Chapter Four: First Day
The world was cloaked in mourning.
Ryuu rested his hands on the sill of the Kuchiki archive window, gazing down pensively at the milling people in the courtyard below. Though it was a mere few days since the death of his cousin, the estate was a flurry of activity, servants going about their usual duties as though the entire future of the Clan that watched over them had not been thrown violently into question four nights earlier. Yet even so, it was impossible to ignore the change in atmosphere, for every servant was robed in deep indigo - the Kuchiki colour of mourning - and even the members of the Clan itself had discarded their usual green and cream finery to wear the more muted blue and black associated with the death of a High Clansman.
He glanced down at his own robes, touching his finger pensively to his dark blue hakamashita. It felt strange, he reflected, to see everyone walking around in the same grief-tinged attire, for blue and black had never been Kuchiki colours and it was as though a whole other family had suddenly invaded the centre of Sixth District power. The tradition went back, Ryuu knew, to ancient Kuchiki history - to a legend of warriors who had used the dark, muted colours to shroud their dead in the hope of fooling their enemies. Many Kuchiki slain had been returned to their families successfully because of the lack of ornamentation or identification surrounding the bodies, and so, even in this day and age the same traditions were observed. Ribari had been dressed in black and blue death robes for his final journey to the mausoleum - and in honour of his memory, the family would discard their Clan badges and glamour, dressing simply and respectfully until the succession of memorial and mourning ceremonies were fully over. They had begun that morning with the boy's official interment, but there would be more of them as the week progressed, and it would be some time before the cloud of gloom lifted from District Six.
Ryuu turned from the window, moving back to the bookshelf to skim his gaze over the shelves. Absently he pulled out a volume on kidou history, running his finger gently over the patterned cover as he considered the situation.
Ribari's death meant that he would not return to the Academy on the following day, and nor would Mitsuki. They would be required to remain with the Clan until the ceremonies surrounding Ribari's burial were fully over, and Ryuu knew from past experience that that would take perhaps another full week at least. Kinsfolk from all across the District were still arriving, and all would have to pay their respects before any closure could be firmly sought.
Although Ryuu was grieved by the attack on the young boy, he found that he regretted far more this unexpected disturbance of his expected schedule. Though he was a Kuchiki, and proud of his roots, Ryuu was not foolish. In this place he was stifled, the Archive his only place of refuge from the social expectations put upon him by his parents and sisters. Yet he knew there was nothing to be done about it. He was the only son of Seiren, brother of Guren and therefore an important soul by blood to the heart of the Kuchiki Clan. And he had long since resigned himself to that connection, knowing that he would never entirely be free of it.
Well, to be truthful, Ryuu did not want to be free of it. But in attending the Academy, he had learnt that to be a shinigami was his true calling - and that in studying under Genryuusai, he had begun to find the abilities and strengths that his constant upbringing in the intense Kuchiki social structure had suppressed. At the Academy, he felt confident to act and to think for himself. But here, he could not help but retreat back into his shell and use his studies as his shield.
And now Ryuu was worried.
So long as Ribari had been alive, all the hopes of the family had rested on his shoulders. So long as Ribari had been there, Guren's succession was certain and secure, and nobody had questioned it. All had been smooth and well, and the future of the Kuchiki had seemed bright and prosperous. But that brightness had been extinguished in one fell swoop, and the Clan had been plunged into confusion. While Guren grieved, the other Clansfolk had already begun to whisper about the succession. And Ryuu, knowing that his name would almost certainly be raised in the discussion, had immediately sought sanctuary in his favourite place. He did not want to talk about the future of the Kuchiki or what his blood ties to it might eventually mean. Yet he was not stupid enough to think he could avoid it forever.
Father is ambitious for me beyond my means and always has been, whether I like it or not. My sisters will all see it as a good opportunity, and my Mother concerns herself with nothing that doesn't imply the highest level of status. Given those things, I have too many people to oppose me even if I were to speak my mind and tell the truth. I am not Ribari and I would never be able to take on his guise or gain the loyalties and the affections of the Clan like he did. I am not a suitable candidate and I am not a willing one either. But will I even have a choice? Given normal proceedings, Father should be the one...but...Father...cannot be. And so...
"So here you are."
At the sound of the voice, Ryuu physically jumped, his grip tightening on the book in his hand as he swung around in consternation to face the speaker. He had been so immersed in his own thoughts that for once he had not detected the other's approach, and at his frightened hen reaction, the other raised a faint, humourless smile.
"Yes, I didn't think that you'd sensed my coming."
"Shirogane-senpai?" Ryuu recovered his wits, swallowing hard. "I thought...wasn't...aren't you...?"
"I'm well enough now to be risen." Shirogane dismissed his faltering questions with a flick of his fingers. "And unlike you, I do not seek to hide from the Clan in the dust and shadows of family history."
Ryuu flushed red.
"I was not hiding." He said softly, although he was lying and he knew his companion knew it too. "I was looking for something specific to read. I will soon be returning to my training - and I do not wish my delay in attending the Academy this year to reflect badly on my rank."
"Mm." Shirogane crossed the room in a few short steps, taking the book from Ryuu's grip and glancing at it before the other boy could react. "Kidou history? And you can focus on such things even despite the chaos going on around you?"
"I can." Ryuu said primly. "Just as you are able to rise and return to your duties, Senpai - even though you still lack colour in your cheeks and have shadows beneath your eyes."
Shirogane pursed his lips.
"Perhaps I am not entirely recovered." He acknowledged. "But I do want to attempt to be useful to Guren-sama in the days and weeks ahead. That is my duty. It is yours too, Ryuu - or perhaps you don't know what topics are being talked about around the halls?"
Ryuu's eyes darkened, and Shirogane nodded.
"Yes. You do know." He said quietly. "That with Ribari-sama's death, the most obvious one to inherit the Kuchiki clan after Guren-sama is..."
"It is not me, Shirogane-senpai." Ryuu cut across him, shaking his head. "I have none of the characteristics to recommend me as leader of this or any Clan. The Kuchiki are the greatest Clan with the most illustrious history in all of Seireitei. To hold such a position would require someone of esteemed ability. I am not that person. Therefore I will not become involved in such casual idle chatter. If nothing else, it is disrespectful to the soul of Ribari-sama and to Guren-sama's grief to begin speaking of such things so soon after such a tragic incident. I am surprised you should be raising it now."
Shirogane looked faintly taken aback, then he sighed.
"I see." He murmured. "Then that is how you see this? You have no designs on the Kuchiki inheritance, even if it were to be said that you were the only one with an acceptable blood claim?"
"That is correct. Yes." Ryuu agreed flatly. "I will return to the Academy, I will resume my training and I will qualify as a shinigami. But such illustrious titles are not mine to hold."
"Your Lord father seems to disagree." Shirogane pointed out.
"Naturally, Father sees things from the perspective of supporting the Clan." Ryuu said stiffly. "However, he has not discussed such matters with me, so I don't think you can consider them at all concrete. It is far from a secret that my blood kinship to Guren-sama is of an adequate level. But the reality of it will settle differently. I have no intention of becoming the next head of the Kuchiki Clan."
Shirogane leant up against the bookshelf, looking thoughtful.
"You do know your own mind, then. I had wondered...many times, whether you acted in Seiren-dono's shadow, or cast your own."
"With respect, Senpai, I am not my Father in any regard."
"No. Perhaps not." Shirogane's eyes narrowed. "Well then. I suppose things will become more interesting now for all concerned. That is, if you can call such a situation interesting."
He rubbed his temples.
"I was fond of Ribari-sama, and I want to bring his killer to justice." He said softly. "But there are a number of things I lack to be able to do so. Guren-sama will soon be fully embroiled once more in the uncertainties of Clan, whether he wants to avenge his son or not. Seiren-dono has made it clear that he looks to the Clan's future too, although he considers the deed unforgivable as all do. And I...as he so kindly told me, I am a shinigami Vice Captain reliant on the favour of the Clan leader. My training Ribari-sama so closely gave me more freedom of movement within the Clan. But no matter how strong or able I am, I don't hold the Kuchiki name and therefore my status is only ever confirmed by Guren-sama's direct kindness to me since Father's death. Within the Clan, I have earnt respect as a shinigami and have proven my abilities. Therefore they accept me. As a shinigami. But...Ribari-sama's murder is beyond my jurisdiction. And I have been made to feel it...very strongly...since that night."
Ryuu's expression became one of surprise.
"So you come to me...why?"
"Because my age and experience - dare I also say, ability - surpass yours, but in this, your rank is above mine." Shirogane responded heavily. "And more, I wanted to find out just how rigid your sense of justice was. Mitsuki...your young healer friend - she seems to think that you are fair and just, and I wanted to see it for myself. Ribari-sama's death creates shockwaves in all areas and people are unsettled. I suspect that as time passes...I will be the only one who seriously wishes to find true justice."
Ryuu's brows knitted together as he interpreted this.
"You were with him the night he died." He murmured. "And..."
"Yes. From the whispers and the stares, I'm sure some have begun to suspect my involvement in his death, though not Guren-sama or Seiren-dono." Shirogane looked suddenly weary, and far from the peacock Clansman Ryuu was used to seeing his cousin as. "Rumours will begin in a circumstance such as this. Unohana-sama has at least put the important minds at ease on that count - my poisoning is my alibi, and under the influence of a drug such as that, I would have been incapable of doing anything. But because of that, indirectly those who suspect me may be right. I wonder if I killed him because I could not protect him. Even though it was impossible...I shall always think I should have done."
"What motive would you have for killing Ribari-sama?" Ryuu looked bewildered. "You just said...by training him, your position in the Clan was further elevated. Surely such rumours will quickly die, too, if Unohana Retsu-sama has spoken and found that possibility false."
"In order to strike a coup against his position? Take advantage of Guren-sama? Who knows?" Shirogane groaned. "Rumours don't have to be founded on fact or logic, nor do they take into account evidence. I thought my position was quite safe and secure here, but perhaps it was a facade ."
He sighed heavily.
"I don't know, I don't understand." He admitted. "I just know the paranoia of people towards those who were at the scene of an incident, and I've certainly felt unwelcome gazes and heard unwelcome whispers since I left my bed this morning. Even at the memorial ceremony, I felt it - the darkness in the auras of some as they looked my way. Most of all, even if they know there is no reason to, perhaps it is easy to blame me. I'm a second degree Clansman, but that only because of who my mother was. As you know, the Kuchiki have always focused far more on our paternal bloodline - and that leaves me with no actual rights or position beyond Guren-sama's favour. Perhaps it comforts them somehow to think I had a motive - that when Ribari-sama came of age, I might have lost my rank in Sixth Squad...and I may have never regained any real position after that. To have suspicions is less frightening than to have no knowledge at all about who was responsible."
"Are you trying to talk me into believing your guilt?" Ryuu arched an eyebrow. "You have my assurance, senpai - I have not thought that, and will not think that, no matter how you try to persuade me."
A wry smile touched Shirogane's features and he nodded.
"You do have your own opinions. Mitsuki was right - you just keep them to yourself." He reflected. "And I do not wish to make you suspect me of a crime I have not committed. The truth is simply that I was fond of Ribari-sama. If he had taken my rank, then as a Kuchiki, my duty would have been to accept it, and as his shishou I would have been proud..."
He trailed off, and Ryuu was suddenly struck by the odd, uncharacteristically fragmented manner of his cousin's speech. It was as though his emotions and his reactions were still shattered by the shock of the murder and the impact of the drug, and for once Shirogane had let his cool, sardonic guard slip, revealing someone who for the first time since they had been children, Ryuu began to see as vulnerable. He had never thought of Shirogane's position before - in fact, he had always considered his cousin to be above him in almost everything, because of his place in Guren's favour. But now he saw a different side - how easily such a position could be undermined, and how much Ribari's death had shaken the Clan to its very foundations.
At length, Ryuu spoke, not wanting to linger in silence any longer.
"And you think I am such a person that I believe unfounded rumour over logic and common sense?"
"From what you've just said about the Clan, I can't see that you'd care either way." Shirogane was unusually blunt, and Ryuu's eyes narrowed, his suspicions confirmed once again.
"You are still not well." he murmured. "For you to speak this way...so carelessly..."
Shirogane started, then pursed his lips, slowly shaking his head.
"No...I'm well enough and rational enough to know what I'm saying." He said tiredly. "My emotions are unsteady, that's all. For the first time since I can remember, someone has died and I feel a genuine sense of real anguish for their loss. I don't know how to deal with that in the full scrutiny of the Clan. So I suppose I came here...to find someone who didn't seem to be scrutinising me. It may seem illogical, but..."
"What do you want from me, then, Senpai?"
"You can escape here in a few days, with luck." Shirogane managed a faint smile. "Escape and go to District One. There is something...I want you to find out for me."
"Something?" Ryuu looked confused. "In District One?"
"Not specifically." Shirogane shook his head. "Listen. Your Father insists that if I want to report to Guren-sama at present I must go through him, and I am sure that he's stifling my chance to report anything because he doesn't want me in Guren-sama's line of sight for whatever nefarious reason of his own. Probably while he's trying his best to garner support for you to take over as Guren-sama's heir, he's also going to use it as a means to remove as much influence from me as possible. So what I have to say I will not tell him - but because of him, I can't tell Guren-sama. Then I thought...about you. And whether or not...you were your own man in this."
"And...?" Ryuu's curiosity was piqued, and Shirogane took him by the arm, leading him away from the window to a quieter corner of the library.
"The night that Ribari-sama died, he saw someone." He said, muting his tones and glancing cautiously around him. "His last words, in fact, were telling me what he saw. A young person in the trees, with dark skin and golden eyes. That's what he said."
"A Shihouin?!" Ryuu's eyes widened, and Shirogane shrugged.
"He was already poisoned, then. He said himself he might have imagined it because he felt strange, so I don't know." He replied helplessly. "Since there's a past precedent of Shihouin apparently assassinating Kuchiki, it may just have been a subconscious fear overriding reality. Believe me, the concoction we inhaled could have made him see anything. I could've sworn the trees were coming to attack me, even though that's clearly impossible - so what Ribari-sama said may also mean nothing."
"And you didn't see this golden eyed creature, then?"
"No. I was only aware of a shadow between the trees." Shirogane shook his head, and Ryuu noted the tentative way in which he did it. "Nothing more, and I'm the only other living person who remembers anything from that night. Everyone else has lost all recollection of what happened, so it's down to the scraps I can piece together. That and finding someone who believes me."
"But in District One...on the border with Shihouin land, there may be clues?" Ryuu questioned. Shirogane nodded.
"You have a Shihouin in your class, don't you? I seem to remember...from when I was a Senior the first time...and everything blew up with Kamuki-dono and the reidoku..."
"Yes." Ryuu's eyes darkened. "Kai."
"Then..."
"Kai is not the kind of person I consider a friend, and would barely wish to acknowledge as an acquaintance given the relationship between our two clans." Ryuu said slowly. "But after four years, I cannot say I believe him to be a silent assassin. He is not...whatever he is, I don't think..."
"But he may know something." Shirogane cut across him. "And right now, this is all I have. So please, Ryuu, try and find out for me. If there's any chance any Shihouin were in District Six that night - whatever their reasons for being there. I've met Midori-dono and I don't think she's the same as the sneak killers that Clan has produced to lead it before. But Ribari-sama's words are clear in my mind now. And I can't forget them. So for his sake..."
Ryuu hesitated for a moment, then he nodded his head.
"All right. I will try."
"Thank you. And Ryuu? Not a word of this to Seiren-dono or anyone else here. You may speak to Mitsuki, if you think you need her help - but please do not do so until you both leave this place for more neutral ground. I would rather not create panic and raise fears about the past repeating itself...not until I can speak to Guren-sama."
Ryuu solemnly nodded a second time.
"I understand." He said quietly. "And I promise to do my best."
First day.
Juushirou paused, glancing at his reflection one final time in the long dust-aging mirror that stood in the far corner of his chamber. In a short few moments, he would be thrust once more into the pell-mell craziness of the start of term, but for that brief instant he was alone with his thoughts and he relished the rare chance to properly process the honour that had been placed on his shoulders.
It was far more than just a name, he knew that. He had been a student of Genryuusai's long enough to realise that the old man took his choices seriously, and would not have appointed anyone he did not have confidence in. A faint swell of pride curled up inside his heart at this and he smiled, meeting his hazel gaze as he inwardly made up his mind not to let anyone down.
Did he look like a Senior?
He reached up a hand to touch his hair absently, his fingers brushing against the long straggly ends that now reached down beyond his shoulders. He was resigned to the lank whiteness now, and the fact it only accentuated his natural pallor. But it was long enough now to be properly fastened, and instead of cutting it, Juushirou had decided this year he would leave it long, as if trying to cultivate the image of the warrior in his fragile, skinny form.
He grabbed a length of blue ribbon from the unit, pulling it firmly around the stray ends and knotting it tightly, pursing his lips as he examined his reflection once more in the mirror. Yes, that looked better.
You are spending an awfully long time over this, Juushirou.
The voice of You, one half of his zanpakutou's spirit rippled across his consciousness at that moment, and he started, putting a hand to his chest as he tried to regain his composure.
"You startled me." He murmured, and there was a peal of amused laughter.
Obviously.
You was unrepentant.
You were so engrossed in what you were doing...did you forget that being punctual is also important? You've only a few minutes before you're due at the main entrance and it wouldn't do to be late on your first official day in the position.
"No, true." Juushirou bit his lip, looking a little sheepish. "I'm sorry, You. Thank you for poking me. I just...want to look like I'm a Senior, as well as be one. It's the first time I've let my hair grow really long and not cut it back before school - so..."
You're nervous and we understand that.
This time it was the gentle voice of In who spoke.
But really, you should simply have faith in yourself. Your sensei has faith in you, and so do we. And we're with you, no matter how much of a challenge you find it. So its time to head downstairs - before someone comes looking for you.
"All right."
Juushirou nodded, reaching to grasp the black-sheathed weapon from atop the shelf by his bed and sliding it into his obi. "I'm coming. Let's do this."
"So you are coming out of there this morning, then." Shunsui's voice greeted him as he stepped out into the hall, and Juushirou turned, nodding his head.
"I was getting a pep talk from In'you." He said sheepishly. "And being reminded that being on time is as important as anything else, so yes."
"Good, because I made a special effort to wake up on time in case I needed to drag you downstairs myself." Shunsui grinned. "I figured after spending a night in Anideshi's nest, it would be starting to sink in and you'd be nervous."
"It was weird, sleeping in there." Juushirou agreed. "It's not like I'm not used to having my own room, but here...I think I'm going to miss the dormitory spirit. I'm a little envious of all of you - sharing rooms even in pairs is less lonely."
"That's all right. We know where you are and we can come invade, even if we're no longer roommates." Shunsui patted his friend on the arm reassuringly. "We won't isolate you. And the Seniors have a study to themselves, too. If you don't want to hole yourself up in your room, we can hang out there. Don't focus on the irrelevant things - besides, it could be far worse."
"Worse?" Juushirou eyed him quizzically, and Shunsui nodded.
"You didn't take a look at the room roster list yet, did you?" He asked, and Juushirou shook his head.
"No. I was unpacking and then I fell asleep...it was a long journey from District Six. Why?"
"Ah. Well, I'll tell you then." Shunsui pursed his lips. "Because it seems to me Yama-sensei's testing other people this year, not just you and I."
"Meaning?" Juushirou frowned, and Shunsui grinned.
"I'm rooming with Hirata, Mitsuki-chan's rooming with Sora. So far, so good." He said frankly. "Enishi's rooming with some guy I don't know anything about, but I guess he's one of last year's fifth years. Who does that leave...?"
"Kai-kun...and...Ryuu-kun." Juushirou's eyes widened. "Shunsui! You're kidding? Sensei's assigned them together?"
"Yep." Shunsui's eyes twinkled. "Can you imagine the reaction when they find that out? Ryuu in particular. Kai's more nonchalant about the whole thing these days - I think Ryuu amuses him more than anything else. But Ryuu...and his pride..."
"The timing could not be worse." Juushirou bit his lip. "With Ryuu and his family already under pressure, then this...Shunsui, maybe I should..."
"Go and speak to Yama-jii? Bad idea." Shunsui shook his head. "You know that he'll have done it on purpose - he's not going to be ignorant of the fact they don't get along. Like I said, he's testing more than just us this year."
"But...with everything..."
"It might prove a good distraction." Shunsui pointed out. "If Ryuu has something else to vent temper and stress on than his situation back home. Leave it be, Juu. Yama-jii doubtless knows exactly what he's doing. If you start trying to change it, he'll think you don't have any faith in either of them to act like adults and get along for a year in the same room. They have been rooming together since first year, so it's not as though..."
"They had us to referee." Juushirou said darkly. "Oh, I see what you're saying...and I won't go, now you've said that. But it bothers me. Before, it might've been enough of a problem, but..."
He rubbed his temples.
"I'm worried about Ryuu." He murmured. "Because of the way Sensei told me about all of this. It was as though he was making a clear indication that...Ryuu...might be picked on to be the Kuchiki heir."
"There are worse things than that." Shunsui observed. "Hirata, Kai and I have all survived being in that position. Admittedly, I'm glad to have relinquished it to Haru-kun, but even so..."
"No. This is different." Juushirou chewed down hard on his lip. "I don't intend on asking questions or making things awkward, and we promised Sensei not to get involved, so obviously I don't plan on doing that either. But I am worried. Ryuu...is a proud and loyal Kuchiki. But..."
"Not always a happy one?" Shunsui asked. Juushirou nodded.
"More than once he's told me how being at the Academy allows him freedom of thought and choice he never had before." He said heavily. "I know Ryuu. I know he won't run away from his family any more than Hirata or Kai have from theirs. But the Kuchiki is a smothering Clan. It stifles so many things in the name of pride and prestige. And now the heir has been murdered, too. The last thing he needs is to come here - to a neutral ground - and be thrust into conflict of another kind."
"Mm." Shunsui was silent for a moment, then he nodded.
"Then we'll talk to Kai." He suggested. "You or I, or both of us - and tell him to try to keep the peace. I'm sure he will - I don't think he cares about the rivalry half as much as Ryuu does."
"Maybe we should. Or I should." Juushirou reflected.
"Let me." Shunsui shook his head. "You don't want to make it an Anideshi topic, do you? I can just nudge him as a friend...and that will be that."
"Okay." Juushirou looked doubtful. "But being Anideshi doesn't mean I'm going to stop talking to my friends as friends, you know."
"I know that." Shunsui elbowed him playfully. "Don't be stupid. But you're going to have enough to do today without that. I'm technically a free agent. So leave it to me."
He winked.
"I promised Yama-jii to back you up." He added. "Even if it's on an informal, unofficial, underground basis - I plan on keeping that promise."
"My secret deputy?" Despite himself, a smile played at the edges of Juushirou's lips. "All right. I guess when you say it like that...thank you, Shunsui. Hopefully by the time Ryuu comes back, I'll be more used to this new job of mine, and if he needs to talk to someone, I'll be able to listen. But if you would speak to Kai...I'd appreciate it."
"Consider it done." Shunsui nodded. "In the meantime...I think chaos is about to descend on the school."
"No kidding." As they rounded the corner into the main entrance hall, Juushirou was aware of a bevy of conflicting spiritual traces, and he sighed. "All right. Work begins now."
"Do you want me to stick around, or are you all right?" Shunsui questioned. Juushirou shook his head.
"I'm fine." he said firmly, hoping he sounded more convincing than he felt. "This is just another part of my job. Thank you for the support, Shunsui - but I can manage this on my own."
"Then I'll see you later." Shunsui patted him on the shoulder with a grin, then was gone, and as the doors of the old building slid back, Juushirou took a deep breath, making his way purposefully towards the sign-in book as a white, red and blue blur of students began to press through into the foyer proper.
There were a lot of them, milling and talking and as the first group made a bee-line towards him, there were a few exclamations of recognition from those students who had previously been ranked in the same year. As Juushirou raised his hand in a wave to acknowledge Kira Hideharu and Kamitani Jun, he felt a faint swell of bittersweet nostalgia in his heart. They had not been his immediate classmates, but he had worked with them and become fond of them nonetheless. Now his year numbered at least four strangers who - from Genryuusai's words - sounded as though they might be at least a little bit hostile to the changes imposed.
But I'll just have to deal with that as it comes.
Juushirou pulled himself together, turning back towards the crowd as a youngster tumbled and tripped, almost falling headlong into the Senior. Instinctively more than anything, Juushirou reached out to grab the youth, steadying him and hauling him back to his feet. The other students pressed forward, oblivious of the accident they had almost caused, and Juushirou frowned, annoyance glittering in his hazel eyes.
"Stop pushing!" he exclaimed, his words clear and carrying through the bustling entrance hall. "Everyone will get signed in, but your impatience almost caused an accident! If you're going to push, I'll make you wait outside and call you in one at a time!"
Dead silence greeted his words, and Juushirou swallowed hard as he realised that in that moment all eyes had turned to him. The pushing students had stopped, each of them gazing at him uncertainly, and Juushirou knew without looking that the youngster he had rescued was gaping at him with similarly wide eyes, his jaw open as he tried to gauge what had just happened.
The silence continued for a moment, then a tall young man pushed through the crowd to the front, meeting Juushirou's gaze directly.
"Are you planning on barking out orders for everyone from the first day, even though, technically, some of us are your senpai?" He asked coldly, a challenge in his gaze, and Juushirou's eyes narrowed as he understood the unspoken accusation in the student's tones.
"There's no need for me to do anything of the sort." He said calmly, fixing the other with a pointed glance. "Providing everyone understands that trampling first years on their first day is not acceptable by any standards."
"The kid got in the way, that's all." The older student was impatient, and Juushirou's eyes narrowed.
"And now you're getting in the way of everyone else, too." He said pleasantly. "I'm sorry that I don't know your name, and I hope you don't consider me rude because of it. I will try and learn as many as I can whilst Anideshi, but for the meantime, would you please set the example to your junior students and indicate how best they should sign themselves in?"
He smiled, though there was a faint reserve in his smile.
"You're clearly a Fifth year." He added. "And therefore in the perfect position to lead by example."
He stepped back, gesturing to the sign in book, and the other student glared at him before flouncing forward, scrawling his mark by his name with very bad grace. As he did so, Juushirou glanced at it.
Kamaki Azusa
"Thank you, Kamaki-kun." He said lightly. "Now, I'm sure, everyone understands how busy the school is on first day, and will be able to sign themselves in with more care and patience."
He gestured to the book, and slowly, one by one, the students filed forward, each carefully checking and signing their name under their form lists before withdrawing into the school building proper.
Once he knew that the chaos had quieted, Juushirou turned his attention to the frightened youngster still sheltering at his side.
"Are you all right?" He asked softly, and the boy gulped, swallowing hard and nodding his head so vigorously his floppy tail of hair swung from side to side. Juushirou grinned, patting him on the head.
"No need to be frightened." He assured him. "What's your name?"
"T...T...Tsukabishi...T...T...Tsunemori, Senpai."
"Tsukabishi-kun, huh?" Juushirou's grin widened. "Well, welcome to the Academy."
"...T...T...Thank...y...y...you." The boy managed to stammer out, and Juushirou laughed.
"What class are you, Tsukabishi-kun?" He asked quizzically, and Tsunemori stared at him, quite lost for words by the unexpected attention of such a senior student. Fleetingly Juushirou remembered his own first day, when Urahara Yunosuke had singled him out so specifically, and he understood the young boy's fear with startling clarity.
"You know, we were all first years once." He said softly. "It's fine to be nervous to begin with. But we Seniors are here to help you - so don't be afraid to ask if you need to know something, all right?"
"Y...yes, sir." Tsunemori whispered, and Juushirou chuckled, leading him over to the lists.
"Tsukabishi Tsunemori." He mused, skimming over the columns upside-down as a group of second years clustered around their form lists. "Here you are. Class One."
Tsunemori reddened, glancing down at his feet.
"Yes, senpai." He whispered, taking the brush that Juushirou proffered his way. He hesitated for a moment, gazing at the list, and Juushirou poked a finger in the direction of the boy's kanji.
"There." He said amiably. "Mark yourself off there, then follow the hallway straight down and to the right. The dormitory lists are on a board in the Great Hall, and you'll be able to find your way from there. Kazoe-sensei is there and he'll help you if you're not sure. Understand?"
"Yes, senpai." Tsunemori bowed hurriedly, doing as he was bidden with a careless, haphazard slash of the brush before bowing again and scampering off in the direction Juushirou had indicated.
"Looks like you found yourself a new Hirata to adopt, Juushirou-kun." As he watched the boy disappear, a voice at his right shoulder made him turn, and he cast the speaker a grin, nodding his head.
"I suppose." He agreed. "Good morning, Sora...how was your trip?"
"Swift enough that I was able to see you put an idiot in his place." Sora's eyes sparkled. "Kamaki Azusa's a kinsman of mine - but not one I like very much, so you can spew at him as much as you like. He's apparently written a few times to Father over this being kept down business, hoping Father can use his Clan connections and school connections to change things. But Father's not interested and nor is Sensei - so...hence you get the fallout."
"I'm expecting fallout." Juushirou said simply. "It's a little easier to actually face it than to anticipate it. I'd rather deal with it up front than have it simmering in the background."
"It's going to be an interesting year." Sora reflected. "You...know about Mitsuki and Kuchiki, I suppose?"
"Yes. Sensei told me." Juushirou frowned, and Sora nodded.
"It worries me too." She murmured. "Mitsuki sent me one letter- only to tell me she'd be late back, and why. It's a big thing, Juushirou...I only hope it's not going to send shockwaves through Seireitei."
"How long, exactly, are you going to sulk for, Akira?"
Souryou Kanshi leant up against the wall of the bedchamber, casting his companion a look of weary frustration as he interpreted the dark tension in the other boy's aura. "I can't see what you're complaining about. You wanted to be a Senior this year, and we're Seniors. What's the problem? You got what you wanted - why are you stomping around here like someone's stamped on your pride? It's barely the start of term."
"Seniors? Yes. Properly respected for that? No." Yamamoto Akira dropped down on his bed, glaring up at his friend crossly. "Does this really not bother you, Kanshi? Four of us. Four! What happened to the idea of promoting students through the years? And not only that...we're now stuck with a bunch of kouhai as our classmates? Like we're meant to take them seriously or something. I don't get it. Why would Genryuusai-sama make a decision like that? And especially for me..."
"So you wanted to be Anideshi, but don't you think everyone would've called it favouritism if you had been?" Kanshi sighed, sinking down onto the empty bed opposite as he met his companion's gaze evenly. "Your father is current Head of the Yamamoto Clan. Genryuusai-sensei is also a very important Yamamoto. Don't you think that people would consider it fiddled if you were given that kind of responsibility?"
"It wouldn't matter, since I deserve it." Akira was not to be dissuaded. "I'm the top ranked student in our year and whatever anyone says, that isn't going to change. Besides, even if you were right, how do you explain what he's done instead? Some District brat has been given that position - do you think anyone is going to take that seriously? Some peasant boy who isn't even top of his year being given the role of Anideshi? You don't think that's some kind of 'biased point' being made? I do."
"Maybe." Kanshi shrugged. "I guess it is a 'point', as you put it. But why bother about it? This is how it is. You'll just have to outshine the kid in everything and make Sensei feel he made a mistake, if that's the case. Probably that's why he did it anyhow. To challenge you to fight back. You know what he's like...and there's never been anyone to challenge you in our year. Not really. Aoi, Suzuno and I are all reasonably good students and so we're promoted too. But you've always been a leap and a jump ahead of us so...I'd say Genryuusai-sensei wants to spark your competitive instinct."
"Try my homicidal instincts." Akira growled. "Mark my words, Kanshi. This isn't going to be easily forgotten."
"No, I can see that." Kanshi sighed. "And I'm fairly sure the same will be true from those left down. You forget that Kamaki's kin of mine, in a roundabout way - and I've had to put up with his complaining on the subject this last week or two."
"I had a ranting letter from Kamaki over the break." Akira admitted. "Because he missed promotion, essentially, by two marks. That's all that divided him from Suzuno on last term's ranks."
"Two marks or two hundred, doesn't make a difference since there has to be a cut off - that's what Sensei would say." Kanshi reflected. "And, even though I'm happy to be promoted, I'm also very happy not to be sharing a room with either him or you this year. I have a feeling poor Aoi is going to listen to a lot more of this over the next few months and I like to be able to sleep from time to time. You take things too much to heart, Akira. If you think something's not right, there's no point sulking about it. Just fight back and prove that it's wrong instead. That's all you can do."
He shrugged.
"I don't know what I think of this whole thing, yet." He added pensively. "There were slackers in our class and I've heard that these Fourth Year promotees are some kind of class of prodigial talents so it might be interesting in the long run. We'll see."
"Who's side are you on?"
"Yours, predominately. We've been friends too long for anything else." Kanshi grinned. "But if you're being an idiot, I'm going to tell you so. That's part of unconditional friendship and you'll just have to put up with it. You should know by now - I don't mince my words for anyone. I have no intention of pandering to our new classmates or our Anideshi particularly, but I'm not going to make trouble with them either. Not until I've built an opinion of them - at which point I'll decide whether they're worth bothering with or not."
He stifled a yawn.
"Besides, I was up early." He added. "I had to come here from the border of Fifth, therefore I've been travelling for much longer than you. I'm going to head to my own room - and try and take a nap."
"You're going to just abandon me? I hadn't done talking yet." Akira was put out, and Kanshi snorted.
"You've never done talking." He said dismissively. "Besides, Aoi's on his way. I can sense him - can't you? You can tell him your grievances instead. He'll probably listen to you far more attentively than I have."
Before Akira could respond, the door of the room slid tentatively back to reveal the tall, gangly form of their classmate, Michihashi Aoi. An Urahara by birth, yet through the female line, Aoi had thick blond hair that was cropped at his neck, and his fair complexion and pale eyes gave him a slightly dreamy look which teachers had often mistaken for inattention in class. Aoi was not as scientifically adept as many of his kinsfolk, but he was far from stupid. On the contrary he was an astute thinker who had always scored well in Sakusen in particular. Despite his considerable skill with his sword, he was not a particularly assertive individual, preferring to keep out of any unnecessary conflict. It was for that reason that Kanshi had made his comments, knowing as he did that no matter how much Akira ranted, Aoi was unlikely to criticise, argue or complain.
"Your timing is perfect." Kanshi said now, offering Aoi a grin. "I was just heading to my room, and Akira apparently has some things to still rant about."
"Rant about?" Aoi's eyes widened, and his gaze flitted to Akira apprehensively. "Are you already bothered by something, Akira-kun?"
"A few things." Akira said darkly. "Where do you want me to start? The fact only four of our class were promoted, yet nine Fourth Years are now supposed to be considered our equals? The fact that our Anideshi is not only one of those Fourth Years but worse, a District boy? The fact that none of this makes even the slightest bit of sense?"
"Oh." Aoi's brow creased in consternation. "I had heard something about that. I was worried when I found out that there were only four of us - but I'm glad it was the ones it is. I mean, we are the best students in our year."
"That doesn't make any of this right!"
"I didn't say that!" Aoi held up his hands hurriedly as Akira's tones took a rather unpleasant edge. "I didn't mean that at all. Just that it could have been worse."
"Indeed it could. I don't think it's the end of the world at all." Kanshi clapped his hands down playfully on Aoi's shoulders. "We'll just do what we can to prove ourselves from this point. Won't we?"
"Yes." Aoi agreed, shooting Kanshi a grateful glance. "That."
"And you're not angry that our Anideshi is a District boy?" Akira demanded. Aoi pursed his lips, looking thoughtful.
"I heard something about him." He said slowly. "That he raised his zanpakutou as a Second Year and that the only reason he wasn't skipped up to our year before was because of his District roots. I think he's meant to be some kind of prodigy. If that's true, then..."
"District kids as spiritual prodigies?" Akira arched an eyebrow. "I don't think so."
"I've heard that rumour too, though." Kanshi admitted. "That this Ukitake raised his sword in Second Year. He was trained by Nagoya Shirogane-senpai - and he summoned his zanpakutou stupidly early. Maybe Aoi's right...either way, I'm interested in waiting and watching what happens. If he really is that special, it might be fun to see."
"I still think it's a lot of fuss about nothing." Akira grumbled. "Well, whatever. If he's going to be Anideshi, he's going to have to prove himself. And I'm going to make sure he does that. No matter what."