Chapter Thirty Three: Shockwaves
Hirata had been away a long time.
Juushirou's glance flitted towards the door of the Kidou classroom for the umpteenth time, anxiety in his hazel eyes as he tried to work out what had happened.
He had been back with his fellows only three or four days, and already he had fallen back into his normal routine, as if the days in Inner Seireitei had been a blur or a dream that he couldn't quite quantify in his own mind. The sword still remained in his dorm, as second year students were not permitted to carry weapons as a matter of course. Yet even when sometimes he wondered if he had imagined the whole thing, he felt the tiny tendril of awareness at the edge of his own - the growing consciousness of his still raw sword as it strengthened and grew around his steadying reiryoku.
In the meantime, however, he had a lot of work to do to keep up with his other studies. Genryuusai had summoned him the same evening he had returned and had made it clear to him that his sword prowess was only one small part of his overall education. As a result, Juushirou had thrown his attention once more into his class schedule, waiting for the opportunity he would get to hold his zanpakutou again.
That day had also started in a normal, mundane kind of way, and when they had all entered the Kidou theory lesson they had been laughing and joking just as they always did. But within five minutes one of the senior students had come, speaking to Kazoe in low tones in such a way that made the expression of the Kidou sensei turn grave. The next moment he had turned to his students, instructing Hirata to stand and go with the senior to the Headmaster's office.
That had been almost an hour earlier.
Juushirou knew there were any number of reasons Hirata might have been summoned. But the look in Kazoe's eyes as he had issued the instruction had struck the young District boy particularly.
This wasn't just anything.
This was something big.
"Ukitake?"
Kazoe's voice cut through him at that moment and he started, colour rising in his cheeks as he met the instructor's quizzical gaze across the classroom.
"You don't seem to be paying much attention this morning." Kazoe continued quietly, tapping his rod pensively against his leg as he spoke. "That is unusual for you - are you, perhaps, feeling unwell?"
"N...no, sir." Juushirou scrambled to his feet, hurriedly shaking his head. "I'm sorry, sir. I just...I was worried about Hirata. And...that he hasn't come back, sir. That's all."
Kazoe's expression became sober, and he nodded.
"I see." He said softly. "Well, then if you've not been listening since Endou left the class, you will need to catch up on what you've overlooked. I'll expect you to write up the notes in your own time from one of your classmates - Kuchiki preferably."
"Yes, sir." Juushirou nodded. "But..."
"Then for the time being, since your thoughts are not here with your fellows, perhaps there's no point in your body being here either." Kazoe gestured towards the door of the classroom and a collective gasp went up from the surrounding students. "You're no use to any sensei in this frame of mind."
"But...Sensei...are you throwing Juushirou out?" Sora was startled. "Even though he's just worried about Hirata?...Sensei..."
"Kazoe-sensei, Ukitake is able to catch up from my notes, so please do not expel him from the lesson." Ryuu added, and a faint smile touched Kazoe's lips.
"I'm not expelling him from the class, though your concern does you both some credit." He said pragmatically. "I'm dismissing him so as he can go and wait for Endou. After all..."
There was a pause, and in that pause, Juushirou's heart constricted.
"I suspect you're the one he'll most like to see, once he's finished with the Headmaster."
"Sensei?" Shunsui's eyes widened. "Please...has something happened? To Hirata's family...in District Seven?"
"That is no business of any of yours." Kazoe shook his head, turning back to the blackboard. "And we will continue where we left off. Well, Ukitake? If you're going, go. Don't disrupt my lesson any longer - you're wasting all of our time as opposed to simply yours. One of your classmates will bring your belongings back to the dorm - I've no patience to wait for you to tidy before you depart."
"Yes sensei!" Juushirou reddened once more, bowing his head hastily towards the Kidou teacher. "Thank you. I promise I will write up the notes completely, and will know it all by next class. Thank you!"
With that he hurried from the room, allowing his senses to detect the familiar trace of Hirata's reiatsu as he slid the classroom door shut behind him.
He wasn't in the study any longer, he realised, but on the other side of the building- in the wing where the boys slept, and Juushirou realised that although he had been released from Genryuusai's attention, Hirata had consciously not returned to class.
His misgivings grew.
Something has happened. I was right. There's no way Kazoe-sensei would have let me loose with so little argument otherwise.
He frowned, turning on his heel and hastening along the corridors to the big stairs that led to the dormitories. Stopping briefly to cough and catch his breath, he then took the steps two at a time, all the time focused on Hirata's reiatsu up ahead.
"Where are you going?"
A girl's voice made him freeze, his reiatsu prickling against his skin as he slowly turned to face the speaker.
She was one of the Seniors - Juushirou had seen her once or twice in the library and about the campus, but they had never spoken face to face before. Yet, as she met his gaze, her eyes widened with recognition and she clicked her tongue against her teeth, letting out a low chuckle.
"Well, well. If it isn't Gin-chan's pet project. Ukitake, isn't that right? The District Prodigy...or so I've heard you called?"
Juushirou stared at her, thrown totally off-guard by her approach, and at his bewilderment, she shook her head in amusement, stepping daintily across the hall towards him and pausing a bare foot or so in front of him. She was his height, he realised, and able to meet his gaze at the same level with her own piercing grey eyes.
"You don't speak?" She murmured. "I was under the impression you gave Gin-chan plenty of lip when he was training you. Or are you just struck speechless by encountering such a pretty girl at such a random moment?"
Her lips twitched once more into a playful smile.
"Well? You do speak the same language as us Clansfolk, I believe? At least try and put some words together - else I'll think you impossibly dull and I'll wonder why Gin-chan wasted so much time training you."
Juushirou swallowed hard, then,
"I'm sorry, Senpai. I don't know who Gin-chan is." He said slowly, and the girl let out a peal of tinkling laughter.
"Ah, well, that's because he doesn't like people calling him that." She said, completely unrepentant. "But I'm his cousin, so there are different rules in place for us. I mean Shirogane, of course. I'm right, aren't I? He was your shishou. And you are Ukitake Juushirou - the brat from Sixth District who's showing up all your Clan classmates with your unnatural sword prowess?"
Juushirou blinked, then gathered his wits, hurriedly bowing his head towards her.
"I'm not trying to outclass anyone, Senpai. But yes, Ukitake is my name. And yes, Anideshi was training me...until I was called before the Council."
"Yes, I thought so." The girl looked pensive, reaching out pale fingers to touch his chin. Gently she turned Juushirou's face from one side to the other, and then she snorted.
"For some reason, Gin-chan likes you." She said at length. "I can't think why. You don't look so very exciting to me. And even if you have summoned a zanpakutou - well, in the end, all of you will do that if you're worth anything as students. Don't think that it makes you special, just because you were the first. In the end, the fastest isn't always the best. Remember that, all right?"
"Yes, Senpai." Juushirou looked surprised. "I understand. And I'm sorry if I've somehow given that impression of myself with my conduct since I came back to the Academy."
The girl chuckled, but her eyes had become harder.
"You should be in class." She said softly. "As a second year, you shouldn't be running around the halls as you please when I'm sure one or other of the instructors has business with you till the gong sounds."
"Yes, Senpai." Now Juushirou understood, and he nodded his head. "But Kazoe-sensei dismissed me from his class to run an errand."
"An errand?" The girl raised an eyebrow, and Juushirou nodded again.
"Yes. But I'm afraid it's a private errand." He said earnestly. "I'm sorry, Senpai, but I can't disclose it to you. I'm just told to go to my dormitory - and I am excused the remainder of my Kidou theory class on Kazoe-sensei's instruction."
The girl sighed, shrugging her shoulders and taking a step away from him.
"I'm not really interested in what second year student errands entail." She admitted. "I don't imagine you'd dare lie about Kazoe-sensei giving an instruction, though, considering the hell-fire he can bring down on a disobedient pupil should he choose to. So I suppose you're telling me the truth."
She tut-tutted.
"Pity. I had hoped I'd be able to have some fun with you. But if you're on an errand, I suppose not."
Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
"I wanted to see your zanpakutou. I wanted to see why it is Gin-chan likes you so much." She admitted. "To the point that he'll defend you against other students' criticism. That's not like my cousin - so it got me curious. He seems to think you're going to be something special - so I wanted you to prove it. Even as a second year, I thought, you must have something to show for all this praise. Gin-chan doesn't praise anyone, usually. You realise that, I hope."
"Nagoya-senpai praised me?" Juushirou was surprised. "Really? To other seniors?"
"Since he returned to the school yesterday, he's been very dull." The girl sighed. "And he won't let anyone talk against you. He says Guren-sama has accepted you, and so have the Council. So anyone who says anything against you is slighting the Council of Elders and their judgement. It's not like him to care so much - so I wanted to see why."
She reached out a lazy hand, prodding him in the shoulder as though he was some kind of test specimen, and despite himself Juushirou could not help but flinch instinctively away from her touch.
"Never mind. Maybe later."
She flashed him a smile, shrugging her shoulders.
"By the way, I'm Meroka. Kuchiki Meroka." She added casually. "You can call me Meroka-senpai. I'll allow that. After all, if Gin-chan approves of you, well, I suppose, so do I."
She winked, then was gone, leaving Juushirou staring after her.
Sometimes the members of the Senior Class make absolutely no sense.
He shook his head as if to clear it.
But she's distracting me from what I should be doing, and that's making sure that Hirata is all right. I suppose I was lucky that I ran into a Senior who doesn't seem too bothered that I'm out of class. Some of them would probably haul me back and have to hear Kazoe-sensei say it for himself that I was excused...so I'll take that as a good thing and not linger here any longer.
He frowned.
I wonder what Nagoya-senpai would say if he knew she was calling him Gin-chan out in public places. If Shunsui'd heard that, he'd have latched onto it right away. It's a good thing, in the end, that it's just me. I don't want Shunsui getting himself in trouble with the Senior class because of disrespect. Especially if what she says is true - and Nagoya-senpai has taken my part now.
At that moment he reached the door of the dorm and, pushing all thought of his zanpakutou training and shishou from his head, he took a deep breath, sliding it back on its runners and stepping into the chamber beyond.
"Hirata?" He murmured, glancing around him for any sign of his classmate, but he could not see him. He frowned, pursing his lips.
"Hirata-kun, I know you're here. I can sense your reiatsu." He said softly. "Kazoe-sensei excused me from class so as I could come see you were all right. Are you going to hide from me now? I know you're using kyakkou - but you don't need to. There's only me here - everyone else will be in Kidou theory for a good while yet, so we're quite alone."
As he finished his sentence, the atmosphere around Hirata's bed hazed and blurred slightly, and then Juushirou saw his classmate, blue eyes sombre behind his wide rimmed glasses.
"I'm sorry." Hirata looked apologetic. "I didn't want to speak to everyone. But I didn't mean to hide from you, Ukitake-kun. I suppose I've lost track of time - I thought maybe you'd all been dismissed."
He wasn't crying, Juushirou noted, but even so, he could sense the distress in the younger boy's aura, and he frowned, sinking down onto his own bed.
"Something's happened, hasn't it? In District Seven. That's why Sensei sent for you...to tell you some bad news."
"Yes." Hirata nodded, confirming Juushirou's worst fears in a heartbeat. "And I'm trying not to..."
He sighed, removing his glasses and setting them down beside him as he rubbed his eyes.
"Grandfather has passed away." He said quietly.
"Shouichi-sama?" Shock jolted through Juushirou's frail form, and he stared at his classmate in dismay. "But...that's not possible, surely? I saw him just a week ago!"
"Yes." Hirata agreed. "But it's been confirmed as true. Sensei received an urgent messenger last night from Tokutarou-sama who had received word from the border patrols between District Seven and Eight. By the time dawn broke, an official message had come from District Seven direct...from my Father...to announce Grandfather's passing."
He closed his eyes briefly.
"There is no doubt. Grandfather is dead."
Juushirou chewed on his lip.
"But...how?" He whispered, and Hirata shrugged his shoulders, misery in his pale blue gaze.
"Nobody is quite sure. He was in good health - and though he was aging, he wasn't truly old. Not by Clan standards." He said helplessly. "Father's message simply said there had been an accident and that the Unohana had been summoned to examine his body."
"An accident...?" Juushirou's eyes narrowed. "Or...murder?"
"There's not really such a thing as an accident in District Seven." Hirata said bitterly. "Without a doubt somebody killed him, Ukitake-kun. The question is who and why."
"Seimaru?" Fear flickered in Juushirou's gaze, and Hirata shrugged.
"Right now it's not clear." He said wearily. "He's the one with most to gain, but even so...it has to be proven if an assassination has taken place. The Endou are complicated in this kind of situation, Ukitake-kun. If two Clansfolk challenge each other to a battle, and it is witnessed, then the death of either party is considered a normal part of Clan hierarchy. My Uncle - Seimaru's father - he died in one such bout, and no action is ever taken against the victor since that is the Clan tradition. Survival of the strongest - and so on. Of course, the Head of the Clan can order the death of whoever he chooses. But for anyone else...and especially to kill the Clan's leader in a surrepticious, coward's way..."
He shook his head.
"If Seimaru did that, and was caught, he'd be set upon by the Endou council members en masse and probably killed." He concluded. "The Endou-ke would collapse, and the Council would have to step in. So..."
"So...perhaps it was an accident?" Juushirou suggested, and Hirata spread his hands.
"The end result is the same." He said flatly. "The barrier between my family and Seimaru has completely crumbled away now. Maybe nothing has happened yet - but it's only a matter of time."
"Of course." Juushirou looked grave. "That's why you're so unsettled. Not because of Shouichi-sama dying, but..."
"Because it may well be enough to sign Father's death warrant." Hirata's voice shook a little now, and Juushirou was reminded of his friend's young years. "And as for Okaasama and Eiraki-chan...I...don't know."
Juushirou was silent for a moment, then,
"What did Sensei say to you? Can I ask?" He enquired, and Hirata nodded.
"He's forbidden me from leaving the school grounds without sufficient company between now and the end of term." He said softly. "He's afraid someone may try and infiltrate the District and cause me harm...but he's also afraid I might take it upon myself to flee home and try and do something to help my kin. He's forbidden me from doing anything of the sort - he's basically said if I break bounds here then I will not be allowed back. And right now..."
He clenched and unclenched his fists.
"I'm not strong enough to do anything of any use." He said, frustration clear in his normally soft tones. "I'm getting stronger, but it's too soon. I'm not ready, Ukitake-kun. I'm not ready!"
"You're also not alone." Juushirou got to his feet, sinking down at his friend's side and reaching out a reassuring hand to rest it on the boy's shoulder. "We're with you. All of us. And none of us will let you face anything on your own. You know that."
"No. This is an Endou disease. It's not something that anyone else should have to be tainted by." Hirata shook his head, and a faint smile touched Juushirou's lips.
"You want me to break my promises, then?" He asked lightly, and Hirata stared at him.
"Ukitake-kun?"
"Your Father asked me to help you if you needed help." Juushirou admitted. "And to back you up if the time came. I don't know how safe he felt his position was - or if he suspected something else was going on in District Seven. But as a Father he asked me to make sure you didn't have to face anything on your own. And I gave him my word, Hirata-kun. I'm your friend. Your ally. I was before and I am now."
His gaze flitted across to the sword that lay silent on the unit beside his bed.
"Sougyo and I both are." He said firmly. "I've made the promise, so even if you don't like it, that's how it is."
Hirata was silent for a moment, then a faint smile touched his lips.
"I suppose I know that you mean that." He murmured. "And I suppose...I'm actually relieved that you do. Because...I don't know what's going to happen now, Ukitake-kun. Or what...is going to happen in District Seven."
"Do you think Seimaru will send someone here to hurt you?" Juushirou questioned, and Hirata shrugged.
"Doubt it." He said honestly. "I'm out of his hair so long as I'm not in District Seven. Powerless, after all. He doesn't like that I'm out there, but if he killed me outside of Endou land he'd have awkward questions to answer with the Yamamoto-ke again. So no. I don't think so. But I think...this means I can never go home safely. So the only time I will go back...is...when I'm strong enough to fight. And that might be too late for my family."
Uncharacteristic resolution glittered in the pale blue eyes, and Juushirou sighed.
"You intend to face him, then, don't you?" He said quietly. "Seimaru, I mean. Your Father sent you here to train, but to train to fight Seimaru and take back the Clan. And you're going to do it, aren't you?"
Hirata swallowed hard.
"The idea terrifies me. Seimaru terrifies me." He whispered, and Juushirou heard his voice tremble again as the young boy struggled to get a hold of his emotions. "But that's why I'm here. It's the only reason I'm able to be with all of you instead of cowering in fear in my homeland. Father had faith in me, and I have to...I really have to live up to it. Somehow. There's no choice in it, Ukitake-kun. I have to go back and face Seimaru eventually. And when I do, one of us will have to die. Otherwise..."
He broke off, unable to continue, and despite himself Juushirou hugged his younger classmate tightly.
"You won't be going alone." He said firmly, making up his mind. "All right?"
"Seimaru will kill you the moment he sees you." Hirata pulled back, shaking his head anxiously. "I don't want that, Ukitake-kun."
"I don't intend to let anyone kill me. Or you." Juushirou sat back against the wall, kicking his legs idly against the wooden bed supports. "I promised the Council as well, Hirata. That I would use Sougyo to uphold justice and all of those things. That's my duty now, not just my choice."
"But you're not a trained shinigami yet, even if you are a registered one." Hirata objected. "And Seimaru is strong."
"Yes. I know." Juushirou nodded. "And I don't intend on doing anything stupid or reckless, don't worry. But I'm here to back you up. That's all. Whatever help you need from me, I'll give. Okay?"
"Okay." Hirata sighed. "Thank you, Ukitake-kun. I only hope you don't regret getting involved with an Endou, in the end."
"You're my friend. That's as far as I see it." Juushirou grinned. "I help my friends. I don't care what family they come from. Keeping track of those kinds of things is unecessary, after all. I'm not Clan, so none of it matters to me at all."
Hirata was silent for a moment, then,
"Ukitake-kun, do you still have the letter?" He asked quietly. "The one I gave you for safe-keeping last year - the one that implicates the Endou in scientific research."
"Yes." Juushirou looked surprised. "Why, do you want it back?"
"No..no. Keep it, please." Hirata shook his head. "Just...if something happens to my family, I want...to know that it still exists. That...that Seimaru knows it does, too. And...and maybe knowing that will keep him from killing Father or Mother or Eiraki, because there are loose ends. I don't know what he's planning, or what will happen now. But...the investigation that must happen into Grandfather's death will take a little time. And...in that time...I want to get a message to District Seven. I want..."
He faltered, then,
"I want Seimaru to know that if he kills my people, I will bring the proof to light." He said softly. "I'm going to write to Midori-sama and ask her to send a message direct to District Seven, since I can't send one myself. It's all I can do - and it's a low technique. But Midori-sama has seen the letter and she knows its contents. And I only hid it to protect my immediate family from harm. If they come into danger...I will...ask you to give it back to me. And I will...give it to Sensei...and ask him to take it before the Council."
"You have thought about this already, haven't you?" Juushirou was suspicious. "This isn't just something you've devised on the spur of the moment. You've had that planned for a while."
"To survive the Endou, you have to be prepared." Hirata sighed heavily. "I didn't know when or if it would need to happen. But Midori-sama knows that if I send her a particular message, she's to send word to District Seven in that vein. She's my ally, after all. She's the only Clan leader in whom I have absolute faith - and I have to trust in her once again to help me, since I'm not able to help myself in any other way yet."
"I think you should send the message." Juushirou nodded. "The letter is safe, and if you need it, I will return it. It's hidden here at school, so as not to bring my family into trouble...and I change its hiding place sometimes, just in case. You needn't worry about it. It's quite secure with me."
"You and Kai-kun are the other people I trust completely." Hirata offered the District boy a tired smile. "Thank you, Ukitake-kun. I'm sorry to be such a burden."
"You're not and you never have been, so don't say stupid things." Juushirou said firmly. "So first things first. You should write that message to Midori-sama and get it sent off right away. And then all we can do is wait for more detailed word from District Seven. If Tokutarou-sama sent a message here first, he'll no doubt send Shunsui a message, too. It'll be across the school soon enough, so you better decide what you want to talk to the others about and what you don't. I'll go with whatever you want to say - but there's about a half hour till class is out so I'd get the letter written and that decided before the bell sounds."
Hirata nodded.
"I want to tell them the truth, minus the bits about me challenging Seimaru and about the letter you have and the one I'm going to send." He responded. "Because it will make people worry and I don't want that. Otherwise there's nothing that will be kept secret. You can decide whether you mention promising Father what you did - but maybe you shouldn't talk about it. Since it might give people bad ideas and turn you into a target, too."
"I already decided not to. Not even to Shunsui." Juushirou responded. "So that's all right."
He grinned, reaching over to pull some loose parchment from his pile of school books.
"Here. I'll donate the letter paper." He added. "Let's lay things down for Midori-sama and hope she can come to your aid once again."
"Thank you, Retsu-sama, for coming so quickly."
Misashi bowed his head, relief in his pale eyes as he greeted the Head of the Unohana Clan. Despite the chaos that still ruled in District Seven, somehow the sight of this young woman, with her calm, unruffled aura had helped to bring a little more focus to the confused nobility, and, as she returned his greeting with a grave one of her own, Misashi felt certain that her judgement was one in which he could trust.
"I am sorry to be here in such circumstances, but felt that it was better I came myself." She said now, her tones soft and melodious as she turned, white haori fluttering behind her as they walked along the dark, cool passageways to the mausoleum where Shouichi's corpse currently lay. It had been sealed within an invisible barrier of kidou that Misashi had cast himself to prevent anyone tampering with the corpse's condition, and four loyal and experienced Endou retainers had flanked the bier on each side, ready to slash first and ask questions later if anyone should try and break into this secure place of reverence. Yet in all that time nobody but Misashi himself had approached the old man's cold body. Even Seimaru, whose grief had been so violent and contradictory had not set foot inside the stone chamber that had been the death-house of the Clan for generations of Endou going back almost to their first lord. Instead he had secluded himself in his study above stairs, poring through old records and documents with a fanaticism that Misashi could not but see as abnormal.
He sighed, running his fingers through his thick dark hair.
All of Seimaru's behaviour since the death of Shouichi had been abnormal, if he was honest about it. He had not attended meals, and had barked orders through the door of his workplace on two occasions, refusing to receive messengers into his own private chambers. He had been edgy and irritable, his reactions bordering on irrationality, and not for the first time Misashi had begun to wonder whether or not the shock had cost the young man his sanity. Once or twice Misashi had heard him talk about consulting his Grandfather's opinion on one or other decision that had not been able to wait, and though he had told nobody, Misashi also knew of one conversation Seimaru had apparently held with thin air, as though talking with the ghost of the dead old man.
Yet there was madness and there was guilt.
Misashi shook his head as if to clear it.
All of the Endou were some-way mad, in his opinion. Seimaru's current behaviour had made him more like the long-dead Mibune, but it did not prove Shouichi's blood was on the young heir's hands. On the contrary, the more eccentric his actions, the more Misashi doubted that he could have pulled off a plot intricate and complex enough to end the life of a man who had been ruthless and uncompromising to the last. Shouichi had not been a man to give trust easily, even to those who worked closest around him, and try as he might, Misashi had not been able to think of a scenario by which Seimaru could have outsmarted his far more intelligent Grandfather.
Shouichi's death remained a mystery, and a mystery that had begun to haunt Misashi in the three days since the discovery of the body.
As they stepped into the cool death-house, Retsu waved her hand gently in front of her, dispersing the kidou barrier with barely a thought as she cast her companion an apologetic smile.
"I hope you forgive me - but I will need to look most closely at Shouichi-sama's corpse." She said softly, and Misashi nodded.
"I understand." He agreed, turning to the retainers who stood to attention, awaiting his command.
"You are dismissed from this place until you are summoned to return." He said quietly. "Only Seimaru-sama's orders override these I give you."
He flicked his hand in the direction of the nearest.
"You should go to Seimaru-sama directly and tell him that Unohana-sama has arrived to examine Shouichi-sama's mortal remains." He added, ignoring the trepidation that glittered in the young man's gaze at his instruction. "If he wishes to attend the examination, that is at his pleasure...but he should at least be aware that such a thing is happening. The rest of you return to your original posts and await further commands."
"Yes, sir." Despite any migivings, the officers saluted, withdrawing from the chamber and leaving Misashi and Retsu alone with the silent form of the old man. He was still clad in his usual fine attire, ripped and blooded though it was, and the folorn flapping of the edges of his desecrated Gotei haori made Misashi suddenly feel a surge of emotion well up inside of him. He closed his eyes briefly, forcing it back.
"Please, Retsu-sama. Whatever you need, you have our consent." He said quietly, and Retsu nodded.
"Thank you." She answered soberly, kneeling gracefully down beside the bier and putting her fingers gently to Shouichi's brow. She pursed her lips, nodding.
"Three days of dessication of the Lord's spiritual aura is in keeping with what you told me when you sent the message." She reflected. "I believe his death was probably not long before he was discovered. After three or four days a corpse seldom retains any spiritual energy that can be easily recogniseable and read...but Shouichi-sama's reiatsu is still at least some part intact. He died quickly, I think. I do not believe he suffered too greatly."
"Then that is a mercy at least." Misashi sighed, leaning up against one of the carved stone pillars as he watched the young woman carefully unfasten the folds of Shouichi's haori and then loosen the collar of the red and brown silk hakamashita. She paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing as if absorbing some tiny clue that he had overlooked, and then she sighed, slowly shaking her head.
"You found his zanpakutou at the scene also, I think?" She asked softly, and Misashi nodded.
"Yes, we did."
"If I could see it also, please?"
"Of course." Misashi nodded, moving across to scoop it up from the stone plinth that had become its makeshift coffin during the interim days. He held it out, and Retsu hovered her hand over the blade, concentration glittering in her gentle eyes. At length she nodded, offering him a smile.
"Thank you. That s all I needed. You may return it to its sleep now."
"All right." Misashi did so, then, as curiosity got the better of him, "May I ask...why you needed to see Hijirobaya? The sword wasn't released...at least...we don't believe so."
"The zanpakutou automatically re-seals itself upon loss of consciousness or, as in this case, loss of life." Retsu said quietly. "Many swords that are closely bound to their masters also begin to break down and disintegrate into spiritual ether when the one who wields them dies a natural death. For example, had Shouichi-sama reached the natural end of his long and fruitful life, I would expect to see Hijirobaya disintegrating also...breaking down as Shouichi-sama's reiatsu also breaks down after death."
"But the sword is still intact." Misashi frowned. "Meaning that...whatever did happen to Father, he didn't die of simple old age? There's no way that...his body's failure could have caused him to stumble and fall?"
"I did not expect to find it so." Retsu admitted. "Five and a half centuries is not a great age for one of Shouichi-sama's spiritual calibre, despite his physical aging, and I had not detected any reason to concern myself with his health the last time that I saw him at a full Council meeting. Only I did not attend the last session - so wanted to see if anything could have changed in the interim time."
She sighed, a regretful look entering her gaze.
"I am sorry to say that this was not such a death." She said at length. "Although you know it, I think, I have to confirm that fear. What brought about Shouichi-sama's demise was not the natural end of his life. Hijirobaya might have acted as his last witness in this regard. However, the sword is dead - it no longer has even the faintest spiritual pulse. I have seen swords severed from their masters who have retained malformed spiritual aura and even broken consciousnesses - but this is not the case here. I had hoped perhaps, given that the blade remained so complete, a clue to the last moments of its master may have been imprinted in its aura. But there is nothing. Shouichi-sama's bond with Hijirobaya was too great."
She lowered her hands, looking pensive.
"It also rules out suicide as an option in his death." She said evenly. "I have seen severed and malformed swords in cases of violent death of all kinds before - especially when the death is sudden. I have also read of them many times in my family's records. But I have never encountered a self-inflicted death in which the sword has not retained some spiritual power. A Shinigami who takes his or her own life seals themselves from their sword so that the sword's spirit cannot rebel against their wishes. It was not Shouichi-sama's wish to die. He and Hijirobaya were killed together - unexpectedly, by an unknown force."
"Murder?" Misashi's face paled and he could barely whisper the word. Retsu shook her head.
"A violent and sudden death does not have to be murder, Misashi-sama." She said evenly. "In fact, I would prefer you did not assume such things until I have completed all areas of my investigation. Accidents do happen, even to Shinigami. Please, reserve judgement until I have done."
"I'm sorry." Misashi bowed his head. "I know you're right. Just...here...in this District, accidental death is...not usual."
"Perhaps that is so. But it does not mean it should be prematurely ruled out." Retsu said matter of factly, and Misashi carefully watched her unfastening his father's upper clothing, laying the blood-caked fabrics back so that the old man's muscular chest was revealed. As she did so, she tut-tutted, running her finger against the uneven, torn surface of the skin.
"He fell on sharp rocks, I believe?" She asked lightly, and Misashi nodded.
"So far as we could ascertain. His body was found in an old, dry river bed - and it appeared as though maybe he'd fallen about twelve feet onto the sharp stones below."
"These stones were blooded too, then?" Retsu asked, and Misashi sighed.
"They were." He confirmed. "When we lifted Father's body, it became clear a couple of them had broken through his skin and there was quite a lot of blood at the scene."
"More than that." Retsu said sadly. "A couple of these wounds are deep. The rocks are particularly sharp, you said?"
"Yes, Retsu-sama."
"And raised up from the ground? You said a river-bed, so I assume an uneven surface?"
"Yes."
"I may need to visit this place before I give my final verdict." Retsu looked thoughtful. "But from a simple overview, I would say that these wounds are consistant with falling on rocks such as those you describe. Though they are not sharp enough in themselves to pierce a vital organ, I can feel that a couple of Shouichi's ribs are fractured quite seriously. And if a rock did not kill him - his own bone may have done."
"There is no other wound?" Misashi asked anxiously, and Retsu offered him a faint smile.
"Should there be?" She asked him lightly. "I find nothing here that does not tally with what you have already told me. More than that, yet, I cannot say. We will need to do further investigation to make sure there was nothing intoxicating his system, for example, and that there was no other injury that may have been hidden by the rocks. But...if the rocks were bloody as you say they were, I think it likely he was alive when he fell onto them...and dead when he had done so. If he had not been, his heart would not have pumped and blood would not have flowed out onto the river bed or onto his clothing. And had he been living, he would have doubtless moved himself in search of some kind of help - even if that movement was base and feeble."
She indicated the wounds.
"They are rough wounds, but not torn. They do not suggest Shouichi-sama made any movement once he had landed on the river bed." She concluded. "Therefore that is where he most likely died. And, as I said before, I believe it was a quick death."
She bent to examine his still gloved hands, then sighed.
"Although...even so, I would have expected him to put his hands out to try and steady such a fall. His gloves are dirty but not ripped...which suggests they did not touch the ground until after his torso did. That is strange to me...not impossible, but still...strange."
She sat back, eying Misashi thoughtfully.
"I must explore all avenues. There are no members of the household that cannot be accounted for during this time?"
"We were all in session, at a meeting Father himself had called." Misashi shook his head. "Seimaru was disagreeing with some of the other Clan members about certain regulations, and we were discussing taxes. Then one of the low ranking officers of Father's squad burst in to announce the finding of the corpse. Everyone of rank was in that room."
"Everyone?" Retsu pressed, and Misashi sighed.
"Everyone except my son, if that is what you wish to ask." He said bitterly. "Hirata wasn't there, of course. And no women or children were present - but in the Endou, no women nor children possess even the slightest bit of spiritual training that would enable them to face Father, let alone engineer his death. I believe they can be written out of it, and as for Hirata..."
"Hirata is in District One." Retsu said calmly. "I was not trying to cast aspersions on your missing son, Misashi-sama - as I have seen him more recently than you, and I know that Genryuusai-sama keeps a very close eye on his progress. Even if he had been of the mind to slaughter his Grandfather, he would have neither means nor opportunity."
"Oh." Misashi sighed, rubbing his temples. "Then my apologies. It's just...been a frenetic few days."
"I should also speak to Seimaru-sama." Retsu reflected, and Misashi grimaced.
"You can try, but the whole business has shaken him a little from his wits." He owned. "He assigned me to this duty, which is proof enough he isn't thinking straight. He's wanted me dead for a long time - instead he's left all of the investigation work to my care and retreated into his own little shell. I don't know what he's been doing - reading records, but with no apparent reason behind it, and avoiding public events. I have never seen him like this. I begin to think he was fond of Grandfather - and I didn't think it possible for him to be fond of anyone at all."
"Grief is a heavy burden and affects all in different ways." Retsu said sagely. "But, if I may say so, his logic in assigning the duty to you is sound. He cannot be accused of influencing the investigation if he is actively not involved."
She got to her feet, absently dusting imaginary specks of grime from her clothing.
"His behaviour implies that he too is now in fear of his life." She added. "To hide himself from his fellows suggests he hides from his Grandfather's killer - and also therefore that he too believes Shouichi-sama died at someone else's hands. However..."
She paused, meeting Misashi's gaze with a serious one of her own.
"So far I cannot see any indication of any foul play." She said gravely. "I must do further tests, but as it stands, Shouichi-sama's demise seems to be accidental. Unless he was somehow poisoned...and by an unknown hand...I must speak to Seimaru-sama and find out what his fears are. If he is afraid someone will kill him, perhaps he can shed light on the matter a little more clearly."
"He would suspect me of plotting against him, and Hirata by association." Misashi said frankly. "There is no love lost between our branches of the family. But I am sworn by my word to my late mother to uphold Seimaru-sama's claim and that is what I've decided to do. I had nothing to gain from Father's death, and everything to lose. But even so - even hating Seimaru as much as I do - I don't believe he did this. His reaction was unnatural - I don't believe him capable of that level of deception."
"Then it is, perhaps, an accidental death after all." Retsu responded evenly. "Or after providing every Clansman with an alibi, do you still think it unlikely?"
Misashi pursed his lips.
"I can't imagine how terrifying an enemy would have to be to be able to slay my Father without him being able to even reach for and release his sword." He said softly. "Such a profile fits nobody that I know of within District Seven...in fact, only a very few individuals in Seireitei could even consider taking such an act. And I do not suspect this to be the deed of someone from outside of Seventh District. In which case...in which case..."
His gaze flitted back to the silent corpse.
"I find it hard to believe Father died by accident." He said helplessly. "But even harder to imagine the kind of foe who could have struck him down. The only Shinigami in Seventh District who has any kind of spiritual presence other than Father is Seimaru-sama. And Seimaru-sama was with me. With all of us. Far from where the incident occurred."
"Then that seems to seal his innocence." Retsu smiled. "I'm quite glad of it. I dislike the idea of one Clansman murdering another over power and greed."
She tilted her head on one side.
"I should like to go speak to Seimaru-sama now, if I may." She said frankly. "And console him a little in his grief. Then, if you don't mind, I would like to see the place where the body was found. In the meantime, my kinsfolk will take samples and begin the testing process for illicit substances."
She paused, then,
"You can rest assured, Misashi-sama, that we will be entirely thorough in our full investigation."
"I thought the bell was never going to sound."
As the remaining members of Class Three left the Kidou chamber, Shunsui let out his breath in a rush, a look of consternation in his dark brown eyes. "Time seems to creep by when you want to be somewhere else...and I swear I wanted to be the moment Juu left the classroom. I wonder if Hirata's okay...and more, what's happened to make Kazoe suddenly lenient like that."
"Whatever it is, it's a big deal." Sora said emphatically. "And something out of the blue, since otherwise I'm sure that I'd have heard about it from Okaasama or Otousama already. Although..."
"They might've felt it was better you didn't get that memo." Kai pointed out grimly. "Some Clan matters are better not shared, Sora...trust me on that one."
"What do you think then, Shihouin?" Sora turned quizzical green eyes on her classmate. "You think it's a big deal too, obviously - what kind of big deal that Hirata got hauled out of class like he did and none of the rest of us know a thing? We all knew all about the Shihouin-ke's issues last year...but this..."
"The Endou aren't the Shihouin." Kai said frankly. "And that was different. Aitori was involved. Tomoyuki was involved. Nee-sama was involved. In contrast..."
He sighed, shaking his head.
"Hirata's the only Endou in District One." He said at length. "Stands to reason he'd be the first to know - and till then, everyone else kept their mouths shut."
"But do you think someone's been hurt?" Mitsuki looked anxious, and Kai nodded.
"Almost certainly." He agreed darkly. "We're talking about that Clan, after all."
"I'm afraid of that too." Shunsui nodded. "Knowing that things there have been a little tentative ever since his Gran died. Although Shouichi-sama supposedly had it in check, he could easily turn on them at a moment's notice. So...I'm with Kai."
"Where do you suppose Ukitake and Hirata went to?" Enishi wondered. "Is the kid still with Genryuusai-sensei, or...?"
"They are in the boy's dorm." Ryuu said categorically. "And that is where we should head to, also. After all, whatever that Clan does...Hirata is separate from it and we should reassure him of our support."
"If you reassure him in the way you did me, Kuchiki, I'd stay here." Kai put in wryly, and Ryuu sent him a derisive look.
"That doesn't even merit an answer." He said at length. "Well? Are we going upstairs?"
"Mitsuki and I are Hirata's friends too." Sora objected, as they stepped out into the school grounds, autumn leaves scattered against the fading colours of the late summer blossoms and rain-soaked grass. "We can't go into the boy's dorm - what about our support?"
"Probably right now Juu is as much as he needs." Shunsui admitted. "But even so...I think we should do as Ryuu said. I don't like this. I don't like it at all. There's always something subversive going on in Seventh, and now..."
"Well, it looks as though you have a chance to find out more." Kai cut across him at that moment, gesturing across the grounds towards the main school building. "It looks like you have a visitor...or at least, someone does."
"Tokutarou-nii." Sora's cheeks flushed pink, and she bit her lip, glancing at Shunsui as she did so. "I...I guess Mitsuki and I should leave you to talk to him, then. If he's come here...he probably...needs to speak to you and...well...we'd be in the way."
"Sora-chan?" Mitsuki sent her friend a startled look, and Shunsui offered the Shiba a rueful grin.
"You haven't spoken to him, have you, since the news of his engagement came through?" He observed, and Sora's cheeks deepened in colour as she shook her head.
"I'm not sure how." She admitted. "I want to congratulate him, but I don't know if I can yet. Even though I knew it had to come and...and that it's not a bad thing. But...I'm not ready to face it head on yet, that's all. So...so Mitsuki and I will go...somewhere else. Maybe we could go to see Unohana-sensei, and see if we can help out in the Healing Bay for a while."
"Retsu-sama isn't here." Mitsuki shook her head. "One of her assistants told me she'd been summoned away to some Clan business, and wouldn't be back till the end of the week."
"Wouldn't you know it." Sora sighed. "Well, all right. We'll do something, then. You'll come with me? And Shunsui, you'll tell Hirata when you see him...that we're behind him too?"
"Consider it done." Shunsui nodded. "And I'll give Nii-sama your best wishes, too."
Sora shot him a rueful grimace before nodding her head, grabbing Mitsuki by the hand and pulling her away across the field.
"What was that about?" Enishi looked non-plussed, and Shunsui sighed.
"Sora's rather fonder of my brother than is good for her." He said sadly. "And even though she's known forever that things would end up this way...I guess it's harder to accept the actuality of it quite so quickly."
He shrugged.
"Let it alone, okay? It's not fair on her otherwise."
"Shunsui!"
Before any of the others could comment, the tall figure of the Kyouraku Clan head came striding across the grass, a mixture of relief and preoccupation in his dark eyes.
"Genryuusai-sensei said you should just be finished with your class. I hope you don't mind that I came to look for you." He seemed harried, Shunsui decided, and something about this added to the growing sense of unease that was curling up inside of him.
"I don't." he said now. "But I am surprised to see you here. I didn't expect a visit...to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"No pleasure, I'm afraid." Tokutarou said grimly. "I came to speak to you about something...which may or may not have a wider implication for a lot of people. Us included. Perhaps us in particular."
Shunsui's gaze clouded.
"Tokutarou-nii, what's happened in District Seven?" He asked softly, and Tokutarou started, staring at him in surprise.
"How did you..."
"Hirata was hoicked out of class this morning, and Juushirou sent after him." Shunsui explained. "And we were heading up to find them, but we all know it...something's happened over there, and...we want to know what it is."
Tokutarou sighed, his gaze flitting between the four remaining members of Class Three. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"You will all know soon enough." He said gravely. "Clan children all will, no matter where they are."
"Something bad has occurred, Tokutarou-sama?" Ryuu asked softly, and Tokutarou's gaze rested on the young nobleman for a moment.
"A Kuchiki...you must be Ryuu-kun." He observed, and Ryuu nodded. "Then your people will no doubt be sending you notice also, so I suppose it does no harm for me to mention it."
His gaze drifted to Kai, then Enishi.
"Shihouin Kai...and a Yamamoto. Enishi-kun, I suppose." He murmured. "Very well. I will tell you what I can."
"If my family will also be acting, then it is a severe matter indeed." Ryuu's brow had creased at this. "It almost makes me suspect...that someone has died."
"Indeed someone has." Tokutarou said grimly. "The most grave death of all in any Clan's eyes. The death of the Head himself."
"Shouichi-sama?" Kai's eyes widened in dismay, and Tokutarou nodded.
"Just so."
"But how? That's ridiculous!" Kai shook his head in disbelief. "He can't be dead. I won't believe...a war-horse like that, with such a reputation...how..."
He faltered, and Shunsui rested a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"The only one protecting Hirata's family is dead." He said quietly. "If Nii-sama says it, it's true. All we can do about it is what Ryuu-kun already said - be Hirata's support."
He glanced at Tokutarou.
"Is there anything else? Any news on how he died...or...on Hirata's own family?"
"Very little, except that it was Misashi-dono who sent me the official notice of Shouichi-sama's death." Tokutarou shook his head. "It seems he's done likewise for all the Clansfolk I've spoken to, and an emergency Council session was called yesterday to discuss it."
"Then you think it's murder." Ryuu's eyes narrowed, and Tokutarou shrugged.
"To say such things would be speculative." He chided softly. "But all angles must be investigated. When a Clan head dies...it's always the same."
"True enough." Enishi looked grave. "Though it's possible that he just died of age. He was an old man, after all. The oldest Clan elder. There's no reason to bring suspicion into it, Kuchiki. Not when we don't know. False allegations are dangerous - we should steer clear of them until we know the facts."
Tokutarou nodded.
"Precisely the view the Council takes." He agreed. "Retsu-sama of the Unohana is investigating with her Clan and will do so thoroughly. Then, if all is well, the Endou will be able to name their next leader. And..."
"That means Seimaru will wear the haori." Shunsui said softly. Tokutarou nodded, clamping his hands down on his brother's shoulders.
"Don't you go getting yourself involved." He said urgently. "Seimaru already knows you, and your young District friend. I'd like to think neither one of you were in his firing line at any point, no matter how this ends."
He turned to offer an apologetic smile to the other boys.
"If you don't mind, I also wish to speak to my brother alone." He said softly. "Hirata probably needs you more than Shunsui at present - I won't keep him too long, I promise."
"We understand. We'll go." Kai nodded. "Thank you for telling us the truth, Tokutarou-sama. Houjou, Kuchiki - let's go find Ukitake and the kid...and see what's what with them."
Shunsui saw displeasure surface in Ryuu's grey eyes, but for once the Kuchiki did not object, and once they were alone, Shunsui shot Tokutarou a quizzical look.
"What of Hirata's family...?" He asked carefully, and Tokutarou shook his head.
"Heed what I say." He said quietly. "This is a Council matter. And I will do all that is needed of District Eight. You stay here...and keep Juushirou close by, too."
"We're coming towards the end of term, though. What am I supposed to do, tell him that he's not allowed to go home?" Shunsui demanded. "Don't be silly, Nii-sama. You know I can't do that."
"I'm already working on that idea." Tokutarou said simply. "I plan to marry Rae-hime as soon as can be arranged - this news has brought such things closer, since the stability of my line must be without doubt if I'm to entertain a neighbour who might just choose to invade on a whim. Therefore I intend to hold the ceremony this winter."
"I beg your pardon?" Shunsui stared at his brother as though the older man had gone mad, and Tokutarou sighed.
"I have told Juushirou that he should consider our Clan kin among the Noble Houses, where he has none of his own to speak for him." He said softly. "His family also offered you hospitality that I have not yet returned. I intend to rectify that matter and ensuring his safety by suggesting he spend the winter with us in District Eight. After all, you will want friends of your own at the wedding - won't you? And..."
"It's a convenient smokescreen for what is, in fact, a plot to protect him." Shunsui's eyes narrowed. "I see. But he'll probably see through it, you know. He's not foolish."
"Perhaps not, but I doubt he has the ill-manners to refuse an invite to a wedding." Tokutarou said wearily. "Besides, he and I have already somewhat discussed the idea when he was in Inner Seireitei, so it won't be totally new to him. Please, Shunsui - support me in this. I want to keep him safe and you safe - and it worries me, what may happen in District Seven from now."
"I wasn't planning on defying you." Shunsui assured him. "But it will look...strange. Won't it? If you invite a District boy to your wedding out of the blue...?"
"Yes. Which is why I intend to invite all of your Class to attend." Tokutarou said simply. "Since they are young Clansfolk and your social equals and associates, it seems prudent. And...many of them will not have a safe passage home if District Seven becomes more dangerous than it's already been. I'm looking at worst case scenarios, but Shunsui, I believe Shouichi-sama was murdered. And whatever managed that feat is still at large somewhere in that District. Therefore nobody is going to want their children to travel through uneasy territory when they could become hostages, or worse."
"The Kuchiki already take that view." Shunsui acknowledged. "All right. I suppose there is some sanity in your madness. But...you're serious, aren't you? If Shouichi-sama was killed...do you think Seimaru...?"
"He benefits, though how he could have managed it still foxes me." Tokutarou admitted. "Even so, though, knowing that young man's mind...I think it impossible this wasn't somehow by his hand. And...most likely...done in such a way that guilt can't be attached to him. He's acted cautiously so far...and in that time, we must be prepared for anything."
"And Hirata's family?" Shunsui persisted. Tokutarou offered a faint smile.
"I told you before that if it came to that point and they needed sanctuary, I would open my borders and accept them." He said evenly. "I can't advertise such a thing in a public arena, but I will keep my promise. However, that is all I can do. You know that. My influence stretches only to the borders of District Eight."
"But if that happened...the wedding would be a good cover for people coming and going to our home." Shunsui pursed his lips. "All right. Then I'll go along with whatever you decide to use as your reasoning. A lot of Clans will probably be uneasy if Seimaru succeeds...so I doubt anyone will contest your suggestion. A wedding is an innocent event, after all."
"Yes. If only that were true." Tokutarou rubbed his temples. "All right. I must go. But bear in mind everything I've said, Shunsui. I don't want you or that District boy in danger. District Eight is safe - our borders are fortified and we have the Shiba as allies should that ever change. Leave things to the Council Elders. We will see that all is done correctly."
"Nii-sama..." For a moment Shunsui considered telling him about his conversation with Irie, and the Aizen family connection that he had researched the day he had made Tensonshin react to his touch. Then he frowned, shaking his head.
"No...it doesn't matter."
"Shunsui?" Tokutarou eyed him curiously. "Are you sure?"
"It's fine." Shunsui assured him. "It may...be something. But right now I'm not sure...how it all clicks together."
"Does this have something to do with the information you gleaned from the refugees?" Tokutarou asked softly, and Shunsui shrugged.
"Perhaps." He owned. "I was just wondering...whether or not the one who eliminated Shouichi-sama might...be someone the Council was also concerned about."
"Urahara Keitarou, you mean." Tokutarou's gaze darkened, and Shunsui nodded.
"Yes."
"I had thought of it, too." Tokutarou admitted. "But to raise that...would imply that Seimaru was in league with the Urahara exiles. Otherwise why would the assassination have been conducted so secretively and with so little evidence at the scene? If it was simply a symbolic murder by the remaining scientists, they would want it known about, I imagine."
He shook his head.
"No, I can't raise that thought anywhere but with you and with Kyouki-sama, yet." He said regretfully. "But I have it in mind, little brother. Don't worry."
Shunsui sighed.
"All right." He said at length. "Just because it bothers me. That...someone could be strong enough to kill a Clan Head out of the blue like that. And that if...there is someone...we need to know where he is. Before...something else happens."
"Agreed." Tokutarou nodded. "Which is why the Council will not rest until this Urahara Keitarou is in chains and under interrogation. And in the meantime..."
He trailed off, glancing up at the sun.
"I must ride from here." He concluded. "I have a lot of things to organise and arrange, not least to send a formal message to the Ukitake family requesting that I take their son from them this winter."
"His siblings will miss him." Shunsui reflected. "Juu's birthday is in the winter, after all."
"Then I will have to hope his kin understand." Tokutarou sighed. "Because allowing him to travel through District Seven is an absolute no. Until we know how things are going to go, nobody should be taking risks."
"Why do I feel as though there was a hidden message in that aimed at me?" Shunsui asked lightly, and Tokutarou shrugged.
"If you read it that way, then take note of it." He suggested, but his eyes were grave. "You're not an adult yet, but it's a matter of months before you are, and this winter I will make it clear that I consider you enough of age to be considered such. Once you officially reach twenty, Shunsui, you will not be able to escape official Clan designation as my heir and successor in District Eight. Even if it is only in the interim – even if I had children with Rae-hime, in the time that child takes to grow up anything may happen. I'm preparing for the worst even while hoping for the best. I'm not a Shinigami of Seimaru's calibre and never will be – anything might happen. And if it does…even if I did have an heir other than you, the Clan…"
"Would still look to me in the case of a minority." Shunsui's expression darkened. "I know. I understand. And I want to tell you you shouldn't say those things or even think them, but I know I can't and so I won't. We none of us know now what's going to come next. None of us."
He sighed.
"You can trust me, you know." He added resignedly. "I don't like the shackles, but I'm fond of you and I won't let you down."
"I think I know that more now than I ever have." Tokutarou admitted, relief in his gaze. "And I'm glad of it, Shunsui. And I know it's not something I can hurry you with, but if…in the next year, if you…your sword…"
"Ah. That." Shunsui pursed his lips, then, "I guess its as you say. It's not something that can be hurried. But…now Juu has summoned his, I don't want to lag too far behind. I'll do my best, Nii-sama. You don't need to worry about that."
He tilted his head on one side.
"Which reminds me, I've also a favour to ask you that relates to Juu's zanpakutou."
"A favour?" Tokutarou was startled, and Shunsui nodded.
"It might seem frivolous, in light of the conversation, but even so, while I think of it…" He paused, then, "I promised Juu I'd buy Sougyo no Kotowari's first scabbard. And I mean to keep my word. Partly because he's my friend and there's no way he could find funds for the kind of sheath that would last holding a weapon with that level of reiatsu. But partly also because…I don't know…Sougyo is symbolic to me. And it's a symbol I want to be a part of. If that makes sense."
Tokutarou's eyes became solemn with comprehension and he smiled slightly.
"You want me to commission the people who sheathed my sword to craft one for Juushirou's?" He asked softly, and Shunsui nodded.
"If you don't mind. It can be charged to my personal allowance." He agreed. "I intend to be the one to pay for it. But the craftsmen are better for this in District Eight and if he's coming to us this winter…I can give it to him properly then. Right now he has the sword swaddled in blankets like it's a baby or something – I think it'd be better all round if we did something about it."
Tokutarou nodded.
"That's simple enough to arrange." He agreed. "Send me a letter with Sougyo's exact dimensions and so on and I'll pass it to Yasuhiro to arrange. He's very efficient when it comes to swords and such like – it'll be ready by the time term ends."
"Thank you." Shunsui smiled. "Then at least there'll be something positive to talk about when we reach District Eight. A wedding it might be, but there's too much cloaked in shadow for my liking and the sooner everything settles down the better."
"I agree with you." Tokutarou sighed. "We can just hope...that the Council can keep abreast of everything and…settling the matters in District Seven end without further bloodshed."
Author's Note:
Thank you for those people who've already voted in my profile page poll. If anyone has time to stop and cast a vote, I'd be grateful xD It's all author research, ya know! xD
In other news, Third Chronicle has reached Chapter Fifty Eight on my flash disk. I think we're looking at about sixty-ish chapters overall which means...we have only just hit the half way point on FFnet O.o. I did say it was going to be a long one, didn't I...?? *phew*