AN: Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well! Thanks for everyone who read and reviewed. I tried to get to everyone and hope I answered some of the questions you all had without giving too much away about the future development of the story.
Also, some of you have PM'ed me asking if there will be something to do with the Bounts. My answer to that is...yes! They are not just a filler in my story. They have a certain importance to the overall story. Well, you'll have to read the chapters and see what I mean. It's not that a whole lot of time will be spent on the Bounts themselves, but there is a significance to the backstory of their creation. Ahem...but as I said you'll have to read the future chapters and see what I mean. I promise it won't be like the Anime Bount Arc filler as that filler had basically no significance to the Bleach universe.
As always, thanks for your continued support!
Vocabulary Terms:
*Baka (Bakamono) = Fool/Idiot
*Onii-sama = Big Brother
*Obasan = Aunt
*Chappy = Most popular soul candy with a cutesy personality and depicted as a bunny.
*Ryoka = Traveling Evil(s)/ outsiders not associated with the Seireitei
*Senzaikyu = Palace of Penitence/Repentance Palace
*Sekkiseki = Spirit reducing stone, a special mineral with properties that allows it to repel all reiryoku.
*Shakonmaku = Soul-Warding Membrane. A large spherical barrier surrounding the Seireitei that vaporizes any reishi that tries to pass through the barrier.
*Sokyoku = Twinned Punishment. A giant halberd currently sealed on the Sokyoku Hill and used to execute nefarious criminals of the Soul Society.
*Seijotokyorin = Tranquil Forest of Residential Towers. The living quarters of the Central 46 members that is completely forbidden to all except the members of the Central 46.
*Daireishokairo = Great Spirit Book Gallery. A repository of all the knowledge and history of the Soul Society with restricted access to very few. Even many Captains are unaware of its inner workings.
*Negacion (Negation): A pillar of yellow light that Menos use to envelope their comrades to save them. Within the light is a completely isolated space that cannot be interacted with from the outside.
Reading the story:
-Scene change: "888"
-Rated M Scene: "XXX"
-Hello, how are you? (Someone in their own thoughts)
-Hello how are you? (Zanpakuto Spirit speaking in a Shinigami's mind)
-"Hello, how are you doing?"(Hollow Ichigo taking over Ichigo's body and speaking)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach.
Chapter 34
One Week Later
"Haaaaaah…" Kishin let out a long drawn out yawn as he stretched his arms above his head whilst lying in bed. He took a deep breath and stared up at the ceiling of his dimly lit bedroom. The light of the sun was unable to penetrate through the thick window curtains. Although he was usually an early riser, with how hectic everything had been in the Soul Society he decided that sleeping in every now and then wasn't so bad. He could use the extra rest, but he was slightly unhappy as he turned to look to his right where his hand rested on the empty spot where Rukia would usually sleep.
"Tch. Now that everything is over with Rukia's sentence has been completely lifted. She doesn't have to be my prisoner anymore and…"
He recalled how Bakuya had immediately taken Rukia back to the Kuchiki Manor and prevented her from staying within his residence any longer. An amused grin found its way to Kishin's lips as he silently shook his head at the memory.
"Haha...right...Byakuya knows that Rukia and I are dating now. There's no way he would let us live together, but isn't he taking the whole overprotective big brother role a bit too seriously?"
Again he brushed the empty air to the right of the mattress and let out an annoyed huff. "Haaaa...senpai...I know you want to listen to your brother and improve your relationship with him but now you're neglecting me."
He laid there for several more minutes before staring at the clock and decided that it was time he got up. With a quick whisk of his arm he threw the blanket off of his body and rolled out of bed. The first thing he did was open the curtains letting the bright stream of golden light enter his room. He then walked over to his wardrobe and started getting dressed. He donned the standard black shihakusho with a red sash tied around his waist. His crimson colored hair was tied in a mid-length ponytail and his black reivice earring hung down his left earlobe. With a quick grab of his Zanpakuto strapping it to the left side of his waist he finally took a step outside onto the 13th division grounds, however when he saw who was waiting for him nearby he immediately turned around attempting to dash back into his quarters.
"Ahem!" The sound of someone's loud cough caused Kishin to pause in his step. He mentally sighed and turned back around to face the individual.
"Yo, Kiyone. So...what can I do for you?"
Kiyone angrily glared and pointed accusingly at him. "You! Have you seen the paperwork that has stacked up on your desk?! You've been slacking!"
He put up his hands defensively and replied, "Hey, cut me some slack okay? I was wrongly accused of betraying Soul Society and was kicked out of my position for a few days. Then I was dragged into a troublesome fight and blah blah blah. Can't I take a few days off?"
Kiyone's glare became even fiercer as she responded, "Look, I get it. A few days off is fine, BUT! It's been a WHOLE week. Just how much longer are you planning to put off your work? With everything that's happened there's even more work for you to do now! At least hurry up and approve the finance work for the 13th division so we can repair the damaged areas that our barracks sustained during the chaos!"
Kishin rubbed the back of his neck and sighed in annoyance. "Alright alright. I got it." He then mentally cursed Ishida and the others as he heard of how the 13th division buildings were damaged. When he brought Inoue and the others to imprison them here Ishida was the one who broke them out, but in the process there was a scuffle and that led to parts of the barracks sustaining damage. Furthermore, in that process was how Renji came to meet the others as one of the buildings destroyed was the warehouse Kinji had taken Renji to recover in. In the end Renji helped Ishida and the others on their quest to rush to the Sokyoku Hill to save Rukia and Hinamori. Well, they were all too late by then anyways.
Kiyone simply gave him a suspicious look. "Promise?"
"Yeah yeah, I promise. No worries. C'mon, I've been a Lieutenant for how long now? The 13th division's internal structures have improved since I've been here. Just leave it to me."
"Hmpf. Where's Rukia when I need her…" Kiyone silently grumbled.
"What was that?"
"Ahem. Nothing. Well then, I'll be off Lieutenant. And make sure you do good on that promise. Bye!"
Kishin just shook his head as he watched Kiyone disappear further inside the division grounds.
"Rukia huh…" He silently pondered to himself. A smile soon found its way to his lips as he thought about her. "Heh. Maybe I should go pay a visit to the Kuchiki Manor. Since Rukia's doing her best to improve her relationship with Byakuya then I should too right? I mean...we'll be future brother-in-laws won't we?" He quietly mused to himself whilst heading out of the division grounds.
The first place he decided to stop by was the Kuchiki Manor as he hadn't had a chance to see Rukia ever since the incident with Aizen. Just as he turned a corner he quickly paused and halted his step as he felt the loud screaming and panting and huffing of Orihime's voice. "Kurosaki-kuuuun! EH?!"
WHOOSH!
Crash!
Boom!
Kishin blinked several times, completely confused at what Orihime was doing. Due to his timely halt he had managed to avoid being a cushion for Orihime's wild running, but it was also due to his presence that Orihime had lost focus and tripped over her legs falling and tumbling down into the ground rolling like a bowling ball right into the wall.
"Pah!" Orihime huffed aloud as she stood right back up acting as if nothing had just happened. "C-Chigetsu-kun!"
Kishin awkwardly scratched the back of his neck and wondered if he even wanted to know what was going on. "Y-Yeah…" He hesitantly responded.
With a frantic tone of voice Orihime asked, "H-Have you seen Kuchiki-san?! I've been looking all over for her but I can't find her!"
Kishin furrowed his brow and lightly brushed his fingers over his chest pocket that currently held the necklace that Rukia took off a while ago. Well, it functioned as a tracker device as well but details details. Since she didn't have it on her he couldn't directly check where she was.
"Chigetsu-kun?" Orihime inquired curiously at his silence.
Kishin let out a sigh and closed his eyes, focusing his entire mental power on just finding Rukia's reiatsu. He blocked out all other reiatsu signatures and emptied out his thoughts. For several long moments he remained as still as a buddhist statue. After a good long while he finally opened his eyes and looked out towards the western precinct of Rukongai.
"Found her." He quietly mumbled.
"Chigetsu-kun?" Orihime inquired once more whilst tilting her head to the side.
Just then Ichigo's loud voice could be heard as he dashed on over to them. "Oi! Inoue! I heard you shouting for me. Is something wro-"
Ichigo paused and took note of who was standing next to Orihime so he curiously raised his eyebrow and let out confusedly, "Eh? Kishin? What are you doing here?"
Before he could answer he was interrupted by Orihime's frantic voice. "K-Kurosaki-kun! You're here!"
Ichigo didn't miss the worried look in Orihime's eyes so he gave her a questioning glance and asked, "What's wrong Inoue? You seem pretty flustered?" It was then a thought struck him as he gave Kishin a suspicious look and ventured to guess, "Wait...d-did this guy do something to you?"
Kishin slightly frowned and turned to walk away not bothering with the two orange haired kids. This only caused Ichigo to raise his eyebrow in awkwardness. "A-Ah?! W-Wait! Kishin, where are you going? I was just joking! Don't be mad."
Again Kishin simply ignored them and continued walking away. It was Orihime who brought Ichigo's attention back to the reason why she called for him as she tugged on his shihakusho sleeve. "Kurosaki-kun. I can't find Kuchiki-san anywhere! I've been looking all over the place but no matter where I look I can't find her! I was hoping Chigetsu-kun would know since he and Kuchiki-san seemed pretty close...but…" She turned to stare at Kishin's retreating form in the distance and continued, "Ummm...well he just walked away."
Ichigo rubbed the back of his head as he stared up at the sky in wonderment.
"Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime questioned at his silence.
Ichigo coughed and then motioned for her to follow him. "Let's go Inoue." He then started dashing off into the distance as Orihime hurried after him.
"E-Ehhh? Where are we going?"
Ichigo smirked and turned a corner as he replied, "Well, since we need to find Rukia then all we need to do is follow Kishin. He definitely knows where she is."
"Ehhh? He does? But he didn't say anything earlier when I asked him."
Ichigo just shrugged his shoulders. "That's just the kind of guy he is. Don't sweat the small stuff. If we follow him then we'll find Rukia."
"I-I see...ummm...but how do you know that Chigetsu-kun knows?"
Ichigo had a pondering look on his face as he recalled the conversations he had with Yoruichi on the subject. He then let out a sigh and said, "Well...when I was training with Yoruichi-san alone we would have some down time in between lessons. I asked her about Kishin and so she told me some stuff."
Orihime just gave him a questioning glance. "What kind of stuff?"
"Mmmmm...well, just stuff I guess. She told me how they met and how he knew about Aizen and Urahara-san as well as her. She mentioned how he's a bit mysterious and violent and how she trained him and how he became a Lieutenant and how skillful he is in Zanjutsu, Hoho...Kido...Hakuda…" Ichigo's voice trailed towards the end as he recalled all of the praises that Yoruichi had given Kishin. A thick vein then popped on his forehead just recalling how she had teased him about his first fight against Kishin and how he was too hot blooded and temperamental which caused him being shamelessly beaten into the ground black and blue time and time again.
Orihime noticed how quiet Ichigo had suddenly become and stared at him questioningly. "K-Kurosaki-kun?"
Ichigo snapped himself out of his thoughts as he stopped and noted that Kishin's presence had also stopped moving. Without realizing it they had followed Kishin out of the Seireitei and into a large meadow within the western Rukon district.
Kishin stood just a few meters ahead of them in silence as a few dozens of meters ahead of Kishin stood Rukia who was currently wiping some tears away from her eyes whilst talking to the Shiba siblings, Shiba Kukaku and Shiba Ganju. A look of understanding flashed past Ichigo's eyes as he Ganju had at some pointed confronted Rukia on the Sokyoku Hill about Kaien. It was then where the truth about Kaien's death was revealed. He slowly walked up standing next to Kishin.
Kishin smirked at Ichigo's presence and commented, "Took ya long enough to catch up."
Ichigo smirked back and replied, "Shut it. We're just as worried about Rukia as you are."
"Doubt it." Kishin immediately replied leaving Ichigo a bit speechless.
"I-Is this a competition to you or something?"
Kishin grinned as he stared at Rukia's small back in the distance and shook his head. "It's not a competition. It's just a fact."
Ichigo clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Tch. I don't get you."
Kishin just let out a light chuckle. "Haha, you don't have to. Oh, by the way, didn't I tell you that Aizen was stronger than me? Why the hell did you go charging in head first?"
Ichigo awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and turned to face away from Kishin lessening the pressure on him from Kishin's glaring eyes. "Ahaha...uhhh...well I was caught in the heat of the moment. That guy said a lot of things and it pissed me off. I sort of just moved without thinking."
"Yeah? Well next time you might want to think a bit unless you want to be horizontally bifurcated again."
"Uhhhh...right. I'll keep that in mind."
"So? When are you guys going back?"
Ichigo scratched the side of his cheek but he had no idea so he turned to Orihime and asked, "Inoue, when did Yoruichi-san say we were heading back?"
Orihime tilted her head to the side and placed a finger to her lips thinking hard to remember. "Hmmmmmm...AH! Actually we're leaving later today!"
"EHHH?!" Ichigo exclaimed aloud in shock. His loud voice caught everyone's attention, including Rukia, Kukaku, and Ganju in the distance. Rukia immediately dashed over with Kukaku and Ganju behind her.
"Kishin? Ichigo? Inoue? What are you guys doing here?"
Kishin took a moment to glance from Rukia to Kukaku and noted that there wasn't any air of hostility or tension between them and understood that the Shiba Clan head had forgiven Rukia for Kaien's death so he leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
Muah!
Everyone nearby immediately widened their eyes in shock and awkwardness not knowing exactly how to react at Kishin's public display of affection, but he didn't care. Rukia also tensed up and madly blushed at his surprise move.
"W-W-What are you doing?" She said embarrassedly.
Kishin just smirked and straightened back up. "That's your punishment for neglecting me for an entire week." He then pointed to the necklace he had placed around her when he bent down to kiss her just a moment ago and continued, "And don't even think about taking that off."
Rukia looked down to where the necklace hung around her neck and smiled. Truthfully she felt a bit naked without it, but now that it was back she felt wholesome again even though she knew what the true purpose behind its use was.
"Ahem!" Kukaku coughed to bring the two back to reality. Kishin turned his head and took a moment to observe the temporary head of the Shiba Clan. It was his first time actually meeting her in person. She was about 168cm tall with green eyes and black colored messy hair that parted down in half at the small of her back. A white bandage cloth was wrapped around her forehead and the top left of her hair. There were also bandage wraps around her right shoulder and ankles. She wore a white skirt and a very open red robe that clearly exposed her bosom beneath. Her right arm was missing and in its place was a type of prosthetic. Her left arm had a tattoo on it and her Zanpakuto, which seemed a bit shorter than a normal katana, was strapped behind her back. She took note of Kishin looking her way so she smirked and teasingly commented, "Heh, like what you see?"
Before he could answer he felt Rukia slap her hands over his eyes as she scoldingly said, "B-Baka! W-Where do you think you are looking?!"
Kishin merely scratched the side of his cheek and nonchalantly responded, "You can't blame me for this senpai. It's not like I was actively looking with some perverted intention. And it's also not my fault that she's wearing clothes that barely cover anything."
Rukia pouted at his answer and quickly turned around to face Kukaku giving a quick apologetic bow. "S-Sorry for his rude behavior. I'm sure he didn't mean to s-s-stare…" Her words trailed a bit at the end as she was now made conscious of Kukaku's large bosom from Kishin's comment of Kukaku's clothing.
Kukaku just let out a boisterous laugh as she noted Rukia's red colored cheeks. "Bahahaha! Don't worry. I'm not planning to steal him or anything. Although...he's quite the looker. If you ever don't want him, just let me know. I'll take him off your hands." She teased towards the end with a playful wink.
Rukia felt even more embarrassed now and wanted to dig a hole to hide inside, but Kishin just grinned and placed his arms around her shoulders pulling her closer into his chest. "Senpai, don't tell me you were jealo-AH!" He groaned out as Rukia elbowed his side. "I-I am not! I was just worried that you were being rude. Hmpf."
Kishin smirked and was about to kiss her, but he was interrupted as Kukaku let out another cough. "AHEM!" She simply stared wide eyed at the two lovebirds wondering how they could be so public with their affection in front of people. "Can you two please save that for when you're both alone?"
Kishin blinked a few times and had a look as if he was considering whether or not to just do what he wanted, but Kukaku decided not to let him finish his thought and instead quickly interjected, "Ahhh never mind never mind. You don't look like you care." She let out a sigh and shook her head amusedly. "You're exactly as Yoruichi said you'd be." She turned around and started walking back towards her house, but not before motioning with her hand for everyone to follow her. "Come on in. Since you all came this far out you mind as well stay and have some tea or something before going back."
Like obedient little ducks everyone followed in line behind the Shiba Clan head and into her strange looking house that had two giant stone hands erected on either side of her residence with a tall giant tower standing behind. Kishin craned his neck upwards and mentally noted the simple but also very unique nature of the tower knowing that it was actually a giant cannon. A few minutes later and everyone was seated inside the main room of the Shiba residence. It was spacious enough to fit up to 30 people inside and had long tan colored tatami mats on the floor. Some wooden sliding door panels lined the walls of the room and a large comfortable colorful looking cushion where Kukaku usually sat was centered at the head of the room. She immediately took a seat on it and ordered, "Oi, Ganju. Go bring a table and seat mats. And don't forget the tea."
Ganju immediately nodded with fear and respect. "Y-Yes ma'am!"
As Ganju left to gather the items Kukaku gave a curious glance over to Kishin. "So...you're the one who fought Aizen...so I heard from Yoruichi."
Kishin shrugged his shoulders at her comment. "Guess I am."
Kukaku smirked at his answer and pulled out a pipe lighting it on fire. As she took a quick puff she turned to Ichigo and said, "I heard that you made a lot of progress kid. Not bad not bad. Yoruichi gave you some high praise."
Ichigo pointed to himself in question. "Eh? Me? Yoruichi praised me?"
Fwish.
Tap. Tap.
Fwip.
The sound of Ganju returning and setting up the table and the seat cushions and tea interrupted everyone's thoughts as they could only wait and silently stare at Ganju with curiosity as his muscular burly frame moved with a meticulousness that made everyone wonder if he regularly served tea for Kukaku. After everyone took their respective seats around the circular wooden table Kukaku continued, "Yoruichi tells me that you all are leaving later today. What are your plans now? Orihime? Ichigo?"
Orihime knocked her pointer fingers together and slightly blushed as she answered, "I'll...go wherever Kurosaki-kun goes…" She spoke so softly and quietly that no one ended up hearing what she said.
Ichigo turned his head and glanced at Rukia sitting between him and Kishin. "Rukia...are you...are you coming back with us?"
There was a silent pause in the room after his question. Kishin shifted uncomfortably a bit beside Rukia, but he elected not to say anything. In the end he inwardly breathed out a sigh of relief hearing Rukia's answer.
"No. I've decided to stay and..." She shyly glanced over at Kishin from the corner of her eyes before continuing, "My home is here in the Soul Society after all."
Ichigo glanced at her for several long moments in silence before letting out a sigh. "Haaah. I see." He nodded his head and accepted her answer before turning back to Kukaku to answer her question. "Well, it seems Momo has to stay here too...she's...still unconscious and in recovery. As for me, once I get back I guess I'll just be heading back to school and whatnot. Plus I need to check in on Yuzu and Karin. Who knows if that old man of mine is properly taking care of them."
Kishin's eyelid slightly twitched as he curiously asked, "What about your mom?"
"Huh? Mom? Oh...she passed away when I was 9 years old so she's not around anymore."
"Eh? Masaki passed away?" He slightly frowned at hearing that news, but he then recalled that he didn't see Masaki around the Kurosaki Clinic when he had his spy cams surrounding the area.
Ichigo however was startled as he stared wide-eyed at Kishin. "H-How did you know my mom's name was Masaki?"
"Hm? Oh me? Isn't it obvious? I mean it's not the first time you and I have met you know."
Ichigo furrowed his brow in confusion. "Well...I know that. I mean we met when you came to take Rukia back that ni-..." He stopped himself from finishing his sentence as something suddenly clicked in his brain. His look of confusion did a complete 180 as realization struck him. He suddenly recalled a memory from a long long time ago when he was a kid. The memory of when there was someone who came to the clinic and said that they weren't a patient and instead asked to see Isshin.
I-I thought he looked familiar!
With an accusatory finger he pointed at Kishin and stammered,"Y-Y-You! But...what? How? And why?! Wait! What's going on here?!"
Kishin smirked and simply said, "Seems you remember. That's right. I visited your clinic a long time ago. I can't remember how old you were back then, but it's nice to see that you finally noticed. Guess you aren't a total loss."
Ichigo was still too completely bewildered and couldn't speak or say anything as his mouth hung agape from his jaw. Everyone just blinked in confusion as Rukia curiously glanced at Kishin. "Uhhh...wait...you knew Ichigo?"
Kishin awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and nodded. "That's right, though this incident happened a while ago and wasn't really worth mentioning so I didn't say anything."
Rukia just gave him a suspicious stare. "Really...why do I get the feeling that you're hiding something?"
"Uhhh...am I?" He awkwardly scratched the side of his cheek. "Wait, senpai, now that I think about it...have you never seen Captain Shiba?"
Rukia gave him a strange look and cocked her head to the side confusedly. "Captain Shiba? Why're you bringing up his name now? I recall hearing his name, but as I didn't hold a very high rank back then there was never a reason for me to see him...or any of the other Captains aside from Captain Ukitake and Nii-sama for that matter. So...to answer your question. Then no, I guess I haven't actually ever met or seen Captain Shiba. But isn't he missing right now?"
Kukaku nearly choked on the tea she was sipping as she heard the entire conversation and automatically pieced together that Kishin and Isshin probably knew each other on a personal level.
"K-Kukaku-san? Are you okay?" Orihime chimed in concernedly.
Kukaku took a moment coughing and catching her breath before nodding her head. "I-I'm fine."
Ichigo finally regained his composure and stared suspiciously at Kishin. "You...how old are you anyways?"
Kishin pondered for a bit before answering, "Hmm...you know...I also wonder about that."
Everyone nearly fell on their side at his statement. This time Ichigo gave Kishin a look of disbelief. "You don't even know how old you are? Jeez...so you really are an old man."
"Hey, do I look like an old man to you?"
"Heh, well if you can't even remember how old you are wouldn't that mean you lived so long that you've lost count? Ha!" He then turned to Rukia and said, "Oi, Rukia. You should be careful not to fall for this guy's tricks. He's probably waaay older than he lets on."
Kukaku immediately held a palm to her mouth doing her best not to let out the laugh she was holding in whilst Rukia's face turned completely red from embarrassment and shame and anger at Ichigo's comment. Ichigo immediately felt that he said something weird so he awkwardly scratched the side of his cheek completely confused. "Ummm...what? Why are you guys so quiet all of a sudden?"
Finally Kukaku couldn't hold it anymore and burst out laughing. "Bahahahaha! Oi! Kid, it seems you really don't know anything about Shinigami! Man, Yoruichi should have taught you to think a bit before you say anything."
Ichigo just raised his eyebrow in more confusion. "Eh? What are you talking about Kukaku-san?"
It was Ganju who let out a sigh and shook his head as he explained, "Ichigo, you're really an idiot. Shinigami age differently than Humans. Even though you are a substitute Shinigami you know next to nothing about a Shinigami's livelihood. From what I've gathered after everything that has happened it's to my understanding that Rukia is about twice as old as Kishin is. If you thought you were clever by insulting Kishin for his age then you super insulted Rukia since by default she's older than-OW!" Ganju shouted at the end as Kukaku hit him on the head.
"S-Sis? W-W-Why did you hit me? I was only trying to explain the situation to Ichigo!"
Kukaku glared at him and shook her head. "Are you an idiot? Even if that's the case it remains a fact that you called Rukia-chan old in your explanation. How rude! I taught you better than to insult a woman. Especially with regards to their looks and age!"
Ganju gave a look as if he had been wronged whilst Ichigo widened his eyes in shock and understanding. He instantly regretted his words and felt completely awkward. He had only tried to make a joke and jabbing remark at Kishin to try and pay him back a bit for all the harsh suffering that he had to go through training under him, but it backfired in the end. "Uh...R-Rukia I-uh...Ahem! I didn't mean what I said. Haha...really…"
Rukia just huffed and crossed her arms regaining her graceful noble composure. "It's fine. I hope you understand a bit more about Shinigami now."
Though Ichigo still felt awkward, he decided it was unwise to try and continue apologizing so he just nodded his head obediently. Kishin smirked in amusement and snuck his hand beneath the table lacing his fingers with Rukia's. She glanced up at him in startlement but he just gave her a playful wink. Ichigo coughed to get everyone's attention again as he steered the conversation back to the topic they were on before. "Ahem. Sooo...Kishin, how do you know my old man anyways?"
Kishin took a sip of the tea that Ganju had served, taking a quick moment to think on how he should answer.
From the looks of it, Kukaku knows Ichigo's true identity. Most likely due to his appearance and because of Yoruichi. If she isn't saying anything then maybe I shouldn't reveal the truth so easily to him yet.
He set down the tea cup and then replied, "As a member of the 13th division we have the duty of overseeing Karakura Town and guiding souls from that place into the Soul Society. Call it a chance meeting if you will."
Ichigo narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "So...that's it? A chance meeting? Then why did you come visit the clinic?"
"You really want to know? I told you back at that time that I wasn't a patient remember? But that doesn't mean there wasn't a patient. Since I was overseeing Karakura Town at that time there was a civilian who was injured by a Hollow attack. I took care of it and visited the nearest medical center I could find which just happened to be your dad's clinic. After he ordered you to take care of your siblings I brought him to the injured man and he took care of him. After that I left."
Again Ichigo narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but he couldn't find a hint of a lie or hesitance in Kishin's answer and his story did make sense. Plus, as a kid his memory of that time was incredibly hazy so he didn't really remember what happened. With no other choice he simply nodded his head believing Kishin's lie. Kukaku on the other hand gave a curious look at Kishin since she knew that Ichigo's dad was actually a member of the Shiba Clan and furthermore, the last head of the Clan before its fall from status. They all remained for another hour before deciding to take their leave, all except Kishin as Kukaku had something to discuss with him.
Just as Rukia stepped outside the door to leave she paused and turned around standing face to face with Kishin. "Are you sure...you don't need me to stay?"
Kishin glanced at Kukaku seeing that the matter she wanted to talk about seemed serious so he turned back to Rukia and sighed. "Haaah...well, actually I want you to stay with me all the time…"
Rukia's expression that felt a bit reluctant to leave before, suddenly had a change of heart as she understood the hint in Kishin's undertone.
He...is going to say something extreme like wanting to tie me to a bed again so I don't get in any kind of trouble isn't he?
She pouted and crossed her arms at him. "Hmpf. Don't go having some weird thoughts again Kishin."
He just smirked and pecked her cheek before nodding his head. "I can't promise that I won't have weird thoughts like whatever you're thinking...but I won't tie you to a bed or something like that. Ahem...for now."
Rukia furrowed her brow before letting out a soft sigh and smiling in amusement at his typical Kishin-like answer. Kishin also let out a smile and lightly patted her head. "I'll be fine. I know I was the one who said that you were neglecting me for a week being with your brother and all held up inside the Kuchiki Manor, so I would like to spend more time with you, but it seems that Kukaku has something important to tell me."
Rukia nodded her head in understanding, but she also had an awkward look about her at the mention of her being holed up inside the Manor. Kishin took note and questioned, "Is something the matter?"
Rukia shifted a bit in place and scratched the side of her cheek. "Ahhh...well, I mean it's not that something is wrong per se...but...ahem. It seems that Nii-sama knows about you and I d-d-dating and...he uhhh, well he prefers it right now if I remain within the Kuchiki Manor."
Kishin clicked his tongue in annoyance but he nodded his head in understanding. "That's fine. Then that means I'll just have to visit the Manor more often."
"Ah! You visit the Manor? B-But Onii-sama and...wait, you and Onii-sama aren't going to fight or anything are you?"
"Haha, well I mean we already sorta did so probably not...but I'm not making any promises."
"O-Oi! T-"
"AHEM!" Kukaku coughed to interject as she was growing a bit impatient. She stared at the two of them and continued, "Can you both save your issues for another time?"
Rukia rubbed the back of her neck and quickly apologized for stalling. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean t-"
Kukaku just waved her hand and interrupted again, "Alright alright I get it. You apologized enough about Kaien. Didn't I tell you that your apologies are too long winded?"
Rukia awkwardly coughed and nodded before deciding to finally excuse herself. "Ahem. Then I'll take my leave." She glanced at Kishin with an apologetic look to which he simply gave her an encouraging one. Not long after it was only Kukaku and Kishin left.
"So? You wanted to talk?" Kishin asked whilst staring in the distance where Rukia disappeared along with Ichigo and Orhime.
Kukaku crossed her arms and stood beside him nodding her head. "To think that all this time you were on close terms with our uncle. No wonder you know about that item."
Kishin had a look of indifference as he replied, "Seems Yoruichi informed you that I know about it."
"Yeah, she did, though she neglected to tell me how you found out. Turns out it was uncle Isshin. Man, to think he'd mouth off about something like that. Honestly he's too careless sometimes, just like randomly up and leaving his position and not saying anything to us beforehand."
"Well, that's just his style I guess. Since you mentioned that item then is that what you wanted to talk about?"
Kukaku narrowed her eyes deep in thought before letting out a drawn out sigh. "I just wanted to confirm hearing it from you that you indeed knew about the stolen item. I'm sure Yoruichi has already informed you not to go digging your nose in that stuff. It'll only bring you trouble."
Kishin closed his eyes and shrugged his shoulders. "I got it. I heard enough from Yoruichi. You Great Noble Clan members sure have a bunch of troublesome things to deal with."
"Cheh! You can say that again. No wonder uncle ran away from the position. That dolt."
"Ha, it's too bad you can't do the same. Ganju wouldn't be able to handle the position." He then gave a curious sideways glance in her direction and ventured to ask, "You...knew about Ichigo's birth didn't you? Is there a reason why you didn't say anything about you guys being family?"
Kukaku furrowed her brow and took out her pipe to smoke it. "Uncle didn't tell him about us and he even changed his last name to his wife's last name. He hasn't even sent a letter or any form of message to tell us that he's okay. I heard it all from Yoruichi. It seems that uncle really wishes to remain detached from us, the Clan, and the Soul Society. I'm just respecting his wishes. Besides, it's not my place to tell Ichigo of his birth."
"I see. So that's how it is huh? Well, I guess you have a point. You aren't angry at him?"
"Hm? Who? Uncle? Ha!" Kukaku's facial expression turned a bit solemn before turning frustrated to sadness, to pity. "I'm not mad at him. He had his own troubles, but I admit that a letter or some sort of message would have been nice before he disappeared. Rather than be angry at him, I rather pity him. Even if I lost my brother Kaien, I have at least a century's worth of memories with him. Uncle on the other hand fell in love with Masaki and even had three kids with her, but in the end the time he had to spend with her was too short. I can only imagine the pain that he felt and probably still feels at her death to this day."
"I see...but doesn't that make your feelings of loss greater? You had spent so much more time with Kaien. Doesn't that make the void you feel inside that much more empty?"
Kukaku blew a puff of smoke in Kishin's face before responding, "Oi, are you trying to make me feel worse on purpose? Anyways it's not that it makes the void feel less or more, it's just that we know what kind of job a Shinigami has. They could lose their lives against a Hollow at a moment's notice. It still hurts, but at the very least we carry that knowledge with us and we're more prepared for that eventuality. Masaki on the other hand wasn't supposed to fight Hollows so the probability of her dying to a Hollow is drastically reduced. I'm sure Isshin was less prepared for her death. Especially with having his kids around."
Kishin furrowed his brow at the mention of Masaki's death once more. "Hey, Kukaku. Do you happen to know how Masaki died? You knew she was a Quincy didn't you?"
"Yeah. Of course I knew that. Yoruichi and I share a lot of information with each other."
"I see. Then...how exactly did she die? Her reiatsu was pretty substantial. She'd be more than a match against a Lieutenant class Shinigami. I can't see her dying to some Hollow that appeared in Karakura Town unless it was of the Menos class."
Kukaku's expression immediately became serious as she responded, "I heard about it from Yoruichi and she told me what Urahara discovered."
"Oh? And what's that?" Kishin curiously asked, noting the hesitant and anxious look on Kukaku's face.
Kukaku took another puff of her pipe before answering with a question. "What do you know about Quincys?"
"Eh? Quincys? Well, not much I suppose. They're Humans who have the ability to manipulate reishi and were nearly all wiped out about 200 years ago. Mayuri sure did an extensive amount of research on them. Does Masaki's death have something to do with that?"
Kukaku frowned and nodded. "You may have read Kurostuchi's data on the Quincy but the database of the 12th division is still limited. Especially if you aren't looking through Kurotsuchi's direct files with his account."
"Then are you saying that there are more to the Quincy that I don't know about?"
"Yeah. Masaki died from a Hollow, no doubt about that. A Hollow named Grand Fisher according to Yoruichi, but the only reason Masaki lost against a Hollow like that was because she lost her powers."
Kishin's eyelid slightly twitched in bewilderment after hearing that Masaki lost her powers. "How'd that happen?"
"Auswahlen."
Kishin frowned. "Aus-what?"
"Auswahlen. What do you know about the origin of the Quincy?"
"Absolutely nothing."
"I see. Well, that's to be expected. It's not well known amongst the Shinigami and there aren't many Quincy left around to tell you, but apparently there was a Quincy King at one point and time in the past. I don't know much myself, but from what Yoruichi told me Auswahlen is a power that belongs to said Quincy King. It can steal the powers of a Quincy no matter how far away they are. Urahara probably knows in more detail, but the night Masaki died she lost her powers due to this Auswahlen."
Kishin crossed his arms deep in thought and commented, "So that's how it is. Without her powers she couldn't fight off Grand Fisher and died. Then her soul?"
Kukaku sighed and stared up at the now sunset colored sky. "Her soul is lost. As a Human her soul should have entered Soul Society, but she was instead consumed by Grand Fisher. Another reason why I pity my uncle."
"Hey, Kukaku. This Quincy King you spoke of. He stole Masaki's powers...for what reason? And where and who is this person?"
Kukaku shook her head just as clueless. "Like I said, I don't know much either. I only know as much as Yoruichi told me. You'll have to ask Urahara if you want more information on Quincys. Anyways, I suppose you can go now. My business with you is over."
"Eh? That's it? So you really only wanted to confirm that I knew about that item?"
"Yeah. That's right. And to make sure that you won't go mouthing off to others about it."
"Yeah yeah, hearing it from Yoruichi and now you I'm pretty sure I got the message. By the way, I heard that the residual reiatsu left behind was a beastly one. Might it have something to do with the Beast realm?"
Kukaku gave him a curious glance as she questioned, "Oh? So you know about the Beast realm huh? I'm kind of shocked but also impressed. You know a lot more than you let on, but whether this incident is related to the Beast realm? I highly doubt it. The Beast realm is permanently sealed off. They're rejected from the cycle of reincarnation." She noted the surprised look in his eyes and questioned, "What's with that look?"
"Ah...well, it's just that I threw that out there on a whim. I briefly heard about the Beast realm from Yushiro, but even then he didn't seem too sure if it existed either."
Kukaku let out a light chuckle and started walking back inside her residence. "Well, like Yourichi and I said. There's no need to concern yourself over these matters. It'll only bring you endless headaches. In fact I'm getting headaches myself just thinking about it. Anyways, you should just hurry and head back to Rukia. I'm sure you've been itching to get some time alone with her."
Kishin's cheeks turned a tinge of pink at Kukaku's obvious underlying meaning and lightly coughed before excusing himself. "Ahem. Then I'll be off. Anyways it was nice to meet you officially for the first time, Shiba Kukaku." Kishin waved and took his own leave heading back for the Seireitei. The moment he stepped foot back inside he took note of the dark sky up above and the several reiatsu signatures by the giant Senkaimon gate.
Eh? Looks like Ichigo and the others are just about to leave.
FWISH!
He immediately dashed off towards the gate taking note of the glowing blue light being emitted from the Senkaimon. Standing in front of it were Ichigo, Ishida, Orihime, Sado, and Yoruichi in her cat form. And seeing them off were Rukia, Renji, Ukikate, Byakuya, Kinji, Toshiro, Rangiku, Yushiro, Kyoraku, Nanao, Unohana, and Isane.
"Quite a crowd." Kishin muttered to himself as he noted that Ukitake was currently speaking to Ichigo and handed him some sort of combat pass. As he neared closer Byakuya took note of his presence and gave him an awkward look. Kishin gave him a friendly smile and amiably waved in his direction. That only made Byakuya feel more awkward as he didn't exactly know how he should react around Kishin yet. After everything that happened he had realized that Kishin knew about Aizen being the one pulling the strings around the execution and was glad that Kishin had prevented Rukia's death, but at the same time he felt conflicted about the fact that Rukia was dating him.
Kishin just smirked at Byakuya's silence and walked past the stoic Captain tapping Rukia on the shoulder. "Hey."
Rukia turned up to look at him and smiled. "You're back. How was your talk with Kukaku-san?"
"Eh. Nothing of import. So-"
It was then Byakuya interrupted as he had silently appeared behind Kishin and commented, "Where do you think you are placing your hand?"
"Hm?" Kishin blinked several times in confusion before looking down where his hand was resting on Rukia's shoulder. He then turned his attention back to Byakuya and responded, "Is there a problem?"
Byakuya narrowed his eyes and said whilst gritting his teeth, "Remove your hand."
Kishin mischievously smirked and further wrapped his arms around Rukia's petite frame pulling her close to his chest. "What if I don't want to?"
A palpable tension began to brew in the atmosphere causing everyone to awkwardly stare in their direction. Rukia was especially feeling the pressure as she was the one currently stuck between them. Thankfully Ichigo interrupted and cut the tension as he walked over and amiably said, "Ah! Kishin, so you're back! You made it just in time. We're about to head out. Hm?" He glanced back between Kishin and Byakuya before glancing at Rukia and questioned, "Did I miss something?"
Rukia simply shook her head and stepped out from Kishin's embrace. "N-Nothing happened. Haha…"
Kishin and Byakuya temporarily set aside their differences as Kishin commented, "Yo, Ichigo. Now that you're heading back to the World of the Living you have a lot of things you need to start considering."
Ichigo tilted his head in confusion. "Things to consider? Like what?"
"Your power. You've obtained the powers of a Shinigami and even by Shinigami standards your power isn't ordinary. You have the strength of at least a Captain class combatant."
Ichigo just blinked, still confused. "And?"
Kishin let out a sigh. "You're a walking nuclear reactor. Figure out what you want to do with it. You can't just sit idly by in the Human World with that much power on you. Well, for now you can go back to being a high school student and whatnot, but now that you know what you know and you have experienced what you have, I doubt you'll be able to go back to living a normal Human life. You should spend some time to consider what you plan to do in the future. Do you want to be a Shinigami? Or will you live as a Human? You'll have to choose in the future."
Ichigo suddenly felt a weight on his shoulders at Kishin's heavy words, but he knew that what Kishin said was the hard truth. Kishin smirked at the lost look in Ichigo's eyes and slapped him on the arm waking Ichigo from his dazed state. "Well, you don't have to decide right now, but I thought I'd let you know what it is that you have to consider in the future so it doesn't come at you out of left field."
It was then Yoruichi's voice could be heard as she interrupted, "Ichigo. It's time."
"Y-Yeah." Ichigo stammered walking back over to Ishida and the others.
Kishin glanced down at the black cat to which Yoruichi simply said, "Kishin. You can expect me to keep in touch."
Kishin smirked and nodded. "Alright. I have some things I'd like to talk about as well so I'll be looking forward to our next meeting."
With those final words everyone watched as Yoruichi disappeared into the giant Senkaimon gate along with Ichigo, Ishida, Orihime, and Sado in tow. The light from the gate soon dimmed and returned back to normal, closing off. Kishin cocked his head to the side and commented, "I'm surprised they didn't ask about Hinamori's condition."
Rukia shook her head and interjected, "They did. You just weren't around."
Kishin raised an eyebrow and curiously asked, "I see. And how is she anyways? Any improvements?"
It was Toshiro who answered as he walked over and responded, "She's still unconscious. The mental strain on her after everything that happened must have been too much to bear. Captain Unohana said that she doesn't know when Hinamori will regain consciousness, but at least she's physically okay."
Kishin noted the frustrated and hateful look in Toshiro's eyes. "Sorry."
Toshiro widened his eyes at Kishin's apologetic comment. "Why are you apologizing? What happened to Hinamori isn't your fault. Even I know that."
"Even if I knew about Aizen all this time and didn't tell you about it?"
Toshiro clenched his hands into fists feeling frustrated and angry, but it was mostly directed at himself. "It's true that I wished you told me...but after hearing Aizen's explanation and witnessing his power I also understand that you didn't have a choice. I'm just angry that I wasn't strong enough to share the burden with you. That I wasn't strong enough to make a difference at all."
Kishin felt a weight lift off of his shoulders when he heard that Toshiro didn't blame him for Hinamori's situation, but he still felt somewhat responsible. After all, he truly didn't care about Hinamori's situation, but in the end his feelings of indifference towards consideration for Hinamori's life implicated Toshiro who he did happen to care about. He was snapped out of his thoughts as Toshiro addressed him once more. There was a serious and pleading tone in his voice.
"Kishin…"
"Hm? What is it?"
"I may be a Captain and you may be a Lieutenant...but you and I both know which of us is actually more powerful. I want to ask you to help me train. Once more like we did when we were kids. I...the way I am right now I realize that I'm lacking a lot."
Kishin stared at Toshiro's solemn expression in silence, but in the end he let out a sigh and nodded in agreement. "Alright. Heh, then it'll be just like old times, Shi-ro-chan."
Toshiro's mood instantly turned from solemn depression to annoyance at Kishin's old way of calling his name. "Oi! I'm being serious here!"
"Hahaha! You grew, but not by that much! You're still a kid in the end."
"You bastard! I'll make you eat those words you cheat!"
Kishin smirked and dashed off into the distance as Toshiro immediately gave chase.
Byakuya simply blinked with confused eyes completely bewildered at how childish Kishin and Toshiro could still act at this moment given their current positions and standing in the Gotei 13. He then turned to glance at Rukia who simply let out a light chuckle in awkwardness not knowing what she should say to her brother.
MISC.
*Auswahlen (Holy Selection): Forcibly steals the power of a Quincy and returns it to the Quincy King.
Beast Realm: Currently sealed off and rejected from the cycle of reincarnation.
CAPTAINS/LIEUTENANTS/3rd OFFICER (Last, First)
1. Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni/Sasakibe Chojiro
2. Soi Fon/Omaeda Marechiyo/Shihoin Yushiro
3. -/Kira Izuru
4. Unohana Retsu/Kotetsu Isane
5. -/Hinamori Momo
6. Kuchiki Byakuya/Abarai Renji
7. Komamura Sajin/Iba Tetsuzaemon
8. Kyoraku Shunsui/Ise Nanao
9. -/Hisagi Shuhei
10. Hitsugaya Toshiro/Matsumoto Rangiku
11. Zaraki Kenpachi/Kusajishi Yachiru
12. Kurotsuchi Mayuri/Kurotsuchi Nemu
13. Ukitake Jushiro/Chigetsu Kishin
Kido Corp Commander: Tsunayashiro Kinji
Great Noble Clans/Clan Head:
1. Kamunushi Clan/N/A:
Owns a piece of the Dark World Mirror. Ancestral Weapon: N/A
2. Tsunayashiro Clan/Tokinada:
Owns a piece of the Dark World Mirror. Ancestral Weapon: N/A
3. Shiba Clan/Kukaku:
Dark World Mirror piece stolen. Ancestral Weapon: N/A
4. Shihoin Clan/Yushiro:
Owns a piece of the Dark World Mirror. Ancestral Weapon: N/A
5. Kuchiki Clan/Byakuya:
Owns a piece of the Dark World Mirror. Ancestral Weapon: Muramasa