Notice: Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo/Shueisha, Studio Pierrot, dentsu, TV Tokyo and Viz Media. This particular story is my creation.


Arc Two: Chapter 23 – Encounters


\\

"Orihime...stay behind me. I'll handle this guy."

"Okay." Orihime nodded to her friend, and moved behind him. Yes, she was a little scared, but she remembered what Mrs. Kurosaki said to her a few days ago...

"What's wrong Miss Inoue?"

Orihime had just registered that she was being spoken to. Flustered, she initially struggled to give a proper response.

"O-O-Oh, n-n-n-n-no need to call me Miss Inoue, you can call me Orihime, Mrs. Kurosaki!" She comically waved her hands around.

"Okay then, Orihime it is." Masaki smiled warmly to the young woman.

Orihime's throat hitched and heart stuttered. It had been years since she was shown true kindness from an adult (especially a woman and mother). Not even her own mother had been that gracious (instead she...)

"I can see you're troubled. About what? I'm not sure. However, if this is concerning the rescue mission and the inevitable battles ahead...I have some advice I'd like to give you."

Orihime looked up in response. Masaki continued.

"I can see you're a pacifist at heart, and most would see that as unsuitable to combat. However, compassion is a strength, that must be weighed with duty. Use it wisely; for it will give you power when you truly need it."

Masaki gave Orihime a grin, and walked away. Leaving the young woman to her thoughts.

'Okay, just like Mrs. Kurosaki said.' She decided to believe in herself, to not be scared and to fight for her friends.

Meanwhile...

Chad was looking on at the rather weird fellow in front of him. Apparently this guy's name was Tatsufusa Enjōji, he was an Assistant Adjutant (so Third Seat if Chad remembered correctly) for Squad 8 and...he talked far too much. Also too loud for the largely quiet young man.

And now he was...

"HAHAHA! See now my excellent sword skills!" The Soul Reaper was clearly enjoying himself too much. His sword technique was at least impressive enough, to create some decent back draft (and to not be seen by the average eye).

But...he was getting on Chad's nerves, so...

"Hrmph!"

"ARRGH!"

A swift uppercut connected to the jaw of the Soul Reaper, and launched him to the far side of Seireitei (?).

"Chad. We needed him for questioning!" Orihime was aghast at the actions of her friend. Sure, that Soul Reaper was annoying, but they had a mission!

"...umm...Sorry Orihime. I...he got on my nerves."

Sigh

"Okay bu-"

"You should listen to the young lady, young man...they always know best~"

In a swirl of flowers and weird incense, the young rescuers heard a gruff and burly voice. It seemed calm, and weirdly flirtatious (at least to Orihime) - with a definitive air of authority.

In the distance, underneath an archway, was a figure wrapped in a straw hat and flowery kimono. Obviously the 'person' was crouching (trying to generate an aura of mystery). Petals seemed to be flowing from the sky.

"Hello young people."

"..." Chad didn't really know what to make of it.

"He-llo?" Orihime was surprised and answered back with a question.

The figure lifted his head to reveal a middle aged looking man, with some serious stubble (kinda reminds Chad of Ichigo's dad). He was...smiling at the two of them.

"It seems you made short work of my third seat."

This man lifted himself up to his full height, and it was clear...that he was both weirdly dressed and a Soul Reaper.

It was a strange scene: flower petals, odd flowing wind and a guy who looked like some 'pretty' ronin(?)

And then...the flowers came down harder and faster. Clearly unnatural and as Chad and Orihime looked upwards, they saw a very stern faced, bespectacled young lady proffering flowers from a basket.

"Hahahaha...that's enough my sweet Na-na-o~ you've done a wonderful job with the flowers!"

Clearly this 'Nanao' person wasn't listening, and continued on with her chore. The 'flowery Soul Reaper' tried to sweet talk the young lady some more.

"Please Na-na-o~ this is lovely but, clearly a bit too much?"

And as if a faucet broke, Nanao's glare hardened at the older Soul Reaper, as she poured the basket's contents on his head. Then, she angrily threw the whole basket at him too.

"Gwah!"

Obviously this was a little routine between the two, and Chad was perplexed. Orihime actually thought this was funny.

Sigh

"See Nanao~ now even our enemies are laughing at me!"

"Hmph...that's because you're an idiot." She adjusted her glasses; never altering her scowl.

Sigh

Then this 'flowery Soul Reaper' looked back at Chad and Orihime. A hint of amusement coloured his expression.

"Let me ask you two a question."

Chad and Orihime looked at each other. Quizzical.

"Why are you young people breaking into Soul Society?"

Chad spoke up, "to save Rukia Kuchiki." Orihime nodded her affirmation.

/Storage House

"I've set up a barrier, it should help us detect intruders nephew."

Uryū nodded in acknowledgment. His Aunt was incredibly fast and efficient at setting up Quincy barriers. Not even his Grandfather was that fast. It still boggles his mind, how he couldn't remember her prior to her death. It was true then...his father did do something to erase his memories of the Kurosaki household.

After about 30 minutes...

A 'ping' was sent to Masaki's senses. A ping that meant the barrier was being crossed and/or interfered with. She knew this was likely the presence who was trailing them.

Having waited for this Masaki decided to confront these intruders. She signalled for Uryū not to join her. She wanted to see these Soul Reaper's herself.

"This Quincy barrier is really quite astounding! Nemu, hurry up and get the data on this!"

"Yes, Master Mayuri."

The Soul Reaper Captain-scientist and his Lieutenant-assistant worked on removing the barrier and analysing its contents. Before their work was finished, Masaki moved to confront them.

Appearing in a blur, with a scowl on her face, Masaki glared at her foes.

"You're obviously skilled and knowledgeable to be able to analyse my barrier."

"Ahh, I see! This is your barrier. Clearly, you're a very skilled Quincy to erect such a fine barrier in such a short time."

"To know that I'm a Quincy...you've either done your homework or..."

Then her mind flashed back to several years prior. About the conversation she had with Kūkaku regarding rumours of a 'despicable Captain' - a vile madman.

If she wasn't such a naturally composed individual, she likely would've attacked in rage for what this man had done. Of course there was no specific evidence of his heinous crimes (even Isshin had said as much), and Kūkaku tried to look into it further. No dice.

Also, it would be foolish to attack in haste, especially since this guy is at least close to Urahara's genius (being his former subordinate).

"I see someone has told you about me hmm? Likely a former Seireitei operative, like a Squad member, or nobility yes?"

It was unsettling how this man could talk so casually, yet clearly showed signs of mania. His movements; exaggerated with the rippling of his fingers. Like a predator, eyeing up their next treat.

How was this guy ever a subordinate to Mr. Urahara?

"Nemu!"

"Yes Master."

"Get the other one!"

"Affirmative."

This 'Nemu' person made for the storage house. Using her flash step, she thought it would be an easy task to bypass Masaki. However...

FVWIPPP...Crash!

In mere moments Nemu was pinned to a far wall, with precisely fired Heilig Pfeil. The same technique she used on the unfortunate Jirōbō.

Six arrows pinned Nemu down. She was fortunate Masaki was merciful and didn't pierce her limbs with the arrows (oh she definitely could've). Instead her clothing was pinned, and two arrows locked her neck in place.

Mayuri couldn't even register the attack. Which both fascinated and frustrated him. Clearly this was some sort of elite Quincy (likely one of those Echt he heard about). Though, why had he never heard of her before? He was sure with all those he tortured, they would've mentioned someone this powerful. He was very persuasive.

"Apologies, Master Mayuri..." The girl looked despondent. Clearly she was some sort of slave to this Captain. The thought made her sick and angered her more.

"Impressive woman. I couldn't even see you launch your attack on my subordinate!"

His voice grated at her nerves, but this was all likely an act to make her rash. Something an opponent at a clear disadvantage would use (or a slime ball).

"Perhaps you're not as perceptive as you think Captain?"

Oh she'd enjoy playing mind games with this foul man.

"Perhaps...I should take this more seriously."

He snickered, and then raised his sword.

"Now...Claw Out, Ashisogijīzo!"

The sword which was initially wrapped in tape and had some spiked protrusions, transformed into a golden coloured trident. Or something like a trident. The protrusions were slithery like a viper and, looked as sharp as a a pincer. The weirdest thing was that there was an image of a baby's head at the base of the sword!

If I remember correctly this Captain's speciality is paralysis and poison. Though I'm not sure about the range of his zanpakutō's power.

The Captain then vanished from view and attempted to attack her from behind. A thrust motion meant to deliver a non-fatal but effective blow. He wasn't going to 'kill' his new test subject. He'd always wanted to experiment on an Echt in her prime!

With a flick of her wrist, and a twirl from her belt, Masaki parried the blow with her Seele Schneider. Immediately following with a counter that cut into this Soul Reaper.

Drip...drip...

"Geh...you cut me. Very good. Hehe!"

He then took a slow and methodical look at her new weapon.

"Interesting...I thought Quincy only used bow and arrows."

"We do."

"Then what is that sword? Are you Quincy trying to imitate us now! Hahaha!"

"Maybe."

Mayuri frowned. It was weird (even for a Quincy) to not take his bait. Perhaps he needed to be a bit more...persuasive. But first!

From the folds in his shihakushō, Mayuri pulled out a small vile, and injected it into his skin. His body pulsated with some power and, his wounds began to heal.

"Ahhh...much better! Now, let's try this again shall we?"


End of Chapter Notes: We're now up to the battle between Mayuri and Masaki. Yes, I've sidelined both Uryū and Nemu, but don't worry...we'll get some Uryū action later on. As for Masaki, I already hinted at her already knowing a little about Mayuri. Not definitive stuff, but enough for her to be very angry with him. Of course we know how Mayuri likes to goad others - and we definitely know what he'll try and do soon enough.