his two subordinates and comments "I had a feeling you two are following me. How long were you there?"

Sentaro answers with aggressive enthusiasm "We arrive just in time to witness you stop captain Kuchiki from swinging his sword and to hear you tell him his behavior was dangerous captain!"

Ukitake comments "So you've been here right from the start, didn't I tell you to stay away till this was resolved?"

Sentaro replies with a salute "Forgive me sir, it's just I respect you so much that I was compelled to follow in case something happened and you needed my assistance sir!" Kiyone and Sentaro then start arguing about who respects their captain more, which just makes me and Yosuke sweatdrop and feel awkward at the scenario before us.

Ukitake interrupts with slight frustration "Enough, Kiyone we need to get medical attention for this wounded man. We're lucky he didn't receive any more injuries." Kiyone nods as Ukitake adds "Have squad 4 send an advance relief squad at once." Kiyone does her job as Ukitake commands "Sentaro, I want you to take care of Rukia, carry her back to her prison cell." Sentaro goes to pick up Rukia only for the meek looking soul reaper to resist until he was grabbed by the collar and was yelled that even Sentaro doesn't want to do it, but has no choice but to follow orders. Sentaro drops the soul reaper and pick up Rukia, and tells that he and Ukitake will try to appeal to the top brass about freeing her. Until the Kiyone and Sentaro start arguing about who is going to help set Rukia free.

Ukitake walks towards us and asks "You probably want to know why I'm helping you, don't you?"

I answer "Yes, but no matter the reason, thank you."

Ukitake nods at the thanks and replies "It's only logical really, we still don't know who killed captain Aizen. And you troublemakers are certainly prime suspects and an important source of information. We wouldn't want to kill you until we investigated."

Yosuke seems like he was about to argue until I showed my hand to stop him and shake my head as I reply "I'm sorry, we don't know anything about this Aizen, we haven't made contact with him before."

Ukitake seems to not be fazed by what I said and adds "Even then, there's one other reason. Though your efforts may have been clumsy, the fact is you and your friends here were trying to save one of my officers. Honor would never let me stand by idly and watch you all perish."

I nod, bow and say "For that we thank you." Yosuke flusters a bit until he made a bow himself.

Yosuke walks up to me as he says "Well partner, I guess our first day working together again is not a big success."

I look to Yosuke with a smile and reply "It may not be our best rescue attempt, but we made plenty of progress, and we'll get another shot at it." Yosuke smiles and nods back as we are being escorted to the prison area, we are most likely going to meet up with the others if we got capture, that could make escaping a little bit easier.

Illustrated guide to persona

Golden

Back in the expanded classroom with a few more new students including Captain Ukitake, Shunsui, Byakuya, Kenpachi, and vice captain Yachiru on Kenpachi's shoulder. It is also to note that Yoruichi is now in her human form with her own desk next to Byakuya.

With Yosuke next to Yu to act as a teacher assistant and a pair of eyes to make sure another accident doesn't occur again. On the blackboard behind Yu, there is an image of Rise doing twirls while her persona Himiko is playing the harp.

Yu begins "Now that the renovations are done and we got the new arrivals caught up, we will now begin our next lesson. And this time there will be no more trouble as the subject has none of "that"." the moment that Yu implied the accidents, everyone who witnessed them sweatdropped except Orihime who just seems to be smiling without a care. Yu continues after he coughs "Okay, today's lesson is about a type of persona user called a "wild card" user."

Yosuke pulls down the white screen and turns the projector on which shows the fool arcana as Yu continues "The wild card persona user is a rare persona user that has the ability to wield multiple personas. While anyone else who wields only one persona, the wild card user wields multiple personas which allows a wider range of strategies to defeat your opponents."

Orihime raises her hand and asks "Does that mean if a wild card users can wield multiple personas, and personas are "the masks used to face life's hardships. Then does that mean that the wild card users have multiple masks?" When she asks about the multiple masks, she takes out the masks of Izanagi and a Black Frost mask from under her seat which makes Ichigo and Uryu sweatdrop at where she got them.

Yu replies while adjusting his glasses "Well, if you take it as a literal meaning, then yes. But I think that more of a metaphorical statement." Orihime nods and placed the masks on her desk.

A high pitched male voice screams "SENSEIIIII!!!" Teddie then starts running past the classroom and hides behind Yu as he continues "Please help me sensei, I'm in beary big trouble, AHHHH!" Teddie then runs away again as Mayuri chases Teddie with a scalpel and his shikai zanpakuto with Nemu running behind him with surgery tools in a box.

After a few seconds with everyone except Yu sweat dropping at the scenario that just occured, Yu says with his usual calmness "I think with that just occured, I think it's time to end this lesson for today. I hope to see everyone here again. Yosuke, could you please grab the rope?" Yosuke nods after getting over the awkward and runs to the supply closet. Yu takes out a bamboo sword as he is about to knock out Mayuri as the curtains close.