Chapter Seven: Reunited

Sajin Kommamura walked along the Rukongai, and as he did, he noticed something. He had never before held as much respect as he had now. The mask he wore on his head had become a symbol of dread for the thugs of the Rukongai. And a symbol of hope for the people who had suffered under their heels.

'Captain Sajin!' cried a boy, rushing toward him. 'Captain Sajin! Please take me as one of your militia!'

Sajin paused as the boy fell to a kneel before him. He had red hair tied back in, so it was shaped like a pineapple and wore rags.

'Step back kid!' snapped Iba, stepping before Sajin. 'We're on official business-'

Sajin set a hand over Iba's shoulder. 'Peace, Tetsuzaimon. What is your name boy?'

'I am Renji Abarai,' he said. 'I want to learn to fight.'

'You have considerable spiritual pressure.' noted Sajin. 'Why have you not applied to the soul reaper academy.'

'I've got friends here,' said Renji, 'friends who I'd have to leave behind.'

'I see.' said Sajin. 'Iba here is my right-hand man. He has been with me from the beginning. He will see you outfitted and instructed. You will have to work hard, however, for as one of the militia you have a responsibility to-'

A hollow appeared out of nowhere and rushed straight towards a nearby child. A bolt of blue energy shot out of Sajin's hand and killed the creatures instantly. The masked man had not looked up.

'-to your comrades, and should you advance your subordinates. Do you understand?'

'Um… uh… yes.' said Renji, obviously taken aback.

'Excellent, Iba see to his training. I will handle the rest of this alone.' said Sajin.

'Yes, sir.' said Iba.

Kommamura continued on and came to a bar. Outside of it, Tosen was waiting, not bothering to disguise himself. He looked up. 'Sajin, you have made quite a reputation for yourself here.'

'Yes,' said Kommamura, 'my subordinates have been growing daily. It seems that whole armies are coming to put themselves at my disposal. It falls to me to pick those who I believe will be worthy.'

'Yes,' said Tosen, 'that is why I am here. Let us speak inside.'

The tavern in question was a place the two friends had spent time at in their earlier years. It was cozy, with comfortable seats and excellent ale. Tosen looked rather nervous about something, however. 'What is it Kaname?'

'Recruitment rates at the academy are at an all-time low.' said Tosen.

'I don't understand.' said Sajin. 'What has that to do with me?'

'The soul reapers were never popular.' said Kaname, 'To join the soul society requires one to forsake one's old life. The militia, by sharp contrast, may be joined without distancing oneself from home. And with the Rukongai improving, people find the militia a far more appealing choice.'

'So you mean to say that I have been siphoning the next generation of soul reapers from the Seretei.' said Sajin.

'Unfortunately yes,' said Tosen, 'before it was of no concern. Yet with the recent vanishing souls incident, the Soul Society has become concerned. We lost many captains and lieutenants in a very short period. Now they must be replaced.'

'What is it they wish me to do?' asked Sajin.

'You should enter the academy Sajin.' said Tosen. 'The militia hold you in high regard. Your example might be enough to return things to normalcy. With the training you received there, you could become far more powerful.'

'Yes,' said Sajin, 'I had expected that this day would come eventually. Inform the Captain Commander that I will enter the academy soon. I just need to make arrangements for a successor to take over the militia.'

'Do not take too long.' said Tosen. 'Central Forty-Six may act rashly.'

'I understand.' said Sajin.

They turned their conversation to talk about less important things. They spoke of subordinates, of how Tosen was progressing toward bankai. They spoke of many things, remembered old times, and finally parted ways.

When he was alone, Sajin sent a request to Lieutenant Byakuya Kuchiki.

The moon rose over the Rukongai. Byakuya Kuchiki and Hisana leaped from rooftop to rooftop. They were clad in robes to disguise their spiritual pressure. None heard or sensed them as they passed beyond the slums. They were now in the open countryside. Landing by a cave, they halted.

'Is this the place Byakuya?' asked Hisana.

'Yes.' said Byakuya. 'Kommamura described it well. I will go first.'

Drawing Senbonzakura he entered the cave, venturing in with Hisana by his side. The gentle women now wore a zanpakto by her side and looked more than a little afraid despite herself. Byakuya halted. 'You may guard the entrance if you so desire.'

'No,' said Hisana, 'I wouldn't feel right not pulling my weight.'

Without a word, they pressed on. This mission was important to Hisana, to prove she was something beyond Byakuya's wife. So he was disinclined to argue. As they went deeper and deeper, however, they began to hear growls.

'A soul reaper…' said a low voice. 'two soul reapers… devour them, my minions! Devour them all!'

Suddenly out of the cave rushed hollows. Dozens of hollows, shrieking and screaming without end as they clawed at the two. Byakuya cut down six with ease, while Hisana ducked out of the way of another and slashed it in half. Leaping up over the next she slashed it across the mask, then landed and charged to cut down another.

'Hisana!' cried Byakuya, increasing his attacks. 'Step back!'

To his surprise, Hisana at once obeyed, leaping back and carving down another hollow as she did so. Yet despite their efforts, a constant stream of them was pouring out in endless droves. Raising his sword, Byakuya focused his power.

'Scatter, Senbonzakura.'

His blade burst apart. The hollows halted as if confused. Then suddenly they were torn to shreds by countless blades. Blades they could not even see. Byakuya walked forward as everything the blades touched was annihilated. Finally, there remained only one final power.

It emerged a massive elephant-like creature whose footsteps shook the cave floor. A maw with many sharp teeth opened, and it roared. 'Die soul reaper!'

Charging straight at Byakuya it rushed towards him. Yet Byakuya merely drew back his reforming blade and flash stepped past it. Moments later it exploded into blood and faded away into the darkness. Sheathing his sword, Byakuya turned to Hisana. 'We will check to the back of the cave for any survivors, then return.'

'Yes,' said Hisana, who looked a little shaken. 'I understand.'

In the end, there were no surviving hollows, and they soon made their way out of the cave. Looking around, the landscape surrounding them was truly beautiful. Byakuya paused. 'We might take a slow route. It would be for the best if I saw the Rukongai with my own eyes again.'

As they walked throughout the streets, Byakuya reflected that they had improved greatly. Where once there had been nothing but dirt roads and grime, now there were paved streets. Fountains could be seen every so often flowing with water. They provided employment for those whose task it was to clean it. Many of the houses had also begun to improve.

Yet in the outer reaches things were still in progress. Though the thugs had been driven out, there were still the poor and the poorer. Heaven remained far from perfect. Here and there Byakuya encountered sick people. These Hisana tended to with her healing kido as best she could before they pressed on.

'Did you hear? Renji entered the militia.' said a voice. 'You should enter too Rukia.'

'I'm sure I'm really interested.' said a soft voice.

Hisana's eyes widened as a girl who looked very similar to her walked by, accompanied by a number of other boys. Before Byakuya could stop her, Hisana rushed forward. 'Rukia, Rukia is it really you?'

They stopped, and the boys and Rukia looked up in shock. 'That's… that's Byakuya Kuchiki!'

'No way, what could he be doing out here?'

Byakuya said nothing. Hisana seemed to be torn between going forward and going back. After a long moment, she stepped forward. 'I… I've found you.'

'Who are you?' asked Rukia. 'How do you know me?'

'I…' Hisana faltered, 'there is no easy way to say this. I am your older sister.'

'You have a sister, Rukia?' asked one of the boys. 'Why didn't you ever tell us?'

'I don't,' said Rukia, 'I've been on my own for as long as I can remember.'

'I… I tried to take care of you at first.' said Hisana 'You were very young, and I was little more than a girl. I was starving to death; I thought that we were both going to die anyway so… I… I abandoned you.

'I spent my entire life the next day onwards regretting it and trying to find you, but I never could. I… I'm so sorry, I was so selfish I-'

'It doesn't matter.' said Rukia, tone bitter. 'Everyone has to struggle to survive in this place. I might not like it, but there isn't really much to be gained by holding a grudge. Is there anything else?'

'I…' began Hisana, 'well…'

'You could become a part of the Kuchiki clan.' stated Byakuya, coming forward. 'As Hisana's sister, it would be well within my power for me to have you adopted into my household. I can sense that you have considerable spiritual pressure. You might well be able to become a-'

'No,' said Rukia, 'I'm sorry but… I…' She looked to her friends. 'I have a lot of friends here. People who need me. I can't just leave them.'

There was a long silence. Hisana opened her mouth, then closed it, unable to find words. Finally, Byakuya nodded. 'I see. If you should reconsider, you need only the academy. You would be welcome.' He set one hand to Hisana's shoulder. 'Come Hisana, let us leave them be. She has made her decision.'

Hisana complied wordlessly. She followed Byakuya the rest of the way to the gates of the Seretei and beyond. It was only once she returned to her room in the Kuchiki manner that she began to sob bitterly. Byakuya stood outside the door, waiting until there was something he could do.

He was here if she needed him.

'You realize that had she not met you, she might be with her sister now.' noted Senbonzakura.

'We cannot know what might have been.' said Byakuya firmly. 'Now is not the time.'

Years later Rangiku Matsumoto of the 10th division was outraged. She was furious. She was enraged. She shook her sword in her hand repeatedly in anger. 'Heineko!' she roared. 'Heineko you naughty sword come out! I command you to come out!'

The door opened, and Isshin Shiba looked through. 'Rangiku, what's all the ruckus?'

'I've been trying to get Heineko to obey me all day!' snapped Rangiku. 'She just isn't listening!'

'Have you tried using jinzen?' asked Isshin.

'Of course, I did Captain,' said Rangiku, 'but she won't even talk to me there! It's like I've been shut out!' She paused. 'Have you had any trouble with Engetsu?'

'Eh,' said Isshin, 'we're pretty laid back about the whole thing, so its no big deal. I'll give him some space; he'll come back. We'll talk it out.'

In a tranquil courtyard of the Kuchiki Manor, Ginrei Kuchiki was meditating. He was on an island surrounded by tranquil water, as fish swam in and out of the rocks. Byakuya and Hisana had stumbled across him. They were now watching as things played out from the garden beyond the pond.

Suddenly Ginrei arose and turned to them. 'Byakuya, be on your guard. Something is about to happen, and you must be ready.' He walked past his grandson. 'I am going out. I am unsure when I will be back. Until I return Squad 6 is in your hands.'

'Understood Captain.' said Byakuya.

Then Ginrei was gone in a flash step.

'He looked very worried,' said Hisana, 'Byakuya what do you think is going on?'

'I do not know.' said Byakuya, 'However I will obey my orders.'

The wind howled through the night. Captain Commander Yamamoto looked down upon the Seretei far below. He watched it sleeping. Something was not right. He could sense it, and he had learned to trust his senses. Yet what it was that he was facing was something familiar. He felt a foreboding presence, something he had not sensed since…

His eyes narrowed, and he glanced to Chojiro as he approached. The white-haired Lieutenant looked at him in concern. He knew his master well. 'Captain Commander, something is very wrong out there isn't it?'

'Yes,' said Yamamoto, 'I am going out. Tell the Captains to assemble upon Sogyoku hill. When they are gathered there, I will give them further instructions.'

'As you wish.' said Chojiro. 'Is there anything else?'

'Tell Shunsui and Ukitake that a Vasto Lordes may be coming here.' said Yamamoto. 'Yet instruct them that they are not to spread news of this. We must avoid a panic.'

'Understood, Captain Commander.' said Chojiro.

Yamamoto launched himself from the tower. He surged through the night, following the sense. A Vasto Lordes perhaps? It had been many years since he'd had to face one of those, yet if he could defeat it himself, much damage might be saved. If indeed the hollows were returning they had to be stopped.

Across the Rukongai his path led him, and into the forests, and finally into the depths of the forests. The trees hung over him darkly, as he pulled his reishi hiding cloak closer around him and leaned down on his staff. Rain droplets rolled down nearby leaves and splashed. A shadow moved in the darkness. Treading carefully, Yamamoto came to a cave he knew well. Walking over the threshold he walked throughout its blackened corridors, looking around carefully. He sensed the power of hollows, but also another element which was very familiar. He could not quite place it, however.

'Well hollow,' said Yamamoto, 'you have drawn me out. Show yourself and face judgment.'

What appeared then before him was a brown-haired man clad in a fur trench coat with long violet nails on one hand. Yamamoto recognized him at once and realized the danger of the situation. At once he took appropriate steps.

There was a flash, and the barrier arose before Muramasa could act. Even as he raised his hand a massive blue and white shield appeared between them. It sealed Yamamoto off. Muramasa could see nothing of the Captain beyond the shining light. He was shut out, and could not access the information he needed. Nor could he contact the spirit of Yamamoto's sword, and so could do nothing here. Yet Yamamoto himself was trapped. It was a stalemate, and Maramusa could not proceed without Yamamoto's knowledge.

No, there was another.

He needed only to use proper leverage.

Turning he made his way towards the Seretei. He could sense many great powers gathering, and he intended to be there when they were all together. It would be perfect for his plans.

Hiyori was catching what little sleep she could, after a week of ferrying things for Mayuri. She'd also been expected to keep things organized. And also ensure the squad's barracks remained clean. To say nothing of the blood-stained from some of the more messy experiments.

'Hiyori!' snarled Mayuri's voice. 'Hiyori, you useless wretch, get down here!'

Hiyori sat up and wiped the sleep from her eyes, before walking down to find Mayuri waiting. 'What is it now? I just finished organizing the materials-'

'We have no time for that you useless buffoon!' snapped the Captain. 'The Head Captain has called a meeting at Sogyoku Hill! If we are not there promptly our funding could be affected!'

'Alright alright geez!' said Hiyori. 'Just give me some time to-'

'We don't have time!' snarled Kuroschutchi. 'Prepare yourself within two minutes, or I will experiment on you next!'

'Fine!' roared Hiyori. 'Jerk!'

'You're pathetic,' said Kibikiri Orochi, 'letting him bully you like this.'

She threw on her uniform, set up her badge, and got her sword ready. Then they were off.

They arrived to find Captain Kyroku waiting for them. He was smoking a pipe while leaning against the stand of Sogyoku hill with his hat over his eyes. He propped up the hat with two fingers and blew a long smoke ring. 'So, Kuroschutchi, you are late.'

'Yes, yes, I had to account for my incompetent subordinates.' snapped Mayuri. 'Now what is this all about?'

'Can't say,' said Kyroku, 'Old Man Yama has been real uptight about this.'

Hiyori stood a ways behind as the conversation continued. Then she noticed Unohana approaching her and quickly saluted. 'Captain Unohana.'

'Hiyori, how are you fitting in with the new division?' asked the motherly, dark-haired women.

'Geez, Unohana I haven't even switched squads.' said Hiyori.

'Perhaps, but things have changed.' said Unohana. 'Are you alright?'

Hiyori sighed. 'I've got a scar, and Kuroschutchi seems to get off on dissecting hollows. But he hasn't turned any of my friends into hollows yet, so it's fine. Not perfect, but it's fine.' Then she looked up to see Lieutenant Byakuya approaching. He walked up to the newly minted Lieutenant Nanao.

'Lieutenant Nanao.' Kuchiki nodded to her.

'Lieutenant Kuchiki, I've heard rumors that you have achieved Bankai.' said Nanao.

'Rumors spread, regardless of truth.' said Byakuya. 'Are you aware of why we've been called here?'

'My captain knows something, I know that much.' said Nanao, adjusting her glasses. 'Even so, he isn't talking. Has your Captain heard anything?'

'Hey, Byakuya! I haven't seen you for awhile!' called a friendly tone.

Byakuya looked up to where the Captain of Squad 5 was approaching. Shinji had never liked him, and neither had Hiyori. So it made sense that he and Kuchiki would be best friends.

'Captain Aizen, do you know anything about this.' asked Byakuya.

'Nothing,' admitted Aizen, 'but I don't like it. Something is wrong here. Why would Captain-Commander Yamamoto call us all down here and then leave us waiting?'

'Relax Aizen,' said Kyroku, appearing behind him, 'sometimes ya just gotta take these things one at a time.' He then drew up a saki bottle and uncorked it. 'Cheers.'

At that moment Lieutenant Nanao appeared behind him. 'Would it kill you Captain to demonstrate some caution?' she asked in an icy tone. 'And not drink alcoholic beverages while on duty!'

'Eh heh...' said Kyroku, lowing the saki. 'Speaking of duty, I haven't seen your grandfather anywhere around here, Byakuya. It's not like him to be late.'

'My Grandfather has pressing business elsewhere.' said Byakuya.

'What kind of pressing business?' asked Aizen.

Byakuya remained silent. '…I don't know, he wouldn't tell me.' he said at last. 'He left without warning. When the summons arrived, he was nowhere to be found. Thus I came to represent my squad. Where is your Lieutenant?'

'Right here Lieutenant Kuchiki.' said the ever-smiling snake Gin Ichimaru as he made his way onto Sokyoku Hill. 'One hopes your grandfather hasn't taken a bad step, at his age all sorts of bad things might happen to him.'

'Lieutenant Ichimaru, you would do well to hold your tongue.' said Byakuya, eyes narrowed.

'Oh come on, whats a few jokes between equals hmm?' asked Gin.

'You presume much.' replied the noble.

'Strange, I hadn't noticed.' said Gin.

'That's enough Gin, stop provoking people.' laughed Aizen easily. 'I'm sorry about this Byakuya; he's like this with everyone.'

'I'm aware.' said Byakuya.

There was bad blood between Ichimaru and Byakuya. Ichimaru never took anyone seriously. For Byakuya not being taken seriously was an unforgivable sin. But also because Gin had beaten Byakuya's record at the academy. Hiyori rather liked the bastard.

Even so, she turned her attention away to where Sajin Kommamura was standing. The newest captain was masked and covered as always. When a blind and black haired man appeared, he approached. 'Kaname, I see you've arrived.'

'Yes Kommamura,' said Tosen, 'I was delayed by a number of division matters which could not wait.' Hiyori didn't know their story. Apparently, they were old friends.

'Have you had any luck finding a Lieutenant yet?' asked Sajin.

'I have always felt that a Lieutenant must reflect their Captain.' mused Tosen. 'I have thus far been unable to find anyone who fits. What of your own search?'

'I am keeping the post open until Iba finishes the academy.' said Sajin. 'The truth is that we should have been the Lieutenants of this generation. The villain behind the vanishing souls incident cost a lot of ranked officers. So many that the Soul Society has been forced to promote us ahead of our time. Although I do all I can to prove worthy of my rank, I fear that I am unprepared for it.'

'We must all at times be thrust into situations beyond our control, Sajin.' said Tosen. 'It is the way of this world.'

'…Where is the Captain of the Eleventh division?' asked Kommamura suddenly.

'Likely sleeping,' said Tosen with a note of contempt in his voice. 'he rarely even appears at Captains meetings these days.'

'And Captain Ukitake?' asked Kommamura.

'I have heard news that he is ill again.' said Tosen.

It was at this point that a blonde, busty, and altogether beautiful women entered the stage. She ran towards the resident snake, her exaggerated bosom bouncing as she ran. 'Gin!'

'Ah, Rangiku,' said Gin, 'I was wondering when someone quite so beautiful as yourself might arrive. Where is Captain Isshin?'

'He's running a bit late, he sent me to check in so no one got concerned.' said Rangiku, straightening her perfect hair. 'Gin, have I ever told you that you look good with that badge?'

'I yield to the superior fashion sense of the wielder of Heineko.' said Gin.

A short blacked haired man appeared on the hill and waved. 'Yo, Kyroku!'

'Captain Isshin Shiba, you look well.' said Kyroku.

'Sorry I'm late, took me a while to find my damn hiyori.' said Isshi.n 'I swear that thing is always getting lost.' He glanced to Byakuya. 'Hey Byakuya, heard you've set up a new street paving initiative in the outlying Rukongai. Nice work.'

'If you are concerned for the Rukongai, you might contribute.' said Byakuya. 'Captain Unohana and I are cooperating to help those suffering from sickness. However, we lack the funds to train medical professionals.

'Any contributions would be welcome.'

'Well, I just might do that.' said Isshin. 'Though won't training citizens of the Rukongai take away from the number of soul reapers?'

'Actually no.' said Unohana as she approached. 'Healing kido does not require nearly as much power as other kinds. There are many who we might teach the spells to, who would be totally incapable of becoming soul reapers. And should we find any who would be capable of passing the academy, they would be drafted of course.'

'Right, yeah,' said Isshin 'forcing the issue.'

'As usual, Byakuya is putting his tendrils into just about everyone he meets.' she muttered. 'Every day everyone is always talking about the Rukongai. Raising funds for this, raising funds for that! Who cares about the stupid Rukongai! They're all sheep anyway!'

Everyone turned to stare at her. Except, Byakuya who merely gazed in contempt. 'Yeah, I said that out loud! Ya want to make something of it?!'

Byakuya turned away.

'Yeah you better run…' muttered Hiyori.

'Hey, does anyone know where the old man is,' asked Isshin suddenly. 'I was afraid he'd tan my hide, but he's not even here.'

'Now that you mention it, it is somewhat odd.' said Unohana.

At that moment a man appeared. He wore a long fur coat and had pale skin and brown hair. One of his hands had a long claw on it, and his eyes seemed to be bleeding. 'I fear that the Captain Commander will not be able to help you any further.' he said.

'What the, who are you?' asked Sajin as he stepped forward. 'What have you done with the Captain Commander?'

The man said nothing.

'Answer me!' said Sajin, surging forward. Yet as he did, the man put out one hand and passed through Kommamura.

All of a sudden a massive hulking figure with black armor appeared. It loomed over the masked captain. A blade was brought down, and Kommamura raised his own identical weapon to meet it halfway. There was a clash of terrible power, as the two dueled back and forth.

'Who are you?' roared Kommamura.

'Do you not recognize me?' asked the figure.

Sajin's stepped back in surprise. 'Tenken…'

His zanpakto struck.

Author's Note:

So here we have a somewhat late chapter. I got the latter half of this chapter done first. But then decided that I ought to detail how Sajin became a Captain a bit more, and give the story some action. When I had done that, I realized it was going to take a bit longer, so I expanded the prequel bit into a full chapter. Then I realized that neither chapter was of sufficient length for my satisfaction.

So I merged them into one.