A/N: at end. all errors are my own and a poor use of spell check...

Chapter 48

Not until we are do we begin to understand ourselves

Henry David Thoreau

First Division

Mayuri stood quietly before Captain-Commander Yamamoto and Lieutenant Sasakibe. He appeared as if he had all the time in the world. His face was smooth and emotionless, and his eyes were placid yet attentive. His hands were folded neatly in his sleeves, and his posture was strait but loose. He made sure that his spiritual essence exuded nothing but calmness and tranquility. He even might have let a certain amount of curiosity slip out here and there, just to keep things realistic, mind you. No sense in showing any of your cards so early in the game. Besides, he was enjoying their incredulity, consternation, and plain-old suspicion right now to give in to their curiosity and unspoken questions. He had always known that at some point, either sooner or later, he would have had to give a demonstration of the ties between himself and Isane. It was a logical conclusion after all. Once that information came out there was no way in keeping it to themselves; if he was Captain-Commander he would have demanded on the spot to see what such a union could bring. For him it would have been born more from scientific curiosity rather than an unfounded conspiracy theory that Soi Fon was spewing about. For that reason alone she didn't deserve any sort of satisfaction at the time. But now? Now he was doing this not only because he had a few noses to put out of joint, but more importantly he wanted to show off quite a bit as well. Normally such a parochial display of assertiveness would be beneath him as true intelligence never needed to be showcased in such a vulgar way. However, this one time he would make an exception, and for a very good reason. People always underestimated or took advantage of Isane, and even after him making it abundantly clear what would happen should they continue. Even after plainly explaining his position to lower seated officers and captains alike, they still felt the need to push their boundaries with him. So, it was now time to just make an open statement once and for all: Mayuri Kurotsuchi was done playing games.

Mayuri laughed inside at the stare Sasakibe was giving him. Lieutenant Sasakibe glared at Mayuri with full-on misgiving, and even added a touch of disdain to his appearance. Mayuri chuckled inside at the man thinking that he knew something, when in reality the elitist snob knew nothing. Let him look down his nose all he wanted. He would see only what Mayuri intended him to see.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto was a different story altogether, and much wiser to his tricks. The old man had said very little and shown even less emotions, but underneath his bushy white eyebrows there had been a certain gleam that Mayuri couldn't place. He wasn't sure if his commanding officer was amused, irritated, intrigued, or just a combination of all three. Most probably the latter. He was irritated without a doubt at this abrupt turn-around in regards to the experiment. Where Mayuri had originally fought hard to not have the details of the union made public now he was almost pushing for it. The Captain-Commander would certainly be curious as to what intrigue propelled Mayuri to so abruptly change his mind. And they both knew that Isane would be at the root of it all, but while others might think that it was based on some romantic gesture on his part he knew that such a reason was only half of the whole.

Mayuri's internal musing snapped back to the present when Captain-Commander Yamamoto cleared his throat. Mayuri's attention focused fully on his commanding officer.

"Captain Kurotsuchi, are you telling me that now, and after your adamant refusals to Captain Soi Fon, you are now willing to demonstrate to us all the ties that bind yours and Lieutenant Kotetsu's zanpakutou together?"

"Why Captain-Commander, I am willing to show you most of them, but not all," Mayuri said slyly.

"That is not what you said originally, Captain Kurotsuchi," Lieutenant Sasakibe said warily, as if trying to catch him in a lie. "You said that -"

"I know exactly what I said, Lieutenant," Mayuri snapped. "I said that I would show a demonstration of our zanpakutou's attachment- nothing more, nothing less. Besides," he said cunningly, "I would have to embarrass Lieutenant Kotetsu in order to show you all of the bonds. Part of the bonding is based on a temporal rather than corporeal sphere... It wouldn't bother me, but the Lieutenant is much more timid."

"What do you mean by that, Captain?" Sasakibe said impatiently.

The Captain- Commander slide his gaze over to his Lieutenant and raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Mayuri rolled his eyes and seemed to snap. "I mean, you imbecile, that sometimes the bond between the four of us is strongest when we are engaging in carnal pleasure together!"

Sasakibe looked on the verge of becoming ill, while Captain-Commander Yamamoto peered at Mayuri as if he was a recalcitrant child trying to shock his elders.

"No, Captain Kurotsuchi, we will not expect such a display from either of you, " the Captain-Commander said in a droll voice. "But when can we expect to see this union? Our next Captain's Meeting isn't for another few weeks, and though this isn't an emergency I would like to see this demonstration as soon as possible. What does Lieutenant Kotetsu say?"

Mayuri gave a slight shrug. "I haven't exactly broached the subject with her yet."

Sasakibe gave a surprised gasp and Captain-Commander Yamamoto let out a decidedly amused chuckle.

"So the young lady has no idea that you are maneuvering her into such a position? Were you planning on even telling her at all? Or were you just going to pick her up for an afternoon together and then suddenly end up here? And standing in front of all the other captains just 'pop the question' to her? I think that her captain might have words with you about that, and I wouldn't cross Captain Unohana if I was you. Though, of course, you might have already...and as such I would have thought that you would have learned your lesson regarding Retsu."

"Her acquiescence is a non-issue," Mayuri said peevishly. "Isane trusts me, and as such she will readily be obedient to my requests."

Captain-Commander Yamamoto raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. "Oh, you think so, do you? Well, I believe that you have it all backwards really..."

The silence hung heavily between them for a few moments before Mayuri sighed and briefly closed his eyes. When he opened them little to no patience could be seen in the golden orbs. "Alright, I'll bite...what do you mean by me having everything all backwards...?"

" I mean, Captain Kurotsuchi, that I believe that it is you who has all his trust in Isane, and that that it is you who is obedient to her requests..."

Mayuri gasped at his commander's audacity, and then he snarled at the snicker that Sasakibe had the balls to utter in his direction.

"Are you implying that I'm-"

"Yes, Captain Kurotsuchi," Sasakibe said with a smirk, " the Captain-Commander is saying that you are-"

"All I am saying is that the Captain and the Lieutenant have an understanding between them," Captain-Commander Yamamoto said loudly in order to stop the oncoming altercation between the two. "Captain Kurotsuchi, I am grateful, and believe me when I say that I am fully aware of the high probability of you having ulterior motives behind this exhibition, but none the less I will take advantage of the situation for my own purposes and look forward to what we will see. If you can persuade Lieutenant Kotetsu before the next Captain's meeting then inform me and I will gather everyone together. Otherwise, I will expect you and the Lieutenant before us all next month for the usual meeting. Am I clear?"

"As a bell, Captain-Commander," Mayuri said bowing. Without even looking at Sasakibe he turned and walked out of the room.

There was silence for a few moments before Sasakibe turned to his Captain with a question. "What do you think, Captain-Commander? I mean, what do you really think?"

The pair had been a team for too long for there to be any obfuscation or hidden, personal agendas. In public Sasakibe was a solid but silent partner, but in private he spoke his mind, and sometimes vociferously. He always showed respect but never showed any fear.

"I think, Chojiro, that Mayuri is going to have a fight on his hands, and not entirely from Lieutenant Kotetsu. In fact, I think that her zanpakutou , and Mayuri's as well, will not be a problem. No, Retsu will be the deciding factor. No matter what kind of bonds there may be between Kurotsuchi and Kotetsu if Retsu wants to block, or even sever them then she can and will if need be. No, Retsu is a force beyond most."

Sasakibe looked not too impressed. "I know that she has this reputation for being scary, but still Captain-Commander, she is soft of heart. And if she was like any other Captain wouldn't she have stopped this association long before? No, in fact she has seen this as some sort of redemption for Captain Kurotsuchi and love for the forlorn for Lieutenant Kotetsu," Sasakibe said with almost a sniff of disdain.

Yamamoto looked at his Number One with a look comprised of part surprise and part pity. "You surprise me, Chojiro. That was an extremely shallow observation, and not very like you at all."

Sasakibe flushed profusely and looked away briefly in embarrassment. "I am sorry, Captain-Commander, but-"

Yamamoto gave a low but genuine laugh. "No, Chojiro, you are not alone in your thoughts. In fact, some might even go so far as to call the union pitiful, and in some respects they would be right...But on the other hand they couldn't be further from the truth. The type of physical and mental bond between Captain Kurotsuchi and Lieutenant Kotetsu, or between any Captain and their Lieutenant, is not a new one. No, there have been other such relationships, and there will be more after them. In actuality it is very hard not to have such relationships as the Gotei environment encourages it. They readily flourish here for some reason. I and many others might not like it, but in the end one cannot go against human nature. There is probably quite a lot that you, I, and everyone else know nothing about. The beginnings of their relationship might have been public, but once they made the decision to become closer acquainted I am sure that Mayuri did whatever he could to close it off from prying eyes. However, Retsu knows all this, and most probably much more than she is letting on. Even they probably have no idea what she knows or doesn't know."

Sasakibe knew that his commander was trying to make a point, but what it was he had no idea. "Captain-Commander, what are you trying to say? Is it that you believe that Captain Unohana will not allow Lieutenant Kotetsu to show us how her and Captain Kurotsuchi's zanpakutou behave together? That she will go against your wishes? I cannot believe that she would do such a thing," Sasakibe said shaking his head.

Yamamoto stood and gazed at his Lieutenant with steely, cold eyes. "Not only do I think that she will block her Lieutenant from doing as I ask, but she will also break the couple up in order to assure their privacy."

Sasakibe looked at Yamamoto with nothing short of astonishment. "What?! But that makes no sense! That goes against everything that-"

"That goes against everything that people think, believe, or expect from Retsu," Yamamoto said nodding his head. "Hence, that is why I believe that it will not be Retsu that does this, but rather Captain Unohana who will perform the deed."

"Do you seriously think that Captain Unohana will go against her Commanding Officer, her Lieutenant, and another Gotei Captain as well? Not to mention that a few other Captains and Lieutenants might voice opposition as well over such a harsh decision," Sasakibe said frowning deeply.

Yamamoto smiled slightly and turned to start heading back to his private rooms. "So my Lieutenant now feels sorry for the couple?" He looked back over his shoulder with a light in his eyes at his Lieutenant's discomfort.

"No," Sasakibe said with as much dignity as he could gather, " all I was thinking was that it wouldn't seem fair to Lieutenant Kotetsu to have her Captain do such a thing."

"And I doubt she would, honestly. But," Yamamoto said raising a finger in the air to make a point, " I wouldn't put it past her to offer up a diversion, and one of such magnitude to make sure that all attention is quickly and decisively pointed in another direction altogether. No, people forget that Retsu was once a Kenpachi, and that she is now nothing more than a predator posing as a house pet."

Sasakibe stopped suddenly in his tracks at the thought. Yes, his captain was correct; Retsu had once held the rank of First Kenpachi. Most people either didn't know or had forgotten all about that as her reputation as a healer was both impressive as well as legendary. As well as her quiet and demure demeanor that people now associated her with no one could ever see her drawing her zanpakutou in a manner other than to heal.

"That scares me, Sir."

Yamamoto nodded. "As well it should. No, I feel sorry for the person or persons that Retsu will offer up as sacrifice in order to shield her beloved Lieutenant from the scrutiny of others. I also believe as well that she will be settling a few scores and laying down a few boundaries for people as well."

They stopped when they arrived at Yamamoto's private rooms. Opening the door for his Captain Sasakibe bowed and murmured that he would bring a light repast back for him.

"I would watch, learn, and for all that is holy do nothing to cast Retsu's attention in your direction, Chojiro," Yamamoto said succinctly before taking his leave and entering his room.

Sasakibe left to find a lower seat to bring Yamamoto his afternoon repast. All the while he wondered about the people that he thought he knew.


Twelfth Division

Mayuri sat at his desk and stared pensively out the window and thought about his earlier meeting. The Old Man seemed too calm and nonchalant about things. No, he had expected many more questions and certainly much more guff from his commander. More often then not Yamamoto could blather on and on about duty, and in an obnoxiously pompous manner. He would growl out orders and never care about the opinion of anyone else. The only words that mattered where his, and when he would cut someone down he did it in a brutishly inelegant manner. But today the Old Man had acted almost curiously amused. He had even taken Sasakibe to task slightly, and he rarely did that. Most certainly he did not do that publicly. No, something was certainly not right.

He stopped for a moment and for a brief nano-second wondered if he was doing the right thing, but that idea was swiftly set aside. No, he needed to do this. Isane needed him to do this! He needed to once and for all remind people who they were dealing with: The feared Captain of the Twelfth Division and the under-rated Lieutenant of the Fourth. People wanted to treat them like some sort of freak show? Like they were to be pitied? He relished the fact that most people were afraid of him. It amused hm to no end. He also didn't give a tinker's damn that no one could figure out where his head was at. That just made things easier for him. He also didn't really care that people under-valued Isane; as long as he didn't and people didn't take too much advantage of her then that was all that really mattered. Even the idea that they might be traitorous somehow as the imbecilic Soi Fon was throwing about didn't consume too many of his thoughts. No, after Aizen everything and everyone would be suspect for some time to come. He would honestly be surprised if no one would have said anything. In fact, he really thought that Hitsugaya would have been the one to throw that out for public speculation. It was the idea that people thought them so unskilled that such a phenomenon (and really wasn't that odd as they were hardly the first to exhibit such a pairing) would be beyond their skill. No, he and Isane were now ready to show that group of louts, thugs, poseurs, and general riff-raff what had been under their nose the entire time: true talent. And if the small possibility of an event that he had been entertaining should arise it would certainly justify any means to his end.

But what was the Old Man's angle? What was it he really wanted? What did he hope to truly gain by allowing this exhibition? Was he suspicious of their loyalty? Was he wondering if a probable coup was in the horizon? Gods, the last thing he wanted was to be in charge of the entire Gotei. It would leave him no time for his experiments. It would certainly allow him much less freedom than he already had. He certainly would not be able to have a relationship with Isane as that would bend too many rules and cause even more of a pain in the ass by being inundated with complaints from small minded imbeciles.

Yamamoto also certainly did not have a sense of humor, so he couldn't be sanctioning this because of some sense of jacoseness on his part. The man had no sense of wit or hilarity. None what so ever. He also wasn't looking to discipline anyone- himself included. He didn't think that Yamamoto had any idea of all the back-stories that his and Isane's relationship had developed. No, such rumor and speculation was above him.

So what exactly was the Old Man up to?

"Ashisogi Jizo, where is Isane and Itegumo?"

They are just finishing their watch, Mayuri-sama. Do you need me to contact them?

"Yes, ask her if she will be spending her evening at her division or going to her apartment in the city."

There was a few moment of silence before Ashisogi Jizo came back with his reply. They will meet us in her green house as she will not be off for a few days and must therefor spend her nights at her division.

"Tell her that I will see her there within the hour, and to please be prompt."

Mayuri stood and started to clean his desk off when his zanpakutou broke unbidden into his thoughts.

Will there be trouble, Mayuri-sama?

Mayuri stopped and slitted his eyes in annoyance. "What do you mean by that, Ashisogi Jizo?"

I felt your thoughts, Mayuri-sama. You are troubled by something...

Mayuri was going to say something but then decided to change directions. "Ashisogi Jizo, would you and Itegumo be adverse to showing the other captains the bond between yourself and Itegumo?"

Mayuri felt rather than heard his zanpakutou's incredulity. Whether it was because their relationship would be officially out in the open or the fact that Mayuri had even asked his opinion he couldn't tell. When he was met with silence his temper flared to life.

"Well?! Speak up!"

I do not know what to say or think, Mayuri-sama. I thought that we were to keep things circumspect...

"And you are, you certainly are! But you were with me at the meeting with the Old Man. I know that you were not dozing off or gallivanting with Itegumo. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you had already told Itegumo about the meeting! Please do not be obtuse about things, as that is a direct insult to me..."

I believe that it would all work to our advantage, Mayuri-sama

Mayuri raised a brow and smiled slightly. "You do? In what way?"

I believe that for once and all we can assert not only our dominance but our superiority. We will prove how strong and intelligent you and I are, and how beautiful and sweet Isane-sama and Itegumo are

Mayuri gave an amused chuckle. "You do not think that Isane and Itegumo are strong and intelligent in their own right?"

Of course they are, but they are clearly submissive to us, and as such it is our right and responsibility to assert our authority in such a way that protects their fragility.

"I do not disagree with you in regards to our dominance over them. But remember that in such relationships the Player may control The Piece, it is the Piece who ultimately controls the Play."

Meaning, Mayuri-sama?

"Meaning, you imbecile, that Isane is The Piece, and I am the Player. In the end she holds control over the entire game!"

Our relationship is not a game to me, Mayuri-sama...

"For the love of all the Gods, you half-witted zanpakutou shut up," he said with a snarl as he put Ashisogi-Jizo in his place on his uniform. "Incredible..."


Fourth Division

Isane hurriedly walked to her greenhouse to meet Mayuri. She had had a long and tiring shift and she was eager to see her lover. A strange stomach flu was going around and she had spent the entire morning and afternoon taking care of sick Shinigami. If she wasn't helping to clean up sick then she was giving restorative care. She knew enough to freshen up before seeing Mayuri as he was very sensitive to smells, and if he had caught a whiff of any sourness she would never hear the end of it all.

Hurry, Isane, Mayuri-sama and Ashisogi Jizo are waiting for us!

"I know, my love, I know! But I had to clean myself up a bit before seeing him or Mayuri would never let me live it down if I showed up stinky or terribly stained. You know how fastidious he can be..."

As she rounded the corner that led to the greenhouse she saw Mayuri pacing impatiently before the front of the building. That brought Isane up short. Something was obviously wrong. He seemed preoccupied, and when that happened it meant that something important was going on in that devil-brain of his. When he stopped suddenly and pierced her with his golden gaze and gave her a grim look she knew without a doubt that something was up. But when he opened his arms to invite her in she could do nothing but run full-tilt into them. Making sure that she wasn't impaled by Ashisogi Jizo's spikes she buried herself in his warmth. Between them their zanpakutou hummed physically and esoterically with pleasure.

"Don't you find it beautiful how our zanpakutou react to one another when they are physically close? How incredible and mystical is that, Mayuri?"

Mayuri hummed deep in his chest as he stroked her hair. "Yes, incredible..." Pulling back he looked into her storm-grey eyes thoughtfully. "Also very fortuitous that you should mention that, Isane. For that is exactly what has brought me here today."

Isane looked at Mayuri with growing suspicion...


Isane's back was to Mayuri and staring pensively off in to the distance. She didn't know what to make of the whole thing. More importantly she didn't know what to make of him. In the past he had vehemently and almost rabidly kept their zanpakutou's true relationship hidden. He didn't even want her Captain to know about their true connection, and if there was anyone that should know it was Captain Unohana. But now he wanted to put it out for everyone? Lieutenants as well? That just didn't make sense...

"Mayuri, why now? Why all of a sudden?"

"Don't you trust me, Isane?"

Isane whipped around and looked affronted. "Of course I do, Mayuri, it is just that I don't always understand you..."

Mayuri chuckled and walked over to stand next to her. "But My Dear, that isn't necessarily a requirement of our relationship, don't you agree?"

"Mayuri, if you want my co-operation then it better be," Isane said dryly.

Mayuri stared into Isane's eyes apologetically. "Unfortunately this will happen with or without either your understanding or your co-operation, Lieutenant Kotetsu."

Isane's eyes widened. "Is this a direct order from the Captain-Commander? Does my own Captain know about this? If so, why did she never say anything to me about it?"

"Yes and no, Isane. Yes, Yamamoto wants this done, and as much as I am loath to do his bidding in such a way he is after all my superior officer," he said lying smoothly. "As to Unohana...well, if she knows or not is something that I have yet to ascertain," he said hedging.

Isane looked down at Itegumo and stroked her lovingly. "What do you think, my beauty?"

Before the zanpakutou could answer Mayuri cut in. "It doesn't matter what she thinks! All that matters is that we need to go over my plan and then all of you follow it to the letter. And I mean to the letter."

"What about Captain Unohana?"

Mayuri took that as a sign of acquiescence, and as such he felt that he was one step closer to his ultimate goal. A goal that no one but himself knew about. If he could accomplish what was really behind his machinations then it would be well and truly worth all the aggravation that everyone was putting him through.

For a brief moment he felt a slight twinge of regret not being open with Isane. But there was a reason behind it, and if she knew the whole truth then nothing would work as he intended. Not only would that work against Isane, but he was never one to take failure lightly. Even his own, and if this failed it would be just as much his failure as hers. No, Isane needed to be kept ignorant of things. When things worked out as he planned then he would possibly tell her. Most probably not, but the whim might strike him at an odd moment.

"I need to talk to your Captain about a few things anyway, and as such thought that I would broach the subject with her then. At that time we can go over how I intend this all to play out."

Isane looked at Mayuri skeptically. "I don't know, Mayuri. I really don't think that Captain Unohana is going to like the idea very much."

"What?! Why ever not? That makes no sense!" Mayuri grabbed her wrist and forcefully pulled the startled woman after him. "We will speak to her this very instant!"

Isane was dragged behind him sputtering and muttering. A few times she even tried to dig her heels in to at least slow him down(as stopping him was out of the question), but all that garnered her was a an angry glance and a snarl.

"Mayuri, do we always have to create a commotion? Can't we just act like normal people for once-"

"How many times have I told you, Lieutenant Kotetsu, that normalcy is highly over-rated! Besides, I do have other things to attend to today..."

"Yes, we certainly don't want other people's lives to inconvenience you," Isane said under her breath.

"No, you certainly don't," Mayuri said glaring back at her.

It wasn't hard to find Retsu as she was speaking to a few new recruits in the main hall, and when they saw the determined captain of the Twelfth Division storm in their direction many choose to wisely move behind their commanding officer. Pushing a few aside that were either too slow or too dimwitted to get out of his way fast enough Mayuri came to an abrupt halt before Retsu. Still keeping a firm hold on to Isane's wrist Mayuri looked at Retsu with determination.

"Captain Unohana, I require your immediate attention."

Retsu looked at her flustered Lieutenant and raised a delicate eyebrow in her direction. "I cannot believe that my Lieutenant could have done something to make you loose your normally calm demeanor, Captain Kurotsuchi," she said with sly humor.

Mayuri gave his peer a disgruntled look but chose for once to ignore the remark. "We need to talk. Now, and privately," he said eying malevolently all the gawkers around them.

Retsu smoothed out her perfect sleeves and gave Mayuri a calm but cold look. "I know why you are here, Captain, and the answer is an unequivocal 'no'. Now, I have patients to attend to so please have a pleasant rest of your day." And to everyone's astonishment she calmly turned around and walked away.

Mayuri couldn't believe what he had just been subjected to. It was all still registering with him when he fully realized that Retsu was now nowhere to be seen. His blood boiled and a loud snarl burst from his mouth as he turned like a striking viper to face his beloved. His anger went up another notch as he met Isane's bemused look and shaking head.

"I told you, Mayuri. She wouldn't go for it."

With a snarl and a stream of profanity Mayuri stalked after Retsu, and leaving Isane behind as if she was now unimportant. With a slight smile and laugh she too turned to walk away back to her greenhouse.

"Itegumo, please keep tabs on Ashisogi Jizo and Mayuri, would you? I fear that they might get themselves in trouble..."

Ashisogi Jizo said that Mayuri-sama is furious! They are both very put-out...but you did tell him that Captain Unohana would not be willing...but still!

Isane stopped for a moment and cocked her head to the side. "Would you be adverse to showing the other Captains and Lieutenants what kind of bond that you and Ashisogi Jizo have? I don't fully understand what Mayuri has planned, but I will admit that I am slightly suspect..."

I never question Ashisogi Jizo or Mayuri-sama, and neither should you, her zanpakutou said with a slight edge to her voice, and one that made Isane smile at the vehemence. They have done nothing but protect and cherish us! They would never put us in harms way. I would do whatever they asked of me.

"I know, my love, but for some reason Captain Unohana is against it, and I know too that she would never put us in harm's way either. If she doesn't want us to do this then she has a very good reason, or two. Plus, she is our Commanding Officer, and in matters of professional duty our loyalty is to her."

I know...but...

"I understand, Itegumo, I am in the same dilemma," she said with a heavy sigh. She was now in an awkward position. It would appear that she might have to choose a side, and if that happened then it would not turn out well for her no matter who she chose.

(page break)

"Captain Unohana! Captain, stop this instant!" Mayuri said as he flash-stepped to stand before Retsu. "Now!"

Retsu gave Mayuri a stern look and motioned him to follow her in to a deserted office. Closing the door behind them she turned to Mayuri with a deadly serious look, and cutting off his building tirade with a sharp hand in the air.

"Stop this instance, Mayuri. I truly do know what you seek, and I will not allow it."

Mayuri narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "How do you know what-"

"Lieutenant Sasakibe was over to get some supplies and he told me of your meeting with the General. I might not be able to stop it, and certainly not if it becomes a direct order from our commanding officer, but I will do everything in my power to not make that happen."

Mayuri gave a feral snarl and looked over in the direction of the First Division as if he could see through walls and over distance to occularly cut Sasakibe down.

"Why that tattling little prig! Who is he to divulge such information! I will see him disciplined for that! If someone from my division did such I thing I would publicly eviscerate them, and slowly," he said malevolently.

"I am sure that he was only doing his duty, Mayuri," Retsu said quietly. "He was looking out for a fellow Lieutenant-"

"Looking out for a fellow Lieutenant my ass! He was being a nosy busy-body was all. And even worse, he was trying to take a stab at me without even having the balls to do so to my face! I shall have to think up something particularly evil in retaliation," he said in a low hiss.

"You will do no such thing, Mayuri," Retsu said in such an unheard of stern voice that even Mayuri was internally taken-aback. "I will not allow such a thing. I will also not allow my Lieutenant to become some sideshow entertainment to benefit the amusement of others."

"Why Retsu, I had no idea that you felt that way," Mayuri said with a slight smile. "How kind that you want to protect Isane and myself-"

"I want to do no such thing, Captain Kurotsuchi. I am doing this for Isane and Isane alone. I will not allow my beloved second-in-command to be held up to such scrutiny in order to satisfy the over-zealous paranoia of Soi Fon, the paranoia of our Commander, or to prove some ridiculous point among her peers that feel she is beneath their level for some reason. And I am certainly not doing it in any way to protect you," she said vehemently. "The connection between the two of you and your zanpakutou is between the four of you, and has nothing, and I mean NOTHING to do with anyone else."

For a brief moment Mayuri was not only stunned and amazed, but impressed as well. During Retsu's passionate declaration her reiatsu had spiked to such a level that the room became momentarily visibly stifling. He had almost thought for a moment that he might have to calm his fellow captain down. But as quickly as it had arrived it had gone, and Retsu took a deep breath and calmed herself.

"Yamamoto will neither like nor agree to what you will have to say on the matter you know," Mayuri said quietly. "He can and will assert his dominance over you, me, and Isane if need be."

Retsu elegantly shrugged her shoulders at the idea. "The Captain-Commander can try all he likes. I can, and will, thwart him and anyone else that tries to cross my path. If need be I will take any punishment that he might mete out. Neither I nor anyone should have any fear on that matter."

Mayuri smiled widely and his eyes seemed to glow. "No, my dear Captain Unohana, I do not doubt any of that in the least! In fact, I look forward to it. I truly hope to see you and our commander go head to head on the matter. Better yet, I can't wait to see you get the better of Soi Fon!. No matter who gets the upper hand, you or me, it will put more than a few people in their place."

"I am slightly disappointed in you, Mayuri. You seem to be doing this for only personal gain and satisfaction. While I am only doing it to protect an innocent soul."

Mayuri laughed and shook his head as if disappointed in her witlessness. "Retsu, that is far from the truth. I too am doing this to protect an innocent soul! Not only that, but I am also hoping to empower her as well."

Retsu looked at Mayuri with deep suspicion. "What are you really looking to gain from all this, Mayuri?"

Mayuri laughed as he put his hands in his sleeves and turned to leave. "Ah, you will just have to wait and see, won't you?"

As Mayuri walked away Retsu started to ponder all the possibilities that Mayuri might have for really wanting this charade to take place. Her deep mentations were broken as Minazuki cut through her thoughts.

Would you like me to surreptitiously monitor both Ashisogi Jizo and Itegumo?

Retsu was surprised at the idea. "Could you do that, My Love? And not in any way be detected?"

I am one of the most powerful zanpakutou, you know, Minazuki said almost peevishly.

"Of course you are, My Dear," Retsu said calmly. "I just don't want anyone to know anything unless they have to or we decide that the time is right."

From time to time I check in on Itegumo, but not so she knows. You and I are very good at hiding our true nature as well as our true intentions if need be, the zanpakutou said archly.

"Yes, yes we certainly are," Retsu said with a soft smile as she loving stroked Minazuki.


First Division

Genryusai sat at his desk as Ryujin Jakka told him of all that he had heard. He couldn't help but chuckle at all his zanpakutou relayed to him. What an interesting turn things had taken! The dramatic back-stories, obfuscations, and out-right rebellion should have infuriated him, but for some reason they didn't. If anything he was highly amused and intensely curious. His very own zanpakutou had gotten in to the mix by spying himself. If Soi Fon ever found that out would she accuse him of some sort of betrayal? No, he was certainly looking forward to their next meeting and how this would all play out. Even he was stymied as to what Mayuri was truly all about. Whatever plan his Twelfth Division captain had he was keeping it even from his zanpakutou, not to mention Lieutenant Kotetsu and her zanpakutou. No, their usually boring monthly meeting was for once going to take a decided turn for the better.


A/N: Many, many thanks go out to SaVrAiNoiRfor all the help and encouragement with this chapter. I also cannot even begin to thank you for having that picture of mine that I had thought lost and unrecoverable of Mayuri and Isane spooning after an intimate encounter. If I can figure out how to post it to my account for others to see I shall. Any ideas? The next chapter should be loads of fun!