Chapter Eleven: Hanako
"I suppose, in the end, we got off lightly."
As Katai trooped across the grasslands towards the path that lead near District One's mountains, Shunsui gazed philosophically up at the blue sky overhead. "We could have been in much more trouble, considering the fact Yama-jii was on the site – all in all, he's been quite lenient, really."
"Lenient?" Naoko snorted. "He's kicked us out of our base camp and basically told us to fend for ourselves until we either starve, freeze or beg him to let us back in. On what level is that lenient, Kyouraku-kun? As usual you don't make any sense."
"Well, we could've been sent back to school." Enishi said good-naturedly. "With failing grades – and it might not bother you, Shikibu, but I need all the practical marks I can get if I'm going to stay in top class. Besides, Kyouraku's right. We could be spending a second day cleaning. At least this is kind of a mission – and it's got to be better than scrubbing and cleaning all day long."
"You have to look on the bright side." Kai cast Enishi a rueful grin. "And make the best of changing circumstances. Overall, I think Kyouraku's right. We were going to do this next week, anyway. It isn't really a punishment, if you look at it like that."
"I suppose that's true." Sora frowned. "I just wonder…what kind of thing they're going to throw at us, that's all."
"It's unlike you to be so cautious." Shunsui shot her a surprised glance, and Sora nodded.
"Toutai still haven't told us – whatever it was that they had to face yesterday in the forests." She said grimly. "But whatever it was, they all came back a little shaken. Plus, Kira was hurt. You saw Sensei talking to him and Kazoe looking at his ankle himself before they decided he was fit to be evicted with the rest of us. Obviously they thought it could've been a worse injury…and that bothers me just a little."
"Kamitani did say one thing to me before we split up." Iwai's tones were thoughtful. "He said he couldn't break his word and tell me properly, because obviously it was a promise he'd made as part of his mission and if he did that, he'd be in trouble. But he said…to make sure…that everyone stays alert. And…not to go off alone, especially not without an asauchi."
"That's cryptic." Makoto sighed. "Trust Kamitani. He's always so precise about things – any more, I suppose, would've constituted breaking the rules."
"Even that might be seen that way." Shunsui pointed out. "So we'll keep it in mind. Not that there's a need for anyone to go off alone…but the asauchi information is interesting. And, also, somewhat reassuring."
"Reassuring?" Naoko stared. "How so?"
"Well, no matter how balanced Yama-jii tried to make the squads, there was always going to be some areas that would be unevenly matched." Shunsui said comfortably. "Toutai undoubtedly have the bulk of the Kidou ability…and we have the bulk of the kenjutsu ability."
He gestured.
"Enishi and Kai top the class in Ouyoudou every time without fail." He added. "Sora's not bad with a sword, either, and even though you've only acted with sticks till this term, Naoko-chan, you're pretty ruthless with a blade too if you want to be. In comparison, Hirata's still quite scared of using a sword, and Mitsuki is even worse than he is."
"Maybe that's why Toutai had a torrid time." Iwai murmured. "It's my first term using a sword, but I've picked it up more quickly than Endou or Edogawa-san seem to. Plus there's Kira, too – he's practically allergic to physical tasks, no matter how hard he tries."
"For now we're staying together, anyhow." Shunsui said firmly. "But if we do split up, it seems to make sense that we use the people who are most practiced with asauchi to pair up with those who are less so."
"You haven't included yourself in this, either." Sora reminded him. "I haven't forgotten how you disarmed me so easily – you're strong at kenjutsu too, Shunsui."
"And Kidou, too." Enishi added, and Shunsui smiled sweetly.
"I'm Captain." He said simply. "Isn't that how it's supposed to be? A Captain has to be multi-faceted, after all."
"Kyouraku's weak subjects are getting up in the morning and exerting effort." Kai said, amused. "Except if it involves flirting or teasing, in which case his effort is undeniable."
"Such disrespect from my Vice Captain." Shunsui affected a hurt expression. "Do you really think so ill of me, Kai-kun?"
"I just like to tell the truth, Taichou-sama." Kai bowed his head mock-respectfully in his classmate's direction. "In the meantime…how far out are we heading? We don't want to go too far from camp, do we? Sensei sent us this way and Toutai the other – but that doesn't mean we have to be at opposite ends of the safe zone…does it?"
"No, but as I've said before, I know this area a little." Shunsui replied. "And at the end of this path there are some shelters cut into the rock. Caves and such like. Further on up the path is where Juu and I hid from the Hollow last year – we can't go that far, but I thought we could at least make a firm shelter our base point for the next few days. Our mission seems to be survival, after all. Not specifically retrieving or looking for specific items."
"And there he goes again." Sora sighed heavily. "Just when everyone thinks he's an idiot, he says something smart to confuse us."
"Sensei talked about rain, though." Naoko pulled a face. "In this instance, I agree with Kyouraku-kun. He may be an idiot, but if he's found us somewhere dry to sleep, then that's surely all to the good."
"They're over there." Shunsui ignored the jibe, raising his hand to indicate the cluster of trees that flanked the rocky face beyond. "Behind those trees…I'm pretty sure. When I brought Juu this way, my shunpo gave out about here…I had to lug him up the rest of the way because I thought this might be too easy for the Hollow to track us to. But I remember thinking about it…and I'm sure they're big enough to do the job."
"You really can shunpo, huh?" Makoto eyed their Captain keenly, and Shunsui shrugged.
"Not exactly." He said cautiously. "It's more of an as and when situation. I used it then because we were under pressure and Juu was hurt – I doubt I'd be able to do it now, even if I really wanted to. It's only if there's danger – it seems to sharpen my wits and then I can do it."
"But for a second year, it's still pretty impressive." Kai reflected. "Even as a Shihouin, I can't do shunpo yet. Not even considering that it's a technique my clan considers its overriding speciality."
"The Kyouraku don't really have an overriding speciality." Shunsui admitted ruefully. "Except for annoying people. We're quite good at that."
"There really is a cave hidden here, though!" Iwai poked his head through the trees, letting out an exclamation as he did so. "And Kyouraku's right – it looks like it'd be big enough to house us all. We brought blankets and there's trees for firewood – this is probably a better base than Toutai will be able to find."
"No doubt Juu will use his brains and find something." Shunsui slipped past his companion, stepping into the cave and glancing around him for a moment. Then he nodded.
"Doesn't look like its been used for a while. It's kind of dusty, so I guess the first job is making it habitable." He reflected. "I don't think it'll take too long – certainly not as long as trying to build our own shelter – and the sooner we've done it, the sooner we can flop down and rest. It's going to be hot again later, after all – let's get the worst of it over by midday and we'll have somewhere cool and shady when the sun's highest in the sky."
He frowned, pursing his lips as he cast his gaze over his team.
I wonder what Toutai are doing. Although the air was cleared this morning, I'm still concerned about Juu's behaviour last night. He only acts like that when he has something on his mind…and if that had something to do with their mission yesterday…
He sighed, shaking his head slightly as if to clear it.
Right now I can't focus on that. Last night's prank was my idea and if I keep having ideas like that I'm going to fail everyone. That would mean problems – especially for Enishi, since he scrapes into our class each time anyway. For now, I have to try at least to be something like a Captain. So…all right then. As a Captain…what would be the best thing to do?
"Taichou, there's quite a lot of trees around this area." Kai broke through his thoughts at that moment, his fingers brushing absently against the hilt of his sheathed asauchi. "Shall I take someone and go and gather firewood? That way we're prepared."
Shunsui shot him a rueful glance, inwardly grateful for the Shihouin boy's suggestion. He nodded.
"Take Iwai." He suggested. "He can swing a sword, and so can you – and I want to keep Enishi and Sora here, just in case Yama-jii has any nasty surprises in store for us in the next few hours. I wouldn't put it past him – he's a crafty old devil and he's flung us in at the deep end more than once – so be careful, okay? Any sign of anything suspicious – come right back. Wood or no wood – I want to know about it. All right?"
"Understood." Kai saluted playfully, casting Iwai a grin. "Well? You heard him. Let's go."
"Right behind you." Iwai nodded, and as the two disappeared into the woodland, Shunsui let out a sigh.
"He's definitely done this kind of thing before, hasn't he." Sora's voice at his shoulder made him turn, and he nodded his head.
"Since he was knee high to a flea, so it sounds." He agreed resignedly. "But right now, that's a good thing. And that leaves the rest of us to worry about setting up here. We've food rations for one meal so we don't need to worry about that straight away – so we'll clear the dust and debris from the cave and make it Katai's base camp. With six of us, we should be able to do that, right?"
"You're going to help, too?" Naoko shot him a doubtful glance, and Shunsui winked at her, reaching across to pat her on the shoulder.
"Of course, Naoko-chan. Why would you think otherwise?"
"Don't start with the Naoko-chans again." Naoko bristled, pushing his hand away. "I still don't trust you. And now we're outside of camp, what are you going to do about the girls, anyway? Because no matter how much you might like it, we're used to having a little privacy."
"It doesn't really worry me, Naoko. We're camping, after all. It'll be fine." Sora put in, and Naoko shook her head.
"It's all right for you. Kyouraku-kun sees you as a sister. He won't trouble you." She said frankly. "It's Nakamura-san and I that are really the ones under threat here – we don't have the same kind of escape as you do."
Shunsui sighed, glancing at Hanako as he expected her to also chime in, but she made no attempt to respond, and he frowned, eying her keenly.
"Nakamura-san? Is something wrong?" He asked softly, and Hanako's head jerked up, startled eyes staring at him in consternation.
"You seem in another world from everyone else." Shunsui said frankly. "Are you all right? You don't have anything to say about the girls' sleeping arrangements?"
Slowly Hanako shook her head, and Shunsui frowned. Then, he nodded.
"Then if that's the case, Shikibu-san, I'm putting you in charge of organising the sleeping area." He said at length. "Atsudane, I want you to help her. That way we can have it organised so as its fair to both girls and boys. All right?"
"I suppose so." Naoko sighed, and Makoto nodded his head.
"Right. Then Enishi, since you're probably the strongest, I want you to begin on clearing any rock and debris that's gonna get in our way." Shunsui turned to his companion. "Sora, I'll ask you to help him…also, since Kai's not here, as third seat I'm leaving you in charge."
"Leaving me in…?" Sora frowned. "But…what about you? Didn't you just say you were going to help? And what about Hanako? She hasn't got a job, either."
"I've just realised an important errand I need to run and I want Nakamura-san to help me." Shunsui said simply. "Since I'm Captain, it's something I should take responsibility for. And since everyone else's jobs are settled, Nakamura-san – can I ask you to come with me?"
Hanako stared at him blankly, and Shunsui smiled.
"I promise I'm not going to do anything lewd or inappropriate." He said with a rueful grin. "This is strictly squad business. Nothing else."
There was a long pause, then Hanako nodded.
"Y..yes, Taichou."
"All right then." Shunsui looked satisfied, though inwardly he was somewhat apprehensive about the decision he had made. "Then everyone begin. We'll be back shortly. Sora, if Kai comes back, tell him that we've gone to scout out viable water supplies in the area…and obviously, when he gets back, he's to take over command."
"Right." Sora's face cleared. "Water sources. That is a good point. We need to drink and to bathe, and there's no river this way. Okay. I'll tell him."
"Then that's settled." Shunsui grinned. "All right, Nakamura-san – lets go."
Slowly Hanako followed him out of the tree-lined area, and for a while they walked in relative silence, Shunsui trying to work out how to begin the conversation, and Hanako clearly still sunk within her own concerns, her eyes clouded and troubled.
Juu would know right away what to say or how to deal with this. But he's not here, and this is my mess to sort out. Dammit, as Captain, I guess I have no choice. But…
Shunsui let out his breath in a heavy sigh.
I guess if it's me, cutting right to the chase is my best option. I'm good at being awkward and annoying, after all. This one shouldn't bother me any more than the others. Besides, this isn't right, as it is. And I can't leave it like this. Not if I'm stuck being Captain.
Out loud he said,
"If there's something you're not happy with, Nakamura-san, it's unlike you not to voice it."
Hanako frowned, but she didn't respond, and Shunsui sighed again.
"Are you cross because we left you out of last night's trick?" He asked softly. "Because it wasn't done on purpose. You were just bathing when it was decided…and then, when it was done, we had other stuff to worry about. Nobody intentionally left you out…it just worked out that way."
More silence, and Shunsui grimaced, racking his brains once more for the kind of response Juushirou would give in the same situation.
"You know…Yama-jii wants us to operate as a team while we're out here. That's all of us…we're all part of this so we've all got to look out for each other."
He smiled ruefully to himself as he finished his sentence.
Damn, how does Juu manage to churn out corny stuff like that without cringing? Obviously there's a technique to it – remind me to ask him, next time we see each other.
Hanako bit her lip at this point, then, at length, she sighed.
"Sensei…said I…was insubordinate." She murmured. "And because…I went against…your orders, everyone…"
She faltered, and Shunsui's expression became grave. Inwardly he made up his mind. Hanako was a difficult individual and he did not necessarily like her. But for the time being, she was part of his team – and that meant he at least had to try and work things out with her.
What is it Juu says? You don't get trust if you don't give it – you don't get respect if you don't give it. Yeesh, he really is full of cheesy comments…but to give him his due, they work for him though…
"You didn't know, and we didn't tell you." He said frankly. "So that's the end of it as far as Katai are concerned. We were all to blame for something, so we all got punished. You didn't cause that – you're not the only one at fault. I could have properly ordered you back, and I didn't. And I was the one who thought up the blanket stealing…so in the end, the blame really falls on me."
Hanako looked startled, and Shunsui offered her a grin.
"I'm not a natural leader." He said honestly. "And to be truthful, I'm not sure I really want to be one. But right now I am one, and I'm not going to get other people into trouble if I can help it. Last night was just a bit of fun – but what Enishi said this morning about his ranking – well, I'm not going to do anything to jeopardise anyone's grades or rankings if I can help it. I don't care that much about mine – but Yama-jii's got me tied up, this time. He knows that if I fool around and goof off, everyone else's final mark will suffer. So I guess I want to be a good Captain, at least for now. So if you can put up with that, I'll write off your insubordination and we'll get back to work as a squad."
A faint smile touched Hanako's lips.
"Shikibu-san is wrong about you." She said thoughtfully. "She seems to think that if you get a woman alone you'll just grope at her or flirt with her and that you've got no sense at all. She says you've got a reputation for it – among the Clans, that you're irresponsible with alcohol and you're reckless and you chase after women all the time, regardless of who they are or where they come from. But…I don't think she's right. Right now there's nobody else here but…you haven't tried to do anything to me at all."
"Naoko-chan and I have a very special class rapport." Shunsui's eyes twinkled in humour at this bald assessment of his past actions. "And you know, if you wanted me to, I could flirt with you too. You're just as pretty as she is, and I don't mind having pretty girls in my squad. But…"
He paused, then shook his head.
"I'm trying not to be completely irresponsible, these days." He said regretfully. "So no. I'm not going to do anything like that. I promised, didn't I? I guess as Captain…I can resist the temptations and get on with my work."
Hanako stared at him blankly for a moment. Then she began to laugh, and now it was Shunsui's turn to be surprised, for there was none of the usual mocking edge in the young girl's tones.
"Nakamura-san? Is what I said that funny?"
"It is funny." Hanako nodded, and as a grin unlike her normal snide one touched her features, Shunsui realised that he hadn't been exaggerating – in her own way, the young District girl was just as pretty as the Unohana hime whose pride he loved to tease. "But it isn't just that. It's just…it's hard to believe you belong to a Clan, Kyouraku-kun. Especially since…well, right now you took me with you just to talk to me, didn't you? Not because you thought I was the best person to help you do this job."
"I did want to talk to you, because you were obviously not happy." Shunsui said honestly. "And you've not been shy about your opinions so far, but you didn't speak a word on the walk down. But we do need to find a source of water. And I'm pretty sure it's a task you can handle, either way."
Hanako sighed.
"Shikibu-san doesn't like me." She responded. "Because I'm District and she's Clan…and I don't really like Clan any more than she likes District. So we disagree a lot. And well…I'm the only girl who is District. Everyone else is Clan. So it gets…difficult, sometimes, in our dorm."
"I can't imagine that Sora or Mitsuki-chan pick on you for that, though?" Shunsui looked surprised, realising belatedly that he had broken through the edge of his unpopular companion's brittle shell. "Both of them are all over Juu most of the time – and he's just as District as you are."
"Edogawa-san is…not normal." Hanako said bluntly. "I don't know how else to put it, but I don't really understand her at all. And Shiba-san…Shiba-san treats everyone the same, no matter who they are. But she doesn't stop Shikibu-san…nobody does. Shikibu-san is the oldest, after all, out of all of the girls in Second Year. And I'm not going to just sit there and have her look down on me. So I speak up. And then things get difficult."
"Why do you hate Clan, then?" Shunsui asked, curious, and Hanako snorted.
"Because they look down on us." She said emphatically. "As though we can't do all the things they can. Like we're common and stupid and all of those things. We might not have as much reiryoku as a Kuchiki or as much money as an Urahara but we're here on merit too. And we do work hard. We're not stupid or lazy, even if we don't match up in every area. And I hate that people think that we are."
"You're right. I hate that too." Shunsui said simply, and Hanako stared at him.
"Even though you're Clan..?"
"I never said I liked being Clan. I didn't choose it, after all." Shunsui grinned at her. "Or have you forgotten? My closest friend is District born. Just like you."
"Ukitake-kun?" Hanako frowned. "But he's different, isn't he? Even Shikibu-san doesn't seem to look down on him. He's powerful. Everyone says so. He's not Clan…but even so, he matches up."
"It'd be hard for anyone to look down on him, considering he ranks second overall." Shunsui shrugged. "And I certainly don't look down on him, since his common sense keeps me on the straight and narrow most of the time. Yes, I suppose he is…different in that respect. His reiryoku potential is probably higher than some Clan, after all. But even so, he is still District. And he did still get picked on, to begin with. Thing is with Juu…he doesn't let that kind of stuff bother him. He just carried on doing his thing. And now…well, people came to respect him because of that. Like you, Nakamura-san, Juu's the only District kid in our Dorm. Also, in our class. But you wouldn't know it. Everyone accepts him."
"Guys are different." Hanako said shortly. "Nobody bothers about Kira or Atsudane all that much. It's just me, really. Because nobody really stands up to Shikibu-san except me when she's moaning about the Districts."
Shunsui was silent for a moment, considering.
Yep, just as I thought. Juu would be so much better at handling this than me. Oh well. Here goes nothing.
"Yama-jii's pretty hot on the Academy being mixed. Girls and boys. District and Clan. The new first year are even more mixed than we are." He said slowly. "And everyone who's here has to have passed his test to be here. He doesn't let in just anyone. Thing is, Nakamura-san…this world is still not totally ready for those changes to happen. I know, even as a Clansman – no, because of it, maybe – that it's difficult to break down those barriers. My District are lucky. My brother is a fair and reasonable Clan head in District Eight and he doesn't act as some Clans do against gifted District children. But even if there are people like him who think that way, it's gonna take a long time before those differences are totally ironed out."
He grinned, looking rueful.
"We're all kind of starting this from scratch ourselves." He added. "Juu's always said if you don't like something, change it. And you guys – not just him, but you, Kira and Atsudane too – you're all doing that by being here. You guys will probably be the first District Shinigami to enter squads. You're setting the trend, after all."
Hanako looked thoughtful, then she nodded.
"I like it when Shikibu-san is wrong, because she's always so sure she's right." She said at length. "Shihouin-kun talks to her plainly and I like it when he does…so I thought…having him as a Vice Captain might be okay. I know, after all, that his Clan had some really bad things happen and a lot of people were cold to him. And I remember Onoe and what he did…which he deserved, if you ask me, because he was always a stuck up idiot. Now…I guess…I think it's okay to have you as Captain, too. Because I don't think you're like other Clan people either, Kyouraku-kun."
She shrugged, looking sheepish.
"You said you're no good at it, but I think you are." She admitted. "I'm stubborn and sometimes I say too much. I don't change my mind easily and people don't like it – because I don't pull any punches and I say what I think all the time. But I'm sorry I was insubordinate last night and I'm sorry I told Sensei about Toutai this morning. I caused trouble for the whole squad and I realise that now. I don't care that much about Shikibu-san or if she's happy or not, but I didn't think about Houjou-kun's grades or anything else like that. But even so, you're talking to me, not yelling at me or talking down to me. And you didn't do this in front of everyone else, either. I…respect that."
She bowed her head towards him, as Shunsui stared at her, a little bemused by her sudden change in attitude.
"I'll make sure I follow your instructions from now on, Kyouraku-taichou." She said seriously. "And I won't cause you any more trouble."
Shunsui hesitated for a moment, then he grinned, nodding his head.
"I'll try not to cause you any either, and it'll be a deal." He said wryly. "For the time being, then, that matter is over and settled and you shouldn't worry about it any more. Or about Naoko-chan, either. Some people just aren't compatible…but in the end, you and she probably won't see each other past graduation and you don't see each other in class, anyhow. One person won't dictate your future or hers, after all."
He shrugged.
"Though maybe…you should just leave Mitsuki-chan alone." He added. "She is…different from most people, but that's because she's a healer, not because she's strange or abnormal. Healers have unusual sensitivity – especially to other people's suffering. Unohana-sensei explained it all to me, when Kai-kun and Onoe had their fight and Kai was so badly injured. Naoko-chan understands about healers the best, of course, because even though she isn't one herself, she is an Unohana. And even though she yells abuse at me – and maybe at you, too – I'm pretty certain Naoko-chan cares a good deal for both Mitsuki and Sora."
"A healer?" Hanako frowned, digesting this. "So they're not all in the Unohana Clan?"
"No. Guess they're not."
"Well, then I wish they'd just explain things instead of Shikibu-san getting all scathing and high and mighty." Hanako muttered. "Fine, then. Now I know, so I'll let it be. I just thought she was acting odd or whatever – but if there's a reason for it…"
She sighed.
"I guess it's something else she figured a District girl didn't need to know."
"But now you do know, so it's all fine." Shunsui said casually.
"Yes." Hanako pursed her lips. "I suppose so."
"Meanwhile, we need to look at this."
Shunsui fumbled in his pocket for his map, pulling it out and unfolding it as he squinted at the layout. "In order to find out where the nearest water source is to where we are."
Hanako laughed, reaching out to pluck the piece of paper from his grip.
"You've got it upside-down already. That's not a good start." She scolded, yet again there was no snideness or spite in her tone, and Shunsui allowed himself a rueful grin, shrugging his shoulders.
"Upside-down is in keeping with my general philosophy of things." He admitted. "Well? How's your map-reading, Nakamura-san?"
"Probably better than yours." Hanako said frankly. "My people are nomadic, so map-reading is sort of their life blood."
"Nomadic?" Ignoring the insult, Shunsui eyed her in fascination. "How so, nomadic?"
"How it sounds." Hanako shrugged her shoulders. "We travel. All the time, really, from one base point to another."
"So…I suppose…camping is nothing new for you, then?"
"We don't camp like this." Hanako snorted. "People always think that, but it's not the case. There are settlements in Fourth and Third Districts that we travel between, that's all. In the winter, we're in Fourth District. The frosts are less cold there, in the valleys. But in the summer, it can be hot and dry, so we go to Third District and spend the warm months there. We've done it for generations…as far back as our family's history goes. It's always moving between the same static places – we have houses and homes like anyone else. But the journey is from the far side of Fourth District almost until the border between Three and Two. So it means we travel a lot in-between."
"I didn't realise." Shunsui let out a low whistle. "I didn't know there were people like that in the Districts."
"Well, we're not in your District, so I suppose that figures." Hanako shrugged. "Besides, the Clans generally ignore us most of the time. District Three did used to charge us exorbitant taxes and so on for crossing borders and lands – but then Nagesu-sama took over the Urahara Clan and he agreed something with our family leaders so that doesn't happen any more. We bring trade to Third District in the summer, after all – we have several crafts we specialise in, and they brighten up the Third District markets. Only the last Head didn't like us very much, because of some civil Clan squabble or other…so they made a big deal out of levying taxes. Nagesu-sama is more reasonable. He doesn't think in the past."
"Clans are good at civil squabbles." Shunsui said ruefully, and Hanako nodded.
"I don't know the details, really, of this one." She admitted. "It was a hundred years ago – a long time before I was born. I only know that something happened and a bunch of Urahara got put to death over it. Several of their womenfolk and children fled for sanctuary in the Second and Fourth Districts – a lot of them disguised themselves with our folk and snuck over the divide into Unohana territory that way. The Urahara found out and were ticked about it – but what kind of Noble house kills women and kids, anyway?"
"You'd be surprised." Shunsui's thoughts flitted to the Endou-ke and their current persecution of District individuals. "And probably the incident you're talking about was one that bothered all of the Clans. I'm pretty sure it was related to an experiment gone wrong – but the Urahara have moved on from it now, and so…well, hopefully, so has everyone else."
"You never know. Clans do have long memories." Hanako reflected bitterly. "But even so, they've not managed to pin us down. We live our lives our way…that's just how my people are."
"The Districts really are more interesting than the Clans, aren't they." Shunsui mused. "I think I envy you, Nakamura-san. To have that kind of freedom and to travel so easily between two places…it must be nice."
"Most Clan people think the opposite." Hanako admitted. "My mother wasn't sure about me coming to school here, either, in the first place. But my Uncle and my Grandmother were both killed by Hollows during our travels, and others among our people have been hurt or killed by them in the past. Neither the Unohana nor the Urahara take responsibility for our protection because we don't belong to either District, not officially. So…in the end…Father decided I should go."
"Juu's father was also killed by a Hollow." Shunsui remembered. "I see. That makes sense, then…why you'd come here even hating the Clans like you do."
"Well, I'm going to be a Shinigami, so I'm not going anywhere else." Hanako said frankly, folding her arms across her chest. "I don't really care if everyone here hates me or looks down on me. The people back home are relying on me and I've three younger siblings to look out for as well as for myself."
"You really do sound surprisingly like Juushirou." Shunsui laughed. "But I like it. That spirit…I like it a lot."
"You're the first person to say that." Hanako admitted. "Maybe if our people were in Eighth District, we'd have less trouble getting protection from a Clan."
"I don't know." Shunsui looked grave. "Right now there are Shinigami in Eighth District, but no Gotei Captain and no Clansman with a high level zanpakutou release. My brother's foisted that duty on me…but as you've already seen – I'm nowhere near ready for it."
Hanako shook her head.
"I don't think so." She said frankly. "I think the people in Eighth District will be all right, if you're the one looking out for them."
She grinned suddenly, surprising him once again with her open, warm expression.
"And according to the map, there should be underground water a little way over that way." She added. "A small spring, something like that. It's close enough for drinking water, anyhow. It's only dotted on the map, so it's probably not been fully opened up. But you're top of the class, right? So you must be able to fire Kidou without blowing up the whole area. In that case…"
"I might blast us a spring?" Shunsui offered her a rueful smile. "All right. You find me the place and I'll do as you suggest. It might not solve the bathing problem completely – but it will certainly do for drinking water, and its close enough to be convenient, too."
"Yes, Captain." Hanako folded the map, handing it back. "I'm pretty certain I know where it is. Follow me."
Night was drawing in.
As Juushirou carefully built up the fire, he frowned, casting his gaze pensively around the small, wooded area that Toutai had chosen to make their base that night. It was not a perfect shelter, he reflected, and the previous day's experience told him that it probably wasn't entirely safe, either. But for the time being, it was the best they could manage.
Since their eviction from the main camp, Toutai had headed in an entirely different direction from their Katai classmates, striking out towards the winding river that ran from one end of the safe zone to the other. Juushirou had reasoned – with some common sense – that an area with a flowing water supply would probably also be an area plentiful in food and other supplies, and Chiyoko had backed him up, saying that the river in question was well known in District One for being full of various different species of fresh-water fish. Thus encouraged by this, Toutai had made a bee-line for an area of trees that ran almost parallel with the flowing water, and now, as the sun had begun to set over the First District mountains, they had found a place in which to settle for the night.
"It's kind of fun, isn't it, that we'll be sleeping under the stars tonight." He reflected, as Ryuu dropped an armful of wood down beside him, casting him a resigned look. "Probably, if we'd have got here earlier, we might have worked out a way of building a proper shelter. But even so, I don't think it's going to rain tonight. The sky is clear as anything – we should be okay."
"Sleeping out in the open still has dangers, however." Ryuu dusted his hands off absently on his blue hakama. "Yesterday was deliberate, but there is no saying what other tests Sou Taichou might have in store for us. Also, we know little about the local wildlife. Aside from fish in the river and fruit in the trees – we have no idea what larger predators may operate in this region."
"Predators?" Juushirou was surprised. "Such as…?"
"Bears, perhaps." Kamitani suggested, joining them at that moment. "I've heard that there are bears in the mountains in District One, and they eat fish, after all."
"There are bears." Chiyoko agreed. "But they're probably not going to come this far down the mountain. The river runs well into the peaks, you see – and they don't really like shinigami. I don't think we're in any danger from them here, Kamitani-kun – the only predators that we'll probably see are hawks and birds of prey."
"Well, those won't bother us." Juushirou was relieved. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Saitani-san."
Chiyoko dimpled, nodding her head.
"I don't know this part of District One as well as I do others." She admitted. "But I do know that that's usually the case. Bears haven't emerged from the heart of the mountains in a long long time. They won't come this far down and in any case, Kazoe-sensei's barrier should keep them from bothering us even if they did."
"It will keep out bears, but not hawks?" Ryuu looked startled. "That seems to me to be a funny kind of distinction."
"Depends on how high up the barrier is, I suppose." Juushirou looked thoughtful, staring once more up at the sky. "I can't see it, now – but sometimes I think I see something faintly glittering up there, when the sun is properly shining through. Perhaps the hawks can fly over the barrier – but the bears can't walk through it. Either way, though, it must be a pretty high level of Kidou that Kazoe-sensei used. If it can keep even the native creatures out…"
"I believe the spell is called 'Kyoumon'." Ryuu agreed. "Though I know nothing more about it. It was mentioned briefly in a book I read over the holiday period…a strong barrier that cannot be easily broken from the outside."
"Kyoumon." Juushirou repeated the word softly to himself. "I see. There are still a lot of Kidou spells we haven't come to learn yet, aren't there?"
"I believe there are at least a hundred known spells. Perhaps there are more yet to be devised or discovered." Ryuu agreed. "But we are only second year students – it is natural that we would only know a handful of them, even now."
"Speaking of which, I'm going to light the fire." Juushirou flexed his fingers, softly muttering the words of the Shakkahou spell and as he did so, a burst of red light flew across the ground, licking its way up the dry pile of wood and consuming it into flame in an instant. "There. At least that saves us using other methods – I suppose it's something to know that we've got even just a few of them down to a level we can really use them."
"That depends on who's firing. I couldn't control Shakkahou like that." Chiyoko sighed. "I guess I see why you're top in Kidou, Ukitake-taichou."
"Shakkahou isn't a difficult spell, though." Juushirou was surprised, gazing at his faintly ash-dusted fingers and then back at his companion. "Is it?"
"If you observe Houjou's efforts, you'll soon realise that not everybody has the knack for it that you or I may have." Ryuu said drolly. "But since we have a fire, we should all regroup. I will go and summon the others from their fruit gathering – for tonight, that should suffice us in terms of food."
"Yes. And tomorrow we'll try and catch some fish." Juushirou agreed. "But after the long trek, collecting fallen fruit is easier – especially when there's so much of it hereabouts."
He glanced at Chiyoko.
"Can I trust you and Fujiwara to go and collect water from the spring we passed just before we reached here?" He asked softly. "I realise it is getting darker, but you are swift and he is strong and between you I'm sure you can manage."
"Can do." Chiyoko nodded, getting to her feet. "I did wonder why Aki-kun insisted on lugging that great heavy metal bowl down with him – but now I guess I have to give him credit for thinking ahead. If we collect the water in that, it should do for everyone. I'll go now, and tell him what you've said."
"Meanwhile, here come Mitsuki and Hirata." Ryuu indicated, as Chiyoko disappeared off into the trees. "And Kira…who appears to be limping slightly once more."
"I asked Edogawa-san to look at his ankle again." Juushirou admitted. "Sensei…I mean, Sou Taichou said it should be all right, but we've walked a lot of uneven ground today. Tomorrow I'll make sure he has a task here, close to home. He's got a lot to write up, after all, if we're still supposed to be keeping a log."
"He's brought paper and ink with him, so I imagine he thinks so." Ryuu said wryly. "Kira! If that foot pains you, you should not insist on using it so much!"
"It's all right, Kuchiki-fukutaichou." Kira reddened. "I don't want to be any more trouble. It's just aching a little – it's fine. Edogawa-san's given me some herbs, and…"
"Tomorrow, you'll stay here and rest it." Juushirou cut across him, casting him a smile. "And catch up on writing the log, since you've had next to no time to do it, yet. We're here for a while, after all. We don't have to find a better campsite so long as the weather stays fine."
"Where were Saitani-san and Fujiwara-kun going?" Mitsuki asked, as she and Hirata brought the gathered fruit to the fireside. "It's getting dark, after all."
"Just to collect water. Nothing else." Juushirou assured her. "I want us to keep together, after all. Tonight we'll all sleep here – and we'll take turns to keep watch. I'm willing to do the first shift – and Ryuu-kun, I hope you'll do the second. If someone else volunteers a third, then we should all be able to get enough rest tonight."
"I'll do it." Kamitani volunteered, as Ryuu inclined his head in agreement. He grinned, looking rueful. "Urahara don't generally need much sleep, as a rule, anyway. We're always working on this or that or thinking up something – so I don't mind if I have to wake up earlier for once."
"Then it's settled. Thank you, Kamitani-kun." Juushirou looked relieved. "All right, then. For the time being, Toutai are off-duty and at ease."
He sighed, stretching his arms out in front of him as he did so.
"I don't really know much about the Urahara-ke." He reflected. "Other than the fact Anideshi was an Urahara – and you are too, Kamitani-kun. You're the only Urahara I'm aware of having met – but if you both are typical, I guess it's a pretty reasonable Clan to belong to."
"Hah, you'd like to think so, wouldn't you?" Ryuu snorted, shaking his head. "Or have you forgotten so quickly? The Urahara are the ones who first invented those chemicals that brought the Shihouin-ke so much grief last summer. Thanks to their work, many people died. I don't think you can call them 'reasonable' – not based on that."
"That was a long time ago, Kuchiki!" Kamitani protested, his eyes widening in dismay at the bluntness of his companion's tone. "True, we made mistakes – my people made mistakes. But none of the people who were involved in those things are still alive. Neither the scientists nor the Head of the Clan who presided over them…the Urahara have gone a long way to rebuild their reputation, so please don't drag up ancient history as though it's something we're still actively involved in."
"That was a bit over the line, Kuchiki-kun." Hirata said softly. "Kamitani-kun isn't to blame for what's happened in his Clan either, just like I'm not with mine."
"Don't get me started on your Clan." Ryuu sent Hirata a meaningful look. "But even so, I know it is the past. The current Urahara leader Nagesu-sama is well known for his reasoned, cautious outlook. He is much respected – and it was not my intention to imply otherwise."
"Nagesu-sama, huh." Juushirou pursed his lips. "I really know nothing about him or about District Three at all."
"What Kuchiki says is somewhat right." Kamitani nodded his head. "About Nagesu-sama, anyway – he is cautious and he does think things through carefully before endorsing or acting on them. Everyone in District Three really respects him because of that – he doesn't take silly risks and he makes our family safe and stable."
He smiled.
"When the vote happened over admitting District children here, he and his advisors chose to abstain because they felt they didn't know enough about the situation to judge." He added. "But last summer, he summoned Yunosuke and spoke to him in some detail about the first year of District children at the Academy. He spoke to me too, since I share a class with three District students and am well placed to talk about them."
He paused to grin at Kira, who grinned back, nodding his head.
"Based on our testimony, the Urahara have shifted their stance to in favour – but Nagesu-sama wouldn't do that until he'd had actual facts reported as opposed to just rumours and myth."
"The Urahara-ke are now supportive? Of people like Kira and I studying here?" Juushirou was taken aback, and Kamitani nodded.
"We were never against it. Nagesu-sama just likes to be careful." He agreed. "Big mistakes have happened, after all, in the past."
"Their concession hasn't come without a catch, though." Ryuu reflected. "True to form, Nagesu-sama attached conditions to his change in stance. No District child is allowed to summon or use weaponry outside the Academy premises without the permission of their ruling Clan. Just in case anyone decides to rebel against the Urahara – he wanted to know he could act."
"He really sounds like a canny individual." Juushirou grinned. "That's not a foolish choice to make, though. If I were him, I'd probably feel that way."
"It's not just about District children." Hirata shook his head, his expression grave. "It's about Urahara exiles as well – sneaking in and slipping through the cracks in the system to get training at the Academy under false pretences."
"Exiles?" Juushirou's eyes widened, and Mitsuki bit her lip.
"You mean…the reidoku scientists' descendants and their families, Hirata-kun?" She asked softly, and Hirata nodded.
"But reidoku was created more than a century ago." Juushirou looked confused. "Why would that matter now?"
"Clan have long memories." Hirata said bitterly.
"But the whole thing is not really talked about much any more."
Kamitani settled himself around the camp-fire, shooting Juushirou a hesitant glance in the flickering light. "The Urahara-ke have done their best to...well...detach that part of their history completely."
"Which is a prudent move." Ryuu said archly. "After all, no good comes of being associated with such a disastrous experiment."
"But all the blame wasn't with the Urahara-ke." Kamitani objected. "Nobody knew in the first instance what risk there was in the reiatsu experiments. It was a mistake, yes, but..."
"People were put to death by the Council for it." Hirata said quietly. "Some of them were kin to my Clan - there are Urahara in my ancestry, after all."
"The people who escaped the Council raids took refuge in District Two and Seven." Kamitani agreed. "So the stories go. Most settled and started new lives. Changed their names and lived in anonymity. There are probably Urahara kin living at lower Seireitei levels even now. District by all appearances, but in actual fact, not."
He cast Juushirou a rueful smile.
"That's why I can believe your spirit power is your own." He added. "But you must see why Nagesu-sama is so cautious. If there are District children who truly have the kind of power you do, there can easily be forgotten Urahara lurking in the shadows. At the time everything happened, the Shihouin showed sympathy and opened their borders to let the women and children of the convicted escape into anonymous exile. It's one of the reasons the Shihouin and Urahara were so cold to each other for such a long time – and why for a while there was war along the borderlands between Second and Third. It was always a bone of contention that the Shihouin-ke had gotten involved. Others fled with nomadic peoples into District Four, disguised as part of their travelling band – but there's never been any real proof of Unohana involvement in that. In contrast, the Shihouin at that time encouraged people to break for the border and escape into District Two."
He sighed.
"In the end there were quite a lot of them – people who vanished into the darkness and were never seen again."
He gestured to Ukitake.
"All Clans have their secrets." He added. "You're not from District Three – but if you were, it might be suspected that you had somehow got distant, diluted Urahara blood and were related somehow to the disgraced Clansfolk."
"As it happens, Kamitani, Ukitake is a Kuchiki, distantly, by blood." Ryuu agreed. "So your theory is somewhat correct."
"Very distantly." Juushirou shook his head. "I'm an Ukitake, really, and that's as far as it goes."
"But the Urahara-ke had people put to death." Mitsuki shivered, pulling her cloak more tightly around her body. "Because they made mistakes."
"Just like Shihouin Kamuki-sama - ,maybe some mistakes can only be paid for in blood." Kira glanced at his hands. "It makes you realise what the weight is on the Clans, really, doesn't it?"
"Makes me glad not to be part of one of them." Ukitake agreed. "It seems everything carries such heavy consequences."
"Shihouin Kamuki had no choice but to submit to death." Ryuu said quietly. "It was the only noble thing he could have done, considering that it was his bad judgement that has cast his Clan into so many problems. I do not like the Shihouin," As Juushirou shot him a startled look. "But I do respect him for doing the right thing. His life was forfeit to the Council's Justice. By accepting that, and taking the bulk of the blame, he has allowed his family some measure of breathing space."
"Well, if you say it, it's high praise." Juushirou grinned. "But even so - to pay with your life..."
"Urahara Keitsune was responsible - indirectly, but responsible - for the deaths of many people." Hirata said softly, a troubled expression on his features.
"Urahara…Keitsune?" Juushirou blinked, and Kamitani nodded.
"Urahara Keitsune was the Clansman in charge of the reidoku experiments." He said gravely. "He was the younger brother of the ruling Clan Leader of the time – and thought by many to be a true scientific genius. People had high hopes of him bringing true greatness to the Urahara through the work he did…and a lot of it was to the benefit of his family and District Three's people. However…"
"He miscalculated." Kira chewed on his lip. "And instead caused a big disaster that meant lots of people died."
"A capital crime in anyone's book." Ryuu intoned darkly.
"And his death was voted for and sealed by the Clans. Other than the Unohana, who never vote for death, only one Clan voted against." Kamitani agreed sadly. "There was nothing else to be done. Even the Shihouin, who'd opened their borders to allow wives and children to flee the witch-hunt couldn't bring themselves to vote to save his life. The blood was on Keitsune's hands, after all. He was, in the end, the main one to blame."
"The one Clan who voted against death was the Urahara, I presume?" Juushirou asked, but Kamitani shook his head.
"No." He said unwillingly. "No."
"The Urahara would have been prevented from voting." Ryuu pointed out, but Kamitani frowned.
"The Urahara did cast a vote." He said softly. "Or at least...they made a decision. They added their seal to the Execution Warrant and severed any connection with Urahara Keitsune or his immediate family."
"To their own kin?" Mitsuki's eyes widened, and Kamitani nodded.
"I don't agree with it - I never have." He said quickly. "I don't think you should turn on your own. But it does happen."
"So who voted against the execution, then?" Kira's brow furrowed. "If the Urahara didn't..."
"The Endou-ke." Hirata said softly. "They and the Unohana voted against. And the Shihouin abstained."
"The Endou?" Ryuu was floored. "No offence, Hirata, but I find that difficult to fathom. Your blood-thirsty Clan...showed mercy?"
"I'm sure they had their reasons." Hirata looked troubled. "I don't know what they were, not exactly. Maybe it was that distant kinship...who knows? At the moment I couldn't be further from the centre of my Clan. And as for the Shihouin..."
"I guess they saw promise in the experiments, given recent events." Kamitani's gaze became clouded. "Onoe was my friend, so I can't pretend that I know nothing about what he did or the reasons why he acted in that way – I just wish I had known sooner and could have stopped him before it was too late."
He sighed.
"I think Shihouin is pretty brave, really, considering all of the stuff that's happened. He and his sister have had a lot to manage, yet..."
"There is no such thing as an innocent Shihouin." Ryuu said frankly. "Perhaps they were not actively involved - but they were not unaware."
"We're not going to character assassinate the Shihouin." Juushirou said firmly, holding up his hands. "That's an order, Kuchiki, from Captain to Vice Captain. Okay? That's all over and past now. Kai-kun is one of us and that's all that matters. He wasn't charged by the Council, and nor was Midori-sama. That's the end of it. Let it go."
Ryuu looked obstinate, but at that moment the remaining two division members returned, bringing with them the heavy metal vessel containing fresh water from the spring, and at the sight of them, Juushirou got to his feet, immediately assuming his role as Captain once more as they approached the campfire.
"Do you think there's enough for everyone to drink?" He asked, and Aki nodded, setting his burden down on the ground.
"Yes, Uki...Taichou." He agreed with a nod of his head. "We brought as much as we could carry back – there should be enough for everyone and still some to fill gourds after that."
"It was heavy." Chiyoko let out her breath in a rush, sinking down onto the ground. "But I think Aki-kun is right. We should be fine for the night, Taichou, with what we've brought now. The spring runs pretty freely and the water seems very clean – so we should be all right."
"And we have plenty of fruit, Ukitake-kun." Hirata put in. "Edogawa-san, Kira-kun and I managed to gather plenty, so maybe we should start to divide it out."
"You can't call him Ukitake-kun, not when it's official." Ryuu glared at him. "Address him properly, Hirata! He's Ukitake-taichou until this exercise is ended!"
"But...just now we were..."
"That's neither here nor there." Ryuu said coldly. "When we are on duty, he is your Captain...how will you ever enter the Gotei if you cannot understand that fact?"
"Kuchiki?" Juushirou's voice prevented Hirata from answering, and Ryuu stiffened, turning to eye his classmate warily.
"Yes...Taichou?"
"Don't bully your subordinates, please." Juushirou's tones were even, but they held a faint warning note. "We were off-duty before, Hirata - but now we're not. So try and remember, okay? I don't mind, but Sensei would, if he heard. Ryuu-kun might not have said it in a very nice way - but he is right about that."
"Ryuu-kun again." Ryuu muttered, and Juushirou smiled.
"As Captain, I think I can call you that." He said matter-of-factly. "Besides, right now we've got the more pressing matter of dividing up our evening meal so that everyone gets a fair and even ration. From tomorrow, we'll have to see what we can do about building a more permanent shelter – but for the time being, let's replenish our energy and get some rest. Sensei…I mean, Sou Taichou wants to see how well we can survive out here on our own – let's work together and make sure we don't let him down!"
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Author's Note: ACK!
Thank you so much to DragonSabre for pointing out that I am a complete idiot. This is the first time it's happened xD thanks to FFnet's lack of acknowledgement of prologue chapters. All my chapter numbers are one behind the chapter number FFnet thinks it is, so this time I missed one out (no wonder people were a tad confused by what was going on...)
They're corrected now. Chapter Ten is Nemesis, Chapter Eleven is Hanako and I'll be updating with chapter twelve soon. Please go back and read the proper chapter 10 if you want to know how they got from camp to suddenly being in the wilderness
Once more, my apologies for being stupid. It's been a busy couple of weeks (flops)