Chapter Sixty One: Guren's Messenger
"I've been expecting you."
Genryuusai turned from where he had been carefully checking through the old volumes that lined the far wall of his office, his moustache twitching slightly as he made eye contact with his visitor.
"I thought it was only a matter of time before someone came from District Six - from the fact that Guren-dono's sent someone of such high standing means that this message is a serious one, isn't it, Kinnya?"
"You're really not easy to surprise, even after all these years."
Kinnya offered his former teacher a wry smile, bowing his head towards the other before stepping into the study fully and closing the door behind him. He was robed in the cream and green of his Clan, though the more subdued style befitted one of his bloodline and rank who had long since entered retirement, and about his throat hung the insignia of his branch of the family, marking him out as a member of the true Kuchiki line. His mourning robes for Raiko were nowhere in evidence, and as he crossed the floor to join his companion, Genryuusai's sharp eyes took in the man's movement, realising with each step Kinnya took that the stick he clutched in his left hand was more for show than it was out of necessity.
"You seem well," he murmured. "I had heard otherwise, but I'm glad to see that my reports were wrong."
"I have found a new lease on life in recent months," Kinnya looked rueful, glancing at the cane and then back at the old teacher. "I wouldn't say that this old body of mine has fully re-adjusted to the kind of power I wielded when Senaya-nii was still alive, but I certainly feel a lot further from death than I did this time last year."
"I suppose it was easier to cross into District One in the guise a frail old man than in full regalia and zanpakutou blazing," Genryuusai mused.
"You say you expected me, though?" As the old teacher gestured for his companion to sit down, Kinnya did so, laying the polished walnut cane at his side. "If so, you must have some idea already as to what business brings me here."
"I imagine you've come for Ryuu," Genryuusai said simply. Kinnya nodded.
"In part, I have," he agreed. "Guren would like Ryuu returned to the main house as soon as is possible. I received your letter and Guren received the boy's, so I realise that as yet he may not be fit enough to travel."
"He seems fit enough to go to class, so I don't see why he couldn't make a journey," Genryuusai reflected. "That isn't your only reason for coming though, is it, Kinnya? I think with all that has been going on, the quicker you tell me your Lord's wishes and everything else you need to disclose the better. One of my students died in the Real World - I am not in the mood for playing mind games."
"A student died?" Kinnya looked momentarily stricken, and Genryuusai realised with a jolt where his guest's mind had gone.
"You know about Juushirou." It was a statement, not a question, but Kinnya slowly nodded his head.
"Ryuu came to me and among other things, told me of the boy's existence," he said softly. "Sensei, I realise that is no concern of yours, but..."
"The student who died was an Unohana," Genryuusai shook his head. "Your grandson returned from the adventure relatively unscathed."
"Oh." Genryuusai eyed his visitor keenly, taking in the palpable relief that now flooded Kinnya's grey gaze. "I'm sorry - I'm not glad for the school's loss nor for the tragedy faced by the Unohana. It's just that for a moment I thought..."
"Would you like me to send for him? Then you can see for yourself that he is well," Genryuusai suggested, but Kinnya shook his head.
"Probably he has no reason to know or care who I am beyond a name...most likely I'm not someone he'd want to see, considering how badly I've derelicted my duty towards District Six's coastal regions in the last twenty or so years," he said sadly. "I don't think I have a face to meet the boy with at the present time, and so I will not. Besides, I am sent here by direct order of my nephew Guren...and you are right. Time is probably of the essence."
He pursed his lips.
"Shirogane is also here, isn't he?"
"Indeed," Genryuusai nodded. "I'm sure I already advised you of that fact - it's not really a secret any more."
"True enough," Kinnya clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, then, "Sensei, what I have to tell you I don't fully understand. None of us do. I'll try and explain what I can, but it may not be a satisfactory explanation. First and foremost, Guren would like Ryuu home - but not just Ryuu. He would like...if at all possible...for you and Unohana Retsu-dono to accompany the boy across borders."
"Retsu and I?" Genryuusai's thick eyebrows twitched upwards, and Kinnya nodded his head.
"That's his reason for sending me," he responded. "There's nobody else of rank that he can dispatch at present. It's believed by him that Aizen Keitarou is currently within District Six. Not more than twenty four hours ago this Aizen launched an attack on Ryuu's father Seiren, and we don't believe that he's left the area in the way he has done before. Guren has had Sixth Squad dispatched across the District looking to find and seal up any active Senkaimon...but my nephew believes strongly that Keitarou's business with the Kuchiki is not entirely finished. To put it in plain terms, so long as Guren and Ryuu remain alive, this Keitarou will not give up."
"Seiren-dono was attacked?" Genryuusai's eyes became grave. "I'm surprised that this is the first news I hear of it."
"Guren doesn't want it discussed on a wide scale," Kinnya said uneasily. "The truth is, we neither of us fully understand what was done to him."
"Is he dead?"
"No, but I'm not quite sure that I should describe him as living, either," Kinnya gazed down at his gloved fingers. "It appears that this Aizen rogue did something to unseal the spirit power Senaya-nii and I locked away when he was born, and it's reacted violently. Seiren has apparently been ill recently, but nothing like this."
"His sealed spirit power...exploded?" Genryuusai frowned. "And Aizen was the trigger?"
"The only correlation I can draw from it is the memory of those struck and poisoned by reidoku during Urahara Keitsune's incident," Kinnya admitted. "In this case, though, there doesn't seem to have been any chemicals used. I believe it's only Seiren's own native spirit power that has overloaded this time. When I saw him, the sensation of his spirit was the same as it was the day he was born, only...more potent and full of a greater level of despair."
"I see," Genryuusai rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "In what way exactly did this power manifest itself?"
"Guren believes Seiren is becoming a Hollow," Kinnya responded. "It might be true, too. Seiren certainly had a mask - but when I broke it, his fight collapsed and so did he. He's currently restrained within the bowels of his manor - cuffed to restrict his spirit power and locked within a kidou barrier - but neither Guren nor I know how to reverse the damage done to his soul. I don't think that I can replicate the seal Senaya-nii and I put onto that reiryoku now that it's reacted in this way...but if something isn't done, Seiren's life is probably forfeit."
"And so Guren-dono wants Ryuu," Genryuusai said softly. "To say farewell to his father? Or..."
"The trigger seems to have been Aizen telling Seiren that Ryuu was dead," Kinnya said heavily. "Guren knows this better than me, but he and Futsuki have both said how much Seiren dotes on his only son. I understand that emotion only too well myself - when you love a child so much then lose that child, your will to live folds and dies within you. Seiren was probably fighting against the explosion of his power for Ryuu's sake, but once he heard his son had been killed..."
He trailed off.
"The letters Ryuu and I wrote to you and to Guren-dono arrived too late to prevent that," Genryuusai sighed wearily. "Very well, I understand. You seek my assistance in ridding District Six of this renegade Urahara exile, correct?"
"Something of that nature, yes," Kinnya looked apologetic. "Seiren's violent reaction led to him attacking Guren and it appears that right now he doesn't recognise anyone - we've tried to keep him unconscious, but when he's awake he's fighting against his bonds and it might not be long before he breaks them. Keitarou said he wasn't controlling Seiren, but Guren isn't so sure. He thinks that because Seiren's attempt to kill him failed once, Keitarou will stick around to try and make sure next time it works. The Aizen isn't strong enough to fight a fair fight, from what Guren said - but Seiren undoubtedly is strong enough to kill his brother if he was to get free."
"You think Ryuu might be able to change that?"
"It's a risk, but if Seiren saw Ryuu was alive, it might penetrate the psychosis and calm him enough for us to be able to do something to help," Kinnya responded. "Guren doesn't want to involve the Council, but he believes that, since you have appointed yourself in charge of Ryuu's safety, it would be wise to ask you to accompany him to District Six. He'd like to avoid having his prospective heir killed if it can be helped. It's a cheeky request in many regards, but he also seeks Unohana Retsu-dono on account of the fact that there is nobody with healing skill to rival hers anywhere in Seireitei."
"And what of District One in our absence?" Genryuusai asked lightly. "Hashihiko's squad are here, of course, but I have a school of students to protect...do you expect me to only guard the life of one?"
"With all respect, Sensei, that's Guren's other reason for sending me," Kinnya looked faintly sheepish. "He's charged me with Shirogane's safety, since if anything goes wrong - if Guren and Ryuu were to be killed - Shirogane is the only one left who could mount a claim and Guren wanted to be sure I would act for him as need be. I am not as strong as you are, it's true, and probably in comparison would be a feeble protector of any kind. However, I was able to subdue Seiren even with my power as rusty as it is. I will remain in District One with your permission...and I will watch over your students in your absence. Guren would surely approve of my doing so, considering the weight of the request he has placed on you. Shirogane will also be here - I understand he has quite promising spirit power, too."
"Shirogane will probably one day rise to the level Guren-dono currently stands at - possibly Ryuu will also, if he works hard." Genryuusai said slowly. "Neither one of them are anywhere near the level of student you and Senaya were when I was first called on to train you."
His gaze drifted to the walnut cane.
"That's why you brought that with you, isn't it? You hoped you could convince me that, frail and sickly though you've been in recent years, you are enough to keep watch over my young ones and make sure all remain safe from harm."
"Yes," Kinnya agreed. "I haven't used it in a very long time - perhaps not properly since Senaya-nii's death. I have something to protect here for my Clan's sake, but also for my own sake, Sensei. I'm content to remain in District One for as long as your Clan will tolerate me. I have no intention of letting anything happen to Raiko's son."
His eyes darkened.
"Guren said that this Aizen made a puppet of my grandson already," he said blackly, and for a moment Guren saw a flicker of his former student's true spirit power flare in the composed grey gaze. "That makes him an unforgivable enemy in my mind, whether or not he is responsible for causing my Kuchiki kin so much grief. As a Kuchiki and as Raiko's father I am involved in this and I will not easily walk away."
"Your grandson has a lot of spiritual potential, Kinnya," Genryuusai placed a wizened hand on his companion's thin shoulder. "Shirogane and Ryuu may not attain the same level of spirit power that you and your brother used to wield when I trained you...but Juushirou is another matter. It will take time, but there's a very good chance that he will."
Kinnya's eyes opened wide with surprise, and Genryuusai smiled.
"There are two students in my class at present who in potential stand out above the others," he said quietly. "One is a Kyouraku, and one is your grandson Juushirou. Though they're both still growing and developing, it's already clear to me that they are something different from their companions. When I give them to the Gotei, it will be a great loss to me and to my Academy...but a great gain to the spiritual future of this world."
"Juushirou is...that powerful?" Kinnya whispered.
"He takes after his grandfather, and, perhaps, his mother," Genryuusai nodded. "I never could train Raiko long enough to really know what the true level of her spirit power was, but whatever it was, it was passed on in full to her son with more besides. You should be proud of him, Kinnya. More, you should rethink your decision not to meet him. His spirit power and his nature are such that even when he graduates here he will have much to learn. I won't be able to teach him forever - but there are few people in Seireitei with enough skill and knowledge to undertake the next step."
"He would not want to speak to me if he knew who I was," Kinnya's eyes became sad. "I learned recently that his father had been killed by a Hollow, and I - the Kuchiki charged with protecting the Coastal Province - I did nothing to intervene. Hidenobu-dono's blood is on my hands and nothing can change that."
"Ah, I see the family resemblance," Genryuusai observed dryly. "Juushirou likes to blame himself for things which are not his fault, too. His idealism and naivety are both strengths and weaknesses - so is his sense of responsibility. Well, I suppose I can't interfere in this beyond what I've already said. It's your decision, not mine. You've come here on another errand and I must look to that first and foremost. Please, come with me."
"Come with..." Kinnya looked surprised, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Shirogane's being here has been kept secret from most people," he said matter-of-factly, moving to slide back the door of the study and gesturing for his companion to follow him out into the hall. "We didn't want to create any kind of panic. Some of the Seniors are aware of it, and my staff, but nobody else. Shirogane himself has kept to this rule admirably. I am quite impressed with how far he's come on since the spoiled, arrogant young whelp I had to hold back a year."
"I have only seen Shirogane once," Kinnya admitted, falling into step with his former sensei and pulling the hood up on his cloak once more. "We have not been formally introduced, so I know little about him. He struck me as someone with his own ideas and his own thrust to follow through with those ideas regardless of what else is going on around him. In truth, it reminded me a little of my late brother."
"You miss Senaya, I think?" Genryuusai asked, and Kinnya nodded.
"I do," he agreed. "Although we were close and distant most of the time, I understood Senaya-nii and I worked well with him. The same understanding doesn't exist between Guren and Seiren...this business has been allowed to happen because of that."
He frowned.
"I cannot disclose to you my brother's secrets," he said sadly, "but I can't imagine that the decisions he made over a century ago have had no impact on the current situation in District Six. Sins cast long shadows...and Senaya-nii meddled with enough things to bring karma down on his people for a long time to come."
"Senaya loved his children, just as you loved Raiko," Genryuusai said evenly. "I don't think you can blame him for wanting to keep Seiren alive."
"I don't," Kinnya shook his head. "Even now I believe he did the right thing. Just...the cost has been a high one. Guren's son may be dead because Seiren was allowed to live...that's the reality of this."
"It's obviously more complicated than I know," Genryuusai acknowledged. "Senaya wasn't in the habit of confiding in me about anything much, not even when I was training you both. You took me into your confidence far more, Kinnya. His formidable lady wife aside, Senaya probably only ever fully trusted you out of everyone that surrounded him. For Guren to have you now in his time of need would probably make your brother the most content of all."
"I believe so," Kinnya sighed heavily. "Senaya-nii was fond of using me wherever it was convenient. I don't suppose he'd have considered his death a reason for that to stop."
Genryuusai opened his mouth to reply, but as they rounded the corner, Ryuu, Mitsuki and Shunsui rounded the corner, apparently deep in conversation about something. The moment their gazes met, however, Ryuu let out an exclamation, hurrying forward with wide, startled eyes.
"Kinnya...sama?"
"Ryuu, there is a place to yell and shout and it isn't within the halls of the Academy," Genryuusai chided the student before Kinnya had a chance to speak. "You surely haven't forgotten your etiquette so easily?"
"I am sorry," Ryuu reddened, bowing his head rather awkwardly towards his great uncle, and the other two students exchanged looks before following suit. "I meant no offence, Kinnya-sama. Sensei."
"It's well," Kinnya rested a hand on Ryuu's shoulder, casting him a faint smile. "I imagine this is the last place you thought we'd meet again, but I'm glad to see you in good health. Your uncle will also be relieved, since although he received your communication, a lot of stories have been circulating in District Six."
"Aizen," Ryuu's eyes became dark. "I knew he would try something in that vein."
"Meeting you like this is opportune, as it happens," Genryuusai added. "I was going to send for you, but since you're here, you might as well join us."
"Sensei, has something happened at home?" Mitsuki looked anxious, and Genryuusai nodded.
"It has, but for the time being, I don't believe it concerns you," he said softly. "You and Shunsui should return to your normal routine."
"We were going to try and see Naoko-chan, Sensei," Shunsui spoke up now. "Mitsuki-chan said she was feeling down, and she and Ryuu were going to go. I thought if I showed up too, she could yell at me and let off some steam. She's quite good at that."
"We were actually going to attempt to cheer the girl up a little," Ryuu shot Shunsui a withering look. "Mitsuki thought that Unohana-sensei might allow us. Shikibu appears to be making a slower recovery than I have done and naturally, since this affair directly relates to the Kuchiki, we were both concerned for her health."
"For the time being, you'll have to delay your visit, as I have a prior need of both you and the Healing Bay," Genryuusai said briskly. "If Retsu-dono is agreeable, you may return after dinner - Ryuu, you aside. As I said, I have need of you."
His thick white brows bristled for a moment, then fixed his gaze on Shunsui and Mitsuki.
"I should like you two to return to the Senior annexe for the time being," he said softly, eying both students with a look that told them he would brook no opposition to his orders. "You must also not say a word of this encounter to anyone. Anyone at all, Shunsui, no matter how close you consider them to be."
"Why was that directed at me alone?" Shunsui protested. "Sensei, I can keep a secret, you know!"
"Good. This will be a good chance for you to prove it to me," Genryuusai was unmoved. "I'm sure as Clan children you both understand that if people were to know a high ranking Kuchiki of Kinnya-dono's status had crossed into District One, it may create trouble for the school."
"Yes...yes, sir," Mitsuki looked anxious, but she nodded her head. "We understand."
"You're a Kuchiki too," Kinnya was startled. "I see it now in your face, but I don't believe I know your name. It's been some years since I ventured from my home province, therefore I'm afraid you're a stranger to these old eyes."
"Edogawa Mitsuki, sir," Mitsuki bowed her head. "My father is Edogawa Teitou, who is a third degree member of Guren-sama's honoured court."
"Ah. Teitou-dono is known to me, but not for many years I must confess," Kinnya's expression became one of comprehension. "I am Guren-sama's uncle, child - as Ryuu and Genryuusai-sama said, my name is Kinnya, but I don't expect you to have heard of it or of me."
"On the contrary, sir, I have," Mitsuki said politely. "Ryuu has mentioned you to me before, and your name is not unknown at the Kuchiki court, even now."
Her gaze flitted to Ryuu, who was looking anxious.
"Are you sure I shouldn't...come...with you?"
"Sensei said not, Mitsuki-chan," Shunsui spoke up now, putting a hand on her arm and sending her a glance. "Obviously it's something important, and nothing to do with us."
"Yes, but...I'm a Kuchiki too, and..."
"You've already done your part, Mitsuki," Genryuusai said gently. "You took care of Shirogane when nobody else could."
Mitsuki's eyes became big with dismay, and Genryuusai smiled.
"You didn't think I didn't know that, did you?" he reproached her lightly. "It was well done and I'm pleased with you. However, beyond this point, there's nothing you can do but remain here and focus on your studies."
"Y...yes, sir," Mitsuki reddened, bowing her head, and Shunsui grinned.
"We'll do as you say, Sensei," he said softly. "We'll leave Ryuu with you."
With that he gave Mitsuki's arm a little tug and with a backward glance the young girl nodded, reluctantly following her classmate in the direction of the Senior annexe.
Now alone with the two old men, Ryuu bit his lip.
"What has happened, Sensei?" he murmured. "Why is Kinnya-sama here? I don't...what..."
"Your uncle sent an urgent message via Kinnya-dono to me. It also concerns you," Genryuusai said frankly, moving towards the door of the Healing Bay and sliding it open, leading the way inside. "Fetch your cousin and bring him here. Retsu-dono is likely with Shikibu at present, but I will speak to her later."
"Yes, sir," Ryuu's eyes burned with apprehension, but he did not demur, darting off towards the small chamber that Shirogane currently called 'home'.
"He certainly seems in good health," Kinnya remarked. "Whatever injury he took in the Real World cannot have been severe."
"He fought with an assassin and took a cut from a poisoned blade, but not enough of the drug entered his system to be fatal," Genryuusai responded. "He's strong of health by nature, and so has recovered fairly quickly. Fortunately for him one of my kinsfolk was near at hand when he was attacked, and so no further injury was caused."
"Ah yes. I saw the letter he penned to Guren and it said something about that," Kinnya agreed. "That does tend to suggest the Yamamoto are aligning with the Kuchiki, does it not?"
"Enishi acted from friendship, not from political means," Genryuusai said dismissively. "Whether wise or unwise, that is the kind of person he is."
"Sensei?" At that moment Ryuu returned, Shirogane in tow, and at the sight of the hooded Clan visitor, the latter's eyes became clouded with consternation.
"Ryuu said word had come from Guren-sama," he murmured. "I've seen that badge before...in the forests of District Six. An old man on a horse wore it when he warned me to leave the Coastal Provinces."
"Hello, Shirogane," Kinnya offered the boy a smile. "Considering all I've heard of you, it's well that at long last we meet face to face."
Shirogane did not answer, clearly on his guard, and Genryuusai moved to shut the door, sliding across the lock to ensure they were not disturbed.
"Shirogane, word has at last come from Guren-dono," He said softly. "Both my message and Ryuu's sent to District Six arrived in safety and a response has come in the form of Kinnya-dono this morning."
"Kinnya...sama?" Shirogane's eyes widened, then became thoughtful. "I see. I thought that was the same badge. Then it was your manservant who advised me to leave the Coastal Provinces when I was attacked by Seiren-dono's men?"
"It was," Kinnya inclined his head apologetically. "Keiichi was following my direct instructions - I trust you are not too put out at his attitude towards you."
"On the contrary, I'm grateful for the intervention," Shirogane admitted. "Whether for your own reasons or not, you allowed me to escape."
"Well, the need for escape is probably at an end," Kinnya said pensively. "Ryuu, Guren-dono has sent me with the request that you return home to District Six immediately."
"What?" Colour drained from Ryuu's already pale cheeks. "Guren-sama is pulling me out of the Academy? Is it because I went to the Real World without his permission? But I had to go, if I hadn't..."
"Quiet yourself, boy," Genryuusai chided. "Nobody has requested your removal as an Academy student. Guren-dono's reason for calling you home is different."
"I don't believe he's cross with you regarding the Real World," Kinnya agreed. "That's not to say it's good news, so don't look so relieved. It's relating to your father - Seiren-dono."
"Seiren-dono," Shirogane echoed the name softly. "Does he still persist in believing of my guilt?"
"Whether he does or does not is currently an unknown factor," Kinnya said gravely. "He is presently quite unwell. Aizen Keitarou launched a direct attack on him and his manor and it carried heavy consequences. A good half of the manor lies in ruin and the rest has been evacuated. Your mother appears to have escaped without injury and is currently taking refuge with one of your sisters, but it is unclear as yet whether Seiren's life can be saved."
"Father...is...dying?" Now there was no denying Ryuu's unnatural pallor, and for a moment Genryuusai thought the boy might faint. "Aizen attacked him, and now..."
"Guren-sama wants Ryuu because of Seiren-dono, doesn't he?" Shirogane's brain was working more quickly. "If Seiren-dono's life is in danger, then it's only right that his son...even if that brings Ryuu into danger too."
"I have been asked to accompany you, and Unohana Retsu-dono also," Genryuusai interjected. "In the circumstances, I believe that may be possible. Kinnya-dono has offered to remain here - in fact, his orders seem to be that he should do so - but there's no doubt the situation we'll be going into is a serious one. Guren-dono apparently believes Keitarou is still in District Six and is waiting in the shadows for you to return home. You and Guren-dono are both still his targets - and if he can get you both in the same place, then..."
"In that case, Ryuu should not go," Shirogane spoke up quickly. "If it's that dangerous...even a trap..."
"Senpai, this is Guren-sama's will," Ryuu spoke softly, his complexion still deathly pale. "I have put myself in harm's way once for my Clan and I will do so again if need be. If that is what Guren-sama wishes of me, then I will of course return home as soon as can be arranged."
"I should come with you," Shirogane suggested, but Kinnya shook his head.
"You are to remain here."
"But...!"
"I understand you want to protect your kinsman. Your loyalty does you credit," Kinnya said softly. "Nevertheless, for you to remain here is also Guren-sama's order. You must obey his word over your own feelings."
"Guren-sama doesn't...want me home?"
"On the contrary, he does. Very much, I believe," Kinnya sighed. "Your uncle loves you a good deal, Shirogane. I think you'd be quite startled to know how much he considers you like a son, even though you are not. Guren is also a Clan leader, and that carries with it certain responsibilities. In this respect he's looking to the future of the Clan. He has the intention of passing the inheritance to Ryuu as Seiren's son - but this fight is far from over. If something should befall him and Ryuu both, there needs to be someone else who can take the reins of the Clan and hold the family together. The only person that could possibly be is you, and I have been charged to ensure that, in such a circumstance, there is someone to guide and support you to power."
"Guren-sama," Shirogane's eyes softened, and Genryuusai saw genuine emotion in the young man's eyes. "As his Vice Captain, I should be at his side defending him. Even though I'm not, he's forgiven me? He doesn't believe me to be guilty of conspiracy or murder?"
"He never did," Kinnya said simply. "You underestimate him greatly if you believe otherwise. You and Ryuu are both extremely precious to him, not just as future men of influence but as kinsmen he wants to protect."
"I must go, though, if Father is that unwell," Ryuu said quietly. "We've had our differences, but he is still my father and I have been unfair towards him too. I had suspicion about his involvement...but now he has become a victim, and I feel ashamed. Mitsuki tried to tell me that there was no way Father could be involved...but I was not sure and I doubted in him. For that reason we fought the last time we spoke - at the very least I must make amends for that conversation."
"I cannot guarantee whether he will know you," Kinnya warned. "At present his condition is...somewhat unstable."
"What exactly has happened to him, Kinnya-sama?" Shirogane's gaze flitted to Ryuu, then back to the old Clansman, a troubled look on his face. "Clearly it's something quite awful, but although you've mentioned Aizen's attack..."
"Seiren's sleeping spirit power has been unsealed," Genryuusai answered instead, folding his arms across his chest, and Kinnya inclined his head.
"A power that was never supposed to exist has been allowed to range free," he said grimly. "Ryuu, I will not lie to you. This reiryoku was sealed when he was born because of how dangerous and deformed a force it was, and Seiren has no control over it whatsoever. Your father's current state is on the cusp of pure soul and tainted Hollow - he no longer recognises any who he would call kin, and has once tried to steal Guren's life. There is just as much possibility that if he sees you, he might also try to hurt you. He is confined, but there is no telling how long that confinement might hold up under the relentless pressure of such malevolent spiritual energy. That alone makes him a lot stronger than you or Shirogane at present - he was able to overpower your Clan leader on account of the toxicity of his reiatsu. Whether Aizen attacks you or not directly, Seiren is a threat to anyone who gets too close. We do not know how to fix this, or whether Aizen has any latent control over Seiren's actions."
He glanced at Genryuusai.
"I think we hoped - Guren and Futsuki and I - that you might have some advice," he admitted. "It's beyond all of us - well, so far as I know, Seiren himself may also be beyond help. The only thought we had was bringing Ryuu...since Seiren's explosion of power seems to have been triggered by reports of Ryuu's death, there is that faint possibility..."
"This is my fault?" Ryuu was aghast, a stricken look entering his reserved grey eyes. "I went to the Real World and put myself into danger and now Father believes...because of me, all of this..."
He trailed off, and Genryuusai could see that his student was visibly shaking from both shock and anger.
"Dangerous or not, I want to see my father," he said at length, raising a resolute gaze to Genryuusai's own. "I will accept any risks attached to it, since this is clearly a wrong I must somehow right. Genryuusai-sensei, I realise it is an inconvenience and a burden, but if you would accompany me I would be most grateful. I do not know whether help can be given in Otousama's case, but if there is the slightest chance of stopping the enemy and preventing anyone else becoming hurt, I hope that all that can be done will be."
"Ryuu," Shirogane put a hand on his cousin's shoulder, then,
"I'll remain here and help Kinnya-sama oversee the school," he said gravely. "If you and Unohana-taichou go, Sensei, I will do my best to help fill the void. I realise I'm still weak in comparison to more experienced shinigami, but if there is a way in which I can help, I will."
"I know, but your first duty is to ensure you stay alive," Genryuusai said firmly. "If Kinnya is here, I believe...all will be well. I will speak to Retsu-dono, and find out whether she is willing to trust Shikibu's health to another to accompany me. Given her recent loss, I imagine she will be only too happy to face and help deal with this particular threat to Seireitei's peace."
"Amai-san." Ryuu's eyes clouded. "Indeed so."
"Well, Shikibu is at least making slow progress," Genryuusai observed. "Her injuries are mostly psychological and I believe Retsu-dono may feel happy leaving her in Mitsuki's care. By all reports that young lady has become far more steady in her resolve in recent months. All right. Ryuu, you should come with me. You and I have much to arrange in a short period of time. Shirogane, I will take you at your word - if you intend to help, in my absence there will be classes to oversee and you can help to oversee them. I trust that a Vice Captain with a good education will be capable of advising youngsters in basic Sakusen precepts?"
"I should hope so, else I wouldn't be much worth my rank," Shirogane said acidly, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Then it's decided," he replied. "Guren-dono has accepted you are an innocent, and has given you firm instruction to remain in District One. There is no need for you to closet yourself away here any longer - you are free to move around, though I will advise Hashihiko that you are not allowed to leave this District under any circumstances, so I suggest you don't think of trying. I will also tell my kinsman to deploy some of his squad here to help keep the site secure," this last to Kinnya, "since Aizen Keitarou is not the only enemy. The one who killed young Ribari was his accomplice - a young hime formerly of the Endou Clan, and her whereabouts are currently unconfirmed. Since she's clearly capable of dangerous behaviour, it would be as well to be on the alert for anyone matching her description in the local area."
"Understood," Kinnya nodded.
"This girl is known to me," Shirogane said blackly. "She gave me the name Kyouraku Nanaki, but there is no doubt she is Endou Eiraki. I will know her if I see her, Kinnya-sama. You need not worry...she will not take us off guard so easily, and she might find herself regretting any visit she makes to these parts."
"I want you also to keep an eye on Juushirou, Shirogane," Genryuusai said quietly, and Kinnya started, staring at his former teacher in consternation.
"On...Juushirou?" he murmured, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Since you are unwilling to meet your grandson face to face, I will trust the job to Shirogane," he agreed evenly. "I suspect that Kyouraku Shunsui will also be keeping close tabs on him, though."
"Why Juushirou, though?" Kinnya pressed.
"He was once controlled by Aizen, and it seems that Aizen believes he can take the boy and use him again," Genryuusai explained. "I think it's highly unlikely that he'd be able to manipulate Juushirou so easily a second time, but there is always the risk of that happening. Aizen can use his spirit power from afar, as he's proven before. Therefore if Juushirou acts even a little bit strangely, I would like him taken out of general circulation as quietly and smoothly as possible. I will deal with him when I return."
"Yes, sir," Shirogane inclined his head.
"You won't put his life in danger?" Kinnya was alarmed. "Sensei, earlier, when you said..."
"I believe Juushirou's sword is probably more powerful at its base than Aizen's currently is, and his training is further on than the last time Aizen tried that technique on him," Genryuusai said placidly. "Not only that, you'll remember I told you I had two students not of pure Kuchiki blood who carried exceptional promise this year. Kyouraku Shunsui has already taken a blade to and drawn blood from this enemy, although he is far from reaching the limits of his zanpakutou's power. Shunsui is also very rarely far from Juushirou's slipstream or vice versa. The two are extremely close - and although Shunsui has a bad habit for laziness, where Juushirou's safety is concerned he seems to set that aside."
"Shunsui," Kinnya's eyes became thoughtful, then, "That was the name of the boy we met in the hallway, surely? The one you were with, Ryuu?"
"Yes, sir," Ryuu nodded. "That is Kyouraku Shunsui. Sensei is right - he's lazy, cheeky and appears unreliable, but if something was to threaten Ukitake - or indeed, any of us who he considers his friends - he is very capable of acting both sensibly and to our benefit."
"Maybe he is, but he's still only a student," Shirogane ran his fingers over Ginkyoujiki's hilt. "Ukitake was my deshi, and more, I owe his family a debt. It's all right, Sensei. I promise I'll keep an eye on him."
"Then Ryuu and I must go and speak to Retsu-dono," Genryuusai gestured for his student to follow. "The sooner we explain to her the situation, the sooner plans can be made."
"You trained Juushirou?"
Left alone, Kinnya cast Shirogane a quizzical look, and the Vice Captain nodded his head, sinking down onto the empty pallet with a heavy sigh.
"It seems an eternity ago now, but I did," he agreed. "I'll never forget the day he brought his sword out. The storm...the electricity...I thought he'd exploded a part of himself, to be truthful."
"I see," Kinnya was silent for a moment, digesting this. "That's why you were shielded by his kinsfolk when you fled the manor?"
"You knew that?" Shirogane was discomfitted, and Kinnya chuckled.
"I knew where you went, yes," he agreed. "I imagine they treated your wound and sent you on your way."
"You didn't do anything about it, though, even though your man told me to leave," Shirogane looked suspicious. "What is your involvement in all of this, anyway? Ryuu said he'd been to see you, and you hadn't been keen to get involved with anything then. Now you're here on Guren-sama's orders? Your manservant let me flee with an injury that almost killed me, but you did nothing to check up on me. Were you on my side or against me? I still haven't quite worked that out."
"I am your ally, Shirogane," Kinnya said calmly. "That should be clear enough from the fact Guren has entrusted you to my guidance. I'm very fond of your uncle, and I was quite fond of your mother as well."
"What if I'd bled to death?" Shirogane demanded.
"Spending time in the wilds of the Districts appears to have had an impact on your common courtesy," Kinnya looked thoughtful, and despite himself Shirogane reddened.
"Perhaps it has," he owned, looking sheepish. "I apologise for my informality, but these are questions that have troubled me. I had already assumed that because of Ukitake, you would not want soldiers trampling down your land and raiding peasant homes. Even given that, though, it is a surprise to encounter you here and on Guren-sama's errand. It makes me wonder that if you were well enough to come here now, why have you kept yourself so distant from everything else? If you are my ally, truly, as you say…why did you not do more to protect me?"
"What if my men had intervened?" Kinnya returned neatly. "Where would they have taken you that could be considered a place of safety? Seiren's men were all over my manor and grounds. If you'd been brought back for treatment, you would've been captured and returned to the main house. Who knows what your fate might have been then? You were foolish enough to get hurt and that was your problem, not mine. I let you escape...Keiichi was given clear instructions on what to say to you, and I don't think you enough a simpleton not to have understood those words. Whether you lived or died as a result was also your decision. There wasn't anything more for me to do in that situation."
"I suppose that's true." Shirogane acknowledged. "Just...you know...all about everything, don't you? Ryuu thought you did. Things about Seiren-dono, and now all of this happening..."
"Senaya-nii left me with a lot of secrets," Kinnya said quietly, "but I also understand the law of our land. I had no desire to see you lose your life, but I also had no reason to actively become involved until Seiren's men went too far and broke laws looking for you. We are strangers, Shirogane, but I see potential in you. Whether that potential is enough to become a strong shinigami or even a true leader remains to be seen. I am your ally now because Guren decreed it – but it is also my own wish to see you live. I believe you are of use to Guren both as comfort for the loss of Ribari and with the skills you clearly have. It's up to you to become responsible enough to use those abilities wisely."
He shrugged his shoulders.
"This includes following the laws set down by predecessors as well as by the current regime," he added. "The deaths of a couple of soldiers on my own territory might or might not be overlooked as justified in the name of protecting the peace, but beyond that I am bound by District law as much as any other member of the Clan. It was I who oversaw that the law was written that way, so I have less excuse than any other to claim ignorance of its demands."
"The deaths of…" Shirogane's eyes became slits. "Come to think of it, Kinnya-sama, why would it be that you'd know of my injured state at all? Could Keiichi-dono have reported to you in such detail as that? Yet you also know of the two soldiers…do you not?"
"Killed by Kidou, I believe," Kinnya agreed evenly. "They were two foolish men who were threatening life when I had clearly stated my opposition to violent behaviour."
Shirogane swallowed hard, reading the expression in the old man's eyes and understanding the things that had not been said as clearly as the things that had.
"You were there," he murmured, "firing Kidou from the shadows. It wasn't a squad shinigami, but it was you, wasn't it? You came yourself to find me, but you didn't reveal yourself to me. I was cuffed, and so I could not read the spiritual presence of the one who fired the spells, but I knew it must be someone of considerable power and skill. Your rank as a shinigami and a direct blood member of the central Clan line would not rule you out, surely? I had overlooked it on account of my assumption of your health, but if you are well enough to be here now, even protect the school…"
He faltered, then,
"Did you come then...to protect me? Or...?"
"I intended you be allowed to live," Kinnya did not admit or deny the accusation, a strange smile on his lips. "I'm glad that I've finally had a chance to meet you properly. I hadn't realised you were my grandson's shishou, but that makes me all the more glad that you recovered from your injuries and were able to escape. Although I might not ever meet Juushirou properly, I'm grateful for the time you spent with him. Thank you, Shirogane. If he becomes a great shinigami, it will be in some way thanks to you."
"Annoyingly, I think he will become just that," Shirogane said heavily, "if he doesn't get killed through idiocy first."
"I imagine that trait must come from me, since it certainly doesn't come from either my daughter or his grandmother," Kinnya rubbed his chin pensively. "Of course, I know little of the Ukitake family, but I do not believe them to be fools, either. Still, foolishness and idealism are not always bad traits to have."
"You are truly curious about him, aren't you?" Shirogane murmured. "Ryuu said that you seemed to be…I imagine Ukitake has no idea that he has someone of so much power and influence watching over him from the shadows."
"I believe it to be better he does not know, at least not for now," Kinnya said pragmatically. "For now my focus must be on you and also the things Genryuusai-sensei has entrusted to me. I have no intention to show myself before the school or the students, Shirogane – if there is an enemy attack, the less they know about my involvement here the better. My sword has not been unsheathed in a very long time – I hope I will not have cause to use it, but I would rather preserve the element of surprise just in case. I will only use it to act if a circumstance arises whereby there is no choice - it is a dangerous weapon to be in the vicinity of if it were to be released, and this is a location inhabited by students still in training. I will be trusting in you and Genryuusai-sensei's staff to act as a first line of defence if Aizen's young accomplice makes her presence known. I know nothing of this Endou Eiraki, but I understand she isn't particularly strong on her own."
"You mean, you're saving your sword in case Aizen returns early to target District One?" Shirogane asked shrewdly, and Kinnya inclined his head.
"In that circumstance, I would have no choice," he agreed, "but otherwise, I will be content just to watch and wait for Sensei to return home."
"How strong is your sword, Kinnya-sama?" Shirogane asked softly, and Kinnya smiled.
"The true answer is that don't know," he admitted. "That is another reason I am loath to use it unless there is no other option. Once it was enough to fight Senaya-nii's as an equal and sometimes come out victorious, but I am older now and time has passed by. Perhaps I am not as strong with my zanpakutou as I once was – it's hard to be sure. In its day, it was a sword capable of a good deal of devastation - I suppose that if I do have cause to release it, we'll find out exactly how much that is still the case."
Shirogane's eyes became thoughtful as he reasoned this out carefully for himself.
"Senaya-sama is supposed to be some kind of legend among the Kuchiki Clan," he said at length. "You were his brother and you knew him. Is it true?"
"Oniisama was and is a legend," Kinnya said pensively. "Whether he is or was the legend he's believed to be is another matter. I believe him to have been both a great Clan leader and a master of deception at the same time. He was a very clever man and very few really understood quite how clever. The Kuchiki Clan was his focus and everything he did was for its benefit – from the moment he was anointed leader to the moment he drew his last breath. Even now, in death, I feel he's watching over me and expecting – through the promises he made me make on his death bed, he still has control over the family he loved so much."
"Till the moment he drew his last breath," Shirogane's brows knitted together. "I was right. Senaya-sama knew he was going to die and planned accordingly in order to bring his sons to work together, didn't he? That's the truly great thing he did for the Kuchiki – he sacrificed himself to give the family unity."
"On the contrary, my boy, dying was Senaya-nii's last desperate measure in making amends for his one selfish whim," Kinnya sighed, moving to the window and resting his hands on the sill. "Oniisama's actions were always with the Kuchiki in mind, and he always took everything he could onto his own shoulders. Our Clan should not rely on outside influence, he'd say. We shouldn't pander to others to bolster a family of this standing and prestige. We are the Kuchiki and we hold our heads high – nobody can match us and nobody ever will. I still remember him, standing there as a young man the day the Kuchiki court officially acknowledged his position as Head of the Clan. 'This family is already great,' he said then, 'but I will make it greater still.' That promise he made and he died in order to ensure it was kept."
"Senaya-sama really did engineer his own death," Shirogane breathed, and Kinnya shot him a pained look.
"I should rather you didn't speak of that whether as theory or fact before anybody else," he said softly. "Senaya-nii did not kill himself. Suicide is a sin within our Clan and I will not have shame brought down upon his head by false understanding. Guren and Seiren would also not have been so easily fooled had it been that way. Senaya-nii was murdered – that is the truth."
"But…then…" Shirogane's expression became one of confusion, and Kinnya moved towards him, resting his hands on the boy's shoulders.
"You are Masane's son," he murmured. "Masane knew all of this when it happened, yet she didn't ever reveal Senaya-nii's secret. No matter how many tears she shed for her father, or how angry she was with me for allowing it to happen, she never once gave the truth away. For Guren's sake and Seiren's sake she pretended…and took that secret to her grave. The story goes that the Shihouin murdered him during negotiations for a trade agreement, and that is how it has remained for a long long time. Ryuu hinted to me that he suspected something amiss with the official version - but I don't believe he came to that conclusion on his own, did he? You came to the conclusion first of all, and shared the thought with him – didn't you?"
"I did," Shirogane looked uncomfortable. "On reading through all the documents, it struck me as odd that he would be considered so great yet be so easily killed. I felt as though the picture had been painted to show what he should be seen as, but not necessarily what he actually was. I'm sorry, Kinnya-sama. I've delved into things that were kept secret for a reason, haven't I? No wonder people became suspicious of me…I have a habit of doing things according to how I perceive is best, and I am learning that perhaps sometimes my judgement is awry."
"No. You are simply Masane's son and like her, you are not easy to fool," Kinnya said heavily. "For that reason I will tell you – and you alone – the truth about your Grandfather's death. If you truly want to understand why Senaya-nii was great, you must also understand why he was not. There are many complex problems involved in revealing these secrets – I would not have you damage the Clan by speaking half-truths of things you do not fully know."
"If I know everything, I'll understand why not to talk about it?"
"Indeed."
Kinnya sank down onto an empty pallet bed, setting his cane down at his side.
"Senaya-nii was murdered by members of a Kuchiki sect," he said quietly. "They had representation on the court, though their underground activities only became known following Senaya-nii's death. Once it became clear they were responsible for my brother's murder, Guren and Seiren, with Futsuki to help swept in and took all of them into custody. Several confessed and all were put to death. They implicated the Shihouin in their confessions, and Guren very badly wanted to wage war on District Two, but the court, I admit, with my advice behind them, would not sanction it. Relations between the Shihouin and Kuchiki were always negative, but became worse following this incident. The Shihouin withdrew to their homeland and there has been little successful discourse between the two families since."
His eyes narrowed and Shirogane had the impression that the old man was remembering things vividly that had long since slipped into the past.
"During this time there was a whisper of a marriage alliance between Guren and one of the Shihouin princesses," he reflected. "This too fell into nothing following Senaya-nii's demise."
"The Shihouin were innocent, though?" Shirogane asked, and Kinnya nodded.
"They were," he said heavily. "It's the one piece of guilt I still have over the whole affair, and why it's become so complex politically. I don't imagine that Clan would forgive very easily being scapegoats any more than they did being accused of complicity."
"The real culprits were Kuchiki," Shirogane's eyes darkened. "How was Senaya-sama so easily fooled by them? Surely…"
"Ah," Kinnya offered a rueful smile. "The simple answer is that he wasn't. Senaya-nii expected them to try and take his life. No, more than that…he wanted them to take his life. The people who were found guilty of his murder…there was a huge scandal at the time because they were people considered to be in his trust. Of course, they were in his trust. Each of them was a loyal Kuchiki willing to give his life for his master and even blacken his own name in order to protect the Clan for future generations."
"What?" Shirogane's eyes became huge. "Senaya-sama ordered them to conspire against him?"
"Yes," Kinnya agreed, "and they complied. He chose people very carefully…those with no families or dependants to be shamed by their downfall…those close enough to him to have the right level of access, and those who he knew had unswerving loyalty and would not flinch away from dying if he asked them to. My job was to help make all of this possible – to twist political discussions in meetings in order to create dissent and then, of course, the final piece in the puzzle…the Shihouin."
He rubbed his temples.
"Senaya-nii ordered me to reach out to District Two with a promise of a potential marriage alliance and better trade agreements between the two families," he said sadly. "I often acted in this way in his name, so nobody thought there was anything amiss. The Shihouin were invited to District Six and discussions over trade began. Guren was still unmarried at this point, though there were other suitors, including your late aunt, and so Senaya-nii dangled that as a carrot into the mix, too. There was never any question that he would allow his heir to marry outside of the Kuchiki Clan, and Guren had already made up his mind to his future bride, but it provided a reason for the Kuchiki court to raise objections. In the midst of this furore, Senaya-nii died. The Shihouin and Kuchiki rebels were blamed and justice was served. Seiren and Guren united behind a common enemy and the future of the family was secured. Senaya-nii didn't believe his life was too great a price to ensure his family's prosperity. Whether you believe what he did – no, what we did – to be right or wrong, I think it can still be seen as 'great'."
Shirogane was silent for a long time, digesting this with a mixture of consternation and disbelief in his grey eyes.
"Senaya-sama did all of that to ensure his sons worked together to build the Clan for the future," he whispered. Kinnya nodded.
"He believed it his duty to find someone both Seiren and Guren would hate more than each other. The only way he could see to doing that was to sacrifice someone they both loved dearly," he said flatly. "He assumed responsibility for their rivalry, and he knew that his sons adored him as much as he did them. To him the path forward was a clear one and he had no hesitations. I…had several. In the end it worked as he intended – but a truce forged in adversity and illusion is not always strong enough to stand the test of time."
He cast Shirogane a pensive look.
"Juushirou's grandfather has hands stained with both blood and deceit," he said quietly. "Senaya-nii chose his karma – and I believed that I had received mine when I heard that my daughter had lost her life. Juushirou's existence is precious to me – he's a sign of hope that I thought had been lost. I don't want to taint him with the weight of the past or with the burdens of the Kuchiki Clan. From how you – and Genryuusai-sensei – have spoken of him, he's not someone that should be tainted. If he's to be a great shinigami, it's better he becomes it without my influence hanging over him. I've done too many bad things to be entrusted with someone who's still young and innocent enough to be misled."
"To be quite honest, I don't think he'd pay a lot of attention even if you intended to mislead him," Shirogane said wryly. "He is a remarkably stubborn youngster, Kinnya-sama. He truly believes in everything he says and he will fight for it too, if given half a chance. He is a hot-headed and irresponsible dreamer full of great ideas of how the world ought to be…no amount of reality seems able to shift that from his brain."
"You sound quite fond of him," Kinnya observed, and Shirogane sighed.
"I am, in a strange way," he admitted, "and in other ways, not."
He cast his great uncle a sidelong glance.
"Ryuu told me about his father and Guren and what happened when they were born," he said softly. "Only me, nobody else. That's what he came to ask you about, isn't it? When he came to visit you before term began, it was because he'd found some evidence that turned everything upside-down. Both he and I believe that evidence was written by Senaya-sama and that it's now in the hands of the enemy. If that comes into the public sphere…"
"Ah. That," Kinnya's expression became one of resignation. "I had thought that might be the case. I warned Seiren about his actions but perhaps I warned him too late. With things as they are, it's possible that Aizen released Seiren's spirit power in the hope he could be used against Guren in a more political way…I don't know. As it stands, Seiren isn't much use to anyone, politically or otherwise."
"You're not worried?"
"You think I should be?" Kinnya snorted. "There exists one sole piece of evidence pertaining to the birth of my nephews, and very few individuals alive who remember the event. It seems quite likely Ryuu will be named as heir, and even if the Clan did know how things were arranged, the fault was with my brother and I and not with either Guren or Seiren."
"Even so, such a scandalous rumour…"
"You mean, a malicious falsehood," Kinnya interrupted frankly, and Shirogane stared. Kinnya smiled.
"I am my brother's servant, now until I die. I promised to take that secret to my grave and so I will," he said softly. "What Senaya-nii did was right and I stand by it now. Should that document appear, I will simply dismiss it as a forgery. I was the one who had custody of Senaya-nii's nikki when he died. There was no reference to this event in that book then or ever, so far as I am aware. Why should I worry? False rumour never served anyone's cause, and there is no other evidence to back it up."
"You…" Shirogane was lost for words, and Kinnya chuckled.
"I am fond of Guren," he admitted. "This is something of which he knows nothing, and for the time being, that's as well. We'll see how Aizen moves, but no, I am not worried. Aizen's evidence – should he have it – is flimsy and unsubstantiated. My word on this will be considered far more valid to the Kuchiki court than the claims of an outlaw – you should not concern yourself too greatly about that. Rather, you should focus your mind on the job that must be done here. Guren is relying on us and so is Genryuusai-sensei. I do not intend to let either one of them down."
"So that was Juu's grandpa."
As Shunsui and Mitsuki made their return to the senior annexe, Shunsui pressed his lips together in consideration.
"I'm right, aren't I? Kuchiki Kinnya-sama…that's Juu's blood grandfather, correct?"
"Yes," Mitsuki nodded her head, a troubled look in her grey eyes. "For him to be here is unexpected. I didn't think he ever left the coastal manor, but to have him travel here like this…something really has happened back home."
"Something that concerns Ryuu but not you," Shunsui agreed. "Perhaps that's Yama-jii's way of telling you right now your job is at Naoko's side."
"I wasn't allowed to go to her just then, though," Mitsuki objected. "The Healing Bay was off-limits – remember?"
"I suppose that's negotiation headquarters. Nagoya's hiding out there, so that would make sense," Shunsui rubbed his chin. "I wonder if this Kinnya-sama's visit means that our senpai's name is officially cleared?"
"It should be. Both Houjou-kun and I saw and heard Eiraki-chan's testimony for ourselves," Mitsuki responded. "I should be glad, but I don't like it. It feels wrong. Sensei wanted Ryuu, but it's nothing to do with me. That means it's serious and I've been edged out because my rank isn't high enough to be included."
"Are you offended?"
"No. Just concerned," Mitsuki sighed. "I didn't realise Sensei was watching us so closely, either. He knew Shirogane-senpai was in District One long before he came to the school. I should have picked up on that when nobody came to arrest Senpai despite his living in a cave with so little protection."
"I think he trusted something to you that he couldn't do himself," Shunsui said wisely. "Well? The old man was pretty clear about what happens now. We're not to talk about this, presumably because he doesn't want us to send Juu into a frenzy about meeting his grandfather for the first time. Kinnya-sama's clearly here on business only, and we're not to get involved."
"I'd rather not be involved, but I'd like it if Ryuu and Senpai weren't either," Mitsuki stifled a shiver. "I also want to see Naoko. I promised her that I'd go and visit her each day for as much time as possible and though she knows I have to attend class, I don't want to break my promise."
"You and she are friends again, then?"
"I want to help her. I understand things I didn't before, and so does she," Mitsuki responded. "Most of all, Amai-san's death told me that a conversation you have with someone can be the last time you ever speak. If Naoko had died, then the last memory I'd have had would have been us arguing. Whether it was her fault or not, I would have hated that."
"Mm," Shunsui's expression became sombre and he nodded his head. "We're all thinking a lot more about life and death lately. I hate that we are, you know. This is our last year as students and reality will be there soon enough, but it's as though we're all racing towards it."
He ran his finger pensively along the uneven surface of the wall, tracing an invisible line against the pale coloured divide.
"I wanted to see Naoko-chan because I really can't imagine her hysterical and frightened," he admitted. "It's not that I don't believe she is, just that it doesn't seem right that she should be. I was tongue-in-cheek before, but I did think that maybe if I went, considering how much I annoy her, she'd get cross with me and it'd help make her feel better. It's a strange kind of thing…but I'd quite like it if things went back to the way they were before."
"Before…?" Mitsuki asked softly. "Before this year? Before the Real World trip? Before…?"
"Before Aizen Keitarou's shadow fell so long and dark over everything," Shunsui said simply. "Before he killed your kinsman, and before we became wrapped up in something sinister. I don't like being surrounded by fear and negativity, but it's here from all angles. Yamamoto's broken up over Suzuno's death, Juushirou's fretting about Aizen and I'm fretting about him remembering things I really don't want him to. You're worried about Ryuu and back home and I suppose we're all concerned for that side of things as well. It worries me…that's all."
"What bit especially?" Mitsuki asked, and Shunsui paused, resting his weight against the wall.
"I don't think Aizen Keitarou will be caught," he said frankly. "Maybe things will calm down and the Kuchiki will recover, but I'll be very surprised if the Council manage to bring Keitarou in. So long as he's alive, he's going to hurt people. Yet he has the power to disappear…and strike again when nobody is expecting it."
"Aizen is a Kyouraku name, isn't it?" Mitsuki looked thoughtful, and Shunsui nodded.
"It is," he agreed. "This isn't a matter of Clan pride, though, Mitsuki-chan. The name is an old one and outside of the four degrees. I'm more concerned for lives he's put at risk. Juu's one but only one of those lives."
"Yes. I understand," Mitsuki inclined her head. "Being able to react to something is not the same as being able to act to prevent it happening. When you react, it's already too late – at least in some cases."
"Perhaps that's why Kinnya-sama is here," Shunsui mused. "It's reached such a pitch in District Six that even he can't stay out of it any longer."
"We shouldn't talk about this any more," Mitsuki said firmly as they reached the door of the Senior study. "Sensei asked us not to, so we won't. I share your fears, Kyouraku-kun…but I still hope that the Council will somehow find a way of capturing Aizen Keitarou."
Author's Note
I just wanted to add a message to apologise to anyone whose reviews I didn't get to reply to this week. As some of you know, my place of work closed at the end of April. The positive news is that I was redeployed to another branch, but this week was my first week and it has been extremely hectic and chaotic adjusting to all the changes. For that reason I didn't get to every message and I'm sorry. Please don't think I don't value your comments because I absolutely do, especially with so much crazy going on in RL.
Plus, thank you tomoe-gozen for correcting my character confusedness!