Chapter 4: Next Steps

I found a tree this afternoon hanging with bodies. Their flesh was being picked at by ravens, and the stench of death of everywhere. Some of them are months old, others less than a day. This was not an execution; there is no Warlord in this region. Someone has been hanging corpses from trees for its own sake, as some sort of demented trophy.

Within Zaraki, there is no law. There is no good or evil. People languish, starving and thirsting to death in a mindless wasteland of blood and dirt. Almost as soon as I entered I was attacked, and forced to defend myself. I've killed more people in these past weeks than I had in my entire life, or afterlife before this point.

I think it is beginning to show.

-On the Rukongai, by Sosuke Aizen

Some years later Byakuya made his way along a walkway overlooking a courtyard of Squad 13. As he did so, he sensed a familiar presence appearing behind him. He did not look back as they approached.

'Byakuya, wait up!' said Aizen. 'You walk quickly.'

'I have no desire to be late for the meeting.'

'Yes well, I'll walk with you.' said Aizen. 'How are you settling in as the Third Seat of Squad 6?'

'Well enough,' admitted Byakuya, 'Yoruichi Shihoin continues to evade me, but I am gaining on her slowly. The paperwork is bothersome, but not unbearable. I have an independent income of course, which is pleasant enough. And you?'

'Mmm?' asked Aizen.

'Your continued status as a Lieutenant is not troubling?' asked Byakuya.

'Well, I suppose I'll just have to wait for the next open slot.' laughed Aizen. 'If nothing else sooner or later we'll have a war. I do paperwork; I spend what few spare hours I can find training. Life goes on.'

They walked in silence for a time, as something occurred to Byakuya. 'I have a question.'

'Yes?' asked Aizen.

'When both you and Urahara were told to duel until one was defeated, why did you forfeit?' asked Byakuya.

Aizen looked at him oddly. 'Would you believe I recognized he would defeat me?'

'Not for a moment, I watched the fight in progress if you'll recall.' said Byakuya. 'Neither one of you had even begun to tap into your full power. And when it finally looked like Urahara would go all out you surrendered.'

'And you think I shouldn't have?' asked Aizen.

'I spoke with Yoruichi Shihoin.' said Byakuya. 'Urahara attained Bankai by cheating. He used a device to force his soul to manifest itself quickly. A shortcut to power. One thing my Grandfather has always impressed onto me is that shortcuts always have a price. Unless you also had access to the same device Urahara invented-'

'I didn't.' said Aizen firmly.

'-you should have logically attained Bankai by the traditional route. This would mean that you would have a definite advantage over him, should it come to an all-out battle.'

'You are correct Byakuya.' admitted Aizen. 'Had I used my Bankai I would have defeated him. However, it would have meant that I would have had to become the Captain of Squad 12.' They halted by the door to the meeting room.

'Isn't that what you wanted?' asked Byakuya, surprised.

'Yes and no, I wanted to become a Captain that much is true. However, I realized something when you gave me the chance to become the Captain of Squad 12. I don't want to be the Captain of Squad 12.' said Aizen. 'I want to be the Captain of Squad 5.' It was a profoundly odd statement with a great many implications. However before Byakuya could think on any of them, Aizen glanced past him. 'Ah, here we are.

Captain Ukitake's house was built atop an island in the middle of an artificial lake. A floating bridge of water led across it and as they passed over it, they saw lily pads around them on the water. Fish swam in an out beneath them, while on the far shore birds chirped in trees.

Ukitake had chosen a truly beautiful place to build his house.'

They reached the door, and Aizen knocked. After a moment the door was answered, and Ukitake looked out. 'Ah, Sosuke, Byakuya, good to see you at last. Kaname arrived just before you. Please come in.'

'Sorry if we're late.' said Aizen as they entered.

They were led into a side room where they found Tosen meditating. He was a medium-sized, dark-skinned man who wore a blindfold over his eyes. He did not need them, for he had been blind for as long as he had lived. He looked up as they approached. 'Lieutenant Aizen, Third Seat Kuchiki, it is good to see others concerned with the cause of justice.'

'Well someone has to be, I suppose.' said Aizen.

Something seemed to pass between them, though Byakuya wasn't sure what. Ukitake pulled up some chairs, setting them out. 'Would any of you care for some tea?' asked Ukitake. 'Or perhaps something a bit stronger? I don't usually have guests.'

'Just tea, thank you.' said Byakuya.

'I will have tea if you don't mind.' said Aizen.

'Nothing for myself.' said Tosen.

'Very well,' said Ukitake. 'I'll have some of my servants bring it down.' Suddenly he burst into a fit of coughing, removing a cloth. Byakuya stepped forward.

'Are you well?' asked Byakuya.

'It's nothing, Byakuya.' said Ukitake. 'An incurable disease which has beset me for many years. Come, let's begin the meeting.'

When all were seated, Ukitake looked at each of them in turn. 'Why have you asked for this meeting, Aizen?' He asked finally.

'Captain Ukitake, I'd like to thank you for your time.' said Aizen. 'I believe our efforts in the Rukongai have strengthened the Soul Societies reputation. Particularly amongst the common people. However, I'm afraid we have a responsibility to go further. My friend Kaname Tosen will elaborate.'

Kaname stood up. 'The Rukongai is now afforded greater protection against hollows it is true. However, life remains nasty brutish and short. For in truth hollows are the least of the concerns of those within the Rukongai. There are vast groups of roaming thugs who beat and rob those who cannot defend themselves. They are untrained, but some of them have honed their natural talents. Some even become a threat to lesser Soul Reapers.'

'The Soul Reapers are already preoccupied with their other duties.' said Byakuya. 'They have been given specific orders to avoid direct confrontations.'

'Yes, it was to keep casualties to a minimum.' mused Ukitake.

'The policy is shortsighted, Captain Ukitake.' said Aizen. 'You must realize that. It sends the message that the Soul Society is indifferent to the plight of commoners. Things can't continue like this.'

'With the greatest respect Byakuya I have not been sleeping very well of late,' said Ukitake, 'and I am sick. So please don't add stress to my long list of ailments. Stop pretending as though you aren't behind this.'

Everyone looked at Byakuya. Aizen looked somewhat amused at what had occurred. 'I… You understand I didn't feel as though my opinion would be respected if I came to you directly.' said Byakuya.

'You might have at least tried,' said Ukitake, 'and saved Aizen the trouble of pretending to be a mastermind. What exactly are you proposing Byakuya? An increase in manpower? The Head Captain will not be pleased with that idea. So long as the expenses for keeping a garrison in the Rukongai were small, he had no objection. But if you make it a legitimate burden, then opinions will cool.'

'We don't have to involve many more Soul Reapers than are already there.' said Byakuya. 'Most of the thugs aren't all that powerful, only a few of them pose a threat. Therefore all we need to do is a raise a militia.'

'We still have considerable reserves of excess manpower. We send a few third seats, or even fourth seats into the Rukongai and have them ask for volunteers to form a militia.' said Tosen. 'Offering pay, free housing, and the possibility of being trained as a soul reaper. It would do much to convince people to join the side of true justice.

'We need only teach them the basics of kendo, and some low-level kido spells. That should be all they need to deal with a rabble of untrained brutes.'

'The stealth force won't like this Byakuya.' said Ukitake. 'Yoruichi may view it as undercutting her authority.'

'I'm aware.' said Byakuya.

'Then I have one more question.' continued the Captain. 'How will we pay for all of this? Swords, uniforms, armor, not to mention danger pay for the officers. These things are not free. And unless I have overestimated your grandfather, you are not in control of finances.'

'True, but I am in command of my finances.' said Byakuya. 'As are all of you. I'm a Third Seat, as is Tosen, Aizen, you are a Lieutenant. We are paid far more than most people can dream of. Let us each contribute something of our personal income. We should be able to arrange everything with minimal burden.'

'…You are asking us to take a pay cut?' surmised Ukitake.

'I am, and I will contribute myself.' said Byakuya. 'Kuchiki's do not feign interest. I am committed to this cause. The only question is, are you?'

'Sign me up for fifty percent of mine.' said Ukitake.

Byakuya almost stared open-mouthed at him. Almost. 'Captain Ukitake, that is… exceedingly generous.' he said.

'I have a condition.' said Ukitake.

'Name it.' said Byakuya.

'I want you three to handle this assignment personally.' said Ukitake. 'Agree to that, and I will put it through. Otherwise, I'll have no part of this.'

They agreed.

Amidst the endless slums of the Rukongai, a shadow wrapped in a brown cloak made its way through a crowd. He was hardly noticed as he approached an elderly woman lying down in despair. He was a giant of a man, towering over everyone and everything, nearly eight feet tall. At his side was a massive sword. He kneeled down by the woman and wiped a tear from her eye with one gloved hand.

'Why are you crying?' he asked.

'They took it.' she said. 'I should have known they would. They know the Soul Reapers won't stop them.'

'What did they steal?' he asked, voice kind.

'A picture,' she said. 'I took it with me from the world of the living; it's all I have left of my husband. We had only just found each other again and then…

'The frame is valuable. It's made of silver.

'I should have sold it but... I just couldn't.'

'Dry your eyes. I will retrieve it for you.' promised the man, before rising and walking away. The reishi of those responsible had been on her, and he meant to find them. He traveled far into the darkness of the Rukongai.

Eventually, he reached a place where those responsible were beating a man senseless. They were a ragged and vicious looking bunch, four in number.

'I told you yesterday, a hundred silver by today or I beat you to a bloody pulp!' said the leader. 'You didn't pay up, so I guess I'll beat you to a pulp!'

'Leave him be!' commanded the man. 'What kind of warrior preys upon the weak and defenseless?!'

They turned to face him, cracking their knuckles and necks as they approached. 'Well what have we here?' said the leader as they fanned out and surrounded him. 'A hero huh? You ain't much to look at.'

'You have something which doesn't belong to you.' said the man. 'Actually, I'm fairly certain you have a great many things which don't belong to you. But let's start with the picture you stole from that old woman.' He put out a hand. 'Hand it over.'

'Or what?' asked the Leader.

'Or there will be consequences you may not survive.'

'Consequences?' the Leader and his men flared their reishi as they drew their weapons. 'You just opened the way to world of em! Get him!'

They rushed at him from all directions, confident of easy prey. They had higher spiritual pressure than anyone else they had run into. Yet instead of joining the Soul Reapers they had chosen to prey on those who could not defend themselves. To the untrained eye, their enemy was just a big man with no power.

They were wrong.

The man's power flared, as his sword was out in moments. With one stroke of it, he slashed one across the chest, as the sheer power exploding from him staggered the other. One tried to stab him, but he dodged and struck off his head. A third ran him through the back. But the man slammed his elbow into his enemies face with such force that his neck snapped.

The leader stepped backward a few paces fearfully as the man's sword came up to point at him. The dripping wound in his chest where he had been stabbed did not seem to pain him. 'Your minions are beaten.' He said. 'Now give up!'

'Not on your life, see, unlike your ugly mug, I've got friends.' replied the leader with a smirk, as a group of other thugs appeared from the shadows with weapons. Like the others, these also had spiritual pressure. The man turned to face them, suddenly seeming to lose some of the intensity which had burned within him.

'It matters not.' said a voice, cold a clear. 'Help is at hand.'

And then a Soul Reaper leaped down from a rooftop from where he had been observing, bearing an elegant sword. He had dark hair, tied up behind his head, and his face showed little of his emotions.

The fight was short, brutal, and concluded with the entire gang either dead or running for their lives. The Soul Reaper used healing kido to mend the man's wounds.

'I have not been in a fight like that for many years.' said the Soul Reaper when all had finished.

'Thank you, for your assistance.' said the man. 'I was exhausted and had you not arrived I might have been overwhelmed. My face usually has others viewing me as the villain.'

'Your appearance does not matter to me.' said the Soul Reaper. 'What is your name?'

'I am… Sajin,' said the man, removing his hood to reveal the face of a fox. 'Sajin Kommamura. I have taken it upon myself to act as a guardian of this place.'

'I am Byakuya Kuchiki, Third Seat of Squad 6.' said Byakuya.

I've heard of you.' said Kommamura. 'You are the one who has been doing all those public works in the inner regions.'

'I am.' said Byakuya.

'I am glad to meet you.' reflected Kommamura, before kneeling by the body of the gang leader. He took a picture, framed in silver. 'I must deliver this.'

The two of them made their way through the streets, keeping their spiritual pressures low. Finally, they stood before an old woman, who was lying asleep. Kommamura kneeled down by her and fitted the picture into her hands before rising. The two men exchanged a glance, then walked away.

As they journeyed away from the scene, Byakuya spoke.

'Who was she?' asked Byakuya.

'A person in need.' replied Kommamura. 'There are many people in need here.'

'We're doing what we can to correct that.' replied Byakuya, not feeling it a very good response.

'Yes, we've observed that the Soul Society has become more active.' said Sajin. 'Or I should say I have observed it, the others… no matter. I have seen the works you have done — the fountains created by commission, the gardens grown by workers you hired. Roads have been paved to add a certain beauty where once there was only desperation. You have done much. Yet it does not reach into the darker places of the Soul Society.'

'I should have done it years ago.' said Byakuya regretfully. 'I have finances which I have never used in years of wanting nothing. That is what I have been using to pay for all this.'

Sajin Kommamura remained silent for a moment. 'Tell me, have you ever met a man named Kaname Tosen?'

'Yes, he is one of my associates.' said Byakuya. 'Is he a friend of yours?'

'Yes, we met some years ago in the outer regions.' said the fox man.

'You are very adept at hiding your reishi, Sajin Kommamura.' said an old voice behind them.

They turned around in the empty street to see an old man, clad in white robes and wearing a black cloak. He had a gnarled cane in one hand which he was leaning on. Byakuya recognized him at once. 'Captain Commander, what… I don't…'

'I have not been to the Rukongai in many years.' said Yamamoto. 'I had never been able to find the time until now. I thought I might walk amidst the streets unseen with one of Kisuke Urahara's inventions. A reishi hiding cloak he used to perform his experiments.' He looked around with a reserved gaze. 'Things have scarcely changed since last I was here. And perhaps that is not satisfactory.'

'You are Genryusai Yamamoto?' said Sajin, a touch of awe in his voice.

'I am.' said Yamamoto. 'I was observing your battle with those thugs. Had Kuchiki not been here I would have intervened myself, though I am glad it was not necessary. I do not like taking a direct hand in things; the results are often destructive.' He paused, looking at Sajin hard beneath his bushy eyebrows. 'You burned up your reishi too quickly, though you have a great deal of it. You must learn control. With proper training and time, you might make an excellent Soul Reaper.' There was a note of accusation in his voice.

'I am honored that you believe so.' said Sajin. 'However, my place is here. There are many foes who need facing in these parts.'

'These thugs will be held accountable in time.' said Yamamoto. 'Indeed, events are already in motion to deal with them. I believe you may be of great use to the Soul Society as one of us.' He glanced up. 'I should depart before attention is drawn to me. Third Seat Kuchiki will elaborate.' And then he was gone as though he hadn't been there at all.

Byakuya remained silent for a long moment. 'Sajin, my associates and I are putting together a militia squad. Its purpose is to end to lawlessness in this region. Kaname Tosen is working alongside us. Those who work under us will be taught the basics of what it is to be a Soul Reaper. You might be able to do both, and when things have been set to rights here, you could go on to become a full-time Soul Reaper.'

'I will… think upon your words, Kuchiki.' said Kommamura after a moment. 'Perhaps I have remained untrained for too long.'

'Very well, I can be found in the first district if you decide to accept.' said Byakuya. 'Now if you'll excuse me, I have someone to meet.'

Kommamura watched him go and realized suddenly that he had every intention of taking him up on his offer.

In another place entirely, Byakuya met a lady. Her elegant beauty could not be hidden by the simple attire she wore. He approached, and she looked around.

'Hisana...' he said.

'Byakuya…' Neither one knew what to say.

'I've passed the word to the Soul Reapers to watch for your sister.' said Byakuya finally. 'If they find Rukia, they will tell me. If I learn anything, I'll pass it along to you. It should only be a matter of time before they find her.'

'…Thank you.' said Hisana. 'You've been more kind than I deserve.'

'I always pay my debts.' said Byakuya. 'You saved my life; I will not forget it.'

That night they spent together. They spoke of events in their lives and learned of each other's travels and tribulations. It would be the first of many such nights.

Author's Note:

Okay, sorry this chapter is so late. I went on vacation and didn't have a decent internet connection for a long time. I went to see Gettysburg, and it was pretty kickass. Anyway not much else to say that needs saying, other than the plot is advancing.

Oh, there was some inspiration in this chapter from a scene from Babylon 5. It was a deliberate nod, as well as a basis for the scene in question.

Sajin Kommamura and Tosen are in my opinion two of the most wasted characters in Bleach. They have an interesting relationship, cool special abilities and all kinds of potential. Instead, they get totally wasted. The Vizards get way more screen time than them, and their just a bunch of Shonen Stereotypes.

Anyway, enjoy.