Hello everyone, here's your precious Dakan69.
Again, I'm sorry for the late update, as a compensation, this Chapter will be quite long.
Hope you enjoy my new story.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, not even the soundtracks. Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo while the soundtracks and anything else copyrighted belongs each to their originator.
Vaizado no Ashido
Chapter 27: Preparations 2
(OPENING: the Gazette -Pledge)
SOMEWHERE IN THE STREETS OF KARAKURA TOWN- EARLY AFTERNOON
The Mod-soul within the lion-plushie was mad as hell while running back and forth fast but carefully, watching out if people might be around.
He couldn't believe he had lost sight of her because he didn't react at the right time.
FLASHBACK - KUROSAKI CLINIC
When Yuzu walked down to their living room with her backpack on her back and her plushie 'Bostov' on her hands, she was about to go outside before she now turned towards the large image of her mother in their living room along with the written phrase 'Masaki forever'.
She remembered her father saying he was at some medical seminar for doctors or something like that. As for Karin, she was also meeting again with her friends, playing soccer.
Anyway, She came closer to it, looking at the image of her deceased mother with a slightly concerned look. After all, everything she knew about her mother was what her father told her. But thanks to Naibu and Fujimaru, Yuzu discovered that her mother had kept secrets from them, making her feel mixed emotions, slightly afraid of what she'll hear further regarding her mother. Yuzu now took out Masaki's Quincy-Cross, holding it tightly,
"No matter what they'll tell me, I still love you." was Yuzu's response, thinking that there must've been a good reason why her mother never revealed her family about her own past.
Yuzu was about to go outside her family's Clinic before she saw her plushie 'Bostov', slightly wondering about something before finally coming to a decision,
"I'm sorry, Bostov, but I want to go alone today." Yuzu stated calmly while putting 'Bostov' on the nearby table.
When Yuzu left, Kon winked with his eyes a few times before standing up, and he then looked towards the Kurosaki clinic's door, where Yuzu went outside,
"Well, even though it made me curious what those two guys wanted to tell her regarding her mother, maybe it's a good idea that I'm not going this time, " Kon speculated openly while about to go back to Ichigo's room, "maybe next time those two 'Ankoite' as they call themselves, would've surely exposed me, which I can't afford, to be honest," Kon added in a laid-back manner, thinking this doesn't concern him anymore.
At this moment, his tracks stopped, having this slight fearful feeling.
When he turned around, he saw the large picture of Masaki. At this moment, Kon remembered again how he and Rukia had to watch out for the Kurosaki Family while they were visiting Masaki's grave and the hollow attack that happened later on.
Now realizing how stupid he had just behaved, Kon immediately started running out of the Clinic himself.
BACK TO PRESENT
"Damn it !" Kon cursed towards himself, "if I don't find her, Ichigo and nee-san will kill me for sure," Kon added while referring to Rukia.
Even though Kon remembered the name of the location Yuzu noted during her phone call with that guy named Naibu, he actually had no real idea if he could really find her.
Right now, he saw a crosswalk. But instead of going further, Kon decided to hide away in a nearby back alley, behind a bin, since there were a lot of people right now crossing the street.
"with that many people, I'll never be able to cross safely," Kon stated
"then how about asking for help then ? " someone else asked,
"Oh, come on, as if someone like me could ever ask for help, " Kon replied relaxedly.
Kon's eyes went wide at this moment, resulting in sweat since he knew by now that he had been exposed.
When he turned around, he saw a blond man with the same kind of High-school uniform as Ichigo. What's more, he was also carrying a pink bag while stooping at Kon.
Moreover, someone else was nearby, a slightly older-looking man with red hair and green eyes, who wore a more casual outfit along with a gym bag and looked right at Kon's eyes.
It was silent for a few seconds since Kon himself was so shocked that he couldn't move one bit, not knowing what to do,
"bzzzzz," Kon started to make a strange noise, "I ... am ... super robot lion ... keep ... humanity... safe" Kon started to imitate a robot from a cartoon he had to watch with Yuzu once, resulting in Shinji and Ashido to make dumbfounded expressions.
Shinji then took Kon's head with his right hand,
"Please don't take us for fools, buddy," Shinji stated, somewhat bothered and slightly angry, resulting in Kon being even more nervous.
As if his situation wasn't bad enough already, Kon saw how the other red-haired man came closer to him, looking more serious than the one who was holding him,
"am I right to assume that your name is Kon ?" Ashido asked with a serious but calm voice to the lion plushie, who was surprised that someone other than Ichigo and Rukia knew his name.
LATER
That some strangers know Kon's name was unbelievable enough,
but what Kon was witnessing in front of him was actually even more shocking than the former:
There were two other Mod-souls, each inside two plushies, a 'pink puss'-plushie-bag and a 'green-turtle-like cartoon'-plushie, staying in front of Kon.
"Y-You both are really Mod-souls too ?" Kon wondered in disbelief
"We are indeed. I mean, what else should we be ?" Kurodo now questioned Kon, who kept looking in disbelief,
"I-I always thought that there were no others like me around."
"Well, to be fair, Urahara-san has created us just recently, so we're technically younger than you," Noba explained.
"that's true," Kurodo added calmly without any movement.
"the guy with the hat ?" Kon wondered while remembering him and the big guy with the mustache, as well as the two children,
"yeah, he was also the one telling us about you." Noba explained further,
"you inspired him to give us plushie bodies in the first place." Kurodo added happily,
"I see ... I see ... seems that hat guy is indeed a genius, I guess," Kon stated before looking towards the two men,
"and you both are Shinigamis then ?" Kon asked curiously since for him since they were able to notice him.
"more or less. Just like Urahara." Ashido briefly explained, not in the mood to explain further right now.
"Anyway, what are you doing here? Sightseeing ?" Shinji asked the lion-mod-soul curiously,
"What I'm doing ... " Kon was about to answer, only to remember that he was not supposed to 'small talk' in the first place, resulting in him looking again towards the crosswalk, only to be retaken by Shinji,
"going away without answering a question is quite rude, don't you think ?"
"Sorry, but I really have no time right now. I need to go, or otherwise, I'll be in trouble," Kon explained as clearly as possible,
"then please tell us what's wrong. Maybe we can help you." Kurodo offered toward the fellow mod soul, making Kon wonder if he could trust them. And remembering that those two Shinigamis and their mod-souls know the guy with the hat suggests that those two seem to have no bad intentions.
A FEW MINUTES LATER
"I see," was Shinji's reply after Kon explained the situation, resulting in Shinji letting him down.
"After she left you in her house, she went to look for that guy. What was his name again? " Shinji questioned Kon, despite that he had an idea whom Yuzu was talking about.
"If I remember correctly, his name was Shizuka." Kon tried to recall, "I also remember seeing him and another young man, both of them explaining that they're so-called 'Ankoite' and that they've been investigating everything regarding Ichigo, asking Yuzu a few questions."
Kon explained, intentionally trying to avoid talking about Ichigo's mother since he kind of had the feeling that he wasn't supposed to talk about that.
"And after they were finished, that Shizuka-guy left a note with his phone number to Yuzu, telling her to call him if she wishes to speak, which she did just recently." was Kon's explanation.
Ashido and Shinji looked at each other in curiosity before looking again toward the living lion-plushie,
"Could you also hear where exactly they'll meet? Some particular location? " Ashido questioned him concerning, making Kon put his left hand on his chin while recalling his memories,
"I think she did mention the 'Sakurabashi'-Neighbourhood, but ... " Kon stated while remembering yesterday's call, only to be suddenly retaken, this time, however, by Ashido,
"Noba !" Ashido shouted, making the turtle-plushie to come forth towards Kon, touching him, before being teleported away.
Just then, Ashido could feel them both inside his gym bag.
"What the hell, where am I? What did you do to me !" Kon questioned angrily, only for his mouth to be held by Noba,
"Calm down !" was Noba's reply, "I've teleported us both inside Ashido-sama's gym bag while they bring us all to your supposed location, so please be quiet for now," Noba added calmly towards his fellow mod-soul, who tried to let go of Noba's embrace.
"Damn it, you could've warned me at least, and did you just say teleporting ?" was Kon's question.
"yeah, that's the ability I been bestowed by Urahara-san when he created me," Noba replied, making Kon look in disbelief for a while at how a mod-soul could have such kind of abilities compared to his own power, which was just being able to run fast.
" 'Sakurabashi'- Neighbourhood is just across the street, so let's go then," Ashido replied before he and Shinji started to walk off.
SECRET TRAIN AREA OF THE ONMITSUKIDO/STEALTH FORCE - LATE MORNING
After Sui-Feng-taichou ordered all other Division members to go away after preparing everything for the soon-happening Bankai training, the only one staying was Matsuri, whom Fujimaru freely let be the first one to undergo that special training.
"So ... " Matsuri started speaking, "how should I do this? " she asked while staring at the 'Tenshintai'-dummy her Captain was holding right now, unsure how to go further.
"According to Yoruichi-sama and Yuushiro-sama, you must first take your Zanpakuto out, please," Sui-Feng answered, which Matsuri then did.
"Next, strike the 'Tenshintai' with it, frontally, without hesitation. " Sui-Feng added.
Matsuri then did further as she ordered, moving her Zanpakuto before stabbing the dummy with it.
Suddenly, the 'Tenshintai' and her Zanpakuto vanished via a red-colored energy.
"It's been a while since you've drawn me out, Matsuri." a Female voice could be heard from behind Matsuri, who recognized that voice.
When turning around, she and Sui-Feng saw a young woman with long-orange hair, cyan-blue colored eyes, and an orange-colored traditional Japanese Yukata, which had black stripes, making the impression that the woman was wearing Tiger skin.
Both Matsuri and Sui-Feng looked in disbelief since it was for both the first time to use the 'Tenshintai'.
"Kotomaru ... " Matsuri stated in disbelief towards her Materialized Zanpakuto, who started to come closer until she stood nearly between Sui-Feng and her holder,
"So you're Matsuri-san's Zanpakuto," Sui-Feng greeted the materialized Zanpakuto politely, who looked back at the Captain. Despite that, she was also surprised to see someone else's Zanpakuto emerge. Sui-Feng soon returned to her more serious expression,
"Since we've prepared everything, you can start immediately," Sui-Feng said to Kotomaru.
"Yes," was Kotomaru's reply before she stooped, touching the ground.
Suddenly a little outburst of Reiatsu could be felt while a set of many different-looking blades appeared nearby.
"Don't forget," Sui-Feng spoke to Matsuri, who turned her face towards her Captain,
"You have only three days, so please don't waste any valuable time. I'll watch from nearby to make sure that everything goes smoothly without any issues." were Sui-Feng's final words before disappearing via Shunpo.
Matsuri then turned her gaze towards her materialized Zanpakuto Kotomaru.
While coming closer, Matsuri realized that Kotomaru had taken out one of the many blades around, making Maturi do the same, taking out a nearby blade.
After taking it out, both Matsuri and Kotomaru started to run faster until they clashed for the first time.
LATER - SOMEWHERE IN THE STREETS OF SEIREITEI- EARLY AFTERNOON
"Sorry if I ask, but are you really sure about that decision ?" Saido asked towards Fujimaru, who looked towards him while both were walking,
"you mean about my sister starting training first? Yeah, it's 'ladies first' after all ." was Fujimaru's reply, much to Saido's amusement, who started to laugh,
"didn't know you're a gentleman." was Saido's reply after his brief laughter,
"my sister would get mad if I weren't," Fujimaru replied after a slight laugh by himself,
"Anyway, which Division are we going to visit right now ?" Fujimaru questioned,
"The 10th Division," answered Eikichiro to the young Shinigami, who then remembered that the Division's Captain was the white-haired child.
After Fujimaru decided to let Matsuri be the first to Start the Bankai-training, Sui-Feng ordered her Lieutenant Omaeda to contact the S.R.D.I to ask regarding the 'anomaly' of the twins.
As for Yuushiro, Maki, Fujimaru, and Saido, they have been given another task, not by Sui-Feng directly but on behalf of Yoruichi:
Since there were currently three empty positions regarding a Captain of the Gotei 13, Yoruichi intends to fill that position with either Matsuri or Fujimaru or, in the best case, both. Furthermore, Yoruichi also seeks for Ichinose Maki to be a Captain, so they're trying to visit all other Divisions right now, seeking each Captain's approval to become a Captain.
Right now, since the other Division is busy, like the 6th Division, which Yuushiro and Maki are visiting, the 10th Division is the only one for them to approve an appointment the next day.
Until then, Fujimaru was training with Saido and the other fellow members of the 2nd Division. Even the next day, they continued training until the exact time of the appointment.
"We're here," Saido stated while looking at the Barrack of the 10th Division,
"But I don't see the gate !" Fujimaru replied to his current comrade,
"yeah, that's because it's on the left side if I'm not wrong." Saido answered before they went left, as he suggested.
And indeed, after reaching the left side, Fujimaru and Eikichiro could see the gate of the 10th Division. Moreover, besides the usual two Shinigami keeping the entrance, they also saw the third Shinigami with short dark hair, bushy eyebrows, and stubble around his mouth and chin, whose gaze now turned towards them.
"Fujimaru Kudo and Eikichiro Saido, I assume ? " the Shinigami asked politely, making Fujimaru and Eikichiro salute well towards their fellow Shinigami, who saluted in return,
"I am Kokichiro Takezoe, 7th Seat of the 10th Division. Nice to meet you." Takezoe introduced himself politely to the visitors,
"nice to meet you as well, Takezoe-san," Fujimaru replied politely,
BARRACKS OF THE 10th Division - SEIREITEI -SOUL SOCIETY- EARLY AFTERNOON
After passing the gate, Fujimaru and Eikichiro walked through the
"I hope we're not too early, aren't we? " Eikichiro asked towards Takezoe,
"No, you actually arrived just in time. Hitsugaya-Taichou and Lieutenant Matsumoto-Fukutaichou are also expecting you." Takezoe replied.
Fujimaru was about to follow Takezoe further, only for him to be stopped by Eikichiro, scaring Fujimaru a little,
"what the hell, man" Fujimaru whispered slightly angrily,
"Sorry, but before we go, I just want you to remind Sui-Feng-Taichou's order," Saido reminded to his fellow mate, making them both remember.
FLASHBACK
"and one more thing, Saido, and Fujimaru," Sui-Feng added to both her subordinates,
"I recommend you both behave as properly as possible."
" 'as properly as possible' taichou? " Fujimaru questioned confusingly, making Sui-Feng slightly angry, now looking toward Saido,
"Matsuri-san told me that you stared at her in a very inappropriate way," Sui-Feng stated slightly angrily, making Saido very nervous, proven by his slight sweating,
"What's more, she added that her brother did the same to other women," Sui-Feng added while now looking toward Fujimaru, who also started to become very nervous.
"As I've stated: behave as properly as possible, and no word regarding the Bankai training. If I ever hear from other Captains that didn't follow these orders, you both will have fun cleaning the whole Barracks for a week, am I clear ?" Sui-Feng ordered both men, who immediately saluted while accepting the order.
END OF FLASHBACK
"Well, thank you for the reminder, but I don't see how we'll have any issues regarding that. You've already reminded me how to behave in front of Hitsugaya-taichou." Fujimaru explained his confusion to Saido about why he thinks he won't behave 'the right way since he promised to watch out to never refer to Hitsugaya with words like 'child', 'boy', 'brat', 'shorty' or in his case 'white-haired kid', or anything similar.
Maybe he's doing this because Fujimaru recently admitted to Saido that he wasn't really enthusiastic for someone as young as that 'white-haired kid', as Fujimaru refers to Hitsugaya, to become a captain. Even though Hitsugaya made a professional impression at the assembly hall and in the 4th Barracks when visiting the conscious Lieutenant Hinamori, Fujimaru still couldn't really accept the fact that a child was wearing a Captain's Haori.
"I know, but it's not him I'm concerned about. It's ... " Saido wanted to clarify his statement, only to be interrupted,
"What are you both waiting for ?" Takezoe called towards them after noticing that the two visitors stooped their track.
"ah, sorry about that," was Eikichiro's reply while he and Fujimaru immediately joined Takezoe,
"Fujmaru here just told me that he's slightly nervous. I hope you can understand since it's his first time visiting the 10th Division, right ?"
"Y-Yeah, that's correct, I'm afraid," Fujimaru added. And now that he thinks about it, it's really his first time visiting this Division.
"I see," was Takezoe's reply, now understanding why they had stopped following him until now, "well, I can guarantee you, as long as you remain polite, you shouldn't have any issues." was Takezoe's last statement before they reached the door to the Captain's Office.
When Takezoe kneed, he opened the door,
"good afternoon. Fujimaru Kudo and Eikichiro Saido have just arrived." Takezoe stated politely,
"Good, call them inside." Fujimaru and Saido heard a female voice before being seen by Takezoe, who signalized them to go inside.
When Fujimaru and Saido went inside the Captain's Office, they saw a well-endowed female Shinigami with blond hair, blue eyes, full lips, and a beauty mark located under the right side of her mouth. What's more, not only she had large breasts, but she also didn't seem to make a secret of it, proven by how revealing she was wearing her Shinigami uniform.
Fujimaru, who kept staring at her, suddenly felt a pinch on his lower back.
When turning around right, he saw Saido, who started saluting, resulting in Fujimaru doing the same immediately.
As for the woman herself, she suddenly stretched her hands up while yawning before turning towards the two visitors, looking towards Fujimaru in particular,
" " good afternoon, Jubantai-fukutaichou " " both greeted politely while saluting.
"oh, it's really you. It's been a while," the woman spoke towards Fujimaru, who became slightly confused,
"I'm sorry ?" Fujimaru, still saluting, asked in confusion, not knowing what exactly she was talking about.
"oh my bad, we both haven't been introduced directly to each other properly," the woman suddenly stated, " I'm the Lieutenant of the 10th Division, Rangiku Matsumoto. " Rangiku finally introduced herself,
"And you're one of the Suzunami-twins if I recall, right ?" she asked further,
"W-well ... " Fujimaru, still saluting, replied nervously,
"I'm Fujimaru Kudo." Fujimaru introduced himself, "My sister and I are both Retainers of the Suzunami-Family." Fujimaru added.
Rangiku, who finally noticed that both Fujimaru and Saido were still saluting, now moved her right hand,
"Oh, my bad," Rangiku stated, "you can put your hands down," she added,
" "thank you, ma'am" " both said while putting their hands down in relief.
"um, I'm sorry if it's rude to ask, Matsumoto-Fukutaichou, but is Jubantai-taichou actually here?" Fujimaru now asked curiously,
"Hitsugaya-taichou is here indeed, but because he has a lot of paperwork to do right now, he's letting me keep you both company until then, so how about we take a seat," Rangiku explained before stretching her left hand towards the nearby two long sofas and one table before all three went there each taking a seat.
While Fujimaru and Saido each took a seat on the Sofa that was close to the nearby window, Rangiku took a seat on the left side of her Sofa.
"You wanna drink something? " Rangiku asked them both, who nodded, resulting in Rangiku bringing something to drink.
Suddenly, both Fujimaru and Saido realized that instead of simple cups, they received each a 'sakazuki cup'.
What's more, they both realized further that instead of water or green tea, something else was put on their cups,
"Is that sake ?" Eikichiro asked surprisingly, both he and Fujimaru not expecting to receive that during worktime,
After staring at the now-filled sakazuki cups, both Fujimaru and Saido smiled nervously,
"We're sorry, but we have to decline your offer," Saido stated with a slightly concerned expression,
"oh, come on, it's just only one cup. You don't want to be rude in front of your hosts." Rangiku now questioned with a slightly offended voice,
"to be honest, I really would take your offer, Matsumoto-Fukutaichou, but we're here officially for occupational reasons," Fujimaru explained to the well-endowed Lieutenant.
"he's right, I'm afraid," Saido now stated, "even before we left for here, Sui-Feng-taichou reminded us to 'behave properly'. Otherwise, we'll both be in trouble. And what's more ... " Saido explained before turning his head towards Fujimaru,
"Aren't you still too young to drink sake ?" Saido now asked Fujimaru, whom Saido looked confused by his statement since, in his eyes, Fujimaru is still a minor, probably between 150 and 160 Years, thus not of legal age in the soul society to drink sake.
"Well, technically, I'm 200 years older, considering how long we've disappeared," Fujimaru reminded towards Saido, who made a slightly dumbfounded expression,
"so that's how you see it, well, well !" Saido remarked in his still dumbfounded expression, not believing that Fujimaru seemed quite desperate to drink sake for some reason.
"Anyway," Saido now spoke again, "as someone who witnessed how Sui-Feng-taichou can become, how do I say the correct term, 'unpleasant' for someone even 'touching sake with his tongue only slightly' during worktime, we both must avoid your offer I'm afraid," Saido explained further towards Rangiku, who finally understood that both of them would get into real trouble if they were about to drink right now.
Well, not that it was much different with her own Captain, but considering that not only these two men in front of her are lower seats, but that it's the very strict Sui-Feng herself they're talking about, she has been convinced, resulting for her to put away the two sakazuki cups, leaving only one for herself.
"Anyway, Now that I remember," Fujimaru started to speak,
"You just stated, 'it's been a while. What did you mean by that? " Fujimaru asked curiously,
"Well, you, your sister, and the other girl were there as well, weren't you" Matsumoto replied while recalling her memories,
"the Shinigami women's association meeting, you three and Uryu Ishida," Rangiku added, resulting in Fujimaru to recall the memories of said event.
"you three were at the S.W.A ?" Saido now asked towards Fujimaru curiously,
"yeah," Fujimaru answered calmly, "we three were invited by Unohana-taichou, who used said meeting as a 'celebration for our safe return'. And what's more, there was also a 'fashion show' on that day." Fujimaru explained.
"I see ... I see ... " was Eikichiro's rather sad reply, feeling slightly jealous that Fujimaru had the opportunity to be in a room with many women.
Fujimaru meanwhile recalled his own memories from the event.
Suddenly he remembered how he indeed saw Rangiku back then:
She was the one woman to ask Uryu 'nicely' to sew her a dress after he finished crafting only four clothes. And with 'nicely', it means that Rangiku, along with two other female Shinigamis, has already started to 'undress' in front of Uryu, displaying her cleavage in front of his eyes.
As for Fujimaru, he was also supposed to witness all that, but unfortunately for him, his twin sister put her own hand in front of him, threatening Fujimaru if he dared to touch, let alone remove, her hand at that one moment back then.
"Now that you mention it," Fujimaru spoke after his mind returned to the present, "you were the one asking Ishida-san to craft more clothes for the S.W.A., right ?" he now asked, making Rangiku slightly smile in happiness,
"ah, so you finally remember," Rangiku replied somewhat playfully,
"When I saw how he crafted Mihane-chan's dress for the first time, I couldn't believe it. Such a beautiful dress. And, of course, I couldn't resist asking him to sew one for myself." Rangiku added further with a happy expression,
"If I'm being honest, I wished he could sew 10 more dresses for me." she now stated in a slightly disappointed voice,
"Well, maybe I can catch up on that when I meet him the next time," Rangiku added, making both Fujimaru and Saido look rather shocked that she would've made Uryu literally be 'squeezed' out just to get delicate dresses.
Suddenly, all three Shinigamis heard how the Shoji door of the Captain's Office had been opened.
They saw Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya coming out of the door, resulting in all three sitting Shinigami standing up. What's more, Fujimaru and Saido saluted again in front of the 10th Division Captain.
" " g-good afternoon, Jubantai-taichou " " both Fujimaru and Saido greeted him politely.
As for Toshiro himself, he was staring at them both with a rather severe expression.
Suddenly, his expression worsened when he turned towards the table and saw the sake bottle.
"how long are you both here already," Toshiro asked earnestly, making both guests very nervous since they possibly angered the Captain somehow. What's more, even Rangiku started to sweat.
"W-Well," Fujimaru spoke, "Matsumoto-taichou explained to us that you are still o-occupied in your office and that she will keep us company until you have finished, taichou," Fujimaru explained, resulting in Toshiro closing his eyes for a moment,
"Matsumoto ... " he now called, his serious voice increasing, towards his nearby sitting Lieutenant, who started to sweat even more,
"why didn't you call me that they've arrived already ?" Toshiro now asked his Lieutenant angrily but still calmly, making Fujimaru and Saido look in disbelief,
"w-well ... about that ... " Rangiku stated while nervously pressing both her forefingers, looking away from her Captain's gaze.
As for Toshiro, this was the final straw.
"MATSUUUUUUUUUMOTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
A loud and angry scream from the Division Captain could be heard around the whole 10th Barracks, maybe even beyond that.
LATER
After a small fuss in the waiting room, Toshiro took a seat on the one Sofa, signaling Fujimaru and Saido to do the same.
"Before we start, I want to apologize for my Lieutenant's behavior," Toshiro stated to them both.
As it turns out, while Fujimaru and Saido arrived at the Barracks, Toshiro told Rangiku to wait here in the waiting room and to call him when they both arrived before she could continue her paperwork.
From Toshiro's point of view, he has been waiting in his office since he told Matsumoto to tell him that they've arrived. But then it started to get stranger for him to wait longer than supposed. For Toshiro himself, Fujimaru and Saido should've arrived already, so why didn't he receive any reply from his Lieutenant?
And as soon as he opened his office door and saw them both with his Lieutenant sitting, with a bottle of sake on the table, his questions were answered.
After his scream, Toshiro asked Matsumoto why she didn't call him immediately. She answered that they both, Fujimaru in particular, were supposedly nervous, unsure how to approach Toshiro properly.
Although he knew that she was saying all that just as an excuse to avoid her unfinished mountains of paperwork, Toshiro thought that her statement didn't seem that wrong after he looked towards Fujimaru, who indeed seemed quite nervous right now. Nonetheless, Toshiro now ordered Matsumoto to finish her paper while he himself will talk further with their guests.
"Well, we also want to apologize if we both caused you too much discommode, Jubantai-taichou!" was Fujimaru's reply,
"It's no problem, after all," was Toshiro's own reply, "you didn't drink any of her sake as I see now," Toshiro added with relief that those two didn't take her offer to drink with them sake,
"Anyway, what do you both wish to discuss with me exactly." Toshiro now asked, only remembering that the 2nd Division asked for an Audience between him and Fujimaru Kudo, whom Toshiro remembered seeing during the Gotei 13 meetings twice and also during his visit to Momo, making Toshiro slightly curious about Fujimaru.
Saido then explains that since there's a power vacuum among the Gotei 13 because of three missing Captains, the Omnitukido seeks to close that vacuum seeking for Fujimaru and his sister to become Captains themselves, since, according to the 'special examination' they both underwent in the 4th Barracks, they both might be able to achieve Bankai very soon.
As for Fujimaru, the more he kept looking toward Toshiro, the more
"So, to put it simply ..." Toshiro spoke after listening to Saido's explanation, now looking toward Fujimaru.
"You seek my approval for you and your sister to become Captain, right ?" Hitsugaya now questioned their both intention for coming to him
"That correct, and regarding that, I wish to ask a personal question if possible, Jubantai-taichou," Fujimaru confirmed while asking a new question, his expression becoming slightly uneasy,
"Then ask, please," Toshiro replied, slightly curious about what question Fujimaru now had, along with Saido, who now looked again towards Fujimaru, who breathed in and out before asking his question,
"How could someone as very young as you become a captain ?" Fujimaru asked with a rather severe and loud voice,
It was silent for a moment before Toshiro's expression became rather serious and dark, not believing what Fujimaru had just asked.
"What did you just say?" Toshiro asked in his now serious expression, making Saido put his left hand in front of his face thanks to Fujimaru's question.
No matter if he did it in a 'polite approach', Toshiro realized that Fujimaru basically referred to him as a 'child'.
'Su-Feng-taichou will kill us' was Saido's thought right now, fearfully.
Suddenly, Fujimaru stood up before bowing in front of Toshiro while Fujimaru's eyes now faced the table in front of him,
"I'm deeply sorry if my question sounds misunderstanding, but ... " Fujimaru clarified before looking towards Toshiro again,
"as you know, I, my sister, and Shiyo-san have disappeared for more than 200 Years. And back then, it was unthinkable for someone 'very young' to become a Shinigami, let alone a Captain." Fujimaru explained to Toshiro before looking down again toward the table,
"which makes me even more confused when witnessing your presence, Jubantai-taichou. This makes me wonder: have the requirements to become a Captain of the Gotei 13 been loosened during our absence somehow? " Fujimaru explained further rather nervously, knowing very well that he possibly insulted the Captain in front of him.
Meanwhile, Toshiro realized that Fujimaru seemed confused about himself being a Captain, and considering where he had been coming from, Fujimaru's confusion seemed to be understandable enough for Toshiro to calm down completely.
"I see," Toshiro now spoke more calmly, "You want to know if it will become easier for you to be a Captain than it was Centuries ago?" Toshiro now asked the Visitor.
"That's correct." was Fujimaru's response.
Toshiro was about to answer his question, only for him to realize that Fujimaru was still standing and bowing in front of him.
"You may retake your seat since explaining may take a while," Toshiro stated to Fujimaru,
"Thank you, Jubantai-taichou," Fujimaru answered, somewhat relieved, before doing so.
"It's true," Toshiro stated after Fujimaru sat down, "there has never been a Captain of the Gotei 13 as young as myself before," Toshiro explained while keeping his gaze at Fujimaru,
" but I'm afraid the requirements haven't changed since your disappearance. And what's more ... " Toshiro explained further while now gazing down at the table himself,
"I wasn't supposed to be in this position so soon in the first place, eighter," Toshiro added, making both Fujimaru and Saido look somewhat surprised by the Captain's statement.
Toshiro started explaining to Fujimaru and Saido further about his own career as a Shinigami and that he was gifted with a natural talent from an even younger age than now. Before becoming a Shinigami, he lived in the province of Junrinan in the 1st District of West Rukongai along with his Grandmother and Momo Hinamori, the current Lieutenant of the 5th Division, making Fujmaru remember that it was the unconscious girl he already saw in the 4th Barracks, which now explains why Toshiro was visiting her in the first place.
While Hinamori decided to go to the Shinigami Academy, Toshiro remained with his 'granny' as he calls her, not interested in becoming a Shinigami as Momo did.
But even though he couldn't understand it back then, Toshiro could already hear his Zanpakuto's voice without being a Shinigami, thus not even having an actual zanpakuto. What's more, Toshiro also had a large amount of reiatsu, which became more uncontrollable as time passed, noticed by the fact that his 'granny' became skinnier.
It was until he met Rangiku Matsumoto, who was already the Lieutenant of the 10th Division back then, who convinced him to become a Shinigami so that he could control his large amount of Reiatsu that she had already noticed from Toshiro back then.
Thanks to his natural talent, Toshiro was able to graduate from the Shin'o Akademy much sooner than most would.
After his graduation, Toshiro joined the 10th Division thanks to Matsumoto, who also recommended him directly to the previous Jubantai-taicohu, Isshin Shiba.
"Wait a moment," Fujimaru suddenly interrupted the explaining Captain, who looked up,
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but did you mean Isshin Shiba from the Shiba Noble Family? " Fujimaru
"That's correct, so you knew him as well ?" Hitsugaya questioned curiously,
"Not directly," Fujimaru stated, "well, I met him once, but I hadn't as much interaction as with his late nephew, Kaien Shiba," Fujimaru added, making Toshiro remember hearing about the previous Lieutenant of the 13th Divison,
"I also remember hearing about him." Saido now added as well, making Toshiro and Fujimaru look toward him,
"Back then, when I was at the Academy, I also heard of him being one of the strongest and most capable Gotei 13 Captains. Moreover, it was also rumored that the Sotaichou himself considered him a worthy successor to his own position because of his capabilities." Saido explained while recalling his days at the Academy.
"Anyway," Toshiro stated, "I was occupying the 3rd seat of this Division when it happened 20 Years ago," Toshiro stated.
Toshiro then explained that 20 Years ago, there were several incidents regarding a strange hollow appearing in the Mortal world, which killed a handful of Shinigami. Since Captain Isshin considered this case quite serious, he decided to investigate independently. However, when Lieutenant Matsumoto tried to assist him, Toshiro stopped her, reminding her that neither one of them was strong enough to support him.
Even though Isshin Shiba could kill that Hollow and return safely, Toshiro remembers that his Captain behaved strangely that day. Then, only a few days later, Captain Shiba disappeared without a trace.
After a few months of endless searching, Captain Isshin Shiba has been declared dead. It was considered a significant loss for the Gotei 13 and is also the reason why the Shiba Family lost its status as one of the five great Noble Families since, even before, most of the strongest Shiba Family members had died in combat.
As for Fujimaru, it now made a lot more sense why the Shiba Family was residing in Rukongai instead of the noble City of the soul society.
What's more, he made a rather sad expression remembering how he once mentioned Kaien while comparing him to Ichigo Kurosaki towards Ganju, who became furious.
'Maybe I'm too tactless,' Fujimaru thought while wondering how much Ganju and Kukaku must have suffered from these strokes of fate.
Toshiro then continued, saying that after Isshin Shiba's death, they found a note from him, where he stated that if Toshiro ever learned Bankai, he shall become his successor, making most of the Gotei 13 look in disbelief.
Moreover, one year later, Toshiro learned Bankai much sooner than any other Shinigami.
Even though there were many jokes back then about following Isshin Shiba's 'final recommendation', it was none other than the traitor Sosuke Aizen himself. Back then, the latter convinced all other Captains for Toshiro to become the new Jubantai-taichou because Momo had asked him to help Toshiro become promoted.
Right now, Toshiro pressed both his hands, his expression changing into anger after mentioning Aizen's name while also remembering visiting Momo in the 4th Barracks.
"after his betrayal, and considering what else has been revealed about him, I'm convinced that this bastard is also responsible for Shiba-taichou's disappearance." was Toshiro's final statement before it was silent again in the Barracks.
"Since I've explained myself, let's get back to your first question." Toshiro proclaimed to them both regarding the promotion to become Captain.
"If you or your sister really manage to learn Bankai as soon as possible, you may have my blessing," Toshiro stated towards Fujimaru, whose eyes went wide after hearing that.
"BUT ..." Toshiro suddenly continued, "I want you and your sister to reconsider if you really want to become Captains of the Gotei 13 because it's a great responsibility, as you may already know." was Toshiro's other condition, making Fujimaru look down again since he has never really considered that thought.
Toshiro then meanwhile saw how both Fujimaru and Saido stood up, bowing in front of him.
" thank you very much for your time, Jubantai-taichou," was Fujimaru's final statement before Toshiro stood up as well, going towards the exit door, which now has been opened again by Takezoe,
"Taichou," Takezoe greeted his Captain,
"Please lead them both outside our Barracks. " Toshiro ordered toward the lower seat Shinigami,
"Yes, sir," was Takezoe's reply while being joined by Fujimaru and Saido, who looked back toward Toshiro.
"I wish you both a nice day," he said to them.
"you too, Jubantai-taichou," Saido replied before the exit door was closed.
After the door closed, Toshiro remained silent again for a moment,
"I know that you were listening, Matsumoto," Toshiro stated, resulting in Rangiku opening the office's door now wholly.
Rangiku now came out, this time with a rather severe expression,
"you didn't want to ask him 'further' " Matsumoto wondered why Toshiro didn't ask Fujimaru didn't ask further regarding the Visoreds, especially about a particular matter Toshiro mentioned during their talk,
"Even if it's possible, I doubt that neither he nor the other two know anything regarding 'that'. Anyway ... " Toshiro stated before turning towards Matsumoto,
"Did you finish your remaining paperwork? " Toshiro now asked, his expression becoming more bothered while seeing his Lieutenant's nervous expression,
"W-well ... " Matsumoto replied while nervously pressing her forefingers again, resulting for Toshiro to become angry again
"MATSUMOOOOTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" was Toshiro's second scream around the 10 Barracks, which could be heard again even outside by Fujimaru and Saido, who then started to laugh again,
"It's good to hear that we've received one blessing. That is assuming that Matsu-nee and I learn Bankai, of course." Fujimaru stated in relief,
"Yeah, that's good to hear, but I want to hear your opinion regarding them both ?"
"Well, Captain Hitsugaya and his Lieutenant seem a..."
"I'm not talking about them both, at least not about the Captain," Saido interrupted, only to start grinning,
"what do you mean then ?" Fujimaru asked confusingly, not understanding what Saido wanted to know,
"Oh come on, don't act stupid," Saido stated with his grin, "I noticed how you were staring at 'them both' when the Lieutenant introduced herself." Saido now added with a much broader grin.
Finally, Fujimaru now realized that Saido was talking about Lieutenant Matsumoto's large breasts, resulting in him becoming beet red, noticed by Saido,
"Ah, now you remember, come on, tell me, we're buddies, you know."
"Tell what ?" Fujimaru now asked rather embarrassingly, trying to avoid Saido's suggestion,
"Like if you wanted to touch them, for instance? " Saido now questioned with his pervert grin,
"AS IF I WOULD ANSWER SUCH A QUESTION," Fujimaru shouted back embarrassingly,
"Oh, come on, why don't you wanna tell me? " Saido demanded while his grin disappeared slightly,
"you mean telling you before you tell the other until Matsu-nee and Sui-Feng-taichou hear that, and we have to clean the whole Barracks? No thanks."
"That's it? Are you afraid I would report that to the others? " Saido questioned in disbelief.
"Well, you're in the stealth force, which means 'report' is 'your middle name, right? " Fujimaru now stated towards Saido, who now understood Fujimaru's concern,
"oh, so that's what you're concerned about, well don't worry. No one reports 'that kind of matter' in the stealth force. What risk is it against the soul society for a man to 'express his honest feelings' towards a fellow buddy." Saido asked a rhetorical question to Fujimaru,
"There isn't, I guess." Fujimaru now admitted
"see. Now tell me." Saido demanded while they continued talking while returning towards the 2nd Division Barracks.
KARAKURA TOWN - MORTAL WORLD - AFTERNOON
"Damn it, I can't breath in here," Kon complained to Noba inside Ashido's gym bag,
"couldn't you guys buy at least a larger size ?" Kon wandered towards the other fellow mod-soul while pushing him because Kon doesn't like to be touched by others, except it's a beautiful girl, which Noba wasn't, unfortunately,
"shut up. It's not like Ashido-sama had any choice, " Noba replied back rudely but quietly since Kon himself was just rather loud, which could attract some people to look towards his master.
Even though Ashido and Shinji managed to cross the crossroad, many people still walked around them, making it impossible for Kon and Noba to be released out of Ashido's gym bag he was carrying on his back.
Still, Shinji looked slightly bored towards Ashido's gym bag, which was somewhat but visibly moving.
"doesn't it bother you? " Shinji wondered towards Ashido,
"What do you mean ?"
"Well, 'the cat in your bag', obviously," Shinji added, slightly dumbfounded,
"lucky for you, it's not your problem, and maybe you shouldn't stare at my bag too much." Ashido now stated while looking back toward Shinji, who looked slightly confused,
"Sorry, I didn't know I made you feel uncomfortable," Shinji replied, dumbfounded.
"Well, I think your bag feels uncomfortable when you keep looking towards other people's bags." Ashido clarified his actual concern toward Shinji
"huh ?" Shinji now wondered, even more, confused, before looking towards his 'own bag'. When lifting Kurodo, it seemed like he remained still, only for Kurodo to suddenly pout while his eyes pressed, proving his expression of jealousy. Shocking Shinji before he made a nervous expression because he now realized that he had made Kurodo jealous.
"Well, at least my bag does not have to contain a cat. Anyway ... " Shinji stated before changing the subject, his expression becoming more serious while now staring directly towards Ashido's eyes while both continued walking.
"After Oyabun displayed his new gigai towards us and took Hiyori with him later on, you went with Tessai, who wanted to speak with you in private. Can you share what you both discussed?" Shinji now asked what he actually intended before they encountered Kon.
As for Ashido, after they entered a pedestrian alley where no one was around, he finally explained what Tessai had told him.
FLASHBACK
"Shiyo was the one who healed me and not Saori ?"
"Yeah. At first, She used simple healing Kido spells after you started to breathe heavily, but the more reiatsu she was spending, the stranger it became."
"how that"
"Well, after a certain while, Shiyo seemed to be in some kind of trance. What's more, her own reiatsu has somehow changed, like she was a different person altogether. And when I called out her name, she turned towards me with an emotionless stare, smiling warmly and kindly, before she looked back towards you."
"did something else happened with Shiyo?"
"After you've calmed down, Shiyo suddenly acted in her cheerful way again. And what's more, she seemed to have still enough reiatsu to heal you further."
"I see" "And, do you have any possible explanation for that ?"
"My first thought was that it has something to do with her and the other two's disappearance, that their 'time-traveling' might possibly leave some marks in their bodies, something I have already confirmed."
"You've already confirmed ?"
"yeah, first, when I examined Fujimaru and Matsuri when they were unconscious, I noticed an anomaly on each cerebellum area of their brains. So even though I was worried about their safety to examine further, I could confirm that both Fujimaru and Matsuri have the same kind of anomaly."
"And Shiyo ?"
"with her, it's more strange: when I've investigated her brain, I could not only detect an anomaly on her cerebellum but also on her hippocampus as well, which made me even more worried."
"I see," Ashido responded, "And, is there any risk that those anomalies may be somehow dangerous to them ?" Ashido asked further,
"Considering that they didn't affect their health directly until now, we can calm down. But because everyone agreed to send them three back to soul society, I've let Sanosuke-san send an encrypted message to the Kido Korps in advance." Tessai explained, making Ashido's eyes go wide in disbelief,
"You did what ? " Ashido asked angrily, taking Tessai's clothes with his own hands while slightly lifting him despite Tessai's height and weight, not believing that Tessai had contacted 'him' of all people,
"I'm fully aware why you don't get along with him, but you have my word that Azashrio-dono will watch out and protect them all, especially Shiyo-dono. It's not only your responsibility, after all," was Tessai's explanation to Ashido for his decision,
END OF FLASHBACK
"I see," Shinji stated while looking again straight on towards the road,
"So that explains why Tessai convinced us all to use only you for their memory seals."
"yeah, but there's something else I don't get, which you could explain." Ashido explained, to which Shinji turned towards him.
And then, something that hardly happened for Shinji and the other Visoreds did really happen:
Shinji saw how Ashido made an anxious expression as if there was something important he had forgotten,
"what exactly is the difference between the cerebellum and the hippocampus ?" Ashido asked with a shameful expression, disappointed towards himself that this was something he, as the 3rd Strongest Visored, right after Seireitou-Oyabun and Raian-Aniki, was supposed to know.
As for Shinji, he also kept looking towards Ashido in slight disbelief, not understanding why Ashido suddenly felt inferior. After all, Shinji himself isn't a specialist in medicine either,
"I may be wrong, but from what I remember, while the Cerebellum is responsible for a person's body movements, the hippocampus is responsible for a person's long-time memories. This means that these 'anomalies' Tessai explained to you could affect their movements somehow." Shinji explained to Ashido, who luckily understood his explanation,
"and memories as well, in Shiyo's case," Ashido added while remembering Tessai's story about Shiyo's strange behavior.
While seeing a small crossroad in front of them, both Ashido and Shinji realized that Ashido's gym bag was suddenly moving again, making both Ashido and Shinji look slightly bored,
"since I don't see anyone around, maybe we can let 'the cat out of the bag'. " Shinji suggested to Ashido, who nodded in agreement.
"I also think that's a good idea," Kurodo responded.
Ashido then tapped his bag two times before his bag presumably imploded, before both Noba and Kon appeared, lying on the floor right in front of the two Visoreds.
"Seriously,"Kon breathed heavily after feeling the 'freedom outside the bag'.
"couldn't you choose another gym bag other than this one ?" Kon wondered rather angrily, only to see Ashido staring at him rather angrily since Kon behaved instead unthankfully, although he was basically helping him out,
Kon, who felt threatened by Ashido's sudden display, started to run away in fear,
"Noba !" Ashido called his Mod-soul to catch the running Kon, who reached the nearby crossroad
"Yessir," Noba replied before teleporting.
And luckily, it was enough to catch Kon, who again tried to let go of Noba, who in turn tried to hold Kon captive with his own plushie body.
Ashido and Shinji looked slightly bored by their display.
"let me go. I don't want to have anything to do with you guys anymore," Kon complained to the other Mod-soul.
"it's not you who decides this, and you just behaved rather rudely towards Ashido-sama, so apologize now. " Noba replied rather angrily, demanding Kon apologize to Ashido for his rude behavior.
" 'apologize' my a... " Kon was about to say further, only to stop while seeing towards the sudden crossroad's left direction. Noba, who immediately looked towards where Kon was gazing, both of them standing up slowly.
"um, Ashido-sama ?" Noba called out his master, who came along with Shinji.
When finally reaching the talking plushies and turning their head, Ashido's and Shinji's eyes went slightly wide:
They saw a shining silver-colored car in front of them. What's more, Ashido noticed a spoiler behind the silver car,
"is that a sports car ?" Ashido now asked curiously while keeping his gaze at the spoiler,
"yeah, that's a Nissan Skyline GT-R34, to be precise," Kon confirmed, much to everyone else's surprise,
"didn't know you're an expert with Cars," was Noba's reply, who now felt slightly amazed by Kon's knowledge regarding Cars.
"well, Ichigo has a car magazine in his room that I've read just recently out of boredom, and this model was being displayed there," Kon explained further about his knowledge,
"but still, there's something strange about this particular car," Kurodo replied while Shinji started to come closer to that sports car, touching the car's engine bonnet,
"Well, now that you mention it. This material seems somehow special, and strangely enough, it's somehow familiar," Shinji explained curiously, still amazed by this car, despite the fact that he himself isn't interested that much in cars,
"And I know why, " Ashido replied, who also touched the car's engine bonnet and the windows.
"that's soul-made silver and soul-made glass," Ashido confirmed, making everyone look toward him in confusion,
"It's basically the Quincie's equivalent of Sekkiseki," Ashido explained further, making everyone now understand what he was talking about. Well, everyone except Kon, who still didn't understand.
"That's a material used to repel all reiryoku, which means, in this case, even the strongest spiritual beings cannot feel what's inside this car," Noba explained to Kon, who now understood more about what Ashido was talking about.
"You know, .." another familiar male voice suddenly spoke rather seriously from behind the car's spoiler, making everyone to turn around,
"I really treasure it for my car to be admired by others, but touching someone else car without permission is considered quite rude if you ask me, " the man added in his serious voice, making Shinji's and Ashido's eyes go slightly wide after turning around, seeing two familiar men.
"Namikaze, Kori," Ashido called their names, who now looked towards the red-haired man with the also familiar voice.
As for Kon, he also saw the other man with long dark purple hair already.
"wait, that voice ..." Kori wanted to ask who that was, only for him to laugh suddenly,
"hahahahaha, Ashido, is that really you ? " the man, who turned out to be Kusaka Kori, asked before continuing to laugh. In contrast, the other man, who turned out to be Fujimaru Namikaze, looked confused about why Ashido seemed so different.
LATER
After Ashido and Shinji explained their situation to Kori and Namikaze, both then looked toward the living plushies near them,
"I get it," was Kusaka's response while leaving the green turtle plushie, "so if you both have to leave your artificial bodies, you leave each of your bodies for one of those Mod-souls, as you call them until you've finished, right ?" Kori clarified while looking toward Ashido and Shinji, who nodded
"A fascinating concept, I admit," Kori stated before looking towards his fellow underling, "what do you think about it, Fuji ?" Kori asked him now about his opinion,
"It's interesting, I agree, but" Namikaze spoke while starting to walk, coming towards Kon, who began to get nervous again since Namikaze was staring at him in particular,
"you don't belong to them, am I right ?" Namikaze asked rather seriously towards Kon, who became even more nervous while Namikaze stooped towards him before taking him suddenly with his left hand without Kon realizing, thus having no chance to escape from Namikaze's grasp,
"oh, so you both know each other already ?" Kori asked towards his underling, who looked back,
"barely," Namikaze answered while looking toward his superior's eyes,
"back then, when we met Yuzu Kurosaki for the first time, she was carrying him along. I think she calls him 'Bostov'. And as soon as I saw him, I did had a strange feeling. " Fujimaru explained,
"and now I know why," Namikaze added while looking again towards Kon, "given the fact how she treated you back then, I assume that she's not aware of you, right ?" Namikaze now asked towards Kon,
"t-that's right," Kon answered nervously, only to remember why he was here in the first place, resulting in him becoming more confident,
"Anyway, you two know where Yuzu is, so tell me now," Kon shouted rather angrily while shaking his whole plushie body, resulting for Namikaze to become angry as well, pressing Kon much more while shortening the distance between them both,
"I forbid such rude behavior towards myself, let alone towards my superior, so behave, or else ..." Fujimaru threatened the Mod-soul seriously,
"Fuji ... " Kori now called him with a severe voice as well, making him calm down while both Namikaze and Kon looked towards Kori, who looked back towards Kon,
"It's nice to meet you, Bostov. I assume I'm Kusaka Kori, the second leader of the Ryu Order, the armed forces of the Ankoite."
"Well, my name is actually Kon. I'm the Mod-soul of Ichigo Kurosaki. It's nice to meet you, Kori-san." Kon introduced himself as politely as possible so that he won't get into trouble with Namikaze,
"Likewise, Kon. And regarding Yuzu, she's meeting with Naibu and stepmother, which means it might take a while, but I assure you she's safe." Kori's responded, making Kon feel slightly relieved since he finally knew that Yuzu was alright.
"Saori ?" Ashido now asked curiously before Kori looked towards the Visored, nodding.
"She was very adamant about meeting with Yuzu Kurosaki in person, but I'm afraid I can't spill more regarding that," Kori responded before he went towards his car's luggage room, opening it with his car keys.
There, he looked out for something,
"since it's relatively warm today, " Kori spoke calmly while taking something out.
"how about eating Ice cream," Kori announced while smiling at everyone else.
LATER
As everyone agreed, they all now sat on the nearby coping of the wall, eating each their ice cream while enjoying the sun. Well, everyone except the three mod-souls since they didn't really need it.
"So that means you've built that car yourself, Kori-san ?" Kon asked in disbelief after hearing from the Ankoite's second in command that he himself had tuned that car,
"Both Hiroshi-Taishogun and Kori-sama not only were the apprentices of one of the most successful Quincy-scientist ever, but they're both also talented tinkerers. Besides being car mechanics, they're also able to create other useful devices, like our 'colors' here. " Namikaze explained to Kon, who was sitting on his left before he continued eating the ice cream his superior offered,
"the glowing arrow pendants? Not bad, I guess, But" Kon stated before turning towards Kori, who sat left next to Kon,
"I'm more curious about the car. Is that the only example, or do you possess more cars like this ?" Kon asked the ice-cream-eating Kori curiously, while already Imagining how he would drive that cool-looking car while a handful of beautiful hot girls were sitting along with him in the car,
"Unfortunately, that's the only one, but who knows, maybe I'll tune much more cars in the future," Kori replied to Kon's answer before continuing to eat his own ice cream,
"Well, thank you for treating us with ice cream, Kori-san, but" Ashido, who sat next left to Kori, replied after eating his ice cream altogether,
"I doubt it's alright for us to sit on other people's property," Ashido added his concern while looking toward the house behind him,
"I understand your concern, Ashido, but first," Kori spoke again before biting on his ice,
"everything WITHIN the wall is considered other people's property, not the wall itself, and second," Kori stated before biting again,
"That's our property anyway, so don't worry," Kori added rather confidently before finally finishing his own ice cream as well,
"couldn't you say that much earlier," Ashido stated in slight disbelief, wondering why Kori made him concerned while, in fact, this property belonged to the Ankoite,
"Anyway, If I remember correctly, you mentioned that you'll mobilize the 'entire gang'. Did they arrive already? " Kori now asked towards the two Visoreds curiously.
"Even though Oyabun mentioned that Rinnobo-Aniki and his group possibly arrived already, we both still haven't encountered him in person," Ashido explained,
"no wonder, Considering what he first does when visiting other cities." Shinji, who sat left of Ashido, spoke before continuing to eat his own ice cream
"but now that you mention it, I also wanted to ask you if you both succeeded," Shinji now asked further after finishing his own ice,
"with what ?" Kori wondered what Shinji was talking about,
" about Ishida, " Shinji answered while now looking towards Kori, "will we get support from the 'Weisskreuz'? "
"Oh, that, well, it's a bit complicated," Kori admitted while looking down,
"how complicated? " Shinji asked curiously,
"since they're already supporting us back in Grat, they could hardly be devoided of their members, which means that only one more, besides Ishida himself, will be able to help us here. " Kori explained to the Visoreds, who saw the slightly concerned expression on Kori's face,
"and who ?" Shinji now asked curiously,
Kori remained silent before answering,
"Pellinore," Kori finally answered, making Ashido now look in slight concern,
"she of all people ... " Ashido responded in a bit of shame while putting his left hand in front of his face, noticed by Noba, who sat between Ashido and Kori,
"Something wrong, Ashido-sama? " Noba asked concerningly towards his master,
"you look like you've been blown away by a bomb," Shinji commented, wondering what exactly was wrong with Ashido, even though Shinji had a slight idea.
"It's nothing ... " Ashido responded while avoiding eye contact with everyone, his face slightly red, making Kori grin widely.
"oh come on, don't tell me that ... wait a sec ... "Kori spoke towards Ashido before looking towards Shinji, who made a slightly confused expression,
"He didn't tell you ?" Kori asked in slight disbelief,
"I guess he didn't. Please tell me," was Shinji's reply to Kori before looking towards Ashido, grinning as well, now even more curiously.
Kori then started telling the story of Adra Pellinore, a Quincy who, even as a child, was found and raised by Saori herself. She became her official guardian at a young age, also witnessing the Shinigami-Quincy war 1000 years ago, even briefly fighting against Seireitou himself. Adra was considered a true berserk on the battlefield, even by the most powerful Quincies back then. Her most terrifying feature was that she was considered too 'masculine' for a woman, which wasn't welcome back then, obviously, making most Quincy men afraid of her.
However, around 150 Years ago, after Ashido was saved by both the Visoreds and Ankoite, they, Kori and Kenji, and most others encountered Adra for the first time.
"And when finally encountering our dear Ashido, guess what he said to her," Kori stated, making Ashido now put both his hands in front of his face in shame, making everyone else, especially Kon, looking towards him,
"Ashido ?" Kori demanded from him while grinning,
"screw you," Ashido replied in shy anger since Kori was obviously exposing him right now,
"he replied that he didn't want to fight against a beautiful woman. " Kori responded before everyone started to laugh. Then, everyone except Noba saw Ashido press his whole body, similar to Noba when he pressed his entire plushy-body inside his turtle armor.
"I see," Shinji started to speak while touching Ashido's shoulder with his right arm,
"I understand you've sought female company, Aniki, but her of all people ?" Shinji added curiosity in excitement since he had never heard that story before while also remembering that Kori had just described her as' masculine' compared to other women.
"I just returned from Hueco Mundo after one and a half-century, so please don't judge me," Ashido replied in a slightly depressing voice,
"But that wasn't even the best part."
"It wasn't ?" Kon now asked curiously, wondering what could be funnier than for Ashido to make such a stupid compliment towards such an 'unpleasant' woman as Kon would call such women,
"the best was that she did 'return' it," Kori answered, making now everyone look in disbelief,
"s-so she liked being called beautiful by him ?" Kon now questioned in disbelief,
"she said it was the first time someone was serious towards her about that." Ashido now spoke again towards everyone, making Kon especially look towards him.
Shinji meanwhile put his arm on Ashido's shoulder,
"Well, no wonder, after all ... " Shinji spoke while grinning again,
"Ashido here is really lucky with women, something he already proved back then in the soul society," Shinji explained, making Kon and even Fujimaru look towards Shinji, who somehow became proud of his fellow Visored,
"Seireitou and Raian already mentioned something the like," Kori confirmed Shinji's claim,
"they both said that half of the women of the 'high soul society' alone have 'encountered' you." Kori stated in a slightly playful manner while referring to the Shinigamis and souls of the soul society's noble families, making everyone understand what Kori is talking about, especially how he emphasized the word 'encountered'.
"OK, THAT'S A LIE" Ashido now finally lifted his head while looking towards Kori,
"How was it them ?" Kori now questioned curiously,
"it was only two women from the noble families," Ashido responded instead harshly, only to realize what he had just said, resulting in him holding his mouth with his right hand, his face becoming beet red.
"Oh, so you did 'encounter' a few of them, well." Kori teased Ashido further,
"I'm not talking further." Ashido replied while looking away,
"at least our upcoming mission won't be as boring as it seems." Shinji now proclaimed, making Kori and Namikaze curiously again,
"your upcoming mission ?" Namikaze now asked,
"Yeah," Shinji confirmed, "since Oyabun is interested in recruiting Ichigo Kurosaki, he wants Ashido and me to plant us into the Karakura High School," he explained further,
"I see, so that explains the 'gigai', but " Namikaze now wondered,
"how exactly are you going to be planted there ?" he asked further,
"While I'll act as a student, Ashido will act as a teacher. That's the plan," Shinji said,
"a teacher? " Kori replied while chuckling again, "sounds more complicated than being a student, to be honest, and what subjects will you teach? " Kori now asked while looking again towards Ashido,
"sport and art," was Ashido's calm reply,
"To make it more believable, it'll pretend to be there on a prevocational traineeship than being an actual teacher," Ashido added. At the same time, Shinji looked towards him, astonishingly at how seriously Ashido must have elaborated that plan.
"I can't wait to see how the young high school girls will react to that, " Shinji replied.
Luckily, the two Visoreds, the two Ankoite, and the three mod-souls continued speaking without being disturbed too much.
HUECO MUNDO
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND, STUPID NII-SAMA ?" Loly Aivirrne, who had become an Arrancar by now, asked towards Ckaius, who was bounded inside one of the jail rooms before kicking him with one of her feet on his head. At the same time, Bella, Menoly, and Luppi witnessed how their superior was being kicked.
"w-well, it accidentally slipped out of my mouth, I guess," Ckaius replied, slightly fearful while trying to shake off any responsibility from his shoulders.
" 'I guess' my a. " Loly replied rather angrily, only for her to be stopped by Bella, who held Loly back,
"let me do this now," Bella said to Loly with a smile before looking towards Ckaius angrily, also kicking him with one of her feet, also hurting him in the process,
"I doubt that this will resolve anything," Luppi replied boringly while looking at how his leader was being kicked by both his comrades,
"Why did you have to insult Suzunami-sama? Just what is wrong with you, nii-sama " Bella asked angrily as well, like Loly, who also kept looking angry towards her bounded 'older brother'.
Loly was about to continue again, only to be stopped by Bella a second time, to see that Bella, as well as Luppi and Menoly, looked towards the jail room's door, seeing that a familiar Arrancar had just entered,
"Ulquiorra ?" Bella asked him curiously, only to see how he stepped aside while starting to bow,
It was at this moment that Caius, Bella, and the other remaining Arrancar in the jail room realized who had come along with Ulquiorra, making them four bow immediately as well,
"Aizen-sama," Ckaius spoke in surprise while seeing how the brown-haired Shinigami stepped inside his jail room.
As for Aizen himself, he now saw the bounded Ckaius while noticing a few bulges on his face before turning his head towards the other present Arrancars,
"it seems your fraction has already started punishing you for your behavior, Ckaius," Aizen finally spoke towards the bounded Arrancar,
"that's true," Ckaius confirmed before Aizen turned towards his fráction,
"thank you for starting to reprimand him, but I wish to talk with Ckaius alone if possible." Aizen now demanded in a calm voice, but everyone immediately understood that this was a strict order,
"of course, Aizen-sama." Bella replied before the four Arrancar stood up and left the room immediately,
"Now, from what I've heard from Seigen-san and Bansui-sempai," Aizen spoke to Ckaius,
"It seems we will have a long talk, Ckaius," was Aizen's statement before Ulqiorra closed and locked the jail door.
(ENDING: Kenshi Yonezu – Pale Blue)