A/N: Thank you to my readers for bringing me back with your kind messages. Please Enjoy.
They'd made quick work of making the copies of the evidence they needed. As an insurance, Byakuya had placed a protective kido barrier on the library that contained the original files and placed the copies in the personal safe he kept in his chambers.
Not having it in him to deprive his beloved of her desires, Byakuya had spent the night with Karin once their work was complete. They'd stayed in his quarters, bundled up under the sheets in blissful silence. Neither of them was particularly in the mood that night; all they wanted was closeness. To know that despite the threats around them, they were with each other.
They awoke early the next day, roused from their slumber by a jigokucho from the head captain. The necessary – but unwelcome – hell butterfly had been sent to inform them them that a team of shinigami had been dispatched to the living world to investigate the last presumed living quarters of Yutaka, and also to remind them to remain vigiliant for double agents within their midst.
A dark look crossed over Byakuya's features as he listened to the last part of the message; his home had held the most dangerous double agents of all. And apparently, it had for quite a long time.
"As soon as we deliver the amassed evidence to the Soutaichou, we must begin our own preparations to leave for the Westerlands as well" Byakuya remarked as he rose from the bed and began hauling on a robe.
"I don't think theres much left to prepare for; Nobuo took care of everything yesterday" Karin responded through a yawn.
"I am speaking of your training. Your apprenticeship did not end when you became my fiancé, Karin"
"I'd completely forgotten about that in light of the recent developments" she admitted sheepishly.
"Our opponent is the son of one of the greatest threats in the history of Soul Society; we must not underestimate his combat prowess. Sousuke Aizen's power was so monstruous that we could not even succeed in killing him. We could only subdue his form" Byakuya emphasized.
Karin knew it was a sore spot for many of the high-ranking officers of the gotei that none of them had succeeded in putting an end to the defector's life. The expression on Byakuya's face as he mentioned Aizen's power was analogous to the expressions Toshiro and Ichigo had had over the years whenever the Winter War was brought up. Aizen's existence in the expanse of Muken served as a constant reminder to them that they needed to continue to hone their skills, lest a menace as dangerous as him ever threatened the balance of the realms again.
Karen rested her hand on her temple and let out a sigh.
"I Know Byakuya, I'll be careful" she insisted.
"I need you to be more than careful Karin, I need you to be ready." A pained look crested Byakuya's features. "I cannot lose you or Rukia to the likes of Aizen's seed and my aunt"
"And you won't" Karin further insisted as she put his hand in hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I… We, will be ready for whatever we have to face out in the Westerlands. I promise."
It felt redundant to keep assuring Byakuya as many times as she had, but Karin knew that he was still shaken from the night before. Constant reassurance was what he needed from her, as evidenced by the response she received which came in the form of a gentle kiss.
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After breakfast, Karin had left for the Shiba estate to organize her quarters, now that she would be 'officially' residing there due to their engagement. Visits were permitted, but it would be expected that she spent her nights at her family's estate. Despite himself, Byakuya delayed her departure; telling the kitchen staff to 'take their time' as they prepared breakfast and engaging her in deep conversation. Anything to keep her with him for a few moments longer. He knew he'd see her in the early afternoon, but the urge to try and keep her to himself had taken an unexpected hold on him.
As he watched her leave, half of him wanted to grab her by the waist and convince her to stay with him, noble protocol be damned. But the rational half of him knew it was probably for the best that they follow through with the archaic, prudish rule. Not following the old tradition would result in scandal; he knew as much from his experience with scandal in his first marriage. That kind of scandal would leave Karin's honor and that of her family's honor open to insult from snarky nobles and civilians alike. The Kuchiki family's honor and reputation, too, would be even further at risk given the already shaky status of the clan following Chikako's apparent defection. Though news of Chikako's treason was not yet known to anyone outside of the gotei, once Yutaka was dealt with it would be made public. Byakuya kept himself acutely aware of the harsh reality: unless the information he and Karin amassed was enough to prove Chikako's actions were separate from that of the clan as a whole, the Kuchiki's would be disgraced.
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Byakuya paced through the halls of the 1st division behind a graying old man with glasses and a familiar face, but a name he regretfully could never remember. The squat older gentleman guided Byakuya through the halls of the division until they reached the office of the 1st division's captain. The majority of the division had cleared out for the day since the Soutaichou issued a Gotei-wide moratorium on missions and usual division work. The moratorium was to allow auditors from the Kido-corps to investigate whether anymore of Aizen's pawns had infiltrated the Gotei.
After a brief knock, Byakuya was granted entrance into the soutaichou's office. The room was easily the largest captain's office in the gotei, a fact that was emphasized by the relatively sparse, but stately furnishings. The soutaichou sat at his desk in his usual way; fingers interlaced over his cane, eyes hooded yet striking with an edge that could only be acquired over a millenia of knowledge and experience as a Shinigami.
"I understand you have some documents to deliver to me, Kuchiki-taichou?"
Byakuya nodded in response, taking the folder from under his arm and and presenting it to Yamamoto on his desk.
"Enclosed are a series of documents that demonstrate evidence of treasonous independent action by my great-aunt, completely against Kuchiki family interests. In addition, there is evidence to point to her involvement in murder and attempted murder by poisoning."
Yamamoto arched an eyebrow at that.
"Poisoning? What are you suggesting of your aunt, Kuchiki-taichou?
"Aside from committing acts of treason against the Realm, these documents provide evidence for Kuchiki Chikako's involvement of what is now believed to be the murder of Kuchiki Hisana, and attempted murder of Kuchiki Rukia." Byakuya replied squarely, not letting his voice give away the rage he felt as he recalled the knew revelation.
"Those are very serious allegations Kuchiki-taichou. The documents you have delivered will be of great use during the trials after the battle. "
Byakuya nodded in agreement.
"I am inclined to believe that as well. I expect justice will be delivered swiftly after our mission"
" I expect so" Yamamoto said before he continued,
"However, I hope you are aware Kuchiki-taicho, that we cannot prosecute Chikako for murder given that the event would be classified as a noble dispute. Noble disputes are not within the jurisdiction of the Gotei. At most, Rukia's case may have a leg to stand on due to her membership within the gotei ranks, but approval to proceed may not be guaranteed"
"I am familiar with the laws" Byukaya applied coolly. His fury broiled under the surface as he remembered that particular clause in the laws that governed the Seireitei and the Soul City. Yet another antiquated custom that he had no choice but to comply with.
"I am not questioning your memory, I am emphasizing how important it is for you to remain impartial during this mission."
Byakuya stared at the Soutaichou for a moment before responding. "With all due respect, Soutaichou, I have always demonstrated impartiality while serving as Captain of the 6th division. Such a weakness has never afflicted me"
The Soutaichou gave him a knowing look.
"Young man we are all capable of such weaknesses. No matter how moral your character, that weakness exists in all of us and all of us are guilty at least once of indulging it. Even I am not free of that sin"
"Hn."
Figuring he wouldn't get much more conversation out of the noble Lord, Yamamoto adjusted himself in his chair, and reached for the file of documents, placing them in one of the compartments of his desk.
"You are free to go now Kuchiki-taichou. Once we receive word from Shihouin-sama and Feng-taichou we will head out towards the rendezvous point"
Nodding in acknowledgement, Byakuya began heading for the door. Just as he was about to exit, suddenly the familiar face suddenly made sense in his mind.
"Has Ishida ever been made aware of his presence here?" Byakuya asked.
"Congratulations once again on your engagement" was the only response he received.
That afternoon, Byakuya met up with Karin at the 6th division barracks. Though it was technically their day off, Karin and Byakuya were in the midst of filing and filling out paperwork in his office. At Byakuya's suggestion, it was decided that they get a head start in order to avoid being backlogged when they returned from the Westerlands. The approach was something he'd developed after his first experience with a major mission that required him to step away from his post for an extended period of time. While Karin understood the logic behind it, she couldn't bring herself to be in the mood for paperwork on her day off – not that she was ever in the mood for it in general.
"Its incredible that paperwork is here even though no-ones supposed to be in the office section of the division today" Karin remarked sourly as she grabbed another stack of papers from the box.
"Documents are constantly being delivered and sent off, even on holidays. These documents likely arrived yesterday evening after most of the division had left" Byakuya explained
"How evil!" Karin bemoaned as she threw her head back
"Paperwork just sitting in the office waiting to be done, even on your day off!"
Karin's dramatizations earned a chuckle out of Kuchiki clanhead.
"These documents are not your foe, Karin."
"Well they're not my friends either" she retorted
"They will be once I finish signing this request" Byakuya replied as wrote his signature at the bottom of the paper in front of him before reaching out to hand it to her.
Karin walked over and accepted the document, her brows furrowing in perplexion before a smirk graced her features.
"You're giving me reduced office time?" she said, almost beaming at the prospect.
"To further focus on your training" Byakuya interjected mildly.
"When you are not training with me you will spend time training with Abarai. Kyoraku-taichou's lieutenenant, Ise-san will assist you with your mastery of fundamental kido."
Her excitement was slightly dampened as Byakuya elaborated, but Karin was not entirely put off. At least training could be enjoyable. Although there were a couple of other things she could think of that she would enjoy a lot more than sparring.
"It's a good thing I enjoy training more than slaving away in this office. When does this take effect?"
"Immediately after your work here is done" Byakuya replied as he started on another document.
Karin smirked as she shook her head at him
"You're a real hardass, you know that Byakuya?"
"Then it is a good thing I have you to compliment me" he responded as he rested a hand on her hip.
A heat began to grow within Karin as she caught the look in Byakuya's eye, and she rested a hand on his cheek
"You sure we don't have time for a little break, Taichou?" she said in a low voice.
"Perhaps" he began as he guided her onto to his lap,
"Something can be arranged"
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A sellsword regaled in the the colors of his current contractor walked the perimeter of the ward assigned to him, his gruff features and cold eyes giving off a greater air of discernment than what was actually present. In truth, the hired hand was simply going through the motions of his assignment. There was no need to vigilant or defensive if there was no one to be vigilant or defensive for. The clan that controlled this region had done a fine job of crushing out any resistance that had tried to raise its head over the last century or however long. Common folk dare not even look he or his colleagues in the eye, so long as the unmistakable insignia on their breastplate was in sight.
The sellsword stretched and yawned as he rounded the edge of his patrol path for the umpteenth time today. For him, this was easily the most effortless job he'd managed to contract in ages: Walking around in a circle for a few hours each day for eight times the wages he'd received for his last contract. A life of relative comfort had become his labor. It didn't bother him in the slightest that it was a life cushioned by the bodies of the villagers that inhabited the area. It was all part of the cycle.
Just as he was about to take corner to re-begin his patrol, a whir of movement at his peripheral stopped the steely eyed mercenary in his tracks.
"Who goes there!" he shouted in a gruff tone. No one should have been out at this particular hour: ever since the Lady Kusakabe had returned with her new guests, a curfew had been set for everyone except the noble family and authorized personnel. When he heard no response, he began to make his way toward the narrow alleyway he saw the figure run into, careful to avoid bits of rubble on the ground from the eroding buildings.
As part of Lady Kusakabe's new policy, a generous reward had been instated for any officer that caught civilians outside of their homes past curfew. A small part of him beamed at the thought of receiving the reward as he approached the alleyway. With such a hefty bounty, he could take up residence in the local brothel for a week if not more. He allowed a lecherous grin to grace his features at the thought. That grin contorted into a more sinister leer as a much darker thought crossed his mind; that his catch would be a woman.
The Mercenary unsheathed his sword as he headed down the alley, steps growing more determined as he spotted the figure huddled under a tattered blanket in the corner.
"You there! Don't move or I'll run you through with my blade!"
The figure shuffled a bit under the blanket but said nothing.
The sellsword advanced upon the figure until he was a few feet away from the covered figure and extended his blade till the tip of it was poking at the tattered cloth.
"On your feet" He said in a low but dangerous tone.
Without a word, the figure rose up. The sellswords eyes widened as the tattered sheet fell from the figures body to reveal a surprisingly curvaceous woman with purple hair and mahogany skin.
"Well today's my lucky day" He sneered lecherously as he ogled the woman.
Unfazed amber eyes met his own as his gaze returned to her face.
"Depends on your definition of lucky" She said coolly.
The sellsword balked at the woman's boldness before narrowing his eyes at her.
"Watch how you speak, wench. It might mean the difference between whether or not you leave here alive"
She raised a defiant eyebrow at the mercenary.
"Is that so?" she asked as she walked towards him.
Unnerved by the brazen behaviour, the sellsword lashed out, lunging for the woman's neck and slamming her to the ground. His grip tightened about her neck as he towered over her, seething words uttered from his mouth through grit teeth.
"Now you listen! Be a good girl for me, and I'll think about not turning you in to Lady Kusakabe. Trust me you won't survive what she has in store for you"
"But with me…" he began as he used his other hand to grab her hip
"You might stand a chan—"
Just as he was about to finish his sentence, the roles were suddenly reversed. In a whir of unexpectedly fast movements the sellsword found himself pinned to the ground. Before he could utter a shout, the purple haired woman gagged him using the sheet she had previously used to cover herself. The sellsword stared up at her wide eyed as he attempted to wriggle out of her hold, to no avail. The woman was clearly, miraculously, of far greater strength and skill than himself.
"What's the matter, cat got your tongue?" she asked glibly.
Deadly intent and a hint of amusement twinkled in her eyes as she carried out her next task. With barely any effort she took his sword into one hand and poised the tip at the junction of his right hand.
"You won't be using this hand to attack any more defenseless civilians, coward" she said as she deftly sliced it away. The mans eyes grew wide as he let out a pained scream which was easily muffled by the blanket gag the woman had created. Eventually the pain and shock of the removal of his hand was too much for the mercenary to manage, and he began to lose consciousness, though she did not release her grip on him. As she continued to hold down the sellsword, she made a quick sequence of gestures in the air with her free hand, and within seconds two figures completely cloaked in black garments appeared.
"Take this one back for interrogation, I'm going to check the area for any other guards" she said as she walked away from the now unconscious sellsword and willed herself to take on her feral form. The omnitsukido members did as they were instructed, and deftly removed the sellsword from the alleyway, nigh invisible as they whirred off into the sunset. All that could be observed from afar was a small black cat exiting the alleyway as it made its way throughout the village.
Yoruichi climbed and leapt from rooftop to rooftop as she scanned the area, taking note of how little manpower was being used to enforce the curfew in the Westerland's Central City. To her seasoned eye it was a clear sign of two things: One, that the Kusakabe clan had clearly felt the people were subjugated enough that they did not need high levels of enforcement. And two, that the sellswords were on patrol were only a fraction of the infantry at the the Kusakabe's disposal. It was likely that the large sprawl of marble and granite in the city's centre was where most of the immediately available military force was held. Intel previously obtained by the omnitsukido had identified the massive estate as the Kusakabe's seat of power and the location of a massive weapons stockpile. Confirmation rang clearly for Yoruichi as the collar about her neck (courtesty of Kisuke) vibrated, alerting her of cloaked reiatsu emanating from the elaborate building. Without a doubt, their main target was within those walls.
Yoruichi flexed before following the instructions her ash-haired lover had given her for this step in her mission.
'pretend to swat at a fly' she repeated to herself, mocking Kisuke's instructions. As she put on her show, the device covering one of her claws detached itself, flying towards the ground with unobservable purpose. The small 'clink' heard from the devices impact with the ground was all Yoruichi needed to know her part of the mission had been accomplished.
Yoruichi and Soifon's operatives had quickly learned of the changes that Umeko had instated since her return. The auburn-haired heiress had banned all entry and exit of civilians to the region, probably in order to mitigate the chances of gotei forces invading in disguise. Yoruichi almost let out a laugh at the thought. The forces of the Gotei would never handle such a high-level operation with something as predictable as civilian disguises. The very notion was an insult to her craft and skill as a master of espionage.
While Umeko and company focused on quarantine's and civilian curfews, the Gotei's biggest source of aid lay in plain sight: a cat shrine. And how convenient for the Shihouin princess that many of the shrine cats just so happened to be black. It was a little-known secret amongst the omnitsukido that cat shrines and feral colonies near Omnitsukido outposts were meant not only as a tribute to some of the famous shapeshifting members of the organization's leading family, but also a brilliant guise to assist them in some of their most submersive recon missions. Given the circumstances that had arisen just a few moments ago, Yoruichi was once again grateful for her gift.
Yoruichi hadn't even planned to do what she had done in the alleyway; at least not until she had spotted the young woman who had rounded the corner, trying to return home without being seen. Not wanting to see an innocent needlessly murdered or abused, Yoruichi had leapt into action despite the protestation of her protégé. A number of rules had been broken, but Yoruichi had never been one to follow them in the first place. Besides, the captured guard would work in favor of her mission; the interrogation team would make sure of it.
Purched on the roof of a particularly tall building, Yoruichi scanned the area for the last time. After some obligatory kitty shenanigans, Yoruichi began her cryptic path towards the omnitsukido base.
After seeing to the welfare of the young girl she'd rescued and being debriefed on the results of the ongoing interrogation, Yoruichi sought out her last target for the evening. She'd found Kisuke in her quarters, asleep in the bath. Deciding to join him, she quietly disrobed before she too stepped in.
"Kisuke" she said softly as she leaned into him, her hand on his chest stirring him from his slumber.
"I wasn't asleep, I promise" he said through a yawn
She let out a chuckle in response.
"Of course you weren't. Miss me?"
"Always" he said gently as he wrapped an arm around his beloved.
Yoruichi leaned into Kisuke, savouring their closeness for a moment before discussing business.
"Reconaissance is complete. I just finished the last leg of the detail this afternoon"
"I heard. Soifon made sure to give me an earful about 'making you soft' because you rescued a civilian girl"
Yoruichi let out a boisterous laugh at that
"She gives you too much credit. I rescued the young lady because I felt like it. Anyway, it wouldn't do our mission any good if I let her run back home to tell her family about mysterious nin immobilizing mercenaries in broad daylight. Our presence here is supposed to be a secret"
"So Calculating, Yo-chan" he joked, before he continued
"I put the final touches on the devices I'd been working on while you were out. At this point all that's left is to notify the soutaichou and let the games begin. In fact, now that you're back I should get on that" he said as he contemplated leaving the bath.
"Later. Id like to enjoy the tranquility for a change" Yoruichi protested.
Kisuke looked down at the purple haired woman as she leaned into him further. Truth be told, they'd been enjoying relative tranquility most of the time since they'd gotten there. But it was hard to say no to his favorite feline, especially when she'd all but wrapped herself around him as they sat in the bath.
"Alright, but just a little while longer" he said with a sigh.
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A/N: Its been a long time everyone! Bleach coming back really inspired me to get back on here and reading your inboxes and reviews warmed my heart, so I decided to give writing a try again after so many years. Just a few chapters of this story left... I still remember how I intended to end it. I will also try to update my other stories :)