Chapter Thirteen: Blood, Temptation and Realization
No one was sure just how long they had slept but eventually they all woke up and headed on their way. Along the way they discussed what they were going to do.
"alright here's what I'm thinking." Began Takeshi. "you three head off together towards where Rukia is being held. I'll head off there myself in another direction."
"why they hell are you leaving us behind for?" demanded Ichigo.
"a few reasons little brother. One, I move faster than any of you. so I can travel faster by myself. Two, traveling all together makes us easier targets for the remaining soul reaper forces to focus directly on. Thirdly, I have my bracelet from Urahara that completely hides my presence even with my power on full blast. So I can sneak around without anyone knowing unless they actually spot me." Takeshi finished explaining.
Ichigo had his trademark scowl on his face. While he didn't really like it, his brother made very good points. "alright we'll go with your plan. Just stay safe big brother."
"please little brother, if anything I should be saying that to you. I already have two captains under my belt since I've gotten here." Retorted the fullbringer.
Ichigo couldn't help but roll his eyes at the comment. Before anything more could be said Hanataro cut in.
"here's where we'll exit back to the surface." Spoke the meek soul reaper. Everyone just followed him up and there were back on the surface. After having Hanataro give him the needed directions. Takeshi split off from the others.
From what Hanataro told him the quickest route for him to take would have him pass right by the fifth division. Which after that would be a straight shot more or less to where Rukia was being held.
He traveled as fast as he could through the seireitei. As he neared where roughly the fifth division was. He suddenly felt the presence of what felt like a captain and two vice captains. Takeshi would have to pass right by them too. As he got closer, he slowed down and crept in the shadows remaining hidden. Peered around the corner and saw the individuals in question.
He saw a guy with blond hair with some of it covering his face he had a vice-captain badge with three on it. he saw a woman with long strawberry blond hair and a chest so large it would put Mila and Halibel to shame. She had a vice-captain badge with a ten on it. then the last one was the most interesting to him.
It looked to be a kid, roughly the same height and age of his sisters. He had spikey white hair and teal eyes. He had his sword strapped to his back and he wore a captain's haori with the number ten on it.
'first a smug looking creep, then a literal furry and know some kid who looks like the protag to a manga. Just what is with this place? Am I gonna run into a blind swordsman guy at some point too at this rate?' he mused as he watched the soul reapers in front of him and listened in on their conversation.
Toshiro Hitsugaya was not in a good mood. The last few days in the seireitei had been nothing short of a disaster in his eyes. First a ryoka made its way in and defeated captain Ichimaru. Then the next day a group of new ryoka managed to make it in and start making chaos everywhere. Reports of soul reapers from across the seireitei being bested by the intruders came in from everywhere. From seated officers to other vice-captains were dropped by the invaders. Then word came that greatly concerned Toshiro and the other captains. The same ryoka that beat Ichimaru had also gone on to defeat Captain Komamura by cutting the captains sword arm clean off at the shoulder. Even after Komamura had resorted to bankai against the ryoka.
Fortunately one of Komamura's men were nearby and able to administer aid to him enough for members of the fourth to get him. Captain Unohana spent a fair amount of time working on the captain of the seventh. Thankfully she had managed to reattach his arm successfully. However he would be out of commission still for a good while. However there were a few other things that troubled Toshiro even more. The disappearance of his lifelong friend Momo Hinamori.
She had gone missing the night of the first ryoka made it in, while she was gathering supplies. She went missing seemingly without a trace, there was only one explanation for it. she must have run into the first ryoka known as Takeshi Kurosaki by chance and was subsequently dealt with in some manner.
The sheer thought of Momo being at the mercy of such an enemy greatly worried and angered the child like captain to no end. He could only hope that the girl he considered a sister was ok and if not. He would do everything in his power to make sure the ryoka responsible would pay for hurting her with all the force he could muster.
However he had arguably an even bigger problem to address on hand within the fifth division. The apparent murder of fifth division captain Sosuke Aizen. Toshiro looked of at the body of his fellow captain. He stabbed cleanly through the chest, high against a wall with his own blade no less. He had already sent word out to the other divisions of this development. Things just seemed to be spiraling more and more out of control.
"who could have possibly done this?" questioned Toshiro busty blond vice-captain Rangiku Matsumoto.
I would have to be one of the ryoka I'd say." Spoke the blond haired vice-captain Izuru Kira.
"why that would seem like most likely case Izuru." Cut in Toshiro. "we can't rule that being the case right away not until we find further evidence."
"besides which of the ryoka could possibly strong enough to do such a thing." Wondered Rangiku.
"I'd say it's was most likely that damn monster Takeshi Kurosaki, Rangiku." Said Izuru with contempt. "that bastard almost killed both captain Ichimaru and captain Komamura."
'I'm not quite sure if I should be offended by that remark.' Thought Takeshi.
"Captain Kuchiki should have finished job on him back in the living world. would have of rid the world of one problem." Spat Izuru.
'ok now I am offended.' Takeshi mused mentally.
Takeshi thought about what he was seeing and hearing in front him. thinking back on what Momo had told him about seireitei. he started putting things together in his head and realized that there were things going on that seemed very suspicious. Deciding he needed to clear things up a bit he stepped out and made his presence known.
"you know it's not nice to speak poorly of people behind their backs you know." Takeshi chimed as he walked out.
The three soul reapers immediately turned to face the fullbringer. All of them reached for their swords on edge.
"woah now, I ain't here to fight you." said Takeshi raising his hands up. "I heard your whole little conversation and I felt I should clear somethings up."
"what's to clear up exactly?" spoke Toshiro.
"you mean other than the fact that this execution thing with Rukia is highly suspicious and the fact this poor bastards sudden murder is also just as suspicious.' He stated.
"explain yourself then!" demanded the small captain.
"alright simple, her being executed for what she did is massive overkill. Especially considering she only did because it was the only way to save a bunch of innocent lies from a hollow. which as you know is sort of her job. so why punish her so severely? Not even a seated officer all the way to a captain wouldn't even be punished to such an extreme. So why her? It doesn't make any rational sense." Takeshi explained.
Toshiro thought about what the ryoka had said. With everything happening he had forgotten about the whole deal involving Rukia Kuchiki. Now that he actually thought about it for a moment. He couldn't help but see that the ryoka had a very good point and he didn't like that.
"so what do you think then by chance?" inquired Toshiro.
"well central 46 are the ones making the calls on this right? Has anyone bothered to inquire to them as to why they are dealing such an overly extreme punishment. I can understand you can't make them change their decision. But you can atleast ask why they chose to act as they did right?"
"central 46 has kept to their compound since the start of the invasion without allowing anyone in to talk to them." stated Toshiro.
"ok so let me get this straight. These guys have been locked up in their compound not allowing anyone in. During the middle of a crisis even though they're supposed to be the big decision makers around here. And they just decided to go completely dark more or less? Doesn't that seem weird at all to you. from what I understand about these guys they're not exactly the type to keep out of business that effects seireitei on a huge level. Which a ryoka invasion would certainly be, so why now of all times to be so suddenly quiet? That just doesn't sound right at all wouldn't you say?"
Toshiro nodded his head.
"to continue on that point, even if they did decide to go dark. Wouldn't they atleast message their friends, family or close associates to inform them ahead of time. so they wouldn't worry about them? cause from what your telling me they didn't even do that."
Toshiro reluctantly couldn't help but see the logic in the ryoka's thinking and that…disturbed him.
"so what are implying exactly?" asked the captain.
"simple really. I think there's something much larger happening here behind the shadows of everything. While I can't say for certain, it seems to me someone has done something to central 46. Who and why exactly I don't know but too many pieces aren't going into place in this whole puzzle."
"I'm willing to along with that for the sake of this talk. However how can I believe you in the fact you had nothing to do with captain Aizen's murder?" questioned Toshiro.
"easy, me and my friends have never killed anyone since we arrived here. Even though we've shown ourselves very capable of doing so to almost everyone we come across in this place. Not to mention the fact that I'm only one of the people in my group who can actually fight and potentially kill a captain. To continue on that, while yes, I have defeated captains and left them in pretty sorry states, I never killed them. despite the fact I could have easily finished them off if wanted too."
"so why would me or someone else in my group suddenly kill anyone? It doesn't fit our M.O. at all. Plus while I am capable, there's no way in hell I'm capable of killing a captain without a fight breaking out that would be noticed by all. in case you haven't noticed from my past fight's, subtlety isn't exactly a strong point of mine most of the time when I fight. I think who ever killed this guy did so wanting you all to believe that it was me or one of my friends. Who and why I can't say but I think it may have something to do with this whole suspicious deal with Rukia and central 46." Finished Takeshi.
Toshiro grit his teeth in frustration, as much as he hated admitting it. the ryoka was certainly seemed to be on to something. There were too many things not falling into place that went well beyond the ryoka invasion. However a stray thought suddenly crossed his mind.
"tell me something." Started Toshiro as he narrowed his eyes. "just how did you come to learn so much about how this all?"
"my first night here some soul reaper girl by the name of Momo managed to wonder to where I was hiding. So I captured her and interrogated her for some information is all." replied the fullbringer.
Toshiro eyes immediately widened in anger and snarl appeared on his face as he drew his blade. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MOMO!?" the child captain roared in anger.
"relax snow top." Retorted Takeshi. "look she isn't hurt, she's perfectly ok. She's being held somewhere safe and secure for the time being. Once me and my group finish our business, she'll be released safely I assure you."
"you'll take me to her this instant ryoka!" yelled Toshiro.
Before Takeshi could respond he felt his brothers spirit energy rise up in the distance, along with some other presence he didn't recognize but could tell it was a captain from the sheer strength of it. he cursed to himself mentally, he was too far away at the moment to be of any assistance. He had to hope Ichigo could hold out while went to grab Rukia. Thankfully the sudden huge rise in reiatsu in the distance caught the attention of the soul reapers in front of him. seeing his opportunity he acted on it.
He quickly drew Reaver and unleashed a scatter shot directly at the soul reapers. They all had to quickly jump back to avoid being hit, then Takeshi gave the command and the shards exploded. The soul reapers were forced further back and had cover their faces from all the dirt and debris that flew at them. Takeshi took off immediately knowing he had there view completely blocked.
As the dust and debris settled, Toshiro immediately noticed the ryoka was missing. He reached out trying to feel for the ryoka's presence but couldn't sense a thing. He bit his lip in frustration at this turn of events.
"captain shall we go after the ryoka?" wondered Rangiku.
"no" spat Toshiro. "we can't sense him at all, who knows where he's going at the moment. Besides you two combined wouldn't be able to defeat him as it is anyways. You and Izuru stay here and attend to the crime scene, I need to go have a talk about somethings." Finished Toshiro as he took off in flash step.
Takeshi was moving along with bringer light as fast as he could. He could still feel his brother fighting but he was losing, he needed to hurry and grab Rukia and get to Ichigo. He stopped once he was near the bridge on sokyoku hill that led to the senzaikyu that Rukia was being held in. he reached out to see what guards were there. All he felt was a single guard, a vice-captain by the strength of it. he steadily made his way across the bridge and saw who the lone guard was.
It was a large fat dude with a badge that had a two written on it. as he neared closer the fat man finally noticed him.
"who the hell are-" the fat man's words died his mouth when recognized who he was looking at. He was immediately terrified for his existence.
"you…you…you…" he stammered in fear as his face paled. Takeshi in an instant was right in his face. The fat man squeaked like mouse trapped by a cat.
Takeshi looked over the fat guy and noticed a key of sorts hanging off his waist.
"that's the key to this place I take it." he said. the fat man merely nodded, and Takeshi took the key.
"where's Rukia Kuchiki being held?"
"third floor, second cell on the left." The fat man meekly spoke.
"thank you." said Takeshi right before he elbowed that fat man in the side of the head, knocking him unconscious. Though Takeshi hit him harder than he thought because he flew to the side of the bridge from the hit and tumbled over the railing, falling to the valley below.
"whoopsie daisy." Chirped the silver eyed teen. "oh well, I'm sure he'll be fine.
Taking the key and opening up the door into the prison, he quickly made his way to where Rukia's cell was. Sure enough she was there looking all depressed, like a sad bunny rabbit.
"kami, you could atleast try to look like you aren't contemplating to commit suicide in your cell." Said Takeshi as he approached the cell.
Rukia looked at him like a fish out of water. She couldn't believe what she was looking at. While his looks were far different from what she remembered. There was no denying it, Takeshi Kurosaki was standing in front of her in all his glory.
"well don't just sit there we need to get moving." He said.
Finally coming down from her shock Rukia finally spoke. "you fool what do you think you're doing!?"
"I'm rescuing you what does it look like? Now come on let's move, my little brother needs my help ASAP." Takeshi spoke as he picked up Rukia and slung her over his shoulder.
"put me down you idiot!" she chastised.
"sorry no can do, your being rescued whether you like it or not I'm afraid." He retorted as he walked outside onto the bridge, making a quick check if anyone was there. Not sensing anyone he immediately took off in bringer light towards Ichigo and his group.
"what the hell do you think your all doing coming all the way here just for me?!" Rukia demanded.
"did you really think me and Ichigo were just going to give up that easily? Yeah right, of course we were going to try to rescue you. you're our friend after all, we don't give up on friends so easily. Plus, me and Ichigo have a score to settle with that brother of yours anyways."
"you two can't fight my brother, do you not remember what happened last time you did that!?"
"very clearly Rukia, I have a damn scar that runs from my waist to my shoulder as a permanent reminder of that night." Takeshi snapped back. making Rukia go quiet.
"me, Ichigo and the others all became a lot stronger before coming here. Hell, I have defeated two captains since I've been here."
"that was you!?" Rukia exclaimed. She had heard about captain Ichimaru's and captain Komamura's defeats at the hands of the same ryoka. Though she wasn't aware it was Takeshi who had been the to do it.
'he really has grown a lot stronger.' Rukia thought to herself as she looked at Takeshi in amazement.
As Takeshi and Rukia neared Ichigo's location, Ichigo's energy suddenly dropped to almost nothing. Takeshi cursed and moved faster, soon enough he arrived at the scene.
He saw Ichigo down on the ground bleeding out, seemingly unconscious. Hanataro and Ganju were on the ground also out cold it looked like. Standing not too far away from them all was the culprit of it all.
He was tall man, with very long spiky black hair with bells on their tips. He had an eyepatch and a scar going down his face. He also wore a traditional soul reaper outfit and a captain haori with the number eleven on it. the soul reaper in question having noticed the newcomer's presence, addressed them.
"well, well, you must be the ryoka everyone is making a huge fuss about I take it? you're the one beat down Ichimaru and Komamura correct? The one they call Takeshi Kurosaki?" asked the captain with a bloodthirsty grin.
"yeah that's me and who the fuck are you!?" spat Takeshi, his anger rising.
"the name's Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the eleventh division." Zaraki replied.
"Rukia, go tend to my brother and the other's, I'm going to deal with this one." Spoke Takeshi as he set Rukia.
"are you insane!" argued Rukia. "you may have defeated two other captains, but this is captain Zaraki we're talking about here! He's a whole different thing all together and in a really bad way!"
"just do as I ask Rukia." Retorted Takeshi with un-settling calmness. Rukia understanding he wasn't going to change his mind. Turned and ran off to Ichigo and the others. Zaraki ignored her, choosing to focus on his new opponent with gleeful anticipation.
"oh you're going to be great to fight; I can just feel it! I hope you'll put up a better challenge then the one with the orange hair did. I thought he had potential, but he was a disappointment." Stated Zaraki.
"you made a big mistake hurting my little brother like you did." Replied the fullbringer with a venom filled tone. He took his bracelet off and blasted his energy to its max level. He narrowed his eyes in a predator like manor. As he readied Reaver, he poured every ounce of bloodlust he could muster at the captain.
Zaraki felt the magnitude of the energy rolling off of the silver eyed teen in front of him. the same energy that brought down his other captains. Not to mention the sheer bloodlust he felt radiating off the teen too. It all sent a shiver of blissful anticipation down Zaraki's spine. His mouth spread into a big wolfish grin and laughed like a maniac at this turn of events.
"Yes!" roared Zaraki. "this is what I've been looking for! Come on Takeshi! Show me what you can do!" he drew out his long and battered looking blade readying himself as well.
Both fighters stared each other down for a few moments. Tension so thick in the air you could cut it. then both fighters leapt out at the other simultaneously. They met midway and swung their respective blades at one another. They collided mid swing the force so great, the ground beneath the two fighters buckled and broke apart. The battle had begun.
Takeshi pushed off and swung with Reaver. The battle hungry captain didn't try to dodge the strike as it went across his chest slicing it open.
"so you can cut me!" yelled Zaraki. "fantastic! I don't meet very many who can do that!"
Zaraki moved and made a swig of his own. Takeshi braced himself and blocked with his own. He was able to halt the strike but not before it Zaraki's blade pushed his own down enough and cut into his right shoulder.
Takeshi winced at the pain as the blood started to pour out of the wound but ignored it. his energy drain and regeneration already going to work. Takeshi jumped back before charging again at Zaraki, the captain met him with glee.
The swung strike for strike, blow for blow, cut for cut. It didn't take long for both fighters to be covered in a collection of cuts and gashes on their body's. neither fighter seemed to care as they were both intently focused on the opponent in front of them.
Takeshi brought his blade back, charged his energy and swung it forward.
"Getsuga Tensho!" he roared as the silver arc of energy shot off at the captain.
Zaraki brought his blade up and blocked the attack with it. the force of it pushed him back on the balls of his feet. Until he and getsuga tensho collided into a wall. The getsuga tensho detonated blowing a huge hole in the wall and launching Zaraki through it. Takeshi quickly gave pursuit with bringer light.
As Zaraki was getting up on a knee from the hit. He caught the fulbringer coming right at him at full speed. He swung his blade horizontally as the silver haired teen neared hoping to catch him. Takeshi was too quick and managed to hop over the strike as he kept going at the captain.
Takeshi quickly brought the massive blade down into the battle hungery captain's left shoulder digging deeply into it. he kept his momentum and fly behind the captain, giving Reaver a twisting tug out the captain shoulder as he did.
Zaraki bit his lip from the wound, he was no stranger of getting cut up in a fight, but that last shot did some nasty damage even for him. sensing the fullbringer trying to make another charge from behind. Acting quickly he whirled around and shot forward with a fist catching the teen by surprise.
His fist collided square in the boy's gut, stopping his charge in its tracks and even tossing him back a few feet. Takeshi was flat on his back with the air knocked out of him for the moment. Before he knew the looming shadow of the blood hungry captain was right above him.
Takeshi saw the blade come down right at him, he quickly tried to roll out of the way. Sadly the captain's blade managed to slice deep into his left leg. Takeshi's howled from the pain and quickly moved back trying to steady himself and catch his breath.
"this's fantastic isn't it!?" questioned Zaraki with enthusiasm. "going blow for blow like this! I was right about you Takeshi, your giving me the best fight I've had in a longtime! Let's take this up a notch, shall we!"
Zaraki then reached up and removed his eyepatch. The moment he did, his reiatsu level sky-rocketed. His body was surrounded in a yellow aura and took the shape of a massive skull above his head.
Takeshi was blown away by just how massive the sheer magnitude of the energy he was feeling was. Neither of two captains he fought before felt anything like this. While the energy still wasn't as high as Halibel's it was still the next closest thing he had ever felt before. Not that it was going to stop Takeshi, he was going to be damned if that happened.
Takeshi flared his own reiatsu to match the captains as much as possible. Zaraki simply grinned manically in response. He charged forward at the fullbringer to make his next attack.
Takeshi brought his weapon back again and began to focus his energy. Zaraki expecting another getsuga tensho, brought his blade up in ready to defend. However that wasn't what he got.
"Scatter Shot!" yelled Takeshi as he swung Reaver around and unleashed a massive wall of silver energy shards at the battle crazed captain. Zaraki while not expecting the attack didn't care and simply met it head on.
The shards slammed into him and stabbed into his body, though if it bothered the captain, he didn't show it in the slightest. He kept up his charge then he noticed a smirk on the fullbringer's face.
'what the hell has him smirking like that?' thought Zaraki to himself. He then got his answer when the teenage boy uttered a single word.
"Click" was all Takeshi said and the shards exploded, engulfing Zaraki completely in a mass explosion.
Takeshi thought that was the end of the fight, however he left stunned when Zaraki still came flying through the dust and smoke of the explosion. The top half of his uniform was gone as was his captain's haori. His pants were shredded a bit as well and he was bleeding all over from the scatter shot. He was practically wearing his own blood like a body paint. He still had a wolfish, battle lusting grin still adorning his face.
'you got to be fucking kidding me!' Takeshi screamed mentally at the sight.
He tried to dodge back out of the way of Zaraki, however he stepped back with his bad leg first. He was so caught off guard by Zaraki he wasn't ready for the pain in his leg from the deep leg slash in it he received earlier. It caused him to buckle and stumble ever so slightly. It was all the slip up Zaraki needed.
The captain was on top of the boy in a heartbeat. His blade raised ready to strike with glee. Takeshi tried to bring Reaver up in time to block or parry, but he was too slow.
Zaraki's blade connected at the top of his left shoulder and was dragged all the way down across to the right side of his waist. Takeshi's blood burst out of the wound and gushed down his chest and lower body. The pain was unreal, while getting sliced opened by Byakuya was bad. This somehow felt far worse in comparison.
Takeshi was on his knees using one arm to keep himself from falling to the ground while holding onto Reaver with his other hand. Zaraki wasn't doing much better despite his earlier actions. All the wounds, blood loss and energy draining was catching up to him too finally.
"this was a great fight Takeshi." Spoke Zaraki between breaths. "don't die so we can do it again sometime." With that Zaraki turned on his heel and began to walk off. Zaraki only got about 15 yards away when the fullbringer called out to him.
"I don't recall saying we're finished yet Zaraki!" proclaimed Takeshi.
Takeshi pushed himself back on his feet using Reaver for support as he did so. Ignoring the pain, ignoring the pool of his own blood around his feet, ignoring his own harsh breathing. He had one goal.
He wasn't going to stop until he beat Zaraki. His brother had nearly been killed by the battle lusting captain and he'd be damned. If he was gonna let the bastard get away with it.
"I appreciate the effort, really I do, but you got nothing left." Stated Zaraki.
"sorry but you don't know me enough to make that kind of call. Let me show you!" Takeshi sat back.
He brought Reaver back up and ready in a fighting stance. He grit his teeth and flared his energy once more in a declaration of sorts. he wasn't done yet, he was still capable despite his injuries, the fight had yet to be decided.
"don't judge me so easily Zaraki! If I was so easy to kill. Then I never would have survived in huceo mundo for four years, from the time I was just a kid!" yelled the fullbringer in defiance.
Zaraki looked at the kid for a moment, taking his words in. a grin of satisfaction then spread across his face.
"I had a feeling you were like me on some level boy." Proclaimed the captain. "I'm glad to see I was right. Alright if this is how you want it, far be it from me to deny it!"
Zaraki then turned and faced again, his blade at the ready.
"lets' do this Zaraki!" roared Takeshi in response. "one last charge! Winner take all!"
"fine by me!" yelled Zaraki in return and he flared his own energy as well.
Both fighters stared each other down, there reiatsu flaring around them. then they charged giving roars of battle.
"ZARAKI!" yelled Takeshi.
"TAKESHI!" Zaraki yelled in return.
They met each head on and swung their respective weapons. When their attacks collided mass explosion of yellow and silver reiatsu went off. Th ground around shook and quaked as it broke apart. Nearby walls cracked and or blew apart in sections. As it all died down it revealed the two fighters standing in the ground zero of it all.
Takeshi stood there with Zaraki's blade buried in the right side of his abdomen.
Meanwhile Reaver was sticking clean through Zaraki's gut and out his back.
Using what seemed every last ounce of his will power. Takeshi reached for Reaver's hilt and then pulled the blade clean out of Zaraki. the motion making a sickening squelching sound from the flesh and blood as it was pulled out.
"yeah….this was….a great fight….indeed." choked out Zaraki right before he fell over unconscious.
Takeshi reached for Zaraki's sword, hissing through the pain of it all. he pulled it out of him and tossed it down next to Zaraki.
Takeshi stuck Reaver into the ground and held on to it in order to keep upright. He was too weak at this point to hold himself up with just his legs. Then something happened that made him question if he was hallucinating from all the pain and blood loss.
Out of nowhere a pink haired little girl who looked even younger than his little sisters. Came over, grabbed Zaraki's sword and then in an amazing show of strength lifted up the large man.
"Kenny had lots of fun!" exclaimed the child "thanks for showing him such a fun time Tiki! Try not to die so you and Kenny can have more fun later! Bye-bye!" and with that the child left while carrying the massive man.
"what…even….just happened?" said Takeshi. Then suddenly any strength he had, left him as he fell backwards, his fullbring deactivating in the process. he expected to fall onto the ground, instead he suddenly found himself caught in someone's arms. arms that he recognized, weakly looking to the one who caught him. he saw none other than Yoruichi.
"Yor….Yoruichi…" he weakly spoke.
"shhhhhh Takeshi." Softly spoke the werecat as she gently lifted up her student and friend in a bridal like style. The fullbringer's head winding up laying against her chest.
"Ichi….Ichigo…is..is…" he weakly muttered.
"your brother and the others are fine and you're going to be too." Yoruichi gently said. "you did well Takeshi. You did very well, now rest. Everything will be much better when you wake up, I promise."
With that Takeshi drifted off to unconsciousness. Yoruichi made her way to the others, thinking about the young man in her arms as she did.
'you really are something Takeshi. Not just anyone could have beaten someone like Kenpachi Zaraki. You are quite the man indeed.' She mused mentally to herself. 'it's not every day I meet someone who can impress me as you have ever since you arrived back to Karakura.'
*sometime later at the secret training ground under sokyoku hill*
Takeshi began to stir awake he wasn't sure how long he was out for. What he did know was he hurt like all sorts of hell. All he could remember before blacking out was being gently carried by Yoruichi. He began to move a little but felt the presence of something laying on top of him. He opened eyes looking to see what it was. If he wasn't so injured at the moment he would have shot out of bed in a flash. As it was, he just stared wide eyed from what or rather who was sleeping with him.
Laying on top of him was none other than Yoruichi. She was resting her head on chest, with the rest of her body snuggled up against him covered up by the blanket that covered them. Takeshi wasn't exactly sure how to take this turn of events. so he decided just to chalk it up to Yoruichi just trying make him feel better after the bullshit he went through fighting Zaraki. he couldn't deny, he appreciated the gesture.
He pulled back the blanket to try to gently make his way out of the futon they were laying on. only then to be hit with another surprise. as he pulled back the blanket it revealed Yoruichi was completely nude as she slept against him. his throat suddenly went dry and he began to sweat. While he was used to Yoruichi's teasing and her nakedness. That had been under the pretense of knowing she was trying tease him on purpose.
This was different he knew it and that both intrigued and worried him. he couldn't help but take a closer look at purple haired woman in her naked beauty. While he had seen her naked, he had never really tried to look intently. In this situation with her sleeping soundly against him he couldn't help but too.
He took in the voluptuous curves or her hips and plump butt. Her large breast that rested against him. he saw she had her haired un-done so it fell freely across her back and shoulders, with some positioned on her face that only accentuated her cute features. Speaking of her face as she slept soundly against Takeshi, she had a face of happy satisfaction as she snoozed peacefully.
Then Yoruichi began to stir herself, she slowly opened her eyes to see Takeshi staring down at her. Her golden cat like eyes locked in on his violet as both just stared at the other for a moment. Then Yoruichi gently sat herself upright not bothering to cover herself or move the hair that hung down in front of her face.
"glad to see you're awake Takeshi, you woke up sooner than expected. The others will still be asleep at this time." stated the werecat calmly. She then proceeded to give a yawn while stretching herself out.
Trying to regain his senses of things he asked the only reasonable question in the heat of the moment.
"why were you sleeping naked on top of me?" he questioned.
"I did say when you woke up things would be better. I don't say things I can't deliver on you know." She replied with a smile. However this wasn't her usual teasing smirk of a smile. This one was smaller and more genuinely caring. Takeshi was starting to question just what the hell was going on.
"just so you know." Began Yoruichi gaining his attention again. "everyone is fine, Hanataro managed to heal you and Ichigo up. Though you're probably still pretty sore and tired. Rukia and Ganju are here holding up and that Momo girl you gave me is also being kept here safe and sound. They're on the other side of this place, there wasn't any more space that side that wasn't the actual training grounds. So we had to stick you over here." Finished Yoruichi.
Managing to break away from the awkwardness of the situation with a naked Yoruichi. He looked around his surroundings and noticed they were in an area that was just like training room at the shop. This one was just larger is all.
"where's this place exactly?" Takeshi asked.
"this is me and Kisuke's secret training grounds from when we lived in soul society. no one will find us here at all no matter what we do. so no worries at all, we'll be spending the next few days here to recover and prepare for our escape out of here." Explained the werecat.
"I see fair enough, I suppose." He spoke before he suddenly found himself being lifted up to his feet by Yoruichi.
"come on, there are special hot springs in here that will speed up your healing and help you in regaining your energy. Not to mention you need to rinse off after all the fighting and running around you've done the last few days." She said as she motioned in the directions of the springs in question. Takeshi couldn't help but perk up at relaxing in some soothing hot springs. Like Yoruichi said, after the last few days, it was sounded like a great idea.
So he made his way over steadily, one he was at the springs his shed his cloths and carefully plopped himself in the hot spring. It felt absolutely blissful, he felt the aches and pains in his body start to melt away seemingly instantly. He leaned back against the edge of the spring as he sat with his eyes closed. Taking in the sensation of it all. he wasn't sure how long he kept like that and nor did he care, then a familiar voice spoke up.
"hot springs are working wonders I see." Spoke up Yoruichi.
"more so then I imagined, thanks for showing me this." Replied the fullbringer.
"no problem at all I knew you would need it. I think I'll join you for a dip myself." said Yoruichi.
Takeshi didn't pay much attention as he was still to engrossed with his own soaking. That was until he felt the water shift closely next to him. he opened his eyes to see the werecat plop herself in the water right next to him. he decided not to voice his thoughts on this and simply closed his eyes again and continued to enjoy the hot water.
Then all of a sudden, he felt a sudden weight on his lap, and something grip his shoulders. He snapped his eyes wide open and saw Yoruichi was sitting on his lap straddling his waist while facing him, her hands holding on to his shoulders. Her golden eyes boring right into him with a small sweet smile on her face. this wasn't Yoruichi being a tease, this was her being completely genuine.
Takeshi knew he was suddenly in a very dangerous position. While he once said he could resist Yoruichi if she ever made a serious move on him, he would be able to say no. now he suddenly realized saying that and actually doing that were two very, very different things. Takeshi was for all intent and purposes a hormonal 16 year old teenager who had perfectly healthy interest in women. Anyone guy his age in such a position with a woman who was he had to admit. An exotic beauty of the first degree was an incredibly tempting thing.
The only hang up for him was the fact he was already in a relationship with Mila, an intimate one at that too. He opened his mouth to speak but before he could say a word. he felt Yoruichi's soft lips pressed against his. the sudden kiss left him completely dumbstruck even when the Shihoin princess became more forceful with the kiss. This lasted a few more moments before she pulled away.
Trying to regain some sense of control he finally found his voice again. "Yoruichi w-" he was cut off when she pressed a finger to his lips to hush him.
"Takeshi, I know this's all very sudden. So before this goes further, if it goes any further. Allow me to explain myself first for this all." softy spoke the werecat.
As insane as this whole situation playing out before him was. Takeshi felt compelled to atleast allow Yoruichi explain herself on all this. So he nodded his head in agreement.
"now let me just simply cut to the chase Takeshi. I like you; I like you a lot in all honesty. I've been interested and impressed by you from the moment you showed back up in Karakura that night. you've always had something about you that always drew me to you on some level. Your strength, your courage, your kind heart and love you have for everything you hold dear. All those things and more. I'll admit I wasn't completely sure myself at first. So I just stuck to teasing you as much as I could as a way of trying to deal with it. Seeing what you've done here so far has only built what I feel for you more for me. You're truly a one of a kind person Takeshi. Someone like you is a very rare thing to find in the world. any woman or even dare I say women would be lucky to able to have a guy like you. you've been working yourself so hard, putting yourself through so much pain for everyone else. Allow me to help take some of those worry's and pains off of your shoulder's." she finished as she leaned her face close to his own. her eyes never losing their focus on his.
Takeshi for his part was completely blown away. He never expected Yoruichi Shihoin, the goddess of flash, former captain and former head of the stealth force. Essentially bleed her heart out to him in such a way or anyway for that matter. He was honestly very touched by it all, he couldn't find any words to speak in response at the moment because of it. all he could do was stare blankly right back at the dark skinned and purple haired woman sitting on his lap.
Yoruichi seemed to take this as a sign of sorts as she brought her lips against his once more. She kissed and proceeded to run her hands along his chiseled chest. Instinct and teenage hormones kicked in as he kissed back and ran his hands gently across her back, bringing about a coo of approval from the woman. Feeling something rather hard pressing against her butt. Yoruichi raised her hips up and positioned herself for the next bit.
Suddenly the rational part of Takeshi mind hit him harder than Zaraki ever could have. Realizing what was about to happen, he quickly reached out and grabbed Yoruichi at her waist to stop her before she lowered herself down on him. Yoruichi thought he was simply wanting to do it himself. She was shocked beyond words when lifted her up and placed her next to him.
"Yoruichi…. I'm sorry but can't do this with you at the moment. Please don't take it the wrong way. It has nothing to do with you yourself. you're a beautiful, strong and smart woman. I will not deny this nor the fact that you are without a doubt one of the most amazing individuals I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. And I'm flattered beyond reason that you care for me in such a way. It's just….it's just….it's just there's already someone else." He stated.
Yoruichi looked at him in shock and then after his words began to sink looked down in disappointment. "dammit I should have acted sooner." She spat after a few moments of silence.
"I should have stopped you sooner, but I was rather shell shocked by the suddenness of everything." He said. "I know this hurts you and I'm really sorry for that. you've done so much for me since I came to back to Karakura, I wish I could give you what you wanted but simply can't. doing so would betray the trust of the person I'm already with. So please don't take this the wrong way."
Things were awkward quietly between the two for a while. Then Yoruichi spoke up breaking the silence.
"I am disappointed and little hurt by this turn of events. I…. I do understand Takeshi. Far be it from me to break up a perfectly good relationship for my own selfish desires, that's simply not me. Though I do have to wonder, how come you never said anything about being in relationship before?" she asked.
Takeshi ran a hand through his hair before he answered. "the simple is truth is because we felt more comfortable keeping our relationship on the down low. Until it seemed like the time was right to tell everyone around about it."
"I see." Yoruichi replied. "I can understand that, not everyone like broadcasting their private lives after all."
"I'm sorry" he replied.
"it's alright Takeshi, I'm a big girl, it stings a bit, but I can handle a little rejection. Don't worry so much about me. Though can you atleast allow me to indulge in one thing by chance?" she stated.
"that being?"
Yoruichi simply scooted right up against him and leaned her head and rested it on his shoulder. "is this okay for you?"
"yeah, yeah I can do this." The fullbringer replied.
"you know." Began Yoruichi. "while I don't know who this girl, nor will I ask you who she is. since you two care about your privacy. I would very much like meet her once we get back to Karakura when possible."
"I'll….I'll see what I can do." replied Takeshi not knowing in all honesty if such a thing could be possible anytime soon.
"sounds good, besides who know maybe with a little persuasion she might agree to the idea of having a third person in the mix." The werecat finished with a smile.
"maybe…maybe." Chimed the violet eyed teen. While he had no idea if such a thing was possible. Mentally the hormonal teenage side of him couldn't deny. The idea of having Mila and Yoruichi in mutually agreed upon relationship. Was a very, very alluring idea.
"can I ask you another thing?"
"shoot Yoruichi"
"Even though your already involved with someone, have you at any point felt the same way for me before your current relationship. Maybe you just weren't aware of it by chance?" wondered Yoruichi.
Now that was interesting question. Takeshi couldn't help but wonder that she maybe right. After all he never really knew exactly how he felt for Mila until she confessed to him. now that the Shihoin princess had just confessed to him as well. He couldn't help but look back and wonder if there were signs and he just didn't realize it.
*Months ago, underground at the Urahara shop*
Takeshi was some moves that Yoruichi had just taught him. he was working the form of his strikes as Yoruichi watched closely. He made a quick jab combo with his fist.
"not bad Takeshi but your keeping yourself a little too wide with your strikes. Also try extending them out a little more." She stated.
"how so exactly Yoruichi?" questioned Takeshi.
Yoruichi simply walked over behind him. she leaned in on his back slightly and gently grabbed his wrist.
"now relax your arms and I'll guide to the proper placement, so you can get a better idea."
Takeshi just nodded his head and allowed Yoruichi to do her thing. He relaxed his arms and watched as the werecat's soft, yet strong hands guided him to the proper positioning. She leaned her head over his shoulder and spoke.
"now remember while speed is important, being able to have proper placement with your strikes is even more so." She said softly. "your attack speed doesn't mean much if can't properly land your blows in the process. now I want you to slowly move your arms back and forth. As you do, I'll be guiding you so you can better understand what I'm talking about."
Takeshi nodded his head as he slowly went through the motions, allowing Yoruichi to guide his movements as he did. This continued for a few minutes, while he was focused on studying the movements, he couldn't help but notice a few things about the werecat that so close to him.
Despite being such a harden fighter, he couldn't help but note the sheer softness of her body as it touched his. He noticed out the corner of his eye, the twinkle in her golden eyes. How they shined like a pair of polished gems, that were captivating to look at. Then he couldn't help but notice the smell of her perfume with her being so close to him. it was the undeniable smell of cinnamon and vanilla. It was a bit intoxicating in a good sort of way.
"you see that's all there is too it." spoke Yoruichi, breaking him out his current thoughts. "no do it on your own as I watch."
"Takeshi simply nodded as Yoruichi let go of him but remained where she was. So he went through the motions once more after a few moments the Shihoin spoke up.
"that's it Takeshi, you got it now." She said with some pride and joy in her tone. He turned his head to hers, his eyes looked directly into hers. He noticed she had a small smile on her face. He couldn't explain it, but he felt a flutter for the briefest moment in his chest from it.
quickly turning away, believing he was just imagining things. "thanks again for doing all this for me Yoruichi. I don't think I've properly thanked you for teaching me like you have in the months we've been at this. Especially considering you had no reason to really have to." He chimed.
"it's no problem at all Takeshi. I could see your potential the moment I laid eyes on you." she gently said. "not to mention you admitted you lacked proper hand to hand fighting skills, with all that in mind how could I not help out?"
He turned back to her. "yeah, thanks for helping me Yoruichi. I really do appreciate it."
"of course Takeshi. Remember, if you need help with anything. My door will always be open for you." she spoke.
He wasn't sure what to say so he just simply smiled at the woman right next to him. she returned the smile in turn, as he turned away to continue his exercising. He felt a flutter in his chest once more he couldn't explain.
*present time*
'fucking hell I am an idiot.' He mentally berated himself. 'the signs were there clear as the sun, I didn't even realize it. granted that was before Mila had come back into my life so I was a lot more blind to such things. Still, I should've picked up on something I suppose.' He sighed to himself before speaking out loud.
"looking back, I think I always have been on some level I was just too blind to the nature of such things to realize it Yoruichi. Though when I think about it a little deeper. I think biggest reason was because I always assumed you and Kisuke had something together."
Yoruichi chuckled a little at that last part. "I can't blame you for thinking that." she began. "I'll admit, me and Kisuke had something together back in our younger days here in soul society. hell, we even took each other's virginities in all truthfulness. However, after we had to flee into hiding after running away from soul society. we remained completely separated for quite a few decades without any sort of contact for safety. By the time we met back up, any spark we had together was burned out. We still remained good friends of course but the romance we once had is long since gone." She finished.
"I see" Takeshi muse. "while this something that will need to be addressed further. It will need to wait until we get back to Karakura. I can't make any kind of promises about anything regarding all of this about you and me. However once we hammer this all out once we get home, even if it ends up with this whole situation going no further than it already has. I'd like to hope we can atleast remain good friends Yoruichi."
Yoruichi simply looked with a smile. "of course Takeshi. If I have to accept the fact that another woman you also have feelings for has you already and doesn't want to share. I can live with that, if anything I should have made my feelings clearer to you sooner."
"thanks Yoruichi."
"your welcome."
"changing subjects, regarding everyone else. I've noticed Uryu, Chad and Orihime aren't here. You have an update about them I imagine?" questioned Takeshi.
"indeed I do. long story short, they were captured for one reason or another. There currently being held in different division cells in seireitei. Don't worry though I plan on breaking them out and bringing them here before it's times to leave." Explained the werecat.
"fair enough then. I'll leave that to you. I won't be in any shape to do any more major fighting until three days from now anyways."
"true enough, speaking of which. It's about time to go wake up your brother and get him going on his bankai training. You should just go get some more rest and have Hanataro heal you some more."
"will do." as Takeshi readied himself to get out of the hot spring, he made a quick glance down at the Shihoin princess. A sudden thought crossed through him and without thinking about it. he leaned down and gave her a kiss on her forehead. Yoruichi looked at him in surprise from the action.
"what's that for?" she inquired.
"consider it me indulging you a tad more. I still feel a little bad about disappointing you earlier." He replied.
"you really are sweet." She retorted as she hopped out the spring and made her way to dry off. Takeshi couldn't resist the urge to watch as she walked away. As if she was somehow reading his mind, she began to sway her hips in an alluring manner seemingly on instinct.
"god dammit how does she know?" he muttered to himself as he climbed out as well.
*elsewhere in seireitei*
In a room stood four captains. Hitsugaya, Ukitake, Kyoraku and Unohana. Toshiro had taken the info given to him by Takeshi and called in Kyoraku and Ukitake to discuss the manner. After he had done so they had suggested bringing in Unohana as well.
During that time, some surprising developments had occurred. Rukia Kuchiki had successfully been freed from her prison cell and Takeshi had dropped another captain. This time Kenpachi Zaraki of all people, much to everyone's surprise. Especially Unohana for some reason. however there was one thing troubling them far more. After discussing it amongst themselves, they all had come to the same conclusion.
They had a traitor amongst their ranks.
"so were all in agreement then?" asked Toshiro.
"yes" spoke Kyoraku. "once the ryoka make there move to escape, we in-act our end of things. Whoever is behind all this will most likely know where the ryoka will be going and will make a move to intercept. I would expect all remaining captains to head in the same direction. It obvious the traitor has his sights on Rukia Kuchiki for whatever reason. where she goes, they'll go. Granted will have to be in the dark until almost the last moment, so to keep up appearances. Me and Ukitake will head to the ryoka and assist by intercepting the head captain, he'll kill them, and we can't have that. those ryoka's seemed to be being played by this unknown traitor for some reason. it would be a good thing to keep them alive so we can figure out why that is. At the time everyone starts mobilizing you and Unohana will head off to investigate the mysteriousness of central 46 that's taken them as of late."
"Remember" spoke Ukitake. "we must do this in this way in order to not tip off whoever the traitor is that we are on to them. it's our best chance of finding out who they are and apprehending them."
"very well then." Spoke Unohana.
With that all four captains then left back to their respective divisions to wait for when the time would come to make their move.
*Central 46 compound*
Inside the central 46 compound housed the members or rather had been there members. Still in all their respective seats, the bodies every last member of central 46 still were, dead in their own blood. Within the compound, only one living person remained. The one responsible for their murders and so much more. The recently thought to have been killed Sosuke Aizen.
Aizen sat in the compound thinking over his next course of action. He had long since killed central 46 and been the in true control of things in seireitei. He had to admit his plans had met with some unexpected hang ups. All thanks to Takeshi Kurosaki.
They boy had single handedly without even realizing it, meddle with his plans in more than a few ways. He had by sheer luck, ran into and captured Momo. Forcing him scrap what he had planned for her. He had been dropping other soul reaper captains left and right. An unexpected turn of developments to be sure even for him. Halibel had trained the boy even better than he had originally anticipated.
Then there was him having snuck into and retrieving Rukia Kuchiki form her cell. However, despite this Aizen wasn't even annoyed by all this. In fact he was amused more than anything by how much a single human boy, who didn't even have soul reaper powers or true hollow powers managed so much. Despite what changes he had to make his ultimate goal would still come to fruition. He would retrieve the hogyoku within Rukia and then with it he would use it to put the fullbringer through hollow-fication. Before moving to the next stages of his ambition's.
Aizen looked over a map of seireitei, having already deduced the ryoka's course of action. They would no doubt make their attempt to escape by heading to the gate Takeshi had entered through. They would have Jidanbo open the gate for them from the other side as they neared. Though they wouldn't make there move until Ichigo had achieved his bankai. He was well aware on what Urahara had most likely instructed Yoruichi Shihoin as to make Ichigo achieve his bankai.
He would make what accomplices he had in seireitei would make sure tip the remaining soul reaper forces of their plan to escape. That way once they ryoka group made their move, seireitei would be ready to intercept. Aizen would allow both sides to engage and beat each other down. Then when the time was right, he would use the ensuing chaos to his advantage to claim what he desired.
"soon, very soon I shall have what is mine." Aizen mused to himself.
*secret training grounds three days later*
In the three days that passed everything progressed as expected. As Yoruichi promised she managed to break out Uryu, Chad and Orihime. While everyone else who was already at the training ground. wondering just how she managed to do so. Though no one bothered to really question it. they had all come to learn that Yoruichi had her ways and you just of learned to accept that.
While Chad and Orihime were ok, everyone was shocked that Uryu had lost his quincy powers. he sacrificed them in an effort to kill division 12 captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi. The mad scientist captain admitted to doing heinous experiments on multiple quincy's until they died. including Uryu's own grandfather no less.
While Takeshi and Uryu may have never really seen eye to eye. Takeshi never would have wished Uryu to suffer such a loss, especially in the manner it happened. Takeshi was disgusted that someone like Mayuri could have such free reign to do such things. He was seriously tempted to hunt down and kill off the wounded captain simply on principal alone. It actually took Uryu and Yoruichi working together to convince the fullbringer not to do it.
Surprising everyone, Renji of all people showed up, having been brought by Yoruichi to train for bankai. Apparently after having some sense beat into him by Ichigo during their previous fight. He now wanted to assist in helping Rukia escape. While they were a little skeptical at first, he bled his heart out and everyone realized he was serious.
Speaking of bankai training Ichigo had worked on his. At the start of the first day, Yoruichi pulled some strange device that would allow Ichigo to learn his bankai in the three days. Ichigo stabbed his blade into it and the next everyone knew the training grounds was covered in hundreds of blades. Zangetsu himself stood before them having been physically manifested. Takeshi for his part just simply took it easy and watched his brothers training. with multiple soaks in the springs and Hanataro's healing. He was back up to full shape by the end of day two of Ichigo's training.
However Yoruichi put her foot down hard on him not leaving the training grounds until it was time to escape. In between Ichigo training he would join his brother in the springs to soak. Takeshi had come to get rather addicted to wonderful sensation of them. it also gave the brothers time to talk one on one about everything.
*End of day two of bankai training*
The two brothers relaxed in the hot springs. Ichigo to get prepared for his final day of training and Takeshi who simply enjoyed the soaked. After settling themselves in Takeshi spoke first.
"so how would you say your training is going little brother?" asked Takeshi.
"coming along, I feel like I'm really close. I'm going to achieve my bankai by the end of tomorrow. Then were going to get the hell out of here with everyone, no matter what." Replied Ichigo.
"yeah, it's gonna be interesting once we get home after all this." Said Takeshi.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Sung-Sun again. Being back with her after all this chaos will be a nice welcome. I'm sure you're looking forward to seeing Mila again."
"Yeah….hey little brother I need to tell you something."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow wondering what his brother had to say. After a few minutes, Takeshi finished explaining what had gone down between him and Yoruichi.
"so let me get this straight big brother." Said Ichigo. "you woke up to a naked Yoruichi, she joined you for a dip in the hot springs. She started making out with you out of the blue and admitted she had a thing for you for a while now. Then right before you two were about to make the beast with two backs, you managed to stop her. You told her you already had a girlfriend and after talking things out a bit more. You realized that you've also had similar feelings for her, but just didn't realize it until she confessed to you. so now when you get back you have to somehow figure this all out in some way?"
"yeah pretty much." Retorted the fullbringer.
"only you could somehow put yourself in such a situation. All the luck in the world on figuring that one out. I honestly don't know what to say to help. Just try not ruin what you have is all I can think to say." Stated the orange haired teen.
"yeah, I've really put myself in a tight spot. I love Mila but I can't ignore Yoruichi either I feel. She has done so much for me, so doing something like that would hurt her despite what she may say otherwise. It's something I just don't feel all that okay with. I think when we get back, we'll need to be honest about Mila and the others to everyone." Spoke Takeshi.
"you sure that's a good idea?" asked Ichigo
"think about it, we can't hide our relationships with them forever. Especially now things have gotten so serious. I think being honest about it all at last will be the best option. I mean the Urahara crew knows about them from my time in hueco mundo. they just don't know about them having become arrancar since then and showing up in town." Explained Takeshi.
"I suppose you make a good point. Though it's gonna be a little rough I think none the less big brother."
"true but how often are things that have to be done in life ever easy Ichigo?"
"fair enough."
*Present time*
It was the end of third day of Ichigo's bankai training, he had been successful in achieving it, as was Renji. They already were aware that they would have fight on their hands to make it out. Currently everyone was gathered around discussing final preparations before they left to make their escape the next day.
"we'll leave tomorrow in the early hours of the morning." Spoke Yoruichi. "we'll make our way to the gate Takeshi entered through when we first arrived. I already made contact with Jidanbo. He'll be waiting on the opposite side to open for us once we arrive. From there arrangements have been made with Kukaku to get us back to the living world. don't expect it to be easy though, the remaining soul reaper forces will be on high alert. Expect a fight to happen once we near the gate."
The werecat turned her gaze to Takeshi, Ichigo and Renji.
"you three including myself are the heavy hitters of the team. It will be our task to deal with any of the captains that show up to engage us. everyone else but Uryu will provide support against any other soul reapers who aren't captains. Uryu since you have no combat powers anymore, I'm afraid you'll just have to move and keep safe once the fighting starts. Same for you Rukia since your powers have yet to return. as we take off, we'll release Hinamori, she won't be able to do anything to us and keeping her at that point would be pointless.
"I understand." Uryu simply replied. Rukia nodded her head in understanding.
"sounds like a solid enough plan, however my only major concern is if the head-captain himself shows up. He's the one person that could easily kill us all if he really wanted too." Spoke Renji.
"if that happens everyone is to do their best to escape and make it to the living world. as Renji said, trying to fight the head-captain would simply be suicide." Replied Yoruichi.
"that settles it all then." Chimed Ichigo. "we should get what rest we can for when we head out tomorrow."
A few hours had passed, everyone else had seemingly gone to sleep already. Except for a certain fullbringer.
Takeshi was in spot away from the others trying to sleep but couldn't seem to no matter how hard he tried. So much had happened so fast in the last few days in seireitei. it was almost too hard keep track of it all, not to mention just how much what he could keep track of weighed heavily on his mind. So he just laid there absently looking up at the ceiling trying to seemingly fall asleep pointlessly.
"having trouble sleeping?" spoke a very familiar voice, Takeshi tilted his head to see Yoruichi standing right next to him.
"yeah, everything that's happened over the time we've been here and what's about to go down tomorrow. Mixed with some stuff that will need to be addressed with back home. It just sort of feels like everything around me is on top of my shoulders at the moment." He explained.
Yoruichi sat down next to Takeshi and looked at him in understanding. Everything going on would weigh a lot on anyone. it was sometimes hard to remember, that despite everything Takeshi had been through. How much the way he often carried himself. He was still just a 16 year old. So everything going on must have felt even heavier to him.
"I know what you mean, I've felt that way plenty of ways before in the past." Stated Yoruichi. "but such is way of things of this nature. You just have to be strong to make it through."
"that's just it though Yoruichi." Spoke Takeshi. "I worry that I may not be strong enough to do what needs to be done. We're reaching the final stretch in this mission and I can't help but be concerned that I may not be able to do enough."
"Takeshi Kurosaki, don't you dare go doubting yourself like this." Retorted the werecat. "you are easily one of the strongest people I have ever met. You've already shown how strong you are throughout this all already. Believe me when I say you are strong. Anyone who knows you will say the same."
Takeshi didn't say anything in return but just simply took in her words.
"would you like to me rest with you? I promise my cloths will stay on and I won't trying anything funny." Asked Yoruichi.
The violet eyed teen thought about her offer for a moment before nodding his head in acceptance. Yoruichi slipped under the covers and placed herself so her head was resting on Takeshi chest. The rest of her body laying up against the rest of his own. Takeshi couldn't deny, her presence was rather comforting.
"good night Yoruichi."
"good night Takeshi."
With that both closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.