Chapter 48: Yamamoto Blood

It had proven to be an interesting and surprisingly productive day.

Shunsui sauntered down the main thoroughfare that divided each of the divisional territories, making his way thoughtfully towards the series of buildings and training yards that comprised the area belonging to the Eighth. Although he knew he had been lucky in the encounter with Tsuneyoshi that morning, with hindsight, he now realised that he did not regret being taken so utterly off guard. Because of that incident, he had learned a good deal more and, as he reflected on the conversation with Hiyama, he had also forged what could prove to be a useful alliance going forward.

Of course, until Yama-jii confirms his story and that they're acquainted, I still need to be careful. It could be a trap.

Shunsui pressed his lips together absently.

But I don't suppose it is. He didn't seem deceptive when speaking to me, and what he said correlated with Retsu-sama's story. I also have her book of the incident, which I will read when I can. Besides, if he was lying, telling me he knew Yama-jii would be self-defeating. He must know that we'd verify that...and we will, once Retsu-sama's message reaches the Academy.

He reached the entrance to the Seventh Division, pausing to gaze up at the imposing bird of prey that stood guard over the compound within.

Plus, that's an added bonus. I don't suppose any of us expected Kikyue-hime and her companions to get back so relatively unscathed, but they are safe now, and we can stop diverting resources into finding them. Moreover, they'll probably be able to add more information to what we already have. Maybe, little by little, things are starting to come together.

He ducked beneath the claws of the hunting bird, making his way across the cobblestones towards the area where he knew Hirata had his office. Although several high ranking officers were currently missing, it did not appear that usual training drills had been suspended, as he could hear the sound of recruits running through their exercises, the occasional shout from Nakata or Hajime indicating that they were not being allowed any leniency, even in these circumstances.

Well, it's not as though I don't understand. Eleventh was attacked, and it makes sense to keep all those on site primed for whatever's to come next. Although it does mean their security today is unforgivably lax. If I was an enemy, I'd be able to walk right in - which is exactly what I intend to do.

Shunsui casually let himself into the main block, taking the first turning on the right and strolling along the hallway towards Hirata's office. The door was a little ajar, as though the Captain was primed in case of any unexpected messages, and, as he moved to knock lightly on the wood, the divide slid back, leaving Shunsui suddenly face to face with his old friend. At the quizzical look in the hawkish blue eyes, Shunsui offered a rueful smile.

"I see your guard isn't down, even if your personnel numbers currently are," he remarked.

"I sensed you coming from the moment you stepped into the Division grounds," Hirata replied evenly, folding his arms across his chest. "Well? I hope you have a good reason for trespassing. If you're going to summon a third Captain's meeting in as many days, Shunsui..."

"No, no Captain meetings. I promise. Not tonight," Shunsui held up his hands hurriedly, shaking his head. "No, on the contrary, I come bringing good news. I've been in District Four."

"I'm very happy for you," Hirata's eyes narrowed, and Shunsui could tell that he was sizing up his friend's appearance. "You certainly look like you needed treatment from someone. Those bruises are new since last night, and it really looks like someone used kidou to cauterise a wound or two as well."

"They're minor scrapes, but you're not wrong," Shunsui shook his head. "I had an encounter with one of our rogues, but thanks to Retsu-sama, I'm all right. But that isn't important at the moment. We took a trip to the hospital in Fourth District, where Mitsuki is currently stationed. I needed to speak to a patient of hers, but before I left there, a bunch of new patients were unexpectedly admitted."

"And?" Hirata arched an eyebrow. "Please don't play with my patience, Shunsui. It's not very great at the moment."

"I know," Shunsui relented, reaching out to put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I can sense the Wind Hawk, lapping at the edges of your aura. But it's all right, Hirata. I told you, I'm bringing good news. The patients in question are your missing group of shinigami. They're tired and hungry, and a couple of them are a bit bruised, but they're none of them in danger of their lives."

"My...?" Despite himself, Hirata's eyes widened, and Shunsui nodded, slipping past his companion into the office and closing the door behind them.

"Kikyue and the others are back in Seireitei," he said softly. "They exited a Gate in Fourth District - one that isn't on our system - and Mitsuki found them. When I left, they were all being reviewed and admitted, but I was assured that none of them had life threatening injuries. The worst seems to be Ohara - he seemed a bit bloody, but apparently it's not a fatal wound. Kikyue was definitely among them. As far as I know, she has no injuries."

Hirata sank back against the wall of the office, removing his glasses and rubbing his brow. He closed his eyes, and Shunsui could sense the flickering relief at the edge of his friend's aura, the Wind Hawk spirit settling down inside his slender body at the receipt of this news. For a moment he was silent, composing himself, then he glanced up, meeting Shunsui's gaze with an apologetic one of his own.

"I'm sorry," he said. "You came to tell me as soon as you knew, didn't you? And I was rude to you."

"I'm used to people being rude to me. It seems to be an instinct I awaken in people," Shunsui grinned. "It's all right. I know you've been worried, and it's a tiny speck of good news in what has been a crazy week. I don't know how long the hospital intend to hold them, but I think most of them probably just need a bath and a good meal and they'll be safe to come back to barracks. I suppose it's possible they'll want to keep them for observation overnight...but at least you know now where they are."

"I will send Hajime to Fourth District immediately, to find out what he can and debrief anyone who's capable of speaking to him," Hirata decided, returning his spectacles to their perch on his nose. "I'll hear the full details when they return, but at the very least, if I send him, I can get a clear idea of their situation. You mentioned Ohara, too - which suggests he went into the Dangai after them, as we thought. What about Tenichi?"

"He was there too. I believe he had a couple of cracked ribs, but that's all," Shunsui looked pensive. "What will you do about them? They clearly defied orders, and Tenichi is on parole. Going into a locked space without permission is pretty serious insubordination."

Hirata sighed, offering a rueful, faint smile.

"I'll hear what they have to say," he reflected, "but I don't believe there is a clause in the parole document that details what to do in the case of Dangai trespass. Tenichi is not allowed to visit Thirteenth Division. I don't think Kai specified anywhere else."

"I see," Shunsui eyed his friend keenly, and Hirata looked sheepish.

"Knowing Kikyue is safe and alive makes me inclined to leniency," he admitted. "Does that make me a fool?"

"No," Shunsui shook his head. "It makes you a relieved father, and I won't judge you for it. Tenichi is your officer...and besides, even if what they did was stupid, it was done from loyalty to you and to Kikyue herself. And, if it ended the right way, hearing their story seems more sensible than ripping them apart with the Wind Hawk. No doubt they'll be able to fill in a lot of gaps - hopefully their adventures in the Dangai will help us someway to working out what we can do to settle the chaos here."

"Let's hope so," Hirata agreed. "And what about you? Are you going to tell me how you got those bruises and why you went to Fourth in the first place?"

"I'm going back home, first," Shunsui shook his head. "I have some papers to look at, but I suggest we convene again later on. Not a full meeting," he added hastily, as Hirata opened his lips to comment. "Something much more select and hopefully, in better company and humour. I probably have some good sake left, and I was hoping to go speak to Juushirou tonight. It's my turn to go to Thirteenth, I think, so I was going to get my data together and then go after the sun sets. You should come too, if you have the time."

"I might just do that," Hirata owned. "I'll see what information I can gather as well. A meeting at Thirteenth sounds more convivial than dragging to the Captain's chamber and staring at the gaps left by Guren-sama and Minaichi...so let's do that. I'll speak to my Vice Captain - and hopefully I'll join you later this evening, at Ugendou."


It had been a long time since she had last been at Thirteenth.

Mitsuki paused at the entrance to the Division for a moment, a nostalgic smile touching her lips as she remembered the first time she had come here. Then, it had seemed strange and alien, and the haori that Juushirou wore had seemed like a barrier between them - but now, she had a genuine fondness for the place, which had become the embodiment of its leader's belief in bonds and strong family spirit.

If only I was here for a reason other than intrigue and work, though.

She let out a little sigh of resignation.

Oh well. Maybe one day that won't be the case. It's been a while since I saw Juushirou, face to face. Letters are one thing, but it will be nice to speak to him at least. I do have a genuine reason to be here, even if the reasoning isn't entirely ideal.


"Mitsuki!"

As she crossed the courtyard of the Thirteenth Division, the sound of her friend's voice made her pause, and she turned to greet the Thirteenth Division's third seat with a smile.

"Naoko-chan," she said warmly, holding out her hands to grasp her companion's fingers in hers. "It's been a while. I've come to see Juushirou - is it possible?"

"I really hope you didn't pick now for a romantic surprise visit," Naoko hugged her friend, then held her at arm's length, fixing her with a searching look. "It's really not the time, if you did - but I can see it in your eyes. You're not here frivolously, are you? This is work-related...in which case, I'd better not send you away."

"Is something wrong?" Mitsuki looked concerned, and Naoko grimaced, letting out a heavy sigh and releasing her hold on the other girl's shoulders.

"Something? Try everything," she said wearily. "Let's start at the beginning, shall we? First, I don't actually know where Taichou is. He's not in his quarters and nobody's seen him since earlier this morning. I've been hunting all over for him, but I can't sense his reiatsu and if he went somewhere, he didn't tell me before he went."

"Not here?" Mitsuki frowned, spreading her own senses to scan the Division compound. To her consternation, she realised that Naoko was right, for Juushirou's familiar reiatsu trace was nowhere to be found. "What about Houjou-kun? Did he leave a message with him?"

"Houjou-kun hasn't seen him at all," Naoko groaned, taking Mitsuki by the hand and leading her across the courtyard to the wall, sinking down on the stone and pulling her friend down beside her. "You've been seconded to the middle of nowhere for far too long, I guess - but you probably don't know about what happened at Eleventh. Or do you?" she eyed Mitsuki doubtfully. "Retsu-sama has been involved in investigating the aftermath, so maybe you do."

"I know something's happened in Seireitei, and I know there have been...attacks by corpses on shinigami and on people in Rukongai?" Mitsuki said slowly, and Naoko nodded.

"It's a bit more than that, but at least you have a basis," she reflected. "Okay, in the simplest possible terms, you're right. That has been happening. The causes have been debated far and wide around Seireitei, but the other night, the Eleventh Division were attacked. It turns out they were attacked by other members of the Eleventh Division - individuals sent into the Dangai to do investigative work. Kohaku predicted something would happen there, and when it did, Houjou-kun went to Eleventh. He fought these individuals and saved lives, but let's just say that there were a lot of corpses at the end of it."

She grimaced, as Mitsuki's expression became one of horror.

"I know. Our case is that the Eleventh officers were dead when they left the Dangai, and as I understand it, last night more evidence emerged to suggest there is a rogue shinigami somewhere in Seireitei with the ability to raise the dead - but right now, it's all complicated where our Division is concerned. Houjou-kun was in custody after the incident, but he's been released back here as of this morning. He's still suspended, though, until there's a formal inquest - because one of the dead is the Vice Captain of the Eleventh, and proper procedure has to be followed. That means..."

"You're left holding the fort," Mitsuki murmured softly, and Naoko nodded her head.

"It's worse than that," she admitted. "The Captains officially agreed that, until further notice, I'm acting Vice Captain. That means right now...everything is on me. And it doesn't help that, on the first morning of that being the case, my Captain has vanished without a word to anyone. The Captain of the Eleventh was attacked in that night incident, and was wounded as a result. The Captain of the Sixth is also in a bad way. It's not a good time for my Captain to be missing in action. But I can't leave here to go search...so I'm pacing around the place looking for him, and, probably, looking for someone to take it out on, as well."

"I'm sorry," Mitsuki reached across to hug her friend. "I had no idea it was like that. I heard only bits and pieces...I didn't realise that Thirteenth had been so involved in this."

"Well, I believe in Houjou-kun," Naoko returned the hug with a resigned smile. "And it's not that I'm not happy to see you. But if it's my Captain you want, I can't help you right now."

"And the people behind this? How dangerous do you think they are, potentially?"

"I think it's pretty bad," Naoko reflected grimly. "Your cousin Shirogane-dono was also involved in the incident at Sixth and is recovering from the encounter - but he saw the individuals and his testimony was discussed at the Captain's meeting."

"What about Ryuu?" Mitsuki became anxious, and Naoko shook her head.

"As far as I know, he was sent to take charge of the squad, so he's fine," she replied, and Mitsuki let out a sigh of relief. "He's holding the fort at Sixth Division while Shirogane-dono recovers, so I suppose he's in a similar situation to me, really. But it was a big deal. Guren-sama is badly hurt, it seems, and even Kinnya-sama was here. Taichou told me what was said, late last night, when he told me that Vice Captain authority was mine in an official capacity until Houjou-kun's case is heard and his name is cleared properly. None of it makes good listening. One of them raises the dead, the other curses people by using their names. To bring down someone like Guren-sama is serious enough...to manipulate a squad of dead shinigami to mutiny and attempt murder on a whole Division is also not good. We don't know anything about them, but the rumour is that they're old. Maybe as old as Heaven's War - Dangai prisoners from three milennia ago or more."

"Heaven's War..." Mitsuki's eyes narrowed as her mind flitted back to Hiyama. "I see. I've heard about that too, recently...I don't suppose that was a coincidence."

"Nothing ever is," Naoko sighed heavily once more. "I'm so tired, Mitsuki-chan. I don't want to be Vice Captain. It's not my job. It feels wrong. Houjou-kun is here, and it feels bad, taking his responsibility and his role when he saved lives at Eleventh, acting as he did. I don't believe he killed anyone, but it doesn't matter what I think. He's been fine about it, but I never wanted to be Vice Captain of a Division. I love Thirteenth, so I won't let anyone down - but it wasn't why I came here. I like my position as Third Seat. I want things to go back to normal."

"I picked a bad time to come calling," Mitsuki said guiltily. "I can't really help it, though. I saw Kyouraku-kun today, at the hospital. And he looked like he'd been fighting. Now you say Juushirou isn't here, which is worrying to me as well, given everything you've just said. And the shinigami you mention...I have a patient at the hospital who seems to know something about them. He gave me a warning about them, which I reported to Retsu-sama. Next thing I know, Kyouraku-kun is there and wanting to speak to this patient. And then..."

She frowned.

"You said that the Eleventh went into the Dangai to investigate," she said slowly. "Did they perhaps go in there with people from the Seventh?"

"Yes," Naoko looked surprised. "Only they're still missing. Nobody knows what's happened to them, but they've not come back through the Gate and Sekime-taichou hasn't managed to locate where they are."

"Well, I can answer that at least," Mitsuki offered a faint smile. "They're also at my hospital. I...found them, collapsed in a copse in Fourth. It's a place which...well, there's no official Gate there, but there have been...rumours...and anyway, that's where they were."

"In Fourth?" Naoko looked stunned. "But the key should have opened the Gate near Twelfth...why there?"

"I'm the wrong person to ask about things like that," Mitsuki replied evasively. "Just, I definitely found them. Kikyue-hime was with them. They were all unconscious, and seemed exhausted - but only one of them had any serious injury and it wasn't anything I couldn't handle with Yuuyugo. I called for help and they're now at the hospital. Kyouraku-kun was going to pass the message to Hirata at Seventh when he got back here - so I came straight to Thirteenth to talk to Juushirou instead."

"Then they're alive," Naoko's eyes glittered with relief. "At least that's some good news in all this chaos."

Mitsuki opened her mouth to agree with her friend's comment, when a familiar spiritual presence suddenly darted across her healer's wits and she was immediately on her feet, moving instinctively back towards the entrance of the Division.

"Juushirou!"

"Taichou?" Naoko was alert at once, following her friend. "Are you sure? I can't sense anything."

"He's hurt. He's hurt, and that's why I can sense him like this," Mitsuki bit her lip. "He's moving, though...he's coming here."

"Hurt how?" Naoko demanded, but before Mitsuki could reply, Juushirou himself materialised at the gateway, pausing to rest his weight against the pillar of the entrance as he struggled to catch his breath.

"Taichou!" Naoko let out an exclamation, and Juushirou glanced up, seeing the two women for the first time. At the sight of Mitsuki, his expression became one of surprise but, as he met Naoko's quizzical green gaze, his eyes turned sheepish, and he steadied himself, holding up his hands in apologetic surrender.

"You look worried. I'm sorry. I should have left some kind of note."

"Yes," was all Naoko vouchsafed. "Mitsuki came to speak to you - in a professional capacity, so don't get any fine ideas that she's come to fuss over you. Your haori is a mess and you're soaking wet and covered in mud...is that blood all over your sleeve? If the rest of the Division see you like this...hell, if someone outside the Division sees you like this, they'll think discipline has collapsed here because your Vice Captain is suspended!"

"I suppose I deserve that," Juushirou looked resigned. He took a shaky breath into his lungs, wincing slightly as he did so, and Mitsuki hurried to his side, taking him by the arm.

"Naoko is right, but telling you off can wait until we're somewhere you can rest," she said softly. "Don't argue with me, Ukitake-taichou. I'm going to supersede my rank and order you to lie down. Your chest is raw and you've been coughing blood. You might not think I can tell, but I can."

"I didn't know you'd be here," Juushirou said honestly, but he did not fight as the young healer carefully guided him across the cobbles towards the path that led to Ugendou. After a moment of hesitation, Naoko moved to take his other side, and they were soon inside the small chamber, Mitsuki removing Juushirou's sodden haori and hanging it up over the rail to dry through. Once inside, Juushirou sank down onto the tatami mat floor, taking an uneven breath into his lungs, and Mitsuki paused, glancing at him in consternation.

"What did you do to yourself, Juushirou?" she asked gently. "You've been fighting someone, haven't you? Did you get attacked by one of these rogue shinigami that I keep hearing about?"

"No," Juushirou shook his head. "If I had, I'm sure I wouldn't be in this good a state right now."

He coughed, grimacing, and Mitsuki's lips thinned as she sensed the pain radiating from the Captain's weak chest.

"I wouldn't say you're in a great state," Naoko said acerbically. "Taichou, is Mitsuki right? Have you been coughing blood?"

"A little," Juushirou admitted. "I didn't want you to worry...I'm all right. I did push myself, that's all. I am sorry I left without warning. It was something Koku said to me...and I knew I needed to check it out."

"Kohaku?" Naoko looked thoughtful. "I thought I told him that you were resting. When did you speak to him?"

"Don't scold the boy, Naoko. It's not his fault," Juushirou settled himself more comfortably on the floor, letting out his breath in a rush. "Enishi advised him to report any strange things he saw or felt to me and that's what he did. I told him to come in, and ultimately, I was the one that acted. I felt that what he said indicated Ojiisama was in trouble...and it turns out, I was right. Thanks to him, I was able to intervene and help. I'll be all right, and so will he - and now Senaya-sama is well and truly laid to rest. For good this time."

"Senaya...sama?" Mitsuki had been pulling dry nightclothes from Juushirou's stash of clean laundry, but at this she paused, turning to gaze at him in consternation. Juushirou nodded.

"You've heard about our friendly visiting necromancer?" he asked, and Mitsuki jerked her head forward in confirmation. "Well, his piece de resistance was to resurrect Ojiisama's brother. Or rather, the shell of Senaya-sama and his rather angry Royal Sword. Ojiisama had trouble, fighting his brother after all this time, but I was able to turn the scale. I just had to push myself a little to do it, that's all."

He rubbed his chest, coughing again.

"I'll change and I'll lie down, and I'm sure I'll be fine," he added, glancing at Naoko. "I don't think I have a fever, and I won't, not if I get out of these wet clothes quickly. It's not cold today, and I don't feel feverish. I am sorry that I worried you - but you can still send any urgent business to me in the meantime. I'm capable of reading documents and receiving messages, even if I'm here."

"You make it really hard to be angry with you, sometimes," Naoko groaned. "I suppose, if you went to help Kinnya-sama, I have to forgive you. But next time, please, at least tell me. This is my first day as acting Vice Captain. Take pity on my nerves a little too."

"I suppose I just knew everything here was in safe hands with you in charge," Juushirou shot her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Naoko. I'll be more careful."

"Then I'll go see to the paperwork that's on Houjou-kun's desk," Naoko sighed. "I'll let Mitsuki talk to you in private - I don't want to intrude on your changing, and I get the feeling that, whatever she wants to say, it's for a Captain's ears only."

She glanced at Mitsuki.

"When things are less manic, we'll catch up properly," she promised. "For now, though, I'm going to entrust my Captain to you."

With that she was gone, closing the door behind her with a firm clatter, and Juushirou winced, looking rueful.

"She has a point," Mitsuki broke the silence, setting the nightclothes down beside her companion and reaching up a hand to touch his brow. "Leaving her on her first day in a situation like this is irresponsible. Naoko is strong, but she's still human. And she has confidence issues, sometimes. You should at least have told her...she was worried about you for real."

"Message understood," Juushirou assured her, pushing her hand gently away. "I really don't have a fever, Mitsuki, and you didn't come to nursemaid me or fuss, I can tell. My chest is sore and I admit, I coughed up blood because of it, but I feel a little better already for being back here. I'll change, and you can talk - I promise to rest a while, so you needn't scold me. I had to intervene. Ojiisama is important to me...and if I hadn't..."

"I know," Mitsuki conceded. "But I didn't expect...Naoko-chan filled me in on some of the details, but I still have a lot of gaps about what's going on. It sounds very serious, if two Captains have already been badly hurt by this. When I heard that, I was worried about you too. And I know, at my current rank, scolding a Captain is insubordinate. But as your soulmate and unofficial partner in this life, we're equals. And on those grounds," she reached across to kiss him lightly on the cheek, "I have every right to tell you to think before you act."

"I've missed you," Juushirou admitted. "Even if you're telling me off, it's nice to have you here."

He began to remove his soaked clothing, letting out a sigh.

"But you're here for professional reasons, and I need to hear you out," he added. "Did something happen in Fourth? Something I need to know about?"

"I suppose it did," Mitsuki sat back on her heels pensively. "Firstly, Naoko told me that the officers from Seventh were missing, but they're not. They're at my hospital, as of this afternoon. They came through a hidden Gate and they're all now receiving treatment from my colleagues."

"Kikyue and the others?" Juushirou looked startled, and Mitsuki nodded.

"One had a deep stab wound that looked Hollow inflicted," she said thoughtfully. "It's not a fatal injury, though, not now the bleeding has been stemmed. I don't know his name. Another was Kotetsu Tenichi - I recognised him from his hearing and trial five years ago. His ribs were cracked, but it's not a serious break and it will heal without much medical intervention. The rest were tired and dehydrated. Probably hungry. Otherwise unhurt."

"Does Hirata know?"

"Kyouraku-kun promised to take the message."

"Shunsui was with you, too?" Juushirou had clearly not expected this, and Mitsuki shook her head.

"He came with Retsu-sama to see a patient of mine," she replied.

"I see," Juushirou reached for the dry clothing, sliding the soft fabric over his shoulders with a sigh. "This wouldn't be a certain mysterious frozen shinigami who also maybe came out of an unknown Gate in Fourth?"

"Then you do know about him."

"A little," Juushirou admitted. "If Shunsui went to see him, then I imagine he knows more."

"Does that mean that Katsura's warning got to you?"

"Katsura?" Juushirou paused in tying his obi, eying her in consternation, and Mitsuki nodded.

"I saw him as well, in that same clearing," she admitted. "He was the one who opened the Gate, and he sensed my reiatsu so he came to find me. I was there looking for the place Hiyama-dono - my patient - was found. Katsura wanted me to heal the shinigami. He was injured, too, but he wouldn't let me heal him. He wanted me to speak to you. He said he'd sent a message to Koku, that the Dangai was dangerous. He also knew about my patient, so I wondered..."

"If that was in the message too?" Juushirou pursed his lips. "I suppose it was, in a manner of speaking. He did send a message to Koku, it's true...but it arrived too late to prevent the Dangai expedition, even if I had known how to go about using his intel. He did tell Koku to speak to me, though...and now he's apparently given you the same message. He doesn't want to speak to me himself?"

"I guess not," Mitsuki was thoughtful. "I think his decision to speak to me was an impulsive one...he said that he originally didn't intend to show himself to me."

"So what did he want you to tell me?" Juushirou finished arranging his clothing, pulling his robe around his shoulders for extra warmth. Slowly Mitsuki outlined the details of her conversation with Katsura in the forest, and Juushirou listened in silence as she recounted the fugitive's words.

"I felt as though what happened five years ago was haunting him," she concluded. "I almost felt guilty for saving him."

"But when he says he intends to take himself out of circulation..." Juushirou faltered, and Mitsuki shrugged.

"I asked him if he meant to hurt himself, but he said he wouldn't. He knew it would upset Koku," she replied. "I don't know what he meant. He said it was a gamble, but the right decision. That's all."

"And this other world? Another spirit plane, on the other side of the Dangai?"

"Maybe. Perhaps Kikyue-hime and her companions will be able to explain that better."

"Dangerous Hollows with thinking capacity, and dangerous shinigami," Juushirou sighed. "Well, we know that the latter exist. Honestly, attention has already begun to shift away from Katsura towards these strangers, especially now we have Shirogane-dono's witness statement. There's something bigger going on. And the former...Katsura can read Hollows and he can manipulate them. If he says that, and the other information he's given us is true, then I don't see why we should disbelieve this statement, either. Besides, the Seventh officers will be able to confirm or negate that, too, I imagine. As for his helping them - I don't know, entirely, what to make of his motives, but it isn't the only time it's seemed like he's helped shinigami of late."

"I think he's still atoning for the past," Mitsuki said sadly. "I didn't mean him to punish himself forever with it. I've forgiven him, Juushirou - but he hasn't forgiven himself."

"You are more magnanimous a person than most would be in your situation," Juushirou reminded her. "Your friends were killed in that attack."

"Yes...but it wasn't really him behind it," Mitsuki pointed out. "Keitarou wanted me killed. He threatened Katsura when he failed to kill me, and I'll never forget how frightened he was, that night I saw him here at Thirteenth. I forgave him a long time ago...but when he spoke to me, his eyes were so sad. I can't sense him at all, now. Not his pain, nothing...not even when he stands in front of me. But I can see it in his expression. He said suicide was an easy way out. That suggests at some point he considered it, and also, rejected it, because he's still punishing himself for the past. I wonder if I did the right thing, saving him. It was an impulse decision...but maybe it did him more harm."

"You did your job as a healer," Juushirou shook his head. "How Katsura deals with it is his decision and also, his problem. You aren't responsible for that."

"I suppose that's true," Mitsuki sighed, leaning against him. "I've missed you too. Don't go fighting any more dangerous people before I get a chance to come see you again, okay?"

"I wish I could give you that promise," Juushirou grimaced. "I also wish I knew if your hospital was a safe space or not. We don't know enough about anything at all. And I am a little worried about this patient of yours, too. If Shunsui wanted to talk to him..."

"I don't think he's a bad person," Mitsuki reflected. "He wanted me to send a warning...he thought that someone might attack a person called Kyouraku Harumizu. I don't know who that is, but I thought of Kyouraku-kun because of his name. Then, seeing him today...apparently the warning came true. So if that's the case, Hiyama-dono is probably not an enemy. He doesn't seem like an enemy. But he has been a bit confused. He thought Retsu-sama was someone else, the first time he saw her. And he's apparently been asleep a long time. Well...maybe not asleep. More like...hibernating?"

"Hibernating in ice?" Juushirou asked. Mitsuki nodded.

"Yes."

"I wonder..." Juushirou sighed. "Naoko and Ketsui were in the Real World and they found something encased in ice. Naoko accidentally woke it - or so we thought. We were going to send an investigation there to find out what was going on, but then the problems began with the Dangai, so first all Real World transit was banned, and then all Gates were locked down completely. Nobody's been able to go back there, but if your patient came through a Senkaimon, and he was frozen...it does make me wonder."

"That seems possible," Mitsuki admitted. "He's only told me bits and pieces, but he was very worried about someone called the Soldier. He said that this person was a danger to this Harumizu, and he asked me who the strongest shinigami was in Seireitei. He asked about a Regent, but we don't have those. In the end, I wrote to Retsu-sama because she was my Captain, and it seems the warning helped somehow. I don't know who this Soldier is - but I suppose Kyouraku-kun must."

"Not necessarily," Juushirou pursed his lips. "Harumizu is an ancestor of his, and Shunsui is named after him. It's possible that he wasn't the target, but that there was a mistake. I'll need to speak to Shunsui too, when he comes back." He coughed, grimacing. "But I don't think Naoko will let me out of here again today. I suppose I'll sit quietly. Maybe, if it's important enough, Shunsui will come here. He often does, if there's something buzzing in his brain, and especially at the moment. Two Captains are out of action. We don't want to reduce our numbers any more."

"No." Mitsuki agreed gravely. "And I can't stay here to properly make sure you take care of yourself. I promised Saionji-san I'd be back at the hospital before nightfall, so I need to go. I just wanted you to know what Katsura said. I thought it was important...but I really hope that he's not going to do something crazy or impulsive."

"That has been his modus operandi so far," Juushirou groaned. "Well, at least we have the good news about the Seventh. I've managed to keep it from Ketsui, that his brother was missing, and now I don't need to worry about bringing him bad news."

"But surely people know about the mission into the Dangai?" Mitsuki was confused. Juushirou nodded.

"Yes...but Ohara and Tenichi apparently went in on their own, afterwards, to look for their comrades," he said with a sigh. "It seems as though Katsura may have gone with them - at least, your account suggests it."

"He said something like that...he made it sound as though he'd been forced to go, but I don't think so," Mitsuki said slowly. "If that were the case, he'd have escaped while they were unconscious. If he was their prisoner, he wouldn't have cared that they were hurt and he wouldn't have bothered to come to get me. I think he was worried about them. That suggests he did it of his own free will. He also knew who Kikyue-hime was, and wanted me to know especially that he knew. He said to tell Hirata that he didn't care. He could have killed her, but he didn't want to. That was important to him. He wanted me to know he wasn't pursuing any kind of revenge for his sister any more."

"It sounds as if he's grown up a little, then," Juushirou looked relieved. Mitsuki nodded.

"Yes, but from the worst kind of experiences," she said heavily. "I know, you're right - he killed my friends and I shouldn't worry. But I do. He was still so naive when it all happened...and now there's none of that naivety at all. Maybe that's the cost of being a murderer...I don't know. But I don't like it."

She bent to kiss Juushirou's cheek, then got to her feet.

"I need to go," she added. "And you need to rest. You don't have a fever, not at the moment, but if you feel warm later, then make sure you take something. I know I left enough herbs and powders here with you to tide you over, but if you need anything else, send a message. And try and take care of yourself. If these enemies are really this dangerous, I don't want you to do something else reckless and stupid."

"I'll try," Juushirou promised. "Take care going back, Mitsuki. Thank you for coming. Your company and your information are both very welcome in these parts."

His eyes softened.

"Try not to worry about Katsura," he continued. "If the path he's had to walk has made him grow up and think more about the world, then it might be that he never crosses paths with the shinigami again. And, if he keeps helping us, he might find that folk stop looking for him. It's really up to him how he lives his life, though. He's an outlaw, and we can't do anything unless he comes and asks for help."

"If he did ask for help, Juushirou - would you help him?" Mitsuki rested her hand on the door of the chamber, turning to send her companion a questioning look. Juushirou was silent for a moment, then he sighed.

"I don't know," he admitted. "I'd need to know what I was helping, first, and why. But I would listen to him. So if you see him again, you can tell him that. I will listen to him. I don't really intend on taking him prisoner, not if he's not related to the current incident - and if he knows information we need, I'm willing to set the arrest warrant aside and just listen."

"I'll tell him, but I'm not sure I'll see him again," Mitsuki sighed. "Thank you anyway, Juushirou. I know it's difficult for you to say any more than that, and I accept it. I'm the vigilante who decided the murderer of my friends deserved to live...but that murder still happened, and it can't be ignored. So long as Katsura doesn't ask for help, he can only be seen as an outlaw and a criminal. And I can't really help him, either. It's wrong of me to expect you to take on another burden, when you've already done so much for his brother."

"I'm sure the subject will come up again," Juushirou said evenly. "Travel safely, and don't fret. I promise not to leave here this evening, not even if ten invites come from Eighth."

"Then I'll head back and check on the Seventh officers, I suppose," Mitsuki slid open the door. "I'll write if I learn anything else I think you should know!"


"Yuuichi-sama! Yuuichi-sama!"

As Yuuichi approached the borders of his own manor lands, he heard someone call his name, and he reined in his horse, turning the beast impatiently towards the direction of the noise. A messenger, his clothing the colours of the Unohana, rode at breakneck speed towards him, and, as he saw the Yamamoto Clan Leader halt his progress, relief glittered in the young man's eyes. It was already dark, and Yuuichi realised that, in this kind of landscape, it would have been easy for them to miss each other. He had taken a roundabout route to his family's manor, for much of the Yamamoto's older documents were stored at a separate estate no longer used regularly by the family, and, as a result, it was well after sunset that he had reached the edge of the main house's territory. Although he had had a mostly fruitless search through the old scrolls, he had found occasional references to a man called Kunimori in ancient documents relating to Heaven's War, but it had troubled him more to realise that there were more gaps than there were complete records, and so he had continued on to his home manor, hoping that, perhaps, the missing volumes would be somewhere among the family papers that his father had insisted on keeping closer to home.

It felt as though something had been written out of the Yamamoto family history, and Yuuichi was determined not to return to Seireitei until he knew what.

And now a messenger, when I have errands of my own. I trust he doesn't mean to summon me back...I need more tangible evidence before I can return and face the Captains, not least with Ikata and the others killed. If a Yamamoto is behind it, then I must find that out and deal with it - I don't have time for other trivialities.

"Yuuichi-sama! I'm glad that I caught up with you! I bring an urgent message - a message from my Captain, Unohana Retsu-sama!"

The man's horse was drenched in sweat, Yuuichi realised, and the messenger pulled back on his own reins, giving the exhausted, panting beast a chance to catch its breath. "With the Gates out, I was worried I wouldn't get here in time. I'm glad that I did."

"A message from the Unohana? From Retsu-sama?" Yuuichi's lips thinned. "What can she want? She wasn't at the meeting...surely she doesn't seek to send me on some errand of her own?"

"I don't know, sir," the messenger bowed his head apologetically, fumbling at his belt and pulling out a scroll of paper wrapped and sealed with the crest of the Unohana. "I'm not privy to the contents. I was told I should convey it with the utmost urgency - though if I may, sir, I do know that a similar message was sent to your kinsman, Genryuusai-sama, by a different messenger, at the same time that I left."

"To Genryuusai-sama?" Yuuichi had held his hand out for the scroll, but at this he paused, consternation touching his fine features. "That's unexpected. There's no further information you can give me?"

"No, sir," the messenger shook his head sadly. "I was told that it was a Captain's level message and that the contents were secure and to be protected with my life till conveyed direct to you."

"I see," Yuuichi's gloved fingers closed around the proffered scroll, his thumb already loosening the wax seal. "And you were asked to bring back a reply?"

"No, sir. Just a confirmation of your receiving it," the messenger bowed respectfully once more. "I'm sorry to have interrupted your journey, Yuuichi-sama - thank you for accepting my Captain's message."

"Tell her I received it, and I will doubtless discuss the contents with her when I return to Inner Seireitei, if it doesn't require my response now," Yuuichi frowned. "You may go. Your duty is finished."

"Yes, sir," the messenger saluted sharply, then wheeled his weary horse around, pressing his toes to the animal's flanks and forcing it into a reluctant gallop back the way it had come. For a moment Yuuichi watched him leave, then he sighed, turning his attention with some irritation to the message in his hand.

What is that crazy healer up to now? What could she want? Surely someone will have told her that I wasn't in Inner Seireitei...? And to Genryuusai-sensei as well? I wonder. That messenger will probably wear out that horse for good, riding at such a speed to get here. True, the Gates are still out, and it's a nusiance, but...

He reluctantly removed the seal, unravelling the ribbon that held the scroll closed. It fell unnoticed onto the grass, as Yuuichi unrolled the scroll. Laying it out across the front of his saddle, he carefully illuminated the surroundings with a soft beam of well controlled kidou energy so that he could read the brief contents. It was indeed from Retsu, he realised, written hurriedly in her own hand, and marked at the bottom with her Clan Leader's seal. It was unusual for Retsu to send any kind of message across Districts, much less with the stamp and seal of her family, and something about the sight of it put Yuuichi on edge.

Something important, then. Something she felt I ought to know...something that couldn't wait till I got back.

He bit his lip, reading over the contents carefully.

'Yuuichi-sama' [the letter read],
My apologies for disturbing your private business, but I have a message of considerable urgency to convey. I have received reliable information suggesting that the individual who caused harm to Guren-sama is a Yamamoto, by the name of Kunimori, and that his ultimate goal is vengeance against your family for a grievance long since unsettled. I have no time to convey full details here, but I have seen Guren-sama's condition, and I do not believe this is an enemy you should face lightly. It seems probable that Genryuusai-sama may be well poised to handle this threat, and I have contacted him as well. Please forgive my impudent suggestion that you ride to the Academy to meet with him immediately. I do not know Kunimori's current location, but I believe he is probably in your vicinity and you should take care not to engage him under any circumstances. With the respect and honour of District Four, Unohana Retsu, Captain of the Fourth Division and head of the Unohana Clan.'

"A Yamamoto with an undisclosed grievance against my family, huh?"

Yuuichi's eyes sparked with anger, and his fist closed around the letter, the flicker of kidou flaring and vanishing at his gesture.

Kunimori. So I was right. The gaps in the records are more than coincidence. Most likely they relate to some heinous criminal act that my predecessors removed to shield the honour of this family. That makes this errand even more important. It means that the attack on Atsushi-dono and his companions was no coincidence, as I feared. Ikata's death and his potential disgrace...and even Enishi's situation are also probably part of this as well. Attacking a comrade of mine is also unforgivable. The Yamamoto have good trade arrangements with the Kuchiki, and agreements based on honour that go back to my father's time. Smearing the reputation of my family in such a way? Unforgivable. Father would never have stood for it, and neither will I.

He thrust the letter roughly into the folds of his silk obi, gripping the reins of his horse more tightly.

Retsu-sama has sent a similar message to Genryuusai-sama. And, impudent it may have been, but I will follow her advice. It may be that Genryuusai-sama knows more about this situation than even she does. But this is also my Clan, and my land. And if there is a threat here, I have an obligation to my people to ensure that danger doesn't touch them. A Clan Leader doesn't shy away from his duty to protect. Father drummed that into me and I won't be found wanting now. You weren't at the meeting, Retsu-sama, but I was. I know how this individual attacks. And so long as I don't give him my name, this enemy's witchcraft won't work on me. Guren-sama may have been taken down by such a spell, but I should be a match for someone who can't kill a Vice Captain level officer in open combat.

He nudged his toe against his horse's side, pushing it into a cautious trot as he wound his way carefully through the forests of the District. He knew this land well, having grown up here, and all the short cuts and hidden avenues spread out before him like an instinctive map. The Yamamoto territory was broad, mountainous and full of hiding places, and Yuuichi used this knowledge to his advantage, picking his way around the main towns and cities and taking his horse off the beaten track where possible as he surveyed the landscape for any indication of fighting or distress. The gaps in his family's records also nagged at his senses, and even though the night was serene and quiet, he could not help but scour the road ahead for signs of trouble.

But there was nothing. The tracks were as much as ever, with even the less well travelled roads lit by well-maintained kidou lamps to protect the safety of the local people from bandits and thieves, and the odd night traveller or trader that he passed paused to bow to acknowledge him with the respect he and his predecessors had earned through years of good, solid government and fair taxation. Everything was tranquil as he drew around the outskirts of the village nearest to his own personal domain, and as he crossed the small stream that marked the boundary of the main Yamamoto estate grounds, he found his indignation relax into a sense of relief. Perhaps Retsu had been wrong, he reasoned, or perhaps the danger had not yet reached District One. The Academy was a further ride from this location, for it stood on the opposite side of the Yamamoto manor from the archive where he had begun his research, but it seemed that did not matter. There would be time to consult with Genryuusai, and then discuss between them a strategy by which to ensnare this interloper and deal with him once and for all. Though the head of the Yamamoto since the death of his father, Yuuichi was under no illusions about the level of Genryuusai's power compared to his own, and he felt comforted that such a great warrior still stood and fought for the silver and white livery of his District, even so many years since he had rejected the title of Clan Leader himself.

I will leave a message at the main house, then, to beware of strangers, as it is on my way...and I will then ride directly to the Academy. I will demand an immediate audience with Genryuusai-sama, which, if he has also received word, should be no difficulty. Even if it should be late at night, I believe he will see me. All will soon be under some control, and this insurrection will end. More importantly, the honour of my family will be restored. I will not have murder and chaos committed in the Yamamoto's name, so the sooner I act on Retsu-sama's intelligence the better.

As he drew closer to the main estate, something inexplicable prickled against his spine, and he paused, gazing up at the moonlit silhouette of the sprawling estate as if trying to reason out what it was that had suddenly made him feel uneasy. The grounds were as quiet as the woodland, he realised, but it was that exact thing which had put him on edge. The Yamamoto estate was a busy one, held firm under the leadership of Yuuichi's eldest son Hikaru, who acted as deputy over the Clan in his father's absence, and even at night there was the bustle of retainers going about their duties, and messengers hurrying to and from their horses. Even the whinnies and hoofbeats from the stables seemed absent that day, however, and although the sky overhead seemed as peaceful and cloudless as normal, there was a sudden chill in the air that he could not quite explain.

And then, from the silence, he heard a weak voice calling his name.

"Otou...sama. Otou...sama!"

It was a woman's voice, and, as Yuuichi turned his horse, he saw a frightful figure stumbling across the land towards him. She was dressed in the colours of his family, but it was the deep and unmistakeable hue of red staining her clothing in the moonlight which led Yuuichi's heart to still in his chest. Without thinking about what he was doing, he dismounted his horse, hurrying forward to catch the woman as she seemed certain to pitch forward on the grass. Something small was clutched in her arms, and, as Yuuichi supported the young woman's slender frame, he realised that it was wriggling and squirming beneath her touch, a tiny cry of protest bursting from its lips.

It was then that he realised that this pitiful figure was his daughter-in-law, Mariko, and that, clutched in her arms, was his infant grandson, Mitsuaki.

"Mariko..." he murmured, and the woman looked up at him, her eyes swimming with tears that quickly overflowed and cascaded down blood smeared cheeks. Beneath the soiling, she was ash pale, her eyes wide and full of fear, and Yuuichi felt his terror growing as he took in the horror of her appearance.

"Otousama," she whispered, and Yuuichi carefully righted her, turning her so that he could meet her gaze head on.

"What happened?" he demanded, his tones more terse than he would have liked, but his companion swallowed hard, the fingers of her free hand digging into the sleeves of his robes as if looking for comfort or salvation.

"Otousama, you've come to save us! You've come...please the Gods..."

Her words were faint, dazed and incoherent, and Yuuichi resisted the urge to shake her, mindful of the infant still clutched in her grasp.

"Where is Hikaru?" He murmured, and at the sound of her husband's name, the woman's eyes seemed to fill with fresh tears. She bit her lip, merely shaking her head as if words were beyond her, and Yuuichi gritted his teeth.

It seems the danger was here sooner than I anticipated. Apparently this was its target. This Kunimori...Retsu-sama was right, but I cannot simply leave this situation without ascertaining what has happened. This is my family, and I must...

He glanced at the tearful, bloody Mariko, taking in her trembling form and her pallor. Despite how tightly she held him, the infant seemed to realise the gravity of the situation, for although his dark eyes were wide and full of alarm, he whimpered softly, as if afraid to cry out loud and disturb the eerie atmosphere. Inwardly Yuuichi made up his mind.

"I will do what I can," he said softly. "That is my job, and you can have faith in it. I will see to Hikaru and to the others, but you clearly cannot stay here, not in this state of dress. Listen to me, Mariko. What I say is very important."

"Otousama?" Mariko's dazed eyes glittered faintly with hope, and Yuuichi composed himself, hoping he seemed more settled than he really was.

"Go to the nearest village," he instructed. "There is a traveller's inn there, and they keep horses and carriages on my behalf. Demand a carriage in my name, and ride to the Academy immediately. It is late, so use my name and make sure they listen to you. Tell them I will pay them double, if need be, but do not let them turn you away. Take the child with you and ensure you both reach Genryuusai-sama. Tell him what you cannot tell me. You must. I am relying on you, as a kinswoman of this Clan, to do your duty by your husband, your father-in-law, and your son, to explain this matter in full. Do you understand what I am telling you to do?"

Mariko swallowed hard, but her head jerked forward in a tiny nod, and Yuuichi saw the determination returning to her gaze. He released his hold on her, patting her lightly on the shoulder.

"Hikaru sent you and the baby to safety, didn't he?" he murmured, and Mariko nodded again. "Then you must also fulfil his wishes, too. Go to the Academy at once. Leave what is here to me."

"Yes...sir," Mariko's voice wobbled, but there was purpose in her words, and Yuuichi sighed.

"I will come after you as soon as I am able," he promised. "In the meantime, waste no further time here. If there is danger, you and the child must not be here. Go."

Mariko bowed her head to him, and then, as if summoning inner strength that even she had not known she possessed, she gathered her son up more securely in her arms, turning and fleeing across the landscape in the direction of the village from which, on a normal day, Yuuichi would hear the carefree sound of children playing.

He watched her go into the darkness, his expression unreadable as he contemplated the circumstances in which his steadfast and pragmatic eldest son might have given such an uncharacteristic order.

Hikaru knew that he was in danger of his life. It may already be too late to save my son and heir, but if my grandson lives, the Clan will endure. I see your thought processes, Hikaru...but I pray I am not too late to commend you on them. Mariko's robes were stained with blood. Something terrible has happened within this estate...and God help me, as Clan Leader, I must see for myself what it is.