Chapter 9: Chapter 9
(76 Years Later)
Time is a mark of passage. So much can happen and it seems as if it is but a simple flash of a moment. We are after all, but a moment, a single nanosecond in the life a galaxy. It's this wording that can describe Naruto Kuchiki-Unohana's life. Especially when it came to dealing with Aizen Sosuke, since the man had begun to simmer down on his manipulation of events such as the Kaien Shiba incident which had earned its name. A mysterious hollow had arisen, killing several squads of the Jusantai, including Kaien's wife. Naruto had been assigned to the area two weeks earlier and purified the hollow using a Kido.
This of course saved the man, but Naruto had already concluded that there would not be such fast development among hollows without them noticing.
Connecting it to Aizen was simple as he had listened in on many of the man's meetings between Gin Ichimaru and Tousen Kaname. However this had a backlash effect on the Soul Society.
The Shiba clan decided to leave due to the death of the clan head's wife. Basically saying that they no longer wanted their numbers in danger, not to mention the bitter feelings that had risen up for the remaining of the clan.
Naruto himself didn't like this, Aizen had maneuvered the Shiba clan into a position that he wanted, but for what reason?
Said Kuchiki Heir was now pondering on all past events at the Sokoyu hill, sitting off the edge with a single leg dangling off it. Isane sat beside him with a small smile on her face. The two of them had begun dating roughly 40 years ago and for Naruto, the pain of Yoruichi's absence has almost faded.
Most of his thoughts on past events though, Most of it, he could only conclude that Aizen's plans were centered on Rukia, and her graduate classmates.
Yet nothing on what he wanted, motive was very vague. The former shinobi sighed softly at this point, fifty years passing and something bothered Naruto, as though a great storm was going to kick up.
This bad feeling stemmed from the fact that Rukia Kuchiki was overdue from her time in the human world. Sooner or later, things were gonna get shot to hell.
Sorting out his thoughts minutes later in the early morning light, he got up and vanished in a shunpo. After a few minutes, he arrived at a private home that was at least a few clicks from the Nibantai. He entered through the door and closed it behind him, making his way to the kitchen; he began to make breakfast which consisted of French toast with banana slices and some coffee.
The slight sound of a clink echoing the room from the plate reminded Naruto of the night that he had first used Tsukuyomi since unlocking her abilities.
(Flashback-Forty Nine Years Ago, Forest Outskirts)
IF a Kuchiki cursed, people notice. One Naruto Kuchiki Unohana was doing that in his mind quite a bit as he and just returned from a patrol and had been assigned in the real world and was recalled for a dangerous situation developing in the Serietei.
A hollow had been reported to be killing off members of the Jusantai, his Kyoufou's division. He swiftly Shunpoed after his arrival to the area where he sensed two reiatsu's rising and continued Shunpoing.
Ukitake Juushiro watched in a grim fashion at the tentacle like hollow that had several legs that had hands instead of paws, and had an orange topped mask.
"Kaien-Dono, I will go and check things out first" Rukia started as he began to unsheathe her katana. Kaien did not hear as he kept his attention solely on the hollow "Taicho" he began to speak quietly as his look became a darker one "Please let me go alone"
Ukitake hesitated as he closed his eyes in apparent thought, after a moment he replied softly "Alright".
In a rustle of leaves, Kaien vanished in a shunpo to the ground to face Metastacia, for a few moments he eyed the hollow with a hidden rage in his eyes.
"So you're here…eh boy?" Metastacia voiced with in a throaty manner.
His attention turned to a ragged shikkashou on the ground with a katana next to it "How many Shinigami have you eaten?" he asked calmly, but one could detect the undertone of rage in it as his bangs hid his eyes from view.
"Well now…" Metastacia murmured in a mock thoughtful tone "Sorry, I don't remember the number" he ended in a mocking manner in between the dark chuckle he gave.
"Have you regretted it, even once?" Kaien asked softly, almost in a somber manner.
"That's a stupid question boy" Metastacia responded in an underlying sarcastic tone "I have a heart just like you people" a sneer was evident in the manner of which it was said "There hasn't been a night I haven't regretted after eating Shinigami. Even now I do…" Kaien stiffened his spine though he did not show it.
"..Regret not manipulating that woman Shinigami before eating her" he finished, pointedly at Kaien.
"You controlled Miyako and made her kill her comrades…" he whispered, concluding the hollow's actions.
"Controlled?" Metastacia questioned with a slight laugh "That's not it, at that time, I was inside the woman" the smug tone didn't help Kaien stop from clenching his fists.
"I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to show you the moment I consumed her and returned to this form" a psychotic, mocking laughter echoed from Metastacia, it rung in Kaien's ears as he withdrew his Zanpakuto as his spiritual pressure flared giving him a bluish glow.
He disappeared as the Metastacia screamed in pain of having two limbs cut off. Kaien Shunpoed above to grab one of it's tentacles, but a flash of speed grabbed him by the back of his collar and yanked him back about fifteen feet, surprising him and Ukitake's eyes widened as did Rukia.
"Baka" Naruto muttered as he released the man he thought of as a brother "Only you would be this idiotic" he instated coolly.
"Kuchiki-san, what the hell are you doing! I was going to kill the hollow!"
Naruto looked unperturbed by the outburst "I know Miyako is dead, I had asked a few members of the Jusantai" he said in a quiet tone while Rukia up in the trees flinched "Do you really think she would want you to throw away your life all for killing a single hollow?" he asked rather harshly "Is killing a single hollow really worth it?".
Kaien fell silent at his words, wincing inwardly "Do you think she wants to see that look on your face?" he asked lastly while Kaien's eyes widened to himself, he hated acting in anger and cold when it came to the subject of those close to him.
Somewhat reluctant, he sighed aloud "Can you handle this?" his tone was unusually soft while Naruto nodded in affirmation as he jumped up to Ukitake and Rukia, he didn't speak, he just kept his eyes on the fight.
"Kaien-Dono…" Rukia started while he shook his head, no talking now.
"Aww….what a touching scene" the hollow stated in a sarcasm dripping tone "ARE you finished? I want to retain my lunch" Kaien grinded his teeth at that statement, Ukitake watched on, making sure that his Fuku-Taicho would not attack in a rage.
Naruto didn't even react as he gripped Tsukuyomi "Your quite odd for a hollow that can possess people" the sound of the blade being unsheathed echoed in the forest while the two's eyes widened in shock. Except for Kaien who looked on in a somber fashion.
"Coming here earlier, I had discovered bodies with slits in their arms, the odd thing about the gashes was the fact they had traces of hollow in them" he explained calmly.
"Quite impressive for a Gaki" Metastacia stated dismissively "I believe it's time for you to die!" one of the tentacles lashed out at Naruto who murmured "Capture those under your gaze, Tsukuyomi."
Tsukuyomi hadn't changed much except for the white tassel at the pommel and a fox head lucky charm hanging off of the hilt, the blade pulsed with white energy as the tentacle impaled Naruto through the stomach.
"Naruto!" Rukia yelled, total shock over riding her feelings. Kaien was as well; believe that Naruto would have no problem in taking down the hollow. However, only Ukitake saw that knowing smile as he turned his head slightly. A soft smile spread his lips as the visage of Naruto started to crack and shattered like glass.
"W-what?" Metastacia stated in a confused manner, but it hid that sense of fear that was going through his body.
"Illusions are wonderful things, aren't they?" a rhetorical question was asked to the hollow as it turned "You've already seen my blade, and you are already trapped" the glowing got brighter from his blade before it pulsed several times.
The three noted that unlike Naruto's other Zanpakuto, Tsukuyomi's release was much more calm and had a sense of comfort to it, it felt like it and a lot more power beneath the surface.
Metastacia found himself in the same area he was, except the world he was seeing had a black coloring for the trees and the ground while the sky was a blood red and the moon was a piercing white color.
"Wh-what is…?"
"This is my world" Naruto stepped out of a door made of light, noting he had no Zanpakuto at his side "Here, I am Kami" the hollow's eyes would have widened if one saw it "I know Aizen is responsible for your creation" he saw the limbs stiffening and he knew he hit the mark.
"For all the lives you've taken…You will suffer what you did unto them" Naruto started to walk away as the Metastacia tried attacking, but could not as if he were bound in some stasis.
"Only Seventy-Two hours to go" was the last words that Metastacia had heard before his very being was overridden with pain.
On the outside, Kaien, Rukia and Ukitake were confused as to what was happening for. Naruto and the hollow known as Metastacia had frozen up; their thoughts were shattered when a blood curling scream came from the hollow as it seemingly writhed in pain.
Rukia felt a tinge of fear seep through her being as she heard the hollow's scream, Kaien felt some fear and oddly some satisfaction. Ukitake was wondering what happened as Naruto stepped forward while the hollow panted.
"Y-you bastard! You should not have that power!" it roared while Naruto seemingly ignored the hollow "N, no wonder he-" the Kuchiki-Unohana had decided not to let the hollow continue, as he wanted his tracking Aizen to stay secret.
"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu: Kuzu-Ryu-Sen" Naruto intoned softly as he vanished in a shunpo and reappeared in the air and nine unseen slashes were barely noticed, except by Ukitake who currently was in shock. He had barely seen the attack itself, what was this?
Naruto disappeared after the slashes with Tsukuyomi's Shikai deactivated and sheathed it into the white sheath. A crack was slowly forming through the Metastacia's mask and then, it happened.
Blood spewed from its limbs as several gashes appeared and the mask was slashed in half as the body fell to the ground pathetically.
Metastacia disappeared in spirit particles as it began to rain heavily, when it was finally gone, Naruto didn't even turn.
Ukitake Shunpoed down to Naruto as Rukia and Kaien followed.
"Naruto-kun…what was that?" the Taicho, being his Kyoufou voiced in a concerned manner. Naruto smiled a bit "Tsukuyomi is capable of illusions" he patted the pommel where no tassel was there now "one of the strongest is it's ability to transfer people or hollows into a seventy two hour illusion over the span of three seconds" he explained while their eyes widened, he knew there was another question wanting to be asked.
"And yes, I tortured him with the illusion of the people he had harmed" that statement made them somewhat pale and Rukia trembled at that thought while Ukitake was disturbed at this turn of events.
"Taicho" Kaien started; getting his attention "I'd like to make a funeral procession for Miyako-Chan" he stated quietly while the tuberculosis infected Taicho nodded in understanding and gave the man leave to go.
"Naruto-kun, you'll have to write out the report for this, I can do the other half" his Kyoufou stated, coughing a bit in the rain.
Naruto nodded in understanding "And Rukia" he stated, said Shinigami looked at him "I'll see you back home in a bit" he smiled softly before leaving in a shunpo.
Ukitake took one last look at the area where several Shinigami had died and sighed to himself, the report was going to be extensive on this one.
(End Flashback)
Naruto broke out of his musings and looked at the time mentally chuckling he decided to forget the troubles of the world around him for awhile and decided to have his breakfast.
The house was made by Naruto surprisingly; he had acquired many skills back when he did a training trip with Kurama at a young age.
carpentry was a useful skill as only the materials were purchased. It took him over two months with the help of a few select friends, but he finished it in that time frame.
Byakuya was skeptical on having a private location for his son.
After some lengthy negotiation he agreed with Naruto that he would make the house himself and only material purchased would be a lessened bill.
Naruto shook his head at his memories; he was an acute negotiator he had to admit. But Aizen had part in what happened in the events those years ago, the Shiba family left for personal reasons though no one could blame them since Miyako was important to Kaien.
Naruto sighed inwardly before sitting down eating his own breakfast, letting troubles slide away.
For awhile at least.
In the office of the Gobantai, privacy was quite a thing for Aizen Sosuke.
Gin had his usual vulpine like grin on his face "Your worried, antcha?" he questioned rather cheerfully at Aizen.
"Aizen-Sama has nothing to worry of, Gin" snapped Tousen Kaname, Aizen frowned a bit though he could not see it. He assured himself mentally before speaking.
"The Kuchiki-Unohana's Zanpakuto is most interesting" he spoke up, getting their attention "An illusion based much like my own" this elected a chuckle from Gin as he deiced to make his comment known "the kiddo tortured Metastacia, have to admit, the idea of a seventy-two hour time frame…" he trailed off, shivering a little not in fear but excitement.
Aizen nodded, he smiled, one of reassurance "We have nothing to worry about Gin" he fixed his glasses "Kyoka Suigetsu's hypnosis is inescapable, it matters not if he has an illusion based Zanpakuto"
Famous last words of Aizen Sosuke
Gin merely grinned while Tousen nodded his approval, obviously not sensing his master's worry. Aizen dismissed his subordinates, he frowned a bit as he reflected on the past actions of Naruto Kuchiki-Unohana. Making himself a cup of tea, he knew Naruto was stronger than he appeared and that would be troublesome to say the least knowing he sparred regularly with his Otou-san.
Swirling the cup a little, he mixed in herbs and the tea, sipping it he sighed aloud. The Kuchiki heir was an enigma, even to him. Deeply analyzing, he noted how well Naruto had hidden emotions even intentions expertly well he had to admit, he was an impressive Shinigami indeed.
Sipping his tea finally, he smiled. Dealing with Naruto Kuchiki-Unohana would be interesting.
Naruto was inwardly worried about the situation with Aizen, he had been too quiet as of recent. That only spelled badly for Naruto.
He thought back to the very stem of how this worrisome idea planted in his head.
(Flashback - Two Months Ago)
"…She's left?" Naruto asked his Kyoufou at the Uganda, talking recently of a new post for Rukia Kuchiki. Ukitake nodded in confirmation as Naruto frowned a bit; this made Ukitake raise a brow "Is something wrong? It's only a month long assignment" he asked from his sitting position on the cushion.
Naruto cursed himself mentally as he leaned back on a post "Just…sudden is all" he replied smoothly. The white haired Taicho raised a brow minutely for a moment before nodding slowly, he shook off his thoughts as he continued "She needs experience despite the training that's been given to her" he pointed out given the fact Naruto had taught Rukia quite a bit since her induction into the Kuchiki family.
To Naruto, it felt like there would be more than just a simple patrol assignment.
"Also, I have heard of Abarai-kun's promotion" Shunshui Kyoryaku noted as he stepped out onto the patio and opened his jug of sake "Has he told Kuchiki-san?" he inquired in a curious manner.
Naruto, knowing that a Fuku-Taicho's position was on par with a noble clan members, shook his head "No, he wants to wait until Rukia-san comes back from the assignment." He saw Shunshui nod in understanding.
"She'll be surprised" Ukitake muttered under his breath as he shook his head amusedly knowing their relationship as friends back during the academy days.
Naruto only hmmed as he paused in his thoughts, he looked at Shunshui "Um…Kyoufou…" he started rather realizing something.
Shunshui raised a brow as he finished "Aren't you supposed to be doing orientation for the Hachibantai strategists today?" said Taicho paled in realization, Nanao was coming.
Ukitake chuckled at his friends predicament "Oh…why me.." he moaned under his breath before Naruto smiled a bit at his panicky look "It is a wonder he hasn't been killed by her yet" he said in a casual manner to Ukitake who caught on and smiled innocently "Yes, the paperwork for the Sotaicho would be quite stress inducing"
"Wahh! I thought you two were on my side!" Shunshui whined childishly making Ukitake laugh a bit more while Naruto shook his head, he really missed these times when he was with his Kyoufou's.
(End Flashback)
Naruto ended his thoughts as he made his way to the Nibantai, only to have his peaceful walk interrupted by three well known friends
Yawn "Hey kit, good morning" Kurama greeted in his usual fashion, stretching his arms in the morning of his containers mindscape.
Tsukuyomi was looking a little bit disheveled "I confirmed this fox snores like a chainsaw" she muttered under her breath getting an annoyed look from Kyuubi which she ignored in favor of going to listen to the sound of the stream running.
"Meh, not like it's different for me"
Kyuubi gave a flat look at Susanoo "You're a lightning Zanpakuto, you go through a storm and you barely notice" he pointed out
Susanoo sniffed a little indigently "So? Is that any different for Mr. Crushes mountains and creates Tsunami's with the swing of my tail" he countered with a smirk feeling a little smug seeing him twitch.
Naruto heard a *SLAP* *THUD* as Tsukuyomi slaped the boys across the face followed by her kicking them in the nuts as they withered in pain. Tsukuyomi decided to knock them both on the head to see if that would knock them out.
Naruto rolled his eyes while the banter went on `I can see you guys are starting early' he commented mentally, a little mix of humor into his tone.
… Apparently the attempted knockout didn't work as Naruto heard "Hey, what would I be without it?" Kurama asked with a grin on his face, it was immediately dropped for a serious look "I know that feeling, remember I live inside of you".
"Stay calm Naruto-kun, have some faith in yourself." Tsukuyomi piped up as she watered her hands in the stream with a content sigh.
`I do' Naruto remarked calmly `I merely worry for those that are close to me' he thought of mostly his parents and his godfathers along with a few friends he had made in the Goteijuusantai.
Toshiro Hitsugaya was the Taicho of the Jubantai; he was a prodigy that even Naruto had come to respect. The Kuchiki-Unohana hit off well with Toshiro, some even went as far as calling them the Prodigy Brothers, since Toshiro's graduation a year after Rukia, he had even become very good friends with the Taicho.
Next was Hisagi Shuuhei, the current Kyubantai Fuku-Taicho. He had graduated about a year or two after the hollow incident and found that he actually upheld Tousen Kaname's philosophy unlike the man in question. Naruto had to guess that Tousen had actually cut down those who were of the Goteijuusantai.
Renji Abarai was recently promoted of the Rokubantai; he had occasional encounters with the fiery tempered man. They sparred every once in awhile, but not much was known about him other than what Rukia had spoken of.
Kira Izuru was a former of the Yonbantai and Gobantai, now he was in the Sanbantai under Ichimaru Gin. Naruto talked to him more than a few time, he wasn't much of a socializing person but talked to him when the chance came up.
But mostly, he was concerned for Soifon
Naruto sighed to himself softly and started on the paperwork early in the morning. The Kuchiki-Unohana felt confident in his skills and faith in his friends, looking out the window a slight smile tugged at his lips, he knew he could count on his own sensei and his Zanpakuto for the future.
Soifon walked down the hall of the Nibantai in her usual uniform, she got greetings of respect from those who and passed. Since Naruto starting a great friendship with Soifon, he had told her that a commander who knows the members of their division will win you their respect and give you two hundred percent work every time, even in the end.
She had to admit, that was a good saying. But now, she was having quite a wrestling match inside of her. Naruto had grown to be an older brother of sorts to Rukia, helping her when he could and given advice even.
The last meeting of taicho's had gone well, but the main topic was Rukia Kuchiki's overstaying in the human world, and she had to admit, why fuss over a single Shinigami? Even if it was a noble clan member.
Sliding the door open to the fukutaicho's office, Soifon stepped in and closed the door behind her. Naruto looked up from his paperwork that he had been doing the last two hours, it was now a bit past ten in the morning, it was a quick meeting Soifon had been to.
"Naruto-Fuku-Taicho" she informed, obviously keeping up with the fact they had a Fuku-Taicho/Taicho relationship "the Taicho's meeting went alright as of current" Soifon frowned momentarily but banished it milliseconds later as she continued "It's been decided on the matter of Rukia" she saw him raise an eyebrow, enquiring as to what was going to happen "the Central 46 has decided to arrest Rukia Kuchiki".
Soifon saw no visible reaction other than both eyebrows raised in surprise, her lips twitched in amusement at how well he guarded himself, Naruto nodded slowly, but was wondering why the Central 46 would bring about punishment on Rukia, while she did break a minor law of the Soul Society for staying an extended time in the human world. The usual punishment was sealing off of powers for the overstaying, for a month at least.
But why warrant the Central 46's attention on such a minor offense?
Naruto sighed inwardly and nodded to Soifon, sensing that she was not finished with her statement.
"The Sotaicho has approved the request that Kuchiki-Taicho, Renji-Fuku-Taicho and you are to retrieve Rukia Kuchiki within the next three hours." She finished.
Naruto nodded slowly as Soifon sensed his wanting to be alone to his thoughts, she left him but with a small smile that he returned.
Naruto ceased it as the door closed; his usual calm look came up. He looked out the window and felt a foreboding feeling in his stomach, the hammer's fall had come.