A/N: Thanks a bunch, Soi Yo and Ami for your unwavering support! It means a lot to me! I enjoy exploring other unseen aspects of the characters' personalities, you know that.
Thank you Just Curious! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. Ichigo is on his own journey in my story. I know it doesn't seem like he has many parts in this. Except from my point of view and without getting in too many details, he is at the center of everything. Some secrets are waiting to be revealed. I just need to level the plane field a little. So, the epic showdown I have in mind can take place. So even though in this part, Ichigo is not the main character, it is a team effort and I have not put him aside. He remains Bleach hero. Also, be sure to read every chapter, because I can't attest you would understand the entire story if you missed some essential plot points earlier. What I can say is that we're currently closing the Primeros Arc, we will go back to Ichigo after a detour.
-54-
Love was a drop of water in the grand scheme of things
Ryo Kunieda
Kurosaki Ichigo's classmate
Ranked second in her grade on the school exams at Karakura High School
Undefeated track & field regional champion
Girlfriend of Sado Yasutora
If the universe could grant a pragmatic girl a wish and tell her boyfriend she loves him very much.
Ryo remembered where they met, and it wasn't at school. Really, if she had to tell the story of where she met her amazing boyfriend, she would never be so lame as to put its settings in the lame constrict of a dull classroom. No, even though he had been in her class since the second year of junior high, she really met him on a Tuesday in front of the Banjo Ramen Shop in the Yellow district. Before, he was just the weirdo who happens to hang out with the most popular boy in their grade, Ichigo Kurosaki. She wasn't a Kurosaki groupie, mind you. But even she will admit, Ichigo was one of the most handsome boys at school with his iconic red hair. Alright, like a lot of girls, she had a crush on him when she was in junior high. But thankfully, this thing she had, didn't linger, since she realized nothing could save a shitty personality, not even the best shooting rates in basketball. Yes, she said it. Ichigo was a bit too self-absorbed and self-righteous for her taste.
She got that he lost his mother early on. Life was a bitch like that. That was tough. But hey, he wasn't the only one! Her father dropped off the surface of the planet one day. He may be already dead for all she knows. Her mother was an attorney assistant addicted to prescription pills and alcohol to boot, and her brother was a junkie and a yankee. You never saw her complain, or mop, or be an emotional rollercoaster because of it. Yet, Ichigo was. Also, she never forgave him for ignoring that poor Orihime Inoue's crush for so many years. What kind of boy couldn't notice that girl kissing the ground he walks on and at least be brave enough to acknowledge it?
A blind idiotic coward. That's what he was.
The only thing cool about him was Chad standing beside him, really. She did learn later that Ichigo had been seeing ghosts and things from the other world since he was a kid. Kuchiki Rukia transferred her power to him one night and since then nothing was ever normal in his life. She conceded it may be deemed mitigating circumstances and all.
But truly Ichigo wasn't a cup of tea and her dislike may have simply been rooted in the fact she could recognize herself a bit in him with that self-absorbed behavior. He was so wrapped up in his pain at times, he could not see anything else. On some level, she got that. She had her own shit to deal with, like we previously established. At times, it got heavy. At times, she could be ungrateful and mostly mean.
So, yes, back to her meeting the love of her life, how to put the settings? She stood in her snow-white trench coat outside the Banjo Ramen Shop waiting for her new client. Usually, she never met client in her school uniform because it tended to give them kinky ideas, which was the kind of foolishness she did not want to entertain. But her mother had been home early, and they had a fight about Ryo giving money to her older brother Akiko. She left the house in a hurry, pretending to go to cram school. So, she was in her Karakura high school uniform under that trench coat.
No, she wasn't selling her body or her panties. So, don't get too mixed up. The only thing she was selling was her brain. She was selling essays and tests scores to a crowd of college aspiring students, most of her clientele coming from Karakura private school. That day her client had been an aspiring doctor with a literature problem. Easy Breezy. A couple of boys ogled her as they went by, but she was minding her own business while she was waiting to get paid. That's when she saw him. He was standing on the other side of the street, having a smoke with one of his bandmates. He wore a leather jacket and a German rock band shirt. Well, she knew because she loved that band. He was smiling and it strike her as odd. He never smiled much at school. He was never that expressive. Even scowling was a rare occurrence with this guy. It always seemed like Ichigo did everything for him. But Ichigo wasn't there and he was in his element. He looked cool beyond beliefs.
Their eyes met. She froze, her heart rushing in her chest wildly. Time seemed to freeze for an eternity as they stood there on either side of the crowded street. Then, the moment passed Just when a bus paused and dropped a bunch of people at the bus stop, the moment passed. He looked away first. He ignored her and entered the Sugar Cane bar with his bandmates.
Boy, she was pissed! Ryo was incensed that he had the nerve to pretend he didn't see her there. That he had the nerve to ignore her! What a dickhead!
In class though, she acted cool like it was nothing. But as soon as the class ended, she ran back to the house she shared with her absentee mother, changed into a crop top, a denim mini skirt and bike boots. She pushed the door of the Sugar Cane bar, searching for him. He was easy to spot, as the insanely talented tall guy playing bass on the scene. She found her spot where he could see her easily and decided to make it her table.
Even though, they were locking eyes during whole sets, staring at each other defiantly, he would never acknowledge that he knew her at the end. He would get down from the stage with his bandmates, exchanged with a couple of groupies, drink, eat something, leave without so much as a nod. And if at first, it pissed her off, well it strangely became accommodating after a while. She didn't have to pretend to be interested in what he had to say, like she did when she was at school. If she listened to Michiru asking if Kurosaki was going out with Kuchiki one more time, she thought she could jump over a bridge. The fact that they didn't talk, well, it was a change of pace. She couldn't even explain why. It just did. She kept coming there every once in a while, sitting in that favorite spot of hers, ordering her favorite mango pineapple cocktail, watching him play.
Once, she spotted Ichigo's redhaired in the crowd before she got to her table and dashed for the door like a maniac. It helped that she was a fast runner. That was silly, she almost didn't care if the whole world knew of her extracurricular activities, yet she thought they had developed some kind of weird rhythm, Chad and her, something that was incredibly intimate. As if…those were secret silent dates. Okay, maybe she had been crazy erratic with this. She admitted being prone to obsessive addictive behavior like the rest of her family. But as she danced through their cover of Dancer in the dark, she could forget everything, free herself from even the expectations that she was even a good dancer. She felt herself tingling with little sparks of happiness. What could be cooler than that?
Dancer in the Dark – The Rasmus
Verbally Chad was the most guarded, physically able to shrink and fade into any background despite his size, especially when he was at school and standing beside Kurosaki Ichigo. But on stage his presence was commanding among his bandmates. The light would hit his face exquisitely as he focused intensely on the music. They would look into each other's eyes both savoring the moment, her dancing, him playing, her laughing, him smiling, her spinning, him getting dizzy watching her.
She'd start meeting a few clients there. In retrospect, it may have been a bad idea because she caught the attention of a stalker, who mistakenly thought she was on the other side of the trade business. The dark side.
"Hello beautiful! I've been watching you for awhile and I was wondering if you have time on your schedule for someone like me."
Well, she would never discriminate clients on the base of their appearances, but that guy looked shady and obviously he was interested in what she had to sell. When he sat down without any invitation next to her and dropped his dirty paw on her thighs, she knew he was up to no good. She wasn't that greedy for money and her "World travel fund" could wait. She immediately got up, stumbling in another chair noisily, grabbed her backpack and hightailed it out of there.
"I'm sorry, you must be confused."
"Hey, don't pretend to be offended. I know what you're doing with all those boys… A young girl coming to such place…"
She ran outside, crossing the streets, hoping he would let go. But no, he was a quick runner too. She climbed in the first bus to get home. But the molester boldly followed her there, grabbing on her bag. She jumped to get out, stumbled in the stairs, and dropped on her knees, bleeding. He quickly grabbed her arm.
"Come on, you're a bit stingy. All those clients and you wouldn't take me… That's not nice. There's a love hotel just right there. It will be quick." The guy said.
Except that when he turned, he bumped on a human wall called Chad. He more specifically bumped on Chad's fist, and he collapsed like a blown candle. Ryo was stunned, staring at that asshole, knocked out cold, his jaw broken.
"We should probably run, Ryo." Chad said with the kind of casualness that completely clashed with the situation.
She stood there like a broken doll, before noticing the closing crowd, realizing he may be right. She looked up in his direction. Still standing there, coolly. A cop's car was swerving on the sidewalk, parking at a reasonable distance. Chad finally grabbed her hand firmly and off they went, in a mad dash through the dubious alleys of the yellow district. They round a corner and before she could blink his hands were on her thin waist, lifting her up so she could climb a fence. The car stopped behind them in the alley. She climbed down nimbly forgetting she was not even wearing shorts, waiting for him. She was stunned at how athletic he is. She had imagined considered his size; it would have been a steep climb. But no, he made it easily enough, landing gracefully, his face shiny with sweat. The cops were running toward them, one of them oversize was ready to just lay and die. She found the time to empathize with him as her lungs were also on fire. Chad grabbed her hand again and pulled her behind. Was it the kind of trouble, he usually got in with Ichigo? Oh! God! She was in a pursuit with a delinquent. Being chased was nothing like the romantic drama she watched with the girls, where the idols look heroic, sexy and in command of the situation. Reality was far removed from that pretty version of running to save your skin. When Chad stumbled on a street littered with massage parlor, tattoos and bars, she started to get a bit nervous to tell the truth. He stopped in front of a porch, drawing his keys. Before she could blink and realized the situation, she was in his apartment. He dropped the keys on a table in the entry, took off his jacket and his shoes, and disappeared in the bathroom.
Breathing still labored, Ryo stood there, her brain numb. She surveyed her surroundings warily. Was he some kind of pervert? She just realized she followed him meekly. What kind of dumb girl follow a guy she barely knows in his home the first day? He went to the bathroom, was it to run a bath for her? Was it the foreplay of the serial killer before he rapes and kills his victims?
"You're bleeding… Come here."
She was…what? Ryo's eyes opened wide. She turned to Chad slowly. He was standing with an emergency kit. Huh?
"Your knee? Doesn't it hurt?"
She blinked as she realized. Oh! Yes, she did scrape her left knee badly when she fell from the bus. She finally nodded as if oxygen finally rushed back to her brain. She was so lame sometimes. He sat on a forged retro travel case turned coffee table and invited her on the couch. She clumsily took off her shoes. She noticed it had a couple of retro travel stamps stickers. Mexico. L.A. Amsterdam. She sat down slowly in front of him. He carefully cleaned her wounds with care.
"Your bass?"
"I left it at the bar. It's no big deal. Will get it back tomorrow."
She nodded, her face furrowed in concentration. He left in a hurry to help her. Wow! That felt nice! Chad carefully put a bunny Band-Aid on it. She wanted to laugh.
"Are you okay?" He said.
She nodded weakly. Then she frowned again.
"You really know who I am?"
"We've been classmates for 4 years, Ryo. You're our class delegate. I voted for you in the last election." Chad said casually.
"But you never said anything… I thought you didn't recognize me."
"Well, you're no Clark Kent. Simply thought you didn't want anyone knowing about what you were doing…" He said as he carefully closed the emergency kit.
"What I am doing?!"
She blushed. He honestly didn't think she was selling…
"I'm not a slut or anything!" She snapped.
He nodded.
"I mean… I know it sounds weird, but I just sell essays and online tutoring. I only dress sexy because it helps my business. That's just branding."
He nodded.
"It's not because I dress like that… That I am that kind of girl…"
He nodded.
"I need to make some money to help my brother and because I want to leave town after I graduate…But that's beside the point, I'm not a whore. Never will be."
He nodded with a blush, visibly astounded at her bluntness.
"It's just. My brother is a yankee with a drug problem…"
He nodded again.
"My mother threw him out on the street. But without money, there's nothing he could do but get in more trouble. He relies a lot on me. My mother, she's a problem herself ever since my dad left, except she's rich enough to hide it…"
He simply nodded politely.
"You don't believe me, do you?"
He frowned, staring deep into her eyes.
"Why wouldn't I believe you? You're the smartest person at school." He said matter-of-factly.
"That's right! Thank you! No, it's just I don't want you to get the wrong idea…"
"I never thought you were doing something this. When the owner asked me what you were doing, because he generally doesn't allow any shady business in his bar, I told him you were a tutor. It seemed it was all for the best."
"He asked you?"
Chad nodded, his hair concealing his left eye. He stood up.
"Want something to drink? I have sodas."
"You didn't answer my question."
"Orange or pineapple. Pineapple, right? I don't have Mango juice. But there's a shop right in the corner, I could get you some."
"Yes, pineapple. Pineapple is fine. But my question was more why did he ask you?"
"You like nachos? That's all I got."
"Yes. I love it. I like them spicy. If you have cheese… Melt away…"
He turned to stare at her, as if he was seeing her for the first time.
"What?"
"Jalapenos?"
"Sounds good. Never had it. I'm down to try. Still haven't answered my question."
"You will love it if you like spicy things. He thought you were my girlfriend."
"Huh?"
"I prepared the jalapenos myself. A family recipe."
"I mean, huh? Rewind. Your girlfriend? And you're Mexican, right?"
"On my mother's side, yes."
"That's why you're the best student in Spanish. You're better than anyone, little me included. I was always so jealous."
"Well, most people choose English as their first language. There's maybe five of us in that class. I'm beyond lazy. I am average at best at school."
"That's not true. You have excellent grades in Spanish."
"Well, I have no merits. I lived for five years in Mexico with my grandad, following my parent's death."
"Both your parents died?"
"Yup."
He lowered his head. She frowned so he continued.
"My mom was a Spanish teacher here. My dad was a car salesman."
"What happened to them?"
"They went on a honeymoon and never came back."
"What?"
"Their plane never made it to Hawaii. I was left with my grandmother. But she didn't well take the death of her son and she died just a couple of months after that. I went to live with my maternal Grandfather until he untimely passed away too."
"I'm so sorry."
"It's okay. It's life. They were old and already heartbroken. It's never natural for parents to lose their children."
"You don't feel lonely?"
"Not really. I have friends."
"Ichigo…"
"He is like a brother to me."
"I see. You know I really have a good memory?"
"Hum?"
"I did ask you ask a question earlier. I intend to get my answer one way or another. "
He smiled.
"You only came when I was playing. I guess he thought…"
"He thought?"
"That we were dating…"
Her eyes opened wide in horror before she frowned again in concentration. Interrogating this guy took skills. She was starting to get the hang of it. Yet, she just realized he must have thought she was stalking him.
"Well, I did ask him to keep that table open for you." He said, answering her silent question.
She loved that table. It was a rather perfect spot.
"You did? Why?"
Chad handed her the pineapple juice.
"Don't know… It felt nice to play in front of a familiar face. Aside from Ichigo, I never had anyone coming to my gig."
"I see…"
"And you?"
He sat down on the table again, staring at her intently.
"Me?"
"Why did you come?"
"It's not because I was interested in you." She said with a shrug. She pushed her hair away. She really didn't want to look like a stalker. What if he thought she was a weirdo?
He simply nodded and dropped the plate of nachos on the table next to him.
"So, you live here?" She said, breaking the heavy silence.
"Yes. It's been three years now."
"Alone?"
"You just said that you're not interested. Why do you ask?"
"I never said... Well, I said… but it's because…I mean…"
"So, you're interested?" Chad asked, a bit confused.
"Yes, no… What am I saying? What kind of conversation is that?"
Chad swallowed hard.
"I'd like to know more about you too."
"You ignored me." She retorted.
"What?"
"You ignored me."
"No."
"You did. For weeks… I had to… Well… stalk you… ending up getting myself my very own stalker in the process. It's embarrassing."
He seemed surprised.
"I didn't want to bother you, that's all. You sometimes do your homework there. How was I supposed to know you felt lonely?"
"I don't feel lonely. I'm plenty busy, Mister. I just wanted to know more about you cause it's you"."
That was the strangest confession and he watched amused Ryo sigh, squirm and curse her own babbling mouth.
"You mean to tell me that all this time, you were just too shy to say hello?"
He looked away, his turn to blush. This big Doofus! She almost couldn't believe it. But the candid expression on his face said it all. He was the worse. This guy, really? She leaned forward, holding his face and she pressed her lips against his, feeling under her fingers, his body going from a tight pile of crisped muscle to pliable clay. His lips started to move with hers as he responded to the kiss. The more she was leaning, the more uncomfortable it gets, but she didn't have any intention to just stop there. It just felt so unexpectedly perfect like a rain shower in the middle of summer. Something foreign but genuinely natural. The scent of his heated skin. She imagined he would be hesitant and clumsy. But no, he kissed her back matching her intensity. They broke apart when she really couldn't deal with the pressure on her back. He stared at her with the same expression, maybe with a hint of wonder this time.
"What was that for?"
She shrugged with a grin, stroking her back to dull the pain.
"Well, I figured if I have to wait another four weeks for you to make the next move. I better get an advance. Where's your bathroom?" She said, bolting on her feet.
"On the left."
He said before he grabbed on her wrist. She leaned over to capture his lips again.
"Right, there's also the matter of getting my return on investment. Be prepared."
Before she knew, she was lifted in the air.
"What are you doing? Put me down."
"Ryo Kunieda, are you trying to seduce me?"
"I have the wrong panties today but if we're already negotiating with girlfriend status and privileges, well, we could say that. I'm super impressed we are both so lame. I know you are too, impressed that is, with that cute expression on your face. We should be amazing together. That's what I think."
He blushed and kissed her hard.
"You always talk this way?"
"I'm much worse. I have absolutely no patience. So, don't try to surprise me for Christmas. Never delay something we're meant to do. I will be pissed. Life is way too short to lose a minute of it and I don't want to lose a minute of it. You shouldn't want to lose a minute of it. Promise me we're never gonna lose a minute of it as long as we're together. If that's a deal for you, you got yourself a girlfriend." She said playing with the hem of his shirt.
"I promise…"
He softly put her down and slowly unbuttoned his shirt.
"So…"
"I'm following your advice here. You can run…scream…or simply say you don't want to…"
It was a turn to open her eyes wide like a doe stuck in the headlights. But she initiated this after all.
"(…) He said with a Casanova attitude, showing off his impressive bad boys tatoo about love and death, while blushing like a schoolgirl. You're so cute all the time, Chad Yasutora. But I truly got the wrong panties today. Thursday panties are horrible. Friday, Sunday, and Monday panties are good. They are even sexy. Especially Friday. You'd like Friday… They're lacy and colorful. But Thursday panties, they're mortifying. Don't laugh."
"Ryo, I think I love you." Chad whispered.
She nodded, very casually.
"Okay, you can see for yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Well, life was indeed too short. In the grand scale of things, they didn't spend enough quality time together. That's what she thought, when she noticed the sky changing, the clouds rolling unnaturally toward Ichigo's neighborhood. The day started badly enough. A lot of seats were empty. Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, Uryū…
She stared at Kuchiki Rukia's empty seat.
"What happened? Where are your comrades?" The homeroom teacher said as she controlled the attendance notebook. "Kurosaki again? Inoue…Yasutora… Ishida…Kuchiki… What? Is there some kind of contagion going on?"
Chizuru shrugged dramatically.
"I already missed my Orihime. I'm sure it's related to the 'death in her family situation'."
Trading Yesterday - Shattered (MTT Version)
Ryo said nothing. A sense of dread was suddenly growing inside her. She tried to remember what Chad told her on their last phone call. He called really late and she had been half asleep. He wanted to let her know he was okay and to not worry if he had to skip school the next day. He needed to see Ichigo. Because last time they met, it didn't go well. Ichigo was troubled. He didn't know how to help. She remembered being pissed. Not only he was calling her so late, letting her worry for nothing, but he had the audacity of talking only of Ichigo. Ichigo wasn't her problem. Chad was. Why did he turn her into her flaky shaky girlfriend straight from her rom-com drama? Someone who shifts in hilariously hysterical mode if she missed the one call from her boyfriend. He said he was sorry. Then she was angry because it made her feel remorseful, then she got mad at herself because she was just the kind of person she hated. The spectator[MR1] kind. The sappy unrealistic egocentric. Of course, she understood he wanted to help. Of course, she knew he cared about his friends. It made sense. All of it made sense. But she couldn't do anything about it, it's not like she had any special powers.
The ground started to shake, and the room was suddenly filled with screams. She stared at the horizon in panic. She suddenly rose on her feet and grabbed her bag.
"Hey! Kunieda! Under the table. Earthquake emergency procedure!"
She stumbled face to face with Mizuiro Kojima. The other teen stared at her curiously.
"You know Kunieda, you will have to fear the light. If there's light, it means he can see you. You don't want that…"
"What?"
"Just stay in the dark. You will be fine if you do. Tell Chad I said Hi!"
Ryo frowned. Did Chad tell Mizuiro about them? He offered no more explanation. He just stood there, his hands in his pockets, seemingly unbothered in the growing chaos. She surveyed her surroundings frantically. Something was definitely not right. They all could sense it… What Chad once told her was the rise in spiritual pressure in the air… signaling the proximity of shinigamis or hollows. They were all aware of it. Ryo stumbled on her chair and pushed it clumsily out of the way. She needed to go. Without thinking, her feet started to move. She pushed the door, crossed the hallway and climbed down the stairs. Ryo was the best runner in the entire district area two consecutive years. Before she knew she was out in the streets, seemingly lost. She turned toward the school one last time. Mizuiro Kojima was still staring at her from the window, his eyes solemn. She forgot. She didn't tell him. She started to run again toward Urahara's shop. "Well, this is where I spent another majority of the time. The owner is a shinigami. Kisuke Urahara. He is an ally…"
She was close. So close. She lifted her gaze toward the sky and realized she could see the monsters albeit it was quite blurry. She could see Chad fighting. She wanted to scream with relief. She wanted to cry. She was so ridiculously happy to see him. People started to collapse in the street around her. Metallic noises. Deafening noises. A plane crashed against the Watchtower at the airport, A helicopter against a tower building.
Ryo didn't see the car coming, its driver unconscious behind the wheels.
In all retrospect, she felt nothing. Not even when her body collided with the hood of the car. She was already so sleepy. Her bones and muscles crushed on the impact. She felt like she was flying really as she rolled over the windshield. She soared in the air like a bird. Just before her body smacked the pavement limply, Ryo remembered Chad saying goodnight to her and hanging up. She didn't say that she loved him. She didn't have time to remind him that although she was pissed, she cared. Breaking the promise, she made to him, she lost time and became ungrateful. She lost precious time instead of just celebrating.
As blood covered the ground beneath her, she exhaled at last. Life was too short. Sometimes, you just couldn't right a wrong cause life was way too short for that. Darkness fell upon her.
Reiichi
Leader of the Zero division
Son of the King
If Love was a drop of water in the sea, Regret was an endless stream. Unfortunately, he could measure neither.
The members of the Zero Division entered the room parting around the central lower table, kneeling to their seat, each placing their weapon in front of them. Reiichi was always the last to kneel. He was facing his brother at the other end of the sphere, the contrast between their personalities couldn't be more obvious.
With his ebony hair, he was as dark as Masakira was flamboyant. Since they were twins, they often shared the same expressions even if there were far more emotion in Masahiro's eyes than in his brother. In Masahiro, his inner turmoil was constantly bubbling close to the surface like the most active of all terrestrial volcanoes. His temper was known to everyone, his reputation preceded him every time he entered a room. The walls rippled constantly to absorb his reiatsu greedily. Reiichi never liked being contradicted. That's why he hated these gatherings.
They all waited for the doors to patiently lock them in with a sickening metallic noise to start the session.
"Without preamble, let's start with some good and bad news. Tadashi Ichinose is dead, and according to Ego, someone has been tampering the Reality Engine from downstairs, triggering the Red Protocol. There is a skirmish in Soul Society which is causing great instabilities in all the realms. I do not really care about the details. But it seems like there is a need for us to deal with this Aizen situation sooner than later."
There was a collective gasp, mainly coming from Kirio.
"That is not the bad news," Masahiro said.
"What is the bad news then?" Kirio retorted. It seemed to her that it was already horrible enough that he just said one of them had died. He even talked of something messing up the reality engine, the thing controlled by the Spirit God itself. What could be worse?
"The King is awake, and he is hungry." He said.
This time, it was Izayoi's turn to gasp, her hands over her mouth. Kirio turned to her with a frown. A lone tear streamed down the pale cheek of the princess.
"The Red Protocol must have awakened him up slightly ahead of schedule. This is still unclear."
"What did he ask? Did he give you a list?"
"I don't have a list. I didn't accept one this time."
She sighed, clearly relieved. There was a sudden pregnant pause.
"It can't be helped anyway. Once in a while, every creature needs to feed. It doesn't seem fair that his Majesty's diner alone garners such attention. He is allowed to be hungry from time to time without judgment. He works so hard for our sake."
"You're sure one to talk, Izayoi," Masahiro grunted at the hypocrisy of it all.
"Husband, if I'm not mistaken, it's just a matter of feeding him and putting him to sleep. It requires minimum effort. That girl… Master Tadashi's girl, I recall… she was the last on that list. We could…" Reini rationalized.
Furuichi immediately frowned, closing his fist nervously.
"I don't remember who you're referring to." Masakira said without blinking.
"She is Furuichi's relative too? You know she was small like this with big eyes." Izayoi said gesturing with her hands.
"You have quite the memory." Furuichi said.
"Well, she was the last one on the list. I knew his Majesty had quite an interest in her. I don't remember what happened to her after that."
"I don't know either. Maybe she died. It was a long time ago."
"Nope, she is very much alive." Ego said, staring at his tablet. "She is a renowned chef at the family restaurant. Oh! She's a captain! Oh I knew her face was familiar! That was this Suki!"
The scientist showed around the picture of Suki fighting Barruk above the Onose River on his tablet
"Yes, it's her. She is even more lively and healthy. I say she's perfect."
"I absolutely admire your sense of empathy and your recovery skills, Moon of my life. You went from Dread to Joyful Anticipation in one instant." Reiichi cut in, harshly.
"I am just being pragmatic, my lovely Ray of Sunshine. We are gathered to find solutions together."
"What if you were on the list? I recall you were on it once. Yet, I didn't remember you being pragmatic then. I remembered some begging… But no soliloquy on the sacrifice on behalf of others for the greater good."
"Well, nobody could fault her for that? Could they? It's not like it's an honor to be chosen." Kakira muttered to no one in particular.
Izayoi smiled, politely avoided her husband's gaze. Masakira shifted amiably in his seat.
"I think, little sister, understand this is all part of the grand scheme of life. Useless to be angry at the messenger. We are all bored here, Hiro-chan. Let's just put this girl on the list and move on." Masakira said.
"You're too kind, brother. But it's okay, I do understand my husband's reservations."
"Perfectly, Masakira. I don't care if she thinks she understand. What if somebody she cares about was on that list? That is my question."
Reini clutched the hem of her Kimono with trembling hands. She laughed softly before her face became cold.
"Ha!"
She remained speechless and visibly offended.
"How- dare you?!"
"Izayoi…"
"I don't have the luxury of having someone I care about. Someone precious like that. Thanks to the rampant greed turned into a raging tumor that is your family. Forgive me if I ask you to spare me from your sermons, husband."
Reiichi turned to his wife sharply. He nodded just as coldly.
"So, you wouldn't understand… and that's my point, my love." He said with the look that say he will give the lessons no matter what. The endearing words they exchanged seemed just as cutting than their insults directed at each other. The room fell into silence.
Kirio hesitated, one hand raised.
"I'm sorry. Can I say something? I will say something! I think saying Reini would not understand is a bit harsh. Especially the way you said it. I think she'd totally get it if something happened to you or Kakira? I think that's what she means."
Reiichi frowned and almost groaned at Reiyon's intervention. As far as Izayoi was concerned, he did not need an interpreter. He also did not like being told he was wrong. He thought he made it clear to her earlier. Reini nodded, silently thanking Reiyon.
"Indeed… It's like she said. I'd feel damaged and empty. As much as you berate me every time, we meet for just being, your grace, I'd feel strangely unprepared if we were to ever be separated by something as definitive as death. That is the definition of mourning if I am correct."
She smiled amiably.
"My bad. Then you can understand why there's a missing spot beside you?" He said just as coldly.
She frowned, confused.
"Master Tadashi?"
"He lived to protect this girl. The man was enamored with all his daughters. Yet, she was undoubtedly his favorite."
"What proof do we have that he is dead anyway?" Masakira asked.
"Well, with no trace of his soul marker anywhere, we can only reach this type of conclusion. But it's true maybe we should investigate." Ego cut in.
"You seemed saddened, Masakira. Were you counting on eating the leftovers like last time?"
"Well, it's only that now I can see Izayoi's point then. If he's really gone, he won't miss the girl." Masakira retorted callously.
"Yes, but now who will cook for you? Idiot!"
Reiichi said.
"What did you say?"
"I called you idiot. You're the biggest idiot if you think the man actually like serving you. It was just his job. It was part of the deal. You and me, we are monsters to them. You think he would have served you people his daughter on a plate."
Izayoi and Masakira both looked ready to growl. Masakira shrugged.
"To me, He seemed quite dedicated. But like I care for their thoughts. They're the lamb. I am a wolf. What more is there to this?"
"Lamb here, would like to focus the conversation on not getting eaten. Forgive me, Wolf." Furuichi noted deadpan.
" Forgiven. Well, who's to say she knows anything? His skills and knowledge were quite unique. You're telling us, he is gone, indeed that constitute a problem. But fortunately, we have quick ways to solve this. We could reverse time and revive him…"
"Are you mad?" Masahiro retorted.
"Why not?"
"Why we don't freeze time and reverse it?"
"Yes, they are being unruly and petty. It's a quick way to put back things as they should. There will be no problem then. Father did it once or twice. We could ask for his help. Knowing there's something to gain, he will help."
"The Quincies were eradicated then. I'm not even talking about the Hollows…"
"A small price to pay so we could all go on our merry way doing what we love…"
"I can see several billions of reasons why living and breathing downstairs…"
"You're always so picky with the details. Alright, the man loves breeding. He had something like a hundred of those tiny giggly piggy daft brats. Like Mice, they were. So, disposable, they should all be. One of them must have learned the trade… If not all of them… We could use what's left of as ingredients. How about that for pragmatism? Problem solved."
"Wrong again. 20. That was the number of his daughters. Among whom only 11 are still alive. Only four have pressure of any significant quality. That Suki is the only one with any nutritional value. Also, Tadashi was known to be extremely secretive with his recipes, even keeping secrets from his loved ones." Furuichi said.
"Not to side with my brother, Furuichi-san, but Master Tadashi wouldn't have committed suicide without a plan. He was never so short-sighted. Plus, I know of your ties with the family. So, I am aware of your bias. I'll let it slide though because I know you only have the best interest of the King at heart, isn't that right?"
Furuichi swallowed hard. It was impossible to ignore the veiled threat behind Reiichi's words. He nodded.
"Ties around your neck, that's what you mortal souls specialize in. You have children although I don't care enough to ask their fates." Masakira said dejectedly.
"Yoruichi and Yūshirō. They are all well, Brother. For now." Masahiro said, giving Furuichi a cold calculated look.
"Well, I was simply saying the kid is powerful, there's no denying it. But to think she could replace him… that's…That's a wild stretch." Furuichi said.
"No. It's not. It's the Perfect insurance. It's Brilliant." Reini whispered, turning to Reiichi.
"So, she is not a good candidate for the list and she is not a good candidate for the vacant position of cook. Which is it, Furuichi?"
"Well, it all came out of the blue. His majesty wasn't scheduled for a meal for at least several centuries. I just think we shouldn't make that kind of move in a hurry."
"What are you going to do now?" Izayoi asked her husband.
"Like I said, I didn't get a list. I just need to select the suitable ingredients for his meal. Enough to make my father forget about Keikosuki Ichinose or you, Izayoi. Enough to boost his creativity and buy us some more time before the end of the world as we know it. Hopefully and that's a stretch, enough to satiate him… For that, I'm counting on you, Ego. But Furuichi, I will need a cook. So, if it's not Keikosuki Ichinose, find me one. It's either that or letting his majesty out… to hunt and prey…"
Izayoi gasped.
"Trust me! The last option is out for me too. I didn't say she couldn't be a cook. But how you expect me to lure her here, she's a captain. Not a convict. I can't just magically kidnap her. Yamamoto wouldn't stand for it. What if she doesn't know how to cook?"
"Indeed. Well, try her sisters then. The ones with potential. Make it work. Make it look like a simple formality. Bring them to me so could test them."
"They just lost their father." Kirio said.
"And?"
"Well, the family had been through a lot." She added.
"Don't let me be misunderstood, Reiyon, this is me taking the peaceful path."
"I wish you would take the human one. That's all."
Silence fell again. Masahiro glared in her direction.
"They're people who lost someone. Can't you give them the time to grieve? Or maybe one of them is competent enough and will accept the job if you just ask nicely."
It was almost comical how everyone was trying to look elsewhere but at those two.
"I am asking nicely. Bring them to me." Masahiro grunted.
"Okay, so we're supposed to just comply and be eaten."
"If you don't want the world to collapse, in a nutshell, yeah. Any other questions, Kirio?"
"Well, cooking is a hazardous hobby, something that can cost someone's life if not skilled enough… or done improperly. I can't see anyone volunteering to the task. I admire your optimism, Kirio, but I am siding with Masahiro here. We're supposed to provide his Majesty, that's part of the job." Ego said.
"It's done then. Furuichi, I will be waiting."
"Isn't that a task more suitable to Reisan? It is more his cup of tea than mine. He is the secret mission type." Furuichi nodded.
"I was giving it to you as a courtesy. But if you want Reisan to do it, I don't have objections. You know how he is. Capricious but eager to please."
"At least, you have a pet like that. Good for you." Furuichi retorted, frowning.
Ego put his hand on Furuichi shoulder in order to appease him.
"Don't mind him… For the ingredients… I have a few candidates, Reiichi, since I took the liberty to prepare an informal list for you. But like Furuichi, I'm not sure the girl can cook. She may be better just serving as an ingredient."
Furuichi eyes opened wide in disbelief. What was he saying? Is that what he called helping?
"What other purpose could she have? Didn't her father designated her by leaving this world using those dramatic circumstances. He died literally knowing he was summoned. If you have a better idea, I am open to discussion."
"Oh, for her you're open to discussion. You don't want to use this girl. You want to hire her now. Isn't that a waste of time? Masakira is right. There are quicker and safer ways at your disposal."
"Why are you so adamant in provoking me, Izayoi?"
"I'm not. I'm just wondering why she gets to live. You know what happened in that room. She survived it. No mortal souls ever could… She lives with that much power… with enough energy to engineer a new reality… inside of her. Yet, she lives Downstairs. Freely. Without constraints. Last time I checked, there was a civil war because of her. And I wouldn't be surprised if she was wreaking havoc over there right this very moment. Why does she get a pass, your Grace? That's my question! What makes you hesitate!"
"Because I said so! Because he was a loyal servant!" He roared.
"And I'm not?!" Reini shouted back.
"Did I ever suggested I'd put on that list? Don't give me ideas!"
"It's worse than I thought! You think you owe him? Would father think the same? Shall we ask him?" Reikyû said, disbelief written on his face.
"Do not push me."
"You looked more and more like Onee-chan. It's adorable. You were always such a sentimentalist. That girl she is the result of an experiment gone wrong. She is not your long-lost sister."
They were all looking at Reiichi with various degrees of curiosity. He finally nodded with a smirk.
"What happened if you killed that girl? I will tell you… Right now, she is just a girl with a destiny not worth a penny. Just Tadashi's girl. Freshly enrolled in the Gotei 13 as a captain probably sucking at the job. The perfect cover you guess correctly. He was smart. He probably got help too. But now, she is a captain. In the future, she will be the cause of a war for sure. Because the tiny people downstairs… They will fight for her. Like I don't know why yet... Maybe the same way they allied with Father and fought that guy once… They will fight for her. I can't know for sure… But they will… And you know what? They may win. Is that what you want? Destroy the whole system for just a girl? To prove your point. Because if that's what you want… We could do just that. I've seen it happened already. A thousand different ways."
"We could at least vote." Masakira said, showing his fangs.
"Then we could even achieve the same result by adding Kakira to the list today. What do you say? Father also created her the same way he made Keikosuki Ichinose. He brought Kakira into this world thinking he could get his beloved daughter back… Which way is quicker?" He turned to Izayoi then Masakira.
"Can I remind people I am still in the room?" Kakira suddenly said, staring at her father hard.
"I understand I share a few commonalities with that girl. But we're not talking about me, father. It's certainly good to know, you will be willing to sacrifice me in a heartbeat to satisfy the needs of the One above. I am lucky to have such a brave person looking out for me."
"You're old enough to look after yourself, aren't you? Then start doing it now!" Reiichi snapped.
Reini sighed, stunned. She shook her head, remorsefully.
"Stop it! I'm truly sorry, Kakira-chan. I started this by speaking out of turn. Your father just retaliated. You know how he is. He doesn't mean anything by it. Obviously, we are not here in the business of sacrificing our allies…or our next-of Kin."
"Yeah! Let's all calm down and think rationally. We have bigger worries than this. May I remind you someone tampered the reality engine..."
"Didn't we just say…"
"It's not Keikosuki Ichinose. "
"She wouldn't even know how to do that."
"Furuichi is right. I compared samples a dozen of times at least."
Reiichi sighed.
"I have a theory about that, Ego."
"Really?"
"I think when things get difficult, we should always trust the simplest answer. Father did it."
"His majesty? Impossible. His signature doesn't match. There is something out there we're not seeing."
"Well, Father has means to interact with the reality engine, even you Ego, can't comprehend…"
"That doesn't make any sense. Why would he tampered with something he entirely controls?" Ego countered.
The three Kaijus shared a look. Ego sneered.
"Well, I mean aside from wanting to just mess with us? You believe he is that vile?! He is the King! Why would he go that far?"
They shared another knowing look. Izayoi kept the same Mona Lisa smile on her lips but her contempt was definitely showing.
"Unbelievable, you people… you're something, you know."
"Urahara-san, you cannot deny our race have been inhabiting these planes of existence since time immemorial surviving by following different rules… You cannot from just your mortal point of view began to grasp what it really feels like, Reiichi is right."
"We are all made of flesh and blood! We are all fucking mortal, people! Even if you want to play pretend, you're this perfect timeless un-aging statue! You still age. Bitterly at times. Sorry, Princess! You still bleed when hurt…"
Black ink colored her left pupil. Her skin was so pallid it appeared translucent under the red light. She remained like her statue unblinking while Ego continued just as harshly.
"You rot from the inside and die…like the rest of us. You don't even have the salvation procreation gives to us. When it will be the end for you. There will be none of you left."
"Aren't you a cheeky one?" Masakira said with a grunt.
"I am simply stating facts. It's nothing personal."
Izayoi smiled sweetly, half of her face shifting into something resembling a hollow. She dangerously tilted her head to the left.
"It's never personal, is it? You want to compare my unending agony with yours. Fine. If you are like us, you will understand how meaningless your life is. Knowing it will end, and they will be nothing left of your legacy. Surviving the present would be essential to you…as it is to us. It's not death we know should be feared. Death would be mercy. Yours would be sweet. A couple of welcoming life adventures, some thrilling tales of love and sacrifice and you will join the cycle, and be born anew… Then, by the Grace of the Spirit God, do it all over again. You wouldn't know hunger or thirst. You would live happily on your own time, getting entangled in relationships, friends and families... and everything that comes in between. That sounds wonderful. No, the true agony would be getting forced back into the dark slumber, without dreams, without expectations, or hope that you left anything behind to be remembered with. Being disconnected from the only connection you felt since birth. The connection to the cycle. Being ripped from it as if ripped from Heaven. Death will turn into a slumber you cannot wake up on your own from. Something like a dark prison… Something cold shackling your very soul… and nothing not even grief could grow from there."
"Reini…"
"That's what happened to the king who sat under the eternal moonlight… He was dreaming and trusting his immortality, then he was not."
"Except, he managed to cheat the Spirit God and have himself the perfect children, didn't he? He was smart. I will give him that. So, his fate is not that bad, all things considered."
"Perfection didn't stand being chased or hunted. It was useless before Greed. They all died the same way a legacy cannot survive the making of another legend, Masahiro. Pointlessly."
"Izayoi…"
"I was just stating facts. Nothing personal."
Her lips spread into a gentle smile, her face back to normal. There was a sudden heavy silence.
"But you're here, aren't you? Reini? You're here? So, there was hope. He must have felt it before..." Reiyon said.
She looked up and turned to Reiyon in shock. Reiichi frowned.
"I'm sorry… I said too much."
Reini nodded enthusiastically.
"I like this one. Should we keep her?" She joked. "Thank you, Kirio."
She was interrupted by the triggering of the alarm. Blaring. Unrelenting. It sounded like a shrill scream of sinners in Hell. The red lights started to shift again. A keyboard revealed itself in front of Ego, he quickly typed in his passwords and a translucent high-tech screen, appeared above the round table, allowing all participants to observe from all angles. Moon appeared on screen chanting and praying.
"Someone is using high-end demonic magic to summon the Guardians of Heavens."
Reiichi didn't look surprised.
"See. Father went fishing..."
"What?"
They all turned toward Reiichi anxiously.
"How did you know?"
"We're living in his world; we should never forget it. Kaikoroku, put Reisan on the line immediately."
"Certainly, Reiichi. Searching for… Reisan. Third Member of The Zero division. Commander of the Intelligence Service of its Majesty. Target found. Connecting in 5…4...3…2…1"
The surveillance grid targeted Number three and found him sitting on the edge of the tallest building in town, the Kojima tower. Closing-up on him, Kaikoroku identified him on the screen.
Reisan
Name: Yomi
Last Listed Alias: Mizuiro Kojima or The Ghost
Last Listed Professions: Karakura High School student & CEO of Kojima Corp
Field of expertise: Master of Disguise
Actual assignment: Governor of Karakura –The crossroad of Spirits
" Reisan, Reporting."
" We're in the middle of something important. Remind me why you're not here."
"Me too. It started. Kiborutō just been summoned by these people out of the blue. They got the Key to the Abyssal vaults now."
"How many casualties?" Reiichi growled.
"A thousand…No more like Five…Thousands… Maybe more... Don't know… Something like a lot…"
Reiichi closed his eyes for a minute, thinking.
"Good, his majesty is very hungry these days. These kinds of offerings will certainly please him. Will buy us some time. Come back immediately."
"Transfer just started…It's still my jurisdiction."
"I don't care. I need you now."
"One of my best buddies just died…"
Reiichi gave Ego an impatient look and without a word the scientist disconnected the call. A whole minute went by in silence before Thunder roared in the distance. A detonation was heard outside and finally the doors opened wide. His black hair brushed away from his face, looking like a ghostly version of a J-pop idol, Yomi stood in the threshold. He shed from his high-school uniform to a ninja-yoroi while walking, like it was a second skin. His features morphed from Mizuiro's Kojima friendly face to a cold creature with black orbs, his skin almost translucid, showing the arteries and veins on his neck.
"Welcome back." Ego ventured, startled at his expression.
"Who summoned the key?" Reikyû asked suddenly curious.
He acted every bit like they never got interrupted by Reisan's late arrival.
"Primeros!" Reisan shouted.
"Who?"
"Aborted hybrids of hollows and shinigami, created by Aizen Sousuke, using an Hōgyoku. By the way, I still have not found a way to extract and destroy this thing. It is therefore indeed worrying that Kiborutō is today in their hands. If Aizen..." The good doctor replied.
"Worrying? Am I really here for this?" Reisan said as he stepped in the room.
"Sit down." Reiichi said.
"Chad. Yasutora Sado. That was his name. My friend who died today. They all just died. Do you have an idea what just happened? Do you have an idea in how much trouble we are in?! Do you know who he was?"
"My father is awake, Yomi. I am in the worst of moods. So, I won't ask… again. Sit before you said anything you will regret and close the damn door behind you." Reiichi snapped.
Yomi immediately regretted his earlier outburst and swallowed hard. He did as he was told and begrudgingly sat down next to Kirio and Kakira.
"So, that beast is hungry again. I guess that was to be expected." He said more casually.
Furuichi nodded.
"Does he want to free Aizen?" Yomi added.
"His Majesty?" Kirio frowned. She couldn't believe this.
"Yes, because he really acts like that's what he wants."
Reiichi slammed the table angrily. Kakira gasped.
"I don't know. Something even I don't understand. He can plan… The spirit God will help him in that regard, but he doesn't control circumstances." Reiichi said. "Kaikoroku, initiate transfer toward "The manufactory".
"All of them?" Furuichi asked cautiously.
Staring straight in Yomi's eyes, Masahiro nodded.
"All of them."
Yomi closed his eyes, his expression hardening.
"What do we do about Kiborutō?"
"Kiborutō is an old artifact. Its loss is not harmful to his Majesty. At most, it is a key that opens one or two dimensions. But there are hundreds of similar artifacts in nature. We could leave the muscle part to the Gotei 13."
"Can they use Kiborutō to get here?" Reiyon asked.
"No, only Oken can open a portal to the royal palace. " Reigo explained.
"So, at least they cannot trespass. I guess it's good news."
"Still, it's not a good thing that they have it."
"Your positions will have to be reinforced in the coming hours. No matter what his Majesty says, if you value your life, you have no interest in failure. Reiyon, secure the perimeter around the palace. Reigo, I want more information on Reiroku's death and what we talked about earlier. Can you at least investigate?"
"I will."
"The excess nutrients will remain in Jigokuchō awaiting process. Jigokuchō will therefore have to support the war effort. Reikyû, you will administer the land in the meantime. Do not stuff your face and be selfish. Control your pets. Do not make me regret this."
Reikyû smiled crookedly.
"Reini…"
"Can I help Kakira-chan in Muken? It's been so long we could take the time to…"
Kakira's face lit up with excitement at the prospect. Unfortunately, Masahiro who wasn't above shattering on a girl's hope and dreams, immediately shut down's Izayoi's request.
"No, you will have to go to the Manufactory. There will be a massive arrival of souls tonight, the production line may be slow down or jammed because of it. You will make sure everything went smoothly. I want you to boost the cycle to a 100% of its capacity."
"That is menial work."
"And?"
"I was only expecting a more diligent role. You cannot expect Kakira to be able to hold off an individual like Aizen on her own."
Kakira frowned, unsure of how she was supposed to take her mother's comment. That certainly did not look like a compliment.
"Why?"
"She is incredibly young. Imagine they opened that door on her..."
"Reisan, you will oversee gathering our army. We need a contingency plan. Reinana, you work on that list for me. Everyone got his assignments. I want a full report every hour."
"Don't ignore me, Reiichi."
"Oh! Reihachi, transfer all the prisoners from Muken to Dōkutsu as counter-measures."
"Dōkutsu is a medium security facility. It has nothing to do with my skills, I cannot guarantee the internment of convicts of that caliber there."
"Make it work."
"Okay. Basically, his Majesty wants to free Aizen. He wants it so much that he will trigger this whole chain of events to do it. According to your own theory? Yet, you don't want to give in. And we must obey you because? Does that mean that you're God now?"
"You see anybody else volunteering?"
In a few seconds, oxygen became scarce. Each particle of air was wrapped in Masahiro reiatsu. The ground vibrated almost imperceptibly under their feet.
Kakira rose on her feet, gritting her teeth.
"Very well, your highness. I am going. I have work to do."
She said before leaving the room.
"Don't disappoint your mother." Reiichi bellowed after her.
Reini clutched her fists angrily. Reiyon's eyes widened in dread. The others continued to watch the domestic scene in silence.
"That is all anyway. The session is adjourned."
"I could have helped her, you know?" Reini said.
"She will be fine on her own." Reiichi said.
"Can you pretend to care at times or is that too difficult? Can you just care about someone over than that wretched woman? She is gone and she will never come back." Izayoi strutted firmly toward the doors.
Reiichi looked up at that. His gaze met with Kirio. He was surprised to read the disappointment in her eyes, especially surprised to realize how uneasy it made him. She turned heels and exited the room, following Izayoi departure.
Masakira, in a better mood than when he arrived, prepared to leave the room with a smirk.
"I may have a suggestion that would satisfy everyone ..."
"No genocide, Masakira." Replied Masahiro.
"You don't know how to have fun. Are you really my brother?"
"You're not the only one wondering." Masahiro said.
One by one, they left their seats, except for Reisan who quietly sat there. The doors finally closed.
Masahiro sat down again.
"You didn't get your assignment?"
"We could do just that, you know."
He looked at Masahiro, straight.
"Let Aizen free in that goddamn chamber so that greedy motherfucker can swallow that pill for once. Good Riddance!"
"Then who will hold that thing? Aizen?"
"I know. I get it. You don't want to write yourself in a corner."
"It's not really about what I want, Yomi. They know someone tampered the reality engine."
Shock was written on Yomi's blank features.
"They don't know who yet or why… But it is a matter of time… They're really getting noisy downstairs."
"I am sorry, Boss. I thought I did not leave any traces. I had that guy do it."
"Well, obviously they left out enough details for Ego to catch up eventually. You told me it was a one-time thing. You called it an accident of fate. You told me the boy lost his power."
"Well, he did…"
"Then why are we in all this mess? Why were you so emotional earlier?"
"His friends…He's got a lot of them. They also got powers."
"That boy… you mentioned."
"His best friend. It's gotten exponentially more dangerous downstairs as we speak."
"Yes, meaning he is spreading his Influence." Reiichi sighed.
"It's not like that! He is not aware he is doing it. Try to understand. He is just a kid."
"Then he better stays that innocent!"
"Boss…"
"And you better leave out your emotions too… I get that you've been undercover for far too long, but those people are not your friends. They are the targets. They are the mission."
Yomi nodded firmly.
"If the truth ever comes out, Yomi…"
Yomi nodded again with more determination.
"I will gather a team."
"If I can't get insurance from you, I will take care of the problem myself."
"You won't have to, Boss. I will be on it."
Yomi stood up and bowed solemnly before stepping toward the doors. He paused on the threshold.
"You know. He really starts to look like her these days. The girls also. Wouldn't you want to see that?"
Reiichi remained alone at last. Taking a deep unnecessary breath, he shifted into a more relaxed position in the dark. It is like either he couldn't say it enough, either they were quick to forget. It was never about what he wanted.
Next chapter= Turn back the pendulum...