"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Ddraig/ Dragons
{} - Sparda
"" - Isa
{} - Masayuki
[] - Communication
...
Yukio, Keiko and Saji flew over Kuoh on their wings as they looked for Rurichiyo, Irina's call having swerved the direction for the little time they had for before Devil Contracts would need to be done. Yukio had sent Orihime on ahead to find the little girl while wondering why she would run off.
'I'm starting to think helping her is just gonna make more trouble for us.' The silvernet thought with a frown as he stretched his senses, Ddraig speaking up [Maybe. That girl's guards spoiling her too much is only going to cause problems when she demands something from someone who has no care for her.]
{True... But I think you may have been a little too harsh with her.} Masayuki spoke up, Yukio frowning as Keiko broke his thoughts as she exclaimed "I found her!"
Yukio and Saji chased after Keiko as she shot forwards, coming down into the streets to see Orihime standing in front of Rurichiyo with a shield of flames blocking the assassin from reaching the young blonde.
The assassin moved to pull on his Bakoto, making it glow green as he brought the huge sword down towards them and hurtling a mass of the green energy to fly towards Orihime's blazing shield. Yukio looked surprised as the energy solidified into a wall which crashed through the familiar's shield and would have struck the pair had Orihime not grabbed Rurichiyo and took to the sky with her phoenix wings.
Yukio dove in to block the next two strikes the assassin tried to launch with Amonusen, using a pair of powered down Getsuga Tenshos to destroy the forming wall-like spikes and making him thankful he had taken one of Azazel's pills beforehand to ensure his reiatsu was topped off.
"Absorption Line!" Saji called, firing a dozen lines at the assassin from his Sacred Gear only to miss as the assassin used his speed to dodge. The Sitri [Pawn] mentally cursed his lack of time to train with the other [Vritra Gears] as he focused on two pieces he had been training to use as he called "Shadow Prison! Blaze Black Flare!"
Tendrils covered in black flames burst out of the shadows under the assassin, surprising him as they bounded him as Keiko took advantage of the moment and Shunpo'd forwards to strike the assassin with a punch to his stomach as she called "Yukio!"
"Yamato!" Yukio called as he summoned and unsheathed the demonic sword, firing off a energy slash which sever the Bakoto and the assassin's arm that the Bakoto was attached to at the shoulder.
"H-How...!?" The assassin stammered in shock before Keiko's next punch knocked him out and sent him flying.
"Rurichiyo-sama!" Kenryuu called as he, Enryu, Rukia and the others arrived while Orihime landed and let the blonde go.
"Buchou!" Xenovia called, drawing the group's attention to the spasming body of the assassin as Yukio cursed "Damn it. I thought we could get something from him."
"Looks like there was some sort of Kido on him to prevent him from being captured if he was knocked out." Rukia mused as she was joined by Keiko to look over the assassin.
...
Yukio and Saji followed the Vizards down into an training area underneath the warehouse, said area was like a vast desert. The pair was directed to stand in an open space separate from each other for what was going to happen as Shinji ordered "Hachi put up an extra barrier and bind their legs and arms."
Hachi nodded as two orange box barriers sprung up around the pair before steel pillars dropped from the sky and brought both Yukio and Saji to the ground with their arms and legs pinned to the ground as Keiko called "Go into your Inner Worlds so you can start."
With a shared nod, the two young men closed their eyes to focus inwards and start the final risky stage of this training.
...
Yukio took a deep breathe as he looked around his Inner World for Isa, not seeing the Hollow anywhere as he walked around the city. He couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as he had a feeling somehow Rias would find out what he had kept hidden and he knew he'd be in trouble with her and the other girls about it.
"I just hope they understand why I did this." Yukio muttered to himself before turning suddenly at the familiar cackle from Isa, "Well, its nice to finally be able to stretch my legs once more."
"Isa..." Yukio spoke on guard, summoning Amonusen as Isa did the same as he grinned viciously and attacked as he retorted, "Aw~ You remember my name."
Yukio moved Amonusen to block the attack, the two starting to fight as Isa tried to push to gain the advantage as he swung the giant sword viciously as Yukio asked "Where are the others?"
"They've got no say in this little matter so I've brought you far away from where you usually appear." Isa answered with a smirk, Yukio pushing away Isa with a swing of his sword before charging after him. The two continued to duel on the ground, reaitsu flying from their clashes as both infused reiatsu into their blades.
...
Orihime bit her lip as she looked out of the window towards where Yukio was, using her familiar bond with him to check on him. A part of her wanted to be there to ensure Yukio was alright but she knew that she couldn't help in the battle that was going on inside of his mind.
"Is everything alright, Orihime?" Rias asked curiously, Orihime nodding as she answered "I'm just worried about the final stage of Yukio-sama's task."
"Final stage..." Rias mused, raising an eyebrow at the Phoenix who shifted uncomfortably as she averted her gaze.
"What is he doing?" Rias asked with a frown, Orihime looking nervous as she answered "Training with Keiko-san."
"Training?" Rias asked surprised, wondering why Yukio and Keiko would hide the fact they were doing some sort of training from herself and the others. Her eyes widening after a few seconds as she realised, 'Unless its something that he knows I wouldn't approve of but what would that be...'
Rias knew that if Yukio was training his Shinigami powers in his current condition then he would need more demonic energy transfers and training with his Devil Arms, Devil Trigger or [Boosted Gear] wouldn't need such secrecy. Rias' eyes widened as she realised that she had forgotten one power Yukio held, bringing up the question 'Could someone control a Hollow's power?'
"Akeno, keep an eye on things here for me!" Rias called towards the kitchen area of the clubroom as she walked towards the doorway as she added "I need to see Sona about something. Orihime, come on."
Orihime reluctantly followed, knowing that her master and his friend was going to be in trouble when Rias discovered what they had been doing.
...
Keiko turned her head away from the two fights going on, Saji was swinging Hollowfied clawed hands with thin purple lines travelling up his arms to his reptilian Hollow Mask at Mashiro who dodged and struck back with punches and kicks. Yukio on the other hand was fighting Kensei, Hollow Mask on his face and Hollowfied flesh over his right arm and a part of his chest as he roared and swung Amonusen wildly.
"Hachi, open the outer barrier. We've got guests I'm going to meet." Keiko spoke as Shunpo'd away, Hachi turning to Shinji to see him not before moving his hands to making an opening.
Keiko reappeared outside of the building to see Rias hurrying forwards with Orihime and Sona closely behind her before the redhead asked "Keiko! Where's Yukio?"
"Calm down, Rias. Nii-kun will be fine." Keiko replied calmly, attempting to calm the redhead only for her to shoot a glare at the blonde as she countered "Calm down!? You are letting Yukio do something dangerous without telling me first."
"Nii-kun may be your servant but you don't control what he can do during his free time, Rias." Keiko pointed out, crossing her arms under her bust as she added "And this is something I should have had Nii-kun go through before and he wanted to do without you knowing."
"W-What?" Rias asked in surprised, anger forgotten as Keiko nodded as she shot a look to Sona as she pointed out "Also Saji-kun wouldn't have had to go through this if he hadn't taken Nii-kun's blood."
Sona deflated somewhat at realising she should have checked that there wouldn't be any adverse effects to her plan in her first [Rating Game] as now Saji had to risk himself to gain control of the dangerous power he had gained.
"What is Saji and Hosokawa-kun doing?" Sona asked worried, Keiko looking at the pair for a moment before she answered "They are learning to control their Hollows by overwhelming them in a fight in their Inner Worlds."
"Now, if you two will be calm and not interfere I'll bring you to watch but you can't approach them till its over." Keiko added with a sigh, looking over the pair to see them reluctantly nod in agreement. The blonde relaxed slightly as she turned and walked back inside, stopping at the door to see the two heiresses standing there before she added "Come along then."
...
Yukio growled as he and Isa traded sword strikes in his Bankai form, shockwaves exploding off of them to damage the buildings around them. Their fight had moved from the ground to the side of a couple skyscrapers, almost turning into a running battle as they traded attacks.
"You should be thanking me, not trying to destroy and dominate me." Isa scoffed loudly, dodging a Getsuga Tensho aimed at him and then the swarm of Netherworld Creatures charging soon after as Yukio shouted "Thank you!? For what!? Damaging my Soul Chain! Making me go through Hollow Juggernaut Drive!"
"If not for me you'd have never got this strong!" Isa roared back, unleashing a burst of reiatsu that batted away the insect like creatures, "If I didn't hinder your recovery would you have ever bothered to combine your [Scale Mail] with your [Devil Trigger] to create the [Demon Mail]?"
Yukio faltered at hearing that before Isa fired a Getsuga Tensho at him as he added "A thanks would be nice as well for stopping the wolfie's claw from piercing you."
Yukio sliced the energy slash in two with his own sword before he pointed it Isa, crimson energy of a Cero building up on its point as he asked "What do you want?"
"I want you to start using my full power." Isa answered, Yukio frowning as he countered "That's what this fight is for, Isa!"
"No, this little fight is pointless seeing as you've had access to the mask since the [Hollow Juggernaut Drive]. You've just been too afraid to even try and use it given the others sealed me away. After all, you did defeat me back then, even if you had the aid of the others." Isa pointed out, Yukio looking confused as Isa continued "Now, like with the [Spirit Mail] and [Demon Mail], I want you to combine my full power with that armour of yours. Just imagine the raw power that form would take."
Yukio frowned at seeing the savage grin on Isa's face as he thought about it before asking "Why? Why not tell me this before?"
"I want you strong, partner. If I pointed it out from the start there'd be no fun for me and you'd never push yourself as much as you have." Isa answered with a nonchalant shrug as he swirled the blade of his sword in his hand.
"Alright. I'll start working on this... [Hollow Mail]... once I'm out of here as long as you stop hindering my healing and trying to take control of me." Yukio replied with a sigh, Isa's grin growing as he retorted "Oh, don't worry. Its much more fun to act the monster in the dark, eager to get out and demolish our enemies then some adviser when you've already got three. Just don't lose against anyone and I won't have a reason to try and take over again."
...
Rias and Sona stared at the pair of half Hollowifed [Pawns] fighting against members of the Vizards, the latter fully understanding what her plan had done to Saji as he fired several familiar tongues from his palm at Lisa who barely dodged them while charging forwards to strike. Lisa stopping as Saji swung a claw at where she was only for the arm to freeze before it could come into contact with the raven haired young woman. Black light started to crack out from under the white bone-like flesh, soon followed by a lick of flames as parts of started to fall away and turn into dust.
"Looks like Saji is done." Keiko commented, turning her worried gaze to Yukio as Saji fell to the ground face first as the last of his Hollowification was undone and the mask fell with a clatter away from him. The mask was angular in shape and resembled a dragon with a violet diamond on the forehead and several black lines that made the mask more demonic.
'How could Saji do this without telling me?' Sona thought to herself angrily, thinking how distant Saji had been with her the last few days. It wasn't helped that he'd acknowledged the feelings of Momo and Ruruko and so spent a fair bit of his time with both girls in the Council Room rather then normally paying attention to her and offering to help her with little jobs.
'Could I... be jealous of Momo and Ruruko having Saji's attention.' Sona thought as she watched Saji being brought over to the rest of the group to be checked over.
"Come on Yukio..." Rias murmured to herself as the Hollow Yukio roared and swung his sword wildly at Hiyori, making the blonde back up Shinji spoke "We're going to need to change sooner then I thought."
"I'll go." Keiko spoke, Rias looking surprised to her as Shinji nodded. Keiko took a moment to stretch as she waited for Hachi to open the barrier to let them make the switch, Shunpo'ing inside the moment the barrier opened and landing a palm strike on his Hollow hole, making him stagger back before roaring as the cracks over his Hollow flesh repaired itself. Keiko moved to strike once more only for Hollow Yukio to to drop Tensa Amonusen before all the Hollow parts of his body started to flake off in disintegrate in the air. Yukio fell forwards out of the seeming shell of his Hollow form, Hollow hole healed and his Hollow mask resting on his face before it faded away.
Rias rushed forwards as soon as the barrier was dropped, stopping as Keiko was carrying her little brother back towards the rest of the group while Saji was picked up by Kensei and Love.
...
When Yukio came to he found himself lying on a mattress on the floor, seeing Keiko, Rias, Sona, Saji and Shinji Hirako peering over him as he spoke "Seems he's fine."
"Yeah, I am." Yukio greeted with a groan as he sat up, locking eyes with Rias as she started to lecture him "Why didn't you tell me? This was dangerous and I could have lost you. The others would have lost you and none of us would have been able to do anything to help you."
"You wouldn't have let me try Rias if I came to you to ask about it and I needed to do this to make sure everyone is safe from my Hollow, from Isa." Yukio countered before Rias could continue, focusing his gaze on Sona as well as he added "Saji and I didn't want to worry either of you about this either. Can you imagine the trouble that might be caused if either of our Hollows raged out of control and hurt those around us?"
"It seems I didn't have to do much though..." Yukio added more for himself, Keiko raising an eyebrow as she asked "What do you mean?"
"Isa admitted that back when we fought when I was in that [Hollow Juggernaut Drive] was good enough for him to give access for the mask but..." Yukio started to explain, rubbing his chest as he continued "But he also told me that he restrained the healing of my Soul Chain to ensure I got stronger which succeeded because I made the [Red Dragon Demon Mail] armour."
The others looked at him surprised at hearing that as Yukio also admitted "Isa also wanted me to combine the Hollow Mask with Ddraig's [Scale Mail] as well and I made a deal with him to that effect."
"How can you know that he was telling the truth or trust him?" Rias asked concerned, Yukio answering with a thoughtful look, "I don't think he would lie about why he wanted me to get stronger."
Keiko nodding in agreement with the redhead as she pointed out "It'll be easy to find out if he was lying or not. We just need to have someone check his Soul Chain and see if its recovering faster or not."
"Urahara?" Shinji asked curiously, Keiko nodding as she agreed "Urahara."
...
"Hmm..." Urahara hummed as he looked over Yukio with a curious gaze before speaking to Keiko and Rias, "His Soul Chain seems to be healing faster then before."
"Really?" Rias asked surprised, Urahara nodding as Keiko spoke "I suppose Isa was telling the truth to you then."
"Hehehe... You thought I would lie about something that was to make you stronger." Isa chuckled in Yukio's mind, making him wince as it was still a little troubling to believe they were cordial terms now.
Keiko ran through a basic check for her little brother to see if he was physically fine while Urahara moved over to check over Saji, Sona standing nearby with a nervous expression before he soon pronounced that the young man was fine spiritually. Keiko then moved to check Saji over for a moment before speaking to the heiresses, "They're both physically fine but might need to rest for a day given the strain their bodies have been under."
"Gremory-san, Keiko-san, Yukio-kun, we have a problem." Rukia called as she burst into the room, drawing everyone's gaze as she explained "Rurichiyo-sama had gone missing."
"Again?" Yukio asked surprised as he stood up, buttoning up his shirt as he hurried out of the room to look for the girl.
...
"We've checked everywhere, so where has she gone?" Rias mused with a frown after both clubs and the Shinigami had returned from searching Kuoh Town.
"She's not in town anymore and I doubt she has the sense to get around the human world on her own." Keiko commented, getting nods from those who had met the young girl.
"So, most likely she's returned to Soul Society or been kidnapped again." Yukio commented, looking to Rukia as he asked "Has any Senkaimon been opened recently?"
"Ah, yes there was one." Rukia replied with a nod, Kenryu slamming a hand onto the table as he proclaimed "She went back to Soul Society then. We have to go after her!"
"You think we can just waltz into Soul Society to look for this girl?" Sona asked incredulously, having been brought up to speed by Rias about what had been going on while the others had searched.
"..." Kenryu opened his mouth to speak, turning his gaze to Yukio and Keiko only for the former to retort annoyed "He probably planning to have a group of us go to visit our family as an excuse for us to travel to Soul Society."
"Your family...?" Asia spoke concerned as the others shifted with a mixture of anger and reservation as Rias turned a glare to the pair of guards "You want them to go near those... those animals!"
Kenryu and Enryu flinched back at Rias' words, confused by what she meant as they glanced over to Yukio and Keiko to see the latter glaring at them as she retorted "Don't bother, Rias. They obvious hidden what they did to Nii-kun back when we left to avoid any disgrace. Luckily, their plan can still work given there's a second estate for the few members of our family who supported and accepted us fully for what we are. Even when we left Soul Society. But they will know we're there the moment we step through the gates."
"We've got something for that." Azazel spoke with a grin as he entered with Urahara and Yoruichi, holding a bunch of bracelets as Urahara continued "We had a feeling that you'd have to go to Soul Society at some point and these will prevent any adverse effects as well as hide your true aura."
Keiko frowned as she accepted one, shifting her gaze from Azazel to Urahara before Yoruichi spoke up "I would be suspicious of them too but they are legit and figured something like this would happen."
"There's only enough for the Gremory group, Keiko, Georgia, Kotake and Kotume to go so the others will have to stay back and keep an eye on the town." Azazel spoke as he handed the rest of them out to the others as Keiko and Yukio secured them to their bicep before checking their senses regarding each other.
"Makes sense. Especially after those two idiots stirred up the Hollows in this town and those nearby with their stunt a few days ago." Yukio retorted with a nod, Sona and Saji turning glares onto Kenryu and Enryu at realising the increase in work had been due to them.
"Rukia and those two can help me take the rest of you to Soul Society." Keiko spoke seriously, getting a nod from Rukia and reluctant ones from Kenryu and Enryu before she added "But first we'll need to gather what we'll need for a short stay there. Probably three or four days."
With agreeing nods from the others, the group split up to start packing what they would need.
...
"Everyone ready?" Rukia asked as she looked at the gathered group, the Gremory group were all wearing their school uniforms although Yukio had his red coat on top, Keiko was still in a casual set of jeans, tank top but with a leather jacket over the top and knee high boots on her feet. Everyone gave their agreement to being ready before the short young woman drew her Zanpakuto and seemed to insert it into the space in front of her. She turned her sword like a key and made the shoji doors appear in front of her and open before she sheathed her blade. Rias and Georgia had contacted Sirzechs about what was going on to avoid any potential incident among the factions which resulted in Grayfia arriving to travel along with them and keep an eye on things.
"Please enter quickly." Rukia told the others as Kenryu and Enryu hurried inside, the rest pausing for a moment as Yukio, Keiko and Grayfia entered first with Rias and Asia either side of the former before following as they entered the traditional Japanese waiting room. The door on the other side of the room had already opened and the two guards had gone ahead.
They wasted little time in the waiting room as the group entered Soul Society, Rias letting out a small gasp of surprise at the rather traditional Japanese sight in front of her as if they had travelled back to feudal Japan.
"This is the Seireitei." Keiko started to explain as she looked around to ensure they weren't noticed, "The centre of Soul Society and capital which is protected by four gates and home to all Shinigami and nobility. The Shinigami either live in Division Barracks or the Shin'o Academy while high-ranking officers commute from their own homes."
"What about outside this city?" Akeno asked curiously, Keiko offering a sad smile as she answered "That is Rukongai and where the civilians live. The closer they are to the gates the better the district is but Shinigami and nobles don't bother with them and the only way to leave is by becoming a Shinigami and applying for the Academy. So, finding loved ones there is almost impossible."
Akeno dropped her head at hearing that, Yukio and Rias both moving to comfort her as they realised she had been hoping to meet with her mother if she was here as the former suggested "We can have a look still if you want."
{I can just imagine the reactions of the people when they see you riding around on Cavaliere.} Masayuki spoke with a chuckle as he caught what his son was thinking. Yukio and Keiko shared a look of understanding as they decided to not tell about what happened when balance needed to be maintained here. Grayfia rose an eyebrow as she looked between the two siblings wondering what they were hiding but decided to wait till they were in private to ask.
"Buchou... Where did those two guards go?" Kiba asked as he looked around, Rias, Keiko and Yukio cursing at seeing Kenryu and Enryu had ran off.
"Where's the Kasumioji estate?" Yukio asked with a frown, Rukia blinking as she pointed in a direction as she asked "That way. Why?"
"Cause those two have gone off ahead and knowing our luck they probably end up in some sort of trap." Yukio answered, unaware of how right he was.
...
"ACHOO!" Kenryu and Enryu sneezed together as they tried to force their way out of the room they'd been locked in by Gyokaku Kumoi, Rurichiyo's hat left on the ground behind them.
...
Yukio was thankful that Rias had allowed him to use [Promotion], having become a [Knight] to easily cover the distance towards the Kasumioji Estate. He was currently watching Rurichiyo's procession arriving at the palace from atop of a rooftop nearby.
"I say you should just charge in." Isa spoke with a grin, Yukio rolling his eyes as Sparda countered {Charging in would just alert them to us being here and you know the attention he would get at just him returning to the Seireitei.}
{True. The last thing we want is that group of the family knowing he's here.} Masayuki spoke up with a frown and disgusted tone, Ddraig growling as well as he added [Let's do this quietly then.]
Yukio nodded at hearing that, watching Rurichiyo get out and be greeted by another child. The pair talked for a moment before proceeding inside, the silvernet letting his gaze shift around to see if anyone had spot him standing atop of the roof before letting his large devil wings spring forth and using them with his [Knight] enhanced speed to quickly fly onto the roof of the palace.
{Crouch down. It wouldn't do for someone to see you up here.} Masayuki spoke up, Yukio following the advice as he slowly moved towards the edge of the roof to see where Rurichiyo and the child had gone. He ended up lying on his front by the time he reached the edge, only letting his head lean over the side to look down and see where the two children had gone before finding them having a tea party.
'She looks okay to me... but why would she run back here without those two.' Yukio thought with a frown. He couldn't really appear in front of Rurichiyo as that would cause the guards to try and capture him.
"Maybe she just couldn't live without her comforts." Isa snorted back in disgust. Sparda rolling his eyes as he countered {I'm sure she has a reason for doing this.}
{Maybe you can use [Soul Resonance] to talk to her?} Masayuki suggested, Yukio humming as he thought 'Yeah, I can see that working if I can focus the link to just extend to her. Plus, that way it would avoid alerting the guards to us being here due to any change in the surroundings when I use it normally.'
{I could see that working as a crude form of telepathy for you if you can get it working.} Sparda spoke approvingly, Yukio starting to form a small amount of magic into his hand as he started to shape the spell. It took him a few minutes to modify the normal [Soul Resonance] into the altered version he intended to use before moving the small orb of magic to his pointer finger before waiting for the best moment to fire. Yukio's spell struck once it was launched, the small red orb hitting Rurichiyo on the back before dispersing harmlessly as he thought 'Now just to see if it works...'
[Hello Rurichiyo...] Yukio thought to the blonde, noticing how she stiffened as she thought back [Y-Yukio-san!? H-How!?]
[Don't look around, it wouldn't do to alert your guards that I'm here.] Yukio replied, making Rurichiyo stop herself from turning as she asked [Why are you here?]
[You think running away from your guards didn't cause us all the worry, Rurichiyo?] Yukio asked back, making the blonde look down as he continued [Why would you do such a thing anyway?]
[I...I didn't want to cause more trouble for you.] Rurichiyo answered softly, Yukio scoffing as he replied [You think we didn't know what would happen when we got involved in this? Rias-sama, Keiko-nee basically forced those two idiots with you to explain everything.]
Rurichiyo stumbled to her feet, making her excuses to the child she was with before walking away as she asked [You knew about the attacks?]
[We knew that someone was after you and, given they were Shinigami, we figured that they came from Soul Society themselves.] Yukio answered, making the blonde pause as he added [Them not telling you was to keep you safe and happy.]
Rurichiyo stopped as she saw a girl crying, moving towards her as the girl ran off. Yukio frowned as Rurichiyo chased after the crying girl, using his [Knight] speed once more to move to another rooftop as he followed the pair towards the outskirts as he thought to her [You know she's probably leading you to a trap, right?]
[A trap?] Rurichiyo thought surprised, taking several steps back before having to dodge as the crying girl drew a knife and tried to attack her. The first attack missed as Rurichiyo tripped backwards onto her rear, the girl slowly stalking towards her to deal a finishing blow only for Yukio to appear between them with Amonusen in one hand to block the attack, shocking the girl as he asked "Why don't you give yourself up, assassin?"
Yukio pointed his free hand at the slumping girl, channelling magic as the guards approached, slapping the wrist holding the blade as he intoned, "Armour Break!"
The sound of shattered glass was heard as the illusion was shattered as the spell worked over the body, revealing the masked assassin who was slumped in front of him and shocked at suddenly seeing the illusion not working. The assassin lunged at Yukio as he realised only for the knife to be blocked by Amonusen once more and followed up by a [Boosted Gear] clad fist slamming into their face and sent him flying back.
[Boost!]
Yukio took advantage of the assassin's surprise, even as they managed to land on their feet, to dash forwards with his enhanced speed to close the gap only to be stopped as the wall was smashed through and Kenpachi stepped through it with a grin.
{Get back, Yukio.} Masayuki warned sharply, Yukio jumping back to land in front of Rurichiyo and the guards that now surrounded her. Kenpachi grinned as he caught sight of Yukio, his unsheathed sword resting on his shoulder, the assassin taking the distracted Shinigami as an easy target as it charged forwards and thrust out with the knife it held. Kenpachi turned instantly, his free hand lashing out to grab the wrist holding the knife while his Zanpakuto swung down and ended their life by splitting the assassin in two.
Rukia appeared soon after through the hole in the wall, spotting Yukio dismiss his sword and [Sacred Gear] while Rurichiyo was lead off by her guards and procession back towards the Kasumiōji household.
"Heh. Looks like the [Spirit Knight Dragon] has come home." Kenpachi spoke with a smirk, tapping the flat of his sword against his shoulder as he added "Perfect timing for me to have a bit of fun against a strong guy."
"Ah, Kenpachi-taichou, we can't at the moment. We're currently on a top-secret mission. Can you please keep it a secret?" Rukia spoke up as she got between the pair, "P-Plus, Yukio-san is still not at his full strength."
Kenpachi frowned at hearing that, his shoulders slumping slightly as he huffed out "Fine. I'll keep it a secret. If [Spirit Knight Dragon] will let me be the one to test out his power against."
Yukio nodded while Rukia sighed in relief as Kenpachi walked off, the pair sharing a look as the latter spoke up "Keiko-san showed the others to your relatives' estate."
Yukio nodded at hearing that, the pair leaving the area only to run into a gentle looking man with straw-blonde hair and pale green eyes who offered a smile as he greeted the pair, "Hello Yukio-kun. Keiko-chan wanted me to come find you and guide you to where you'll be staying with us."
"Alright... Sora-san." Yukio spoke with a nod, the pair following the man back to where his supportive relatives were staying.
...
Yukio paused as he stood outside of the large estate, aware of the gaze of his cousin Sora as he waited for both him and Rukia to follow him inside. Yukio took a calming breathe after a moment before following, gently reminding himself these were the people who helped patch him up after the training he had been put through as a child and gave him more food then the strict meals given to him.
"Welcome back, young masters." The two guards greeted him with a bow, Yukio offering a slight smile as he nodded to them and entered the estate. He was surprised the guards would include him in such a greeting as he hadn't been in Soul Society for years.
"It's great to see the young man you've grown into, Yukio-kun. I still remember when we secretly played cards in the evening." Sora offered a smile as he spoke, more freely then when they were in public as a precaution.
"I remember those days as well. What squad are you in now?" Yukio replied with a fond smile, Sora beaming proudly as he answered "I followed my dream and got into the 10th Division although I'm not very high in rank yet. Hitsugaya-taichou is keen on us all getting better with our skills so I can climb the ranks as I get better especially as I'm close to attaining my Bankai."
"That's good to hear." Yukio replied with a nod, Sora smiling as he replied "I'm glad you've found people you can enjoy being with as well."
"Yukio, you're back!" Rias called, rushing out in a formal looking red kimono that had light flowers over it while gaping slightly at the chest and with a black obi around her waist, looking every bit the traditional princess with even her hair styled up as she hugged him tightly.
"Yeah. It turned out I had to step in to stop an assassin who had gotten close." Yukio explained, slightly shocked at the sight in front of him which Rias caught with a pleased smile. Rias stepped back, giving a twirl as she asked "What do you think? Your relatives insisted on us dressing formally while we stayed here and the others are still getting dressed."
"Hehehe. Looks like your princess scrubs up really well." Isa chortled perversely, Ddraig joining in with the laughter as he asked [I wonder if she's 'traditional' underneath that as well?]
"You look great." Yukio tried not to blush as he answered, Rias smiling brightly before taking his arm as she spoke while leading him inside, "Come on. You're Aunt and Uncle have been looking forwards to seeing you."
...
Aizen Sousuke turned away from where he had been watching Yukio, Sora and Rukia walking, wondering what the son of Masayuki Kamizakura was doing back here after he had left with his sister when he was younger. He was surprised when he saw the little sister of the Maou Lucifer as well and correctly assumed that the pair hadn't came alone to Soul Society as Keiko wouldn't trust them to be safe here after what happened.
'If they have come for some reason it would be best to observe them.' Aizen thought with a small smile, 'After all, it wouldn't do for my future plans to be ruined by an unexpected group becoming involved if Yukio and Keiko reconnect with the supportive portion of their family.'
Diverting his path to quickly head back to his Division, Aizen started to compose the orders he would use to avoid suspicion while also keeping an eye on the Seishinryuutei and his companions.
...
Yukio shifted slightly uncomfortably as he got use to the cushion he was sitting on at the short table. Rias was sitting on his right while Keiko sat on his left, the latter in a black kimono with her ponytail clipped up. Grayfia was still in her maid uniform but sat on Rias' other side.
His aunt had dark chocolate coloured hair that just past her shoulders in a wavy style that framed delicate features and bright green eyes. She was wearing royal purple kimono that showed off her svelte body with a dark blue obi around her slim waist.
His uncle had straw-blond hair like Sora but fell in thick bangs to look like a messy mane down past his shoulders and his muscular build was garbed in a sleeveless, regal shrine priest outfit that showed off the thick muscles in his arms. His blue eyes looked curiously at the quartet as he grinned, his wife pouring out tea for the group as he spoke boisterously "Its great to see how you have grown, Yukio-kun. It's a good surprise for you both to visit us, especially with your beau and allies as well as the [Queen] of Lucifer."
"Thank you, Misa-basan." Yukio replied with a dip of his head as he accepted the cup of tea, turning to his uncle as Keiko spoke "I'm sorry, Takayu-jisan but this isn't really a social visit."
"Oh, what is going on? You know we'll help as and when we can, Keiko." Misa asked curiously, Rias about to open her mouth to explain only for Yukio's hand to squeeze her own under the table. She turned to see him shake his head slightly as Keiko started to explain, Grayfia looking somewhat approvingly at Rias not being the one to explain what was going on.
"So, the Kasumioji heiress is in trouble from Gyōkaku Kumoi and he's using assassins wielding Bakotos to try and kill her." Takayu spoke seriously once Keiko had finished, crossing his arms in thought as Misa asked "So, she returned to hope to avoid these assassins and inadvertently walked right into his hands?"
"Yes, Misa-basan. An assassin tried to attack her outside of her estate and if not for me revealing them I'd be suspected as the attacker before Kenpachi-san showed up and ended them." Yukio explained with a nod, "They didn't use a Bakoto though."
"Probably to hide the fact he's from the Kasumioji as more people here would know about such things." Takayu spoke with a frown, getting nods from Misa and Keiko.
"Well, that settles it. You all will be staying here till this matter has been resolved. In separate rooms, of course." Misa spoke, a challenging look in her eyes directed towards Rias who paled disappointed before giving an agreeing nod as she felt this was part of some test for herself.
Misa gave a soft smile to her niece and nephew at the redhead's agreement as she added "And we can use the time when you aren't making plans to catch up."
"Alright." The siblings replied with a nod, neither feeling like arguing with their aunt while Takayu looked pleased at the idea as well before speaking up "What is the [Queen] of Lucifer doing here anyway?"
"Lucifer-sama insisted that I escort them to avoid any diplomatic issues that may arise. He was also interested in learning more about Yukio-sama's family." Grayfia answered, drawing a shared look which turned into an unspoken conversation between aunt and uncle.
Rias blushed wistfully as she watched them, wondering if she and Yukio would be able to do that in the future, before Misa spoke "Well, I'm sure we can accommodate for that as well."
"Maybe we can get her to act against those idiots as well once she learns more about both sides of the family." Takayu retorted with a loud chuckle, Yukio smiling at the idea that Grayfia could probably go hunt down the other part of his family.
...
Author's Note
Here's the next chapter and sorry about the delay as I had trouble working portions of this together as well working out how to have the supportive elements of Yukio's family act. Can't think of anything else I should point out at the moment either so I'll end this with just saying, hope you enjoy the chapter.