Chapter Eighteen: Juushirou's Sword
"I see."
Genryuusai rested his arms on his desk, eying Juushirou with thoughtful dark eyes that glittered beneath the old man's thick, bristling eyebrows. For a moment there was silence, as Juushirou had the impression his teacher was reading his aura carefully and sizing up his situation. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"I'm glad that Kuchiki had the foresight to bring you to me." He said quietly, casting Ryuu a brief glance. "His judgement seems to be correct. I'm happy that you have classmates you choose to confide in – and ones who give you sound advice."
"Do you think Ukitake is manifesting his sword, Sensei?" Ryuu asked curiously, and Genryuusai nodded.
"There seems a good possibility that that is the case." He agreed. "And if that is so, then the sooner we act on it the better. Why did you not come to me at once, Ukitake? You know, I think, that we have discussed in brief these fish before. You have been aware of them all the more of late – why would you not, then, speak to me?"
"I…" Juushirou reddened, and Ryuu frowned.
"Ukitake was afraid that the fire at camp was his fault, Sensei." He said evenly. "Because he was dreaming about storms and lightning, and then lightning struck the trees."
"Ryuu-kun!" Juushirou's eyes widened in dismay, and Ryuu shrugged.
"I already told you that it was silly to think that way." He said frankly. "And if it bothers you, Sensei should know about that, too."
"I see." Genryuusai's eyes became grave. "So you had a dream that coincided directly with events at the camp?"
"S…sort of, Sensei. Yes." Juushirou spoke softly, and Genryuusai sighed.
"You are aware that such a thing might be coincidence?" He asked lightly, and Juushirou nodded.
"Yes sir. Shunsui's said so, and Ryuu-kun, too. But…"
"You still don't think so?"
"I…my fish were speaking to me." Juushirou shook his head. "It worried me…that somehow…I…"
"Stand very still, Ukitake." The old man got to his feet, resting his hands on his student's shoulders as he met the young boy's anxious gaze. "Close your eyes and visualise for me, if you will, the things you saw that night in your dream."
"Sensei…?" Juushirou stared.
"My instructions are quite clear." Genryuusai said firmly. "There is no danger. Do as you are bidden."
"Yes, sir." Juushirou swallowed hard, but obediently closed his eyes, dragging together scraps of his memory as he tried to rebuild the world in his dream.
At first he could not, then, faintly he felt the swishing of waves and the soft drumming of water against his wits as little by little reiatsu encompassed his senses. Somewhere in the background, he was faintly aware of the familiar silhouettes of two fish, jumping and diving beneath the salty blue expanse that stretched out before him.
There was no storm today. Everything was peaceful. Yet even as the colours in his mind became more vivid, he felt Genryuusai tap him firmly on the arm.
"Enough." The gruff tones instructed, and with some difficulty Juushirou forced himself back, opening his eyes and blinking momentarily as he tried to regain his wits.
The old man was regarding him thoughtfully, and another moment of silence passed between them. Then he stepped back, nodding his head.
"Kuchiki, you are dismissed." He said quietly. "You should not speak of this to anyone until Ukitake is once more among you and able to say for himself what he does and doesn't want discussed. This matter is private to him, after all – a fact which I am sure as a Kuchiki you fully understand."
"Yes, Sensei." Ryuu cast Juushirou a concerned look, then nodded his head. "I will not speak a word of it to anyone."
"Then you can go. And thank you once again – I am proud of you that you have grown so far as to give your classmate such sound and reasoned advice."
"Yes, Sensei." Ryuu flushed slightly at the praise, bowing towards the teacher before withdrawing from the study. As the door clicked behind him, Juushirou eyed the old man in trepidation.
"You sent him away because you didn't want him to hear something, Sensei." He murmured. "What is it? What's happening to me that you don't think even my friends should know?"
"You shouldn't look so frightened." Genryuusai gazed at him, a faint smile just visible beneath the heavy white moustache. "It is not my policy to discuss zanpakutou spirits with students except in privacy – not yet, at least. I wished to speak to you alone – there is no reason for you to be alarmed by it."
"Oh." Juushirou felt the tension seep out of him, and he looked sheepish. "I'm sorry – I guess I didn't think about it like that."
"Juushirou, the first day we met, you mentioned these fish. I have not forgotten it, even now." Genryuusai became serious. "At that point I could not, clearly, make them out in your aura. Only that there was a power there – an entity beginning to come into focus but still some way beyond your grasp. It has not escaped my notice, however, that of late your reiatsu has begun changing. And just then, I felt it clearly. Two consciousnesses within your own – the fish that you refer to as In and You."
"Yes, sir." Juushirou bit his lip.
"This is not an uncommon occurrence." Genryuusai continued, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "On the contrary, I have encountered this many times in the years I have been training and guiding youngsters in the arts of becoming Shinigami. I might have worked with your mother, in fact, had your Grandfather not preferred his daughter to be a wife and mother rather than a defender of Soul Society. What you are experiencing is a natural progression of beginning to train your spirit power with serious intent. You shouldn't be alarmed by it or try to hide it. It is entirely normal and quite what I expected to happen when we had that conversation some time ago."
"Ryuu-kun said that it wasn't strange, either. But I don't have any experience with this, so it's strange to me." Juushirou admitted. "I was afraid – I'm still afraid. I don't really understand it – or some of the things they say to me. And…and…"
He faltered, and Genryuusai eyed him keenly.
"Something else?" He asked softly, and Juushirou nodded, suddenly knowing that he needed to tell the aging instructor everything he could.
"I feel like it's attacking me from the inside." He murmured. "That I'm walking around and doing things like normal but…it's not normal, deep inside. I don't know how to explain it, Sensei, but…it's how I feel. When you…just then…I wondered if maybe you felt it too? And maybe…if you did…you could tell me what's going on?"
"Ah. I see." Genryuusai's eyes became grave. "Then you are aware of that as well. I see."
Juushirou bit his lip, waiting for his companion to continue, and at length the old man sighed.
"You are too perceptive, but I'm not surprised." He admitted. "Yes, you are right. Your spiritual power exceeds your physical one and at present your body is failing more than it has before. You've noticed more quickly than I thought you would – that your current stable health is more illusory than any of us would like. But that still is not a reason to panic, Juushirou. It does not mean you are yet in danger of your life."
"I'm…not?" Juushirou looked doubtful, and Genryuusai shook his head.
"Those spirits that guide you know it, probably, as well as I do." He agreed. "Your body is weak already – weaker still because it is overloaded by the pressure of keeping all this power under wraps. But if you can bring that power under your control and relieve that pressure – the burden on your body will ease. More, the two things will begin to work in harmony with one another. Your weakness will, in effect, start to become your strength."
He sighed.
"There is no cure for your disease. I have spoken in great detail to Retsu-dono about that, and she has assured me that while she can treat and support you, she cannot cure you." He said heavily. "I find this a great pity, because it means that in some way that weakness will always be there, trying to hold you back. But nonetheless, Juushirou, I want you to continue looking forward. I did not bring you to my Academy to let you fade and die. The question is – why did you agree to come here, even despite your weak health?"
Juushirou hesitated for a moment, then he smiled slightly, reassured by the old man's matter of fact words.
"So that I could help to protect people like my family. So people like my Father wouldn't die having to fight Hollows without any kind of proper training to back them up." He said softly. "Because I'm fed up with being just a burden, Sensei…I want to be useful and if I have a talent, well, I want to be able to use it."
"Then you will almost certainly be a Shinigami." Genryuusai sat back, seemingly pleased with this response. "With a will like that, my boy, I have absolutely no doubts whatsoever. I have never regretted bringing you here – and I'm glad that you don't seem to regret coming."
"I don't." Juushirou agreed fervently. "Since I've been here, I have found a…a purpose. And I…I've been confused a lot lately, but I should have come…you would have explained this sooner, and I wouldn't have had to worry so much about it. Shunsui was right – that I'd be more of a burden if I hadn't decided to ask for help. I'm sorry, Sensei. I promise that in future I'll try hard to think of that more clearly before making my decisions."
"No path is an easy one. I won't tell you that it is." Genryuusai warned. "And I told you right at the beginning – your path would be a more difficult one than most. There is a fine line with health like yours – your weakness and your strength pulling you in opposite directions. And you are still very young and inexperienced. I have never had a second year student enter this phase before…it is as new to the Academy as it is new to you. But with things as they are, I don't feel there is any real choice. Your reiryoku will outpace you otherwise. We have to take action and fight back before it does."
"Y…yes, Sensei."
"Don't look so worried." Genryuusai smiled. "It will be difficult, but you are a hard worker and a dedicated one. Therefore I do not think you will be one of those who fail to hear their spirit's true name. I think you will be one who succeeds."
"Ryuu-kun also said that there aren't usually two spirits. But In and You are definitely two voices." Juushirou twisted his hands together. "I suppose…that worried me too."
"Technically speaking you have only one zanpakutou spirit, Juushirou." Genryuusai settled himself back behind his desk, eying his companion pensively. "The manifestation of it is interesting – two voices and two ways of reaching through to your subconscious. I can't deny that – to the untrained individual at least – there appear to be two separate spirits. But even the names they gave you tell you otherwise. They are In and You. Two halves of balance. They are two, but they are two which join together in one. Twin spirits, perhaps – that seems a fitting analogy since their connection to one another is undeniable and probably unbreakable. Tell me, Juushirou – have you ever encountered a time when one was present without the other?"
"No, Sensei." Juushirou was surprised. "In fact…in fact, I think You once said…that they were always together. And they do talk…about their true name. As though it belongs to both of them. Not just one or the other."
"That is what I thought." Genryuusai smiled. "Your sword is probably one physical entity, just as mine is and those belonging to others you have already met. However, your strength is unusually potent, and appears to have two main facets instead of simply the one. Your mental illusions of storm and sea are not accidental. I very much suspect that your spirit power manifests in both of those areas – not simply in one like most people's swords do."
"So In and You are…storm and sea?" Juushirou murmured. "Within…one sword?"
"Time will tell whether or not I'm correct." Genryuusai stroked his beard once more. "But that would be my suspicion. Yes."
He frowned.
"The matter of the camp fire indicates, however, that the sooner we take this in hand the better." He added. "Your sword spirits have not told you their collective name yet – and the first step is to train you to a level where you can receive that information and use it without losing your control."
Juushirou's eyes widened, colour draining from his thin features as he interpreted Genryuusai's meaning.
"Then…Sensei…you think that I really did…?"
He trailed off, and Genryuusai shrugged.
"Kuchiki is young and intelligent, but cloaked in the bias of the Clan. For him to perceive anyone below his family to attain that kind of power is probably unthinkable, even despite his obvious fondness for you." He said frankly. "I have no such delusions. Every so often in my life I have encountered an individual in the Districts with spirit power to rival and even top the strength of the strongest Clansmen. Politics and pressure have prevented me so far from bringing one through a full training program and seeing them reach their final potential. But it is there, nonetheless. The proof that spiritual prowess isn't all in the bloodline."
"But…my mother…"
"Kuchiki Raiko was strong, yes." Genryuusai said gravely. "But there is a reason she died when you were born. That reason is simple, Juushirou, and I will say it frankly as I do not believe in shielding those on the cusp of adulthood. The power she was called on to suppress was greater than her own power. She used all of what she had to seal yours inside of you so that you could breathe and live and grow to the person you are now. That was her choice and her sacrifice – not your fault or your curse. But Raiko knew you were stronger than she was. Even without knowing all the history, I'm sure of that fact. Because I trained Raiko, and I knew her strengths as well as I know yours. And while I was proud to be her sensei for the short time I had her under my tutelage – she was nothing compared to the potential you wield inside of you."
Juushirou swallowed hard.
"Then…"
"Your spirits were probably first raised that day you were born, guarding and protecting you until you were at a level where you could see and reach them." Genryuusai nodded his head. "And that power your mother sealed away…bit by bit as you use it, its true nature is returning. Those spirits have watched over you, and when they've felt it necessary, they've given you a taste of what you can do. But as yet you're not strong enough to use all of that without it doing you serious harm. That was the true reason that I warned you before you even came here. That I could train you to Gotei level. But that if you were half-hearted, it might kill you."
"I remember."
"Then so long as you are not half-hearted, you will not fail. And if you do not fail, your life will not be put in peril. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir. I think so."
Juushirou wetted his lips.
"Then I did set fire to that tent?"
"I don't hold you responsible for that action, no."
"But…"
"Your spirit power may have caused it. You are certainly, potentially, strong enough to wield that kind of magic and I have also heard the story of the storm that split the sky the day you were born…the day Raiko saved you." Genryuusai shrugged. "But then we are talking about a storm that broke through the powerful barrier spell of an experienced Kidou master – I wonder if a junior student with so little training could manage such a thing?"
He smiled, and Juushirou had the impression that not only did the old man believe him responsible, but that he was also somehow proud of the fact. But Genryuusai was still speaking, so with some difficulty, Juushirou forced his attention back on his mentor's words.
"Either way, the storm happened without your active knowledge. Therefore, whatever caused it, it is not your fault. What is more important now that we review your training in a completely different light. Your surging potential remains largely untapped and idle strength causes untold problems. We've reached the point where it's time to start tapping it."
"Tapping…it?" Juushirou eyed his companion nervously. "Sensei, what do you…?"
"Tell me, my boy. Do you think there have been any times – other than your birth – when your spirit power really ranged free and unfettered through your body?" Genryuusai asked quietly, and Juushirou frowned. Slowly he nodded his head.
"Yes." He admitted. "When…when Father died. Something happened…when I saw that Hollow…for the first time. The time I was ill and my hair turned white…I think that was the first time I really realised I had power at all, and it took me a long time to come to terms with that. And…"
"And?" Genryuusai interjected gently, and Juushirou sighed.
"When I rescued Shunsui in the forest." He said reluctantly. "From the Hollow, when he went to find Megumi last summer."
"Yes. I see. Quite interesting." The old man looked thoughtful. "Both instances involved the appearance of a Hollow - and your reaction was a natural defence one. To protect yourself and those around you - a very apt Shinigami reaction, if I may say so."
"But both times I wound up collapsing and becoming a burden instead." Juushirou whispered. Genryuusai nodded.
"And that is where your control is lacking." He agreed. "Probably, in those instances, the flare of power was stopped by some sense of self-preservation inside of you. Both of those events correlate to your speaking to your fish in some way, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then you must open yourself to their advice and allow them to guide you without fear." Genryuusai said categorically. "Of course, it must be managed without error. You are after all only just beginning to work with a sword. As I said, it is an unprecedented situation. And as such, must be handled carefully."
"Sensei?" Juushirou felt a sense of trepidation creep through his body, and Genryuusai folded his wizened hands in front of him.
"You will undergo additional training." He said quietly. "I will arrange that you sacrifice, for the time being, your Ouyoudou classes as they currently stand. You have moved beyond their level at frightening speed and without further guidance teaching you in that vein may prove to be harmful to those around you."
"But...as you said, Sensei, I've only just started fighting with an asauchi! There are several people in my class who are better with swords than me!"
"Yes, perhaps that's the case." Genryuusai nodded. "But you are now at a point where you are training with the specific goal of zanpakutou summoning in mind. For that, you need specialised, individual training of a one-to-one nature. It is something that all fourth year students and up begin - you are simply starting early and therefore we have to think again."
"I see." Juushirou rubbed his temples, suddenly feeling tired. "So who will teach me, Sensei? Minabe-sensei...?"
"Minabe is a skilled fighter but she does not have a zanpakutou." Genryuusai shook his head. "Besides, she and the other teachers do not have that kind of time to spare at present."
"Then...?" Juushirou stared, and Genryuusai smiled.
"Often it is the role of Senior students who have passed that stage in their training to become mentors and sensei for their juniors." He explained. "They who have learnt recently enough prove to be excellent teachers and it is valuable experience for both pupils. In your case, too, you are fortunate in that currently this school has one of the best young shikai users I've taught since the Academy opened. And he, like you, began training with his sword before he reached his fourth year. I will arrange for him to take you as his deshi - and you will work with him until further notice."
"With a...Senior?" Juushirou's eyes widened, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Nagoya Shirogane." He agreed, and Juushirou gaped.
"Nagoya-senpai?" He murmured. "But Sensei, Nagoya-senpai doesn't...he thinks I...He..."
"Nagoya Shirogane is exceptionally talented in the field of zanjutsu and has excellent management of his shikai, even now. When he is able to graduate, it will be to take high office in Sixth District's squad." Genryuusai said quietly.
"But he might...not want to train me. Because...I..."
"Because you're District?"
"Y...yes sir."
"I doubt that very much."
Genryuusai dismissed this with a flick of his fingers.
"If Nagoya intends to be an adjutant, he will benefit from training you too. That kind of experience he hasn't had so far, and it's something he needs more than anything now in order to graduate with the honours and prospects his talent deserves. Besides, it's not a case of want or not want. You have need and he is the best candidate at present to fulfil it. I don't intend on either of you choosing whether or not to work together. As a senior and Anideshi, Nagoya will know that this is his duty and will undertake it accordingly. And you must show him deference and obedience and listen well to what he says."
"Y...yes, Sensei."
"He is a proud boy, and sharp-tongued, at times." Genryuusai relented slightly, meeting Juushirou's gaze. "And doubtless he will not be easy on you. But despite those things I think he is the best person to train you at present. There is much you can learn from him."
He spread his hands.
"I will speak to him myself, and we will arrange things accordingly to fit around your timetable, since as a Senior his is much more fluid." He added. "You will be continuing your other classes as normal for the foreseeable future. Anything else can be left in my hands to organise - for the time being, you may go and rejoin your classmates."
"Yes, Sensei."
Juushirou bowed his head, then withdrew from the study, his head still whirling from the conversation.
Sensei can help me. It is dangerous, and it will be hard work. And…and if I have to train with Nagoya-senpai, I can guess that won't be easy either. But Sensei knows. He knew before. And Shunsui was right. I really don't have to deal with this on my own. It's not like protecting my family from it – Sensei's someone who knows all about Shinigami things and I…I guess I'm just another student he wants to see succeed. I'm not out of his depth – I should have gone to him right away, but now at least I know how things are. I must thank Ryuu-kun, when I get back to the others. If he hadn't have pushed me to, I probably wouldn't have gone. But now I have…even though nothing has changed yet…I feel so much better.
He turned onto the main corridor, hesitating as he caught sight of a familiar figure coming in the opposite direction. For a moment he faltered, unsure what to do, and she did likewise, consternation and apprehension in her soft grey gaze.
At length, she bowed her head.
"Good morning, Ukitake-kun." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Slowly and almost jerkily, Juushirou echoed the movement, and Mitsuki offered a faint, feeble smile before darting past him and along the hall towards the Principal's office. For a moment Juushirou stared after her, disliking the empty sensation such a cold and hollow meeting had left inside of him.
But this was how I asked for her to be. This was what I wanted. Why, then, should I be so unsatisfied by it?
He sighed, shaking his head as if to clear it.
Maybe in the end Shunsui is right. Annoying as it is, perhaps he does know more about this than I do. It's not like I've ever had those kinds of feelings for anyone before, so I wouldn't know, most likely, even if it did rear up in my face.
He turned, making his way resolutely once more towards the student common room, where he was sure Ryuu would have headed after being dismissed.
But, even if I do, it's not like it changes anything. Sensei is one thing, and Nagoya-senpai too. But Edogawa-san is my classmate and no more experienced in these things than I am. If I keep letting her help me, sooner or later it'll get to the point where I cause her problems or even put her in real danger. I won't risk that. And I think…maybe she understands it now. Perhaps that was Shunsui, too – he did say he'd calmed her down. Perhaps I owe him a thank you as well…it's not his fault, after all, if things are awkward.
Maybe they always will be, now, between Edogawa-san and I. I'll just have to get used to it, I suppose.
"Ukitake!"
As he pushed open the door of the common room, Ryuu was on his feet, and at his friend's anxiety, Juushirou managed a smile, raising his hand to acknowledge the greeting as he made his way over towards the young Kuchiki. As was becoming more and more common, Ryuu was not alone – for Enishi and Kai were playing shougi with Hirata and Shunsui watching and making comments from time to time. That they had been not only gathered together deliberately but that they had been waiting for him did not escape Juushirou for one moment, and at this silent show of support, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
My friends, no matter what happens. That's the message, isn't it? Thank you, Ryuu-kun. Even though Sensei made you promise not to tell my secrets – you still thought about it enough to gather everyone together. Even Kai-kun – even knowing how you feel about him. You have no idea, but right now you could not have done anything better.
"You were a long time." As he dropped down among them, Hirata cast him a concerned look. "Is everything all right? Kuchiki-kun said that we should wait here for you, but wouldn't tell us what you'd gone to speak about."
"He was pacing the carpet, but wouldn't tell us anything to put our minds at rest that you weren't in some kind of trouble." Kai added, sweeping one of his pieces across the board and trapping Enishi's in a final gesture of victory. "There, Houjou. That's you done for the third time in a row."
"Guess it is." Enishi admitted good-naturedly. "But Ukitake's here now, so it's about time we stopped playing."
"I'm not in trouble." Juushirou shook his head. "It's not about that. And Ryuu-kun couldn't tell you because Sensei said it was up to me to do that – if I wanted to."
"And do you want to?" That was Shunsui, a question in his dark eyes, and slowly Juushirou nodded.
"I do." He admitted. "Because even though none of you can do anything about it – I…like to know that you're at least behind me. A lot's going to happen, after all. I'd rather know that…well…I wasn't doing it alone."
"Well, that's a given." Enishi said frankly. "That's why we waited. But if you're not in trouble – what's going on?"
Juushirou paused, gathering his thoughts for a moment. Then he grinned, looking rueful.
"I've heard my zanpakutou spirit." He said softly. "And Sensei thinks that, with my weak constitution, the sooner I start working to control it the better."
"Zanpakutou?" Kai's eyes almost fell out of his head. "But…as a second year? And…like this?"
"Yes." Juushirou nodded. "I know – it seems crazy to me too. But the truth is…I haven't only just started to hear them. I just didn't realise till now that that was what it was. It started when I was fifteen – only it's happening a lot more lately and I'm having more trouble confining my spirit power and keeping abreast of it all. With my haibyou, Sensei doesn't want to take risks. He says, basically, that if it's there now, I should work with it. And well, whatever else I need to learn I guess I'll just have to do as and when I can."
Enishi let out a low whistle.
"That's fourth year work." He said, impressed. "And you're a second year. Way to go, Ukitake."
"It's sort of ironic." Ryuu admitted. "That of all of us gathered here, representatives of various Clans, it is Ukitake who is District that first begins to train in this way."
"No, I don't think it's ironic." Shunsui shook his head, and at his tones, Juushirou eyed him sharply. He did not seem as surprised as the others, and inwardly the District boy wondered if his friend's uncanny sense of awareness had given him an insight even before Juushirou had known it for himself. "There's nothing to say District children can't do it. It's just that they've never had the chance before. That's the difference. And the Academy is only ten years old. There have been hundreds upon thousands of Shinigami who've trained outside of the Academy and summoned their swords before they even reach eighteen. Juu's not so unusual really. Even if he will be seen that way – everyone develops at their own pace."
"That's true. My sister summoned hers at sixteen." Kai acknowledged. "But she was trained into the ground by Uncle before that point. I suppose you're right, Kyouraku – but even so…"
"But it doesn't change anything." Hirata said firmly, meeting Juushirou's gaze with a serious one of his own. "None of us really know what will happen, but even so, all of us are on your side, Ukitake-kun. Even if you have to train by yourself."
"It won't be by myself." Juushirou pulled a face. "Sensei's already decided on my shishou – which tells me that he knew all about this long before I did."
"Minabe?" Kai asked, and Enishi shook his head.
"Minabe doesn't have a zanpakutou." He responded. "It can't be her."
"No. It isn't." Juushirou sighed. "It isn't a sensei at all. Apparently it's tradition for a Senior with release capabilities to take on this kind of training in a junior. And that means…in my case...Nagoya-senpai."
"Oh boy." Shunsui's eyes glittered with amusement. "Then I'll offer my sympathies now. That in itself is going to be rough."
"There is nothing wrong with Shirogane-senpai." Ryuu looked insulted. "On the contrary, his ability is well renowned even by Guren-sama."
"But he hates District kids. Actually, he seems to hate most people, but especially District ones." Shunsui said frankly.
He cast Juushirou a glance.
"But that being said, he might find he's met his match this time." He observed thoughtfully.
Juushirou sighed.
"It wouldn't be my choice, but Sensei is decided and that's that." He admitted. "Still, I feel a little better now. Having told him, having told you all – I don't think I'm as worried as I was. Thank you, Ryuu-kun."
He offered the startled Kuchiki boy a grin.
"Your advice was exactly right, and I appreciate it."
"You need not thank me." Ryuu returned the grin with an awkward smile of his own. "We are friends, and such things are therefore natural, are they not?"
"I suppose that means you might actually sleep tonight." Shunsui said wryly, and Juushirou nodded.
"I hope so." He owned. "I haven't, really – not properly, since camp. I'm more tired than I ought to be – maybe tonight I'll catch up on that. I guess I've been worrying a whole lot."
"Which is why I told you not to worry on your own." Shunsui grinned at him, and Juushirou returned it sheepishly.
"More good advice that I eventually decided to follow." He said ruefully. "Thank you for that as well, Shunsui."
"Don't mention it." Shunsui winked at him. "Like Hirata said – we're here, so make use of us – whatever way you can."
"He'll need us to patch him back together after Nagoya's done with him." Enishi said decidedly. "I know he's your kinsman, Kuchiki, but Kyouraku's right. He doesn't like District and he doesn't mind who knows it. Training under him is gonna be more than half the battle – after that, summoning the damn sword should be a piece of cake."
"I don't know about that." Despite himself, Juushirou stifled a smile. "But I intend to work my hardest anyhow. Maybe if Nagoya-senpai sees that I'm going to take it seriously and do my best, he'll be easier to work with. At least, that's my hope. Because Sensei said it wasn't a matter of choice – so whatever our Anideshi throws at me, I'll just have to do my best to be equal to from hereon in!"
"Where is he!"
As the lashes of the whip sliced once more through the air, the guardsman repeated his demand, pacing across the room impatiently and bending his head to meet the prisoner's gaze.
"Don't stare at me as though you don't understand my words! This isn't a game, you Urahara scum – speak, or you'll be cut to ribbons where you stand!"
There was silence, as the bound man simply turned his head away, and angered, the guard brought the back of his hand sharply across the prisoner's face, the armoured plating of his mail gloves gouging deep into his victim's pale skin.
"For the last time, dammit, tell us! Where is Aizen Keitarou?"
At length, the blooded figure's lips parted, and a low, hoarse chuckle rattled out from the depths of his throat.
"There is no such person." He murmured. "And if there is, I do not know him."
"Lies!" The guard grabbed his companion by the remains of his cropped, black-stained hair, yanking the man's head up with a jerk. "You know who he is. You know where he is! You are protecting him – do you not care at all for your own life?"
No response, and the prisoner stared up at his captor, a mixture of resolve and mocking amusement in his eyes.
This had been going on since dawn, and it was now approaching the middle of the day, yet still Daisuke held firm to his resolve.
He knew already, after all, that he would die here.
And if he was going to die anyway, he would take his secrets to his grave.
I will not betray you, Keitarou. For the sake of our kin, I will not.
The chamber was an old one, tucked away somewhere in the depths of the Endou-ke's current prison quarters yet sealed off from the main cells as though the family preferred to keep matters relating to such violent torture as a private concern. When he had been dragged there that morning, ropes had been slung around his wrists and his ankles and he had been bound to hooks from the ceiling, hanging against his own weight for long enough now that beneath his flesh his left shoulder had already ripped free from the socket and his right was valiantly fighting the same losing battle. The cut of the whip across his back had long since blurred into one ongoing pain as opposed to distinctive lashes, and though he knew the skin was criss-crossed into a mess of bloody pulp, the slick trickles of blood that ran along his back and dripped onto the floor at least providing some cool dampness in the stifling heat of the summer's day. He had been robed only in dirty white prison hakama, stained already from past use, yet the old, crusted brown marks had now been added to by fresh crimson ones – and the fabric was now more red than it had ever been white.
Yes, he would die here. But he was resigned to that. After all, he had expected it to come to this.
A martyr for the exiled Urahara, just as Father and Keitsune-dono and all the others were, a century ago. Just as several of our people have been in recent weeks. I'm prepared to be a martyr. I'm not afraid of death.
The whip came down again, but by now it created more of an adrenalin buzz inside his wounded body than it did add to the level of agony that already encompassed his whole awareness.
Irie and the children were sent far away. They must have made it to District Eight by now. They're safe, so I have no reason to worry. Just keep faith with Keitarou. That's all I have to do now.
Another lash of the whip, and Daisuke closed his eyes as he heard the sound of fresh blood splattering up against the stone walls.
Just succeed, Keitarou. I won't betray you, so use my incarceration to buy time and succeed. Make the Urahara pay. Make the Endou pay. Teach them all exactly what kind of hatred they've unleashed – since the start you've been the only one who can.
"Has he spoken yet?"
The door of the cell banged open, making the guards jump, and Daisuke's eyes flickered open as he made out the hazy form of the Head of the Endou Clan himself, dressed in military garb and with an impatient expression on his harsh, aging features. As he strode across the red-puddled cobbles, the brawny guardsmen shrank back, and Daisuke felt his disdain for them and for their master growing.
A weak man who dominates those who are weaker because he fears progress or innovation. Such a man deserves to die. I'm only sorry that I won't be here to see it, Keitarou, when you finally decide his time has come.
"No, sir. He won't say a word." The man with the whip said now, brushing the beading sweat from his brow. "Just claims he's never heard of him – that Aizen Keitarou doesn't exist."
"Doesn't exist? I see." Shouichi paced across towards Daisuke's suspended form, thrusting his fist upwards and a judder went through the injured man as the rock-hard knuckles made contact with the underside of his jaw. "Well, you're obviously being too soft on him. I didn't send my Lieutenant to help snare him for nothing – you'll kill him at this rate before you break him. Didn't I tell you? This one is not like the others. This one I want kept alive until he talks."
"Then you'll see me live to a riper age than you, old man." Daisuke forced words across his dry vocal chords, shooting Shouichi a look of defiance. "Because I have nothing to say and that isn't going to change. You can break all my bones and slice me into sashimi if you like. If I don't know the answer to your question, I can't answer it."
"You know." Shouichi's eyes became slits, and Daisuke could feel the man's hot breath against his bruised skin as the Clan leader bent closer. "I know when someone is lying, and I can see it in your eyes. Why should you protect a man who's left you for dead? You Urahara are meant to be intelligent. Why, then, take such an irrational path?"
"The only one consigning me to death is you, my Lord Endou." Daisuke's words were soft yet they dripped with scorn and sarcasm. "Since I am in your hands completely, my fate lies with you and your men. Nobody else."
Shouichi balled his fist, swinging it sharply against Daisuke's cheek and the force of it caused his hanging body to swing, pulling once more at the already strained arms. Despite himself, Daisuke could not keep from crying out as his pain threshold was breached for the first time, and a nasty smile touched Shouichi's lips.
"Yes. You understand, now?" He said softly. "I do not play games. If you have any desire left inside of you to live, you have to abide by my terms."
"You will kill me. Or I will die of these wounds." Daisuke replied frankly, dragging a shuddering breath of air into his lungs as pain rocketed through his weakening body. "There is no other fate for an Urahara snared by the Endou-ke. My logic tells me as much, Shouichi-dono. I will die here. Therefore I have no impetus to tell you anything. I will gain nothing either way."
Shouichi stood back, flexing his fingers together as he contemplated the other's words.
"You are as twisted and shrewd in your logic as you were when you worked under my auspices, Kotetsu Daisuke." He reflected. "But even that logic won't save your life – or the life of your kinsman. I am not a fool. I know that, even then, you were his right hand man. You were one in whom he had a certain amount of trust…you are the one person among your kind who might tell me where to find Aizen Keitarou."
"And I say again, I know of no such person." Daisuke spat out defiantly. "I'll say it till I'm hoarse and my vocal chords start to rot. There is no such person. I know of no such person. Aizen Keitarou does not exist!"
Shouichi's thick brows knitted together, and he reached across, grabbing the suspended man by the shoulders and digging his thick fingers deep into Daisuke's wrenched joints.
"Urahara Keitarou." He said blackly. "Son of Urahara Keitsune, creator of the chemical formula known these days as 'reidoku'. Your blood cousin and childhood acquaintance. Tell me where Urahara Keitarou is. I will not play games of semantics with you. Aizen Keitarou. Urahara Keitarou. The two are the same and his whereabouts matters more to me than his chosen identity."
Daisuke met Shouichi's demanding glare with a hooded one of his own, derision still glittering in the depths of his unusual Urahara eyes. For a moment there was silence in the little chamber, then Daisuke snorted, wetting his cracking lips.
"I know him not." He whispered. "Make a martyr of me, Shouichi-dono, for I cannot tell you what you want to know."
Shouichi let out a roar of frustration, pushing his prisoner away from him in his anger, and as agony ripped through Daisuke's lean frame once more, the old man turned to his guards.
"Cut him down. Throw him back in his cell." He said, and at his order, the guards exchanged looks of surprise.
"His…cell, sir?" One of them began, and Shouichi nodded.
"If he will not speak himself, we'll use him another way." He said blackly. "So long as he lives, Aizen will know it. He'll come looking, I'm sure, for his beloved kinsman and friend. So long as Kotetsu Daisuke is alive, we can smoke out Aizen Keitarou."
Despite himself, anxiety prickled through Daisuke's senses as he felt one of the men grab hold of him, the other drawing his sword to sever through the thick rope that held him in position.
Don't come for me, Keitarou. Don't fall into Shouichi's trap. Our goal is more important than my life. Don't let sentiment get the better of you. I'll die here, so you can continue. Make sure that you succeed…for all of our sakes.
Another long and boring day.
Nagoya Shirogane turned over the page of his book, scanning the kanji columns idly without taking anything much in. Several of his fellow Seniors were hard at work on a Sakusen assignment, but for him such worries were a thing of the past. He had, after all, passed his final exams already – and therefore was not required to continue attending the classes for a second time. In fact, he reflected bitterly, his entire presence there was more than a little pointless. If not for the obstinacy of powerful Clansmen, he would have long since left the Academy behind.
"Sensei's calling for you, Gin-chan."
A voice broke through his idle contemplation at that moment and he shut his book with a snap, glaring up at the intruder with a look of indignation in his slate grey eyes.
"Ooh, someone's cross-patchy today." The girl did not seem at all perturbed, merely offering him a grin as she reached over to tweak his long tail of hair playfully. "Did you get up on the wrong side again, or something? Or is the kanji so-o-o hard for you in that book that you need a-a-all your genius concentration to follow it through properly?"
"Get out of the way, Meroka." Shirogane pushed her back, dropping the book down on the unit with a thump to emphasise his point. "And for the last time, don't call me that. This isn't the Main House and I'm not four years old any more. All you do is cause me a headache – and I don't need it."
"Aw. All this responsibility has made you sulky." Meroka's eyes twinkled with amusement. "But to me you'll always be Gin-chan – no matter how many centuries you live or how fearsome you become with that blade of yours."
Shirogane sighed, forcibly keeping a hold on his temper as he resisted the urge to grab her two long braids of hair and pull them as hard as he had done when they had been small children running around the Kuchiki estate. Though only first cousins, the chronic ill health of Shirogane's mother had meant they had grown up almost like siblings, and despite a year's gap between them, they had been enrolled at the Academy at the same time. Meroka had been charged with 'looking after' the budding pride of the Kuchiki, much to Shirogane's chagrin – and despite their close childhood proximity to one another, he had often felt over the years that the other side of Seireitei would not be far enough away from his mischievous cousin's playful attentions.
It wasn't that he hated her exactly. More that he liked her more when he knew she was miles and miles away.
The previous year he had all but escaped, for his Senior class position had separated them quite effectively. But now he had been held back, she had compounded the misery by being promoted at the end of her fourth year – and as a result she had resumed her normal behaviour, driving him almost to the brink of distraction even in the short few months they had been back.
Luck, he reflected bitterly, had definitely not been on his side.
"I had hoped that being promoted to Senior class meant I'd be rid of you." He muttered now.
"Well, you were out of luck." Meroka dimpled unrepentantly. "Since I missed being your classmate so-o-o-o much I worked re-e-eally hard last year to catch you up. And since you stayed on…"
She paused, eying him meaningfully, and Shirogane rubbed his temples.
"You said Sensei wanted me." He said pointedly. "So if that's true, shouldn't you be passing on the message instead of tormenting me like this?"
"Ah. Yes. I suppose so." Meroka sank down on the windowsill, nodding her head. "One of the first year scuttled here with it…he was looking for you, but he seemed scared stiff by the prospect so I said I'd take the memo since I was coming this way a-a-anyway…"
Shirogane arched an eyebrow, and Meroka grinned.
"Well, with the memo, I was." She amended. "Besides, Sensei simply wanted to see you in his office as soon as possible. So I suppose that means you ought to go and see him. Probably he's got some more Anideshi duties to throw on you – you shouldn't be dawdling around here with me when there's work to be done, should you?"
"Get out of my room, Meroka." Shirogane got languidly to his feet. "And don't come back into it, else I'll report you to Sensei myself. Cousins or otherwise, girls are not allowed in boys' rooms and vice versa. This is Anideshi's nest. It's not for you to come barging in at any time of the night and day."
"I don't do that." Meroka pouted. "When you lock the door, I can't get in. And you know, the others have been complaining about that. How they can never get to leave messages with you if your door is always fastened."
"Well, then try not coming in when I unlock the door, and then I won't have to lock it so much." Shirogane snapped. "Now get out and stay out. I'm going to see Sensei. Make yourself useful and tell anyone looking for me where I am and not to bother me – I'll see to whatever it is when I get back."
Without waiting for a response he swept her aside, stalking down the corridor and along the hall towards the stairs that connected the senior wing with the rest of the old manor estate.
As he walked, he forced himself to calm down, realising that if he stormed into the headmaster's study, no matter what the provocation, he would certainly live to regret it.
And no doubt Guren-sama would hear about it, too. Ah, but this is partly his fault! If he'd only trust in me to do what he wants of me now, instead of making me wait it out! So I'm not twenty yet – so what? That's not the end of the world, surely? I'm close enough as makes no difference. And how can he compare leading in a squad to marshalling this gaggle of brats around? There's no comparison. I'm not a babysitter. I swear, much more of it and I'll start to lose my mind completely.
A group of first year students were gathered in one of the stairwells, but at his approach they scattered, exchanging looks of distress as they hurried for the safety of their dormitories. A look of disdain crossed Shirogane's proud features at their reaction, and inwardly he reflected on how each year's intake became more and more pathetic.
District kids, most likely. Diluting the quality of our school, one unwashed miscreant at a time.
At that moment he reached the staff wing, walking briskly along it to the end door that marked the entrance to Genryuusai's own study. He paused for a moment, ensuring he was completely composed, and then lifted his hand, rapping three times smartly on the aging divide. Genryuusai called him in, and slowly he slid the door back, stepping inside the room and bowing towards the school's founder.
"You sent for me, Genryuusai-sensei?"
"Yes, I did. Close the door, Shirogane. And come to the desk."
"Yes, sir."
Shirogane did as he was bidden, coming to stand before his companion and Genryuusai eyed him for a moment before indicating that he should make himself more comfortable.
"I wonder, then, how you are enjoying your second year in Senior Class?"
The question was light and unexpected, and Shirogane started, staring at the old man in confusion.
"Sensei?"
"I know you were not in favour of returning to me this year. Have your feelings changed in the course of the last couple of months?"
"I…" Shirogane pursed his lips, then,
"No, sir." He admitted honestly. "There seems little point in me re-sitting a syllabus that I have already passed with high marks. I have, with respect, completed all of the requirements needed to graduate this Academy. Therefore, in truth, I feel as though I have become a spare part."
"Ah." Genryuusai's moustache twitched slightly, and Shirogane realised his companion's lips had shifted into the faintest of smiles. "Yes, perhaps you have completed all the academic requirements. But you are also aware that there is one other requirement – something that, as yet, you have not managed to achieve."
Shirogane's eyes darkened, and he lowered his head.
"Yes, sir." He said quietly. "Supervision of others. Guren-sama has also said so – hence why I am still a pupil at this school."
"Guren-dono has asked me quite specifically that I am to ensure you understand what that entails. Without it, he will not have you where you are needed most by your Clan and your District." Genryuusai said softly. "Your skills are second to none in the Senior Class. Even last year, you scored third out of seven students in your overall grades and this with having skipped two years to get there. You are an exceptionally talented individual and a Shinigami of whom the Kuchiki-ke will no doubt be very proud. But Guren-dono is a shrewd man as well as a proud one. He wants to know you are everything he needs, not just half. And that is where the Academy comes in."
"Since term began I have done as you asked me, Sensei. I have been Anideshi. I have overseen things. I have done my duties as you ordered." Shirogane said flatly. "But if you expect me to enjoy them…then that is something I'm not sure I can manage."
Genryuusai chuckled, shaking his head.
"Yes, you are still young." He murmured, more to himself than to his indignant student. "But it doesn't matter. I haven't called you here for that purpose, after all. I have a specific assignment for you. A very important one that, if completed successfully, would no doubt convince Guren-dono that you were ready to take up office in the Sixth District's Shinigami division."
"Really?" Faint hope stirred in Shirogane's heart at this. "So I could…if I were to do this assignment…I would not have to finish this year? I mean, my academic grades being as they are…"
"You are only here until you prove to both Guren-dono and to myself that you are capable of being in command." Genryuusai said simply. "You have already graduated on all academic levels. There is no need for you to repeat what you already know."
"Then…you would let me…graduate? If I did this task…you would…"
Shirogane's mind was whirling, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Guren-dono will not have you before you reach twenty." He replied. "But that is not too far away, not now. If you were to complete a task of this nature, I think that he would consider accepting you – and I would have no qualms about letting you go."
"Then I…I suppose the task isn't an easy one?" Shirogane's brows knitted together.
"Perhaps not." Genryuusai admitted. "But even so, it is possibly the best and only chance you will get to prove yourself. Turning it down would be an indication that you have not reached that level of training maturity – so I think…you will have to accept it either way."
"Then will you tell me what it is, Sensei?"
"I will." Genryuusai nodded. "There is a student in the second year who has begun to communicate with his zanpakutou spirit. I wish you to take him as your deshi and train him until he reaches such a point that he can bring it under his control."
"Train a student? To release level?" Shirogane stared, then, "Wait…Sensei…did you say…a second year?"
"I did." Genryuusai was quite calm.
"But…but surely…even I…was…"
"Yes. It's unusual, but without a doubt this is the situation." Genryuusai nodded. "As you awoke yours early, so he has awoken his. As someone else who understands that jump, I think you are the best person to train him. Besides, time is of the essence. He is very powerful, but also…potentially very weak. This development has most likely come early because of his other shortcomings. It took you a full year to master shifting your sword in and out of shikai release, and it was only by the end of last year that you really had honed the techniques that release can produce. That, of course, is the shortest length of time any student should expect devote to such a thing. However, I don't think…this will take so long. In truth, I don't think it will take long at all. The first communication happened three years ago, after all – it is only now that the full implication of that event is making itself known. The truth is that the speed of it in itself may yet prove dangerous – because at present he is far from ready to receive such a sudden up-thrust in power."
Shirogane's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"May I ask, Sensei, who this prodigy might be?" He questioned softly, and Genryuusai smiled.
"Ukitake Juushirou." He said simply, and Shirogane's lips thinned.
"The District boy." He muttered, and Genryuusai nodded his head.
"As you say." He agreed. "But in this particular instance, I think that to be irrelevant. Don't you?"
Shirogane was silent for a long time. Then, at length, he nodded.
"Very well." He said quietly. "I understand your order, Sensei. I accept the task you've asked of me. If I can train a District boy to shikai, then Guren-dono must recognise that I am ready to serve in his squad as Vice Captain. Therefore for that reason, I will work with this Ukitake."
"He has a weak constitution, but even so, you must help him improve his endurance as best you can." Genryuusai warned. "There is a fine line between success and failure with most zanpakutou – and I do not want this one to be a failure. But in his case, the stakes are much higher. You have a limited amount of time before the spirit power he has overwhelms him completely. That means an intensive course of training…are you willing to undertake that?"
"Yes sir. I will."
"Then so long as he can train, Shirogane, I want you to train him. I have faith in you to succeed – in both of you to succeed."
Shirogane paused for a moment. Then, slowly, he bowed his head in acknowledgement.
"Yes, Sensei." He murmured. "If he's trained by a Kuchiki – there's no likelihood of anything else."
Author's Note: Gin-chan.
Meroka's nickname for Shirogane, 'Gin', is a play on the reading of his name kanji. The name Shirogane is usually written with one kanji, 銀 ,and carries the meaning of 'silver' (literally, I suppose, white-gold). When something is described as being 'silver' in Japanese, however, the word used is generally 'Gin'. The kanji is the same, the reading is just different. Meroka is playing on the dual reading of Shirogane's name, just because it's another way in which she can annoy him.
Ichimaru Gin's name is not spelt with this kanji, but for some reason written just in phonetic katakana letters ギ& ン. (Even despite that, though, his name is also often linked with having the meaning of silver)