Chapter Twenty: Hirata's Secret
Hirata had not expected it to be so easy to slip into town on his own.
As he walked up through the big settlement gates, he tapped his fingers idly against the folds of his hakama, running his mind over that morning's events one by one as he did so. Immediately after breakfast, Shunsui had pulled Juushirou to one side, asking him something about going out in hushed tones, and not long after that the two of them had disappeared in the direction of the Principal's office, clearly bent on obtaining passes to leave the school grounds and venture into the outside.
Normally such a happening would have rent Hirata up inside with envy, for he was sharp enough to have noticed the growing closeness between his two classmates and deep down inside he envied how easily Shunsui had slipped into their group, threatening to displace both him and the good-natured Enishi from Juushirou's attentions. Yet today it had been relief, not jealousy that had washed through his slim body and, once he was sure they were no longer within school grounds, he had made an excuse to his fellow dorm members, hurrying down the hallways to obtain his own pass.
His fingers closed around the tablet, a faint flicker of guilt in his pale eyes.
He had told Genryuusai-sensei that he was going with Juushirou and Shunsui, and that he had just been slower out of the Dining Hall than they were. First Year students were not, after all, supposed to leave the school grounds on their own for they were largely unprotected, and so a dictum had been in place since first night that all trips into the local area must be done in groups of two or more. Yet Genryuusai had not questioned him – he had simply given his permission and waved him out of the office. As he reflected on it, Hirata realised the old man had been distracted – but in the end, it had worked to his advantage.
And here he was, out on his own.
He pursed his lips, thinking this over in his mind.
Would Ukitake-kun be angry, if he knew I was sneaking around like this? Maybe he would. Maybe he would but…I can't just sit back and not do anything. If what Kyouraku-kun said in the dorm that night is true…and Shihouin-kun, too. He was worried…and he more or less intimated that Aitori-sensei was behind it. So if that's the case, and Aitori's working for my people, maybe I can find something out from him. Even if he'd be cross that I was doing it on my own – surely Ukitake-kun would forgive me, if in the end it helped to sort out the truth from the lies?
He sped up his pace, slipping through the back alleys of the little town as he made his way towards the property he knew belonged to the Hohou instructor. Though he had never been there himself, he had heard other students talking enough to know its precise location and, despite his retiring demeanour and feeble physical presence, there was nothing wrong with his memory or his wits.
I'm sure Ukitake-kun would understand if he knew I was going to help Shihouin-kun. Though I wonder if I am. The way he looked…it's more than obvious to me what it is that his family are involved in. And I wonder…I wonder about Grandfather and Seimaru too now, knowing that. Because Seimaru's always threatening to hurt us – he and Grandfather both. Would they use that kind of research to do that? Would they seek to enhance their own strength in such desperate ways simply to eliminate our side of this dispute?
He sighed, shaking his head as if to clear it.
Whatever they're planning, I know they're involved. So I have to find out for myself. And I have to do it alone. Because after what Onoe-kun said about Ukitake-kun, I can't risk him being dragged into this. Any of it, no matter how small. If Clans are dealing in illicit drugs, I won't let people think Ukitake-kun's their guinea pig. No matter what happens – I won't let him get hurt.
And with this resolve inside of him, he started purposefully up the dirt track that led to the front of the Hohou master's estate.
As he did so, however, a sudden flare of reiatsu seared across his senses and he stopped dead, eyes big and frightened as he tried to place where it had come from. The next moment, he felt another, a burst of blood-lust Kidou that sent the first wave paling in comparison, and his heart froze in his chest as he interpreted what the two things meant. He had felt reiatsu like that before, in the moments when his Uncle or his cousin had been truly angry, and though this release was at least twice as powerful as anything Seimaru had ever produced, he still understood only too well what it was.
A zanpakutou's release. And one from someone who means to give no mercy.
For a moment, nothing – not even the air around him – seemed to move, as the traces of the spiritual flare slowly dispersed and faded into the surrounding ether. Then, as Hirata got a grip on his senses, he saw something out of the corner of his eye and he turned, catching a fleeting glimpse of a black cat leaping from the window of a second storey chamber, something glittering and indistinct clenched in its jaws.
It did not pause nor turn back, but disappeared into the undergrowth, and as it did so, Hirata felt the oppressive presence begin to leave the scene, as little by little the birds once more began to sing in the trees and the insects recommenced their buzzing from flower to flower.
Only Hirata's heart remained chilled with the truth of what he had felt and seen.
A black cat. The Shadow Cat. Shihouin Midori.
He closed his eyes as a wave of giddy fear and confusion washed over him, then he got a hold of his wits, raising his gaze once more to the building from which the cat had jumped.
Aitori-sensei's property. That flare…then the cat…I'm sure of it. I'm sure I'm right. That sword's reiatsu belonged to a Shihouin, after all. And I've heard Father talk about the Shihouin's Shadow Cat legacy. Although he never said that Midori-dono was one of them – I'm sure he wouldn't have told me so specifically without a reason. Shihouin-kun said it too, that his sister was the shadow, didn't he? There has to be a connection…but if I followed her, would she attack me too? Even though I'm Endou-ke? Or perhaps, because I'm Endou-ke?
His eyes widened as he rationalised his train of thought.
Attack? But…if she released her zanpakutou, does that mean…?
Almost before this thought had passed through his mind, he had sped up his pace, all hesitation flowing from his body as he hurried towards the main door of the property. It was not properly locked, merely fastened on a loose catch, and Hirata bit his lip, spreading his hand against the wood as he pushed his full weight against it. At first it did not give, then a slight gap appeared, and he slipped a thin, pale finger between the divide, forcing the catch up and sliding the door back on its runners as he charged into the room.
What he saw there took his breath away, colour draining from his young features as he registered the scene of carnage that lay before him. Sprawled on the floor of the chamber was the Hohou instructor, and as he took a reluctant step closer, Hirata could see that the man was dead, a portion of his chest burnt to ash and cinders so badly that the boy could see the cold wood of the floor through the gaping wound. His eyes were open, glassy and unseeing yet filled with an unspeakable terror, as though his dying moments had been equal to crossing through the gates of Hell, and as if to confirm this further, blood and ash was spattered around his corpse, making a distinct circle as though marking out the body for a particular, perverse ritual.
Hirata swallowed hard, feeling sick and dizzy at the sight.
I was right, then. That cat was the Shadow Cat. And this is a Shihouin killing. A killing meant to be noticed…not one done in the shadows.
He made to leave the room in search of help, but as he did so, he paused, biting his lip as he remembered the other reason for his coming.
I wanted to know what Seimaru-dono was involved in. What he was planning and whether or not it was dangerous for the rest of our Clan. So even though Aitori-sensei can't tell me, I can't just run away. Father and Mother and Eiraki-chan might suffer for it, if I do. I can't have that. I was sent here to learn how to help protect my kin, after all. So I can't just walk away. Just in case…
He frowned, steeling himself against the horrific scene as he stepped gingerly around the dead man's cooling limbs, being careful not to touch anything or contaminate the scene with his presence. Though he was still trembling with the aftermath of that tremendous reiatsu and though the bile rose in his throat at the sight of so much blood and carnage, somehow he kept himself moving forwards, strengthening his resolve with every step he made. He could not pass out now. His family's future and Clan's safety might depend on it!
If I do this, no one must know about it. Not even Ukitake-kun. Especially not Ukitake-kun. In this case, I wonder…he might not understand. That what I do might protect Seimaru – no, I think he wouldn't understand.
He frowned, gazing down at the blood-speckled papers on Aitori's desk. They were mostly school related, but as he squinted at them through the lenses of his glasses, his gaze caught sight of a familiar emblem and he frowned, carefully and painstakingly prising the document free of its companions as he glanced over it.
As he did so, his heart stilled in his chest once more as it confirmed the worst of his suspicions.
Seimaru is involved. With the chemicals. With Megumi-san's murder. With everything. And worse – worse than that. That's why Midori-sama came here. That's why she killed Aitori. Because Aitori was working with my cousin – and was going to betray his Clan.
He clenched the paper tightly in his fist, fighting against his rising panic and hysteria.
I must get this to Father. Somehow, he must know about it before Genryuusai-sensei or anyone else. Because if Seimaru was really going to have the Shihouin try to kill Genryuusai-sensei, everything that we've been working towards would be over. I'm not ready to use my spirit power yet. I haven't learnt to command my sword. Even if I am Father's best hope for the future, I haven't reached a point where I can challenge Seimaru honestly for the stability of our Clan. For now, if he falls, we all do. And even if that means that I'm protecting him – I have no choice.
He slipped the letter into his obi, gazing over the scene for anything else that might connect his Clan to the scene, but there was nothing. A few random ashes in the grate soon told him why – that even in the midst of a hot District One Summer, Aitori had seen fit to start a fire. Hirata bit his lip, realising the implications of this with a giddy mixture of guilt and relief. Clearly the teacher had been efficient at burning delicate correspondence once he had read it, and had been as meticulous at tidying up loose ends as he had been at nit-picking his students' papers.
But this one he didn't get a chance to. So I'll take it. And then no one else need know how low the Endou-ke has sunk.
He cast Aitori's body one last glance, distress in his blue eyes as he took in once more the violence of the scene.
Though I don't think I could ever do that to someone and walk away. I don't understand how anyone could…maybe Seimaru's underestimated Midori-dono after all.
He stepped out into the sunlight, and as he did so, he felt the distinctive flickers of his classmates' reiatsu heading in his direction. Relief broke through his concerns and he hurried to meet them, panic and hysteria finally winning through his earlier forced calm as he registered Juushirou's comforting aura drawing nearer.
"Ukitake-kun!" he exclaimed. "Kyouraku-kun, come quickly! Come quickly!"
"Hirata?" Juushirou paused, staring at him in surprise, and Hirata grabbed his friend's sleeves, gazing up at him with pleading, desperate eyes.
"You have to come." He whispered. "Something's happened. Something h…horrible!"
"Woah there boy." Shunsui's strong arms grabbed hold of him before he could fall headlong, as at last the shock and horror of what he had seen began to fully seep in. "What's happened? What are you doing here, out by yourself?"
"Did you come looking for us?" Juushirou looked guilty. "I'm sorry, Hirata-kun. We took off without telling you, didn't we?"
Hirata swallowed hard, closing his eyes as he composed himself, then,
"I felt something strong." He whispered. "And I came here, but…it's too late. And I saw…"
He shuddered, feeling Shunsui's grip on him tighten.
"You were drawn here by that flare too, huh?" He asked gently, and Hirata nodded, raising plaintive blue eyes to his companion.
"Aitori-sensei." He managed weakly, and Shunsui's brows knitted together.
"Juu, this one's going to fall down if I don't put him down, and he'd rather you stayed with him than me." He said frankly, turning to his companion as he did so. "Whatever's happened, he's not going to be able to articulate it – he's shaking hard enough to pass out, so if I let him go, can you be ready to take him? I don't think his own legs are going to hold him much longer."
"No problem." Hirata could hear the concern in Juushirou's voice as he was carefully lowered to his knees, the other boy slipping a comforting arm around his shoulders. "All right, Shunsui. I've got him. If you want to go see what's happened, we'll be all right."
"Right." Shunsui nodded and, as the taller boy sped off in the direction of Aitori's desecrated house, Hirata sank back against Juushirou's thin form with a shuddery sigh.
"I'm sorry." He murmured, and Juushirou looked startled.
"Sorry? For what? Obviously something's happened and obviously it's scared you – but you've done nothing that needs apologising for. Just sit tight for a while, okay? I won't let you go, so you needn't worry about falling over. Do you feel sick or faint?"
"Mm. Some." Hirata wet his lips, then, "I'm glad I found you."
"Me too, if you're in this state." Juushirou said gently. "Can you talk about it? Or…?"
"Kyouraku-kun…when he comes back…will be able to tell you better than me." Hirata murmured. "I don't want to think about it any more."
Juushirou's clever eyes narrowed, and he frowned.
"Someone attacked Aitori-sensei, didn't they?" He asked softly, and wordlessly Hirata nodded his head.
"And…killed him?"
Again, Hirata nodded.
"And it was that violent that it's made you like this." Juushirou bit his lip. "I hope Shunsui knows what he's going into, in that case. I think I got the easy job, looking after you."
"That's why he did it." Hirata murmured. "So you wouldn't have to."
"How do you mean?" Juushirou looked startled, and Hirata smiled weakly.
"Kyouraku-kun already knew Aitori-sensei was dead." He managed faintly. "I could see it. In his eyes. When I met you. That's why he left me with you. He wants to see for himself – and he doesn't want you to have to."
"It's that bad?" Juushirou's expression became one of consternation. "I know Shunsui thought it was a zanpakutou but…did you think that, too?"
Hirata nodded.
"A Shihouin one." He whispered. "She was leaving a message, Ukitake-kun."
"She?" Juushirou frowned. "So it was…Midori-sama?"
Hirata hesitated for a moment, then,
"I saw a black cat leaving the building, when I got there." He murmured. "She disappeared and I don't know where she went. I was worried – I thought Aitori-sensei might be hurt or…or need help. But…"
"But it was too late." Juushirou sighed. "It's all right, Hirata. It's none of it your fault – you needn't look so guilty. If that was a zanpakutou, none of us would've stood a chance against it. We're still in basic level Kidou and bokutou only Kenjitsu. We'd be cut to ribbons."
He cast his companion a glance.
"It's the first time I've ever felt one released." He admitted. "It was a little scary – dark and cloying and…like it was slipping through all of my senses. Are they always like that, Hirata? You've come across them before, surely…your Clan has people who can use zanpakutou, right?"
"Grandfather and Seimaru." Hirata agreed reluctantly. "It's said Grandmother has one too, but I've never seen it so I don't know if it's just a rumour - Endou-ke women aren't encouraged to train with swords, after all. They…I don't think they're the same as this one. But even so…yes. If you can feel it…it seeps through your senses and rips them apart. Unless your senses are equal to it, and know how to push it back."
"I guess it's proof we have a lot to learn." Juushirou chewed on his lip. "But if that was Shihouin-kun's sister…the sister that he loves as much as all that…"
"She's a Shihouin." Hirata said simply. "That's how it is. But I don't think she would have killed Aitori-sensei without a reason. They're not stupid enough to do that. Which means…"
"Aitori was a traitor." Juushirou sighed. "What are we mixed up in? I came here to school, not to be trapped in between Clans and intrigues and whatever else. Maybe Sora was right, on our first day, when she called me naïve. Maybe Kuchiki-kun had a point, too. But I'm starting to wonder if becoming a Shinigami is really such a good thing. I mean, if a zanpakutou can do something like that…"
"Zanpakutou are weapons, Juu." At that moment Shunsui returned, and the two boys gazed up at him, Hirata taking in the dark look in his brown eyes. "At the end of the day, that's why we have them. To fight. To defend ourselves. To purify Hollows. And if you're Clan, to kill or be killed."
"Shunsui…" Juushirou's voice became troubled, and the older boy sighed, dropping down on the ground.
"Whenever I leave the school, someone gets murdered." He said flatly. "Hirata, that's what upset you, isn't it? Finding Aitori like that. I'm sorry we left without you, if that's the case – he's a mess and I know you don't like gore. You had enough trouble when Yama-jii made us view Megumi's body, after all."
"I feel a little better, now." Hirata admitted, and Shunsui cast him a rueful smile.
"I thought leaving you with Juu might help." He agreed. "But we need to get back to school and report this. Now, if possible. Can you stand?"
"Mm. I think so." Hirata agreed, and Juushirou got to his feet, holding out his hands to pull his young companion upright.
"We'll take it slowly, even so." He said quietly. "Hirata's still pale, Shunsui…whatever happened in there, it's given him a big shock."
"Not surprised in the least, having seen it." Shunsui said frankly. "She made a mess of him, no doubt about that."
"She…?" Hirata's head shot up, then, "So you think it was Midori-dono too?"
"Pretty sure, from the aura." Shunsui nodded. "You agree, then?"
"Hirata saw a cat. A black one." Juushirou said quietly. "Leaving the premises from an upstairs window."
"Then that pretty much confirms it, though there wasn't much room for doubt." Shunsui said honestly. "She meant him to be found. If she hadn't, we probably never would."
He cast Juushirou a pensive look.
"I told you, didn't I? Just because she's Kai-kun's beloved big sister doesn't make her cuddly, cute or a damsel in distress. Shihouin women are notoriously strong-willed and often very powerful. And from the state Aitori's in, I'd wager Midori-dono isn't any disappointment in that department."
"Question is, why is she here?" Juushirou wondered. "Just to deal with Aitori-sensei? Is she on our side, or another side, or her own side? Are there even sides any more? I'm getting more confused the longer this goes on and I don't like it. Now zanpakutou are being brought into it to murder Academy teachers who may or may not be involved in illicit things and…I really thought I came to District One to go to school!"
"Welcome to Clan society, Juu." Shunsui said darkly. "I told you first day, didn't I? That sometimes you regret knowing things when you know more about them."
"But if zanpakutou are like that…"
"All zanpakutou are different." Hirata said softly. "They come from someone's soul, so they have to be. That's why Kyouraku-kun and I could tell that was a Shihouin-ke blade. Because of something in the aura."
He shrugged.
"It's said all Endou-ke blades are birds of prey in spirit." He added. "And certainly that's true if you go by Grandfather and Seimaru's alone."
"Hirata's right." Shunsui nodded. "Yours would never be like that, Juu-kun. So don't look so worried. You couldn't ever do to someone what that dame has done to Aitori."
He offered a faint smile.
"Father's zanpakutou was beautiful, Mother once told me." He added. "I never saw it myself, because he'd long since hung it up and abandoned it when I was born. But she said that, when she first met him, she saw it once. And its aura was beautiful."
"Your Father's…?" Hirata faltered, then, "Kyouraku-kun, your Father was a Shinigami?"
"Eighth District's. Yes." Shunsui nodded. "Though it's easy not to know, because he didn't spend much time doing his job. Our family aren't like some of the other Clans, who, since the embargo on zanpakutou use was relaxed somewhat, seek to train multiple people to bear swords. The Kyouraku choose only the strongest in each Clan generation – whether they're the head or not – and they alone are trained in readiness for the Gotei haori. My brother is head of my Clan now, but though he's a strong soldier with a powerful aura, he's only barely managed to summon a zanpakutou spirit in the past couple of years. He only did it because Sora's mother told him he'd be a pitiful Head of Clan if he couldn't at least bear a proper sword at his waist, instead of a training asauchi, so he took her at her word and worked at it. Even so, he's not yet been able to release it and control its Shikai. My Uncle never even got that far – he lived and died a soldier, but never a Shinigami. I was to be Father's successor in that regard – everyone knew that when I was born, although I've done all I could to avoid it. That still hangs over me, though, even now. With Father gone, District Eight still has no official Gotei representative, even now. And also it means…"
"You're the strongest in the Kyouraku-ke." Hirata whispered, and Shunsui nodded, looking embarrassed.
"Says a lot for my family, that, doesn't it?" He said frankly. "But yes. Potentially speaking. I've a long way to go yet before I'm really in Father's league."
He spread his hands.
"You and I have this in common a little bit, Hirata." He added. "My Uncle wanted to train me to kill my brother and take over the Clan – because he knew I had that strength and would be able to do it. And I think…it's the same for your Father and his brother, isn't it? He was the heir, and now your cousin Seimaru – but your Father was the stronger of the two. Wasn't he?"
"Yes." Hirata looked surprised. "That's true. He was. But he's not been allowed to train enough to summon a zanpakutou. So now, I suppose, Seimaru has surpassed him."
"And now he's sent you to be trained instead." Shunsui eyed Hirata keenly. "And you're not exactly a weakling, spiritually speaking – even if you don't like gore. You ranked fifth, after all – even though you're a good two years younger than most of us. So your Father must be thinking, if he can't stand up for your family…"
"I might." Hirata's heart clenched in his throat, and he nodded. "Yes. That's what he hopes. But whether I'll have the time…Grandmother is very ill, now, after all. And it all depends on her, really. She's the only thing stopping Seimaru and Grandfather from eliminating us completely."
"I'm starting to look forward to going home to my quiet District family in my quiet coastal region where none of this kind of thing happens." Juushirou said acidly, and Shunsui nodded.
"I might join you." He said wryly. "But then, you were the one, weren't you, who said if you didn't like something you should use your strength to change it. Are you backtracking on that now?"
"No." Juushirou sighed, and Hirata thought he saw a flicker of weariness in the boy's eyes. "I still feel that way. Just, I suppose I wasn't quite prepared for the ins and outs of mixing with Clan. That's all. It's going to take a little bit longer than I thought to get my head fully around it all."
"I don't think you ever really do." Shunsui reflected. "You just live with it and move on."
At that moment they reached the school, and as they crossed into the grounds, Kai came hurrying towards them.
"Kyouraku!" He exclaimed, his eyes big with a mixture of alarm and hope, and Shunsui hesitated, consternation crossing his features.
"Yes." He said simply, and at his words, Kai's expression became troubled.
"Then she's safe." He murmured. "I knew it. I thought I felt…but when I did, I wasn't sure if it was safe for me…"
"I was too late. I'm sorry." Shunsui said gravely. "I didn't find her in time. And I still can't tell you where she is, because even though Hirata saw a black cat leave the scene, none of us know where she went. She really is impossible to trace when in that form."
"It was Akekage, then, that I felt." Kai glanced at his hands. "Midori-neesama...really is...intending to act."
"Is that why we came out, after all?" Juushirou shot Shunsui a startled glance. "For Shihouin-kun's sake? Not just to find Midori-sama...but to stop her from...from what?"
"From doing what she did." Shunsui said blackly.
Juushirou's brows knitted together.
"So you deceived me?" He asked softly. "You knew we were going to look for someone who might do something dangerous, yet you didn't tell me? You didn't even think that, if it was urgent as that, that maybe we'd be going into danger ourselves?"
"Yes, and no." Shunsui admitted. "Are you cross we did? I did tell you that she wasn't necessarily a cuddly creature, didn't I? And I thought you wanted to help Shihouin-kun find out information about his sister too – did I misunderstand?"
Juushirou was silent for a moment, an unreadable look crossing his sallow features, then he shook his head.
"No. I do want to help." He said quietly, and somehow Hirata could tell that his classmate was not as calm as his words appeared. "I just wish you'd told me clearly from the start, that's all. If you trust me, Shunsui, I'd like to know everything up front. Otherwise I'm not a particularly good partner in crime."
"Juu-kun?" Shunsui faltered, genuine surprise flickering across his dark eyes, and Juushirou offered him a faint, humourless smile.
"I'm naïve. I'm District. I don't know everything." He said simply. "I won't pretend I do. But I don't need to be protected from things. If we were going to find Shihouin-kun's sister and we were looking on his asking – then it would have been fine with me. There don't need to be secrets or intrigue between friends…otherwise they're not really friends after all. And I don't suppose it would've made a difference - not where Aitori-sensei was concerned. But we'll never know, now, if it would. If I'd known why we were going into town - maybe we wouldn't've come back here to report the news we do."
"Aitori?" Kai's expression became one of consternation, and Juushirou met his gaze with an even, reproachful one of his own.
"I can tell from your expression that you already know, but it seems he had a visitor." He said softly. "Only he won't be telling anyone about it - or anything else, either. Because now he's dead."
He cast Hirata a glance, and the boy's own heart clenched at the expression in his friend's eyes, the letter seeming to burn a hole against his body as he remembered the secret he too was now keeping from his classmate.
"We'll go up to the Dorm, and you can rest." He suggested. "You're still pale, and Sensei can ask Shunsui all the things he needs to know. I'll come with you – let's go now."
And with that he turned on his heel, leading his diminutive classmate across the grass towards the main building.
For a moment they walked in silence, then,
"Are you cross with Kyouraku-kun, after all?" Hirata ventured, and Juushirou sighed, rubbing his temples.
"No. Not really." He admitted. "It's not that. I'm just frustrated with the things I don't know. And even though people keep telling me I don't need to know them – the truth is that I do. I need to know everything. Even the ugly things. Because I've made up my mind to see this through to the end, wherever that happens to be. And if I'm going to have any chance of being a Shinigami, I need to understand their world. Otherwise I'm not any use to anyone. And it bothers me - even if I know there was nothing we could have done to intervene. Whether me not knowing why we were there meant we went to Aitori-sensei's house too late. Whether we might have gone there first, if we'd discussed it more clearly. Whether..."
He groaned, shaking his head.
"I know it's probably pointless thinking." He admitted. "But I don't like to think that someone died - and that we were nearby."
"I don't think Kyouraku-kun meant to deceive you."
"He probably didn't even think of it that way." Juushirou admitted. "And maybe I'm childish because it bothered me. But even so, he said that he could trust me. And I'm old school about this – trust to me means that. It doesn't mean from time to time. It means all of the time – or not at all."
He eyed his friend doubtfully.
"Is that wrong? Or naïve? Or both?"
"No." Hirata looked troubled. "The thing is, though, Ukitake-kun – Clan aren't like that. Because sometimes they have things they need to protect – and secrets they need to keep. Even Kyouraku-kun. Even me. Even Houjou-kun. Things we know that might spell success or disaster for the whole of our family, not just ourselves. Kyouraku-kun's grown up with that over his head. Besides, Shihouin-kun seems to trust him now. But he doesn't want to trust you, because you're District. Perhaps keeping it secret was something he asked Kyouraku-kun to do, too."
"Maybe, but Shunsui could at least have said that he couldn't tell me, instead of pretending it was for his own curiosity's sake."
"Maybe he thought it was simpler." Hirata murmured. "And he didn't want you thrown too much into the Clan squabbles. You don't want to be there, after all. If Midori-dono killed Aitori-sensei in a manner like that, that's clear indication that something big is about to happen in the Shihouin-ke. And the Clans…some of them…might be worried about you already. Because you're dangerous…you don't fit the rules."
"I'm getting sick of that, too." Juushirou said frankly, as they began mounting the stairs to the boys' dormitory. "I'm here and on my own merit. I've proved it now, twice – at entrance and with our recent exams. I've got two arms, two legs and a head, just like the rest of you. My eyes see just as much, my ears hear just as much, my brain works just as well. By a twist of fate I was born into my family instead of yours or his – that's all. And if Clans murder one another and their own people for power and influence, I'm glad of that fact. But I'm not different from all of you. The only thing that makes us different is Clan people saying that we are. Nothing else. Nothing else at all."
Hirata's eyes widened as he interpreted the bitterness in his companion's tones.
"Ukitake…kun?"
"I'm sorry. I'm taking it out on you, too." Juushirou sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's not your fault. I think I'm just tired – it's not just today but all of it. Everything."
"Kyouraku-kun will probably be worried, now, because you left him behind." Hirata reflected. "I would be, if I was him."
"Do you think so?" Juushirou smiled wryly. "I doubt it."
Hirata shook his head.
"I don't like it, sometimes, when Kyouraku-kun is always there." He admitted, his cheeks flushing red at the admission. "I get jealous, and think he's stealing you away from me. You're my friend, after all – and I don't want that to change."
"It won't." Juushirou looked startled. "No matter how many friends I have, Hirata – you have my word on that. I always have room for new friends – it doesn't mean I'm going to forsake the old ones."
"Kyouraku-kun respects you a lot, though." Hirata said earnestly. "He doesn't say it, necessarily, but even so it's true. He's stronger than me and he doesn't really need to have people around him to support him when there's something he wants to do. But even so, it matters to him what you think. It's not the same with the rest of us, even though he seems to like us – if he upset one of us, it wouldn't bother him too long. But I think he'll be bothered about this. Because he's as fond of you as I am. That's all."
Juushirou did not answer at first, pushing back the door and leading the way inside as he sank down onto his empty bunk.
Then, at length,
"Aitori-sensei didn't like me, and we didn't get along." He murmured. "I didn't see his body, yet somehow this seems to bother me far more than it does either you or Shunsui. Even though both of you stumbled onto it - even though you were ready to pass out when we found you. It's as though you've both accepted it as one of those things that happens. And even though it will be reported, what will be done about it? Nothing happened with Megumi-san's murder, and even though Shunsui said he wants justice, he's still not told me who he thinks the culprit is. He says he can't prove it, and that's all. And now this - is this going to happen the same way?"
"Probably." Hirata sighed, dropping down onto his own bed, then, "Ukitake-kun, I'm sorry. Our Clans never do anything but give you a bad impression of them, do they?"
"I thought we were talking about the Shihouin, Hirata-kun. Not the Endou."
"Mm." Hirata looked troubled, then he slid his hand into his obi, pulling out the crumpled, blood spattered letter and holding it out. "Because I...I've been hiding something too. And I wasn't going to tell you about it, but I...I don't want you to think that I keep things from you too, Ukitake-kun. Out of everyone here, I trust you the most of all and I don't want something that I know to put you in danger. That's why I came into town by myself this morning, after all. I didn't want to involve you because I know my Clan already has a vitriolic aversion to District born Shinigami ever being accepted into the Gotei ranks. But what you said about Aitori-sensei...you're right. Maybe not telling you is as dangerous as telling you. And I don't want to lie to you."
Juushirou stared at him for a moment, taking the sheet of paper and glancing at it.
"Where did you get this?"
"Aitori-sensei." Hirata admitted, and Juushirou's eyes widened.
"But...wasn't he...?"
"Dead when I found him? Yes." Hirata nodded, swallowing hard as he remembered the scene once more. "But I took it from his desk. Because...because..."
"Because it's from the Endou-ke. From your cousin." Juushirou skimmed his gaze down the columns of Kanji, his brows knitting together as he read it. "And it means that he and Aitori-sensei were plotting together."
"I think Seimaru killed Megumi-san. Either he did it, or his men did." Hirata said softly. "I think Kyouraku-kun thinks so too, but because it's dangerous to accuse someone so high up without proof, he can't say it. And he won't say it to you, because if you said it to anyone else, there'd be no Clan to back you up and shield you from the backlash. And though I don't think he thinks you'd talk about it freely...if something happened..."
"Need to know information, huh?" Juushirou pursed his lips. "He did say that it wasn't something he could prove. But the proof is right here, isn't it? If we took this to Sensei..."
"No!" Hirata's eyes opened wide with alarm, and at his sudden reaction, Juushirou stared at him in surprise.
"But why? It proves, doesn't it, that Seimaru-sama was conspiring with Aitori-sensei and was involved in smuggling drugs into First District."
"Read the rest." Hirata whispered, and Juushirou frowned, obediently turning his gaze back to the page.
"I trust that before too long the weapon of choice will be neatly in your hands." He read slowly. "Our people have been working hard on the formulae you've submitted me from that kind danna-sama of yours in Second District and it seems work is progressing nicely now. The boy, I suppose, will be easy to convince that the order has come from his Uncle? He's too blind to accept it from any other source, so I'll be relying on you in that respect. Take the keystone and the building crumbles. And even if none of us are a match in blades - there are other ways to kill a cat."
He raised his gaze, consternation in their depths.
"What does that mean?"
"Seimaru and the Shihouin are conspiring to kill Genryuusai-sensei." Hirata said bleakly, and Juushirou's eyes almost fell out of his head.
"To kill...Sensei?! But...that's impossible! How..."
"It says it in the letter." Hirata buried his head in his hands. "That's why I took it. Because it's not just a case of Aitori-sensei and Seimaru-kun smuggling illegal chemicals or flooding the local town with them. Seimaru's probably only got involved in that as a smokescreen for what's really going on. Aitori-sensei's been supplying District Seven with things produced in District Two - and District Seven have been working on them. And this is the end result."
Juushirou set the paper aside, biting his lip as he considered this.
"You're saying that your Clan and the Shihouin-ke are both dabbling in illicit chemicals, aren't you?" He said quietly. "And not at street level, but on a bigger scale. That this is a secret they've shared between them, and one that they'll happily kill to protect. And now...that's how they want to kill Genryuusai-sensei? To settle this stupid grievance about District children at the Academy, they seek to remove him from the scene completely?"
"I think so." Hirata scooped up the paper, folding it once more between his fingers. "No one could touch him in a battle of blades. But the chemicals the Urahara-ke designed were meant for people of noble birth who couldn't achieve full potential. The ones who were worst hurt by its effects were those who had strong spiritual potential in the first place. I think that's what Seimaru's counting on. That Genryuusai-sensei's reiatsu surpasses everyone else's, so if he was to be poisoned with something of that nature..."
"Then there's even more reason to tell Genryuusai-sensei what we know!" Juushirou protested.
"But if we do...if we do..." Hirata's voice shook, and he clenched his fists, fighting against his panic. "Ukitake-kun, we're talking about two whole Clans. We're talking about lots of people. Not just the guilty people involved. And if...if it got out..."
"Your family would be in trouble too." Juushirou murmured, and Hirata nodded.
"The sentence for playing with those drugs is death." he said softly. "For anyone and everyone the Council deems guilty. Father's never been involved or condoned it, but then we've all known about Grandfather's dabbling and the Urahara-ke scientists he and our kin have sheltered since the experiments were banned. I'm sure the same is true in the Shihouin-ke, too. Which is why Midori-dono's come all this way and taken this great a risk. To silence Aitori before he could destroy their Clan from the inside out."
"Then what can we do?" Juushirou asked. "If someone is threatening Sensei's life..."
"We can't do anything. Not right now. Not yet." Hirata said sadly. "Not until we know why Midori-sama came here and whether by killing Aitori she's stopped any of this from happening. Whether by killing him in the way she did, she's passed a big enough message to her Clan and mine - that this stops here and now. If she has - if that's why she's come and why she's done it - then it might be all right. Sensei's life might not be in danger."
"But Aitori-sensei and Megumi-san were still killed." Juushirou flopped back against his blankets. "I don't really like it, Hirata. I don't like a situation where someone loses justice because other people are afraid."
"But you won't tell anyone?"
"At the moment, I won't." Juushirou agreed. "Because I realise what you've said is true too, and I don't want anyone to get into trouble for something they're not directly involved in. I can see that if they knew there was a plot to assassinate Genryuusai-sensei, there'd be a hysterical backlash and innocent people would be caught up in it. It might also mark the end of the Academy and the breakdown of the Gotei, too. But I don't like it, Hirata. I don't like it at all."
"I'm going to get that letter to Father, somehow." Hirata said simply. "And hope he can find some way of dealing with our side of it back home. I can't speak for the Shihouin-ke - but at least it's something."
"It's not enough." Juushirou shook his head. "What if the chemical already exists? What if it's already here, in District One? What if Midori-sama herself has it? She's come from District Seven, hasn't she? We can't just leave this alone, Hirata. I won't risk it. Even if it's dangerous, if something could happen to Sensei because of it..."
"Then what do you want us to do?" Hirata was alarmed, and Juushirou pursed his lips, reaching in his pocket and pulling out the wood tablet pass that had allowed them to slip the school gates that morning.
"We need to go and do what Shunsui and I started doing this morning." He said softly. "We need to find Midori-sama."
"Why is it, Kyouraku, that whenever anything of this nature occurs, it's always you that's standing in front of my desk explaining it to me?"
Genryuusai eyed Shunsui with a mixture of resignation and annoyance, and Shunsui bit his lip, a troubled expression touching his own features.
"This time is much more a coincidence than the last." He said quietly. "And it was Hirata...Endou-kun who found Aitori-sensei's body. He came running out of there like he was on fire, and he ran into Juu and I, that's all. We felt the flare, of course, and were going to see what had happened, but..."
"And did you stop and think that maybe it wasn't safe for you to charge into what might have been a battle scene?" Genryuusai got to his feet, banging his hands down on his desk to indicate his displeasure. "Did you think that maybe, given the force of reiatsu used, you might have done better to come back here and report it to a member of staff? Even with your own talents, you are none of you at a level to interfere in matters of that nature!"
Shunsui winced, instinctively stepping back from the desk as he felt the rising anger in the man's aura.
"Please, Sensei, I think I should be the one to speak to you more than Kyouraku." At Shunsui's side, Kai, who had up to that moment remained silent spoke up, a mixture of emotions flooding his golden eyes. "Because the matter in the town...is a matter that relates to the Shihouin-ke. It doesn't concern him."
Genryuusai's eyes became flinty, and he nodded his head.
"That is another matter entirely." He said coldly, and out of the corner of his eye Shunsui saw Kai quail at the intensity of the glare. "I would like to know whether you had any involvement in this morning's unfortunate incident, Shihouin Kai. And believe me, Clan or not, if I find that you were in any way involved in the murder of a teacher..."
"I was not." Kai gathered his wits, raising his gaze bravely to his Principal. "I was here in the school, and I knew nothing of it's occurrence until Kyouraku and the others returned. Though of course I felt Akekage's release, I didn't leave to investigate the scene."
"Akekage." Genryuusai repeated the word softly, and Kai faltered, realising he'd said something he should not.
"That is the zanpakutou your sister wields, is it not?" Genryuusai asked evenly, and Kai swallowed hard, slowly nodding his head.
"Yes, sir."
"Mm. I thought so. I thought the name was familiar to me...there are few zanpakutou in current use that I haven't been called on to ratify for registration in the Council's records myself." Genryuusai brushed his long beard with his fingers. "Then this is indeed, as you say, a Clan matter for the Shihouin."
He sighed.
"But the Academy is neutral ground, even though this is District One." He added. "And Aitori was a teacher at this school, therefore he was entitled to its protection as much as anyone else associated with it. Clan matter or not, it will not do. District One does not forgive the release of zanpakutou without licence or good reason. Shihouin Midori is not only not authorised to use her sword outside of District Two, she has also caused a good deal of concern in various areas by her sudden disappearance in recent weeks. If you know what your sister is planning, I suggest you tell me now and make your life and hers a lot easier. Because I will not sit back and simply accept the violent death of one of my own staff. What your sister has done is a serious thing - and here, she is answerable to Yamamoto justice."
Kai paused for a moment, then his gaze hardened.
"Until I've seen her for myself, sir, I can't answer that question." He said simply. "Even if you punish me, or send me home. Midori-neesama is my sister and my blood. I won't act in any way that might bring her to harm. Besides, I don't know myself what it is she is planning. When she disappeared, I was more worried than anyone. She has not contacted me."
"Not at all? Not even since she came here?"
"No, sir. Not once." Kai shook his head. "Nor any of my family."
"Then she acted alone." Genryuusai looked perturbed, and Shunsui cast Kai a sidelong glance, then slowly raised his hand.
"Sensei..."
"Yes? What is it, Kyouraku? Do you know something, after all?"
"It's about Aitori-sensei, sir." Shunsui bit his lip, then, "I don't think he was a very trustworthy teacher. That's all. And I think that's probably why Midori-sama killed him. Though I don't agree with what she did."
"How so?" Genryuusai's eyes became near slits. "Aitori has been on the staff here since the school began - why would you question his motives when you've known him a matter of months?"
"Because Megumi knew him, sir." Shunsui said frankly. "She said he owed her coin. And I didn't report this to you when she died, because I thought it might be inappropriate to comment on things instructors were doing outside of school. Since Megumi offered a lot of services to people hereabouts. Not just pouring sake."
Genryuusai arched a snow white eyebrow.
"Are you saying that Aitori elicited sexual favours from this girl?" He asked softly, and Shunsui hesitated, then shook his head.
"No sir." He admitted. "I did, to begin with. I thought it was funny, actually, that he'd do something like that. But when she died, Kyouko said someone had owed her money and she'd got angry about it. And even though I don't know it was Aitori-sensei, I thought...maybe it was."
"You really need to speak up about things sooner, you know." Genryuusai sighed, rubbing his temples. "Shihouin, what about you? Do you have anything to add to this little dialogue?"
Kai bit his lip.
"Aitori-sensei didn't kill Megumi." He said quietly. "He was here, with me, when she died. But..."
"But?"
"I...I can't say."
"Yes, you can, my boy." Genryuusai told him darkly. "Believe me, you can and you better had. Because if there's something I need to know, I will know it. And you'd do better telling me yourself. As Kyouraku can tell you, I do not like being deceived by my students."
Kai gaped, quailing a second time, then,
"Aitori's dagger isn't in his office any more." He murmured. "It wasn't there when we helped him sort his classroom or the study itself. And though Tomoyuki's is by his desk, and I've seen him use mine at his property in town, his own is missing. I've not seen it...since some time before the girl was killed."
"And you're quite sure about that?" Genryuusai asked softly. "When I asked Aitori about the weapon used to kill the girl, he said they were all the same and so it was impossible to tell one from the other. Is that, then, untrue?"
"They all look the same to anyone not familiar with the Clan." Kai said miserably. "And it's true that we all have them from the age of about ten years, when we're at the right stage in our training. But any Shihouin could tell you straight away which weapon was given to whom. The patterning on the hilt is minutely different between blades because they're hand-crafted and carved. Tomoyuki's has one notch below the crest. Mine has two. Aitori's had a half-slash just over to the right of it. Marks that most people would see as damage done in conflict - but they're as good as identity badges so far as we're all concerned."
"I see that this is going to go several layers deeper than just what you're both telling me." Genryuusai looked pained. "Shihouin, I will speak to you alone. Kyouraku, you are dismissed. Tell Endou and Ukitake that when Endou is feeling better, I'll speak to him also - though if all he did was find the body, I don't suppose there's much he can add to this. Since it's a Shihouin killing by a Shihouin blade."
"Yes, Sensei." Shunsui hurriedly bowed his head, slipping out of the room and letting out a sigh as he shut the door behind him.
All hell is about to let loose. And Yama-jii's not the only one who'd like to know what's at the bottom of it. But first I need to find Juu and Hirata for my own peace of mind. Juu gave me a damn funny look earlier on, and I didn't like it.
He pursed his lips ruefully.
Even when he says foolish things, he still manages to make me feel like I'm the one who's being silly. And I don't like being at odds with him. So the sooner we smooth over whatever it was that got to him this morning, the better for everyone.
With that thought in mind, he made his way purposefully up towards the dorm, running over the morning's conversation in his mind.
Minabe will probably be at Aitori's house right away - she seems to be Yama-jii's own personal blood-hound and if she's taken charge of the situation, no one else will mess with it until some of District One's own retainers come to take it all in hand. Oh, but I really don't like this. It reminds me far too much of Father, in the end. Aitori wasn't the nicest of guys, perhaps, and he did some dodgy things. But to kill him, and like that...I don't know. It's what I hate most about the Clans. That things like that can happen, even in this day and age.
"Yo, Kyouraku!"
As he reached the top of the stairs, he heard Enishi's voice and turned, seeing his classmate hailing him from the end of the corridor. "What's up? I got out of extra Kidou practice and found the place deserted - did I miss a party or something?"
"Not quite a party." Shunsui curled his lip. "No one's around? I know Kuchiki was going to spend the day burying himself in books in the library, but I thought Juu and Hirata came this way."
"They're not in the dorm." Enishi looked surprised, shaking his head. "Why would they be? You and Ukitake went into town, didn't you? Wasn't that what you said at breakfast?"
"Yes, but we came back." Shunsui hesitated, then, "Listen, Enishi. Everything is going to get a bit nuts around here for the next couple of weeks. Be prepared for it, all right? Because I don't think it's going to be easily calmed down."
"What's up?" Enishi frowned. "You've a funny look in your eyes - you're serious, aren't you?"
Shunsui nodded.
"Aitori's been murdered." He said softly, and Enishi's eyes almost fell out of his head.
"Murdered? But why? Like Megumi?"
"No, I don't think it was like that." Shunsui said grimly. "He was executed, to be strictly accurate. By his Clan. More specifically, by Shihouin Midori's zanpakutou blade."
Enishi let out a low whistle.
"I guess the wench was all right after all." He murmured, and Shunsui nodded.
"But with someone like that around these parts, you have to wonder if anyone else is." He said darkly. "Kai's with Genryuusai-sensei at the moment. Hirata found the body - which is why I thought Juu and he would be up here, since he was white as a sheet and ready to pass out from the gore. She made a mess of him - and much as I didn't like Aitori, he didn't deserve that."
"Maybe he was feeling sick and Ukitake took him to the Healing Bay." Enishi suggested, sympathy in his dark eyes. "Poor tyke - he really doesn't like blood and death, does he?"
"Well, I don't much, either." Shunsui admitted. "Maybe you're right. Juushirou's pretty in with the Healing Bay staff, after his various trips there - so that would be something he'd think of doing."
"Then shall we go find them? If things are going mental round here, the kid might need some moral support."
Shunsui opened his mouth to respond, then paused, a frown crossing his features as he felt the faintest flickering of reiatsu dart through his senses.
"Hang on." He said softly, holding up his hand. "That was...Juu's reiatsu. I'm sure of it. But it wasn't coming from the Healing Bay. It was coming from...completely the opposite direction. Somewhere near the school gates, in fact. Don't tell me..."
"You think he's going back to the scene of the crime?" Enishi stared and Shunsui's frown deepened.
"He's concealing it. His reiatsu. Almost completely." He replied. "And I can't feel it any more, now. Just from time to time his control isn't as precise as it could be, and since our adventure in the forest, I'd know his reiatsu anywhere, no matter how faint the sense. Whatever he's doing, he doesn't want anyone to know about it. So maybe that is what he's doing. I didn't think he was that much of an idiot, but..."
"Do you suppose Hirata's with him?"
"Maybe. He does tag on wherever Juu leads." Shunsui sighed, running his fingers through his short, messy hair. "We should go after them. And we should do it before the staff shut up shop and start confining us to quarters."
He fumbled at his belt, then cursed.
"And Yama-jii took my exit pass off me when I reported to his office." He added. "If we're going to get out, we're going to have to break rules to do it. Even if the gate sentries haven't been told about the latest news, they won't let us slip the net so easily. Especially not me. We'll have to take the secret back route we took into town that day - and there might be trouble at the end of it, if we get caught."
"Trouble comes as a freebie where you're concerned." Enishi said with a rueful grin, clapping his hand on his companion's shoulder. "But listen. If we're going to do this, let's go drag Kuchiki out of the library and pick his brains too. His senses are powerful and he'll be able to help, I'm sure."
"That's not a bad idea." Shunsui admitted. "All right. Then we'll go to the library first, and see if we can pry him out of his studies. If we tell him Juu's doing something stupid but we don't know exactly what, then I'm sure he'll come. Much as he doesn't like to admit it, he's fonder of Juu than he is of anyone else."
"That's just how Ukitake is." Enishi shrugged. "And I'm right behind you. If we've only got a limited time before they lock the gates and send us to quarters, we ought to move now!"