Chapter Five: Loyalty
"Shihouin-kun really didn't come back last night."
Juushirou sat down on his bed, stifling a yawn as he ran his fingers pensively through his short white hair. It was just after dawn the next morning and the rising bell had clanged through the aging building only a short while earlier. It had seemed like a very short sleep, Juushirou had realised, for they had had to take a long route back to the school to avoid all contact with Aitori's patrol, and so had not reached the dorm until the early hours of the morning. Yet even though they had had to scramble and claw their way back in through the open dorm window, Juushirou found he did not regret their adventure.
I only hope I won't fall asleep in class, that's all. I'm not used to functioning on quite so little sleep.
He gazed across at the empty bunk opposite, pursing his lips as he registered it hadn't been slept in. "I suppose you were right in the end, Shunsui-kun - he really did end up spending the night with family."
"I told you so." Shunsui put in sleepily from his bed, rolling over to face his classmate. "That's how the Clans work. He'll be back this morning though, no doubt."
"I am rather surprised to see you all here this morning, in fact." Ryuu put in at that moment, tying the obi of his uniform firmly as he fixed them all with a haughty, quizzical glance. "Since I found myself quite alone in the dorm when I returned from the bath-house last evening."
"I guess it's magic." Shunsui sat up, stretching his arms over his head, and Ryuu frowned, shaking his head.
"It's all very well if you want to break curfew rules and get yourself into trouble." He said reproachfully. "But at least be honourable enough not to lie about it."
"Are you going to tell anyone, Kuchiki?" Enishi asked anxiously, and Ryuu snorted, shaking his head.
"I don't tell tales, no matter what the provocation." He said archly. "I wasn't raised to such low habits. But you should take care, all of you. They may not have caught you last night, but it doesn't mean they won't catch up with you if you persist in infringing the rules."
"Thank you for not telling the staff, Kuchiki-kun." Juushirou offered him a rueful smile.
"You are the one I am most surprised at." Ryuu admitted, meeting Ukitake's gaze with an even one of his own. "Considering your ill-health yesterday morning. Besides, you don't seem like the kind of individual who easily breaks rules."
"It was a bit of a last minute thing." Juushirou cast Shunsui a sidelong glance, then, "And I was feeling better by then. It was just a brief spell, after all - and I'd been cooped up away from everyone for the whole afternoon because of it. I needed some air and a change of scene. That's all."
He pulled a graphic face.
"There's nothing I hate more than forced convalescence." He added darkly. "I wish they'd understand that I know my body better than they do, and I don't need them to take this test or that or think they know what's best for me."
"I s'pose if you were ill in the past, someone told Genryuusai-sensei about it and he's covering his bases." Enishi suggested. "It's not like they're doing it on purpose to annoy you, Ukitake. And you're fine now, right? So even if you had a funny turn yesterday, it's no big deal. You said when you were ill you could barely leave the house - right? But last night you climbed out of a window, ran across town and..."
He faltered, as he caught Shunsui's eye, and Juushirou sighed, shaking his head.
"I think Kuchiki-kun would probably rather not know details of something he's keeping a secret for us." He said frankly. "I understand what you're saying, Houjou-kun, but..."
"Do you think any of the teachers do know?" Hirata asked anxiously, and Shunsui shook his head.
"Nope. If they did, they'd have got us for sure." He said cheerfully. "It's fine, Hirata-kun. So long as you don't tell anyone outside of this room, noone is going to know. And besides, there's no harm in sneaking out once or twice. We're healthy young men and we're expected to learn about the world in one way or another - right?"
"It goes without saying, then, that you were the ringleader in this little debacle, Kyouraku." Ryuu reflected thoughtfully. "I am somehow unsurprised."
He shrugged his shoulders.
"However, you may come to regret it." He added. "Today we have an assessment in Kazoe-sensei's Kidou Theory class...and this afternoon a similar review in Aitori-sensei's Hohou Theory one. If you are falling asleep at your desks, you are unlikely to score well. Are you?"
"That's fine by me." Shunsui said dismissively, dropping back against his pillows and pulling his blanket up over his shoulders once more. "Kazoe-sensei doesn't expect to see me in his morning lessons, and I'm not going to create an upset by turning up to them for once. I may see you for lunch - or this afternoon, if I'm feeling like listening to Aitori's nasal voice explaining why none of us are even vaguely ready to learn practical Shunpo."
"You don't skip Minabe-sensei or Genryuusai-sensei's classes half as much as you do Kidou and Hohou." Juushirou reflected. "Kazoe-sensei's not a pushover, you know - he won't let it go if you keep it up."
"He can't scold me if he can't find me." Shunsui said sleepily. "And I'm one step ahead of him so far. It's fine, Juushirou-kun. I'll do education my way, and you do it yours."
He yawned, closing his eyes.
"I'll see you later."
"The breakfast bell will ring shortly." Ryuu observed. "No doubt I will see all of you in class."
With that he was gone, and Juushirou sighed, rubbing his temples.
"I'd forgotten we had assessments." He admitted. "Oh well. I think I can remember most things, with any luck - I'll just have to do my best."
"You've been reading Kazoe-sensei's tome, though, haven't you?" Enishi asked, and Juushirou nodded.
"I've read four or five chapters so far." He agreed. "But I haven't covered the most recent stuff we've studied yet. And he did say that if we don't get an acceptable grade on this assessment, we won't be beginning practical Kidou work in a week's time. Shunsui, you really ought to turn up to the class today. Otherwise you're effectively cutting yourself out of practical Kidou too, and at that rate..."
"I'm not as bothered about it as you are." Shunsui assured him drowsily. "So don't worry so much about me. Go have breakfast, all of you, and leave me to sleep. I don't care overly about Kidou, so you needn't concern yourself. I'm not interested in learning to fight, since I've no intention of using it."
"I guess that's just how it is, then." Enishi shrugged his shoulders, as the bell clanged out across the grounds. "We should go to breakfast. Sweet dreams, Kyouraku. Don't get caught off guard, all right?"
There was no reply, and Juushirou shook his head slowly.
"I don't know how he can do that." He murmured, as they made their way down the narrow hallway to the winding stairs that led to the main Dining Hall, the sound of student voices already audible as they joined their fellows from other parts of the school. "He doesn't care, does he? He really doesn't mind whether he passes or fails."
"But if he fails, won't he be sent home?" Hirata asked anxiously, and Juushirou shrugged.
"Sora seemed to think that he'd got in here because of his brother twisting Genryuusai-sensei's arm." He reflected. "But somehow...I don't know. Genryuusai-sensei doesn't seem like the kind of teacher who'd take anyone on if he didnt think they had potential. Whatever the circumstances of his coming here, Shunsui doesn't seem to be particularly stupid, either. So maybe that's it. But even so...I don't know, Endou-kun. I'm not sure what happens if you skip enough classes and fail enough assessments."
"Is that really true?" Enishi looked surprised. "That Kyouraku only got into the Academy because his brother asked Genryuusai-sensei nicely?"
"That's what Sora said." Juushirou shrugged. "I suppose she's as well placed to know as anyone, too. She's known Shunsui longer than any of us have. And even in the short time we've known him - do you see him as the type to sit down and take an exam?"
"Definitely not." Enishi said firmly. "I see your point."
He looked sheepish.
"But I still think that if he's doing that, no matter how smart he is or isn't, he'll rank below me and I won't be bottom in the assessment." He confessed. "I'm not good at Kidou - I understand bits of it, but not enough to pass muster with Kazoe-sensei. And even if he gave me a whole library to read, I wouldn't understand what he wanted me to know."
"I like Kidou." Juushirou looked surprised. "I find it really interesting. Yesterday, when I was stuck in the Healing Bay for however many hours, they leant me a book from their shelves there and I was reading about some of the different types of spells you can cast."
He smiled.
"Some of them sound really beautiful and dramatic." He added. "There's one called 'Byakurai' which involves firing white lightning into the air, and..."
"Lightning?" Enishi looked apprehensive. "I hope we're not going to be doing that from the off. I'll zap the whole school building and probably some of you before I get it down."
"I doubt it." Despite himself, Juushirou laughed, shaking his head. "I don't think it's a beginner spell...but I'm looking forward to learning it."
"I don't like storms." Hirata murmured, and Juushirou eyed him in surprise.
"Really? Why not?"
"Because they're loud and frightening." Hirata shrugged. "Especially at night."
"There was a storm the night I was born." Juushirou reflected. "People have always talked about it, and how I slept right through it. Maybe it's that reason I feel such a connection to storms - or maybe it's because my Mother's name was 'Raiko'. My old tutor thought that her native power was probably in tune with lightning, so maybe mine is, too. Either way, I've always loved storms. They split the sky so beautifully. And when it's dark and muggy out, and you can't see anything for the haze, the lightning makes the whole of the heavens glow. It's nothing to be scared of, Endou-kun. It's just a guiding flash of light in the storm's darkness. Nothing else."
"You really do like storms, don't you?" Enishi eyed him in amusement, and Juushirou nodded.
"I really do." He agreed. "But a lot of my siblings don't. So maybe it's also that I associate stormy nights with being surrounded by the younger members of my family huddled in my room waiting for the bad weather to pass. I end up reading to them, or telling them stories, so they're not afraid."
He pushed back the door of the Dining Hall.
"Do you think Kuchiki-kun was a little cold this morning?" He added, changing the subject as he caught sight of his aloof classmate sitting alone at one of the tables. "He seemed out of sorts to me."
"Yesterday morning he didn't even look at you, much less speak to you." Enishi pointed out. "I'd say that's evidence of a definite thaw - not the other way around."
"Mm, that's not what I meant." Juushirou shook his head. "After our fight in Ouyoudou, we came to a peace agreement, I think, and started over. But he just...it was almost as though..."
"Maybe he wanted to come out with us, too." Hirata suggested softly, and Enishi snorted.
"Kuchiki? Are you serious, Endou? Can you see him clambering out of that window?"
"No, Endou-kun's right. It was like that." Juushirou's eyes narrowed. "Not that he wanted to come, but he resented being left out. It's occurred to me that the Kuchiki-ke have a lot of influence. But...Kuchiki-kun doesn't easily make friends. Does he?"
"Make...friends?" Enishi blinked, and Juushirou nodded.
"Last night was the first time I've ever done anything with people outside of my family, and I liked it." He said honestly, offering the tall boy a grin. "I feel like I'm making friends for the first time and having them makes school a lot less of a frightening challenge to face. Don't you think so? Even though Aitori-sensei disapproves of me, and others may look down on me - I'm all right with that fact. Because I don't feel like I'm doing it on my own, if that makes sense."
He gestured to his companions.
"I spend most of my time with one or other of you two." He continued, scooping up a tray and beginning to choose his breakfast with a critical eye. "And I feel that we have become friends. Last night, Shunsui was with us too - and somehow, even if he's hard to read, spending time in his company is easy. He treats people like they're his friends on a whim, after all. So last night had a good feeling about it. But this morning...Kuchiki-kun was outside of that. And while I can't see him climbing down the wall or running through the town like we did - I think he was a bit hurt at being ignored."
Hirata pursed his lips.
"Kuchiki-kun doesn't like Shihouin-kun, and Shihouin-kun doesn't like Kuchiki-kun." He murmured. "But neither of them are easy people to talk to."
"Shihouin doesn't seem bothered about friends." Enishi reflected. "But...I dunno. I hadn't thought of it, but maybe you're right. About Kuchiki. I mean, he's stiff as if a broom's been shoved up his backside, to be blunt about it. But perhaps...he did seem kinda like that, this morning."
He grinned.
"But then, you're the reason the three of us have started spending so much time together, Ukitake." He added, giving Juushirou a playful nudge and almost causing him to spill his tea. "Most of the Clansfolk see me as clumsy, tactless and awkward, so they think it's less socially suicidal if they don't spend too much time in my company. And Endou's come out of his shell since you started looking out for him. Right, Endou?"
"I...right." Hirata reddened furiously, and Juushirou laughed.
"Well, if that's true, I'm glad it worked out that way." He said matter-of-factly. "Perhaps this is more of my Seireitei naivety, but I don't try and make friends with people because of their social suitability. I don't understand all of the rules regarding that and I'm not going to try to. I like you both. So I want you to be my friends. That's all. No ulterior motive, no hidden agenda. Just that."
"That's why it's easy to be friends with you, then, I suppose." Enishi said philosophically.
He shrugged.
"Maybe we should go and eat breakfast with Kuchiki, however." He added. "That guy's a ton more complicated and full of agendas and motives and whatever else. But he looks kinda pathetic on his own, and it's not like there are fixed seating arrangements at breakfast like there are at dinner."
"Endou-kun? What do you think?" Juushirou cast the younger boy a questioning look. "Do you mind if we eat breakfast with Kuchiki-kun?"
"If you think we should, Ukitake-kun, I don't mind." Hirata assured him, and Juushirou smiled.
"Then it's decided." He said frankly. "Let's go."
He led the way across the busy hall, placing his tray purposely down opposite Ryuu's and casting him a grin as his startled classmate stared at him.
"Ukitake?"
"You don't mind, do you?" Juushirou asked evenly. "There's not a lot of space...unless you're waiting for someone...?"
"I don't mind." Ryuu shook his head, shrugging his shoulders dismissively. "As you can see, there's noone else using this particular table."
"That's good enough for me." Enishi settled himself next to Ryuu with a smile, and after a moment of hesitation, Hirata slipped down beside Juushirou, casting him a glance as if wondering whether or not he should speak.
"Kyouraku didn't bother to get up this morning, I see." Ryuu observed, and Juushirou shook his head.
"He doesn't seem to care about the assessment or Kazoe-sensei's classes." He said with a helpless shrug. "So there's not much to be done about it."
"Mm. I suppose not." Ryuu frowned, irritation in his grey eyes. "Though his is a waste of a place if he isn't going to take it seriously. Particularly considering his position."
"His position?" Enishi looked blank, and Ryuu nodded.
"Yes." He agreed. "Unlike you or I, Houjou, Kyouraku is the current heir to his Clan's leadership. His older brother Tokutarou-dono holds power there currently - but he is young yet and has not married. Therefore he has no offspring and Kyouraku is effectively the next in line."
"But if Tokutarou-dono is young, surely Shunsui won't be called on to do anything?" Juushirou looked surprised. "I knew his brother was Head, but surely..."
"There's never any guarantee of anything, within the Clans." Ryuu said evenly. "There are many causes of death among the Nobility, Ukitake. You won't understand this yet, but very few Noble leaders die of old age."
"Then...what do they die of?" Juushirou looked bewildered. "Is there a lot of sickness in the Clan houses, or...?"
"Not generally, no." Ryuu shook his head. "You truly don't understand the Noble world at all, do you?"
He cast Hirata a glance, and the younger boy flinched at the sudden attention.
"You should have Endou explain it to you, since of all Clans his has suffered the most losses over the course of the last century." He said evenly. "Isn't that correct, Endou?"
"Endou-kun?" Juushirou cast Hirata a surprised look, and Hirata nodded slowly.
"Kuchiki-kun means that many Clansman die at the hands of their kin, in fights for honour or power." He said softly. "The Endou-ke are particularly ruthless in that regard. Unwanted kin is easy to remove, after all - but once the precedent is set, it's hard to remove. My Grandfather is the current head of the Endou-ke and none would be foolish enough to raise a sword to him in any circumstances. But Kuchiki-kun is right. There have been many surrounding him who have fought for positions of influence and lost their lives because of it."
"Really?" Juushirou looked horrified, and Hirata frowned.
"Yes." He murmured. "But it's not unusual. All of the Clans...this has happened at some time or other."
"Even the Yamamoto-ke's guilty of it, though these days, thanks to Genryuusai-sensei's influence, there are far less fights of that nature amongst my kinsfolk." Enishi said gravely. Kuchiki nodded.
"Mine also consider honour a greater burden to protect than one's own life, and we are all trained as such." He agreed, in his aloof, cultured tones. "But even the Kyouraku-ke aren't immune to such things. I'm sure, if you spoke to Kyouraku, he'd tell you as much himself."
"Shunsui's family too?" Juushirou frowned. "It's hard to imagine that, judging by Shunsui. I mean, if he's the heir to his Clan..."
"That's why you're naive." Ryuu offered a slight, faintly condescending smile. "Such things do not happen, then, in your part of Seireitei?"
"No." Juushirou shook his head. "My family aren't the poorest in Sixth District, Kuchiki-kun - but we're a long way from your level and if the Clans are that way, I'm glad of it, too. My family are close and have always been that way - protecting that is more important to me than money or pride or honour or any of those things."
"There's nothing wrong with that." Enishi reflected, and Ryuu shook his head.
"No, so long as such idealistic thinking does not get you killed foolishly." He murmured. "With the potential you clearly have, Ukitake, you cannot use ignorance as a shield. You will have to understand these things, else they will kill you before you reach your full strength."
"You like being melodramatic, don't you?" Juushirou sighed, resting his chin in his hands. Somehow, he realised, his good mood from the previous night had faded in light of his classmate's cool, cryptic words, and he shook his head as if to clear it. "I didn't come here to get pulled into Clan intrigue and I'm twice as sure of that fact now. If people want to like or hate me, approve or disapprove of me, that's fine with me. It's their choice, after all. All I can do is the best I can. The rest...I don't want any part of. Betrayal doesn't sit well with me - I'm not going to become involved in things like that."
Ryuu eyed him long and hard for a moment. Then he sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"At least take it, then, as a warning - even if you mean to do nothing about it." He said softly. "Those born Clan are born Clan. They do not become it as they grow. Their values and beliefs are carved into the very core of their soul from the moment they take their first breaths. If you think that you can either change or ignore such things, you will not survive long in this world. And if Genryuusai-sensei sees potential in you, that would be a waste."
A faint smile touched his lips, but Juushirou could see the sadness in his grey eyes.
"Take it as one Kuchiki to the kin of another." He said lightly. "And do not forget it. Not all around you are young men and women looking to simply learn. Just because you can be trusted does not mean everyone else can."
He set aside his chopsticks, sipping the last of his tea.
"You should eat up, too." he added. "Kazoe-sensei does not approve of lateness to his class, and the bell will go shortly."
Juushirou glanced at his meal, realising that in the conversation he had more or less lost his appetite.
"I won't forget what you've said." He responded at length. "Because I realise you mean it, Kuchiki-kun, and you think it's something I should know. But I'm also determined not to get involved in Noble battles over honour or pride. I'm not Clan. Whether I've diluted Clan blood or otherwise is irrelevant. I'm from Seireitei and I'm not ashamed of it. I'm not a threat to the Noble houses. I don't want to infiltrate them. I want to do what I can as myself."
"And that's precisely why you're a threat to them." Ryuu told him softly. "But if that's how you feel, there's no more to be said."
He got to his feet, bowing his head properly to his companions, then,
"In class, then. Good morning."
And scooping up his tray, he was gone.
"Maybe he just likes being on his own after all." After a moment of silence, Enishi was the first to speak and Juushirou grimaced, rubbing his temples.
"No...I think he was trying to tell me something he thought I should know." He murmured. "Yesterday, after our fight, we talked a lot. And I don't think...he's proud but he's honest and I don't think he's unkind. But I really would rather not know about the internal struggles of the Clans. I mean what I say. I'm not trying to be a part of it. What was he meaning? That I'm trusting people I shouldn't trust in? I don't understand."
Hirata frowned.
"Probably he means me." He murmured. "Since he spoke so particularly of the Endou-ke."
"You?" Juushirou was startled, staring at the younger boy in surprise. "Why would he think badly of you?"
"It's what Endou said. It's about the Clan, not one person particularly." Enishi shook his head. "It defines you in one way, especially if you carry the Clan name. The Endou-ke are known for being ruthless and violent in their approach to things. That's all."
"But Endou-kun's Endou-kun. He's not his whole Clan." Despite himself Juushirou grinned. "Surely?"
A faint smile touched Hirata's lips, although his eyes were still clouded with consternation as he nodded his head.
"I'm not my Clan." He said softly. "I'm just Hirata."
"That's what I thought." Juushirou clapped a friendly hand down on the young boy's thin arm as the class bell rang out through the buildings. "Well? We should do as he said, and make sure we're not late. I'm not sure I'm ready for any kind of assessment after last night and the conversation we just had, but I'll give it my best."
"We should hurry, in that case." Enishi decided. "Kazoe-sensei might be more lenient on our scores if we're at least there before he arrives."
All but Shunsui and Kai were already present by the time the three boys reached the classroom, but there was no sign of the particular Kidou teacher and, exchanging a relieved grin with his companions, Juushirou moved to take his usual seat. As he did so, Sora crossed the room towards him, banging her hands down with a thump on his desk and he stared up at her, confused.
"Sora?"
"Where's Shunsui?" Clearly the girl was in no mood for niceties, anxiety and annoyance glittering in her emerald eyes, and Juushirou's brows knitted together as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Still asleep, I think. Why?"
"That idiot! Doesn't he know we have an assessment today?"
"Yes, he knows." Juushirou nodded. "Kuchiki-kun reminded us all before breakfast. But he didn't seem that worried about it - and he went back to sleep."
Sora sighed, drumming her fingers agitatedly on the desk, then,
"Couldn't you have dragged him here by force?"
"Why would I do that?" Juushirou stared. "Sora, what's the matter? Shunsui always skips this class. Why are you so worried about it this time?"
"Mitsuki heard a conversation between teachers as we came down to the classroom this morning." Sora bit her lip. "Kazoe-sensei's bad enough, but it's not just a case of that. Genryuusai-sensei's doing the rounds this morning and checking up on classes during assessments. And if he discovers Shunsui's a persistant class-skipper...what do you think's going to happen?"
"Genryuusai-sensei?" Despite himself, Juushirou's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
"Positive." Sora nodded impatiently. "Mitsuki heard it, and she's usually right when she says something like that. Okaasama's going to go crazy at me if she finds out I've let Shunsui skive classes, and..."
"It's not your fault." Juushirou shook his head. "You can't force him to do anything, and if he doesn't leave the boys' dorm, you can't go and get him. Besides, Shihouin-kun isn't here either, yet. Shunsui's not the only one who's missing this morning."
"But Shihouin had a visitor from home yesterday." Sora sighed. "So if he's late, no doubt his Clan will be able to write his absence note and there won't be any problems."
"Take your seats, everybody. Enough chatter, there's not time."
Kazoe's voice cut through the conversation at that moment, and, still muttering curses, Sora headed to her own desk as the teacher swept into the room. As the girl had rightly surmised, he wasn't alone, and despite himself Juushirou frowned as he took in the illustrious head of the school himself.
Genryuusai-sensei was a kind individual and a great teacher. But he was also a fearsome figure who nobody in their right mind would choose to defy.
Kazoe's gaze drifted across the class, a faint look of irritation crossing his expression.
"Seven of you." he said, evidently displeased. "Am I to assume that Kyouraku still has no intention of taking this class seriously? And where's Shihouin? It's unlike him to be delayed."
"I'm here, sensei." At that moment a breathless Kai pushed back the door, pausing to bow apologetically towards the two teachers. "I'm sorry that I'm late. I was with my Father and brother for breakfast and though I returned here in time, I had a meeting with Aitori-sensei and so was delayed."
"If you were with Aitori, I suppose that excuses you." Kazoe flicked his wooden stick towards the empty seat behind Ukitake's. "Take your place, Shihouin. The assessment has not yet begun - and I'll overlook your lateness this once."
"Yes, sir. Thank you." Kai bowed again, hurrying to do his bidding, and a silence fell over the classroom as Genryuusai stepped forward.
"Will someone please clarify the whereabouts of Kyouraku Shunsui?" He asked softly, his tones level and barely above normal pitch, yet there was a meaning injected into it that struck fear through Juushirou's young heart. He bit his lip, wishing that for once his indolent classmate had chosen to attend his morning lesson, for somehow he knew it would be trouble. Yet he had no mind to be telling tales, and from the silence that ensued, it seemed that none of the others were inclined that way, either.
At the lack of response, Genryuusai frowned.
"I see." He said quietly. "And do you think, then, that it benefits either you or him, if you allow him to continue getting away with skipping classes?"
At that moment, Juushirou knew Genryuusai's presence was not accidental, and that Kazoe, frustrated with trying to find the boy himself, had called on his Principal for assistance.
More silence, and Genryuusai pursed his lips.
"I have no compunction about punishing all of Class One, if that's the case." He continued, and Juushirou could hear the warning note in the old man's tones. "Whether you think 'tale telling' is dishonourable, perhaps you'll consider that protecting someone who is lying and cheating the staff here and insulting their dedication and hard work as equally undesirable. You are not here to learn your characters or the history of Seireitei. You are here to learn how to make a difference and, possibly, save this world. In light of that, do you still wish to protect one whose behaviour mocks that?"
There was a pause, then Kai slowly raised his hand.
"Sensei..." He began, then paused, as Sora cast him a dark look. Genryuusai's brows twitched together, and he held out his hand, indicating for Kai to stand up.
"Yes, Shihouin Kai?" He asked. "Speak, if you have something you think I should know."
"I don't know where Kyouraku is this morning, because I've not been to the dorm since yesterday." Kai turned his head so that his back was to Sora, facing the teacher with resolution in his golden eyes. "But on other occasions, he's simply slept in and chosen not to come to class."
"I see." Genryuusai said softly. "And none of you thought to do anything about it?"
"Ukitake tried to raise him for the first few times." Ryuu got to his feet now, and Juushirou shot him a startled look, aware that Kai was staring at the boy in much the same disbelieving way. "But it's impossible to do, sensei. He sleeps like the dead, and if he doesn't want to move, he won't."
"Juushirou, is this true?" Genryuusai's gaze slipped across the room, and at the sudden, informal use of his first name, Juushirou swallowed, scrambling awkwardly to his feet.
"I...I...I..."
He faltered, and Genryuusai frowned, moving across the room and placing his hands gently on the boy's shoulders.
"What is it?" he asked quietly. "Are you wanting to protect him?"
Juushirou swallowed hard, then met the teacher's gaze bravely.
"I have tried to wake Shunsui, in the past, when he's been sleeping, sensei." He said at length. "But that's all."
"But he was in the dorm, when you left this morning?"
Juushirou bit his lip, and Genryuusai sighed, releasing his grasp.
"I don't know whether to punish you all for protecting someone who's breaking rules, or to praise you for your loyalty to your classmate." He said at length, stepping away from Juushirou's desk and turning back towards Kazoe with a frown.
"Continue with your assessment, Kazoe." He instructed. "I will go to the boys' dorm myself and ascertain what the students don't seem able to tell me. You needn't worry. I will speak to Shunsui directly...and no doubt this matter will be resolved."
With that he was gone, and Juushirou swallowed hard, meeting Enishi's equally apprehensive gaze across the classroom.
Even Shunsui can't escape from Genryuusai-sensei, surely? There's going to be big trouble...but what if he's not there? If he isn't, there'll be even bigger trouble...Shunsui, why couldn't you come to class this morning? Even facing Kazoe-sensei's stick is probably easier than whatever Genryuusai-sensei will have to say!
"Enough, all of you." Kazoe held up his free hand, as a low murmur of chatter began to buzz across the room. "Class has begun, and the eight of you who are here will be assessed just as you were warned. I will not be lenient on your grades based on this morning's disturbance or on any other matter, so I want all your concentration on the subject at hand. A fail on this will mean extra classes and a re-take at the end of the semester - I will not entertain the idea of any incompetents moving on to practical Kidou."
He scooped up the pile of paper, moving between the rows and dumping down a pile on each student's desk.
"The questions will be on the board. You may not talk and you will not leave her till you have answered every question." He added coolly. "If that makes you late for whatever's next, that'll be your problem to explain. Messy submissions will be docked marks - I expect to be able to read your answers without having to squint at the kanji you've chosen to use! Enough time has been wasted already - take your brushes and prepare to begin!"
Six weeks of term, and things were beginning to gather speed.
Genryuusai paused outside the door to the boy's dorm, hesitating for a moment as he stretched out his senses into the room beyond. He could feel the gentle, vibrating rhythm of Shunsui's reiatsu as it drowsed comfortably in sleep, and he frowned, reflecting for a moment on the best way to deal with the situation.
If it had been one like Enishi, he reflected ruefully, it would have been a far easier matter to deal with. Quick, firm punishment for boys as straight-forward as that were generally the best course of action to take. Yet even in the brief few minutes they had spoken at the Kyouraku estate, Genryuusai had realised that there was nothing straight-forward about Shunsui. And, when they had been alone, Tokutarou had added further information which had strengthened his opinion even more.
"He does as he likes and he frustrates me constantly." Tokutarou had said frankly, a mixture of hope and desperation in his dark eyes. "But I don't think that he's happy that way, Sensei. I don't know, exactly, whether this is the right or the wrong course of action to take. But what I do know is that if he continues this way, he'll break down the way Father did. And even though he frustrates me – I don't want that. He's my brother, after all. And I'm fond of him, despite it all."
Genryuusai's brows twitched together thoughtfully at this memory, and he slowly slid the door of the dormitory back. In all his years of instructing students in the arts of Shinigami life, he had encountered a couple like Shunsui on the way. But in those few words of Tokutarou's, he had realised that though it was the older brother who more bore Matsuhara's likeness in his face, the younger boy was the one who carried his Father's heart.
That thing alone, however, had reassured Genryuusai somewhat. Despite his end, Matsuhara had been a quick and adept student, and his weaknesses had never spilled out of control before he had become head of the Clan and therefore out of Genryuusai's company and guidance. Genryuusai had been certain when he had agreed to Shunsui's enrolment that he would face similar challenges with the boy as he had faced before. But equally, he had been certain they were things he could overcome.
Six weeks in, and it seemed that this was the first of those times.
Shunsui was curled up under his blanket, apparently fast asleep, but as the teacher approached, he stirred, opening his eyes sleepily as though his sharp senses had detected even the suppressed energy of Genryuusai's presence. The next instant he was wide awake, sitting hurriedly upright as he registered who had come into his chamber, and at his shock, Genryuusai nodded.
"I think this isn't where you're meant to be, is it, Shunsui?" He asked softly, and Shunsui froze, guilt in his brown eyes. There was a moment of silence, then he swallowed hard, raising his gaze bravely.
"No, sensei." He admitted honestly. "I should be in Kidou class."
"I see." Genryuusai pursed his lips. "And yet you appear to be here, after all, don't you?"
"Y..yes, sensei."
"I suppose you have a good reason for not attending Kazoe-sensei's class?" Genryuusai asked softly. "He's been quite concerned at your lack of attendance – particularly since you seem capable of attending my classes on time."
Shunsui reddened, but although he knew he was caught, he didn't lie. Instead he slowly shook his head.
"No, sensei." He confessed. "There's no good reason. I just…am not really interested in learning Kidou. That's all."
"I see." Genryuusai tilted his head on one side, fingering his beard thoughtfully. "And did you spare a moment to consider that maybe Kazoe-sensei doesn't particularly relish teaching you, either?"
"S…sensei?" Shunsui stared, and Genryuusai nodded.
"You aren't here to pick and choose what you do." He said, his eyes glittering as he made sure his student understood his words. "You're here to learn the honourable ways of the Shinigami. For the sake of Seireitei, you're here. Do you realise that yourself?"
At that Shunsui's eyes darkened, and he shook his head.
"I'm not really cut out to be a Shinigami, and I don't really find it honourable." He said quietly. "So I don't want to learn those things, sensei. If Tokutarou-nii wants there to be a Kyouraku Shinigami so badly, he's the one who should be taking the haori. I'm not the kind of person who should be forced into that position, and teaching me to do something I've no aptitude for is a waste of time. So if I don't go to Kazoe-sensei's classes, I'm saving him the burden of trying to make me learn something I'm never going to use."
"Is that what you think?"
"Yes sir." Despite the fear in his eyes, Shunsui met the old man's gaze, and Genryuusai sighed.
"Then listen to me." He said quietly. "Your future and your Clan are your business. However, your present is mine. While you are here, you will follow the rules that your fellows do. It isn't just Kazoe's class you've been taking time out from – Aitori-sensei has also mentioned your absence in Hohou Theory classes as well. In six weeks you've clocked up an absentee time greater than most students manage in the whole of their time here. You may consider that an achievement, but I consider it a criminal waste of time and talent."
His eyes narrowed.
"I know the kind of aimless lifestyle you were living before you came here." He murmured. "And I can sense it now, Shunsui, the hint of alcohol in your aura even though your eyes are perfectly clear and sober. You can't hide things from me so easily as you might hide them from the other teachers. More than that, though, I sensed the same in the aura of one of your classmates this morning, also – and from the stricken look in your eyes, you know which one I mean. I won't tolerate the corruption of other students to your indolent way of thinking. You are here to learn. Not to teach. Is that understood?"
Shunsui was speechless, and Genryuusai knew he had hit home.
"If you are found sneaking out of this establishment on any further occasion, I will be forced to take severe action against you…and any student you persuade to join you." He murmured. "There are those in First Year who are not as aware of the undertones of this world as you are and for the meantime I should like them to stay that way. For that reason, you'll understand why I expect you to remain within the school grounds until further notice. If you cannot be trusted to apply to visit the local towns on your free day in the proper manner, you will not be permitted to leave here at all."
He paused, letting this sink in, then,
"As for your attendance, your rudeness to Kazoe-sensei is unforgivable in a Noble born son." He added. "Aitori-sensei too has been gravely insulted. I think you should probably apologise to them for it, and accept whatever punishment they mete out. Don't you?"
Shunsui bit his lip, then,
"Are you…going to punish…anyone?" He murmured, all of his usual swagger gone in the light of Genryuusai's matter-of-fact scolding, and though he did not mention names, Genryuusai's gaze softened slightly. The question was not asked in the hope of extracting himself from trouble, but for the benefit of another, and he sighed, resting his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"You are Matsuhara's son to the core." He murmured. "Perhaps that, in itself, is your punishment."
"I don't..."
"I have no intention of punishing Ukitake this time, or even mentioning the incident to him." Genryuusai shook his head. "His grades and attendance are good, after all, and there are many things which he doesn't yet understand. Besides, he was as unwilling to disclose your whereabouts as you've been to disclose his name, you know - and it gives me the faintest hope that even despite your appalling behaviour, you do have at least some sense of responsibility and loyalty inside that incomprehensible mind of yours. It's not my plan to make your classmates resent you or to set you apart from them any more than you already have done - since in that respect I think they may make an impression where authority has failed."
His expression became grave.
"But I am serious, Shunsui." He continued softly. "And if you cause me trouble, I will send you home. And you will have to face Tokutarou-dono's plans for you without any hope of escape or mercy. He hoped you might find what you're missing here – but so far you don't seem willing to even look."
He turned towards the door, then,
"Kazoe-sensei is conducting an assessment this morning." He said, without looking back. "Since you are here, clearly that means you have failed. You will attend all of his extra lessons and take the test at the end of them. This will be on top of your other studies, of course. And if you fail that assessment, you will answer directly to me – at which point you will learn how much nicer it is to be taught by Kazoe-sensei."
He let his words hang heavily in the air for a moment, then he left the room, pulling the door shut behind him.
As he did so, however, he frowned, feeling the unstable fluctuations in his student's reiatsu as he made his way slowly back towards his own quarters.
Tokutarou was right, after all. Though he was casual and haphazard, there was a deep core of unhappiness beneath Shunsui's indolent behaviour. And even if he was to be whipped, or humiliated, or forcibly dragged to class – that unhappiness would continue to fester, breeding and changing until it became resentment and despair.
He was Matsuhara's son, and he had Matsuhara's talents. But he also had Matsuhara's flaws. And Genryuusai knew that the boy was already perilously close to reaching a crossroads in his life.
But it's a choice he must make. It's not one that anyone else can make for him. And that being the case, I have to leave it in his hands. And hope that, in the end, it's the right one.
With that he reached his study, sliding back the door and stepping inside as another thought crossed his mind.
And then there's the real problem to deal with. I didn't think it would take long before either the Shihouin or the Endou began to move. There were shadows in that boy's gaze this morning, when he spoke of his lateness – it seems my initial concerns about Shihouin Kai's enrolment at this place may have been right.
He sighed, rubbing his temples.
But even so, he has potential and I want to believe that there can be a world in which boys like him aren't tied by blood and honour to the whims of the mad fools who lead them. Kai's young and still impressionable. I had hoped that maybe if I took the gamble and accepted him, perhaps he'd learn to strike out for himself. But perhaps my hopes are too high. Maybe it's too soon for a clan like the Shihouin to settle, after all.
He sank down at his desk, running his fingers over the pile of paperwork that lay there. On top of the pile was the headed communication from the Shiba-ke that he had received only that morning, and as he read over it once more, he felt heartily glad that he had established such strong bonds of friendship with the other Great Family. Of all the Clans, it was the Shiba who always had their finger on the pulse, and Genryuusai had found it often to his advantage in the past.
This too seemed to be one of those times for, although the announcement of a Shihouin betrothal to an Endou heir seemed innocuous, the timing of it was significant enough to be almost a declaration of war.
An alliance between the assassins and the warriors is not good for the peace in Seireitei, when we should be fighting Hollows and not one another.
Genryuusai frowned, setting the memo aside. In comparison, he reflected, Shunsui's insubordination was a mere drop in the ocean to deal with.
In this climate, we'll need all the strength we can get. If Seireitei's ever going to take a step forward and put the survival of this world over the individual petty pride of the Clans, we have to act now. Else otherwise it doesn't bear thinking about. If things don't begin to change soon, those Noble fools will be consigning the whole of our world to its doom.
He sighed.
I suppose time will tell, in the end, whether or not things have already been left too late to change. Whether we can be saved or not remains in the balance - and all we can do is push on and do our best to avert whatever disaster might come our way.