Bleach (c) Tite Kubo
Black and Blue
Observation
"I saw it with my very own eyes, I swear. You've got to believe me, Mizuiro!"
Keigo Asano pleads desperately, arms sweeping and flailing dramatically about to emphasize his point on their way to the bus station after school concluded for the day, ignorant to the strange looks from other pedestrians in the process.
His voice lowers to conspiratorial tones, casting shifty looks about for eavesdroppers. "He's been press-gagged into the Yakuza - it's the only explanation that makes sense!"
Mizuiro Kojima doesn't bother looking up from his phone, simply indulging Keigo's latest round of preposterous theories with his typical polite indifference. He suspects Keigo will be at this topic for quite a while.
Point of fact, Keigo's been droning on about this whimsical tale for the last ten minutes now.
Not for the first time, Mizuiro says, "You're being ridiculous, Mr Asano."
"Hey!" Keigo bemoans, dismayed before thrusting a finger at his friend. "What did I say about going all formal on me all of a sudden. Stop it, its creeping me out!"
"Even if a tenth of what you've said is true, Ichigo doesn't even have an older brother. He doesn't have any extended family at all outside his father and sisters. None that he's ever told us about." Mizuiro reminds him casually.
"Ah ha!" Keigo jumps on that point, "Right there; 'none that he's ever told us about' - so you admit that its possible!"
"I've never said anything of the kind. As entertaining as this line of thought is; the idea of Ichigo having a long lost older brother with ties to the criminal underworld? That sounds pretty lame. Like some sort of half-baked plot twist you'd see on some B-Grade TV soap opera." Mizuiro's tone doesn't change but he leaps on the chance to rile up his friend just a little more, "I never figured that sort of entertainment was your thing. Funny. I always had you pegged as a mindless cheesy action fan. But hearing you confess to watching soap operas? Explains a lot."
The barb goes right over Keigo's head in favour of his insistence on this outlandish tale. "I've already explained it all to you! The reason Ichigo didn't tell us anything is 'cause he's ashamed. His big brother's clearly estranged! Disowned by the family."
Mizuiro finally looks at his friend, a single eyebrow raised as though questioning his intelligence. "... really? If they were estranged then why'd you see them laughing together?"
"And that's another thing! He made Ichigo laugh. Laugh! When he ever laughed at any of my jokes?!" Keigo balks at the very notion.
"You just need better material."
Yet another barb that flies over Keigo's head who persists. "You gotta listen to me, Mizuiro. I saw the guy; he looks exactly like Ichigo if he dyed his hair black! Like, full-on twins; but if Ichigo got fed face-first into a meatgrinder, had a gold tooth, got decked with tattoos - He even had a sword with him. A freaking sword! No way he'd be wearing that much ink if he wasn't some kinda criminal!"
Mizuiro's nose scrunches, trying to picture that image in his mind's eye.
The best he can come up with is an insultingly deformed mishmash of Ichigo and his sister Karin's face. Somehow he's imagining a beard and skin lousy with mismatched scars, like something out of a horror film monster. Or every cliché Saturday morning cartoon villain ever.
With a light shake of the head, Mizuiro clears his head of that disturbing image. "I'm sure you're just overexaggerating things as usual, Mr Asano. Maybe you should become a published author with all these zany ideas?"
"Its not just that. Haven't you noticed Ichigo's been acting super weird and extra cagey lately! Like, not just him putting on his grumpy jerk shtick - this is way worse than normal. Did you know he doesn't even hang out with me at the arcades anymore? And he's been skipping school on odd days too, and he's not telling anyone where he's going either! He even skipped out today! What's up with that?" Keigo goes on, ignoring or not caring about Mizuiro's counter.
"What happens in Ichigo's private life is his own business. He's not getting arrested any time soon so we shouldn't worry about it." Mizuiro dismisses irreverently. "Regardless of any of that, your theory still maintains its fatal flaw: Ichigo doesn't have a brother. Older or otherwise."
Mizuiro arches an eyebrow, finally peeling his eyes away from his phone to stare pointedly at Keigo. "Besides you have met Ichigo, right? You know he's never exactly been a social butterfly at the best of time. Getting him to hang out has always been a coin toss on a good day; why are you so surprised that he's repeating a clearly established pattern of behaviour?"
"Yeah, but this isn't just him being all nerdy and studying all the time!" Keigo deflects, returning to the weave of his elaborate tale, "This is serious: It's so obvious! Mr Kurosaki had a kid from a previous life but they had a falling out so the kid ran off and fell into a life of crime when he was super young. And at some point, he joined the Yakuza! - That's how he got all the scars and tatts and even the sword! Now he's back looking to recruit his baby half-brother! All the pieces fit the puzzle!"
Keigo leans in suspiciously, glancing to and fro once more, suddenly conscious of imagined enemies in the shadows, "Haven't you noticed Ichigo's been coming to school with loads and loads of bruises lately, too? Like he's been through one hell of a fight? It's 'cause he's goin' through some kinda initiation right now! He's probably been beatin' up rival gangsters all over town and all that stuff to prove his membership."
Mizuiro found that theory even more implausible than the first.
"And that brings us to the second logical hole in your so-called 'theory'. You've met Mr. Kurosaki." Mizuiro reminds him. "You know how mad he is about his kids. What makes you think there's any bone in that guy's body that'd abandon a son to a life of crime?"
"Besides, Ichigo beats up bullies and all their ilk as a twisted hobby. Him coming to school with bruises has always been a fact of life. You need to be more attentive to your friends, Mr Asano."
"But I am being attentive!" Keigo pleads hysterically, "I'm trying to look out for one of my best buddies in the whole wide world, and you're being so dismissive and cold!"
"Because its much more likely Ichigo got those bruises hunting down the punks who beat the crap out of Chad. You know how those two get." Mizuiro suggests and in his opinion the far more humble, more plausible theory.
That being said, he's not completely immune to the same concerns.
Ichigo's... well, he's been acting weirder lately. Not just the recent weeks either. Admittedly, Ichigo did seem to be going through a rough patch a couple weeks back but something must've snapped him out of it. He bounced back to normal levels of irascible instead of the grizzled 'something's bothering me but I don't want to talk about it because emotional constipation' irritable he usually is.
That latest episode was probably the catalyst for Keigo's fresh round of outlandish theories.
Frankly, this pattern of behaviour has been going on for months now. Since before the summer break now Mizuiro thought about it. Plus, Ichigo's been getting super jacked recently. He was always lean and well built from a near lifetime of practicing martial arts, but these days Ichigo's built like a brick house (and its definitely drawn a few female admirers, not that Ichigo possesses the social grace to notice.)
It's not just him either. Chad, Orihime and Uryuu have been acting oddly as well. They left at the end of last term and came back seemingly closer than ever. Like they'd all gone on vacation together.
Honestly, Mizuiro couldn't imagine a more mismatched set of unlikely friends.
Idly, he does wonder what exactly is going on with them, but he decides if they're not having any real issues - none that seem particularly harrowing or life threatening at any rate, then he'll keep his thoughts to himself.
At the core of it, Mizuiro has to admit he's equally as worried about their steady exclusion from what was a solid quartet of friends at the start of the year. It seems as the days go by, their friends pull further and further away.
It's... troubling. Whatever's making them pull away, whatever they're involved in, Mizuiro only hopes they're not in over their heads.
"Glad to see you're still in top fighting form."
Ichigo's focus snaps up from the disintergating Hollow, wide eyed at the sound of a familiar voice.
Sure enough, the Hollow dissolves into reishi than nothing revaling Rukia Kuchiki standing at the edge of the street where Ichigo had dumped his body, arms folded over her chest and a smile on her lips.
She's clearly wearing a gigai and the familiar girl's uniform of Karakura High. He's happy to see her about, but his mood is brought down by the next question; that being what is she doing here.
Either she's snuck out of Soul Society to pay them all a visit (Ichigo doubts that very much) or some hijinks are afoot.
Given the Arrancar crap recently? Ichigo can bank pretty heavily on the latter. A suspicion confirmed by Rukia's follow up.
"And here I thought I was going to find you moping in a corner after those Arrancars knocked the stuff out of you the other day. I was planning on spending the rest of the afternoon whipping your sorry backside back into fighting shape."
Ichigo snorts derisively, "And a fine 'how do you do' to you, too." He breaks into a light jog to close the distance and Rukia steps aside to allow him to reclaim his body. "Not that I'm not glad to see you or anything like that, but what the hell are you doing here? I thought you said you decided to stay in the Soul Society?"
"Mmm. That was my plan, but I've got my orders. Sorry to say this isn't just a social call." Rukia reveals as Ichigo climbs back to his feet, stretching his arms and legs and comfortably back in human skin. "Soul Society detected the incursion the other day and deployed a forward vanguard in an attempt to head off further invasions by those Arrancars. I heard you got your ass squarely handed to you on a platter."
Ichigo winces at the description. His instinct is to retort with some witty sarcasm but truthfully, Rukia isn't that far off the mark. Though completely healed his shoulder still twinges at the memory.
"Yeah, I did. Only real permanant damage was a bruise to my ego." Ichigo blows out a heavy breath, forking his fingers through his hair while guilt knots his guts. He continues in a more subdued tone, "They got Chad pretty good before I got there. Orihime's done a good job healing him up but he's still having issues. Something about the Arrancar's reiatsu lingering and interfering with her technique."
"I know. I spoke to Orihime earlier today." Rukia reveals.
Ichigo gives a single nod of acknowledgement, "I was actually on my way to check up on him, but... ya know, best laid plans and pesky Hollow ambushes."
Rukia casts a scrutinizing look his way, "The six of us showed up at your school, you can imagine our disappointment and-slash-or embarrassment to find out you'd skipped out on classes today." A teasing lint enters her tone, "You're gonna fall behind your studies if you keep that up."
Ichigo resists the urge to roll his eyes. Knowing Rukia, she'd probably brain him if he gave a sarcastic quip about her being a real mother hen. Given Kaien's behaviour towards him, did he instil that habit into Rukia too? Or were they both massive nags who fussed over him by default? Safe bet was probably a bit of Column A and a bit of Column B.
Ichigo visibly winces when the thought strikes him.
Right.
Kaien.
That topic... is going to be fun to discussion. And by fun, Ichigo means he'd probably prefer to find that Arrancar who punched a hole through his shoulder and ask pretty please to punch him in the face instead, if only to avoid that awkward chestnut.
Ichigo should probably send his cousin a quick text.
To distract himself from that thought, Ichigo decides to latch onto Rukia's comment.
"Wait. The six of you? Who else did you bring with you?" Ichigo questions, eyebrows raised in surprise.
Rukia confirms with a nod, "That's right. The Captain Commander ordered an assembly of Lieutenant class or higher Shinigami to assemble. Renji mustered a taskforce under Captain Hitsuguya. He's here, along with Third seat Madarame, Fifth Seat Ayasegawa and Lieutenant Matsumoto. They're currently gathered at Urahara's shop conferring with Kisuke about the enemy's strength and capabilities, and they sent me to look for you. They want to debrief you about what happened."
Rukia eyes him sceptically, "Where were you? I thought you tried to avoid skipping out on school if you could help it."
Ichigo hesitates, scratching the back of his head, closing his eyes and blowing out a deep breath, "I, um..."
He's trying to think of a way to negotiate around outright lying. Rukia deserved better than that.
And if anyone had any right to know, it was her.
Ichigo never promised Kaien he'd keep the latter's survival a secret if Soul Society came calling either, but its not exactly a subject he can blurt out to Rukia either. Especially with that whole 'execute hollowfied Shinigami' thing hanging over their heads.
Then there's their prior track record of suspiciously murdered officers springing back to life and causing calamity. It wouldn't take much for the Shinigami or Soul Society in general to leap to the worst conclusions. Boy who cried wolf and all that.
Ichigo doesn't even want to keep the two from talking either, but Rukia kind of did kill Kaien at one point.
On the whole Kaien's been pretty blasé about his bungie jump off the mortal coil whenever its been broached to the point of mockery and self depreciation, but there's bound to be a mountain of awkward and complex unresolved feelings there. Hell, Ichigo knows there's lingering issues on Rukia's side, even after Kukaku forgave her (after Kukaku gave her a few extra knocks to quit her constant attempts at apology thereafter).
For Kaien's part, he didn't seem to hold any grudges to begin with. Rukia's sword killed him but his older cousin adamantly lays the blame of his murder at Aizen's feet alone and Ichigo can't blame him.
Its a dicey situation across the board.
Sending that heads-up text bounces a little higher up on his priorities list. The sooner he warns Kaien, the better. The sooner they can meet and clear the air about that whole debacle, and Ichigo wouldn't be forced to walk on eggshells.
"I just..." Ichigo closes his eyes and breaths out deeply, "Something personal stuff happened. I needed some time to sort it all out in my head. And after I dealt with it I just wasn't in any real mood to go to school today, that's all."
Rukia eyes him over critically, scrutinizing his words for any trace of a lie.
As individual statements floating in the void, they was entirely correct. Ichigo only left out exactly what that topic was and who he'd discussed it with.
But there's something about the way Rukia looks at him. She clearly senses the lie of omission. There's a strange emotion in her eyes, a war playing out between wanting to leave the matter alone and an uncharacteristic anxiety that's approaching desperation. Like she's wrestling whether or not to confront him on the matter.
Fortunately, Rukia arrives at whatever conclusion she needs after an agonizingly long minute, breathing out a sigh before facing forwards.
"I won't ask, then." Rukia declares with steel in her voice, seemingly more for herself than his benefit. "If its a private matter then I have no right to intrude."
Ichigo's grateful for that much.
"But if you don't mind me asking about one thing from a more professional stand point; it won't interfere with your current duties as a substitute too much, will it? Is it going to become that kind of problem?"
Ichigo shakes his head earnestly and feels the tension drain from his shoulders, he has no problem telling the truth here. "No. No, it won't bother me ever again."
"Then that's enough. I don't need to know anymore. Whatever it was, I'm glad that its over with. Now come with me. We've kept Captain Hitsuguya and the others waiting long enough." Rukia nods her head towards Ichigo.
"Yeah, yeah." Ichigo grumbles half-heartedly. "But we're checking in on Chad along the way. That's not up for discussion."
"Of course. What, you think just because I've been gone few a few months I'm heartless all of a sudden?" Ichigo sees the beginnings of a teasing smile on her face. "By the way, I see you've handling things just fine with your shiny new Combat Pass; the Arrancars not withstanding. Pretty convenient, huh? But you better not get into the habit of leaving your body around too much. It'll cause a commotion if you're not careful, then I'll be stuck cleaning up your messes again."
"What, just like old times?" Ichigo quips, ignoring the fact that 'old times' was maybe four months ago tops?
Rukia gives an exaggerated sigh, "You took so much looking after. Honestly, it was a miracle you didn't age me up and turn me gray."
"Like you were any kind of saint. You were just as much a pain in the ass, yourself."
"Excuse me?" Rukia turns on his sharply, putting on a show of looking absolutely aghast. "Remind me which idiot lured a Menos grande to the town because he couldn't control his reiatsu?"
"Hey, that's not fair. You can't pin that crap on me. Blame Uyruu and his stupid Quincy hollow bait! Besides, I-"
As if no time had passed at all, they slipped easily back into their familiar bickering routine.
"What is it you wished to discuss, Shunsui?"
Captain Commander Yamamoto Genryusai's rumbling tones echoed through his office and hasn't lost its power in the least. One calculating eye peeled open and pinning his one-time student in place. Makes Kyoraku feel like a freshman student at Shin'ou Academy all over again, brought into the old man's office for another disciplinary action for some harmless boyhood mischief.
At the centre of the Seireitei, in Division One's barrack, Captain Kyoraku had arrive. Lieutenant Sasakibe had guided him through the large set of white double doors emblazed with the Division's iconic Chrysanthemum flower, announcing his presence and allowing entry before promptly being dismissed.
Captain Retsu Unohana was already present by the time Kyoraku arrived and he inclined his head politely in greeting to his great senior.
Shunsui had one goal in mind today, and he would not be leaving this room until he got it.
It was a gamble of long odds. Said as much, both to Ukitake and himself. But some gambles are worth taking.
Even if Jushiro wanted everything tied up in a pretty bow, sometimes the best method of attack is the direct approach.
"It seems to me, and I doubt its escaped you or the good Captain Unohana here, that we've experienced something of a staffing shortage in recent months. And our new recruits simply aren't measuring up to the standards we need them to. In that light, I've given some thought to some of our current predicament and might have a few suggestions about how we can remedy this situation in an efficient manner."
"Do not waste my time with obfuscations, Shunsui." Yamamoto instructs firmly.
"Very well. I'll try to be as blunt in my assessments as possible, but there's a great deal to get through." Kyoraku begins, between the old man's arched eyebrow and Unohana's polite questioning expression, he skips to the point.
"I daresay we can all agree that Sosuke Aizen's actions warrant a thorough scrutiny of all command and policy decisions made over his past centuries of service to our Gotei 13. Perhaps even before that. Don't you think so, Old man Yama?"
"That is only the prudent course of action, but you did not come here to make such obvious observations. Speak plainly." Yamamoto remarks in a tone suggesting his thin patience is nearing its end.
Kyoraku throws caution to the wind. "In our present circumstance, I think I may know somewhere we can find a surplus of Captain-Class or higher Shinigami who have the skills and experience to fill the void in our ranks; some of whom might just be willing to accept those positions to spite Aizen if nothing else."
Yamamoto's calculating gaze is unwavering.
Captain Unohana turns to face Kyoraku, a subtle questioning expression on her face. "Do you mean to suggest that we extend an invitation to former Captains Urahara and Shihoin to re-join our regular forces?"
"Not just Kisuke Urahara or Yoruichi Shihoin. As you're no doubt aware, there's still eight unaccounted exiles out there." Kyoraku reminds them gently.
"You mean to suggest that Shinji Hirako and his compatriots survive to this day in the World of the Living?" Yamamoto inquires.
"The Omnitsukido might be skilled in stealth and assassination, but Captains would not go down without a fight. If they had found our missing officers, we would know about it through sheer collateral damage. Over the last century, there's been no such reports of any kind of confrontation. I believe its safe to assume they've managed to hide themselves from our sight extraordinarily well. And if they are still alive, Kisuke Urahara would undoubtedly possess them means to find them. He's the one who helped them escape execution in the first place." Kyoraku explains candidly, "More than that, there's also a host of talented ex-Shinigami who've scattered to the winds. Unlike Hirako and his fellows, these Shinigami remain in Rukongai proper."
The Captain-Commander doesn't miss a trick and knows exactly which conglomerate of ex-Shinigami Kyoraku's referring to. Already the old man's considering the angles.
"You believe the Shiba clan would be amenable to such an arrangement? Or the Gotei 13? Need I remind you they had abandoned us at our hour of need?"
"After we had already buried a dagger in their backs not a week after they'd lost one of their most precious sons and his lady wife. If there is a party here who must beg for clemency, it is us." Kyoraku counters.
"Without uttering so much as a reason why, I might add. I daresay if we ask, neither the Shiba nor those holding the executioner blades know the reason either. There's no records, official or otherwise on the matter. The Omnitsukido was deployed on little more than baseless whispers and rumour mongering." Kyoraku points out, tipping down his sakkat, "And let us also remember that while they may have facilitated the Ryoka invasion of Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions to rescue Rukia Kuchiki, Kukaku Shiba herself entered the battlefield to assist us in fighting off those brainwashed by Sosuke Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu."
"It is true. Despite their exile, they have still continued to provide vital assistance. Albeit in obtuse ways." Unohana notes.
"If we approach them in a spirit of contrition, its quite possible that Kukaku Shiba may be convinced to rally the scattered remnants under her banner and pull them back into the fold. You can't deny there'd be thoroughly compelling reasons for them to return; a promise of vengeance against the one who turned their comrades against them in the first place might serve as a particularly enticing example." Kyoraku finishes.
"By your words, it seems you are suggesting that Sosuke Aizen had a hand in facilitating the disgrace of the Shiba clan." Yamamoto observes shrewdly.
"One of our five royal families excommunicated without being told why? No official charges were ever laid against them, treasonous or otherwise. Their banishment took a good third of our Kido Corp, frontline soldiers and a sizable civilian reserve with them. We were left scrambling to pick up the pieces and our standing forces significantly weakened. Casualties skyrocketed and our economy still hasn't completely recovered these past sixty years."
Kyoraku meets his former teacher's gaze coolly, "Combined with Hirako's circumstances; if we look back on these events now that Aizen has ousted himself as a traitor, doesn't it seem likely the former Captains deliberately manipulated us into sabotaging ourselves? To cripple our capabilities and keep us chasing ghosts and shadows while they freely orchestrated their grand schemes of rebellion right under our noses?"
Yamamoto is silent. His ancient face a perfect mask and Kyoraku can't catch even a hint of what he's thinking.
"If nothing else, then for the sake of serving the world's justice; don't you think it's about time we attempted to correct these unforgivable stains on our own honour? To allow our former friends finally share their side of the tale?"
"Have you proof to back up such allegations?" Yamamoto asked neutrally.
"No proof. Only a supposition. One that weaves a very compelling tale that could even be true I think." Kyoraku admits matter-of-factly. "However, I do believe we owe it to Shinji Hirako to finally listen to what he had to say on the matter. I believe there's a strong possibility it will corroborate Kisuke Urahara's original testimony from that trial a century ago."
"I concur, Captain-Commander." Captain Unohana speaks up at last. She turns to face the old man. "If we take into consideration the true nature illusionary of Kyoka Suigetsu, then we cannot know how many of our decisions were of our own laws and how many were the product of Aizen's machinations. I believe we must re-examine everything we once held as truth. That includes the mislabelling of our former comrades as criminals. In all likelihood, they were removed to allow Aizen and his coconspirators access into positions of great power and influence, allowing them to move freely."
"There remains an issue that Central 46 will not tolerate easily: Hirako and his ilk have obtained Hollow powers." Yamamoto observes.
"If I may, Captain-Commander," Unohana interjects politely. "It is true that our laws strictly forbid the illegal acquisition of hollow powers, however those laws operate under the express scenario by which those attempting to gain those forbidden powers made the conscious decision to do so. There is no provision for those whom have had the powers forced upon them against their will. There are additional provisions within our canticles that permit the dismissal of Class 1 Capital offences in a wartime scenario."
"To add to Captain Unohana's point, Rukia Kuchiki's recent crime of illegally transferring her powers to the human Ichigo Kurosaki was dismissed due to his actions inadvertantly saving the Seireitei from even greater collateral damage when Aizen committed his exodus. I can't speak for my good senior here, but I do believe Sosuke Aizen all but declared war on us the minute that Negación carried him to the bowels of Hueco Mundo." Kyoraku informs them.
Yamamoto remains silent. Pensive. Considering their words carefully. "Very well. I will take your recommendation under advisement. Is there anything else you'd wish to discuss, Shunsui?"
"There is one last thing, Old man Yama." Kyoraku continues. This part wasn't a gamble, more him trying to do a favour.
Yamamoto waits for him to finish. "Presuming you decide its worth the trouble trying to persuade our exiles to return home; might I suggest you send Jushiro to treat with them? Jushiro was always closer to the former Captain Shinji Hirako than I was. If I might be so bold; sending him to discuss terms with Hirako's group as our representative might yield the most favourable outcome between ourselves and the exiles. Shinji might just be convinced to hear us out in the name of that previous friendship alone."
A little white lie.
Truthfully, their friendship was about even. Kyoraku and Ukitake rarely went anywhere without the other while off duty. But Kyoraku has an ulterior motive at play.
Kyoraku at least had the luxury of solace knowing Lisa was out there somewhere, surviving.
Ukitake didn't.
Kyoraku considers this the least he can do for his best friend. "While he's attending negotiations on our behalf, Nanao and I can assume Jushiro's responsibilities and take over the investigation in the Daireishokairo."
"You believe Jushiro can secure their cooperation?" Yamamoto inquires.
"I believe he's the best candidate to try."
Yamamoto pins him in place with that calculating gaze. "It would appear you've given this a great deal of thought, Shunsui."
Kyoraku remains passively, his languid expression unchanging. "I'd be lying if I said I haven't."
Yamamoto answers brusquely. "Very well. Contact Kisuke Urahara at once and inform him of our request. If the former Captain Hirako is still alive, doubtlessly Kisuke Urahara will have the means to reach out and offer our terms. The details of which I will provide to Captain Ukitake once we confirm our missive has been recieved. Attend to it immediately."
Kyoraku bows his head, his outward demeanour is his usual relaxed detachment but a profound satisfaction and sense of victory overcomes him. It's all he can do not to grin and dance a jig on the spot like a little boy.
"Then I shall be off as well, Captain-Commander." Unohana gives a respectful bow of her own before following Kyoraku out of the office.
"My thanks for your assistance on this matter, Captain Unohana. I appreciate it." Kyoraku inclines his head in sincere gratitude to his senior after the First Division's great doors close with a resounding boom.
Unohana's head gently sways from side to side, "There is no need to thank me. We committed a grave sin a century ago. We chose not to stand with our comrades in their darkest night. If the opportunity presents itself we are obligated to make amends where possible and pray they would be willing to forgive our transgressions."
Kyoraku smiles genially, approving the sentiment but it fades fractionally when she pins him with a knowing look out of the corner of her eye, "Though I sense you were less than truthful with the Captain-Commander just now."
"I'm simply exploring any and all possible avenues of rebuilding our strength to face down the threat of Aizen Sosuke. It's a little slack on their part that there's eleven fine former officers and an entire clan of powerful warriors out there sitting on their loreals while we scramble to muster our defences, don't you think?" Kyoraku says with the air of making a joke.
"Now our eyes are no longer clouded by deception, we're free to right whatever wrongs we can. Against our former officers, and against one of our five royal families. Even if we have to get down on our hands and knees to beg their forgiveness."
"And you mean to earn such a thing by offering the Shiba Clan the burgeoning talents of a newly discovered young scion?" Captain Unohana offers serenely.
Kyoraku meets her even gaze then tips his hat down and feels a capitulating smile play on his lips. His estimate was right on the money, then.
"You are as observant as ever, Captain."
Author's note:
Okay. Ichigo's friends are convinced he has a brother. Ichigo's trying not to twist himself into knots about how to tell Kaien Rukia's in town, and Shunsui's got the ball rolling.
All and all, productive chapter. :)
Regards,
Aurora313