Chapter 12: Regroup & Plan
Baldo awoke with a damp cloth being pressed against his forehead by Captain Unohana. He was wearing his white captains haori and black Shihakusho.
"You're awake," Unohana smiled warmly, "I thought you'd be asleep for most of the day."
Sitting up, "Is Marcus okay," Baldo asked feeling his wound completely healed.
"The boy is fine. Thanks to him, we were able to treat you so fast," Unohana gasped as Baldo stood, "You shouldn't push yourself. It's only been a half hour since the fight."
"It's okay," Baldo responded.
"You should rest a little while longer," Unohana's face and tone sounded more like a threat than concern.
Baldo sat frightened, "Alright a few minutes couldn't hurt."
"Have a drink," Unohana offered a cup of water adding when Baldo hesitated "It's alright. We got rid of the toxin."
"It certainly smells clean," Baldo drank, "How did you know it was poisoned?"
A knock came from the door, "Come in," Unohana said sweetly. Marcus entered the room. "Marcus told all of us."
"Baldo," Marcus whispered standing behind Unohana.
"Marcus, are you okay," Baldo asked. He saw the child trembling, "I'm sorry you had to see the monster inside of me again."
Suddenly the boy hugged Baldo catching the captain off guard, "Thank you for saving me."
"Y- You're welcome," Baldo responded hugging back. He looks at Unohana, "How did you kill the toxin?"
"They boiled the water and let it cool," Captain Hitsugaya answered entering with Matsumoto.
"Captain Hitsugaya," Baldo rejoiced, "You made it."
"Yes, thanks to-," the white hair kid started.
"Bowsir," Yachiru ran past both Captain Hitsugaya and his lieutenant.
"Hi Yachiru, oof-," Baldo received another unexpected hug tighter than Rotondo's. Baldo's face started turning blue, "I'm glad you're back."
"We almost didn't," Matsumoto spoke up, "Following Yachiru we got so lost-," Matsumoto stopped when the pink haired lieutenant appeared on her back digging her little fingers into Matsumoto's temple.
"You have a problem with my directions," Yachiru said over Matsumoto's cries of pain.
"Captain Komamura, everyone's waiting for us," Hitsugaya said leaving the room.
Following the white headed captain outside, Baldo was shocked that the scenery had changed from the farming village to a tent city on a grassy knoll. Hitsugaya lead the small group toward a large tent that blended into the grass.
Off to the side, Baldo walked to the edge of a cliff that looked down on the Seireitei.
"How did we get here," Baldo asked before flashing to the previous fight, "Oh yeah. I gave away our location."
"It was only a matter of time until we were discovered anyway," Yoruichi exited the green tent. "Don't worry we have another barrier set up. They can't see us. We'll explain inside."
Inside the tent, Baldo found all the lower seated Shinigami from Squad 10 and when they first arrived in the farming town in addition to Ichigo's and the others.
"Hi everyone," Baldo said.
"Baldo," Rotondo yelled running over. Baldo took a deep breath expecting this hug.
"Sorry Rotondo. I collapsed again," Baldo replied, "Sorry I'm still weak."
"I don't care as long as you're okay."
The bear released Baldo who looked around the room, "Where's Garland?"
Stepping back, Baldo spotted Garland lying in the corner. The white wolf lifted his head weakly, "Hi ya Baldo."
Baldo squatted beside him, "Why are you down here?"
"He's exhausted from teleporting everyone here," Unohana answered.
"You learned Teleportation?"
"From Master Tessai," Garland answered.
Baldo smiled, "You were only with him half a day and learned to Teleport."
"Yeah but," Garland explained clearly using effort, "That was the first time I used it to transport so many people. I didn't think it would drain so much spiritual energy."
"So that's how we got here."
The wolf responded, "It was the fastest way to get back into hiding after-.
"I gave away our location," Baldo said catching the others off guard.
"It wasn't your fault Baldo," Orihime broke the salience.
"Yeah, we probably could have stayed their given the amount of spirit pressure you released unlocking Bankai, Captain," Rotondo started.
"But getting everyone out of there was my idea," Garland finished, "Protect the innocent, right?"
Yachiru added, "Wolf-wolf passed out as soon as we got here but everyone made it."
"Lieutenant Kotetsu used as much of her spirit energy as she could," Garland said, "But I asked her to stop after I regained consciousness."
"That was nice of you," Baldo smiled.
"Yeah well," the wolf looked away, "It would be selfish if I received all the medical attention." Baldo placed his hands on Garland's head and back. "Baldo?"
"Captain," Rotondo said.
"Let's get you standing, Garland," Baldo ignored the people around him.
"Captain Komamura," Unohana spoke up, "Rest is really all he needs."
An orange light emanated from Baldo's hands engulfing the wolf's body. Once the light subsided, Baldo exhaled and Garland stood up.
"You've gotten stronger with your medical Kido," Garland said.
"I'm not as clumsy as I was back then."
"Thanks, Captain," Garland joined the ranks.
"Wow," Rangiku gasped, "I didn't know Baldo knew healing Kido that powerful."
"Don't be impressed," Baldo laughed, "that's the extent of my power."
"I think he'd make an excellent Squad 4 member-."
"Matsumoto," Hitsugaya yelled.
The beast squad members exchanged looks and nodded. "How many Soul Reapers do we have in camp," Baldo asked.
"Around 65 including us," Ichigo answered, "Maybe."
"Good that number will increase as it begins," Baldo said.
"What begins," Yachiru squeaked.
"Our battle to save the Soul Society," Baldo confidently answered.
"About time," Renji shouted entering the tent with Kira, Hisagi, and Omaeda.
Ichigo smiled asking, "Are you guys alright?"
"It seems the people under control of the toxin are release once its metabolized and works its way through the body," Unohana explained.
Hitsugaya nodded in agreement, "Aye. The same thing happened after we fought Captain Komamura."
"So what's the plan," Ishida fixed his glasses.
The group of captains, lieutenants, and Ichigo's friends gather around Baldo as a map of the Seireitei is unfurled by Yoruichi.
"Alright the enemy has the entire Seireitei under their control," Yoruichi explained, "We need to figure out our best way in."
"Actually we're going to enter from all four gates at once," Baldo announced making everyone gasped.
"That's suicide," Omaeda yelled.
"Plus those gates are heavy," Tetsuzaemon Iba said entering the room, "No one can get through them."
Baldo's eyes narrow on the Squad 7 lieutenant as he's greeted by his counter parts. "Each gate has a guardian. They'll open them for us."
"What if they're under enemy control," Hisagi asked.
"Jidanbo Ikkanzaka isn't," Yoruici said, "We'll be able to get in the West gate."
"And Rotondo, Garland, and I will take care of the other three," Baldo continued the plan "We'll divide into four teams. Three stealth and one diversionary…
"Captain Hitsugaya, I want you to go in as support with Yoruichi and Yachiru entering through the west gate. Take all of the lieutenants and squad members and meet up with Squad 11.
"Try not to kill any Soul Reapers, wearing them out should be enough to free them and then do your best to free the controlled captains," Baldo finished.
"So we're the diversionary team," Hitsugaya asked staring coolly.
"Yes that's why the lieutenants and Squad 4 members will be going with you," Baldo paused as murmurs erupted complaining about having to work with Squad 4 flooded his ears.
"Those weaklings are going to get us killed," Omaeda said to Hisagi.
"WEAK," Baldo roared silencing the crowd staring at Omaeda, "Weak! Who are you to call them weak?"
Captain Unohana gently spoke, "Captain Komamura it's alrig-."
"No it's not," Baldo's shout caused even Unohana to gasp, "Squad 4 is the most resilient squad in the fourteen guard squads. They see the carnage, mayhem, blood, and horrors of fallen friends…
"They selflessly use their spiritual power to mend the blood spilt and restore the chaos while maintaining their sanity. To deny their strength is an insult and," Baldo's face and hands transformed into dragon form, "I'll defend their honor with all my might."
Omaeda stared terrified as smoke rose from Baldo's nostrils. Baldo continued his rant, "Now apologize to every member of Squad 4 from Captain Unohana to the newest recruit and that's an order and don't slack off. I have very good ears," Baldo wiggled his left one making Rotondo and Garland snicker.
"Y- Yes, Captain Komamura," Omaeda ran from the tent.
Captain Unohana placed her hand on Baldo's shoulder, "Thank you, Captain Komamura. Please continue with the plan."
"Right," Baldo changed back into his human form, "Sorry for the delay everyone."
"It's alright he deserved it," Yoruichi smiled.
"I like Squad 14 more and more," Ishida pushed up his glasses.
"The remaining teams will be stealth. Garland and Chad, I want you to enter the east gate. I want you to follow your nose," Baldo saw Garland nod as Chad and the others remained silent possibly confused.
Baldo continued, "Rotondo and Ishida go through the south gate. Your mission is to find Captain Kurotsuchi and have him administer the antidote into the drinking system here." Baldo pointed on the map.
"Why do I have to find him," Ishida questioned.
"Believe it or not he's quite fond of you. Ishida, I think you're the closest thing to a friend he has," Baldo adds, "On your way into town pick up a box of sweets and don't be afraid to challenge him. We need a fast acting counter agent."
"How do you know he'll be so easy to convince," Rotondo asked.
"He's a poison expert. I have no doubt that he's just sitting back and observing of his own free will," Baldo answered.
"I agree Captain Komamura," Ishida glasses reflected the light, "But if not, I'll be happy to jog his memory."
"Good but be careful," Baldo added, "No doubt an Espada level Hollow will be guarding the water supply. Defeat it while Kurotsuchi cleans the water."
They both respond, "Yes Captain."
"Ichigo, you and I are going to enter the north gate and find Head Captain Yamamoto and my father. Their spiritual pressures maybe undetectable but chances are they're where the final battle will be," Baldo said, "I'll need your strength help to get there."
"Right sounds like a plan," the Substitute Soul Reaper answered.
Orihime stepped forward, "W- What am I suppose to do?"
"I'm sorry Orihime. I considered you part of Squad 4," Baldo responded, "I'm sure there are going to be some serious injuries that only you'll be able to heal.
"Captain Unohana go with Captain Hitsugaya through the west gate and set up a medical and recovery station with clean water."
Kira spoke up, "Why aren't any members of Squad 4 going with the stealth teams?"
"My squad's been trained in medical Kido and masking their spiritual pressures. We'll be sufficient on our own," Baldo answered, "The diversionary team has a lot of unseated Shinigami. They'll need the expert healers more than us. We'll begin the operation tomorrow morning."
"How do you plan to sneak around in broad daylight," Hitsugaya asked.
"Haven't you heard tomorrow's forecast is calling for a blanket of fog," Baldo smiled, "Everyone get ready for tomorrow. Ah Ishida may I have a word with you, please?"
Ishida walked over to Baldo as everyone else exited the tent, "Yes, Baldo?"
"Listen, I'm not sure what happens to Quincies after they die but I just wanted you to know that if you end up in the Soul Society," Baldo paused, "And if Squad 14's still around, I'd be honored if you'd considered joining it."
"W- What?"
"We could use a man of your talents and brilliance."
"But I'm a Quincy. Soul Reapers are my enemy," Ishida responded.
"I know and in case you haven't notice," Baldo smiled, "The beast squad isn't one of the squads generally liked by Soul Reapers either. I think you'd fit in nicely."
"I- I don't know what to say," Ishida stammered.
"That's okay. You have a lifetime to decide," Baldo taps Ishida's shoulder then exits the tent.
Outside the members of Squad 4 lined up and led by Lieutenant Kotetsu bowed, "On behalf of all members of Squad 4, Captain Komamura," Kotetsu said then joined in by the others, "Thank you for your kind words."
"You heard that, huh," Baldo blushed rubbing the back of his head.
"It was hard not to," a woman in bare feet and skimpy armor stood beside Ganju Shiba still sporting his green bandana.
"Ms. Kukaku and Ganju," Ishida questioned exiting the tent.
"Don't worry. We'll protect the Rukon district during your assault," she said.
Baldo bows. "Thank you, Ms. Kukaku."
"Huh," she made a face, "This is the first time a captain's ever bowed to me."
"It's just that I'll be able to focus on fighting knowing that they're protected."
"Who's protected," Ganju asked.
Baldo looked up, "The innocent!"
Early the next morning, Baldo summoned Garland, Rotondo, and Captain Hitsugaya to the meeting room.
"Thanks for coming," Baldo said.
"What's the matter, Captain," Rotondo asked.
"We have a problem," Baldo answered.