Chapter Thirty: Inner Seireitei
So much for modest.
Juushirou examined his reflection in the big, full length mirror, letting out a sigh as he took in his unfamiliar appearance once more.
Since they had returned to the Kyouraku apartments, Tokutarou had quickly given instructions to his servants that Juushirou would be their guest for the night and that they were to acquiesce to his demands as readily as if he were one of the Clan's own people. This had made the District boy a little uncomfortable, yet the men and women had followed the instruction to the letter, no sign of resentment in any of their faces as they had hurried to prepare a suitable guest room and a change of clothes for his short stay in Inner Seireitei. The chamber was not enormous, yet it was generously appointed, wide and spacious and decorated with all the things that, Juushirou reflected, a Noble son of a Clan might require while staying in the heart of the Council stronghold.
He met his gaze in the smooth glass, hardly recognising his own self now that he had changed out of his school uniform and into the simple grey kimono that Tokutarou had provided for him to wear.
"You'll want to bath and change." The nobleman had said, as they had mounted the stairs to the upper floor. "And my people will see to it that you have something fresh to wear in the meantime."
"But my uniform…" Juushirou had protested, but Tokutarou had grinned, shaking his head.
"Give it to one of the maids and they'll have it clean and fresh by the morning." He had said firmly, and so Juushirou had seen nothing for it but to agree. Consequently, bathed and groomed and feeling much less worn around the edges, he found himself still lingering before the mirror, trying to equate the Juushirou he saw there with the Juushirou he had always been.
His straggly white hair was neat and shiny, now, pulled back for the first time in two years into a short tail at the nape of his neck – for somehow Juushirou felt in this environment not a hair could be left out of place. The robes he wore were in muted shades, comprising dark grey hakama and a lighter hakamashita with a collar and sleeves delicately embroidered with darker thread. A paler obi held them together at the waist, and this was patterned with pink and grey in a floral design that, despite its delicacy was somehow both masculine and befitting a Clan who prided itself on its samurai history. It was a far cry from the elegant rose and ash robes that Tokutarou sported – in fact, they were plain and understated in both cut and style and Juushirou was sure that they had been chosen so as to more put him at his ease. Even so, however, he was very conscious of the expensive fabric that had been used to cut the robes into even this basic style – and as he ran his fingers over the smooth surface of his hakama, a rueful look entered his gaze.
Grey suited him, it seemed. For the first time in a long time, he realised, his complexion did not appear as pale as it normally did – and, he added, as he eyed himself critically, he did not seem quite as skinny and undernourished, either. Whether it was an illusion or not, he wasn't sure, for despite his healthy appetite he had always struggled to keep a weight that would stop his stepmother from worrying. But if he was honest with himself, he found he quite liked the impression. For a fleeting moment he wondered what Mitsuki would think of it, and then his cheeks blazed with colour, for he had told himself firmly that he was not pursuing Mitsuki's affections and so such a thing was a redundant question.
Yet somehow he thought that she would like it, too.
A soft knock at the door caused him to turn in surprise and the divide slid back to reveal an impeccably neat maid, who bowed without hesitation towards the Kyouraku's embarrassed guest.
"Ukitake-sama, my Lord Kyouraku has instructed me to tell you that dinner will be served presently in the dining hall and to ask you to join him there when you are quite refreshed."
She spoke softly, with a faint District Eight accent lacing her tones, and Juushirou faltered, trying to work out what the correct response should be.
"Thank you." He said at length. "Will…would you tell T…Tokutarou-sama that I will join him…er…momentarily."
The maid raised her head, meeting his gaze for a brief moment and Juushirou saw a tiny smile touch her lips. She did not speak, however, merely bowing once more and withdrawing from the chamber. Still, Juushirou felt faintly comforted by her reaction. She had understood, even without saying anything, that he was not naturally attuned to this kind of situation.
But, he reflected, he was hungry.
I hope I can remember where Tokutarou-sama said the dining hall was. It's not as though there are many rooms in these lodgings – but it would be embarrassing to take a wrong turn and end up somewhere I should not be.
He frowned, pushing back the door and looking for any sign of the maidservant. She was long gone, however, and he sighed, gazing around him before taking the decision to go left. His choice proved to be correct, for he soon found the main stairs once more, and, from that point, was able to navigate his way to the chamber Tokutarou had pointed out as the dining room on their way in.
The door was open, and he stepped cautiously through it, pausing to take in his surroundings for a moment as he did so. Although it was on a much smaller scale than the great hall at the Academy, it made up for in finesse what it lacked in space, and despite himself Juushirou felt once more that he was somewhat out of his depth.
The walls were panelled, and the grey and pink of the Kyouraku Clan colours snaked across them in delicate floral displays - a show of family allegiance hidden in the beauty of Eighth District's vibrant plant-life. At intervals, small, glittering Kidou lamps in a style Juushirou had never seen made the room seem as bright as if it were daylight, and a long table stretched out across the middle, made of polished wood and decorated with the most ornately fashioned and engraved tableware that Clan money could buy. Along each side of the table were silk-covered cushions, once more delicately stitched in the colours of the Clan - and Juushirou had the impression that although the family's emblem did not appear anywhere in the chamber, there was no mistaking whose territory this was.
He swallowed hard, unsure what to do.
"It's all right. You can go right through." A warm hand on his shoulder and Tokutarou's voice in his ear made him start, swinging around to face the amused eyes of his friend's older brother, and he blushed, obediently stepping into the room so that the other man could pass him.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to block the way...I just..."
"This isn't what you're used to, I imagine." Tokutarou said easily. "It's all right, Juushirou. There's no ceremony here, despite how it might look. Settle yourself wherever you're comfortable. I've never insisted on high class etiquette within my own lodgings - not unless I'm entertaining someone like Kuchiki Guren with a specific Clan goal in mind."
He gestured to the decor.
"All of this has been this way since my Great Uncle's day, and my Father let it fall into some disrepair when he was Gotei." He added. "I've had it restored, simply because sadly in this world outer appearance is important - and it's not easy to entertain a Clan Leader in murky halls. But...I'm much more fond of a good meal in relaxed company, and you shouldn't feel under any pressure this evening. It's just a meal, so take a seat."
"Oh. I see." Juushirou looked sheepish, obediently doing as he was bidden. "I suppose...none of this is really what I'm used to at all. Even at school, everything is kept quite simple. Even within that big manor - it's a lot more...well..."
He paused, scooping up the chopsticks and glancing at them pensively.
"I suspect that I'm about to eat dinner with something that costs more than my entire annual allowance." He said honestly, a rueful glitter in his hazel eyes as he carefully examined the delicately carved implements, running his fingers over the grooves and swirls of the tiny black and pink sakura blossoms that decorated the ends. "And that...is a little bit...intimidating."
Tokutarou chuckled.
"Ah, well, it's good practice." He said comfortably. "Because Shunsui is very keen to have you come to stay with us at some point in the not too distant future. And well, if you can survive this, you'll be all right when you enter District Eight."
"I'm sure I won't know how to do anything, if that happens." Juushirou said slowly. "And I don't want to be an imposition."
"You won't be. Just as you aren't tonight." Tokutarou assured him. "You're not too tired, though? You seem a little less pale than you did before, but..."
"I'm all right." Juushirou nodded. "It's fine, Tokutarou-sama."
He grinned.
"My illness is chronic, but I'm used to it and I know my limits." He added. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm not going to have an attack or anything like that."
"Sorry." Tokutarou looked rueful. "I didn't mean that the way it came out."
Juushirou laughed.
"It's all right." He assured his companion. "And really, so am I."
"Well, it looks like I'm the last to join the party."
The door swung back at that moment, and Juushirou saw a confused Kyouraku retainer being swept aside by a figure in a teal cloak, who offered Juushirou a warm grin and then winked at Tokutarou amiably.
"Sorry, I had some political things to settle up, else I'd have been here sooner. But I'm not too late, it seems, since nobody's served yet. That's good."
"Kyouki-sama." Tokutarou crossed the room to embrace his surrogate mother. "I was starting to wonder when you'd arrive. The food will become cold, and then we won't eat at all."
"Fussy whelp." Kyouki cuffed the Kyouraku clan leader playfully across the back of the head. "Don't be like that, Tokkun, not in front of the young'un. You'll show me some respect, at the very least, I hope - else you'll throw young Juushirou's idea of Clan authority right out the window."
"I think you just did that yourself, Kyouki-sama." Tokutarou rubbed his head ruefully, and Juushirou stared at them, a look of complete bewilderment on his pale features. "I think he's lost for words."
"Ah, I seem to have that effect on people, sometimes." Kyouki seemed unconcerned, unclasping her cloak and tossing it in the direction of the still lingering retainer, who scrambled to catch it without falling over his own feet. "Well, Juushirou. My congratulations once more on today, and I hope you don't mind my inviting myself to the party like this. Only the Council Chamber is not the kind of place anyone can talk about anything - and I was curious. I wanted to have a chance to speak to you in a little bit more of an informal environment."
"Well, this is still quite formal..." Tokutarou reflected, and Kyouki snorted.
"Nonsense. Not now I'm here." She said frankly, casting Juushirou a warm grin as she dropped down to her knees on the cushion opposite. "Well, Juushirou? It's nice to meet you properly at last. You know my name, and I know yours - but aside from the little circus this morning, that's about all. I trust you'll humour a lady's curiosity and let me know a little bit more about you?"
Juushirou gathered his wits hurriedly, nodding his head.
"Y...yes, ma'am." He whispered, and Kyouki laughed.
"No, no being shy around me. It's not allowed." She ordered. "You're not shy around my daughter, after all - are you? Can't see her standing for it, and nor will I. Sora's your friend, isn't she? Well, in that case, you shouldn't be at all apprehensive about me."
"Some might say meeting Sora would be enough for one person." Tokutarou said wryly. "Kyouki-sama, Juushirou's already had a stressful day. This is completely alien to him - please, try not to smother him too much. He doesn't know you as well as I do, yet, after all - and you did just ratify his zanpakutou in full Council splendour."
"Yes, but that was work. This isn't." Kyouki pursed her lips, her green eyes softening as she eyed Juushirou keenly. "You did well, you know. This morning. You faced a difficult trial, and you rose to the occasion. I was very impressed."
"Thank you." Juushirou was startled, and Kyouki grinned.
"The truth is, I've wanted an excuse for a long time to meet you face to face." She admitted. "You know, I think, that my husband is quite involved with the Academy? Well," As Juushirou nodded, "When he told me that in the first year District kids had been allowed to take the guidance tests, one had smashed into the top class...when he told me that, I knew that it we were in for an interesting time. And from all I've been told, I've not been wrong. I have a good amount of respect for Genryuusai-sama and his judgement - his decisions have been borne out many times over the years. And this one...well, I thought it was a matter of time, you know. When I heard that you were his particular protégé...before you started making waves."
She laughed.
"Literally, perhaps, given your sword's nature." She added. "But in all seriousness, this morning I saw something that I'd never seen before. I saw the future that Genryuusai-sama believes in so wholeheartedly. And I knew that, at last, it was going to be a reality."
"I don't know about that." Juushirou reddened, glancing down. "It's kind of you to say so, but I...I'm just one student, and one with a very sketchy understanding of my sword even now. It's just one step...just like Guren-sama said. I have...a long way to go."
"So do we all, I'm afraid." Kyouki sighed. "But to hold firm and react in the face of that crotchety old man - I was proud of you then, I have to admit it. Shouichi-sama is an experienced Clansman and a seasoned warrior. But his views are bigoted and outmoded and they cause unrest in many quarters. You didn't let them phase you - and that showed true strength."
"I don't hate the Endou-ke." Juushirou said simply. "And Shouichi-sama...judged me fairly, in the end, despite his feelings. So...I have no complaints to make. I'm grateful - to all of you. For helping me take that next step."
"He has good manners, doesn't he?" Kyouki glanced at Tokutarou, who nodded, taking his own seat and gesturing for the retainer to go and see to serving the meal.
"Well, I suppose I shouldn't expect low birth to mean a lack of politeness." Kyouki chuckled. "After all, it doesn't always follow that in elite circles, people know how to act. I'm sorry, Juushirou. Forgive me - I didn't mean to be patronising."
"There are...a lot of things I don't really understand about the Clans yet." Juushirou admitted. "Sensei said I should try and learn as much as possible, and I know he's right. But...today told me that there's still a huge gulf between me and them. And while I'm not trying to be equal to Clansfolk...I suppose...I do want to understand them."
"Wise words." Kyouki pursed her lips, her clever eyes becoming grave. "The truth is, Juushirou, our world is no more secure than your own. You know it, I think, because you spend your time now with so many Clan-born youngsters. You've already faced your fair share of scrapes and, I'm glad to say, survived them. But the difference between Clan feuds and District ones is power. With a single stroke, a Clansman can wipe out a whole village or town just because of an imagined insult. That is the world we rule over. And while such things are unthinkable in stable Districts...well..."
"Not all Districts are stable." Tokutarou murmured. "Though you shouldn't be scaring him, Kyouki-sama. Juushirou's still got a way to go before he needs to face those things quite so clearly."
"No...I'd like to know." Juushirou shook his head. "I know people from various Clans and I consider them my friends. But they still have a different outlook from me, and well...now...with Sougyo..."
His expression became resolute.
"It's my duty to be good enough to join the Gotei." He said frankly. "And to do that means to live and work with Clansfolk every day, just as I do now. These things...I need to understand them. I really do. More than I ever have, now."
"He's right, Tokkun." Kyouki inclined her head. "And well said, Juushirou. Though from this morning...I expected as much."
She grinned.
"Sora speaks very well of you in her letters." She added. "And my daughter is friendly as a puppy to all and sundry - but she only gives praise when she feels its due. She likes you a good deal - and so, I understand, does that young rascal Shunsui."
"Shunsui and I are good friends." Juushirou agreed, and Kyouki nodded.
"Good thing too." She said briskly. "He needed common sense thwacking into him from some angle or another. He's an intelligent idiot, that one, and he'll blunder in and out of mischief and trouble if someone doesn't lead him in the right direction. Potentially, of course, he's like his Father...well...in almost all ways...like his Father."
She grimaced.
"Very almost all ways."
"Did...Kyouki-sama...you must have...known Matsuhara-sama?" Juushirou realised.
"Very well, yes." Kyouki agreed. "Since he was married to my blood cousin until her passing. I was also Clan head with the Shiba during that time, so he spoke to me when Tokkun's mother died about taking him to District Five and raising him with my brood. I had no real objection to it, since he was my kin and my family approved of it...but..."
She sighed, shrugging her shoulders.
"No child should've been around Matsuhara, the way he was after his first wife died." She said softly. "Though I wish I could put his actions down to simply grief at her passing - I know it was deeper than that. So did he, I think, because he didn't want his heirs tainted by it. But it was a sad end for such a gifted man. A very sad end indeed."
"I prefer to think of it as a cold blooded murder, rather than anything else." Tokutarou said frankly. "And Juushirou doesn't care about my family's history, Kyouki-sama. Those things are past now. Father is gone."
"No...Tokutarou-sama...if...if it's all right, I...I have a question I wanted to ask." Juushirou said carefully. "About Matsuhara-sama and...his zanpakutou. Because Shunsui's said that...that you have it, still, in your study. But Shunsui doesn't know...what it really was like as a sword. And I thought....Kyouki-sama would have seen it released. And maybe...could tell me about it."
"So you could tell Shunsui?" Kyouki asked, and Juushirou nodded.
"Because he wants to know, I think. But he won't ask you himself." He responded. "He's not like that."
Kyouki chuckled.
"Even in just over a year, you've already got that boy's nature sussed." She said approvingly. "And you're right - I did see it. More, I fought alongside him with it on one or two trips we made to the Real World."
"The...Real World?" Juushirou bit his lip, then, "You've...been there?"
"There, Rukongai, everywhere. Everywhere except the King's palace, and nobody goes there." Kyouki smiled. "Gotei duty, see. That's part of what we do. But yes. I've seen Tensonshin released - that is what you're asking me, isn't it?"
"I suppose so." Juushirou nodded. "If you don't mind...would you tell me?"
"Tokkun, do you have any objections if I do?" Kyouki eyed her kinsman pensively, and Tokutarou shook his head.
"Shunsui talks to his school friends far more than he talks to anyone else." He said resignedly. "And it's not as though I consider there to be any shame in Father's sword. On the contrary, it was quite a proud sword – so be my guest, Kyouki-sama. I have no objection."
Kyouki nodded.
"Then I will." She said, sitting back contemplatively. "Tokkun is right, in the end. It was a proud sword. A very proud sword."
"Surely…a sword to…be proud of?" Juushirou asked, and Kyouki shrugged.
"Yes, but I meant it the way it sounded, too." She said with a grin. "Tensonshin's spirit was – so Matsuhara used to say – demanding and particular. It was probably part of the reason things ended as they did – a highly strung sword and a very sensitive master."
"I see." Juushirou frowned, considering his own fish for a moment, and Kyouki eyed him keenly.
"Well? I'm sure your twin fish have their own personalities, don't they?"
"They do." Juushirou confirmed. "I suppose…I can understand that Matsuhara-sama's sword had one too."
"All zanpakutou have their own character." Tokutarou agreed. "Almost an independent mind, even though they are part of the Shinigami. The longer they've trained together, the more solid that bond becomes – but even then they never lose that independent mind."
"Then I suppose I have double trouble." Juushirou reflected ruefully. Kyouki chuckled.
"Maybe, but at least they can amuse themselves in the meantime." She pointed out. "They can be quite demanding, after all."
She sighed.
"Tensonshin was a truly beautiful zanpakutou, Juushirou." She added, a slight note of wistfulness in her voice. "They say that the sword represents the soul of the master, and if that's so, Matsuhara's soul was also beautiful. In release, the blade shone with what can only be described as a divine light."
"You needn't say things like that about Father because I'm here, Kyouki-sama." Tokutarou sent her a wry smile. "I knew my Father. I loved and respected him – but I wouldn't say his soul was beautiful."
"Really? I think I would." Kyouki looked thoughtful. "That's what broke him, in the end. It was too beautiful for the ugly world he'd been made to live in. Your Grandfather's unpleasant death, your great Uncle's too – his rivalry with his brother, and the infighting in the Clan all tortured him horribly. He was a peaceful man and a peaceful man shouldn't be given a sword and told to fight and kill. That was Matsuhara's tragedy, really. He was ill-fitted for his position – but he was still a good man nonetheless. A peaceful soul is a beautiful soul – so I believe, in any case."
She cast Juushirou a sad smile.
"Shunsui is a lot like him." She added softly. "Though I trust he has a little more of his mother's spirit and will prove a stronger heart in the face of the Gotei's demands."
"I think he will." Juushirou remembered the dorm-room conversation. "He's told me he's made up his mind now. To work hard and take the haori…of his own free will. He wants to help Tokutarou-sama and do his duty, I think – so he told me that that's what he plans to do."
"That makes me relieved." Tokutarou admitted. "He might say as much to me, but I think he's more honest, probably, with you and your companions. You in particular, Juushirou, since you don't have Clan ties and he doesn't have to worry about those things. So if you say it – I'm sure he means it. And that means…maybe I no longer need to worry quite so much about his future path."
At that moment, the doors parted to bring in servants bearing steaming platters of carefully prepared and ornately garnished food – fish, rice, and vegetables of kinds Juushirou had not ever seen before diced and sculpted into particular forms to fit the artistry of the cook. There were at least seven different types of fish present that he could count, plus others so exotic that he could not identify, and he was sure that the rice grains, had he measured them, were each identical in size, colour and length to the one before. There was no basic rations here – no simple o-chazuke or basic grilled fish – but as one man came to pour sake into the carved sakazuki, Tokutarou held up his hand.
"Wait." He said softly, then, "Juushirou, are you accustomed to alcohol?"
"I…not really." Juushirou reddened. "I've drunk it…once or twice. But only in small doses. Father didn't think it was good for me, and…well…at school we…"
He trailed off, and Tokutarou nodded.
"Mugicha?" He suggested, and Juushirou's expression cleared. He smiled.
"That will be fine. Thank you."
"At once, sir." The servant bowed his head, leaving the room and returning a short time later with a vessel of chilled barley tea which he set down at Juushirou's right hand. He bowed again, then withdrew.
"I am an imposition." Juushirou sighed, and Tokutarou shook his head.
"No. I should have thought of it earlier." He said with a grin. "Since it's never a question I have to ask with Shunsui, it slipped my mind."
"Shunsui." Kyouki looked rueful. "I imagine he's more familiar with types of sake than most of us."
"But he doesn't drink as much as he used to, thank goodness." Tokutarou sighed. "And from what Juushirou just said, he seems to save the times he does for the holidays."
"If…can…what kind of power did Matsuhara-sama's Tensonshin wield, Kyouki-sama?" As the meal continued, Juushirou returned the topic to the former matter, pausing to cast the Shiba elder a curious glance.
"Did I not say before?" Kyouki looked surprised, lowering her chopsticks. "I'm sorry. I suppose I got distracted."
She smiled.
"His sword rippled." She said simply. "It resonated."
"I…beg your pardon?" Juushirou stared, and Kyouki laughed.
"Sound and light. Distortion. Reverberation." She explained playfully. "Matsuhara's zanpakutou manipulated the senses. It could cloak him from view, or reflect him multiple times…and it could distort both sound and his reiatsu so that an enemy would think he was in one place when he was in fact in another."
"I…never heard of a sword like that before." Juushirou blinked. "That it could do…all of those things. Like…a hallucination?"
"He called it trickery, but he used it to a high level." Kyouki nodded. "But he disliked the falseness of it – or so he said. The fact his sword made his attacks 'dishonest' – that was how he put it. Tensonshin also had a tremendously sheer blade, after all – and Matsuhara was an incredibly skilled soldier with high level Hohou and Kidou skills t'boot. The enemies he cut down didn't know he was coming until he had already sliced through them – and he didn't like that. So it came to a point where he released his weapon less and less…finally discarding it completely."
"So he considered what he was doing dishonourable." Juushirou murmured. "And since there was no other way to kill Hollows, he…just stopped?"
"Yes…and no." Kyouki was silent for a moment, and Juushirou saw her meet Tokutarou's gaze across the table. Tokutarou sighed.
"It's rumoured that my Father used Tensonshin to end my mother's life." He said quietly, and Juushirou stared, disbelief glittering in his hazel gaze.
"But…Shunsui…he said his Father…would not kill anyone! That…"
"My mother was terminally ill at the time." Tokutarou cut across him, shaking his head. "In the year before she died, she developed a disease that prevented her from walking and, little by little, it ate away at her. By the time she died, she was in almost constant pain – and required a good deal of medication simply to be able to get through the day. My Father…I know he loved my mother. And he never…never spoke of her manner of death to anyone. He would always say that she simply 'fell asleep', and that was all. But it's believed…people believe…that he ended her suffering. That maybe she begged him to and that he took his weapon, hazed her senses and freed her soul."
"I believe it's most likely true." Kyouki sighed. "That was the man Matsuhara was. He could not bear suffering. And she was suffering, Juushirou. She was dear to me – very dear to me, in fact. I've often wished I'd had the courage to do as I believe he did – because I think I could have lived with the guilt and grief of it a lot better. Matsuhara did not believe in death or killing. As I said, he was a peaceful man in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"After she died, I was sent away." Tokutarou added. "I knew it was his wish – that he was afraid for me and that he felt I'd be safest with my Shiba kin. His brother…my Uncle…well, in the end his fears were realised. But after mother's death…"
"He had long since debated hanging up Tensonshin." Kyouki agreed. "And ceasing to fight Hollows. He'd already begun avoiding the Council sessions that he was called to, sending representatives in his place. But I believe he took that blade and released it just one last time. And when he did…he did something that destroyed him completely. Even though he was coerced into remarrying…even though he produced a second heir…Matsuhara lost his soul when his first wife died. And because of it, Shunsui never had a father."
"But he has a brother." Tokutarou said firmly. "And since I heard the story – about my father and my mother and what probably happened – I've been twice as determined to make sure I at least am involved in Shunsui's life. He didn't have a father, and he was taken from his mother. But he's important to me – he was always important to me."
"Does Shunsui…know, about this?" Juushirou murmured, and Kyouki shook her head.
"No. He doesn't." She said with a sigh. "Because he doesn't really speak about his father, the opportunity has never been there."
"Do you…want me to tell him?" Juushirou looked doubtful, and Tokutarou frowned.
"I don't want you to lie to him." He said at length. "If he asks, you may tell him. If he doesn't, you may consider it at your discretion. Whether it was wise to tell you at all…I don't know. But you are my brother's closest friend and the one he confides in when he can't even speak to his family. You're the one who's pulled him out of his slump and dragged him away from the same hopeless path our Father followed…because of that, I think they're things you should know. To understand how much he was always alone and unfettered as a child…hopefully to forgive him, if he acts recklessly or out of line."
Juushirou stared for a moment, then he smiled.
"I don't think that Shunsui is in any danger of that." He said honestly. "He's careless and lazy and silly sometimes, yes. But I think that's just part of how he is. He likes to hide it – how smart he really is, and what he knows and can do. But he is…changing. Especially…lately. He's found some focus. I think…you shouldn't worry so much about him, Tokutarou-sama. He's lucky that he has you – and that you do. But I think…I expect Shunsui to be fine. He'll be a Shinigami, and so will I. We'll work together. I'm not planning on leaving him alone, after all – that part of his life is over and done with."
He shrugged.
"Shunsui wants us to be Gotei together." He added matter-of-factly. "And to be honest, so do I. Whether we're at the same rank or not isn't important – that we're both involved is. And it isn't just me. It's all of us. He's definitely not alone now. Not at school, nor at home. And nobody will let him end up like Matsuhara-sama. I promise."
"Yes, I like this kid." Kyouki grinned, her green eyes twinkling with something that Juushirou almost thought was relief. "And I'm glad that you think that way – very glad, to be truthful. See, Shunsui's no business of mine. I share no blood with him, not like I do with Tokkun, and though I've sent Sora in to keep an eye on him from time to time, my interest is really unwarranted interference. The Kyouraku resent it – Tokkun aside – and Tokkun's own position is tenuous at times on account of how close a connection he has with my Clan. So for me to interfere actively in Shunsui's education or his actions – well, that would be inappropriate in all regards. But that aside, he's Tokkun's brother. And Tokkun is almost like a son to me. So…I worry for them both far more often than I should. And besides, I like the little tyke."
She grinned.
"He's a pain and a headache, and often impossible, but very difficult to actively dislike."
Juushirou set his chopsticks down, nodding his head.
"He's very lucky, then, that he has so many people worrying about him." He said softly. "I don't know if he realises it, but he's never really been alone, has he?"
"Not really, but often just out of reach." Tokutarou said with a sigh. "I'm sorry. We're bombarding you with all kinds of things – and you only asked about Father's zanpakutou."
"No, it's all right." Juushirou assured him. "Shunsui is like a puzzle sometimes, anyhow. Knowing more of the pieces helps me to understand."
He grimaced.
"Though I don't know why the Kyouraku family would mind anyone being associated with your family, Kyouki-sama."
"Power issues." Tokutarou said succinctly. "The Shiba are far more stable and established than the Kyouraku and my more paranoid kin fear invasion. They don't always believe my interests are firmly in District Eight – but that was how I was raised, and that won't change. Maybe, by the time I'm old and grey, they'll believe in me as their leader. But for now, I obey their stipulations and do my best to work around them…in the hope that, in time, they'll lose their suspicions. They wouldn't rebel against me – not knowing that I could call on Kyouki-sama's aid. But they can make it more difficult for me to act freely, if they want – and so I do my best not to annoy them too greatly."
"The Kyouraku are a proud clan with a samurai history." Kyouki agreed. "Though Shunsui may not give off that kind of aura, even he isn't bad when you give him a sword."
"No…so I've seen." Juushirou pursed his lips. "But then…Shunsui's good at most things. He's just bad at trying to do them in the first place."
Tokutarou let out an appreciative chuckle.
"That does sum it up rather well." He admitted. "That it's a matter of motivation, not ability. But I also think Juushirou is right. Shunsui is changing. After the last summer break, I realised it especially. He's becoming an adult – and a kinsman I can rely on. We've spoken honestly and openly about his future and he's told me too that he will take the haori, even though he doesn't feel he's suited to ever be leader of the Clan. I think those two things should remain separate so far as our family are concerned – so by marrying Rae-hime and begetting an heir, that problem will be resolved."
Kyouki's eyes narrowed.
"I had heard you sent him to see the refugees." She murmured. "That was a gamble, was it not? There are people there who might hurt him."
"And many more who won't." Tokutarou replied. "It was a necessary risk, Kyouki-sama. Shunsui disarms people and elicits their trust very easily – and he's sharp enough to take note of anything he thinks to be important. If I'd acted on the information, it would've garnered suspicion – but nobody expects Shunsui's actions to make any sense."
"More fool them, then." Kyouki said disparagingly, and Tokutarou nodded.
"Yes, but a bad reputation, once formed, is hard to erase." He responded. "And Shunsui's adept enough to put it to his advantage."
"This relates to the Urahara, I suppose." Kyouki sighed, taking a sip of her sake. "I should've known, given the last Council meetings, that you'd be trying to find information out. I imagine that means my sources were correct – and you have been in cahoots with the Shihouin princess after all."
"Midori-sama?" The words were out before Juushirou could stop them, and as Kyouki raised an eyebrow at him, he blushed, holding up his hands.
"I'm sorry. It's no business of mine. Forgive me."
"No, it's my fault for raising it." Kyouki eyed him thoughtfully, then, "You have an acquaintance with the Shadow Cat also, don't you? So I understand it, anyhow."
"I'm friends with her brother." Juushirou responded. "And yes, I have met her."
"A very prudent answer." Tokutarou chuckled. "But it's all right, Juushirou. Kyouki-sama is aware of the less than perfect way Midori-dono acquired her Clan's throne…and many of the other circumstances besides. Very little passes the Shiba-ke by, as you'll come to understand the longer you know Sora."
He glanced at Kyouki.
"Juushirou was with Shunsui when he was attacked by Seimaru's sword last summer." He added. "It was Juushirou Shunsui acted to defend."
"Seimaru's curse was aimed at Juushirou?" Kyouki's eyes widened, and Juushirou nodded his head.
"It was." He said blackly. "And I haven't forgiven it, even now."
"So you have steel inside of you too, as well as pretty manners." Kyouki looked thoughtful. "Very well. Then you are acquainted also with the Endou-ke…in some depth?"
"Hirata is my close friend." Juushirou replied. "But I neither have nor want any kind of connection with Seimaru-sama."
"No. A wise choice." Kyouki sighed. "I believe him to be a very volatile and dangerous young man. One who will likely take power, squander it and rule as a tyrant in one way or another when he finally gets his greedy mitts on the Clan leadership. Fortunately Shouichi-dono is a robust man with a will of iron of his own…so I think Seimaru will have to wait a while longer, and thankfully, so will we."
"Juushirou, Shunsui spoke to you, didn't he, about the affairs of the Shihouin and the Endou last summer?" Tokutarou asked, and Juushirou smiled ironically.
"I was rather thrust into the middle of it – but not so much by Shunsui. I think he'd have liked to have kept me out of it – and probably he'd have been right." He responded. "Since it wound up causing trouble."
"But as you say, Hirata-kun is your friend." Kyouki looked curious. "It must be hard on him now, being so far from his family."
"I think so. Though he's resigned to it." Juushirou nodded. "And like Shunsui, he's not on his own, either. We're all quite close-knit, so...he's all right. Really. He works hard...so his family can be proud of him."
"I wonder if they are. All of them, anyway." Tokutarou curled his lip. "Somehow I think not."
"District Seven is a dangerous place to be right now." Kyouki agreed. "With the rebel Urahara still causing so many problems."
"That was what you said to Misashi-sama." Juushirou remembered, turning his gaze to Tokutarou. "About the rebel Urahara and about people coming here. Is it...a big problem, then? Enishi-kun said he'd heard a rumour about it, before we broke for summer, but..."
"When the ruling happened a century ago, it was a very big event indeed." Kyouki said succinctly, and Juushirou nodded.
"Kamitani-kun told me...about his ancestor, Keitsune-sama, and that he was put to death for creating reidoku." He agreed. "But it was a long time ago. I can't believe people are still divided by things like that...? Kamitani-kun said the Urahara-ke had moved on - and that Nagesu-sama was reasonable. He seemed reasonable. He seemed nice...I liked him. I can't imagine him...wanting to hunt down his own kin."
"Keitsune-sama's work destroyed a lot of lives, Juushirou." Tokutarou said quietly. "Though not on purpose, it was still true. Seireitei needed a scapegoat. He and his companions provided it. Justice was seen to be done...but a grievance of that nature never fully goes away. A Clan leader turning on his brother is an ugly thing. Believe me. It's a wound that never fully heals."
Juushirou looked pensive.
"I suppose not. I'm sorry." He said softly, and Kyouki shook her head.
"It's not your fault." She said frankly. "Besides, Keitsune is dead. He was a brilliant man and a visionary - but he's been gone a hundred years or more and doubtless couldn't care less about any of this now. But...there are still those who do. Kin of his and of his companions - determined to avenge or clear Keitsune's name."
"You knew him too." Juushirou realised, and Kyouki nodded.
"Vaguely. I knew of him." She agreed. "And of his brother, Rikaya. Well, more of him, really, since he was incumbent of the Urahara when I became head of the Shiba. He was...never easy to deal with. But then, the old fuddy-duddy ones never really are."
She shrugged.
"Nagesu is much more reasonable, as you say." She added. "He and I trained together as young'uns, and I can't say I've ever met anyone more determinedly fair and precise in what he does. But even though he's the best one for the job of smoothing things over, it's a difficult thing for any Clan to live down."
"But if Keitsune-sama died, why are there rebels?" Juushirou was confused, and Kyouki smiled sadly.
"Keitsune had a son." She said softly. "He was a small boy when his Father was put to death - no more than three or four at the most. But he and his mother disappeared. Most have forgotten him - none have mentioned his name in a long time. He was called Keitarou - I remember that much, but little else. Possibly they perished...but I think it unlikely that they did."
She eyed him keenly.
"Have you ever heard that name before, Juushirou? From Hirata, perhaps - a Keitarou?"
"No. Never." Juushirou was surprised, but shook his head. "Why would Hirata know it? He's not an Urahara. He's an Endou."
"Because the people involved in the business you and Shunsui stumbled into last summer were Urahara scientists, Juushirou." Tokutarou said quietly. "And there's very good reason to suppose that the ringleader that Shouichi-sama is now desperately hunting down is Urahara Keitarou."
"Oh." Juushirou's eyes widened, his mind racing. "So that's how..."
He reddened, faltering, and Tokutarou eyed him quizzically.
"How? How what?" He pressed, and Juushirou shook his head.
"I can't talk about it." He said apologetically. "And it isn't really important. I just understood...something. That's all."
That the reidoku...and the scientists...and everything Kai-kun's family went through...it's all connected to this. To this exiled Urahara.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he processed this information.
And if Kyouki-sama asked me about him because of Hirata, that means that he must have been working for Seimaru. Probably he's the one who created the poison to kill Sensei...the stuff Hirata destroyed. But...
Out loud he said,
"Shouichi-sama is hunting him down?"
"Yes. It seems he's gone a little too rogue even for Shouichi-dono." Kyouki nodded. "But he is dangerous, Juushirou. If you hear of him - or Hirata mentions him, the two of you should speak to Genryuusai-sama at once. Do you understand? He's not an individual you should be involved with - and nor are any of the rest of the Endou-ke. Hand it over to the Gotei or the Council and stay well back. All right?"
Juushirou's mind flitted to the letter that Hirata had entrusted with him, and he sighed, slowly nodding his head.
"I'll do my best." He said honestly. "But Hirata is my friend. I won't abandon him, so if something happens..."
"If you stay in District One, it won't." Tokutarou said firmly. "So do that. Go back to the Academy and work at your studies. I've already said it to Shunsui and I'll say it to you too, now. Stay away from District Seven. It's not a place you should be."
"But I live in District Six." Juushirou protested. Tokutarou shrugged.
"For the time being, you should not cross Endou land." He said evenly. "Not alone, in any case."
"I'll make arrangements for you to travel with Sora, if need be." Kyouki promised. "Although if it is too dangerous, it may be better for you not to go home at all."
"But...my family.."
"Perhaps we can arrange for you to visit District Eight sooner rather than later." Tokutarou nodded. "I understand how you feel, Juushirou - but don't take the warning lightly. This is a serious situation, after all - one the Council have on high alert. Don't get involved. You'll only regret it if you do."
Juushirou sighed, then bowed his head.
"I understand." He said softly. "And I'm somewhat tired, now. I'm going to return to my room, if that's all right. I think...perhaps today is catching up with me."
"Probably a good idea." Kyouki offered him a grin and the sombre moment was gone. "Go rest. You've earned it, after all."
"If you need anything, tell one of the staff and they'll see to it." Tokutarou added, and Juushirou flashed him a faint smile.
"I will."
He got to his feet, bowing his head once more towards both of his companions.
"Thank you for your kindness again, both of you." He murmured, then slipped out of the chamber, leaving the Clan leaders once more alone.
Once in the hall, however, he paused, taking a deep breath.
I can't betray Hirata's secret and I've no intention of talking about what Misashi-sama said to me. And it's not as though I want to go to District Seven or even intend to. But...
He faltered, biting his lip. Then,
If Hirata ever needed me to, I'd go. So I can't firmly give my word...when I might come to break it. I'm sorry, Tokutarou-sama. I'm sorry, Kyouki-sama. I've already made a promise - and it's one I intend to keep!
"You raised that on purpose, didn't you."
Once Juushirou was gone, Tokutarou fixed his surrogate mother with a suspicious look.
"What, Tokkun? I'm not sure of your meaning." Kyouki eyed him curiously, and Tokutarou sighed.
"In front of Juushirou. All of that." He said frankly. "I know you did...why? He's not Clan. This shouldn't be his problem."
"No. It shouldn't. But it is." Kyouki frowned, her expression troubled. "And it will remain so even more now, Tokkun. You have to realise that. What happened today...has changed Seireitei forever. There will be shockwaves. Mark my words."
"But even so...Kyouki-sama..."
"That child knows plenty already." Kyouki cut across him. "And he needs to know the enemies out there more than ever, now. Think about it. Sora's said it - I'm sure Shunsui's told you, too. Endou Hirata is their classmate. The boy who defied his Clan somehow, remains in District One despite the ban and - according to your own testimony - summoned Midori of the Shihouin as his ally to fight his own cousin."
"Mm...but..."
"According to Sora, Hirata trusts Juushirou most of all." Kyouki said softly. "That means Juushirou already understands far more about the Endou than he should. Seimaru wanted to curse him. Why? Because he knows something? Probably. Because he knows what connection those Urahara really have to the Endou administration?"
"We all know that, Kyouki-sama." Tokutarou shook his head. "We just can't prove it."
"Mm." Kyouki's lips thinned, then, "What if...someone could?"
"Someone?" Tokutarou looked confused. "Midori-dono?"
"No. Not her." Kyouki shook her head. "Someone else. I saw it too, Tokkun. Misashi-dono speaking with your young District houseguest. Do you really think that he'd take such a risk simply to exchange pleasantries? No. Misashi said something else to Juushirou. I'm sure of that. The message to Hirata - whatever it is - is deeper than just a 'stay safe'."
Tokutarou's eyes widened.
"You think...Misashi-dono is plotting against his family? And using Hirata to do it?" He hissed, and Kyouki laughed, shrugging his shoulders.
"I think Misashi-dono is a smart man, and not given to foolish acts." She said levelly. "I don't think he'll do anything in a hurry. But Hirata was sent to District One for a reason. He's still there for a reason. He's in danger if he ever goes home. He knows - he must know - everything that we suspect but can't prove before a Council Court. Everything Shunsui told you. Everything from the Shihouin. All the logical pieces in this puzzle. Hirata knows it. And..."
"Can prove it?"
"Maybe." Kyouki shrugged. "But he's protecting his family, so he hasn't. Yet. But it doesn't mean he won't. And...when they're young...boys confide in their friends."
Tokutarou turned his gaze back towards the tall, plain-fronted building.
"You think he's told Juushirou his secrets." He murmured. "And that Juushirou is also in danger because he did."
"There are many enemies when you try to change the world." Kyouki said sadly. "Juushirou is in danger anyway. Even with people like us looking out for him...that's always going to be the case. And if Endou Seimaru has a particular reason to hate him...that too is never a good sign."
She sighed, shrugging her shoulders.
"It boils down to which grandson is best positioned to take hold of the Clan, I think." She said evenly. "When Shouichi-sama dies, will Seimaru or Hirata be the stronger? It will come."
"Unless Seimaru can eradicate Hirata." Tokutarou mused.
"No." Kyouki shook her head. "Unless Seimaru can regain the proof Hirata undoubtedly has...and then eliminate him."
"I see." Tokutarou's expression became one of consternation. "You think Hirata's given the proof to Juushirou. So that if anything happens to him...Juushirou can produce it and cause trouble for Seimaru."
"It's a theory. One of many." Kyouki responded. "But...enough of one...to be given serious thought."
Her gaze flitted to the building, then,
"Look after him, Tokkun." She murmured. "He doesn't know it, but he's one of the most important students Genryuusai has ever had. And we need to protect him. It's our duty to make sure that he survives to fulfil his Gotei destiny."
Tokutarou paused for a moment. Then, slowly, he nodded his head.
"I promise." he said soberly. "To the best of my ability, Kyouki-sama - I will."
It was unbelievable.
Seimaru paced through the hallways of the empty Endou manor, banging his fists against the wall as he walked in an attempt to disperse some of the fierce anger and frustration that had welled up inside of him. He had never been so angry, he knew, angry enough to act out of line and do something reckless and foolish…yet somehow he had managed to avoid a confrontation.
Yet still the information burned against his brain.
His Grandfather had ratified a zanpakutou.
A District boy's zanpakutou.
That boy's zanpakutou.
At the thought, Seimaru let out a low growl of rage.
What was he thinking? Of all the things…has he truly lost his mind? Was this another promise to that old hag? And where will it end? The Endou-ke have never tolerated the District children being trained. Never. And yet he acts in that way? Contrary to his own laws, as if his own kin and their views mean nothing at all?
His eyes became like slits as he reflected on this.
And more, with that scheming Uncle of mine there in his slipstream, watching from the shadows and no doubt sneering at me all the time. He believes he can take this family from me. He believes he has Father's trust enough and he can influence him. And for something like this to happen…maybe he can.
"Seimaru-sama?" The timid, hesitant voice of one of the household staff interrupted his inner rantings at that moment and he swung around, glaring at the unfortunate woman as though she had personally offended him.
"What do you want?" He growled, lunging towards her and grabbing her suddenly by the shoulders, throwing her up against the wall of the corridor. There was a crunch, and the girl choked and coughed, terror in her blue eyes as she gazed at her master helplessly. Something in that feebleness made Seimaru all the more angry, and he muttered a curse, releasing his hold on her so that she slid in a crumpled heap on the floor, gasping and staring up at him in uncertain dismay.
"I asked you a question." Seimaru was in no mood to be patient. "Answer me, or I will kill you. What do you want?"
"I'm s…sorry, sir." The girl whispered, her voice hoarse and blood tainting the corners of her mouth as she struggled into a more submissive position. "I was just…there was a message. Lord Shouichi wanted me to t…tell you that he expects to arrive back from Inner Seireitei late this aftern…noon."
"Sooner he didn't come back at all." Seimaru muttered, then kicked at the girl's legs, glaring at her darkly.
"Then you've done your job. Get out of my sight." He told her coldly. "You're an eyesore and I have no time to play with common wretches."
"Y..yes, sir." Still fearful and obviously hurting, the girl scrambled to her feet, bowing hastily and scurrying away down the halls as fast as her bruised body would let her. Once more alone, Seimaru dropped back against the wall, clenching and unclenching his fists as he reviewed her information.
Late back. No doubt settling up final papers over that brat's sword…or maybe its something to do with my Uncle. Still, never mind. Whilst he isn't here, I don't have to speak to him. And whilst he isn't here…
He turned on his heel, doubling back on himself as he made his way down towards the forbidden cellars. Keitarou should be there, he knew, with his brat of a girl, and now was as good a time as any to speak with him without arousing suspicion.
Things had grown sluggish of late, after all. It was time Seimaru reminded the scientist who was whose patron and who made the rules.
He slipped into shunpo, finding his way through the gaps in the Sekkiseki and into the gloom below.
"Good morning, Seimaru-sama." Keitarou's voice echoed out of a further chamber, and Seimaru realised that despite the spirit-draining stone, the Urahara had detected his coming long before he had actually arrived. "You seem in ill humour this morning. Has something occurred?"
"Something has." Seimaru bit back his impatience. "Do not try me today, Aizen. I am in no mood for pleasant conversation."
"I see." Keitarou's mud-slurried eyes became thoughtful, and as he emerged from his work chamber, Seimaru could see specks of blood on his grey work coat. "Then maybe we can discuss unpleasant matters instead."
"Your testing continues, I see." Seimaru said acidly, and Keitarou shrugged.
"It does, but I make no progress." He said simply. "I cannot, you see, without a more specific test subject. I have proven all I can with the poor quality of untrained miscreant I've been able to snare so far. But I need a different kind of guinea pig. What I have…will not take either one of us any further."
"Then I already told you. You can use my Grandfather." Seimaru said blackly, and Keitarou arched an eyebrow.
"So it is Shouichi-sama, then, who has once more displeased you?" He asked softly, and Seimaru nodded.
"When is it not the case?" He demanded bitterly. "Since the old woman died, it's been nothing but displeasure!"
He glanced around him.
"Where's your runt? Did you kill her too?"
"No. Shikiki is sleeping." Keitarou shook his head. "We worked hard last night and this morning, and so I left her to rest. She needs to build up her strength before we can do any more training on her barrier magic."
He smiled faintly.
"She is, after all, still a child."
"A useless brat, you mean." Seimaru muttered.
"In time she won't be." Keitarou shook his head.
"Time." Seimaru spat out. "Time I don't have."
"Patience is often the finest weapon a person can wield, Seimaru-sama." Keitarou said lightly. "Rushing into things creates complications and dangers…sometimes fatal ones."
"Right now I don't care." Seimaru snapped. "This morning…do you know what news I received? That my fool of a Grandfather was called on to inspect a zanpakutou at the Council and what's more, he ratified it."
"Is that unusual?" Keitarou was surprised, and Seimaru sighed.
"No." He admitted. "You wouldn't know, not being a Shinigami, but the Council ratify all zanpakutou as a matter of course. But this one…is different. This malformed blade belongs to one who should never even dare dream of laying hands on that kind of weaponry. He is a District boy, Aizen. A boy born of no blood at all except the feeble line of some unknown peasant family! Yet he thinks to hold a zanpakutou and aspire to walk among us as a Shinigami! And my Grandfather – Lord of the Endou, whose pride does not allow for such things – he ratified it!"
He banged his hand down against the wall, the force of the blow splitting his skin and causing blood to seep from the wound.
Keitarou did not flinch, however, his eyes becoming ever the more thoughtful.
"I realise there is much I don't understand – after all, my Clan heritage was denied me." He said slowly. "Yet…did I understand you correctly? This boy is born of District parents? Not Clan? Yet he has a weapon, and is training to use it?"
"This is not good news, Aizen." Seimaru glared at his companion, but the scientist merely offered him a faint smile.
"It is the best news." He said softly. "It could not be better, in fact."
"Do you want me to kill you too? I'm in the mood for it." Seimaru's fingers flicked towards his sword hilt, but Aizen shook his head.
"I need a test subject." He said frankly. "With some spiritual training and an awareness of reiatsu control. I need a Shinigami. Yet all Shinigami are protected by Clan – do you remember? We spoke of it before."
"I do." Seimaru's eyes widened in realisation. "I see. And you think…that that brat…"
"Why not?" Keitarou spread his hands. "He is not Clan. He has no big powerful family who would cause trouble if he disappeared. A mother to cry, perhaps. A father to rant and rave. But no influence, Seimaru-sama. Nobody would miss a District boy – surely?"
A slow smile spread across Seimaru's lips, and he nodded his head.
"You make a good point." He murmured. "It's true that the Ukitake boy is of that level of breeding."
"You know him by name?" Keitarou was surprised.
"I know him by name and sight. He is a blight on my memory and I would see him killed." Seimaru said acerbically. "He is a friend of my cousin Hirata – and you know what esteem I hold him in."
"Then you would grant me permission to take him as my test subject?"
"If you can find a way to snare him, Aizen, be my guest." Seimaru shrugged. "Take him. Test on him. Torture him. Then kill him – and I'll hang his corpse somewhere high enough that the birds can use him for nesting materials."
"Thank you." Keitarou smiled. "Then my studies can progress."
"But there is a condition. One other thing, if you want my protection to ensnare this Ukitake brat." Seimaru rounded on his companion, clamping cold hands down on the other's shoulders and meeting his muddish eyes with his own pale blue ones. "I want you to keep your promise. I want you to do something about Grandfather. Use your chemicals – whatever. But you promised to deal with him – but time is passing and he still lives."
At this, Keitarou's smile became cold, and he nodded his head.
"I had not forgotten." He agreed. "And I will not break my word. But there is one thing that is important, Seimaru-sama. If I am to do this…you must not be there to see it done."
"Not even to see the old man fall?" Seimaru narrowed his eyes, and Keitarou looked apologetic.
"It's too dangerous." He said simply. "For you to be implicated in the crime that way."
"Then implicate my damn uncle." Seimaru muttered. "Make it his doing, then I can execute him as well."
"May I give some advice, Seimaru-sama?" Keitarou's eyes had become calculating, and despite himself, Seimaru found himself nodding, waiting for his companion to speak.
"I will take care of Shouichi-sama and in such a way that it cannot be linked to you." Keitarou spoke softly, his tones calm and soothing to Seimaru's wrenched pride. "But you must be beyond all suspicion if you wish to inherit this Clan. I will do my job, but…I would ask you…not to try and make it more complicated. I know you hate Misashi-sama, and I understand that hatred. But for now…that hatred is your ally. And you can use it to deflect suspicion away from yourself in the days to come."
"I don't follow." Seimaru admitted grudgingly. "What do you mean?"
"The best witness testimony is that from those you hate." Keitarou said wisely. "If your coldest rival admits to being with you, then of course he must be believed. I will tackle Shouichi-sama on the next day your family is due to hold official council. I will not leave any evidence, and you should not fear to investigate the death for it will not possibly be traced back to your command. You should attend that meeting, and ensure that Misashi-sama does as well. After all, if you are engaged in a heated political debate…"
He trailed off, and Seimaru let out a low chuckle.
"My uncle as my alibi. I somehow like the twisted way your mind put that together." He said honestly. "Very well. But I will not spare him long after Grandfather is dead. I cannot abide that man, and I will not tolerate him at my court."
"But…if I may say so…you seek to snare your cousin even more, do you not?" Keitarou asked quizzically, and Seimaru sighed.
"Yes, but he's out of reach."
"Now, yes." A faint smile touched Keitarou's lips. "But not necessarily forever. If you hold his Father, after all…and if I take the District boy…these are tempting lures indeed. And then, of course, there is Lady Sumire and the girl…Eiraki-hime. Is there not?"
"You have a plan, don't you?" Seimaru eyed the scientist suspiciously, and Keitarou nodded.
"Somewhat of one. Yes." He agreed. "By using all the subtle weaponry you have at your disposal."
His eyes became sly.
"Even if that means my travelling to Hokujou...if the need and opportunity arises."
"Hokujou?" Seimaru stiffened, staring at Keitarou in disbelief. "You mean...to set free...but that's madness! The Endou won't so easily let that happen - even I, with my bias can see that to be a foolish act! After so many years...and even Father did not...could not...with Grandfather removed, the Endou council must bow to my leadership unreservedly! Not think to question me about foolish sentiment and rash releases!"
"I said nothing about setting anyone free. Merely that you should use all unconsidered allies wisely." Keitarou replied smoothly. "Even those in remote locations that the rest of your kin disdain and ignore."
"But..." Seimaru faltered, then his eyes became hard and he nodded his head. "No. You're right. All options at my disposal - if there's anyone she won't turn against and betray, I'd lay odds it would be me."
Keitarou bowed his head.
"Thank you for humouring me." He said seriously. "And for considering even my most complex whims. These things take time to draw together - but if you can indulge me that time, I will make sure you are well rewarded."
He smiled.
"If you trust me, Seimaru-sama, I will give you everything you wish for. Your title. Your Grandfather's corpse. A solution to enhance power and a child who can make you almost invincible. I will even give you your cousin and use his own blood to entrap him. I am your servant, after all. But you must trust me...and have patience in the web I weave."
His smile widened.
"If you can do that, then I will bring you all of those things."