Welcome to the next chapter!
Benny Farr; Yeah, they will be dealing with the Quincy girls fairly soon. And yeah, he surely does~ Its all according to Aizen's plans~
Chronosign; I haven't tried that myself, but I hope you liked it~ Yeah, maybe they only do look at his eyebrows. That will be talked about pretty soon.
shephawk; Thanks, glad that you liked it! Yeah, being their son would bring a good few different and interesting situations to be built from. Pretty cool look for him. Pretty interesting harem choices. Yeah, Jericho could have that. It would be nice to save her brother from such a fate. Thanks for the suggestions!
danielsnow; They could be yeah. His relationship with Yoruichi is going to be pretty fun to explore.
ShadowUzumaki55; They are yeah, we shall see how they interact this chapter~ Sora is yeah, Orihime could meet him during that time~ Yeah, that's how it went for Jinta.
Silver crow; Thanks! Kisuke and some of them are yeah. Yoruichi and Sakuto have a history together. He can definitely consume Orihime's food~ Rukia loves to draw her rabbits. Yeah, they are all there. We shall see what happens with the Quincy. That would be nice between Sakuto and Byakuya. He said goodbye to a few people yeah. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Sakuto could be aware of who that is. Shinji could do. Lisa could be. It was odd Nanao wasn't mentioned during that arc. Yeah, they could talk about it.
Guest 1; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 2; Yeah, it will soon come around~ Thank you for the harem suggestions!
Orihime fan; Orihime definitely is yeah~ Glad you liked their introduction. Yeah, Yoruichi and Sakuto did have a good connection. If it came to it, Sakuto would show what he can do.
Guest 3; Thanks very much for the harem suggestions!
Skull Flame; Yeah, they surely are. It could be~
Guest 4; Yeah, there will be a confrontation between them pretty soon. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 5; Thanks!
Guest 6; Yeah, it will eventually.
With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 6
Hiyori paced back and forth within the hideout that she and those like her occupied, covered in a giant barrier that would be able to for the most part conceal their location. Though nothing was infallible, it was still very good for keeping them away from those that would be searching for them.
"Geez, relax Hiyori. I'm sure that you and this girl are going to..."
"Shinji, shut up!"
A blonde haired man called Shinji looked surprised as he stared towards Hiyori with widened eyes.
"Seriously, chill. Urahara-san said that he'd deal with it so you don't have to worry about revealing yourself-"
Hiyori introduced Shinji too her sandal, whacking him in the back of the head, gaining a cry from him as she tightens her grip on her sandal.
"She came after me! So don't tell me to chill out! I wanna know why she started on me! And the next time I see her, I'm going to have some deep words with her!"
"Are you going to hit her too?!"
Shinji yells at Hiyori in defiance, who in turn glares hard, causing him to cringe.
"That girl...she really could be dangerous Shinji, I felt it within my body."
"Is this not because she pissed you off, and now you want to get even with her?"
When Shinji said that, Hiyori turned her darkening eyes upon him, causing him to cringe, and shake his head side to side, Hiyori shakes her own head, and turns away from him.
"It isn't only because she pissed me off. I looked into that girls eyes, and I saw she was dangerous. Like she'd do anything to accomplish what she wishes for. Even if someone is stronger than her, I sensed she'd do anything to achieve her goals."
"Tch, sounds like a wild type."
Hiyori shakes her head once more.
"I wouldn't say she's wild. More like, she knows what she wants. But the lengths she'd go to are something that could be the dangerous part. Well, I guess when I eventually find the girl, she's got a lot to answer for."
Shinji didn't want to get in the way of Hiyori, seeing the furious expression on her face. It was clear that when Bambietta and her met together again, it was going to be a very explosive kind of meeting.
As that was going on, Sakuto and Urahara travelled towards his little humble candy shop across town. Sakuto saw that Urahara had him kept firmly in his gaze, and vice versa, with Sakuto not saying anything, and waiting for the moment that Urahara would begin speaking.
On their way, Sakuto took out his phone.
"Hmmm?"
Urahara looked to see Sakuto on his phone, so he was beginning to wonder.
"Suspicious minds, Urahara-san. I'm contacting my friends to tell them I'll be a bit late."
"I see."
Urahara didn't say anything else, while Sakuto messaged Rukia and the others that he'd be back later on.
Landing outside of the shop, Sakuto and Urahara begin making their way into the shop.
Sakuto noticed stood outside that Jinta and Ururu were sweeping the ground, and getting rid of the dirt and various trash that had found its way towards their shop.
Upon seeing him, Jinta went white faced, and looked like a deer caught in headlights. Ururu on the other hand looked and wondered what was going on.
Sakuto didn't say anything to either of them, not wanting to get them in trouble with Urahara, and simply gave them both a small notable knowing smile, before entering the shop together with Urahara.
When he did, Sakuto noticed something, but chose not to comment on it for the time being, and continued to walk on.
Looking around, Sakuto could see that it wasn't that large.
"Do people come here, and buy sweets? It seems to be out of the way of the general public."
"Mainly I sell to regular customers. Usually of the spiritually inclined. Though, those are few and far between, so it does okay depending on who I am selling too." Urahara answered in his rather jovial manner, to the amusement of Sakuto. "Either way, lets go inside here. Tessai-san is out for the time being doing some business for me, but Yoruichi-san is inside here, and she seemed to be delighted to see you."
Sakuto felt his face light up, as they walked through the shop, and ended up going towards the back of the shop, and entered into a new room.
Upon going inside, Sakuto looked to see a black cat sat on one of the pillows, with the young man showing a delighted smile.
"Yoruichi-san, you're looking ever so sweet and delectable~"
"And you're looking rather handsome yourself."
Hearing the cats voice that did sound rather deep for what Sakuto knew was a beautiful woman, Sakuto walked over, and bent down, so they were face to face.
Reaching out his hand, Sakuto's fingers brushed against the cats fur, and ran down her back, causing Yoruichi to purr in a cute manner.
"Aah, you're still so adorable Yoruichi-san~ Purring like that, how sweet~ I wish we could talk, but I guess that will have to be saved for later." Sakuto lifted Yoruichi up, and sat down, placing the cat on his lap, and then looked towards Urahara. "So, now that we're here, I suppose its time for us to talk. Though first, I'd suggest putting up some kind of barrier so nothing said in here could be heard anywhere else. I'm sure this conversation is needed to be kept private."
"Great minds, think alike."
Urahara anticipated this, so he merely tapped his cane onto the wall, where immediately a red barrier was formed. Sakuto looked around, as Urahara sat down facing him, their eyes meeting for an intense stare.
"Its been a while, Urahara-san."
"Indeed. I'm surprised you're here now."
"Don't you mean, you're wondering what I'm doing here now?"
Urahara revealed a small smile on his face.
"Perhaps a part of me is wondering about that. So, allow me to ask, what is it that you're doing here?"
"I am on vacation, Urahara-san. What about you?"
"I live in this town."
Urahara replied with a playful tone that matched the one Sakuto gave him.
Sakuto gave a half smile in return.
"Karakura, yes its a nice little town. Rich with spiritual energy, drawing in so many different things wouldn't you say?" Sakuto takes in a breath. "Besides for attracting Hollows, seems that its attracted former members of the Gotei 13, with you, and the others also being in or around this town."
As Sakuto said it, Urahara studied the young man before him.
Thoughts entered his mind, and he didn't know where he was supposed to start.
"You said that you knew Hiyori-san was targeted by the Quincy. How may I ask did you find that out?"
"I saw Hiyori-san, who was looking for the Quincy girl. I connected the dots, and assumed you'd also be investigating the girl that came here." Urahara thought that would make sense, and why he'd know she was looking for the Quincy. "Even after all this time, it seems that they've built their lives back up from what happened all those years ago."
"They are doing well. Adjustments had to be made, but they've come to terms with what happened, and are living their lives. Though, I am sure as you'd also think, the past is something that would play on their minds, some more than others. But each have varying thoughts about that night."
"Yes, that terrible night." Sakuto as he spoke, his eyes focusing in on Urahara, and then continued. "So, what were you planning on doing with Rukia-chan exactly?"
When Sakuto asked that straight out, Urahara narrowed his brows ever so slightly.
He didn't say anything for over a few seconds.
Yoruichi also didn't say anything, and quietly listened to their conversations.
"Do? What do you mean?"
"We both know that you didn't simply study her for the sake of knowing the Shinigami that were in this town. While a factor since you're technically a banished Shinigami that isn't on great terms with the Soul Society and therefore would want to keep a quiet life, there's something else that you intended to do. And I would like to know what that entailed."
Urahara stared into the eyes of Sakuto, trying to work him out.
But like his brother, his expressions, were unreadable.
It was a skill so few really had against Urahara, as he was able to tell a good deal about someone through their facial expressions.
"Hmmm, well that's something which would be difficult to explain. Plus, I can't be sure on which side you'd be falling on."
"Kisuke..."
Yoruichi berated with a tone that said she wasn't pleased, so Urahara waved his hand, and cleared it up.
"Not of your own volition of course, but there is a certain power..."
"You think I'm not presenting as my true authentic self, right? You're trying to discern if I'm actually who I say I am, and you're not seeing some kind of trick right now, like you're under an illusion, and that I could be someone else, someone that you don't want to get close to you, correct?"
"Forgive me for being suspicious but I have to be sure that you are the one who I believe you are to be."
Sakuto looked deeply into the eyes of Urahara.
Still Urahara wasn't entirely sure.
Sakuto took in a breath, and then exhaled with a small smile gracing his face.
"I assure you, that's not the case. For one, I am sure that kind of trickery would've been found out when we passed through into your home, you scanned my spiritual pressure, and my spirit energy. Plus, those two outside, saw me as me, they wouldn't be under any illusion that I'd be aware of anyway, unless you can think of a time where it happened. So I'd say that I'm the real deal, if I was in your shoes. Still, if you feel any further tests are needed, then I'll comply. Because once that's out of the way, we need to get down to business."
Urahara looked surprised at what Sakuto had said, yet a part of him wasn't at the same time.
But then revealed a smirk.
"Looks like I didn't get that passed you. Alright, now I believe we can begin. What is it that you want?"
"What I want, is something you also would want as well. A 100 years ago...something terrible happened. It happened, and because of that, good people were turned into something that they shouldn't have had to have been. I want to rectify that."
"That is a rather bold statement to make."
"I am a rather bold person, and we both know what a certain little orb has to do with it...do I need to say more?"
Urahara exhales a single time, his facial expressions being something different to discern right away.
"I see. It comes to that already. I thought we'd might have a drink before getting into the topics of that. But, it seems it can't be stopped any longer."
"Yes. That orb..."
"Science sometimes goes in directions that isn't for the best. And when you're left with your own creation, something that you aren't satisfied with, or rather, something that is too satisfying for those that wish to use this power...so, what are your intentions with it?"
"I would like to imagine similar to yourself, in its destruction. But that orb, if you could have broken it, you would have by now, correct?"
Urahara couldn't deny the sharpness of Sakuto's mind, how he was able to think and understand a good deal with a few interactions, and making deductions based on what knowledge he had, which to Urahara was quite outstanding.
"...Yes, I believe that you're right. However, I've tried a number of methods, and there's nothing that can destroy it. Trust me, this isn't something that I haven't thought about a number of times, and tried myself."
Sakuto lowered his head, believing now he was beginning to understand.
As he thought about it, he came to a conclusion based on Urahara's own words.
It wasn't one that he easily was able to think about.
But it was one that kept coming back to him.
"So you were approaching Rukia-chan...in an event that if something happened, you could...tell me, would you have used her to hide it? There's a few ways that it could have gone down, but in the event of trying to hide it, you would have to either take away her powers, so she becomes a human, or you convinced her to stay hidden away, possibly both."
Urahara didn't say anything for a moment.
Yoruichi looked between them, seeing that Urahara wasn't showing anything on his face. No emotions whatsoever. And Sakuto himself was patiently waiting for the answer.
Urahara then bowed his head.
"...So, you figured that out. Yes...I considered it greatly. Before you came here, there was an unknown force that went for her. Before I got there, it seemed to have been repelled and vanished. I can't say what would have happened, but I was planning on offering her a Gigai...that would have drained her powers, rendering her human. However, the opportunity never arose, and my ethical nature was weighing upon me, I wasn't sure which way to turn."
"Making her human...hiding the orb, forever potentially. Sorry to say this, but there's some fatal flaws in that plan."
Urahara raised a brow.
"Flaws? Could you explain those to me?"
Urahara wondered about it, so Sakuto explained.
"She is apart of the Kuchiki clan, she would have eventually been searched for. She's still important to members in the Soul Society, at least to people within it. Plus, I would have also come for her if she suddenly began vanishing."
Urahara didn't say anything as he did factor a good few of what Sakuto was saying into his own plans.
While speaking, Sakuto also disclosed his thoughts to Urahara.
"Though most of those I am sure you've thought of, still it was a risky move considering who knows her, not only her friends, but her Captain, her elder brother, among others. Rukia-chan...she is an innocent bystander in all of this. And if you try and involve her like that again without her knowledge or you place her in any kinds of danger, I wont stay silent, if you catch my meaning."
To Yoruichi, it was clear Sakuto was highly protective over Rukia, that much was certain, and it made her wonder even more about him and the nature of his relationship with Rukia.
"I understand. So what are you proposing?"
"I propose you and I should begin discussing what we're going to do. As one way or another, I cannot leave until we come to an agreement."
Urahara was caught by surprise when he said that.
"...It seems that you're highly determined. Well, it wouldn't be a bad thing to work together with you. Though, do you have plans?"
"Yes. I am sure you do as well. So lets begin putting our heads together, and share our knowledge. Agreed?"
Urahara bowed his head, and agreed.
"Agreed. Looks like we've got something's to go over."
Sakuto nods his head, and speaks quietly with Urahara for a good while, and getting input from Yoruichi as well…
A while later, at Orihime's apartment, the trio of Orihime, Rukia and Nemu were beginning to eat their dinner, with Nemu looking around every so often, Orihime was happily chatting with Rukia, who did the same right back, though both wondered like Nemu where Sakuto had gotten too.
Though in the back of her head, Orihime thought about the letter she received from her brother. She hadn't read it yet, and she kept thinking about when she should read it. She was sure that it would be a nice positive letter, she also felt saddened at the same time.
Rukia looked at her phone, and hummed.
"I thought that Sakuto might have been back now."
"Ooh Sakuto-kun said that he'd be busy getting some stuff for later on though, maybe its taking more time than he thought."
"Yes...I am sure he will be back soon enough."
Rukia said as a finality, while Orihime happily ate her food.
Soon afterwards, Sakuto finally returned, carrying a few boxes.
"Sorry I'm late, I was picking up the tools we need to begin making those Quincy items to purify Hollows."
Rukia lifted her lips up ever so slightly.
"I see, I actually have begun working on tactics in case Bambietta does try to attack."
Sakuto was intrigued, putting down the boxes and sat down next to Orihime and offered her a smile, ho returned it, before he looked towards Rukia.
"You have huh? What plans?"
As he said it, Nemu took a bite of her food, and listened, as Rukia nods strongly.
"Yes, I have decided to twerk."
Sakuto and Orihime immediately look to one another in a questioning manner, Nemu took out her phone, and researched what that word was.
"You...have decided to twerk for Bambietta-san?"
Sakuto asked for confirmation.
Rukia inclines her neck at Sakuto, and explains.
"Yes, I believe that twerking, would be able to distract her long enough for me to use Sode no Shirayuki to freeze her."
Orihime giggled to herself as Rukia glanced at her.
She immediately turned her head to the side, and giggled some more.
"My Kuchiki-san, I didn't think that would work its way into battle tactics~"
Rukia gave curious eyes, then nods.
"Of course. Twerking is something I believe would be essential for many battles. Sakuto, I also suggest that you and I twerk together."
Sakuto gave amused eyes, especially seeing the serious face Rukia had on.
"Well, I've seen how its done so I definitely could do. Orihime-chan once showed me~"
Orihime blushed while Nemu found what she was looking for, giving questioning eyes to Rukia.
Rukia herself faced Orihime with determined eyes.
"I see, so you also have the power to twerk. Fascinating. Perhaps you and I should twerk, and then Sakuto could finish off the enemies together with Kurotsuchi-san."
"Its an interesting battle plan~"
Sakuto let out a snicker, immediately placing a hand on his wide grinning face, trying to hold back a laugh.
Nemu turned towards Sakuto.
"Sakuto-sama, if my data is correct, then would that mean like Honsho-san, Kuchiki-san also has affection for females?"
Rukia became confused at that.
Sakuto furrows his brows.
"No, I think Rukia-chan doesn't know what it means to twerk."
"Of course I do, it is a battle tactic."
Rukia said strongly.
Sakuto raised a brow.
"Who told you that?"
"Various people have been speaking about it. Then I heard Vice Captain Matsumoto saying that she would be able to even knock you off your feet if she were to twerk. Though more research is required, if it can even blow you away Sakuto, it has to be worth a try."
Sakuto slowly nods his head, and then moves close to Rukia.
He whispers what twerking actually was, causing the young woman to go white like a ghost.
"Oh...ooh no..."
"Yeah..."
As Sakuto said it, Rukia gave determined eyes.
"Still, perhaps you could twerk Sakuto for her? She is a female, so I believe that the ability to twerk, would work in our favour. Wouldn't you agree?"
Sakuto went wide eyed, as Orihime claps her hands together excitedly.
"Yes! Sakuto-kun! Please, you have to twerk for her! Bambietta-san might reform if she sees your twerking skills~"
Sakuto chuckled unevenly, and looked to Nemu, who surprisingly was going along with what was being said.
"I concur. It also coincides with the battle plans of seduction I brought up earlier."
Sakuto slapped himself in the head, he couldn't believe this kind of talk was actually happening.
"Seriously...defeating the Quincy with a twerk, I'd make the history books for sure, not in the greatest of ways..."
Rukia nods absolutely.
"Then its settled, Sakuto shall twerk, I shall use Sode no Shirayuki to freeze them, and while I am doing that, Kurotsuchi-san shall be on guard if she has allies."
Sakuto looked on in disbelief, seeing as Nemu and Rukia seemed to be all for this plan, even Orihime was nodding along with it.
Sakuto thought "Great...if it is up to these three, I'm seriously gonna be twerking for a Quincy girl..." and watched as the three women made battle plans, all around Sakuto twerking.
Meanwhile, Bambietta was set up in her hideout together with her friends, going over a few things that she had on a checklist of things she wished to do. She glanced over at her friends, and could see that they each were rather happy, so she didn't say anything, and merely continued on with her machinations.
That was until Liltotto came into the room, and threw some papers on a table near Bambietta.
"Information, got. Now I'm going to go and eat."
Bambietta raised a brow at the smallest Quincy, then picked up the papers, and looked over them.
"Hmm...what? Is this really accurate?"
Bambietta demanded from Liltotto who in turn nods her head ever so slightly.
"As far as I could gather, yes. I left out the speculation parts, I saw it as not relevant. All of it is everything I could get, and piece together. All of it is truth."
Candice raised a brow.
"See something?"
"Hell yeah I did. I didn't know she was a freaking Kuchiki!"
Giselle ran a finger through her hair with a happy go lucky grin appearing on her face.
"Is that really something unusual? Does it mean anything important?"
As Giselle said it, she points at Liltotto and murmurs "Wanna become a Zombie?" causing Liltotto to glare, and go back to eating her food, all the while Bambietta shook her head, and then continued on after a moments pause.
"Well, it means that she's not an average Shinigami after all. Haha, and here I thought she was run of the mill. We could use this. Imagine if a member of the Kuchiki clan was to be beaten, then surely we'd be shown as a legitimate threat to those bastard Shinigami. But, we still have to make sure we do this right. Piss of Soul Society too much...still, this is a great thing for us to have on our side."
"She isn't a member by blood."
Liltotto spoke up, Bambietta turned her confused eyes towards her.
"What do you mean? She's a Kuchiki, isn't she?"
"She was adopted into the clan." Liltotto explained as she bit into a candy that she had. "Not sure why, but the Kuchiki clan adopted her. Maybe it was for her skills as a Shinigami, maybe some kind of political thing? I don't really know. But what I do know is that this girl is a member of the clan. And apparently, in the 13th Squad."
Giselle raised her hand.
"Ooh, I know! Squad 13 is said to have a weirdo Captain, right?"
Liltotto rolled her eyes.
"Not a weirdo, a man that is sick. And their Vice Captain...well, keep reading."
Bambietta looked down at the papers she had, and looked through the associations list Liltotto had given her.
As she did, she came across Sakuto's page, and his image.
"Huh...Sakuto. What's this guys deal?"
"You didn't say get any information on him. But the name, I am sure you'd be aware of..."
Liltotto began, while Giselle glanced briefly out of the window without saying anything.
Meninas noticed, and walked towards her.
"Something on your mind Gigi?"
"Huh? Nope, not at all~ I'm thinking on who this Sakuto guy is~"
Bambietta snickered.
"Probably a run of the mill Vice Captain, I'd not worry about it Gigi."
Candice raised her hands above her head.
"Got a picture?" Bambietta sighed, and tossed it to Candice, who upon inspecting it, began blushing. "Holy shit...he's gorgeous! Look at those cheekbones, and that face! And his body...ooh, I'm feeling a little hot all of a sudden~"
Bambietta rolled her eyes.
"Are you for real? Remember, he's a Shinigami. You're a Quincy. Sorry, it isn't going to work out in the end for you."
"Uggh, hello! Not seen this boys face? And his body... Holy damn, its like a great mixture of innocent and yet sensual. Ooh, if I weren't a Quincy, or if he weren't a Shinigami...then damn..."
"As expected of Candice-chan, always looking out for her boys, and how to have some fun."
Meninas said with an apathetic look on her face, causing Candice to spark electricity around her fingertips.
"I am sorry for appreciating the male form! Especially one like...ooh yeah...an-anyway! You're only jealous anyway that I could attract men. And don't make it out like I've been with so many either! I've never had a serious boyfriend so don't start!"
"I don't need to argue with someone who flies off the handle at the smallest of things."
Candice gained a tick mark by her face and aimed a glare for Meninas.
"What did you say harpy?!"
Meninas huffed, and turned her head, while Bambietta waved her hands.
"Enough of that now, we don't have to worry about this Vice Captain dude. We've got to focus in on Rukia Kuchiki." Bambietta cracked her neck left and right. "Haha, Rukia Kuchiki, it seems that I've found interesting prey. You might not be a Vice Captain. But you'll definitely be good to our plans. And maybe, you could be a good fight for me, I have been meaning to test these powers of mine... Hehehe...Rukia Kuchiki, I've got my eyes on you. Girls, lets begin making plans for this cute little Shinigami. Screw waiting, lets bring this to her."
Showing an enthusiastic smile, Meninas noticed that Giselle was being awfully quiet, which was rather unusual for her, making Meninas wonder what was going on inside of her mind.
The next day, while in the middle of their lunch at school, Sakuto and Nemu were continuing their research. Sakuto had to admit that it was rather fun to work with Nemu, and to see her mind at play, especially when she didn't have Mayuri holding her back.
Rukia was currently spending time with Orihime, something Sakuto thought would be really good for both of them. Especially for Rukia, as he knew she found it hard allowing others too close to her, so someone like Orihime who naturally was bubbly, and a chatty person, it definitely was something that Sakuto could see helping the pair become good friends.
"Hmm, I see, so when applied like this, the Reishi...yes, and then we'd have to make sure that it would distribute all over the cross...hmmm, I think we are on the right tracks Nemu-san, do you concur?"
Sakuto mused, as Nemu picked up one of the Quincy crosses that they had at their disposal.
"Yes, though I believe we should increase output to see if the material handles the excess power."
"Yeah, that's a good idea Nemu-san. Lets prepare for that."
"Understood."
Nemu began doing what was necessary, while Sakuto glanced over towards her.
Seeing her being immersed in the world of science, he could see she had more than a knack for it, she was doing very well in his eyes, and though her face remained mostly stoic, he could see her eyes hyper intensively focused, and she looked as if she was enjoying her time.
Though Nemu soon turned towards Sakuto, who was moving a few items to test them out.
"Sakuto-sama, even if we do find a way for this to succeed, would this be a way for the Quincy female to stop her actions?"
Sakuto placed a finger to his chin in thought.
"Honestly, I can't be sure. But, at least its something that might cross the bridge between our people and help us at least come to some kind of resolution here. And if not for this Quincy, then it could be used for another one in the future, should we come across such a being."
"I understand. Though our efforts might not prove useful for this Quincy, down the line it could prove useful to someone else. Sakuto-sama, Mayuri-sama would consider this to be a waste of time, as he would not wish to help in this situation."
"But what do you say about it Nemu-san?"
Nemu looked down at the cross between her fingers, and focused intently upon it.
"I...I can see the merits. It is as you say, this could help someone else if it doesn't work for this situation."
"Yes, that's certainly true."
Sakuto replied, as Nemu looked around the town from their location.
She made a few observations, but one kept coming back to her, as more time went on.
"Also, I have come to...I believe the phrase is...enjoying spending my time here. Though it has only bee a few days, my experiences are growing, and I am meeting people who I otherwise wouldn't. Though, Chizuru Honsho-san keeps referring to me as her Goddess, even though I hold no such titles."
Sakuto scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah, it seems that she does. Though, its nice to be called kind things, right Nemu-san?"
"Yes. And the one named Orihime Inoue. Sakuto-sama, her spiritual powers are beyond that of what I have seen in a normal human."
Sakuto chuckled.
"Indeed, she's definitely a curious case isn't she Nemu-san?"
"Yes, I wish to study her further. She is most intriguing to me."
"If Orihime-chan is fine with it, then go for it~"
Seeing Nemu actively being engaged like this was something Sakuto thought was very positive.
Under Mayuri, she only did what he wanted, so seeing her being able to pursue her own desires, it was something he actively would encourage at any possible turn.
So seeing the fruits of it here, he was glad to see Nemu was coming into her own person, and that she was going to continue finding her own way in life.
Later on that day Sakuto and the others responded to a Hollow appearing in the town. Though as they made their way there, Sakuto sensed briefly the spirit energy of Bambietta, and informed the others as such.
So they cautiously went together, making sure that if Bambietta was trying to hide her presence, then they'd be ready to defend as well.
When they got there, the Hollow was gone, but something had been left behind.
A note, along with a map.
Rukia got said note, and map, passing the map to Sakuto, who looked over it briefly.
"Looks like its outside of Karakura."
Rukia nods, and then sighs.
"She said that she wishes to meet me at the location marked on the map tomorrow. Obviously, this is trying to give her the best advantage as possible."
Nemu concurred, and voiced her thoughts.
"She could have some traps laid around for Kuchiki-san, Sakuto-sama. I propose that we should try and evaluate the situation before Kuchiki-san would be going."
Sakuto inclined his neck.
"Yeah, you're right about that. Though, it makes me wonder if she would announce it as obviously as this."
Orihime tilts her head to the right.
"Does that mean she might not Sakuto-kun?"
"We have to consider all possibilities, so she might have some kind of trap laid for Rukia-chan. Fortunately, they still don't know about us. Bambietta-san hasn't ever tried to follow us, and I've kept my eyes keenly on who could try and do so. We still have the advantages in terms of that."
"Plus, she could be confident in her own abilities that she sees no need for traps."
Rukia added her thoughts, Nemu looks over the map once more.
"She picked an isolated location. She could be expecting a fight. Perhaps she wishes to test your own skills in such a fight Kuchiki-san. And win against you, while you're going all out. That is my theory."
Sakuto thought Nemu's theory was rather sound, and agreed with her.
"It could be that she does think like that. But we can't take the chance she has laid traps in case something does happen as well. So lets prepare for any eventuality. Though with the way she wrote this note, it seems she is...eager, too eager for another meeting."
Rukia furrowed her brows, folding her arms.
"Sakuto, I know it hasn't been long. But how far has it come with the Quincy items?"
"Since its only been a short time, nothing concrete yet, things are at least beginning to look promising. Are you thinking of putting that over to her?"
"I thought about it, do you think we should try that method? It might only be in the beginning stages, but if she were to help, then it could progress it at a faster rate, right?"
"At the very least, its worth mentioning, and yes it would be good if we could study the processes up close. See if she goes for it. If not...then we will be prepared to fight if it comes down to it."
Rukia agreed, Orihime looked between them, and thought "I wish I could do more...it seems everyone is trying their hardest." while they discussed what they'd be doing next...
Later that night, after they all planned, and were ready for what was to come the next day, Sakuto awoke when it was still dark outside.
He shifted in his bed, feeling as if he needed the bathroom, so he groaned and got up.
When he made it to said bathroom, he noticed the door was fully closed.
So he felt for any presence inside, and could feel Orihime was there.
Understanding this, he went to move away, when he heard a voice coming from the bathroom.
[Sorry, I wont be long Sakuto-kun.]
He was rather pleased to see that her sensing skills were coming along well enough for her to feel his presence.
Though when he did hear the voice, it sounded a little sad, so he wondered if she was alright.
"Nah, don't worry. Take as long as you need. Though, is everything okay Orihime-chan?"
[Y-Yes, why wouldn't it be?]
"Its just, your voice...you sound as if you're upset."
His voice was gentle, and calming.
Orihime felt the effects of it to the point that the door silently opened, revealing a fully clothed Orihime sat on the side of the bath, so he went inside, and closed the door behind him once she prompted him to come inside.
"So what's going on? Has something happened?"
"Oh...no, not at all. I was just...reading the letter from my brother."
"And...that caused you to be sad?"
"...Its hard to explain. I mean...his words were kind as always, it feels very much like my brother wrote this. I can even imagine him writing the letter, and his funny mannerisms as well. Its just, when I think about him, I always think about the last day we saw one another...I mean when he was alive."
Sakuto slowly nods, as he perches on the side of the bath.
"I understand. You told me you had an argument about your hairpins, right?"
"Yes...Sora was...I didn't mean to be so rude, I already was getting teased at school, for my hair and...I knew he meant well...but, I am glad that when I met him as a Hollow...I was able to say to him what I truly felt."
Sakuto looked over the hairpins, and then Orihime herself, offering a kind smile.
"I am glad that you got that chance. You know, your relationship reminds me of my own with my brother."
"You never really speak about him, Sakuto-kun. What is he like?"
Sakuto thought about how best to answer that.
"What he's like huh, that is very hard to define...But you see, like you, I grew up without parents. My brother raised me from when I was young, it was only us for a good long time."
"Wow, I didn't know Sakuto-kun."
Sakuto showed a gentle smile.
"Yeah, he's been there when I need him, or when he needs me, which is more than he'd like to admit too."
"Ooh, so he's one of those types that likes to do everything himself~"
"He might be very capable, and powerful, but even he is fallible, even if admitting to that would be difficult for him~" Sakuto snickered out, as he pulled closer to Orihime, and placed his hand on top of hers in a comforting manner, causing Orihime to lightly blush. "You know, if you're ever sad, you can speak with me anytime. Not just about Hollow and Shinigami stuff. While this world has some unique mysteries to someone like me, I'd do anything to help make sure you're feeling better."
Orihime's blush deepened, as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"You are always so kind to me~ I wish we could always be together~ Though, I know you've got...your own duties as well."
"Perhaps I do, but I'll never be too busy to be with you, Orihime-chan. You're someone I care for, and if I make promises, I don't make them for the sake of it, I do it with the intention that I'm going to keep it."
Orihime felt warm inside when he said it.
Spreading through her chest, she looked upon the kind face Sakuto was showing her and couldn't help but feel glad that they were able to spend time together, that she was brought to this fascinating world, and was beginning to meet people that perhaps otherwise she might not have met.
"The truth is...these hairpins, its coming close to the anniversary of when he gave me them...and when he died too."
Sakuto believed he understood now.
"I see...and reading that letter...caused you to remember that, right?"
Orihime nods her head.
"Yes, that's right. I am happy for Sora now, that he's at peace in the Soul Society...but, I do miss him sometimes. Especially when…it comes to days like this. But, when we're together...it makes it better, you know? I don't have to worry, because I know, you've seen him, and I know, you'd always tell me how he is."
Sakuto nods strongly.
"I am glad that I can comfort you. I can't say how it is to lose your brother at a young age, but you don't have to worry Orihime-chan. He really is doing good over there. And someday, you'll see him again, and be able to tell him all of the adventures you've had until that point. What great things you've achieved."
"Great things..."
Sakuto nods strongly.
"You are more capable than you realize Orihime-chan. I sense a great strength from you. One day, I'm sure you'll share your kindness and strength with the world."
Orihime couldn't help but adopt a big wide smile, with happy tears brimming in her eyes.
"Sakuto-kun...thank you~"
"You don't have to thank me, I'm only saying what I believe is true. Orihime-chan, you're very special, you'll see how much I am sure."
Orihime truly did appreciate everything that he said, and was glad that they could spend this time together like this, forgetting everything else that was going on, and merely being in one another's presences.
"Sakuto-kun...about tomorrow, with the Quincy girl. What do you think will happen?"
"Its really hard to say. But we can only do our best."
Orihime nods, as she lowers her eyebrows ever so slightly.
"Yes...you are right. I hope that everything is sorted out soon."
"Then we can continue having fun~"
Orihime giggles "Exactly~" as the pair smile towards one another, wondering what was to come next...
Finally the time had arrived, and agreeing to meet with Rukia, Bambietta and Rukia arrived at a secure location just outside of the town. Because of the potential destruction that could happen, Rukia and the others thought it would be best to meet in a location that no one could become hurt in, a feeling seemingtly shared with Bambietta.
Dust, and dirt surrounded them. Various buildings that no one inside, and looked to have been damaged either by the passage of time, or naturally have been damaged over the years by various things.
Sakuto and Nemu stayed in the shadows, and looked over what was happening, ready to jump in if the time was right.
"Sakuto-sama, do you think this would work?"
"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. It really can be tricky to gauge what's going on within her mind. If she is ready to attack or not, we simply have to be ready."
Rukia looked over Bambietta, and could see that the young Quincy looked to be ready to brawl at any moment.
Rukia didn't want to do that, so she went to speak when surprisingly Bambietta did so instead.
"I didn't think you'd actually show."
Bambietta mused, with Rukia nodding.
"I promised, didn't I?"
"Shinigami rarely keep their promises."
Bambietta spat out, Rukia exhaled.
"I have been thinking that this situation, doesn't have to turn out anything other than..."
"Are you really going to give me a speech about how we'd become friends? And that we'd dance around together, happily playing games with one another? If that's it, then clearly you're a few screws loose."
Rukia to Bambietta's surprise, shakes her head.
"No, I am not naive. I don't know if we'd become friends, but I have learned a good deal about the past of the Quincy's, and what happened between our people. To be honest, I can understand your anger..."
"Bringing up history now seems pointless. It happened two hundred years ago. Its ancient history."
Bambietta dismissed it.
But Rukia pushed forward, and gave hardened eyes.
"History is still important, and it can bring out pain. Even if you weren't alive that time ago, your race...it sadly was brought to the brink of extermination. I can't apologize, as no words would suffice for such an event. Even though I wasn't apart of it, and I wasn't around during that time, your past of the Quincy's happened because of the balance was being brought to disarray and it ended...in ways that I'd personally not like for it to end. Though I also understand why it happened...it still was an event that was tragic."
Bambietta wondered where Rukia was going with this, making her tilt her head side to side.
"Well, history is history. It isn't like Quincy are the holier than thou beings either."
Sakuto wore surprise at how mature her response seemed to be, seeing that she was acknowledging something he thought she might not do.
"You admit to faults on your side?"
Bambietta weighed her hands like scales at both sides of her body at Rukia's question, showing an acknowledging expression on her face.
"What can I say? I can't defend the actions of those in the past. Did the Shinigami have the right to take out the Quincy? That's not for me to say. But, my beef with you Shinigami, is more than what happened two hundred years ago."
Sakuto and Rukia both furrowed their eyebrows.
But it was Rukia who carried on.
"If it isn't that...then what is your...as you call it, beef with Shinigami?"
Bambietta folded her arms, showing a superior expression on her face.
"Heh, that's for me to know and for you not to know. I don't have to explain myself to you."
"Maybe you don't. But if I don't understand your reasoning's, I cannot simply empathize with you, so I cannot meet your demands of me leaving this town."
Bambietta showed a dangerous smile on her face, and places her hand upwards.
When she did, an orb was formed. It glowed a beautiful pale colour, and she turned it towards Rukia.
"You really aren't going to leave?"
"You haven't given me a reason to leave, other than threatening me. As a member of the Gotei 13, I cannot leave my post. Hollows are here, and I am here to defend this town against such beings. Even you realize that this town is a very spiritually rich area, Hollows are drawn here."
"Yeah, that's why this is my town. For a Quincy like me, this town with its overflowing power, its perfect to set up shop. And I don't want any Shinigami within my town. So, you can leave, or I will force you."
With a tone that was neither sweet nor sickening, Bambietta gave the ultimatum towards Rukia.
Rukia remained steadfast in her expression, and stood off against Bambietta.
"I wont leave, and I don't want to force you to leave either. There is something I'd like to discuss with you, regarding the slaying of Hollows, and how we might be able to help you so Shinigami don't come after you if you slay too many."
Bambietta looked perplexed for a moment.
But then she snickered.
"Yeah, don't need any help destroying Hollows. I can do that, myself!"
Faster than Rukia had anticipated, she threw the orb towards Rukia which sailed in the air at a fast speed.
Seeing Rukia being stunned, and was reacting a little slower than the orb was moving, Sakuto placed his hand out, and uttered "Hado 31, Shakkaho." which released a fiery red orb from his hand, shooting it fast enough to meet the orb.
Bambietta didn't see the orb until the last moment, causing her to look around, and then towards Rukia, seeing that by now, she had faked a pose, so it looked as if she was the one who had fired the attack, though she wasn't sure if she was convinced by that.
What Sakuto saw, surprised him next.
For as soon as the orb hit Bambietta's own, for a second or so, nothing seemed to happen.
But then, Sakuto witnessed his Shakkaho detonate, generating an explosion that swept through the area, causing some tree branches to begin being blown around, and leaves dropped off of them, landing on the ground as Sakuto looked on.
"Exploding...no, something else happened...it was delayed for a short time, not that long to dodge or anything. Still, not exploding immediately tells me that there's something more to that power than she's showing me right now..."
As Sakuto thought about it, Nemu spoke up.
"Sakuto-sama, I wasn't under the impression that Quincy were able to use Reishi in that way."
"Usually, they don't."
"Then, what technique did she use? I sensed Reishi building, and she didn't form a weapon. That orb, is that a new Quincy ability?"
"Hmm, I wonder if it is that, or...does she have a unique ability? Something about her feels different..."
Nemu raised an eyebrow.
"A unique ability exclusive to her? Is that possible?"
"I have heard in the past about Quincy showing abilities that other Quincy do not possess. I wonder if this is hers…? And that explosion...something didn't seem right to me. It didn't seem as if that orb was an explosive one...hmmm...more than that...it was almost like that orb, was..."
As he said it, Bambietta recovered from her initial shock of seeing her orb not connect with Rukia.
She looked towards Rukia, seeing that she was still in her stance, and then moved her arms downwards as if she had finished. Bambietta was still questioning on what it was that she truly did see.
"My, aren't you a fast one? I didn't expect for you to give me trouble. Well, its also a good thing that I have some plans, Rukia Kuchiki."
Rukia widened her eyes.
"...You know my name."
"Yes, that's right. I know that, and more about you. A member of the Kuchiki clan, adopted. Your older brother, Byakuya Kuchiki. I wonder what he'd be feeling, if he saw you in this state? Its interesting to think about, isn't it?"
"...If you know who I am, then I wont have to say anything else about that. I don't want to fight you."
"Well, that's funny, me and my friends do."
Rukia exhaled slowly, feeling a sense of dread building within her.
"Friends..."
Bambietta snapped her fingers, and from that, Giselle, Liltotto, Candice, and Meninas all appeared, standing around Bambietta.
Bambietta grinned ear to ear, seeing the look on Rukia's face.
"Worried, Shinigami? Seems this time, the Quincy have the upper hand. So, why don't you be a nice Shinigami, and leave? Because if you choose not too...then my kind graces will stop, and I'll have to use the force I didn't want to before on you. You saw what I can do, if you don't want your limbs blasted off your body, then get out of Karakura."
Rukia stared towards Bambietta, and her friends.
She looked left and right, thinking about what would be the best thing to do.
Seeing each of them lined up together, she could sense their combined spiritual energy.
She knew that together, they'd be able to wipe the floor with Rukia, that was a mere fact.
However, Rukia also had some tricks up her sleeve, and she began using them, as she directed her eyes to the area Sakuto and Nemu were for a brief moment, then she turned her gaze back to Bambietta, showing no willingness to back down.
"So...you have some friends...so do I."
Upon saying that, Bambietta and the others suddenly found themselves surrounded by a thick netting made from Kido.
"What the…!"
The netting covered all five of them, with Bambietta attempting to get out of the nets grasp, only for it to bind her arms very closely to her body.
"I see...so we did have other enemies..."
Liltotto noting Sakuto who was in the air, and was using his sword to either create the netting, or simply attached the netting to it, and watched as the netting constricted them all together, so they couldn't lift their arms, or even move.
It happened so fast that the Quincy girls were surprised, with Sakuto landing beside Rukia, who withdrew her blade, and Nemu, who held her own blade across her body in a fighting position.
"... Bambietta-san, I didn't want it to end like this, but we will not lie down to our deaths either. If you intend to fight us, then we shall fight back."
Rukia finished off, and got into a fighting position with her blade as well, readying herself to fight.
Bambietta looked pale, as did the others, seeing Nemu and Sakuto beside Rukia, looking ready to fight, Bambietta knew that this situation was a rather worrisome one that they'd have to deal with, or it could be their end.
"No...we wont surrender! Its time for our counterattack! You think this net will hold us? We will show all of you the powers we possess...! Quincy, will beat the Shinigami this day!"
Bambietta yelled defiantly while making direct eye contact with Rukia, showing that she wouldn't go down so easily, while Sakuto wondered, if Bambietta had a special ability, did the others? And if they did, what unique powers did they possess...?
End chapter!
So this chapter had Sakuto and Urahara conversing with one another about a few things, trying to get a good read on one another, and finding out their own plans to see what they would do. All the while, Rukia had some...interesting battle tactics against Bambietta. Nemu is also coming along with her outside interests, and Orihime and Sakuto had a private moment together. Then at the end, after a back and forth, Bambietta and the others are about to have a fight, so we shall see what happens next time.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel, Yoruichi,