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silveruzu44 - poor guy :(

Chapter 37 – Reflection (Part 1)

"Alright class, I've graded your essays. You can pick them up on the way out."

It was late, but Ryo's mind was tethered to other things, sleep not being one of them. When her essay was placed in her hands, she glanced down at its high marks.

"Excellent job, Kunieda-san."

"Thank you, sir," she bowed. The analysis was rather easy to write for her, considering literature was a steady interest throughout high school.

XXXXX

Perhaps I should have a coffee….

She ventured off campus to the corner café. Hardly anyone was inside, which was perfect for her. But when Ryo got her order, she saw someone familiar in the corner of her vision.

"…?"

Said man was covered in a thick jacket and baseball cap, and his memorable sunglasses had been removed. But he was rather easy to read.

"Kanonji."

The medium jolted up, luckily no one else had heard. "Ah, it's you. Could you keep it down?" Ryo nodded and sat down across from him.

"Why are you sitting here?"

"Because my life has been a hellish roller coaster since that day on the news! People that aren't aware think I'm a nutcase! People that are aware keep pestering me, wanting to know more and more!"

Ryo sipped her cup. "I'm sorry to hear that. You've been the 'official' side of things for years. Is there anything we could do to help?"

"No. You children deserve normal lives. I've dabbled with spirits, so it's only fair I endure this. And it's only gotten worse."

"What do you mean?"

"C'mon, girl, you're part of the youth culture! Social networking, things like that?"

"Not really how I indulge my free time, but go on."

Kanonji fished into his pocket and pulled out a phone. He monitored Ryo to come closer, lowering the volume just enough so that the whole café wouldn't hear. The beginning narration seemed to describe the "war you never knew happened", followed by a rather sharp rendition of a Hollow.

"What is this….?"

"The hooligan that robbed me, girl. I know for a fact that he made this. Who else could?"

Indeed, her pulse quickened when she got far enough to see a rendition of Aizen.

"All of the material Soul Society gave you…."

"Yes. And with his connections, more people will know the truth. I just don't understand why. Why make a video like this?

"Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power," Ryo replied. "This Yukio has an underlying motive, and I don't think it's to educate people out of the goodness in his heart."

"…..there's something else I've noticed. Maybe I'm crazy, but…." Kanonji looked to the window. "Last night, did you feel some sort of force in the air?"

"Faintly. You theorize it's Hollow related?"

"No," said the medium. "No, what I felt wasn't the same wickedness as a Hollow. It was something else, but I can't put my finger on it. We must ask your friend."

"Actually, Kojima sent a message earlier. Kurosaki was around Karakura Town."

"WHAT?!" Kanonji shouted, earning some head turns. He laughed nervously and lowered his voice: "did he mention of anything going on…up there?"

Ryo showed him the picture Mizuiro took. "Something's happened to the Shinigami in general. Look at this get-up, it's ridiculous."

"Why is his forehead covered?"

A shrug.

"…okay, okay. You and your friends will have to get a hold of him or the others. It could be dire."

"Right. But while it's in the air, I'll ask – why not sue or confront Yukio for this?"

Kanonji slumped in his chair. "He's too far away now and has a whole business backing him up. Besides….I saw the truth, is it so wrong for others to take an initiative and learn it as well?"

Ryo finished her coffee. "Kanonji, you need some rest. Get away, lay low, and just observe. In the meantime, we'll all keep our ears and eyes peeled too."

"Are you sure, girl?"

"Mm-hmm." She picked up her bag and handed him a small clip of yen notes. "Stay safe out there. We'll be in touch."

"Ah….the youth is truly inspiring! Have a good night, Kunieda-chan!"

"Don't ever call me that again," she replied, not missing a beat. "Have a good night." And with that, she took her departure. Once out the door she crafted an email for Mahana, Chizuru, and Michiru.

KNOCK KNOCK

Shutara set her needle down. "Yes, who is it?"

"Hitsugaya."

"You may enter."

When he did, his eyes traveled to the uniform she was making, but he decided to not comment on it. "I wanted to talk about something in my report."

"I haven't looked it in full yet." Shutara skimmed through it. "This line, right here….you say a human was speaking to you, and he somehow knew of Liltotto Lamperd?"

"Yes. I asked her about it but she doesn't recall him at all."

"Hitsugaya, I appreciate the attention to finer details but this seems trivial. What does it matter that he knows who one Shinigami is named?"

Toshiro shook his head. "I'm suspicious because if she didn't give him the name….how would he even know? He wasn't a Quincy."

"Did you give your name?"

"No. Seeing spirits means he's not a regular human, but to know something like that too….it makes me wonder how much he could know, or the rest of the Living World."

Shutara mulled it over for a few moments. In reality, it was completely trivial to her, but the last thing she needed was for curious humans to disrupt missions for Reio-sama. "I'll put it into consideration and inform Hyosube. Thank you."

"That's all you want to say?"

"Yes. Do you have something else to bring up?"

"Momo Hinamori. She's been slightly exhausted from her solo patrols."

"Oh please, it's been two days. A Bankai user shouldn't be fretting so soon. You'll get some help eventually."

"We can't just wait for Seireitei to learn it en mass, you know."

"Hahahaha…." Shutara led out a soft chuckle. "You're very naïve, Hitsugaya-kun. All will be taken care of if you all continue to work hard."

Thanks for the non-answer, he mentally grumbled.

XXXXX

Once outside, he spotted Jidanbo. The giant was wiping his head with a cloth, exhausted from a long day's work.

"Have you giants really been building these new walls all this time?"

"Yeah…..but none of us really get it, Captain Hitsugaya. What good will more walls do at a time like this?"

Toshiro Hitsugaya had been a friend of Jidanbo for years, all thanks to their initial contrast in sizes. But even now, he still felt small compared to him.

"I don't know. There's too many things the new guard isn't telling us. Um…..about your friend…"

"It's okay." Jidanbo twiddled his thumbs. "He'd want us to keep working hard for the good of Seireitei. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Wrong place? He was doing his job, Jidanbo."

"…yeah."

Then it became clear: that wasn't the only thing on his mind. "You haven't seen your brother in a while, huh?"

"Not since the day I confronted him, Captain. I'm not really sure what they're going to do with him. Lock him up?"

You don't want to say kill out loud…. "Don't worry. All of us have your back. If you need to convince Reio-sama-"

"Toshiro?"

He turned: Momo had returned from the NSWA party.

"Momo. I was just talking to Jidanbo."

"Yes, I overheard." she held up a slice of cake. "Here, Jidanbo-san. You can have this if you want." She smiled when the giant took the plate, small as it was to him.

"Ahhh, chocolate. That's my favorite flavor….wait, where are you two going? Curfew's about this time."

"Curfew?" Momo frowned.

"We're just going to see Granny. We'll be back in an hour or so. Think you can cover for us?"

Jidanbo nodded. "Hurry, before one of the asauchi sees you." He let them exit the compound, and the two vanished via flash-step.

"No fair, you didn't save some cake for me?"

"You just had some earlier, wink wink."

"I think you're supposed to actually wink when you do that."

Yoruichi and Kisuke stepped into the manor, but the sight of asauchi measuring walls and yanking out wood was something else. "Uh….what's this?"

"Sis! They're downgrading the manor!" Yushiro exclaimed, coming into the room with Jinta and Ururu. "Hyosube-san was here earlier…."

"Oh, cool! Hey, can we get to a scale replica of my old shop in Karakura Town?" Kisuke asked to one of the asauchi. One looked at the other and shrugged.

"What did it look like?"

"Boss, didn't you already do this with the Kido Corps?"

"That's disbanded! Why not start over?"

Yoruichi sighed and headed upstairs to find her mother.

XXXXX

The Shihouin matriarch was hanging up a sacred wedding kimono. She was no slouch (literally), so she wasn't surprised when her daughter was behind her. "Yoruichi. Everything is set for tomorrow."

"The….wedding? Call me crazy, but I don't think it's going to be a big bash now."

"Of course not," Yabao replied. "Our family name is in disgrace. But there are more important things to think about."

"You mean how you lived long enough to see me settle down?" Yoruichi eyed the kimono. It was colored gold with purple ribbons.

"….to be honest, when you were gone….I didn't think I would. If only your father was still around…."

"You still miss him, huh? You big softy."

Yabao smiled bitterly. "Even a old bat like me is allowed to love. I'm glad you're doing the same."

"You know…." Yoruichi plopped down on the bed. "it sounds to me that you're really….well, being normal for once."

"Oh stop it, Yoruichi." Yabao sighed. "I must apologize for all of my transgressions. From punishing Shaolin to…..well, hearing our clan talk down about your friend…."

"…"

"Did I touch a nerve, daughter?"

"Wanna know the thing he told Kisuke? He wanted us to be happy together. He did all of that because he wanted a future for the both of us." Yoruichi's voice was quiet. Her mother sat down next to her to comfort her. "It…it still hurts from time to time."

"I'm sorry, Yoruichi. I….I know it hasn't been the same. A bunch of bitter nobles versus someone that's been by your side for a century."

"They're all gonna die anyways. Why can't I just trade them for him back?"

"That's not how the world works, my daughter," Yabao replied, stroking Yoruichi's hair. "You should treasure the memories you've enjoyed, not dwell on the ones you can't make."

"I know. At least I can make new ones with my mother." she rolled over. "nighty-night."

Yabao kissed her forehead. "Good night, Yoruichi."

Kiyone focused hard on the game board in front of her. She wasn't too far away from the goal, but she needed a good roll to win. The dice juggled up and down in her hand, but when she threw it:

"Ah! Snake eyes?!" she moved the piece and picked up the card. "What is his favorite food?"

"C'mon Kiyone, you know this!"

"Uhhh…soba!"

Sentaro slapped his forehead. "It's bento! Aw, they got more points now!"

The two lamented over their score, but Isane leaned in to Chad and whispered: "this couples game is so confusing…."

"Your roll, sis."

Isane rolled a 4, and landed on the prompt to spin the wheel. "Here goes….?" it landed on the blue tile. "Oh…..we lose a turn?"

"No! Isane, that's the green tile!" said Sentaro. "Are you guys even trying? You're up 50 points!"

"Not exactly…." Chad sweatdropped.

"Hey, it's lights out for the patients. What the hell are you doing, playing this?" Kirinji looked pissed when he came into the room. "Kotetsu, this is your idea of treatment?"

"N-No sir, this is just a leisural activity. Kiyone suggested it."

"You two-" he pointed to Chad and Sentaro. "-go home. Kotetsu, get your butt into bed before I stapled you to it. I need to talk to your sister."

Isane gulped and looked for help.

XXXXX

"Look, you're skilled. But this is just wasting everyone's time."

The two were sitting in Kirinji's office. He cracked open a bottle of sake and took a drink from it, leaving Isane to take her defense.

"Kiyone needs to overcome the pill's effects. Slow and steady."

"You know that's not the only reason you're lounging with her."

"N-No…..she still has trauma from the war. I attacked her and-"

"Stop." Kirinji held up a hand. "You don't have to run it through me. Eventually she'll be discharged from the center. She's a Shinigami."

"Can't I just work with her?" she pleaded.

"No, you belong here. In fact….you got a meeting with someone in a few minutes." Kirinji looked over his notes. "The blue-haired ex-Espada."

"Grimmjow? Huh. It's been a while….wait a minute…." Isane gasped when she read one of the lines. "Chikane Iba died?!"

"You're making a damn mistake, Iba!"

Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Kira were stuck with a predicament: their fellow officer had just declared what he would do, and it wasn't "let bygones be bygones".

"Leave me alone, I said! I've made up my mind!"

The bald man snarled and grabbed his shoulder. "You can't just quit the Gotei! The hell will you even do, sow the fields?!"

"What's the damned point?!" Iba broke free. "Look at me, guys. I couldn't be a Captain. I couldn't keep being a Vice-Captain. I couldn't keep my division together. Captain's dead, Ma's dead…what is even left for me?!"

"So you're gonna quit because you got demoted? News flash, we ALL did!"

"Madarame, it's more than that…." Kira shook his head. "But he's right. Your mother wouldn't want you to just leave."

"Don't tell me what Ma would've wanted, you got that? Or else I'll kick your ass."

"What's going on here?" Renji asked. "I'm talking a walk and I hear you guys shouting through the whole compound?"

Yumichika wasn't fooled. "Walk. Is that why you look wounded?"

"The hell was he fighting?"

"You're all missing the point!" Iba turned to Renji. "I'm leaving, and don't try to stop me."

"Leaving? Whoa whoa, why?"

"Because his mommy died," Ikkaku mocked. This earned him a punch to the jaw, leading Yumichika to hold him back and Renji to hold back Iba.

"You're a son of a bitch, do you know that?!"

"Tetsuzaemon, you need to calm down! Get some rest. Think about this with a clearer head. You're letting your grief call the shots!"

Iba knocked Renji back. "You're not my Captain anymore, remember? I don't have to listen to you."

"He's just giving you advice," Kira interjected. "Like-"

"Don't say his name either! You're….you're all so lucky. All of you got to keep your captains, your friends. Seems I can't lose enough of them."

"Not everyone from the 7th left, Tetsuzaemon. Remember that."

"Enough did. And you know what?" Iba tightened his fist. "Can you really blame them? They couldn't get off their friends being zombies. Or Captain Komamura dying because he was only trying to stop Tousen!"

"So what?!" Ikkaku socked him back. "The 11th lost people too. And the 6th. And the 3rd. Stop pretending like this is only affecting you!"

Iba fell down, but he didn't bother to wipe the blood seeping down from his nose. "It all happens…..when I can't be there to stop it."

"What could you have done for your mother?" Yumichika asked. "Age takes its toll."

"She….damn it, Madarame, that hurt…."

"I think I know how to fix this." Renji helped him up. "I want you to hit me."

"What? I don't need a damned punching bag."

"Look, you've become more than a comrade, Tetsuzaemon….I was your captain for a while. And despite that, I was the one that couldn't keep it all together. I wasn't half the leader Captain Komaura was. If there's anyone you should be mad at…." Renji exhaled. "It's me. I let Ishida join, didn't I?"

"…"

"The least I could for his memory….is to make sure you stay with us. We've all been through a lot together." Yumichika, Ikkaku, and Kira all agreed.

"Fine." Iba cracked his knuckles. "….it's gonna hurt, you know."

Renji nodded. "Whatever you gotta do. Don't worry about me."

He reared back for the first punch, but before he swung, Iba dug into his pocket and put his sunglasses back on. "Thanks, Abarai."

The Shiba house was being "resized" just like their speedy neighbors, but for Ichigo, he couldn't care less. He was more used to the smaller walls of the clinic.

"Just like the 4th?" Ryunnosuke asked. The two were playing a game of go fish.

"Sorta. It was a lot smaller and run just by my dad, but we got a lot of business through the years. Any fives?"

"Uh….go fish."

Ichigo took a card. "The clinic was where I saw Orihime for the first time. She was a lot younger. Her brother got into a car accident, and….well, you can guess the rest."

"That's awful! What did you say to her?"

"Huh?" the strawberry coughed awkwardly. "I didn't get to know her until high school. I've known Tatsuki for longer. We met at a dojo when we were kids."

"Your human life sounds so interesting, Ichigo-san….would you want to go back, if you could?"

Ichigo paused before his hand reached the deck. That was something he never gave serious thought to. "Now? I think it'd be just too weird. Maybe somewhere out there, there's another me that works at a clinic with my sisters, and I'm married to Orihime, or something."

"Oh. Got any sevens?"

"Go fish."

"You know, I'm glad we can still stay here. Your family's so nice…not like I had anyone when I growing up…"

"Seems to describe a lot of you guys." Ichigo yawned. "Sorry, I'm just tired…."

"Hey I know! I can make you some tea!"

"Huh? I can just ask Yuzu to do that, Ryu. You're still a guest."

"It'd be my pleasure!" the boy exclaimed, setting his cards down. He ran to the kitchen.

XXXXX

-but when he stepped inside, he froze up. Kukaku was sitting alone, lazily smoking her pipe. Her blue eyes sized him up. "Need something, kid?"

"Uhh…the t-tea kettle…?" he stammered out.

"What?" she looked down. "Oh sorry, got some company over, and I didn't want to smoke up my bed. Keep those eyes high or else I'll deck you, though."

Ryunosuke darted to the sink, face now bright red. "T-Thank you for letting Shino and me stay here, ma'am."

"Hey, the two of you don't cause any problems. And the Shiba name is all about hospitality! Heard you wanted to learn from Ichigo?"

"Y-Yeah." He dug out two cups. "….can I ask you something?"

"Oh, they're real."

"No! I mean…." Ryunosuke's eyes darted back but he forced them ahead. "H-How did you lose your arm, Shiba-san?"

"This old thing? Just a stupid thing I did when I was a kid. Make sure you clean up later, alright?" Kukaku put out the pipe and got up. "G'night."

"Hey Ryunosuke are you making t….!" Shino gaped like a fish when the Shiba head casually strolled past her, smirking when she turned as red as he was.

"What? It's MY house, who said I had to wear clothes 24/7?" she shut her door. Shino had to her rub her eyes to make sure that wasn't some sort of fever dream.

Phew, she's gone…. "Want some?"

"Want some?!...this family is so….bold, Ryunosuke. Apparently, they've all got a significant other. Kukaku-san is very scary, though."

"Haha, yeah…."

"I hope you weren't peeking!"

"O-Of course not!" he cried out, turning on a dime when Ichigo came in. "Tell her Ichigo-san!"

"Pee…." Ichigo slapped his forehead. "Yeah, sorry about that. Kukaku's really enjoying her free time with Soi. And she's gotten bad habits from Yoruichi…"

"Where's Orihime-san?" Shino asked. "Yesterday she wanted us to try out one of her recipes."

"Bean paste cookies or the wasabi sundae?" he asked, casually.

"The what!?"

The chef in question was sitting alone on a rooftop, just looking at the stars. Soon a familiar face sat down next to her. "Nemu-san…?"

"Good evening, Orihime-san. Feeling a little better?"

"Oh, that?" she sulked. "Well….the party did cheer me up a lot. But I was thinking. What happens now? I get the exact opposite of what people were treating me before?"

"What do you mean?"

"I saw their faces….their God was bowing down to another, making a complete fool of herself. For some of them….I might as well destroyed all they ever believed in."

Nemu frowned. "Yes, I did see children as part of the group…fanaticism is a slippery slope, but I can only assume you changed some lives for the better. Maybe some criminals vowed to do good deeds once you spoke to them."

"Yeah….."

"Orihime-san, do you remember the first time we met?"

"You mean…." Orihime wracked her brain. "….when Kurotsuchi wanted me as a test subject?"

"The time we met for real. Technically, you were the first person I revealed my abuse to. I was so scared of his retribution, but I wanted Uryu-san to know about his hated enemy's fate. And you were scared of me."

"…?"

"It was your anguish that made me think that enough was enough," Nemu murmured. "So in that regard, you helped me to be a better person in the end. Do you see my point?"

"Ohh…." Orihime nodded. "You think some of my followers will want to continue being good."

"Yes."

"But what if they do bad?"

"Then that is not your fault. We mortals craft our own fates. Any guilt your heart faces now, please remember that you really aren't a God. Some things….just fall out of your control, and that's okay."

"Nemu-san…..thank you. I'm hoping this problem can finally be resolved…..ohh, wait. Yachiru-chan."

"I have that taken care of."

"Huh?! But how?"

Nemu looked up at the sky. "Orihime-san, do you know what a thought experiment is?"

"Sandy! Am I too late for the session?"

Iemura gestured for the NSWA president to come in and relax on the couch. "You're just on time. It's quite late but we can go for hours if you prefer."

"What are we gonna talk about today?" Yachiru asked.

"What would you like to discuss? The party?"

"Oh, yeah! It went well! Nemu-chan made this great banner, and Isa-chan and Blondie painted this AMAZING picture of all of us!" she beamed. Iemura scribbled in his pad.

"Good, good. I'm glad to see you so positive, Yachiru. You're certain all of the members want to stay in your club?"

"Yeah. Wanna know something? I….talked about Gigi and Bambi. Gave them two of the numbers. And when we lined up for the picture, I….heard their voices."

"What were they saying?" Iemura asked, fearing the worst.

"They said cheese too. What does it mean? Am I cured?"

"Hmmm. I wouldn't be so sure, Yachiru. Therapy is not some light switch you can turn on and off. It's something you realize on your own. Until you stop hearing voices out of your control – good or bad – we should keep discussing it."

"Okay…."

"But let me ask you something. What do you know about these two?"

"Huh? Oh you know, Sandy, they were the friends of Kitty, Glubo, and Pinky!"

Iemura tapped his pen. "And…?"

"They were Quincies?"

"And….?"

"Uhh…" Yachiru looked confused. "They kissed?"

"What?!"

Candice, Meninas, and Liltotto came into the room, surprise on their faces. Yachiru mirrored it.

"Uh, let me explain. I wanted to bring them in for this session in order to help you, Yachiru. Considering they know of this matter and nothing leaves this room, I thought it would be an interesting turn."

"Oh…." Yachiru nodded. "Yeah, they kissed each other before they vanished."

The girls sat down next to Iemura.

"I guess that adds up…" Kaiser was on Candice's shoulder. "Giselle went to Bambietta like she was a magnet."

"At the orphanage?"

"You know about that place, Yachiru?" Meninas asked. "How?"

"Ukki read a note I found from this place, with this lady with glasses. Gigi popped in my head to tell me about it."

"Before we continue, I think we need some context." Iemura turned to a fresh sheet. "Yachiru, you don't know the details of their upbringing, and girls…you don't know the details of her upbringing."

"Huh? Captain Zaraki raised her," Liltotto replied.

"Like I said, the details. And it would help Yachiru if she understood who…" he paused, looking at Yachiru to gauge her reaction. "Giselle and Bambietta were."

"Fine. In honor of that bastard Hans finally dying in jail – I hope he dropped the soap a lot – we'll talk about the…" Candice exhaled. "-Regenbogen Tage."

"Kitty, why did you say it like that?"

"Like what?"

"Your voice got all weird."

"It's German, Yachiru. We all speak German."

"Ja!" Meninas chimed in. "Maybe we could teach you some."

"Ohhhh!" Yachiru smiled. "I remember one phrase I heard once! What does sieg heil mean?"

"…."

"…."

"…."

Iemura coughed into his fist. "F-Free feel to start here."

In another room, Grimmjow came in and plopped down. "Yo, Kotetsu."

"Good evening, Grimmjow. Are you ready to begin?"

"Wait….wait, where's that cube thing?" he searched the table. "You got rid of it?"

"Uhh…..my sister had it…"

He made an angry face, but elected to cross his arms. "Whatever, it was a dumb toy anyway. I gotta say, this new system is a load of crap."

"System? You mean with Reio-sama?"

"Yeah." Grimmjow growled. "He sends us out like we're pets during the day, then picks us up at night. It's fucking patronizing."

"Does it remind you of-"

"-Aizen? It's even worse. At least Aizen had some other personality besides statue man. That Reio thinks nothing of all of us in the grand scheme of things, and you know it."

Isane nodded.

"And what's this bullshit about a family? So we have to bow down to four of them? That's just great. Maybe tomorrow we can all stand in a line to see who gets to kiss their feet."

"Grimmjow, I know it seems….controlling, but resisting at a time like this will only put a mark on your back."

"I have one on my hand," he snapped. "Bet they all think I'M the one that's gonna go postal."

"Would you?"

"No! I mean….look, living here is still a lot better than Hueco Mundo. You can get sauced. You can plow whoever you want. And there's actually goddamn sunlight! I don't hate everyone, you know."

"I know, There's Madarame-san, Zaraki-san, Stark-san, Candice-san-"

"-yeah…about that…."

"Ah! Fuck!"

Shinji cracked a grin. From his chair, relaxing, he had front row seats to Hiyori try her hardest to cook something halfway decent. She seemed to have spilled some sauce.

"Need some help there, Hiyori?"

"No! Just make sure that table's all set."

"Haven't you reached the point of trying too hard yet? Kirio-san would enjoy a meal with you even if you served her dog food."

"In a minute I'm about to serve you that." KNOCK KNOCK "Get the door, baldy!"

Shinji tsked and ran a hand through his locks, shuffling to the door. "Can't you come up with an original nickname for once, Hiyori? I've known you for over 100 years." He opened it. "Hey, Kirio-san."

"Good evening. Hmm….is that my little Hiyori-chan, over there, cooking something?"

"Get her something to drink, Shinji!"

"Good idea, and maybe I'll serve up some kerosene for myself."

Hiyori threw her sandal right at his head. After some scrambling and more spills, the three were seated. Her creation….er, well words can't really describe it. Despite this, Kirio politely took a mouthful.

"How is it?"

Shinji had no comment.

"I think you used a little too much salt," Kirio replied. "Besides that, it's good."

WHAT?! Okay, so either Kirio-san is humoring her or she has a stomach of steel…

"Really?!" Hiyori's expression was surprisingly cheerful. "Told you Shinji! I can cook just fine!"

"Uh, yeah….I'll take your word for it." he sprinkled more salt on it.

Kirio looked down, at Hiyori's arms. "May I ask you something? Are those comfortable enough to do daily activities? Poor thing…."

"These? Meh. Still got the rest of my skin, and I can punch people twice as hard with it!"

Shinji snickered. "One time she wanted to take them off so she could pretend to be an amputee in bed."

"WHY YOU LITTLE-!"

"Hiyori-chan, I didn't know you've gotten that far!" Kirio chortled. "These days I've forgotten how grown up you've become."

"Uh, yeah! Hahaha….." Hiyori gave her you're-sleeping-alone-tonight look to Shinji, forcing a smile. "We kinda yell at each other all the time, but honestly? I wouldn't want to live with someone else."

"Aww! My loli body pillow has feelings!" Shinji hugged her (dodging the punches that came after). "Can I get you another drink?"

"More water, please." Kirio turned back to Hiyori. "Good news, Hiyori. The others loved your invention! Tomorrow we can start showing it off."

"Huh? How? Giving one to everyone would just be chaos."

Shinji slid back. "Giving one what?"

"Buzz off, baldy! MY special invention that I made to draw out zanpakutou spirits!"

"Why would you wanna do that?" he asked, sitting back down. But he noticed that Kirio was chewing her lip, if but for a second.

"To show off how great my brain is! Duh! I want to rub it in Urahara's face especially!"

"Right…." Shinji leaned back. "So Kirio-san, you heard of the gremlin's club? the NSWA?"

"Yes, I've heard of it. Sadly I don't think I could join. I'm too busy!"

"Aw, I get it, Kirio-san," Hiyori replied. "It's not your thing."

"What? Fun?"

"Shut UP Shinji! We actually let those asauchi girls, uh….Mera, Tsumiko...and so on, join. They seemed interested, for whatever reason."

"Hey Hiyori, show her the picture."

"Picture?" Kirio asked.

"Yeah, the one where she dressed up as a maid for one of her club's events last year. She looked so-" he watched as Hiyori rocketed to her closet to burn all traces of it. "-secretive."

"Pardon?"

"Kirio-san, you got a little antsy back there. What's the real reason they're letting zan run around?"

"Um….w-well, it doesn't hurt to establish the new…way of doing things to all present! Hahaha…."

"Uh huh….."

"I assure you, it's nothing to be alarmed about. If anything, it will help our cause for the future."

But what kind of future awaits us? Shinji pondered. One only the Soul King knows of…

(With Yachiru)

"We all grew up in the orphanage with Gigi and Bambi, Yachiru. I was the first one there" -Liltotto pointed to herself- "and Giselle was the last one. We were there because….well, you know."

Yachiru blinked. "It…it wasn't very fun, was it?"

"Ha! We didn't wear shoes-"

"-we ate gruel, or nothing-"

"-we were beaten by the director-"

"-and the other kids were afraid of us!" Meninas finished. "All because a Hollow attacked this one boy…."

That boy's name was Adolf. He was a chubby one that caused trouble.

"Did your spiritual awareness come into play in other points in your life?" Iemura asked, calmly. "Seems that would be the key point in this…..division."

"The kids thought we killed the boy, but it all really changed when Giselle came," replied Liltotto. "In fact, a Stern Ritter brought her there."

Yachiru blinked.

"We didn't know what that was at the time," Candice clarified. "And since then, we all became a pack. Giselle really wanted the other kids to like her, but kids are assholes, what can you do?"

"Ohhh….." it was in the climax of their battle that Yachiru learned that Giselle was like herself – someone who just wanted companions by her side. "….I thought Gigi was the most popular one there."

"It's remarkable how much you've forgiven her, Yachiru. From the reports from Karakura Town years ago, you hated what she did to Vice-Captain Kotetsu."

"Well people can change. Maybe if I figured it out sooner, Giselle could've still been here…."

Sensing a turn in mood, Iemura gestured at the three girls.

"Uhhh Yachiru, you're missing Bambi's role in all this!"

"Oh yeah! What was she like, Pinky?"

"She fought with Candice all the time." Meninas giggled. "Actually, she had a temper. She drifted from foster home to foster home…"

"Always trying to upstage me," the ex-Thunderbolt said with some fondness. "Some days we'd yell at each other only to share snacks at night."

"But I thought you guys were poor….?"

Meninas nudged Liltotto. "Lily-chan used to sneak out stuff from the kitchen."

"Oh! Tell me more about Bambi."

"Side thought," Iemura said. "Yachiru, you have no problem with using their nicknames for their friends. May I inquire is to why you don't call them….." he snapped his fingers, trying to remember.

"Candy, Lily, and Minnie?"

"Yes. My apologies."

Yachiru sat quietly for a few seconds, and when she started to explain, she didn't look at their eyes. "Well….those nicknames are special to them. Special because Gigi and Bambi used them. If I said it…..I'd just make them sad all the time. I would never try to replace them."

"Y-Yachiru….."

"Did….you want to call us that?" Candice asked, feeling guilty.

"No…..'cause it's their names for you. I don't want to use them."

"Fun fact, Yachiru…" Liltotto smiled at her. "Meninas started the nicknames. She thought it'd be a good way for her to remember people."

"Whaaaat?! Really?! Pinky, is that a lie?"

"N-No!" Meninas shook her head. "I remember saying that to Liltotto, when….my neighbor dropped me off…"

"Who WAS that old bitch, anyways?" Candice scoffed. "She slapped you, Minnie."

"Oh, that was Mrs. Zimmerman. I've always wondered, Yachiru….why do you give people nicknames?"

"Me? What do you mean? If they're important or nice, they get a nickname. If not, they don't. And if they're really really special….then they're like Nemu-chan or Ken-chan."

"Could you clarify on that means, Yachiru?" Iemura asked.

"So it's like…..hmmmmmmmmm." Yachiru put a finger to her lip. "I guess it all started with Ken-chan."

(With Grimmjow)

Grimmjow sat up. "She started talking about something else. A meet-up….not with fucking. Like talking or stuff."

"You agreed?"

"Huh? Yeah, but it was so….awkward. I don't do this romance crap, Kotetsu. Why does the woman always have to make things complicated?"

"What specifically bothers you about it? There's pleasure to be had emotionally, too."

Grimmjow looked incredibly skeptical.

"Um…w-well, would you see yourself doing this with any other woman in the Seireitei?"

"Nah. She's really hot and I love her attitude."

Isane clicked her tongue, thinking of the right question. "Would you see Candice-san doing this this with any other man?"

"Yeah, okay," came the sarcasm, "because any other man knows what she likes. To be on all fours while she gets pounded by-"

"Grimmjow!" Isane blushed. "Please. And you're just listing off physical needs. Emotional needs are part of the equation too. Men have them too."

"What? You're saying she wants a boyfriend or some garbage like that?"

"Maybe not in those direct terms…but think of it like this. Candice-san spends her time with us, the club….girls…..then you. In other words, you're a male constant. Isn't that odd to you?"

"Huh…..kinda."

"But I feel you shouldn't get into this unless you want to care more about her."

Grimmjow tapped his foot. "I'm not heartless, Kotetsu. I listen to others, like you've been telling me. Didja know Iba lost his mother?"

"Yes….isn't it horrible?"

"And Yamada has lucky sperm. Ha!"

"Hey, Hanataro! Want a marshmallow?"

The medic had passed by Ganju, who was sitting with his "gang" (now academy students) enjoying the coziness of a fire outside.

"No thanks, Ganju-san…."

"Eh? What's got you down? The whole thing with your brother?"

"N-No…." he sat down and thanked Top, who handed him the stick. "Well….that's kinda depressing me too but…now I'm just terrified."

"About what?"

Hanataro looked ashamed of himself. "I….." he whispered into Ganju's ear, which made the Shiba spit out his charred treat. "…I have to take responsibility."

"Hanataro, it's too early to tell what will happen. Like uh…." Ganju chose not to finish the sentence. "So you got a little careless for your first time. Happens to everyone!"

"Aren't you still a virgin, Ganju?"

"S-Shut up, Dumbbell!"

"This is not how I wanted it go," said Hanataro, who chewed the marshmallow slowly. "I…I didn't even think it would happen to me, at least…not before I settled down."

"Would you want to?"

"Hey, Ganju, who's his girlfriend again?"

"You know, the pink haired girl."

"Ohhh, Kusajishi-san." (A swing and a miss.)

"Right now I'm not sure what to say to her. There's too much to think about, and it's frightening. I….I didn't even say I love you yet."

Ganju chewed contemplatively. "Then you know what you have to do. In fact, don't see her again until you say it."

"Isn't that a little hasty? What if she thinks I'm only saying it because?"

"Trust me, Hana. I know you. We stormed through the Seireitei together! If you mean it, she'll know it, and that's the Shiba promise!"

"…thank you, Ganju-san." Hanataro's smile – small as it was – returned.

FIN

Ending notes: In writing this chapter, I had so many ideas and plot threads to give spotlight too that I decided to make it a two-parter instead. I don't mind writing chapters 10,000 words but I don't want to trip over myself narratively either.

Also, I'm rather upset, because I had written a scene of what's going on with Ginjou but it somehow didn't save. Accursed school computers. Ah well, there's always a future chapter.

Next Time - I finally show you my rendition of the story of Yachiru and Kenpachi becoming Shinigami.