AN: Hey everyone, FYI there will be a Rated M scene towards the beginning of the Chapter.
Also, a bit of a slow Chapter today, but still setting up certain plot points in the story for future chapters. Next chapter things will start picking up again.
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.
*Auswahlen (Holy Selection): Forcibly steals the power of a Quincy and returns it to the Quincy King.
*Oken (Royal Key): The method in which one can open the path to the Royal Palace where the Soul King resides. The conditions needed to create one is an enriched spiritual zone of at least half a spirit-mile in radius (1 spirit-mile across) and the sacrifice of 100,000 souls.
*Wild Lands: Unexplored and undeveloped lands beyond the perimeter of the 80th districts of Rukongai.
*Tekai Kecchu (World Shifting Binding Posts): A variation of the Senkaimon on a much larger scale where four giant pillars are erected at four different corners replacing the space inside with the space of a different area.
*Garganta (Throat/Black Cavity): Void between worlds that is mainly used by Hollows to travel between the World of the Living, Hueco Mundo, and Soul Society.
*Jokaisho (Emblem of Buddhaksetra): A powerful large spherical looking device that was used by Ran'Tao and her fellow scientists to control the generation of reishi for their experiments. They were sealed away by the Kido Corp under the command of the Central 46 Chamber all around the Seireitei.
*Canyon of Rift and Sorrow: A location somewhere far beyond the 80th districts of Rukongai in the Wild Lands of Soul Society where The Great Hollow War took place 870 years ago.
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)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach.
Chapter 38
Kishin and Rukia were currently asleep within his new living quarters as the only sounds that could be heard were the soft breathing from their lips. Instead of windows the room had one large sliding panel door for the entrance and one at the back that led to a courtyard filled with persimmon trees. All of which were planted by Gin when he was Captain. The sunlight attempted to penetrate into the room, however the visors of the back door panel helped filter out the bright light creating a dimmer glow in the room.
The room itself was messier than it was when Kishin and Rukia had first entered. Both of their clothes were littered across the tatami matted floors in all directions. The persimmon tree painting that was hung on the wall above the head of the bed had completely fallen and lay somewhere in the corner of the room. The two pillows that were on the mattress now rested against the panel door entrance whilst Kishin and Rukia lay entangled in each other's arms both completely naked with the soft white blanket only covering them by the waist. The sound of their breathing was even and steady as Rukia slightly shifted in her sleep. Her face was only a few inches away from Kishin's broad naked chest whilst her right arm draped around his back. Her legs entwined within his own keeping them locked closely together whilst his left arm cradled her near.
She groaned a bit and slowly began to open her eyes as she felt both sore and energetic. Her body ached all over the place yet at the same time she felt that she had the greatest workout of her entire life and that workout effectively removed all tenseness, stress, and worries in her life that she might have been holding up inside. Just as her blurry vision came into focus she smiled and tilted her head upwards to find the handsome look of Kishin's sleeping face. The rise and fall of his chest and the deep heavy sounds that echoed from his breathing created a calming peace in her mind. This moment with Kishin made her feel as if Soul Society was at a time of peace and that there wasn't the threat of war against Aizen.
"If only every day could be like this one." She softly whispered, however she widened her eyes in realization that even though she was whispering, she barely heard herself. Her voice semi-cracked and was extremely raspy sounding. She instantly brought her hands to her throat and began to quickly massage her vocal cords before trying to speak aloud once more.
"H-He...o?" She attempted, however her voice died out before she could complete a simple greeting sentence.
"Wha…?" She questioned what was happening to her, however the memories from last night quickly flooded back into the forefront of her mind. Her cheeks flushed crimson red as she recalled the words that Kishin had spoken to her last night.
Flash Back
Kishin pressed down his body right into her back and planted rough wet kisses all over her shoulder and neck. "Tonight you're all mine! I'm going to fuck you until you can't scream anymore. I'm going to show you how much you mean to me."
End of Flash Back
The red tint of her cheeks effectively colored her entire face before traveling down across her entire body. She was as red as a tomato as she recalled what they did in this very room. His words weren't mere words. He truly meant what he said. Her heart began to beat faster and faster in her chest as she noticed the red scratch marks that she had left across his chest and abs, and while she couldn't see it right now she had no doubt that she left even more marks along his back.
Huff. Huff. Huff.
She couldn't help the way her breathing grew heavy just from recalling the images of last night. The way that he had slammed her against the wall. Pushed her down on the mattress. Rolled them around on the floor. Stood her against the entrance door. Bent her down atop the wooden table. Held her up against the panel to the courtyard. It was no wonder how she lost her voice. It was then a somewhat horrifying and embarrassing thought occurred to her.
W-Wait...d-d-did anyone h-hear us?!
It was at that moment that Kishin finally stirred awake and amusedly grinned as he watched Rukia's facial expression whilst lost in thought to herself.
What could she be thinking about by herself?
Without warning he rolled on top of her pinning her arms above her head and trailed tens of wet loving kisses across her cheeks and neck and shoulders.
"Ah! Hahaha! K-in! Waaaaaiiiii-mmmmm, -ait...haaaaah…" She heavily breathed out hoarsely with barely an audible voice.
Kishin immediately paused what he was doing and shockingly stared into her violet eyes.
Her voice is…
"Senpai...did you actually…"
Rukia instantly buried her embarrassed face into his chest so as to avoid looking him in the eyes. With a simple response she merely nodded her head confirming the thought that he was thinking. Kishin felt his heart pound loudly in his chest as he seriously wanted to make love to her again. Even though they did it for hours on end throughout the night he still couldn't get enough of her. He laid gentle kisses along her jaw slowly working his way down reaching right on top of her smooth athletic stomach.
"Rukia...can we?"
Her breath hitched and her body trembled. Her lips quivered beneath his touch as she struggled to voice anything at all. In the end no words came out of her mouth and so she instead placed her hands on either side of Kishin's cheeks and stopped him from moving any further.
"Hm?" He blinked and stared up at her pouting face.
It was then she pointed to the sides of her hips causing Kishin's eyes to follow. The moment he laid eyes on her tiny waist that he loved so much he paused and widened his eyes in shock. Two large bruises marred her body there perfectly matching the imprints of his hands.
"R-Rukia I-" His guilt ridden voice was immediately muffled from Rukia clasping her hands over his mouth. She merely shook her head and pulled up his face leaving a warm gentle kiss against his lips. Due to her current inability to speak she elected to show him with her actions that everything was okay. He sighed and laid his head against her naked shoulder in defeat.
"Sorry senpai. Let me take care of you today okay?"
Rukia simply nodded having no other choice, but not that she minded anyways. She only worried about whether she could avoid Byakuya until her voice returned to her. Kishin lightly smiled and stood up from the bed. He carefully opened the door to his room and made sure that no one was near. After double checking with his spiritual sense ensuring that no reiatsu signatures were picked up he carefully cradled Rukia into his arms and brought her to the room down the hall where the bathroom was.
Just like his bedroom it was quite simple looking. The floor and walls were tiled in white with a giant mirror hanging on the wall to the right of the door. To the left was a glass shower room and in the upper left corner of the room was a square shaped hot tub. Kishin grinned and quickly filled the tub with hot water before sitting inside with Rukia between his legs. Her back and head rested gently against his chest. They both sighed feeling refreshed as their muscles completely relaxed. The sweat and substances of their activities from last night were cleaned away as they began to wash each other's body's with soap and shampoo.
As Kishin ran his slippery hands all along Rukia's silky skin he asked, "Senpai, will you be spending the day with me?" He elected to ask only yes or no questions to make it easier on Rukia.
Rukia merely nodded her head in response. He grinned and slowly snaked both his hands down by her purple bruised hips. She immediately winced when he placed his hands there but he quickly laid a gentle kiss against her cheek.
"Just bear with it for a moment, senpai. I'll make you feel better."
Not a second later his hands began to glow a light color of green as he utilized his Kaido to heal her bruise. The warm undulations of the energy surrounding his palms flowed and mingled with her own massaging her waist and forcing out an involuntary raspy moan from her lips. Kishin bit the bottom of his lip as he didn't mean to get hard at this moment, but god did he love the sound of her voice even if she barely had a voice to currently let out.
Rukia blushed as she could feel the weight of his arousal poking right up against her back. Again the images from their passionate night flooded into her head starting to make her hot and bothered. The pain around her waist had begun to disappear and so she grit her teeth and decided to let her reservations go.
I've already lost my voice so…
XXX
Without warning she snuck her hand behind her back and gripped the base of his cock.
"Nffff-Rukia?" He deeply moaned with a question.
She simply glanced over her shoulder and innocently nodded her head.
"Fuck I love you." He heavily breathed out instantly understanding that she was giving him permission to take her right here and now. Without missing a beat he draped his left hand in front of her chest and started massaging her breast. His right hand snaked between her thighs as he shoved two fingers inside her cavern lips. Rukia quickly tilted back her head in response, roughly hitting Kishin's chest. Her mouth hung agape as low hoarse moans escaped her lips. Her right hand slipped into the water pushing and rubbing against her clit as her left hand clung around Kishin's neck to bring down his lips in a passionate kiss.
He groaned into her mouth and shoved a third finger inside of her already wet vagina. That broke off their kiss as she had to suck in a deep breath from the shock of his movements. He smirked and immediately lifted her out of the water to sit her on top of the ledge of the tub. Wasting no movements in between he knelt in the water becoming eye level with her heated core and shoved his tongue right into her sopping wet folds. If Rukia had her voice then her screams would definitely be echoing across his residence, however all she could manage for now were hoarse and heavy breaths. She wrapped her legs around his shoulders and pulled the strands of his loose long hair.
Kishin grasped behind her waist and shoved her harder and deeper into his lips. His wet and rough long tongue kept massaging the inner curves of her vaginal walls causing Rukia to tremble all over as she desperately humped into his face until finally, with one last suck and thrust of a tongue from Kishin, she quaked and came into his mouth. Kishin heavily breathed through his nose against her clit and savored the clean tasteless to slightly sweetness of her juices. After finally preparing her he glanced up at her winded and fully satisfied state. He grinned and stood back up pulling her back down into the warm water with him.
"Senpai, are you ready?"
She simply nodded weakly into his shoulder and hung her arms around his neck. His heart pounded inside his chest from how cute and adorable he found her to be. Wasting no more time for words he sat on the inner ledge of the hot tub and slowly guided her hips down onto his massive cock. His mushroom head rested gently against her outer folds rubbing and teasing her entrance. Rukia whimpered in his chest and shut her eyes with anticipation. He groaned at how much she made his heart skip and flutter.
"Rukia...huff...haah...don't hold back okay? If you need to cum then cum all you want."
A light green barrier instantly enveloped his penis before he shut his eyes and relished the feeling of easing her pussy onto his hardened pole.
"Nnnnggggghhhh…" He moaned and panted as he felt her squeezing every single inch that entered her. He huffed and held up her hips several inches above the base of his cock to prevent himself from reaching her cervix. He could feel her body shaking and quaking against his chest struggling to let out what little sounds her vocal cords would allow. She felt him so deeply as his penis always massaged the entirety of her wet cavern walls.
He gently kissed the top of her forehead and said with a deep raspy morning voice, "Just relax senpai. Let me do all the work. I just want you to focus on feeling good."
She took in a few shaky breaths and whimpered whilst nodding her head. Kishin grunted and immediately began to pump her pussy up and down along his thick veiny member. He groaned and moaned and let out deep hoarse curses in pleasure from their slow but passionate grinding. He bucked his hips into hers every now and then occasionally shoving the few inches of his cock that hadn't yet entered her to push right into her cervix. The water sloshed and swirled as they created heavy waves within the square shaped hot tub. Rukia was too weak to grind her hips back and simply went with the flow of his movements, but every time he hit her cervix she'd involuntarily squeeze his dick with strength that she didn't know she had and those moments elicited cries of pleasure from Kishin's throat.
"Ufff! F-Fuck Rukia! If you keep doing that I'm not going to last. Haaah...Haah...Haah!" He heavily panted towards the end feeling his climax building.
Rukia wasn't far off either as she began to fiercely rub her head into the nape of his neck. Her thighs began to shake as she felt her orgasm coming. With what little strength she had left she managed to muster out, "I'm cum-Hnnnnggghhh…"
Kishin felt her spasm and contract against the hardness of his cock knowing that she had just orgasmed so he immediately dropped her hips all the way down to the base of his penis. His cock strained and heavily pushed against the barrier of her cervix wanting and trying to penetrate further so she could accommodate the rest of his length that didn't fit.
"Shit Rukia! Shit Shit Shit!" He squeezed her tight into his chest embracing her in an intimate and desperate hug. The wake of the water crashed into their bodies as he grinded and bucked his hips into hers causing another orgasm to rip out from her body. She couldn't scream as her mind went blank so her body did the only thing it could to react to her powerful climax. She harshly bit down on Kishin's shoulder whilst shaking in his arms. She was glad she was a Shinigami because her pain tolerance was higher. It let Kishin be rougher with her without causing her discomfort and she was glad because the last thing she wanted was to be treated like a fragile piece of glass. She shut her eyes and felt the pulsating heat of his massive penis throbbing against every curve and crevice of her walls knowing he was just about to reach his climax, so she did her best to help him finish by rocking her hips in slight concentric circles.
"UGH! Fuck Rukia! Just like that!" He heavily shouted and came shooting several thick streams of white milky substance against the membranous barrier of his Kido spell. For a good long minute the two of them simply lay completely motionless within each other's arms relishing the feel of being fully connected. The sloshing of the water in the wake of their activity continued to undulate against their bodies almost acting as a warm wet massage. Finally Rukia regained her senses and leaned up against his chest planting a soft wet kiss against his lips.
XXX
Nearly an hour and a half later they both were finally fully dressed and decent looking again. Rukia's black colored shoulder length hair fell loosely behind her head with a few bangs draped between her brows. She was dressed back in a standard black shihakusho that Kishin so kindly left to grab for her back in his old quarters within the 13th division as his room there had yet to be cleaned out after his promotion. Over the years Rukia had opted to leave extra sets of clothes there just in case. A white obi sash was tied around her waist with her Zanpakuto strapped on the left side of her hip. Her Zanpakuto in its sealed form was a seemingly regular looking katana with a rectangular shaped guard that had almost flame-like patterns on the long sides of it. A curved line seemed to be patterned on the short sides of the rectangular guard. The corners of the guard were inwardly curved and the hilt itself was colored a reddish-brown.
Kishin stood beside her in his sleeveless shihakusho with the front portion left somewhat loose slightly exposing his chiseled chest beneath. He wore his Captain's Haori over it and had the sleeves rolled up right before his elbow joint exposing the crimson red color of the inside of the Haori. His red obi sash was tied around his waist with his Zanpakuto strapped to the left side of his hip. His black reivice earring hung down the left side of his ear reaching the same level as his bottom lip. His shoulder length crimson red hair was tied in a mid-length ponytail with a few bangs falling between his brows and a couple strands hanging on the right side of his head reaching down to just below his chin.
The two of them simply gave each other a contented glance and stepped out from within his quarters onto the 3rd division grounds. They had yet to take more than ten steps from his residence when they were immediately greeted by several division members including Kira and Ran'Tao.
Kishin blinked and questioned, "To find me this early in the morning, did you guys need something?"
Ran'Tao smirked and responded, "It's noon Captain."
Kishin merely blinked again completely unfazed and nodded in agreement. "Oh, so it is. And?"
Kira scratched the side of his cheek and confusedly recounted what happened. "Errr...Captain. As you had asked, I gathered a group of skilled division members to help escort Ran'Tao to see Akon and Captain Tsunayashiro. They received the message you sent them and after meeting with Ran'Tao they were able to restore her powers. Then...we returned here and Ran'Tao and I were about to give our report but we heard some loud noises and...I could have sworn screaming. I wanted to rush in to help in case there was an attack but…" He glanced at Ran'Tao and questioned, "Ran'Tao...assured me that everything was fine and that we shouldn't disturb you. Are you alright Captain? Ran'Tao was really adamant about us not rushing into your residence."
It was also then that Kira noticed Rukia by Kishin's side and confusedly greeted, "Ah? K-Kuchiki-san? I didn't realize you were here. Apologies for not greeting you sooner, and hello."
Rukia madly blushed after hearing Kira ask about the loud noises and screaming from Kishin's residence. Her worst fear was realized as she mentally cursed herself for failing to control her cries. As she couldn't even speak right now to defend herself or make excuses she instead opted to hide behind Kishin's back to prevent others from seeing her flushed and shameful look.
Kishin just grinned amusedly and nodded appreciatively at Ran'Tao. "Already showing your worth as the new 4th officer of the 3rd division I see. Good job on stopping everyone."
Ran'Tao sighed and slightly blushed herself as she awkwardly coughed and looked away. "Ahem. I've lived long enough to know a thing or two. Clearly you WEREN'T in trouble."
Kira simply stared between Ran'Tao and Kishin several times before giving a questioning look. "Ummm...am I missing something?"
Kishin lightly patted Kira on the shoulders. "Nothing at all Kira. Good work on escorting Ran'Tao. Have you had time to introduce her and Ichinose to the rest of the division yet?"
Kira blinked several times but decided not to pursue the topic as Kishin seemed completely fine and had already shifted the subject. "Not yet Captain. I've introduced them to a handful of people but there's still the majority of the division that they need to greet. Well, Ichinose should be introducing himself to the others right now actually."
"I see. Then, for today's task that's what I need you to do. Make sure everyone gets acquainted. Tomorrow I want you to gather all the division members by the training grounds so I can restructure our fighting force."
"Restructure? ...alright. I can do that."
Kishin nodded with appreciation before walking off with Rukia beside him. She gave one last cursory glance over her shoulders and blushed when she caught Ran'Tao giving her a playful wink. Seemingly out of nowhere Rukia pulled out a notebook and began to write in it, catching Kishin's attention.
"Senpai...what are you doing?"
Rukia merely blushed and turned the notebook around letting him read the words written on the page. He stared at it for a good long second before a laugh escaped his lips. "P-Pfffft! Ha! Hahaha! C'mon senpai, it's fine isn't it? I mean only Ran'Tao figured out what you and I were up to last night. I'm sure she's tactful enough not to say anything. She is indebted to me after all."
He let out another lighthearted laugh as he once more read the words 'Baka' that she wrote on her notebook. She blushed again at how easygoing Kishin was about the whole matter and simply pouted.
They continued to dash in peaceful silence out of the division and through the streets of Seireitei before arriving outside the 10th division grounds. Rukia shifted nervously in place causing Kishin to simply smile.
"Don't worry so much senpai. If anyone asks why you can't speak then how about we just tell them that you got sick and lost your voice?"
Rukia stared cutely at him and silently nodded her head agreeing to his idea. Without further delay they walked inside and knocked on Toshiro's office door.
"Come in." Toshiro's voice sounded out from within.
Just as Kishin and Rukia entered they took note of the somewhat crowded room. Toshiro sat at his office desk near the back wall of the room resting his chin on his palm whilst Rangiku sat on the couch centered to the left of the room. There was an oval wooden table in front of the couch where Orihime, Sado, Ishida, Renji, and Ichigo currently sat around while standing near a window to the right of Toshiro's office desk stood Ichigo's younger sister, Kurosaki Karin.
To the far right of the room sitting on a chair was Kinji with Hisagi standing behind him.
"Kishin? Rukia?" Ichigo questioned as he and everyone else turned to the door.
Kishin curiously raised his eyebrow taking another glance around. "It's...pretty crowded in here huh?"
Toshiro frowned and crossed his arms glaring suspiciously at his red haired friend. "You...skipped out on dinner."
"Hahaha...didn't you get my message?"
Toshiro continued to frown and responded, "I did. And did YOU get MINE?"
"Hm? Did you send one?"
Toshiro instantly felt as if a heavy stone brick was dropped atop of his head. "You! Did you really not read my message?"
Kishin reached into his pockets and checked for his reivice, but his denreishinki was nowhere to be found. It was then he recalled that he had dropped it on the floor of his office after messaging Toshiro that he wouldn't make it. He simply rubbed the back of his head and said apologetically, "Ah...guess I left my denreishinki back in my office."
Toshiro glared for several moments longer before letting out a defeated sigh. "Haaaah...alright. Well Amagai and I decided to take a raincheck on the dinner anyways since you seemed busy. What did you have to do anyways that you skipped out?"
Rukia fidgeted in place and glanced at Kishin through her peripherals wondering how he was going to answer, but Kishin naturally shrugged and lied without any hesitance, "I picked up a new recruit into the division named Ran'Tao. I sent her to Akon and Kinji for certain matters and when she returned I had to introduce her to the division and study the background of each of the members so I can better reorganize and restructure our fighting force."
Everyone simply stared at Kishin with curious looks before nodding their heads finding no fault in his words, however Ichigo and Ishida widened their eyes in shock as they both said incredulously, "Wait what?! Ran'Tao told us she was exiled from Soul Society when we first met her! How is it that she's now suddenly a member of your division?"
Kishin just waved his hand nonchalantly. "It just happened. Long story short she was captured by Yushiro and I decided to help her out. Aaaaaand the look in your eyes tells me that you want me to elaborate, but honestly? I can't be bothered with it. It's not something that really concerns you anyways so leave it at that."
Ishida and Ichigo merely felt their jaws drop to the floor at how quick Kishin was to shut them down, but they knew that since Kishin didn't want to continue explaining that they wouldn't be able to get anything else of value from him. With that matter addressed Kishin took a seat near the entrance while Rukia pulled up a chair next to him.
It was then that Renji ventured to ask, "Uhh...Rukia? Are you alright? You haven't said a word ever since you got here."
A moment of awkward silence filled the room as everyone watched Rukia quickly write inside her notebook. Everyone felt confused and perplexed at her actions, but several moments later she turned her notebook around letting everyone read what was written.
'I got sick and lost my voice. I'm better now but my voice hasn't returned yet so that's why I'm not saying anything.'
Everyone merely blinked and stared at Rukia somewhat startled, but in the end getting sick is getting sick. If that's what happened then that's what happened. No one could argue with that, although Ichigo did venture to ask, "You got sick and lost your voice? But...weren't you just fine two days ago when we fought Kariya?"
Rukia simply gave a fierce glare with her eyes that silently said that she wasn't going to argue that point with him and so Ichigo awkwardly rubbed the back of his head dropping the subject. He then snuck a glance at Kishin recalling the fight against Kariya two days ago. He could still hear the screams of agony from Kariya's voice in his head and the image of the blood red lotuses that ripped apart the Bount leader's body was still clear as day in his memory. It caused an involuntary cold shiver to run down his spine now knowing just how fearsome Kishin's true powers were. In fact, he was somewhat conflicted in watching Kariya die in such a horrible way.
Whilst that was playing in Ichigo's head, Kishin was internally amused at the whole situation, but he decided to address the issues that he came here for.
"Ichigo, I'm assuming you know about the significance of Karakura Town by now."
Ichigo snapped out of his thoughts and sighed nodding his head in seriousness. "Yeah. I heard from Toshiro about what Aizen plans to do."
A thick vein burst on Toshiro's forehead as he glared annoying daggers at Ichigo. "Oi! How many times have I told you that it's Captain Hitsugaya! NOT Toshiro."
Karin turned her attention back to everyone and questioned, "Oh, then is Toshiro not your name?"
Another thick vein popped on his forehead as he glared at her. "You! Don't try and twist my words! I'm saying that you need to address me with my honorific title!"
Karin just shrugged and replied disinterestedly, "But a Captain doesn't mean anything to us. I mean, technically we aren't part of whatever this place is, so small details like addressing you as a Captain doesn't affect us in any way."
Toshiro merely sighed and rubbed his temples. "I've told you a hundred times. You're in Soul Society so don't just address it as 'whatever this place is' like it's some random insignificant plane of existence."
Kishin blinked as he watched Karin and Toshiro interact and silently mused to himself.
So that's Kurosaki Karin. Ichigo's younger sister and Isshin's daughter. How...strange...she's really mature for her age with the way she talks, not being overwhelmed by all of this. Then again who am I to criticize. I was probably similar even before I reached her age.
He slightly narrowed his eyes with interest as he sensed a fluctuation of reiatsu within her soul.
She has reiryoku...it's underdeveloped right now and it's not as strong as Ichigo's when I saw him as a kid, but it's there and growing. While I don't feel like her potential is as great as Ichigo's I definitely sense that she has some sort of potential.
Kishin was snapped out of his thoughts as Ichigo answered a question that Rukia wrote down in her notebook. "When are we leaving? Hmmm...probably sometime later today. Kinji was kind enough to offer opening the Senkaimon for us to return to Karakura Town. If what Toshiro said is true then there's only 3 months left before Aizen will attack Karakura Town to make this Oken or whatever. Since that's the case then all the more reason for us to be there when he arrives. I won't let my home be destroyed by that guy...but…" He took a glance at Kishin and continued, "That guy Aizen is...ridiculously strong. With the way I am right now I...anyways I was wondering Kishin…"
Kishin tilted his head and questioned, "What?"
Ichigo awkwardly coughed as a bit of hesitance sounded in his tone of voice. "I-uh...was wondering if you had any tips or pointers or training advice for me, seeing as you seemed to know what was going on with...that last time."
Kishin then recalled how he temporarily brought out Ichigo's Hollow during their training. "Oh, so you want to learn more about that huh?" He then thought about the Visoreds from where he learnt it from and shook his head. "Actually you're in good hands already. There's a group in Karakura Town that should be able to help you with that. If you're truly curious then why don't you just ask Urahara about it?"
Ichigo simply gave him a curious stare clearly wanting some clarification, but he was cut off from Karin interjecting. "What is this that that you guys keep talking about?"
Kishin gave a cursory glance in her direction and commented, "You're relatively unfazed by all of this."
Ichigo sighed and shook his head somewhat guiltily. "Yeah...Karin's always been like that. Ever since we lost our mom. She matures faster than others."
Karin glared at Ichigo, but she otherwise didn't comment.
Kishin then continued as he addressed the young black gray eyed girl, "Then you know what Ichigo is?"
Karin glanced at her brother's direction and nodded. "I do now. To be honest the entire situation seems a bit far fetched, but I'm not an idiot. I was wondering where he always ran off to while dressed in strange black clothes. Guess I know now."
Ichigo quickly chimed in and brought the focus of the conversation back to what he and Kishin were discussing before. "Ahem. Anyways, can't you be more specific Kishin?"
Kishin simply shook his head. "How can I be more specific than what I already told you? I gave you directions. Go see Urahara and ask him about what happened to you. Yoruichi saw it already. Besides, I don't really have the time to teach you anyways."
Again everyone became confused at what the two of them were talking about. Before the conversation could go any further around in circles Kinji stood up and started for the door.
"Eh? You're leaving?" Toshiro asked.
Kinji merely nodded. "I just stopped by to see everyone and to let Ichigo and the others know that I can send them back through the Senkaimon. Now that my work is done I'll be heading off."
Just as Kishin was about to wave goodbye he paused and recalled something that Aizen said to him when they were fighting.
Flash Back
Kishin furrowed his brow. "You keep repeating things about the world. Why not just tell me yourself if you have all the answers."
Aizen merely shook his head. "The truth of the world is something that you will only believe when you discover it yourself. I can tell you, but how much of it would you believe? After all, with the passing of time the stories and information passed down through each successive generation has taken and hidden away the core of the ugly truth of the Soul Society and of how the world came to be. How much of my words would you be willing to accept as reality."
"The ugly truth of the Soul Society? You make it sound like what you're doing is some sort of act of salvation for the Soul Society."
"Oh? I can't say that you are correct, however it isn't quite wrong either."
"Your word games are getting too wordy."
"Heh. Very well. Then allow me to give you some direction. Should you survive, I advise you to search the hidden archives of the Tsunayashiro Great Noble Clan. Perhaps you'll find something...interesting."
End of Flash Back
Just as Kinji and Hisagi reached the door, Kishin stood up and commented, "Hold on a second Kinji. There's something I want to talk to you about."
Everyone glanced over to Kishin but he ignored their stares and instead turned to face Rukia. "Senpai. There's something I need to talk about with Kinji for a bit. I'm not sure how long it'll take so just go back to the 3rd division when you're done greeting everyone here okay?"
She cutely nodded and quickly wrote inside her journal before flipping it around for him to read.
'Don't worry about me. I can't hog all of your time. You are a Captain now after all. We'll have plenty of time to meet later. And don't go stirring up some sort of trouble, bakamono!'
He grinned and nodded before reluctantly leaving her side.
Toshiro stretched out his hand in front of him and questioned alarmingly, "W-Wait wait wait! You both are just going to leave me to babysit these kids?"
"Hey! Who are you calling kids?!" Ichigo and the others fired back, but Toshiro simply ignored them. His eyes gave off a pleading look but Kishin and Kinji merely grinned.
"Sorry Toshiro. You can always kick them out though you know?" Kishin amusedly replied. He then walked out with Kinji beside him and Hisagi following behind.
As the two Captains started their walk out of the 10th division grounds and were just about to begin a serious discussion they were interrupted by Hisagi from behind them.
"Captain Chigetsu…" The Lieutenant's voice slightly wavered.
Both Kinji and Kishin stopped as they turned around to face Hisagi.
"Yes?" Kishin curiously replied.
Hisagi kept his eyes lowered and head slightly down guiltily avoiding Kishin's gaze. He shifted uncomfortably in place as he struggled to find his voice.
"I…" The images of him defending Tosen from back when Kishin was accused of killing Aizen replayed in his mind. Of how he foolishly believed that he was in the right and Kishin was in the wrong. He recalled the violent ferocious force of Kishin's reiatsu and of how easily he was swatted away by the now 3rd division Captain like an insignificant fly after losing his temper and mind. To this day he deeply wished to believe in his old Captain, but right now his current Captain was Kinji and the fact remains that Tosen had seemingly left willingly with Aizen whilst Kishin was the one who fought and figured out Aizen's true nature. Swallowing down his pride and confliction he deeply bowed in apology and said, "I-I'm sorry for the way that I acted towards you Captain Chigetsu! I'm truly ashamed at how I conducted myself and also at how I failed to realize that Captain Tosen had j-j-joined with Aizen…" He strugglingly growled towards the end.
Kishin merely blinked, somewhat amused. For several long seconds he didn't say anything creating a formless pressure to weigh down on Hisagi's shoulders, however in the end he let out a lighthearted laugh and waved his hand in dismissal. "Ha! Hahaha!"
Hisagi stared back up at Kishin with confusion all over his face.
Kishin took note and just turned around starting to walk off again. "Forget it Lieutenant Hisagi. Instead of apologizing to me you should really instead be thanking Toshiro."
Hisagi continued to stare with confusion. "Eh? Thank Captain Hitsugaya? Why?"
An amused spark of light flashed in Kishin's eyes as he nonchalantly replied, "Because had Toshiro been a second too late when snapping me out of my thoughts I would have really killed you on the spot for standing between Tosen and I."
Hisagi widened his eyes in realization and felt his back completely drenched in cold sweat at how honest and relaxedly Kishin spoke about killing him. It now dawned on him that whether or not he apologized it didn't mean much to Kishin because even though he acted that way at that time his actions made absolutely no difference to the situation, hence how easily he was simply swatted away like a buzzing fly. All he did was put himself on the road to death and managed to somehow slip by the scythe of the reaper by just the tiniest of hairs.
Kinji glanced at Hisagi's stunned and now pale colored face and sighed while patting his Lieutenant on the shoulder. "Don't take it too hard Hisagi. Allow me to translate for Captain Chigetsu. What he really means to say is, there is nothing for you to apologize for since you didn't know. You aren't at fault for being fooled as just about everyone in the entire Gotei 13 was played by Aizen. What you should focus on now is the present and the future and think about what it is you want to do and what you can do. Understand?"
Hisagi's eyes immediately brightened up as he nodded towards his new Captain with more confidence. "Thanks...Captain. I'll do my best to work harder."
Kinji smiled and began to trail after Kishin in the nearby distance as he waved to his Lieutenant. "Hisagi, I have some important things to talk over with Captain Chigetsu so can you head back to the 9th division first?"
Hisagi glanced between Kinji and Kishin in the distance before nodding his head. "Yeah. There's also the Seireitei Communication News Article that needs to be published which, by the way Captain...are you sure you don't want to oversee its publication?"
Kinji paused and closed his eyes deep in thought before shaking his head. "Nope. I've got my hands tied for right now being both the division Captain and Kido Corps Commander. I'm still trying to figure out how to best integrate the two in a more effective way much like the 2nd division does with the Onmitsukido. Until then I'm giving you free reign over the Seireitei Communication News Articles. I've got faith that you can do it."
Hisagi's facial expression softened as he thought of how Tosen never asked for his division members to do anything and therefore, it played a hand in why he was never able to pick up on the true thoughts and feelings of his previous Captain. Kinji noted the somewhat depressed air around Hisagi and smacked his right arm with his cane instantly waking up the Lieutenant from his daze.
Kinji gave an encouraging smile and began walking off again as he lectured, "Remember what I said? Don't dwell on what already happened. Instead, focus on what you want to do and what you can do and you'll find the answer to what's eating away at you sooner or later. If you want to accomplish anything, Hisagi, then you must always move forwards. Remember that." He then finally caught up to Kishin as they both left the 9th division Lieutenant behind.
Kishin smirked amusedly and commented, "Well look at you go. Acting like such a wise and caring Captain."
Kinji glanced at Kishin through his peripherals with a curious look and responded, "Do I even want to know how you pep talk your division members? You aren't threatening to kill them all the time are you?"
"Hahaha! Well that's not a bad idea either, but I'm not Captain of the 11th division so no. Don't make me out to be some sort of brute with a simple mind like that."
"Heh, fair enough. So? You wanted to talk?"
Kishin became serious as he nodded. "Yeah. Do you remember Aizen's parting words?"
Kinji furrowed his brow as that memory surfaced to the forefront of his mind. "I do. He said something about me helping you find the answer or something of that like. Have any idea what he was talking about?"
"Sort of. When I fought him down in the Seijotokyorin he kept talking about the truth of the World and told me to search the hidden archives of the Tsunayashiro Clan."
Kinji frowned. "The Tsunayashiro Clan? I may be a member but even I don't have any knowledge of there being any sort of secret or hidden archive in our estate. Even if there was, I'm willing to bet that only the current Head, Tokinada, would know anything about it."
The image of a green haired tall thin pale faced man flashed in Kishin's mind. "Ah...that creepy guy. How did someone like him become the Head of the Tsunayashiro Clan anyways?"
Kinji's eyes narrowed in focus as he thought of the events that occurred in the Clan. He took a few long moments to gather his thoughts before putting them into words. "To be honest? At first I didn't know much about Tokinada even though I'm from the Clan. I was a branch member who didn't receive a lot of attention nor was I given a lot of information. After you told me that I should watch out for the Clan Head I began to search deeper into Tokinada's past and…"
Kishin noted the seriousness in Kinji's voice towards the end and questioned, "And what?"
Kinji tightened his grip on his cane before continuing, "And I found that you were right to warn me about him."
"Oh? What did you find?"
"I found that a huge scandal was hidden by the Tsunayashiro Great Noble Family to cover up something that Tokinada did. I haven't told Hisagi about this yet since he's still a bit emotionally unstable, but in time...I believe he should know this as well."
Kishin furrowed his brow intrigued. "Something that you need to let Hisagi also know? Seems the scandal is related to Tosen."
Kinji nodded. "That's right. You see, Tokinada also came from a branch family like me. He wasn't born from the main branch family. Over a hundred years ago he got married to someone from Rukongai known as Kakyo. I couldn't find too much of the details, but what I could find was that Tokinada had killed her. I don't know why or for what reason. I only know that our Clan elders covered up this event and used their influence to make Central 46 turn a blind eye."
"Eh? I suspected that the Great Noble Families had great influence over Central 46 before, but to even make them turn a completely blind eye to murder? Isn't that…"
Kinji sighed and shook his head. "I don't know. It's not like I can ask any of the elders from that time about this incident anymore since they're all dead."
"Dead? How'd that happen?"
"Assassination."
Kishin tilted his head to the side in wonderment. "Someone...hired assassins to murder the elders of a Great Noble Family like the Tsunayashiro Clan? Wasn't there a thorough investigation done by the Soul Society?"
Kinji shrugged his shoulders. "Sure, but nothing was ever found. I told you that I don't have any parents right? Well...they died at that time working for the main family trying to protect one of the elders. Even with an investigation no one ever found out who sent the assassins and the one who actually ended up killing the assassins was Tokinada. He claims to have stumbled upon them in the residence and was able to stop and kill them."
"Ehh? You said he claims? And if there was an investigation then it would have been done quite thoroughly no? I don't see how nothing could have been found."
Again Kinji shook his head. "This event happened during a time when the Soul Society was already burdened with problems. To be exact, during the Vanishing Souls Incident. When six Captains, three Lieutenants, and the Commander and Lieutenant of the Kido Corps disappear from the ranks of Soul Society, that seems to be a much more pressing issue than the assassination attempt on the Great Noble Family of the Tsunayashiro Clan. Especially when Tokinada himself didn't push and pursue the investigation. The matter ended prematurely and Tokinada became the Head of the Clan."
Kishin took a moment to take everything in and stared up at the clear blue sky. "Okay, so Tokinada definitely sounds suspicious in that matter, but I don't see how this has to do with Tosen."
His inquiry reminded Kinji of the connection. "Ah, right. Regarding Tosen. Remember how I told you about Kakyo being Tokinada's wife and how he killed her? Well, do you also remember how Tosen had a friend and how he decided to become a Shinigami to uphold justice?"
Kishin immediately put two and two together as he commented, "Oh...don't tell me then. This Kakyo person was Tosen's close friend?"
Kinji nodded. "That's right. Likely Tosen knew that Tokinada was the murderer of his friend and that drove him to become a Shinigami as well as drove his motivation to uphold justice. It's also why I feel like I should tell Hisagi since he's internally struggling with trying to understand the choice that Tosen has made."
Kishin glanced at Kinji's hesitance and commented, "But you're unsure of how he'd react not only because of his current mental state, but because it involves the Tsunayashiro Clan that you're from."
Kinji ruefully smirked and nodded. "You guessed it. Furthermore, I don't want Hisagi to do something rash. As it currently stands I truly don't know enough about Tokinada. There's more to him than I previously thought. He doesn't involve himself with the day to day workings of Soul Society and mostly keeps to himself. He's approached me on several occasions but always nothing more than to make small talk. He's definitely hiding something. I just don't know what yet."
Kishin sighed and brought the topic back to what they were discussing before. "Well, think you can try and search for this so-called hidden archive of your Clan? Apparently Aizen believes that we'll find something of value there and I have a feeling that we'll come to understand more of Aizen's motives if we could learn what this so-called truth and origin of the World that he's always talking about is."
"Hmmm...I'll try but I can't make any promises that I'll gain any momentum on that front. Tokinada is...well how should I put this...off-putting? Even in the Clan as its current Head he mainly keeps to himself. There's definitely something strange going on with him."
Kishin nodded in understanding having met and encountered the guy himself a few times before. "It's fine if you don't find anything, but it can't hurt to try. If you do happen to find something out-"
Kinji smiled and nodded. "Then you'll be the first to know."
"Heh. Then I'll leave it to you. Oh, and can I borrow your denreishinki?"
"Eh? Where's your-ah, right. You did mention to Toshiro that you left it in your office. What do you need it for?"
"I need to make a call. I'll have it returned to you later. Promise."
Kinji shrugged his shoulders and handed over his dark purple colored denreishinki.
"Thanks!" Kishin appreciatively replied. With those parting words he dashed off towards the 3rd division.
On his way he flipped open the denreishinki and dialed Akon's number. It didn't take more than two rings before he heard Akon answer on the other end of the line.
"Kinji?"
"Actually it's Kishin."
"Ah?! Kishin? Why do you ha-Ahem. I mean, Captain Chigetsu. Ah...it's going to take some time for me getting used to calling you that. Anyways, why do you have Kinji's denreishinki?"
Kishin simply grinned slightly amused. "Left mine back in my office. Anyways, it's fine to just address me as Kishin like you always do."
Akon remained silent for a bit on the other end of the line, but he eventually sighed into the device and continued, "Haaah. You were never one to stick to formalities. So? What do I owe the pleasure of receiving a call from you? Oh, and I suppose I should get this in before the conversation derails. Congratulations on your promotion to Captaincy."
"Thanks. Anyways don't sound so anxious like I'm going to ask you for some sort of ridiculous task."
Akon felt a nervous bead of sweat drip down the side of his forehead. "Well...are you?"
"Haha, you wish. Unfortunately I can't really think of some sort of demanding task to ask of you for right now."
Akon sighed in relief. "Then I wouldn't exactly call that unfortunate, but you called because you needed something right?"
"Right. It's regarding the reigars. How are sales going?"
"Eh? Sales? Did you need money or something?"
"Sort of."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Huh. Well, as long as you aren't planning to do something crazy like build an estate the size of a Great Noble Clan then I think whatever project you have in mind will be fine. So? What did you need the money for?"
"I want to redesign my office and living quarters in the 3rd division."
Akon leaned back in the leather chair he was sitting in and closed his eyes. "Well, if it's just that much then don't worry about the money. The business with the reigars is going well and should easily cover any expenses you need to make the necessary renovations."
Kishin nodded in appreciation. "Thanks. I'll count on you to wire me the money I need when I need it. Oh, and by the way. Thanks for helping out with Ran'Tao."
"Ran'Tao? Ah, that new 4th seat officer of your division right? Eh, no big deal. Restoring her powers was a cinch. Anyways, did you really only call to ask about money?"
Kishin landed on the ground just outside his division and nodded. "Yup."
After several seconds of Akon not responding Kishin then questioned, "What?"
Akon let out an awkward cough. "Oh, well, nothing really. It's just...I thought you were going to ask me to do some sort of difficult task but, this is nice too."
Kishin smirked and shook his head. "I could always think of something if you'd lik-"
"NO!" Akon quickly interjected before clearing his throat and regaining his composure. "Ahem...haha, I mean, that's not what I meant. What I mean is that uhhh, it was nice hearing from you again after so long."
"I'm hanging up now senpai." Kishin said amusedly before putting away his denreishinki without waiting for Akon's goodbye. He went straight to his office and started making designs for his new office and living quarters.
The hours came and went as the sun began to set in the sky. Kishin furrowed his brow as he noted that Rukia still hadn't returned after all this time. Finishing up the paperwork he was working on that finalized the materials and finance needed for his project he leaned back in his chair and stared up at the ceiling lost in thought.
Where did she go? She can't have been at Toshiro's all this time with Ichigo and the others right? Or...maybe she is?
He was quickly brought out of his thoughts by the sound of a knock at his door. Immediately he knew who it was by their presence.
"Ran'Tao? Come in."
Ran'Tao cleared her throat before excusing herself and entering his office. She stood awkwardly by the door wondering what she should do next, to which Kishin just sighed and motioned for her to take a seat on the couch.
"Ah, my apologies Captain. It's been a long time since I've been in such a formal setting."
Kishin curiously raised his eyebrow. "Really? Well you don't have to be so nervous or hesitant. You're a member of the 3rd division now and its 4th ranking officer at that. Your status as exiled and a prisoner of the Nest has been lifted. So? Did you have a chance to get acquainted with the other division members?"
"Yes. I did. Lieutenant Kira was kind enough to accompany me for the majority of the day."
"That's good to hear."
…
A moment of silence filled the room as a noticeable awkwardness permeated around Ran'Tao.
"What is it?" Kishin asked, noting her strange behavior.
Ran'Tao slightly shifted in her seat before commenting, "I-It's...ahem...it's nothing."
Kishin cocked his head to the side slightly intrigued. "It's obviously not nothing. Out with it."
Ran'Tao let out a sigh in defeat and somewhat embarrassedly said, "Ahem. Then if you'll excuse me for my somewhat personally intrusive comment, but it appears that you have...errr, quite a close relationship with miss Kuchiki Rukia." Her cheeks turned slightly red after finishing her sentence.
Kishin simply blinked a few times with a blank stare on his face before he let out a lighthearted laugh and relaxedly placed his feet up on his desk. "Didn't you say you had quite the experience with such things? Why are you all of a sudden getting so flustered?"
Ran'Tao mentally cursed Kishin as she kept recalling the noises from last night and it wasn't helping that she was creating mental images in her head to go along with the noises. With another moment of silence filling the room Kishin brought the conversation back to the matter at hand. "So? You came to visit me for a reason other than to talk about my relationship with Rukia I presume?"
Ran'Tao turned to face him and nodded. "Yes. It's regarding the assassination attempts on my life. Aren't you concerned that you are putting your own division members at risk by taking me in?"
Kishin simply dismissed her comment by waving his hands in the air. "For now? Maybe. As the current division stands most of them wouldn't fare that well against assassins on the caliber of the Onmitsukido, but I don't plan for them to remain that way."
"Oh? Is that why you are having Lieutenant Kira gather the entire division tomorrow?"
"That's right. Before I became a Captain and even before I was a Lieutenant I served under multiple divisions and therefore I had a chance to learn how they operate and differ. Aside from the main tasks that differ from one division to another there was one common theme that I found to be sorely lacking from each division."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"A system."
"A system? What do you mean?"
"A system for training and a system for fighting. There isn't any comprehensive training regimen in any of the divisions that I have served under. Well, all except one and that being the 4th division, however the 4th division only trains in Kaido and do not focus at all in any of the other Shinigami combat forms. This leaves each division incredibly weak and vulnerable. Tell me Ran'Tao, after meeting with the other division members today what do you think about them in terms of ability?"
Ran'Tao furrowed her brow and recalled everyone who left a strong impression on her, however when she thought about it she could only say that the amount of people who she felt had any semblance of a presence could be counted in one hand. Two if she was giving some the benefit of the doubt. "I suppose...I would say that I was somewhat underwhelmed by the other division members aside from a very select few."
Kishin nodded his head in agreement. "That's right. If Lieutenant Kira and I happened to be out and away from the division then you could say that the rest of the division mind as well not exist. If an enemy were to invade while Kira and I were gone then the 3rd division as a whole would be of little to no obstacle at all. You could say that this is the same for any of the divisions in the Gotei 13. This is something I find wholly unacceptable. I may be Captain but I am NOT a babysitter."
"Then...are you planning to train the rest of the division?"
Kishin smirked and nodded. A dark glint flashed in his eyes causing Ran'Tao to unconsciously feel a cold shiver run down her spine. Before they could continue further Kishin stared at the door sensing someone approaching and took his feet off the table sitting upright again. "We can talk later Ran'Tao. For now you're dismissed. You don't have to worry about the assassins infiltrating the 3rd division anytime soon. Even if it's someone of Nobility that hired them to kill you they won't act so rashly as to attack you within the barracks like they did with the incident in the 2nd division grounds. They should have learnt by now what kind of risks that would impose on them. Especially if myself, the Captain of the division is currently present. Instead they'll wait for an opportunity when you're likely to leave the grounds."
Ran'Tao just gave him a questioning glance at why Kishin had suddenly ended the conversation short, however there was a knock at the door along with the sound of someone announcing their arrival. "Ah, ahem. Uhhh, this is Captain Amagai. Sorry to bother you so late. I'm not intruding am I?"
Kishin waved his hand at Ran'Tao to which she sighed and nodded. "Then...I'll take my leave Captain." She respectfully saluted Kishin once before opening the door to see Amagai standing in front of the entrance.
"Eh?" The 5th division Captain questioned at Ran'Tao appearing before him, however he quickly stepped aside and apologized. "Ah, sorry sorry. I didn't know that Captain Chigetsu already had company."
Ran'Tao shook her head and respectfully replied, "I was just taking my leave." She gave one last glance at Kishin before disappearing further into the barracks.
Amagai remained awkwardly standing beside the door to which Kishin sighed and waved his hand. "Captain Amagai, why don't you take a seat."
"Hm? Ah, right. My apologies for bothering you so late in the evening. I heard that the Substitute Shinigami named Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends have just returned to the World of the Living."
Kishin raised a curious eyebrow. "Is that why you're here?"
Amagai nervously rubbed the back of his neck unsure of why he felt so unsettled in front of Kishin. They were both Captains, however he couldn't shake the gnawing fear that he had when standing in the crimson haired Captain's presence. He heard that Kishin was the one who saw through Aizen's character when Aizen had managed to fool the entire Gotei 13. This made Amagai incredibly wary of Kishin as he was somewhat nervous if Kishin would be able to see through him as well. That was why he had been trying his best to get closer to Kishin to understand his character more. Nevertheless he only felt that he was getting further and further away from his goal no matter how many times he interacted with Kishin.
Kishin noted the awkwardness of Amagai's behavior and leaned back in his chair. "You're oddly silent Captain Amagai. If this is about the dinner then I-"
"Ah? Ah, no no. Haha, sorry, my apologies. I didn't mean to not answer your question. I was just lost in thought for a moment."
Kishin furrowed his brow at the strange acting 5th division Captain. "Well then...you came to visit me for a reason right? If it's not to discuss Kurosaki Ichigo and not about the dinner then what is it?"
Amagai took a moment to calm his nerves before replying a bit more seriously, "Captain Chigetsu...what do you think about the current Gotei 13?"
"The current Gotei 13? What do you mean?"
"Hm. Well, as I was continuing my investigation of the 5th division and learning about what happened with the incident with Aizen Sosuke it occurred to me that the Gotei 13 aren't really a cohesive military group. Each division is much too focused on themselves that it makes it somewhat ineffective in responding to threats such as Aizen Sosuke."
Kishin propped his elbow on his table and rested his cheek on the side of his right palm somewhat curious as to where Amagai was going with the conversation. "Go on."
"I already spoke to Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake about this before but...Captain Chigetsu, would you be willing to join in a joint training session across divisions?" Amagai asked somewhat pleadingly.
Kishin stared at Amagai for a good long moment simply taking some time to ponder over the suggestion.
Joint training with other divisions huh? Hmmm...while I don't think that's a bad idea I actually don't think the divisions are ready for something of that calibre yet. They already have a difficult enough time mobilizing as an effective cohesive unit under the same division that we'd be hard pressed to force different divisions with differing ideologies to work together. At least for right now.
After finishing his line of thought he leaned back in his chair once more and nonchalantly replied, "I see. That's not a bad idea."
Amagai instantly beamed. "Then yo-"
"But." Kishin continued cutting Amagai off. "I'll have to decline."
Amagai's facial expression immediately faltered as a look of confusion and shock washed over him. "You're...declining? But...didn't you say it was a good idea?"
Kishin smirked at Amagai's baffled look. "That's right. I said it was a good idea and it might be worthwhile trying something like that out in the future."
"Then?"
Kishin simply turned around and stared out his window overlooking the training courtyard of the 3rd division. "Many of the divisions have trouble functioning as an effective combative unit on their own already, so forcing them to suddenly work together is asking a bit much. If you really want to make reforms then having an effective training regimen for each division should come first so that members within the same division can work effectively together. Once they can do that, then the Gotei 13 have a real shot of working together. You should know as well as I do by now that the real power and threat of a division doesn't come from the approximate 200 members that makeup its numbers, but from the Captain and the Lieutenant of that division."
Amagai frowned as he took in Kishin's response and remained silent. Finally after mulling it over he sighed and nodded. "It...yes. You have a point."
Kishin turned back around to face Amagai. "The 3rd division won't be joining your joint training session. While I hold Captain Kyoraku in high regard and respect Captain Ukitake the most, I don't share their vision and hope of the joint training session being very beneficial for now."
Amagai nodded in understanding and stood up, giving a slight respectful bow towards Kishin. "I appreciate your honest words and apologize for taking up your time. I'll be taking my leave then."
Kishin merely nodded and watched Amagai open the door, however before the 5th division Captain stepped outside he paused and commented, "Ah, Captain Chigetsu. Even if a joint training session between our divisions is impossible for the moment I would still like to repay you and Captain Hitsugaya somehow. Is that possible?"
Kishin smirked and held up a single finger causing a confused look to appear on Amagai's face. Kishin took note of the ragged Captain's bewilderment and said, "One request within reasonable means."
Amagai blinked and stared at Kishin for a moment, somewhat startled at his answer, but in the end he smiled and nodded. "Haha, very well then. If you ever think of something that I can help with don't hesitate to ask of me. I'll do my best!"
Kishin watched as Amagai finally excused himself and disappeared causing Kishin to let out a tired yawn. Just then his door opened once more revealing the familiar presence of his favorite graceful looking petite Shinigami. His mood immediately brightened as he looked her in the eyes with a smile.
"You're late, Rukia."
MISC.
So...what is going on with Tokinada and the Tsunayashiro Clan? How will Hisagi react if he ever finds out about the connection between Tosen and Kakyo and the Tsunayashiro Clan?
Will Kinji find the hidden archives? Will Tokinada intervene?
What about Karin? Can she truly accept everything as is now that she's been exposed to a much larger world than she originally knew?
As for Amagai, yes I have more plans for him. His filler story in the Anime will not be mere filler in my story. There is more to things than meets the eye.
Now obviously some of you who have read the novels, seen the anime, read the manga, etc. know that there are differences between how they portrayed certain events to how I'm portraying certain events in my story. I have deliberately changed them. For example, Tokinada obviously isn't the Head of the Clan yet during this time. If you've read "Can't Fear Your Own World" then you know that this happens after the Quincy War, but like I said, I've made changes.
CAPTAINS/LIEUTENANTS/3rd/4th/5th/6th/7th OFFICER (Last, First)
1. Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni/Sasakibe Chojiro
2. Soi Fon/Omaeda Marechiyo/Shihoin Yushiro
3. Chigetsu Kishin/Kira Izuru/Togakushi Riku/Ran'Tao/Ichinose Maki/Gori Takatsuna/Katakura Asuka
4. Unohana Retsu/Kotetsu Isane
5. Amagai Shusuke/Kibune Makoto
6. Kuchiki Byakuya/Abarai Renji
7. Komamura Sajin/Iba Tetsuzaemon
8. Kyoraku Shunsui/Ise Nanao
9. Tsunayashiro Kinji (Kido Commander)/Hisagi Shuhei
10. Hitsugaya Toshiro/Matsumoto Rangiku
11. Zaraki Kenpachi/Kusajishi Yachiru
12. Kurotsuchi Mayuri/Kurotsuchi Nemu
13. Ukitake Jushiro/?
APPROXIMATE TIMELINE: Hope this helps put things into a bit of perspective and hope I fit the timing of things to make sense...there may be slight nuances from this timeline and actual Canon timeline which I adjusted to fit my story.
-Yamamoto establishes Shinigami Academy (~2100 years ago)
-Gotei 13 established (~1000 years ago)
-Shinigami war with Quincys (~1000 years ago)
-The Great Hollow War/Captain Kasumioji Kanata's death (~870 years ago)
-Ran'Tao joins division 4 under Captain Nakayama (~600 years ago)
-Captain Nakayama dies (~590 years ago)
-Ran'Tao and other researchers experiment on eternality/immortality and creation of the Bounts (~570 years ago)
-Eradication of most Quincys (~200 years ago)
-Tokinada kills his wife Kakyo (~200-110 years ago)
-Assassins kill the main lineage of those in line for the Head of the Tsunayashiro Clan/Kinji's parent's death/Tokinada becomes new Head of the Clan (~110 years ago)
-Vanishing Souls Incident/Visored creation/Urahara and Yoruichi disappear (~110 years ago)
-Rukia is adopted into the Kuchiki Clan (~60-50 years ago)
-Kishin reincarnates (~50-40 years ago)
-Isshin is exiled (~25-20 years ago)
-Ichigo is born (~16-15 years ago)
-Masaki dies/Auswahlen (~10-9 years ago)
-Sokyoku Execution and Aizen/Gin/Tosen defects (~1-2 months ago)
-Bount insurgents enter Soul Society (~3 days ago)
-Kishin/Kinji/Amagai become Captains (~2 day ago)
-Bounts Defeated (~2 days)
-Ran'Tao and Ichinose Maki join 3rd Division (1 day ago)
Time left until Hogyoku fully awakens = ~3 months