As of last chapter, this fic is caught up to where it is on AO3, so updates for it will slow down. I'll try to update at least once a week or so, but given that Elden Ring just released I can't make any promises.
Hitsugaya stood in a destroyed Seireitei. He remembered this sight, it was what the Seireitei had been reduced to during the war against the Quincy. He felt raindrops falling onto his skin but quickly realized that what he was feeling wasn't rain. He panicked as he saw blood dripping onto his skin, and the all too familiar feeling of losing control of his body took over as he began to panic. There was no way this was happening again. Why was this happening again? Why was he here?
Hitsugaya woke up with a gasp, sitting up in his bed. He hadn't had nightmares of anything in a long time, even the ones about Aizen rarely haunted his sleep now. But after being released from Urahara's care a week ago, he had been having nightmares of the Quincy war almost every day.
Hitsugaya rolled out of his bed, walking over to his window and staring outside. It seemed as if there were still a few hours before sunrise, but he figured that he may as well just get started with his day. He went through his morning routine, deciding that he would first check in with the soul reapers who had the night shift.
Hitsugaya exited his house and walked across Squad 10's courtyard to enter the main building, seeing the small group of soul reapers that usually worked nights sitting at their desks.
"Good morning Captain!" The 3rd seat exclaimed.
"Good morning, Shibai," Hitsugaya responded. Satomi Shibai was his 3rd seat, and though he did not often work with her, as she usually handled duties at night, he knew that she was reliable. Like him, she was young by Soul Society standards, though not quite as young as him.
"You're up surprisingly early," Satomi observed.
"I happened to wake up early and decided I may as well start my day. How have things been running for the night crew?" Hitsugaya responded.
"Things are going very smoothly! We dealt with a few weak hollows in Naruki City last night, but other than that things have been very quiet," Satomi stated energetically.
Hitsugaya was amazed that she could be this enthusiastic at such an early hour, but he supposed that she was used to working at night by now.
"Oh, and our training with Akio is coming along wonderfully! Mika even unlocked her Shikai recently!" Satomi continued.
"That's good," Hitsugaya responded as he smiled. Mika was one of the newest members of the squad. She had a bit of a confidence problem, so Hitsugaya hoped that having unlocked her Shikai would help with that.
"How's your training going?" Satomi asked.
"It is going well. I have moved onto battling against his Shikai by now, though he still dominates the battle each time," Hitsugaya responded. He had not used his adult form since the incident either. Hyorinmaru had not explained why he had forcefully moved Hitsugaya into that form, other than he thought it was necessary in order for Hitsugaya to defend against Akio's kido.
"Keep up the work and you'll be facing his Bankai in no time!" Satomi encouraged.
"Thank you Shibai. I'm going to my office now, if you need anything I'll be there," Hitsugaya said. Satomi nodded her head and Hitsugaya moved to his office.
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Akio stood a short way from Karin, watching as she went through basic movements with the orbs. She had learned to use them very quickly and was nearly prepared enough to begin her mission. He had a final test for her, and he had no doubt that she would pass, though she wouldn't have a fun time doing it.
"Very good. Now your next mission is simple. I am going to fight you, and if I decide you pass then you pass," Akio stated.
"Finally! You said this training would be hard, but it's been super easy so far!" Karin complained, "Can I attack yet?"
"Attack at will," Akio stated.
Karin lunged at him, but Akio redirected her blow into the ground, blowing up dust from the force of her strike. Karin tried to sweep his legs, but Akio braced himself for the impact and did not budge, instead just staring down at Karin threateningly.
"Use what I have taught you," Akio formed an orb at the tip of his pointer finger. He slammed his finger into the ground just as Karin dodged, the area where her head had been was turned into a crater.
Karin immediately rushed him, creating an orb at each fingertip on her right hand. She jabbed at him with a spear hand strike, but Akio sidestepped and gripped her arm, using her own momentum to throw her across the training area.
"I will no longer take things easy on you. You have one week to pass this test," Akio stated.
"You're talking all high and mighty for someone who's done no real damage to me," Karin taunted.
Akio sighed and disappeared, reappearing behind Karin. She spun around, but Akio was quicker. He struck her arm with an open-handed strike, orbs moving from the tips of his fingertips and spiraling around her arm, cutting her as they went.
Akio returned the orbs to his fingertips, merging them into a single orb as he waved his hand around, balling it into a fist with the exception of his pointer and middle fingers. Karin tried to move backward to distance herself, arm in pain from the blow earlier.
Akio dashed after her, deciding to give her some more advice, "Blocking isn't viable unless you block the orbs themselves. Try dodging."
"I know I know," Karin grunted, narrowly dodging a blow aimed at her head.
Akio kicked her in the side as she was distracted with dodging the orb, deciding that maybe he was taking it a little too hard on her. Akio dissipated the orb and decided to play defensively for a bit.
Karin attacked him again, this time she parried his attempt at redirecting his blow. She nearly struck him on the chin with her orb, but Akio struck her arm at the last second, changing the path of her strike.
Akio's eyes widened as he realized that he had fallen into her trap, as she gripped one of his wrists and kicked at his head. Akio blocked it with his forearm before noticing that there was an orb at the edge of her foot. Akio had never used his martial arts in kicking before, he preferred using it with upper body strikes, but Karin seemed to have decided that kicks were fine as well. The orb spun around his body, slashing him shallowly where it passed.
"So? Did I pass?" Karin asked.
"Yes," Akio began healing his minor cuts.
"Good, or else I'd have had to kick you again," Karin joked, "But uh- Why did you hold back on me? After you said you wouldn't?"
"Because I figured that you wouldn't be fighting anyone as strong as me, ideally," Akio answered, "Though I do actually have one question for you before we go back to Captain Hitsugaya."
"What?"
"Are you willing to kill someone?" Akio questioned.
"...What?" Karin looked shocked at the question.
"If it came down to it, do you have it in you to kill another person for the sake of the mission?" Akio persisted.
"I- I don't know. It would depend on- I don't know. Maybe?" Karin responded.
"I will not keep you away from the mission because of this, but take some advice," Akio began, "If it comes down to your life or the life of an enemy, you will never have time to think about the choice."
"I'll do whatever it takes to help Toshiro if that's what you mean. I won't jeopardize the mission," Karin said.
"Good. Now follow me," Akio opened up a door to the Seireitei and began traveling through worlds, Karin following.
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Hitsugaya sat in his office. He'd lost track of time and it was now midday. He probably would've continued working without realizing what time it was, if not for the arrival of Karin and Akio.
"So, you passed his test already?" Hitsugaya remarked.
"Yep! I passed with flying colors!" Karin bragged, "so, what's your test gonna be?"
Hitsugaya did not respond to her, instead choosing to study her. She did not have a single ounce of hesitation in her. Hitsugaya chuckles to himself.
"You just passed," Hitsugaya stated.
"Huh?" Karin looked confused.
"No matter what test I throw at you, you'll never give up on it. You pass because I can recognize your resolve," Hitsugaya explained.
"Awesome! So can I start now?" Karin asked.
"Yes. Go to the 34th district in west Rukongai. We have intel that suggests the Takanashi family has begun recruiting people there publicly. If you dress and act like everyone else, no one will think twice about you showing up," Hitsugaya ordered, "but most importantly, stay safe. Your life is more important than the mission."
"Yes sir!" Karin saluted Hitsugaya and he deadpanned at her.
"Karin, I'm being serious," Hitsugaya warned.
"I know, Toshiro, I won't let you down," Karin promised.
"I'm sure you won't. Just remember, if you are compromised, escape at all costs and find a way to contact me. I'll handle things at that point," Akio stated.
"Yeah yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't fail," Karin grinned, "I'll be on my way now. I'll try to report often."
Hitsugaya watched as Karin left, a feeling of anxiety eating at him. He really didn't want to put her in danger like this.
"She'll be fine."
Hitsugaya turned to look at Akio, surprised by his words.
"How can you be so sure?" Hitsugaya asked.
"She's strong. Not just because of her training, but also because of her reason for fighting," Akio answered.
"And what would that be?"
"You. She wants to help you," Akio answered, deciding to let his captain think about that.
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For Karin, getting the attention of the recruiters has been the easy part. What had followed was the hard part. The Takanashi family had taken the recruits to the bottom of a large mountain and told everyone that only those who rescued the top would be allowed to join the family.
Karin had passed easily, in fact, the reason she found herself struggling was that she had to hide her power, she had to find the right amount of struggling to feign.
Around 10 of the 300 or so recruits made it to the top. They were then taken to an apartment-like building complex, where they were each given a room to stay in. They were also told that they would begin their training the next day, and Karin decided that she would take a few days before making a report. She had to make sure that the room was secure before she could risk contacting Toshiro.
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"I'm worried. We should go after her," Hitsugaya paced impatiently around his office. Akio sat in a chair at his desk that had at some point been built in Hitsugaya's office, and Rangiku sat at hers.
"She's only been gone for a few days, hardly cause for worry," Akio responded, "She may just be finding it difficult to find time to secretly contact us. It isn't as if a phone is completely silent after all."
"You told me that since it was a human device, the Takanashi family wouldn't think to use any precautions against it," Hitsugaya argued.
"That is what Yoruichi suggested, but she still has to find time to talk in private," Akio replied.
"Why can't she at least send a message?" Hitsugaya asked. It was almost cute how worried he was for his friend, but right now Akio needed Hitsugaya to stay composed.
"Because we can not risk this information being compromised. If either your phone or her phone, is lost and has the messages on it, it would be all too easy to get someone who could hack the phone and get all the information she knows. By keeping it vocal, and keeping it in our heads, it is safer for her," Akio reasoned.
"Just calm down Captain, Karin can handle herself fine," Rangiku assured.
"Fine. Ok fine, I'll calm down," Hitsugaya sat at his desk. He knew that he was acting uncharacteristically worried, but he couldn't help it.
"I've got a training session with Shibai, can I trust you to not do anything stupid?" Akio asked Hitsugaya.
"Of course. I'm a Captain and I need to start acting as such. I will not do anything dumb," Hitsugaya responded with a sigh.
"Good," Akio left the room.
Akio did not get far before he ran into Satomi Shibai, the 3rd seat of Squad 10.
"Ah, Shibai. Are you ready for our training?" Akio asked.
"Of course. I intend to take you down this time," Satomi grinned.
"I look forward to it," Akio grinned back and led her to their training ground.
Akio drew his blade, and Satomi unleashed her Shikai. Her sword's blade turned into blood, and despite keeping its form, it was clear that it could be manipulated far more than a usual sword could be. Akio had to admit, her Shikai was terrifying. She could absorb the blood of others to increase the power it held. He felt excited at the thought of what her Bankai could possibly be, and he resolved that eventually, he would help her achieve that state.
"Ready?" Satomi called.
"Of course," Akio grinned and Satomi ran at him, swinging her sword and sending a slash of blood at him. Akio blocked and the two began to spar.
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Karin sat in her room. She had been in training for a few days now and felt as if she could safely contact Toshiro. She knew the schedule of when she would be called on, and she also knew that the walls were very thick.
Karin took out a small handheld folding fan from one of her pockets and flicked it open. She wasn't entirely sure of how, but Urahara had managed to make a phone that could be disguised as a folding fan. It was cool as heck honestly.
Karin called Toshiro's number, and he immediately picked up.
"Karin! What took you so long?" Toshiro sounded frantic, and Karin chuckled to herself a bit.
"I just had to take the time to make sure I could safely contact you," Karin reassured Toshiro, "Don't worry, I'm not in any danger."
"Of course you're in danger. This entire mission is dangerous," Toshiro pointed out.
"You know what I meant. Anyways, nothing much to report so far. They have a strict selection process, but I passed it easily. They've begun training us in kido and Akio's martial arts," Karin reported, "that's all I have for now really."
"All right. I'll relay that to Akio and Matsumoto. Stay safe, Karin," Toshiro replied.
"Of course. Take care Toshiro," Karin hung up and returned her phone to its disguise of being a folding fan.
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Akio was on one knee, a blade made of blood angled at his throat. Akio had his own sword up against Satomi's midsection.
"So I guess it's a draw?" Satomi asked.
"Well, yes and no. On one hand, we are in checkmate and neither can act without the other retaliating. On the other hand… being able to take out an enemy stronger than yourself while sacrificing yourself could be considered a win. Not that I'd want any of you all to try such a thing," Akio spoke.
"Let me guess, it'd be ok if you were to try it though?"
"Yes. I mean who's going to tell me no?"
"Me, Captain, Lieutenant Matsumoto, Bodo, just about everyone at this point," Satomi answered.
"Aww, you are all too kind to me. And that's exactly why I'd gladly give my life for you all. But don't worry, I don't intend to die anytime soon," Akio promised.
"Good," Satomi laughed, "so, do I get to see your Shikai now?"
"Sure why not," Akio grinned. Satomi leaped back as Akio gripped his blade tightly, "Illuminate the world, Kagayaku Yari!"
Akio's sword turned into a spear, and Satomi grinned as a chill ran down her spine. This was terrifying, but it was also exhilarating.
"One attack, that's all I'll do for now," Akio spoke with increased confidence.
Satomi had noticed this, whenever he was in his Bankai form during group training, he would have an air of confidence around him that he lacked in his base form. It seemed that this confidence extended to his Shikai as well.
"Don't get too cocky now," Satomi grinned and condensed her blade into a small knife. This was her strongest attack, gathering all the blood that she had absorbed and condensing it before shooting the blade at her enemy.
"Is it being cocky if I can back it up?" Akio grinned.
"We'll see."
"I suppose we will," Akio cocked back his arm as he spoke.
Satomi launched her blade at Akio. Akio waited until the blade was very close before moving, making a simple straight thrust with his spear. The thrust easily tore through the blade of blood and caused the force of the thrust to travel, destroying a part of the wall behind Satomi, who narrowly managed to dodge it.
"I guess you can back it up, huh," Satomi laughed to herself, "We'll have to fix that up. Was that your Shikai ability?"
"No, that was just from the force of my blow," Akio stated. He sealed his Shikai, sheathing his blade and walking over to Satomi.
"So just after matching your sealed form, I'm back to being stomped by you again, but this time by your Shikai?" Satomi joked.
"If you want. I could also just employ more kido in my sealed form, that would provide a substantial power boost for me," Akio replied.
"Hmm, let's mix it up, rotate between the two until I can counter both," Satomi suggested.
"Sure thing," Akio nodded.
"Now, let's get this cleaned up before we get in trouble," Satomi laughed as they began fixing up the wall.
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Akio and Rangiku stood in Hitsugaya's office, and they both noticed that their captain seemed far more upbeat than he had been earlier.
"So, what's got you so happy Captain?" Rangiku asked.
"Karin made contact just an hour or so ago, while you were both out of the office. She told me that she was fine, and only had a little information to report," Hitsugaya began.
"I assume you called us here to brief us on what she reported?" Akio guessed.
Hitsugaya nodded before divulging the contents of Karin's report to them.
"Did she mention anything about their location?" Akio asked.
"No, she said that it wasn't a base that seemed important to them, or permanent," Hitsugaya answered.
"I see," Akio stated.
"Why do you want to know?" Hitsugaya demanded.
"Just curious," Akio answered in a tone that convinced neither Hitsugaya or Rangiku.
"That will be all for now, you are both dismissed. Take the rest of the night off," Hitsugaya declared.
"Are you sure?" Rangiku asked though she was already halfway out of her chair.
"Yes. Go to the human world, go shopping or something, take a little break. It's the least I could give you two in return after how you both ran the squad in my absence," Hitsugaya insisted.
"Well, you heard that! Akio, it's an order for us to go shopping!" Rangiku decided.
"I don't think-" Akio began, but he was cut off.
"See you tomorrow, Captain! C'mon Akio," Rangiku took Akio by the arm and he was helpless to resist.
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"So, why do you think Captain gave us the night off?" Rangiku asked as she walked beside Akio. They were both in gigais and were walking the streets of Naruki City.
"Maybe he just wanted to say thank you? For us taking over while he was gone, I mean," Akio proposed.
"That could be the case, but I think it's something more. I just can't figure out what," Rangiku groaned, "Oh well, I guess there's nothing else to do but take advantage of our free time. C'mon, let's go buy some clothes then we can go to a bar or something!"
"Sounds like a plan," Akio smiled as he spoke, following Rangiku as she led him down the streets of Naruki City. He decided that tonight, he would let Rangiku decide where they went and what they did, she had a knack for that after all.