Chapter 51

A Brewing Storm

"Took you ladies long enough. Finished your business then?"

Orihime and Kana hadn't expected someone to be waiting on them as they left the Visored warehouse. Yoruichi, looking less than pleased, gestured for them to come over to her.

"Well, if it isn't Miss Cat Lady," chimed a grinning Kana. "And how can we help you today?"

"..."

"Is...something the matter?" asked Orihime in a grave tone.

"Oh, crap. We did something wrong, didn't we?" Kana whispered, sweating a little.

Yoruichi spoke at last, saying, "...Kisuke wants me to bring you two to his shop as soon as possible. I would appreciate it if you both nodded and followed along like good little girls."

She gave them no opportunity to respond, walking away. Orihime and Kana shot each other nervous looks. Dealing with Kisuke Urahara tended to cause more grief than joy.

"I don't wanna look at his ugly mug again," mumbled Kana. She crossed her arms and frowned.

"I'll go alone then," said Orihime, who put on a smile. "If he has any business with you, I'll let you know later."

Kana sat on the tempting offer but eventually shook her head. "This sounds serious. If he wants us both, he'll get us. I'm just suspicious on how he knew where we were."

Something about the clear, blue sky drew her attention. There was nothing there, and yet, she gulped.

Kisuke Urahara.

The more Kana thought about the man, the more she disliked him. There was never any telling what ran through his head.

#

What a sight, she thought. It was one she wouldn't be able to find in the world of the living or Soul Society. The half moon that dominated the eternal night sky of Hueco Mundo illuminated the endless sea of white sand surrounding Las Noches.

"How grim," she said with a thin smirk. Her amber eyes continued to survey the area as she added, "Why would anyone willingly chose to live in such a desolate place?"

"Captain Aizen would be sad to hear you talking of his world so poorly, ya know."

The woman claiming to be Arashi Mitarashi didn't turn to the approaching footsteps, nor did she acknowledge Gin Ichimaru's presence. Both were clad in the same white robes. Arashi removed the hood covering her head. Curly, brown hair fell down to her shoulders. Gin whistled, making her raise an eyebrow.

"You really do look like her, ya know," he stated, his lengthy smirk resembling a serpent.

"Did you want something, Gin, or are you only here to bother me? Sousuke Aizen is no longer of any concern to us. He was foolish enough to be captured by Soul Society, so he no further claims to this world."

"Cold as ice, I see. Captain Aizen really would be sad. You've always been a handful though, Arashi."

"Speak for yourself, Gin. If this place had water instead of sand, perhaps it would be more tolerable. Come. Let us continue this discussion inside."

They left the balcony and entered the corridors of the white fortress they now called home. Despite being so expansive and full of Arrancar, they could hear their footsteps as clear as day.

"Must it be so quiet around here?" Arashi complained.

"Ain't nobody gonna talk, not after what you did to poor Grimmjow," said Gin in a humored tone.

"Tousen was right. Grimmjow knew not to go to the living world without explicit permission. He got a number of my precious Arrancar killed for no good reason."

"'My Arrancar,' eh? There's plenty more where that came from."

"...That's not the point, idiot. What mother is supposed to sit by and not mourn the death of her children?"

"Oho..." Gin made a whimsical laugh. "You really ain't Captain Aizen."

Arashi ignored the remark. "We don't have time for screw ups. The Hougyoku hasn't awoken yet. Soul Society has no doubt realized this. I would prefer not to play our hand until we're certain we have a winning one."

"I didn't think the person that stole the Hougyoku right from under their noses would be so cautious."

"...Stop talking."

They reached the end of another winding hallway. Waiting there was Kaname Tousen. Arashi stared back at him, under the impression he was glaring a hole into her despite him being blind.

"You're late," he informed them impatiently.

"Let's get to it then," replied Arashi. She strode past him. "We wouldn't want to keep our faithful subjects waiting."

Tousen led them further into the depths of the castle. As they moved, no one said a word. Arashi found herself staring at Tousen's broad back.

"Is something the matter? If we are to work together from here on out, we need to be able to communicate, Kaname. No need to be shy. You can talk to me about anything."

"...I have no interest in conversing with the likes of you."

Tousen's tone was cold. He didn't give her the decency of looking at her as he made his feelings clear. Gin chuckled, much to Arashi's frustration.

"So, you're saying you won't cooperate with me?" she inquired.

"So long as you follow Lord Aizen's will, we will have no issues. However, stray from that path and I will cut you down."

"...In the name of your so-called justice?"

"..."

"You are an odd fellow, Kaname Tousen. You speak of justice while threatening to kill me. Lighten up. It's already bleak around here without you adding onto it."

Again, Tousen said nothing. It hardly mattered. The three arrived at their destination.

The dark room they entered held a long table in the center, which eleven tall seats surrounded. All were filled save for the one at the head of said table. Flanked by Gin and Tousen, Arashi took the spot. Every head turned to her, and the tension buzzing around stung her skin.

"Thank you all for waiting so patiently. I apologize for being late. Navigating this castle still causes me a fair bit of grief."

The icebreaker didn't break anything. Everyone remained as quiet as a mouse. Arashi's smile faltered, and she returned the unkind staring in equal fashion.

"Whatever is the matter? You all look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'll tell you what the fucking problem is! You!"

The irate remark belonged to Sexta Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, who sat at the end of the table. He slammed his fist onto it, splitting it down the middle. Arashi leered at the damage in silence.

"Who the hell do you think you're talking to?!" Grimmjow roared. "Acting like some fucking big shot when no one here accepted you as our leader!"

Arashi, resting her head in her palm, replied, "Is that so?"

Her bored tone served to further agitate Grimmjow. "You ain't the king! I might've hated Aizen's guts, but he's the one that brought the Espada together! We swore loyalty to him, not to some imposter!"

"Aizen is gone now. Whatever you swore to him is no longer applicable. Just consider this a changing of the guard."

"I beg to differ. If anyone should rule this place, it is I."

Arashi turned to the second strongest man in her forces, Barragan Luisenbarn, an elderly but behemoth of a man. In contrast to Grimmjow, he sounded calm, casual even.

"I see," said Arashi, rolling her eyes. "So, everyone is a critic today. Fair enough. Let's air everything out into the open since we're all gathered here."

"I do not accept your rule," Barragan said in no uncertain terms. "If Aizen is truly gone, then the next strongest should lead."

"For once, you're making sense, old man." Quinto Espada Nnoitra Gilga was the next to speak. His inhuman smile gave Gin's a run for its money. "I don't want some bitch in charge either."

"Her being a woman isn't the issue," said Tier Harribel, the Tres Espada, from the seat across from his. "That arrogance of yours is."

"You wanna repeat that, you...!"

"We can sit here and argue the matter all night if you wish, but what we should be focusing on is the upcoming war against Soul Society. That hasn't changed just because Lord Aizen is no longer with us."

"What? You scared of the Shinigami? Give that cushy number of yours to me then. The last bitch who had it didn't turn out so well."

Harribel, crossing her arms, chose not to reply.

"If this person is a disciple of Lord Aizen's," said Séptima Espada Zommari Rureaux with his eyes shut, "then it is the same as serving him. There is nothing to discuss."

"What a simple-minded thing to say given the circumstances." Said situation came as great amusement to Szayelapporo Granz, the Octava Espada. "I don't care one way or another who's in charge so long as my work isn't disturbed. Arashi was it? Can you promise me a steady supply of fresh bodies for my experimentation?"

"Why, of course. Your research is of great importance to this army."

Szayelapporo licked his lips. "Excellent."

"Now who's the one being simple-minded?" Aaroniero Arrurrue, the Noveno Espada, had his hands clasped in front of his mask as he lost himself in deep thought. "I would like to see this person's strength before pledging my loyalty to them. After all, who would want to serve someone weaker than themselves? Also, I believe the Primera Espada should be foremost with that opinion."

Coyote Starkk groaned at being brought up all of a sudden. Rubbing the back of his head, he mumbled, "Look, anything you all decide is fine. Leave me out of it."

"Useless layabout," grumbled Barragan. "If you really want my loyalty, Arashi Mitarashi, then consider making me the Primera in this fool's place. I doubt he would have many complaints."

Starkk eyed Barragan, but true to the latter's claim, he didn't argue with the proposition.

Someone at the far end of the table did, doing so by firing a Cero toward Arashi. She casually moved her head to the left to avoid it. Still, she received the message loud and clear.

"That's not nice, Yammy. Please, if you have something to state, use your words."

Yammy Llargo, smirking, lowered his smoking fist. "So, you're not a total weakling after all. That don't mean jack squat though."

"Is that so, Mister Diez Arrancar? While you're free to speak your mind, please refrain from any more violence."

"Quit talking to me like you seriously run the place!"

"Enough, Yammy. Return to your seat."

All focus shifted onto the Cuatro Espada, Ulquiorra Cifer. His green eyes settled on the snarling Yammy, piercing him as well as any blade.

"Shut the hell up, coward," Yammy spat back. "Aaroniero is right—we should see if this chick is any strong. Dodging a Cero don't mean shit."

Arashi sighed. "I have a feeling I know where this is going. I am not interested in fighting my own subordinates. I still have a heavy heart for what I had to do to Grimmjow."

"Bitch!" the person in question said. "You're dead!"

Grimmjow launched a Cero of his own at her. Arashi sighed again as it flooded the room with scarlet light.

"If you both insist..."

Instead of dodging, she held out her hand and made fending off the blast look as easy as breathing. The sight of this left Grimmjow astonished though not nearly as much as having his own Cero thrown back at him. He swatted it aside at the last moment, and it punched a gaping hole into the wall.

"Don't make a mess of things," said Barragan, clearly humored.

"Shut the hell up!" Grimmjow replied. "And as for you…!"

Duplicates of Arashi, a pair of water clones, cut him off. They grabbed his arms and made it so he couldn't budge an inch. The real Arashi got up from her seat and made her way toward him, scowling all the while.

"Let me go, you…!"

A third clone spawned in front of him and pressed a sword against his throat.

"Calm down, Grimmjow, please." The real Arashi spoke in a soothing voice, not unlike a concerned mother. "I don't want to have to do this."

"Drop dead!"

"...Tousen."

Tousen stepped up at once, nearing a wary Grimmjow. The Arrancar's eyes trailed Tousen's arm as the latter drew his Zanpakutou. Grimmjow turned to Arashi for clarification, though she moved her head away.

"Do it."

In the next moment, Tousen brought his blade down. Blood, as well as Grimmjow's anguished shouting, spurted everywhere. His now severed left arm dropped to the floor. Its owner sank to his knees and clutched the spot after the water clones released him.

"Y-YOU SON OF A…!"

"Be quiet, Grimmjow," Arashi said scathingly. "Be fortunate that I won't allow Kaname to do any more."

The claim wasn't enough to sate Grimmjow's ire. "Since when did you become her lap dog, Tousen?!"

Tousen, sheathing his blade, answered, "It is not her will I follow but Lord Aizen's. You are a being that knows nothing other sowing discord. I simply couldn't tolerate it any longer. This woman spared your life. If it was up to me, Grimmjow, you would already be dead."

"Dammit. Why do things have to be so hectic? I just want to sleep," voiced Starkk, looking uncomfortable.

"...Idiot," mumbled Harribel in pity rather than disgust.

"And here I thought this would be a dull and pointless affair," said a snickering Szayelapporo.

"So, despite your words, you plan on reigning us in with violence." Barragan laughed heartily. "I'm liking you better by the second, Arashi Mitarashi."

"Oh, it's nothing of the sort, my dear former king of Hueco Mundo." With a heavy heart, Arashi returned to her chair. "I would much prefer your confidence by less drastic means. All of you are important to me. I am a dull knife without your strength. That is why it is important none of you do anything foolish before we take on Soul Society. That is the true enemy, not I. While Sousuke Aizen is indeed no longer here, I intend to finish what he started. If you joined up with him for that cause, then you can rest easily. If you joined up for strength or to test your abilities, I can assure you I will place many enemies in your path to cut down. This is not me trying to lord over you. This is a partnership. In any partnership, there must be some semblance of trust. I don't expect it off the bat. No, I intend to earn it from the lot of you. I didn't create you, but I see you all as my precious children. Please, return to your quarters for now and gather your strength for the coming war. If anyone would like to speak to me in private, please feel free to do so at any time. My door is always open. And...if someone is truly intent on taking my place via force, by all means, you are welcome to try. I only ask that you give me a chance to show my efforts are sincere. Thank you."

Footsteps followed the sliding of chairs. The room emptied in due time, save for two people. Ulquiorra hung back in the shadows, whereas Grimmjow continued to radiate his hatred for Arashi.

"Gin. Kaname. Let's go," she stated. "We need to go over a few things."

The three walked past Grimmjow as if he was only garbage. He picked up on this, intent on having the last laugh.

"Better not go to sleep tonight, bitch! Otherwise, you ain't gonna see tomorrow!"

Arashi stopped. "...My, you are a sore loser. We are done talking, Grimmjow. In fact, don't worry about coming to any more Espada meetings."

"...What the hell was that?!"

"I think the strain of being an Espada is too much for you at the moment. You need some time to rest. As such, you've been demoted."

"...What?!"

"Kaname cut off your arm, not your ears, correct? ...Get out of my sight. I don't give a damn what you do from now on."

"Get back here, you bitch! I'm gonna kill you!"

Again, Arashi paid Grimmjow's presence no mind. She stepped over to Ulquiorra, who appeared to be waiting for her.

"Interesting," she said with a smile. "How did you know I wanted to talk? No matter. You did some excellent recon work in the world of the living. I would like another favor. There is a task I need done, one only you can take care of."

#

"Unreal! Is that really Miss Inoue and Miss Mitarashi here to see me? Why, this is so sudden! To think you both would drop by of your own volition."

"Go to hell," said a glaring Kana. "You know damn well you asked for us to come."

Holding a fan in front of his coy features, Urahara replied, "Perhaps. Regardless of the circumstances, I thank you two for coming."

"Um...did you need something from…?"

Orihime jumped back when Urahara procured a pair of chairs and sat them in front of his guests.

"Well, enough of watching these dirty men go at it," he said, referencing Chad, Renji, and Sasune still locked in intense battle. A huge boulder soared over everyone's heads, though Urahara didn't flinch. "Since you beautiful ladies have brightened the mood, why don't we take a load off and chat?"

Neither Orihime nor Kana had a seat. They continued to eye Urahara incredulously. His smile slackened.

"Dammit! Doesn't he ever get tired? He's so big that I thought..."

Sasune shook his head before wiping the blood out of his eyes. Chad was coming at him like a raging bull, giving him little choice but to aim his scarlet bow.

"You fool! Has no one told you I am the world's greatest Quincy? ...And how come I can't see straight?"

His legs were shaky too. He wasn't sure how long he had been fighting, though he gathered his body couldn't take much more abuse.

"Isn't that Ishida? Why is he fighting with the others?"

That voice. It sent Sasune's heart aflutter. Rounding on the source of it, he inhaled sharply at Orihime.

"Can. It. Be?!My goddess has appeared before me in my time of need? Yes, this is a sign from the heavens! This is a sign that everything will be alright! I cannot lose now! Hello, my goddess!"

He waved frantically. Weirded out, Orihime didn't return the gesture.

"Oh, how I missed your shining countenance illuminating the dark horizons!"

"...What did he just say?" wondered Orihime.

"No clue," admitted Kana. "But he's pretty funny, right?"

He was something alright. Orihime just wasn't sure what.

"Stay right there, my queen!" Sasune added, wagging his tongue like a dog. "I'll be there in a…!"

A battered and bloodied Chad crashing into him put a damper on those plans. Orihime and Kana grimaced.

"Oy, Urahara!" shouted Renji, pulling back the massive white snake he called a Bankai. "Those two are done. I'm gonna wrap up for today."

Sasune and Chad certainly weren't moving. Urahara opened his mouth and readied to call for Tessai to heal them.

"P-Please wait...Urahara..."

Though shaky to his feet, Chad got there in due time. The sight of him made Renji smack his lips.

"Quit it with the tough guy act. We both know you can't move."

Chad smiled.

"Boo!" shouted Kana. "Stop beating up weak and helpless people to boost your ego!"

"Oh hell no!" cried Renji in horror at the sight of her. "What the hell are you doing here?! No, I don't care! Get lost! I don't have time to deal with the likes of you!"

"Oh? But it looks like you have plenty of free time to me."

"Then get your eyes checked, you stalker!"

"As if! A serial killer wouldn't want to stalk someone like you!"

A vein throbbed on Renji's forehead as he grinned sadistically. "It sounds like you want some of this too!"

Kana, with a haughty laugh, waved him off. "While tempting, I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of everyone and pop that overinflated head of yours."

"You know," replied Renji, his eyelid twitching, "I'm not in the habit of fighting women, but then again, I don't consider you one! Bring it!"

Kana gasped. "W-Why you…! Hold my earrings, Orihime! I'm going to…!"

Orihime didn't have to do anything. Before Renji and Kana could go at it, the former's head snapped to his right. An arrow was about to pierce him right between the eyes. Cursing, he ducked just in time.

"Not bad," said Sasune, pushing up his glasses, which he neglected to put on until now. "But, if all you can do is swing around that dumb snake, you'll never beat me."

"Ha!" cried Kana triumphantly. "You tell 'em! Give him one for me!"

Renji wasn't sure which of the two to kill first.

With all the combatants ready and raring, the fighting resumed.

"What was it you wanted to speak with us about?" said Orihime, who couldn't help but keep a cautious eye on her friends.

"...Might I have a moment alone with Miss Inoue, Miss Mitarashi?" asked Urahara in an uncharacteristically dry tone. "There's something I want to discuss with you as well, but it's different from my business with your friend here."

Kana crossed her arms and held her nose high. "Whatever. It's not like I wanted to come here in the first place."

She sulked off though remained close enough to potentially overhear Urahara's and Orihime's chat.

Suspicious. What could he have to tell her that he doesn't want me hearing?

"It's not nice to eavesdrop, you know."

Kana jumped in fright at Yoruichi standing behind her.

"Kidnapping isn't nice either," she countered.

Yoruichi laughed, clearly in a better mood than earlier. "You really don't like Kisuke, I see."

"He's a total creep. I don't know how you can stand being around him."

"Well, I suppose I can't argue with that."

Yoruichi chuckled again and left Kana confused.

"Did you need something?" said the latter testily.

"Only to tell you to watch after your boyfriend."

"CT? If you're worried about him, don't be. Last I saw him, he was training his behind off."

"I'm glad to hear it. He seems like less trouble than Ichigo. Regardless, we're going to need him for what's to come. I just hope he's ready by then."

"You mean the Arrancar." Kana sighed. "I've only fought one, and I'm already sick of them."

Aaron was getting stronger. So were the three fighting in Urahara's underground training room. Biting her bottom lip, Kana couldn't help but feel left out.

Am I even going to be strong enough to help CT when the time comes?

"Say," she whispered. "A little birdy told me you know a way to learn Bankai lickety-split."

Yoruichi, growing serious, replied, "Perhaps, but I'm afraid it's too dangerous. I only taught Ichigo because there was no other choice."
"And don't you think you have 'no other choice' here? These Arrancar will be playing for keeps! I need all the strength I can to..."

"I want you to stay out of the fighting this time, Miss Inoue."

Kana, as well as everyone else, zeroed in on a despondent Orihime. She stood as rigid as a statue because of Urahara's harsh words.

The shopkeeper didn't let up. "Your only means of attack was destroyed. You've been unable to restore Tsubaki, right? As such, it's only natural that I cannot allow you to fight this time."

Stunned, Orihime offered no reply.

"H-Hold on a moment, Urahara!" shouted Chad. "Inoue is our friend! She fought hard alongside us in Soul Society! If she says she wants to grow stronger, you shouldn't brush her aside so easily!"

"Agreed," said Sasune. "We can watch her back when..."

"You may be her friends, but that isn't looking out for her. That is committing her to a death sentence."

"That's not what I'm saying! Inoue can do more than fighting! What about her defensive and healing powers?!" argued Chad. "Those might be more important than…!"

"So, you're saying you can protect her at all times?"

"Of course!" uttered Sasune with confidence.

"Don't promise something so ridiculous, Mister Ishida. You know as well as I that's impossible."

The Quincy froze.

"Her defensive powers are indeed impressive, but the enemy already knows about them and have no doubt come up with countermeasures. If we're talking about healing, the Fourth Division can handle that. Captain Unohana's forces will be there on the front lines. Inoue is just one person. They can compensate for her many times over."

"Look," said Kana gingerly, "I'd rather not get her caught up in all this too, and you make some good points, but you don't have to convince her like this."

With an indifferent expression, Urahara said, "Enough. You all are too soft. Someone who has lost their strength is nothing more than a burden."

"Watch it," said Sasune sharply.

"You can't talk to Inoue like that!" added Chad. "She…!"

"It's...alright, you all. Thank you." Orihime hung her head low as she spoke. Her every word sounded strained. "And...thank you for being honest with me, Urahara." With a forced, pained smile, she bowed swiftly. "I'll be going now!"

She dashed off, ignoring the cries of her friends to come back.

"Um...I-I'll go and try to talk to her."

Kana left as well, fighting back the urge to slug Urahara across the mouth.

"Bastard!" Sasune rounded on the shopkeeper and grabbed him by the collar. "You didn't have to talk to her like she's worthless! At least she isn't a damn snake like you!"

"Relax." Renji placed a firm hand on his shoulder, one that garnered a stiff glare out of Sasune. "I don't like the way he did it either, but Urahara is right."

Sasune backed off Urahara but only to shift his ire onto Renji.

"The Fourth Division does specialize in healing, but unlike that girl, they are also trained for combat," Renji went on. "She's just human. I've went up against these Arrancar. To ask someone like her, someone who clearly doesn't have the temperament for battle, to fight them is irresponsible.If you both care for that girl, then you should be happy Urahara said what he did."

In the back of both Sasune's and Chad's minds, they knew it was the truth. The whole ordeal nonetheless left a sour taste in their mouths.

"So, why the hell did a crying girl just rush out of here? Did you do something again, old man?"

Izumi came down the stairs and frowned at getting no reply. She let Urahara off in light of him being so dejected as he gazed off at nothing.