Chapter Six: Treasure Hunt
It was a cool morning.
Pulling his cloak more firmly around his shoulders, the slender individual ducked beneath the gate that marked the entrance to the town of Teika-chou, pausing to glance around him with keen mud-slurried eyes. It was early yet, but already the town's market was beginning to bustle with life, and his quick gaze soon picked out the distinctive colours and panelling of the buildings that flanked the streets. Although dusty and old, it was clear that for a peasant settlement, Teika was not one of Seireitei's more impoverished towns, and the stranger's lips pursed together as he reflected on this, remembering the broad spread of fertile agricultural land that he had already travelled through to reach his destination. There were a few abandoned settlements in District Eight, he knew - some deserted by plagues or by the drying up of essential water sources. Yet wherever he had been, he had seen the influence of the Kyouraku - the charred remains of a civil war now almost forgotten and consumed by the greenery of the early flowering spring plants. What had once been a District wracked by civil war was now one of the most peaceful and profitable in all of Seireitei.
The Kyouraku were a successful Clan under Tokutarou's leadership, then. Well, so much to the good. On his travels, the stranger had heard many times that the people were content with their lot - that in times of bad harvest, Kyouraku retainers would try to distribute food to the starving and medicine to those suffering from winter agues or water-borne diseases. Some were even from Seventh District, plying their livelihoods now in this new land instead of in their own, and for a moment the stranger's eyes softened, remembering some he had known who had made that exact choice.
For that reason alone, he reflected, he was reluctant to cause disruption to the common people in District Eight. And yet, he had a job to do. He had to map out everything...little by little, piece by piece, as though putting together a jigsaw. If he missed even one fragment, the whole picture would fall apart. And he had already taken a step too far...he would continue, and keep to his plans.
This town was the closest town to the Kyouraku main house. Stories he had heard on his journey had only become consolidated as he had reached his destination - that once, many years ago, before the civil war had changed the future of the Kyouraku-ke, this place had been the favourite haunt of significant Clansfolk. That there was still evidence of that connection had excited his imagination. As yet he had found nothing, but surely, here...in Teika-chou...there would be the thing he was seeking. Surely in this place, which had such a close connection to the Kyouraku family's stronghold, he would find the evidence he sought.
The next piece in the puzzle.
His fingers strayed to the pendant that hung about his neck. It was the last memento he had of a loved one, and yet to him it was more a tool in his plans than it was anything sentimental. He had not ever put much stock in things - nor, he acknowledged, in people either - for both had proven unreliable in the past. Instead he had put his faith in himself - and in his unwavering ability to prevail no matter what the circumstances.
His fingers loosened their hold, brushing down the fabric of his clothing as he approached the market. He was an old hand at this now, he reflected, and yet he knew that this close to the main house he would have to act with considerable care. He was walking almost into the lion's den with this particular mission, for there would be Tokutarou's retainers in the vicinity, and perhaps even those who could see through his simple attire and innocent appearance to the plans that lay beneath. But nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Sometimes the pleasure of the challenge was heightened by attempting not to get caught.
"Looking for some good quality cloth, sir?" A woman called to him from a stall, and he smiled, crossing towards her as she gestured to her wares. Good quality cloth it was not, he knew, but by the standards of peasants, far better than the ragged urchins had worn in the last District he had spent time in.
"I can do a deal, if you're interested." The woman's eyes sparkled as he brushed a finger against one of the bolts, and he smiled, nodding his head slightly. Peasant cloth was useful, because peasants wore it. And becoming a peasant meant becoming unnoticed - a way of hiding in plain sight from the eagle gazes of Clan seniors.
"I'll buy a length in black." He agreed, slipping his hand into his pocket for the money that he had accumulated on his journey. At the sight of his good-quality purse, the woman's eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly, cutting and folding the cloth deftly before he changed his mind.
"You're a man of good means, sir, that I can see." She commented, as he dropped a handful of coins into her hand. "Would you be seeking anything particular? You must be travelling through Teika - but if it's accommodation you're seeking..."
"No..no." The man shook his head. "I already have lodging preparations in a local tavern, though I thank you for your kindness. I have travelled the length and breadth of the District, it's true - on Tokutarou-sama's commission, looking for some lost treasure belonging to the Clan."
"On Tokutarou-sama's..." The woman's eyes could not become any bigger. "Ah..no wonder you speak so nicely, and dress so neat. I should have realised...that you were one of the Lord's people, and to speak with such kindness to a market woman like me..."
"It's better to speak kindly to people if you hope to gain their help." The stranger offered her a broad grin. "Keep the change from the coin I gave you - consider it payment for any help you can give me in my quest. And I'm not robed in Clan colours, so you are forgiven for not knowing right away. But you see, it is true."
He pulled the pendant from beneath the folds of his clothing, tilting it so it caught the light.
"This is my badge." He said playfully. "My proof that my errand is a just one - and that any information you give me would be in the interests of the Lord himself."
"What information are you seeking, sir?" The woman wrapped up the fabric deftly with string, handing him the parcel and he took it, slipping it beneath his cloak. "Though I don't know what we can help with. Treasure, you said? Something lost by the Clan? But...we common folk aren't in possession of any such treasure. We'd know, for sure, if we were."
"Mm. This is a particular kind of treasure. One you'll know when you see it." The stranger said cryptically. "I'm not at liberty to describe it, because I have never seen it myself. But I know it exists. And I...seek to find it. As soon as possible. For the lord Tokutarou, on his command."
"Well, if it's treasure..." The woman looked doubtful, then turned to call to a young boy who was lingering curiously at the rear of the stall. "Jin, come watch the stall for a while! I'm going to take this gentleman to speak to Gaugen - if anyone knows of treasure in Teika, I imagine it would be him."
"Gaugen, huh?" The stranger looked interested, and the woman smiled.
"He trades in jewels and other bright things." She agreed. "He's a magpie of a man - greedy and unscrupulous, some say, but he knows the value of items sure enough and if you ask him, he'll tell you for a price. Trade you, too, if you're so inclined. He's the one who'd know, if any treasure had passed through Teika. If you'll come with me, sir..."
"With pleasure." The man bowed his head. "Thank you, Obasan. I appreciate your cooperation."
"You don't know yourself the form this treasure takes, sir?" The woman asked as they walked, and the stranger shrugged, shaking his head.
"I know...its vague form, but not its exact one, no." He agreed. "I have never seen it, but am sure I would...if I saw it...I would recognise it at once for what it was. It is a...delicate matter, though. I can't disclose information beyond that to anyone. I've simply learnt that if someone knows of it, they will know enough to tell me what I seek to know. Such is my faith from the lord Tokutarou - no more than that can I say."
"Well, then I hope Gaugen has seen something in his dealing." The woman said sincerely. "You are kind and you didn't take your change. I would like it if I earned those coins by introducing you to the treasure man."
"You have more than earned it already." The man assured her. "For a tired traveller running out of places to look, your help is a breath of fresh air."
He glanced ahead of them, seeing a middle-aged man robed in dark colours hunched over a stall in the shadows, and as they approached he saw the faint glitter of gold from the surface of the wooden display, proof that Gaugen was indeed a dealer in treasures. As they approached, the man eyed them suspiciously, but the stranger stood forward, bowing his head.
"Gaugen-san, I apologise for intruding." He said quietly, holding out the Kyouraku pendant and the man's greedy eyes lit up with interest as it once more caught the light. "I come from Tokutarou-sama on a special errand - I seek a piece of Kyouraku treasure that I have heard is in this locality. This kind obasan has assured me you might know something of it, being that you deal in such things. I have been instructed to give a considerable reward to any who can help me obtain this treasure - a considerable reward, to resolve my quest and end my journey."
He nudged his cloak back slightly, showing the man his purse, and suddenly the dealer was all smiles and politeness, bowing his head towards his enigmatic companion.
"Treasure, sir? That's my business...but Kyouraku? Of the Lord's? You can't be specific, sir? I mean, such a vague term..."
"No. I cannot." The man shook his head. "It is a delicate matter. I can only say...that it will be recognised when it is seen."
He affected disappointment.
"You have, then, seen nothing that might fit that description?"
Gaugen looked troubled, shaking his head.
"No. No, sir, I have not." He admitted reluctantly. "But...but that doesn't mean I won't. I transact in treasures every day - trinkets mostly, but if such a thing is in Teika, then I will surely see it soon enough! No such things are traded through Teika without my advice and knowledge. I'm sure, given some time, sir - I could find such a treasure for you?"
"Good." The stranger smiled, patting the purse that hung tantalisingly at his belt. "Then I shall be staying for the foreseeable future at the Kankou tavern - if you should discover any such information, please do not hesitate to contact me."
He turned to go, but the trader called him back.
"Wait! Wait, sir - I don't know your name. If I should come to the tavern with information...how will I find you?"
The traveller paused, then smiled, pushing a wisp of stray brownish hair back from his face. His gaze rested on the blossoming branches of the trees that lined the town, and his smile widened.
"Masaki." He said quietly. "You may ask for Masaki."
The memorial garden was quiet that morning, as Ryuu made his way pensively between the sakura trees to the heart of the outdoor mausoleum. Ribari had been laid to rest now, though prayers would continue to be offered for some days yet, and amid the bright pink and white of the blossoms dark-clad figures flitted, their mourning attire flapping on the spring breeze as they continued their vigil over the young man's tomb. For Ryuu, it all seemed somewhat detached. As in life, he mused absently, Ribari was little more than an existence at the periphery of his awareness. That Ribari had been there had meant that he had been left alone - and for that he had been grateful. But though many had wept at his interment, Ryuu had not. He had closed his eyes and had prayed as others had...but the wails around him had only succeeded in making the whole situation seem more surreal.
And Shirogane's words were still rattling against his consciousness.
He sighed, sinking down beneath one of the sakura trees and gazing up at the branches as he tried to process it more clearly. He had not managed to speak to Shirogane again since that meeting in the library, and to all appearances the Sixth Division Vice Captain had now made a good recovery, for he had behaved with impeccable dignity at Ribari's funeral services, acting both the grieving kinsman and the respectful Shinigami officer. It had struck Ryuu with a particular kind of irony, watching the careful, perfect way in which Shirogane had dealt with each and every situation.
Shirogane, who was every bit the Clan child, yet who could not inherit the Clan. And he, Ryuu, who was on the outside looking in - yet with the bloodline to make him acceptable. He had noticed that already a few people had begun to speak to him with increased warmth and fervour, and that for the first time in some months his mother had deigned to associate herself with him in public circles, treating him suddenly as though he were the most precious thing in her life and the centre of her world. The previous night she had insisted on him being seated beside her at dinner - and for the whole of the meal, Ryuu had been forced to listen to her affected voice discussing with others in not-so-subtle tones how accomplished her only son was.
Ryuu had hated it. But he had also expected it. He was Kuchiki. This was how his Clan worked.
Senpai doesn't know it yet, but he's the lucky one.
Ryuu pursed his lips, his gaze tracing the sakura petals absently.
He lost someone he cared for, and in a horrible way. But...he can grieve for that person. He doesn't have the whole Clan ready to pounce on him and make him heir. Although...if it was Senpai, probably he would take it into his stride. He's always been far more Kuchiki than me in that respect. No matter how much I try, I don't have that way with people that Guren-sama has or that Senpai has. I would be a poor shadow of a successor - and is it selfish to wish that my blood was somehow tainted and ineligible? For me, as a Kuchiki, surely to think such things is unforgivable?
He rubbed his temples.
Besides, even if I wished for it, I know it is not the case. I look like my father, and many people attended my mother when I was born. My pedigree cannot be doubted, even if I wanted to try and prove otherwise. I am a Kuchiki and a blood heir to the Clan. No matter how much I want to escape it, that much is true.
"This is a good place for you to be, Ryuu."
A voice startled him out of his reverie and he glanced up, scrambling into a more upright position as he met his father's gaze. At his movement, Seiren's lips twitched into a smile and he crossed the petal-coated grass, holding out a hand to haul his son to his feet. Despite his slight frame, Ryuu was reminded once more that Seiren was no longer the sickly twin - and he felt a faint flicker of resentment that his father's unique situation had passed the buck down the line to Ryuu himself.
"I came to think." He said now, brushing the petals from his blue hakama and then standing up straight. "In a peaceful place. About...everything of late."
"Ribari-sama's death is a terrible thing." Seiren's gaze shadowed for a moment. "My brother's pain resonates through him - and through us all."
"Yes." Ryuu faltered, then, "Yes, I suppose it does. Of all people, he could ill be spared."
"Well, whoever killed him has much to answer for." Seiren said frankly. "If he ever crosses my brother's justice, I imagine he will pay with his life."
"As he should." Ryuu said softly. "Any who murders the heir to a Clan is already damned. But one who murders the heir to the Kuchiki is doubly so. It shall not be forgiven, Father. Not by anyone."
"No." Seiren agreed. "So it won't."
"Do you think...that the assassin will be found?" Ryuu asked, and Seiren sighed.
"We have no clues." He said sadly. "No matter how much Guren-niisama wishes it, even he realises that without proof none of us can act. We don't know who would even dream such an act...and there was nobody who witnessed the incident on whom we can call for advice."
"Shirogane-senpai..." Ryuu began, then stopped, and Seiren grimaced.
"His mind is a delusion of wild thoughts." He said bluntly. "The boy remembers trees attacking him with branches and other such mad things. In that circumstance, can Guren-niisama trust anything he says as valid?"
"I suppose not." Ryuu sighed, suddenly feeling weary.
Was the golden eyed stranger also a delusion? Ribari-sama's? Senpai's? Yet I don't think Shirogane-senpai was lying, or that he...he had hallucinated it. He sounded...rational to me. And I promised to believe him...at least enough to try and find out...
"Ryuu, walk with me a while." Seiren suggested. "We have things I wish to discuss, and here is not an appropriate place to do it."
"Things?" Suddenly apprehensive, Ryuu gazed at his father warily. "What manner of things, Otousama? Surely nothing cannot be discussed under the protection of the Kuchiki's blessed flower?"
"Ah...the sakura." Seiren sighed, resting his hands on Ryuu's shoulders and meeting his slate grey graze with clouded ones of his own. "As you say, the flowers that bless us...but in this place of death..."
"Is it something you would not wish Ribari-sama's soul to hear, Father?" Ryuu asked softly, and Seiren started, then frowned.
"I suppose not." He acknowledged. "Very well. If this place is giving you solace, I shall speak here. But quietly...what I have to say is something that is not yet for other ears."
"I see." Ryuu bit his lip. "I understand, sir. I will listen and I will not repeat."
"Good boy." Seiren patted his shoulder, then, "I'm sure you haven't been oblivious...to the things that have been spoken of since Ribari-sama's death?"
"That an assassin stalks our Clan is frightening enough." Ryuu shook his head, feigning ignorance although he was sure his eyes gave him away. "What else is there to consider greater than that?"
"The future, of course." Seiren replied gravely. "That this murderer cannot be allowed to succeed in destabilising our family. Ribari-sama was Guren-niisama's only son. His death is a tragedy beyond all tragedies and nobody can dispute that the wound cast is the most serious of all. But...beyond that...the Clan cannot be allowed to falter. Beyond this tragedy...the future is..."
"Father." Not wanting Seiren to finish his sentence, Ryuu held up his hands, consternation in his grey eyes. "What you're considering...please..."
"You are the only blood heir left to this family, Ryuu." Seiren said firmly. "You aren't ignorant of that - I can tell from your face that you have thought through this as much as I have. You are the only one who can possibly now inherit should anything befall Guren-niisama."
"Nobody wishes such a thing." Ryuu said quietly, and Seiren shook his head.
"The heavens forbid it." He said emphatically. "But for the Clan, the future must be clear. It must be settled. It must..."
"I am still a student, Father." Ryuu broke through his words once again. "I cannot dispute my bloodline - I know full well what that means, and the duties that carries. But I am not yet a full fledged shinigami. I still have things to learn. And..."
"You bear a zanpakutou, do you not?" Seiren demanded, and Ryuu nodded reluctantly.
"Yes...yes, but..."
"And can wield it with confidence in your own ability?"
"I believe so..."
"Then you are a shinigami. You do not need the Academy to tell you that."
"Otousama!" Fear flashed into Ryuu's eyes. "You...don't intend on...withdrawing me from my schooling? You surely..."
"No. No, you will return to District One for this year." Seiren shook his head. "While there is an assassin in this District, I would rather you were some place safe. But while you are there, Ryuu, I want you to resign yourself. I am the closest blood relative Guren-sama has. I cannot inherit the Clan, but in my stead, you can. More, you must. You must resolve your mind to this - that when you graduate Genryuusai-sama's Academy, it will be as heir apparent to the Kuchiki Clan and the future leader of Sixth District."
"Father..." Ryuu stared at him, aghast.
"Think of it as your duty. You have always been diligent to that end." Seiren told him simply. "Guren-niisama will understand it in the same light, when his grief has had time to fade. The Clan is ready to acknowledge you - you must be ready not to let them down."
With that he was gone, and Ryuu took a deep breath, glancing at his hands as he realised they were trembling.
So, he finally said it.
Ryuu swallowed hard, feeling faintly sick.
Father's ambitions for me from birth finally coming to fruition. He really intends...he will really push for this, just as he did before Ribari-sama was born. And will I...can I fight it? Can I overturn it?
He clasped his hands together to stop their shaking, closing his eyes as he fought to calm himself down.
But I have a little time. I can return to District One for my own safety - and I will use that time. I must...I have to think my way around this. It's all very well telling Senpai that I have no intention...but opposing Father...even Guren-sama...
He sighed heavily, opening his eyes as resentment filled his heart.
Father cannot inherit, so I must take the burden in his place? His ambitions are thwarted, so I must become the vessel instead? What of my wishes, Father? What of my thoughts or my prospects? I am not cut out to lead a Clan - but you will not see it. Or listen to me. And so...and so...
He turned on his heel, heading slowly back across the grass towards the mausoleum exit.
I will go to the library. The archive. And I will look. I will look and look and look. I will...if there exists anything that might be used to stop this, I will find it. If there be an ancient decree in Kuchiki tradition that says the son of a sealed shinigami cannot inherit the Clan, I will locate it. No matter how hard I have to search - if there is even a faint ray of hope in finding a way around this...then I will find it. I must find it. Or else...this Clan will swallow me up, and then...
He swallowed again.
I can't let that happen. I won't let that happen. I told Shirogane-senpai I know my own mind. Now...it's up to me to prove it.
"You wanted to see me, Genryuusai-sensei?"
Kazoe Ginji, the Academy's Kidou master and a member of the Unohana Clan pushed open the door of the head's study, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgement of his companion. As he did so, the old man raised his head, gesturing for his subordinate to come and seat himself more comfortably before the desk.
"Yes. Yes, I did. Thank you for being so prompt - I didn't interrupt your class preparations, I trust?"
"I'm fairly well organised by now." Kazoe offered the other a rueful smile. "And I know my students well enough to know what to give them. No, sir. You haven't inconvenienced me at all. I am surprised, though - that you'd summon me like this so early in the term. I can only imagine it has something to do with Kidou instruction...but..."
"Indeed." Genryuusai looked grave, resting his chin on his hands as he met Kazoe's gaze with his dark eyes. "Ginji, you're a smart individual, and one of the best experts on Kidou theory and practice that I know of. Your opinion is one I trust - and so I must trust it again on a matter of...well...some delicacy. It relates to the Senior Class - no, in particular, it relates to one student among the Senior Class's numbers."
Kazoe's eyes narrowed behind his glasses.
"Houjou Enishi?" He murmured, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Exactly so." He agreed with a sigh. "That you didn't need to wonder which is further confirmation of my anxieties. You have taught him vigorously for the past four years, Ginji. Tell me- is there any hope at all for that boy's spell-casting, or am I giving him vain hope in his ability by putting him in the class that I have?"
Kazoe was silent for a moment, then,
"If I may ask Sensei's reasons for promoting Houjou, despite having such considerable doubts about his ability?" He questioned. Genryuusai smiled, nodding his head.
"Such a question is fair." He agreed. "I believe...a good part of the problem lies within Enishi himself. He is not incompetent - but he has never quite fitted into Clan society and because of it, he lacks a certain confidence in his own skill. He is fair, even-tempered and I know he has become popular with his peers - but even though he is older than all of them, he still considers himself beneath them when it comes to ability. Yesterday morning, I summoned him to my office to speak to him about his Kidou, and he accepted quite meekly the fact he would have to be coached additionally - in fact, he seemed to have expected it. That kind of attitude, whilst not insubordinate, is..."
"As though he's resigned himself already to failure." Kazoe sighed. "I'll be honest with you, Genryuusai-sensei. Houjou's Kidou is abysmal. And I don't think that he isn't trying to learn - he just isn't naturally given over to it as a skill. He has trouble remembering incantations - and the end result, given the kind of power his body can produce, is often...well...dangerous."
"Hrm." Genryuusai's moustache twitched slightly, then,
"Do you think I was mistaken, then, in his promotion?"
"I'm not fool enough to question the Headmaster's decisions." Kazoe said ruefully. "No, I'm sure there are reasons beyond his Kidou prowess that have made him a Senior this year. I've heard Minabe rail and rant about Endou's swordsmanship for the past four years, yet nobody is questioning his position as a Senior this year. If that's the case, I'm certain Houjou's other attributes even out his spell weakness."
"As you say." Genryuusai sat back, eying Kazoe pensively. "Though Hirata's sword abilities have come on greatly since he awoke Tsumi no Fuuhi and was able to better bond with the weapon in his hand. With a plain sword, he still lacks confidence, true - but with his own, he is a different matter. I have no concerns regarding him."
"Yet Houjou you do?" Kazoe raised an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that Houjou's own zanpakutou was something quite impressive."
"Yes. Yes, it is." Genryuusai agreed. "A combat-centric sword that puts his strength to its greatest use, and his sword skills have always been greatly superior to most of his peers both within the Yamamoto Clan and his Academy brethren. But my main reason for putting Enishi into the top class this year doesn't really have anything to do with any of his academic grades. Though they are acceptable - Kidou excepted - for all of the curriculum, I wanted him there this year. Because I have...faith...that Enishi is built to be a leader. And more, that if he could only find that confidence inside of him, he would make an outstanding one. I saw signs of it...when they were second years, and we sent them out to camp. It was clear then that he had attributes that can't be taught no matter how many years of education a student receives. And for that reason, I would risk his promotion despite his Kidou. But..."
"But you worry that his spell-casting is dangerous, and his confidence in himself is low?" Kazoe observed. Genryuusai nodded.
"I am his kinsman. No words from me will be considered objective." He said with a sigh. "He's not a fool, that boy, though he has often been treated as one. He knows that I have a good relationship with his father and his grandfather before that, and he might even suspect partiality on my part in bringing him into the top class like this. Truly, that's nothing to do with it - but I worry nonetheless. His Kidou is a significant weakness, and I wanted to know if I had been foolish to disregard it when promoting him."
Kazoe looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook his head.
"No." He said cautiously. "All the things you've said about the boy are true. Despite his struggles, I find it difficult to remain frustrated with him for long. He does give his best - try his hardest - and he has improved, though he has done so slowly. Probably...in a squad situation...Kidou will never be his greatest weapon. I am fairly certain that by the time this year ends, Houjou will not have a standard of Kidou befitting a Senior. More, he may well not pass his Senior examination in Kidou Theory and Practice because of it - because I have no intention of teaching him new information when he is still confused over the old. But...if your concern is simply that he be safe and capable enough to enter a Gotei squad...that, I think, I can do. If...I'm not trying to bring him to the same level as his companions...I think I can render the boy's Kidou safe. He will graduate with basic magic at best. But it will be basic magic he can use properly - not complicated magic that he cannot."
Genryuusai's lips twitched into a smile beneath his moustache, and he nodded.
"That was my hope." He said softly. "You already know that graduation from this school does not depend on academic excellence if other skills are lacking. Houjou Enishi - kinsman of mine or otherwise - has those skills in abundance. He is kind, even-tempered, eager to learn and does not bear grudges easily. He is not suited for high Clan society, but in the rough and ready everyday of squad life in the Gotei we are slowly putting together, that will be an asset, not a negative. He is the kind of boy that will inspire loyalty from those around him - because he gives it unequivocally. If he can only fire spells to third year level, then so be it. If his other skills remain on course, I will still pass him at the end of this year and allow him to join a squad."
"Then I will work with him as best I can." Kazoe promised. "To achieve that goal, if no other."
"Thank you, Ginji." Genryuusai looked grateful. "This has already proven a complicated year for me in a Clan sense - denying Hashihiko's son the position of Anideshi, and promoting Enishi despite his Kidou problems...but I have confidence both decisions will be borne out."
"If I may say, Sensei, not giving Akira the rank of Anideshi is one of your better decisions." Kazoe said acerbically. "Whilst his skills are a long way ahead of adequate in most areas, and I cannot fault his prowess in my classes, there are...if you will forgive me...certain areas of personality that he could do on revising during the next twelve months."
"I have always appreciated your sharp opinions." Genryuusai said mildly. "Even when discussing the son of my Clan's leader. Yes, I know - and I knew when I decided that it would cause shockwaves. But I will not choose an unsuitable Anideshi. Hashihiko knows and understands my reasons. It is now for Akira to learn them for himself. That the fault lies in his heart, not in others."
"He will blame Ukitake." Kazoe said bluntly, and Genryuusai nodded.
"He will." He agreed heavily. "And it means another burden for that boy to bear. But if he could not bear it, I would not have chosen him, either. This is the real test of Ukitake's mettle, Ginji. Whether, in the eyes of the Clans, he can stand up and lead...yes. This had to happen - what comes next is up to him."
Kazoe's eyes became slits.
"You sound as though...you already have plans for Ukitake beyond this year." He murmured, and Genryuusai shrugged.
"When the year ends, I will know for sure." He said simply. "For now, Juushirou is young. He is still naive. He still has things he needs to learn - and being Anideshi will teach him those things. That there are people he cannot convert to his side. There are situations he can't change. And that one person alone cannot hold all the answers. He knows that he has an influence on his peers - I've told him before that he has to lead in the right direction, else he will drag others along with him into disgrace. Now is his chance to prove he understands that. I don't think I've made a mistake. But only time will tell me that."
Kazoe offered a faint smile.
"I don't have favourites. I don't believe in such things." He said evenly. "But I don't believe you have made a mistake either. No...not just in making him Anideshi. From the first time I taught Ukitake, I realised that you had not made a mistake in picking him as your District advocate. He is...the one...who has turned the scale. Because of Ukitake and his success, the District student intake increases year on year. Perhaps...perhaps because of Ukitake, the Clans are coming around to the idea more and more."
"I don't think even he appreciates quite how important he is." Genryuusai acknowledged. "But that doesn't matter. In some ways, I'm glad he does not. Next year I will be sorry to lose him - him and his classmates - to the Gotei. But I will also be quite proud to see it. Of all classes since the Academy began, that one has best crossed Clan boundaries and created a team spirit before even reaching the squad stage. By the time they enter divisions - and some of them must enter quite high - that team ethic will be an instinctive part of their shinigami behaviour. Surely nothing else could be better for the Gotei than that?"
"I still worry a little that the Kyouraku-ke will give that lazy brat the haori so easily." Kazoe sighed. "But I realise I have no way of preventing it."
"Shunsui has grown up a good deal." Genryuusai shook his head. "Now, perhaps, he is ready. That's something else we will see...but age doesn't define ability. Shunsui is one of the most naturally adept shinigami this Academy has ever - and probably will ever - produce. If a boy like that can't wear a haori, nobody should."
"I understand that." Kazoe agreed. "But his attitude..."
"He won't let anyone down. Not when it matters." Genryuusai reflected. "As I said, he's grown up. They all have."
He shrugged his shoulders.
"Returning to the subject of Enishi, I will leave it to you to decide how to tackle the situation." He added. "You have taught him in Kidou long enough to know the best way to manage him."
"I'll think over what you've said carefully." Kazoe bowed his head. "And I'll do my best. I won't give up on him easily, Sensei, even if it means giving up free hours to tutor him. Now I know your mindset in this regard, I'll make sure I give him whatever help and opportunity I can to improve."
"I knew you would." Genryuusai smiled. "Thank you, Ginji. I can rest easy now, knowing that it is in your safe hands."
"You know, I really wish that Mitsuki was here."
As they walked back from the dining hall to their dormitories, Sora let out a heavy sigh, twisting a loose curl of black hair around her finger. "Don't you think so? We're Seniors. Everyone stares at us and stuff, like we're some special beings or something. And all these exciting things are happening - but...Mi-chan isn't here with us. Doesn't it feel wrong that she isn't here? I don't like it at all."
"I know. Me either, as it happens." Her companion, Shikibu Naoko shrugged her shoulders, a thoughtful look in her clever eyes. "But with what's happened...well, it can't be helped. My Clan leader was even sent for - I imagine she examined the boy's body herself, which means that it's a serious matter and absolutely not an accident. You know what Clan protocol is like even when someone dies naturally. For something like this...and in a Clan like that one..."
She trailed off, and Sora nodded, letting out a heavy sigh. It was the evening of their second full day of classes - or rather, of proper academia, for the Seniors were left largely to their own devices as regarded their assignments and deadlines. For the newly promoted Fourth year students, it was a novelty to have had only one class in Kidou and in Sakusen so far that week, and then to be sent away with a list of reading materials and a topic title to produce work on their own. For that reason, Sora and Naoko had spent most of the day in the busy Academy library, Sora revelling in the fact that the secure Senior section was now something she had a key to and as a consequence she had spent far more time exploring what books were there than she had doing any research. Yet fond as she was of Naoko, she knew she would have rather have shared the experience with their missing classmate and partner in crime since the first year. Mitsuki was not a loud or dramatic member of their coterie, but her presence was easily missed, and for Sora, the magic of being a Senior had been somewhat dampened by the absence of her closest ally and friend.
"I know." She said now. "But it sucks. And it sucks more that someone probably bumped the guy off. Because it means some mad person is roaming around Sixth waiting to kill people...and I don't want anything else bad to happen."
"I don't suppose an assassin is interested in Mitsuki, Sora." Naoko offered her a wry smile. "The Clan don't put as much value on her as we do, though they're foolish and they should. She's a hime, so se can't inherit anything even if she wanted to - and besides, there's no reason to suppose there will be any more assassinations. There's been nothing else since Ribari-sama was murdered - probably there won't be anything more, either. Sometimes these things just strike out of nothing - and they're never solved, but they never reoccur."
"I know. I know that. It's just..." Sora sighed again. "I feel guilty that we're here and that we can enjoy all this Senior stuff. And she's there..."
She shook her head as if to clear it.
"I wrote to her, like I said." She admitted. "But I don't suppose she can write much back. Not with things how they are. So I worry that it's a lot of strain on her. That she's in the middle of all of this - why she had to be at the heart of the Clan when it happened, I don't know. If she hadn't been..."
"The heir to her Clan was murdered. She would've been expected there for the funeral. Not to go would be disrespect." Naoko pointed out. "The Kuchiki of all Clans would not overlook that. Besides, Retsu-sama hasn't spoken to me about any of this, of course. But I did hear her speak to Kazoe-sensei when she arrived back last night. And I got the impression that Mitsuki had been using her healing skills to help the people hurt at the same time Ribari-sama was killed. So probably it's a good thing she was there. Even if the boy himself was beyond help - probably she was able to make a difference. Isn't that what we're all learning to do? Surely in that case..."
"Yes, I suppose so." Sora nodded, pushing open the door of the main building and allowing Naoko to slip in past her before following her into the narrow hallway that led towards the Senior wing's back stairs. "Perhaps I also don't like having a room that's quiet and lonely, either. I like talking after the lights go out - and right now I can only talk to myself."
Despite herself, Naoko laughed.
"Well, I can't do much about that." She said, amused. "Though I'm sure knowing you you could hold a full scale conversation with yourself without any trouble at all."
"That isn't the point." Sora snorted, though there was humour in her green eyes as well as she realised how funny she had sounded. "Oh well. I hope the Kuchiki finish all their formal memorial stuff soon. I want Mitsuki back where she belongs. With us. And I'm sure I'm not the only one missing her. Juushirou's had all this Anideshi pressure and that idiot Akira needling at him – and I know he's worried about her and Kuchiki too."
"Ukitake-kun, huh?" Naoko's expression became thoughtful and Sora nodded, looking surprised.
"Yes, of course. Nao-chan, you know as well as I do how things are with those two. Even if they call it 'just friends', it's a very…well…close kind of friendship."
"Mm. I know." Naoko pursed her lips. "It just occurred to me…that's all."
"What did?" Sora tilted her head on one side, staring at her companion quizzically. "Whatever it was can't have been that clear-cut, because I don't follow you at all. What occurred to you?"
"That with the Kuchiki in disarray, quite probably the last thing the Clan needs is to discover the 'friendship' Mitsuki has with a District boy. That's all."
"Naoko." Sora pulled a face. "Don't be stuffy and stuck up. For a start, it's harmless and innocent enough. If it was Shunsui, well maybe I'd see your point. But Juushirou has good manners and he wouldn't ever do anything to compromise Mitsuki's position or her honour. They are just friends, and I think it's cute they have feelings for each other. There's nothing wrong with it – and I doubt Guren-sama would care as much as all that."
"Really?" Naoko arched an eyebrow. "I think he might care quite a considerable amount."
"Why?" Sora demanded. "He's never bothered about Mitsuki. Why would it matter now?"
"If I'm right…that Mitsuki was there and did help to heal the people who were injured…" Naoko said thoughtfully, "That means Guren-sama sent for her. And that also means that he acknowledges her vocation and has accepted it even despite her Kuchiki blood. It means he's recognised her as part of his Clan, Sora – and more, she's now within his direct notice. Before that wasn't the case – she has always been an outsider and she's never cared too much about the connections of her Clan. But if Guren-sama has now seen her skills for himself…"
"You're contradicting yourself." Sora objected. "A few minutes ago you were saying that the Kuchiki don't value Mi-chan. Now you say that they do. You're confusing me, Nao-chan – I don't see what's changed. Sure, maybe Mitsuki did help out – and so she should have, considering what she can do. But that has nothing to do with her being friends with Juushirou."
"Not at present, perhaps. But what about when we graduate?" Naoko asked matter-of-factly. "Right now they're classmates and they've kept themselves as just friends. But once we all leave this place, and enter squads…everyone's lives will be very different to what they are now. Mitsuki will probably be with Retsu-sama – that's almost a certainty. But she will be a Kuchiki within Fourth Squad, and one that her Clan leader has come to recognise. If she was to…take silly risks…"
"Do you think Mitsuki would take silly risks?" Sora looked doubtful. Naoko sighed.
"I don't know." She admitted. "Don't get me wrong, Sora. I like Ukitake-kun and I consider him quite a reasonable person in most respects. I understand Mitsuki's fondness for him and so far as it goes, it isn't a bad thing. But…now we know more about his background…and…that he isn't simply a District boy but…"
"An illegitimate Kuchiki grandson." Sora's eyes narrowed. "That's what you mean, isn't it? That Guren-sama might find that out – or might already know about it – and that might cause problems for Mitsuki later on."
"Yes. Exactly that."
"I don't know." Sora sighed. "It's all a mess of nothing to me, honestly. If she likes him, she should like him. Life's too short for sticking just to duty and honour all the time. But I do see what you're saying. The Kuchiki aren't like the Shiba or the Unohana when it comes to judgement on things. They're pretty…strict about everything, particularly a pure bloodline. Though I think maybe you're worrying too much. Mitsuki knows she and Juushirou can't progress beyond friendship and he knows it too. I don't think they'll be stupid about it, Naoko. And I really don't think we ought to get involved."
"Well, hopefully there won't be a need." At that moment they reached the Senior hall, and Naoko put her hand against the wood door of her room, shooting her companion a quizzical look. "Well? If you're lonely, you can come in for a bit. Suzuno won't mind – but we ought to change the subject if you are."
"I'll come in." Sora nodded, and Naoko grinned, pushing open the door and stepping into the chamber. Her friend followed, to find the girl's roommate and fellow Unohana, Amai Suzuno, curled up quietly on her bed. She was reading a faded Kidou text book on healing arts, but at their entrance she smiled, setting it aside.
"Good evening, Naoko, Shiba-san." She said pleasantly, in her soft, gentle tones.
"Hi." Sora offered her a rueful grin. "You don't mind me crashing your space for a while, do you? It's lonely in my room until Mitsuki gets back, and Naoko said it would be all right."
"I have no objection." Suzuno shook her head. "On the contrary, the company is welcome."
"You're not mad at us then, for jumping up classes like this and displacing your old buddies?" Sora questioned, sinking down onto Naoko's bed and the older girl laughed, shrugging her shoulders.
"People are promoted on merit and that merit is judged by Sensei." She said sensibly. "Even if I did have reservations about it, it would only be him to whom I could complain. No, Shiba-san. I really am not troubled by it at all. Besides, Naoko and I are acquainted kinsfolk, and I have so far seen no reason to consider any of my new classmates beneath my notice."
"Suzuno's not the kind of person who'd start a fight with anyone." Naoko said simply, sinking down beside Sora and leaning up against the wall. "She's an Unohana, don't forget. We're not a combative people."
"Well. Maybe she's not." Sora fixed Naoko with a pointed look, and Naoko glared back.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She demanded, and Suzuno chuckled.
"Your friend knows quite well that if any of our kin stand up and fight back, Naoko-chan, it's you." She said complacently. "But I'm sure she also knows you only fight for what you believe is true."
"Absolutely." Naoko nodded firmly, and Sora laughed, patting her on the back.
"I know that." She assured her indignant companion. "But I guess I'm used to living with a more militant Unohana. Amai-san, it's nice to properly meet you – and I'm glad at least that the girls don't seem to be starting war, even if the boys are."
"Boys will be boys." Suzuno let out a sigh, shrugging her shoulders. "And that's all that can be said about that. They'll come around eventually – once they've bruised and bloodied each other a little, no doubt."
She smiled.
"In the meantime, how are you finding our Kidou project?" She asked curiously. "I saw you heading to the library earlier on."
"I spent most of my time exploring the books, but Nao-chan did some reading and took some notes." Sora looked abashed. "I guess I'll go back tomorrow and do some proper study this time. I still can't fully get my head around it – being Seniors this year and all."
"It seems perfectly logical to me." Naoko admitted. "We've all worked hard ever since the beginning, so this is our reward."
"I suppose so." Sora agreed. "I just hope that the tension settles down a little more soon. Preferably before Kuchiki and Mitsuki come back to the Academy – since they've already dealt with enough."
"Ah yes. I have heard about the Kuchiki incident." Suzuno's expression became grave. "A terrible occurrence indeed."
"As you say." Naoko sighed. "But at least Retsu-sama and Mitsuki-chan were around and so nobody else lost their lives. Whether they'll nail their killer or not, I don't know. But with any luck no other people will get hurt as a result."
"Yes. I hope so also." Suzuno bit her lip. "I do not like uncertainty or conflict – and the idea of assassination troubles me."
"Troubles all of us." Sora said matter-of-factly. "Especially with Mi-chan and Kuchiki in the middle of it."
"I know a little of Edogawa-san, being that she is Retsu-sama's deshi." Suzuno reflected. "I am not acquainted with our other classmate – Kuchiki Ryuu-kun, I believe?"
"Yeah…well…social skills aren't his forte, shall we say." Sora said ruefully. "But he's all right, beneath the awkwardness. He's probably dealing with this a whole lot worse than Mitsuki is, honestly. He's rather steeped in duty and stuff at times."
"He's closer to the centre of the Clan." Naoko pointed out. "In fact, Sora, he may well be the next heir, considering the bloodline in that family."
"But Guren-sama has a brother. Doesn't he?" Sora demanded.
"He does." It was Suzuno who answered now, a thoughtful expression on her face. "But Naoko may well be correct. After all, Seiren-dono's spirit power was sealed a long time ago. A sealed Kuchiki cannot possibly be designated heir to the Clan."
"Sealed? How do you know that?" Sora demanded, and Suzuno laughed.
"My family are healers, like Naoko-chan's, and kinsfolk of Retsu-sama's central line." She said pragmatically. "Such things are known among healing families – that is all."
"Seiren-dono's spirit power was sealed because he was too fragile as a baby to survive if they didn't act." Naoko explained. "That's all. It's not done often, but in some cases…Seiren-dono's parents chose to save their son's life rather than sacrifice him to uncontrollable reiatsu. He was only a younger son, so the magic at that point didn't matter. They would have assumed that Guren-sama would have grown to have sons – which he did, until this all happened."
"I see." Sora sighed. "So that's why Juushirou's so worried about Kuchiki. I guess he knows about that, too…about Seiren-dono's ineligibility and all. That does make it more complicated – the sooner they get away from District Six and back to normality the better."
Author's note:
The Japanese name "Masaki" can mean 'flourishing tree' in Japanese. :) The tree theme rears its ugly head yet again! Though there's no significant reason for that name's choice in this fic. It's just something that connects to something in my head not yet written...and I will shut up about it now because you'll all think me more weird than you already do!
Also, you may have noticed. Enishi is going to get a role in this story, since he didn't so much in the last. Yay! Without putting a point on it yet, he has a significant role in the future of SS, so I want to build on that a little now...(mysterious)
Oh yes. And the reasons for Seiren's ineligibility have been revealed. Mundane as they might seem...they are quite important, so don't forget them!