Chapter 6: Kill 'Em With Kindness

It had been only a couple days since their chat with Ichigo, they put their plan into action.

Ikkaku went to squad four. He needed to borrow a certain healer. He spotted the timid young man, "Hey you!"

The boy shrunk against the wall shaking his head. His pale eyes got wider, 'No, that's the third seat of squad eleven, what could he possible want.'

"Boy, I need your assistance with something," Ikkaku basically had him pinned against the wall, "Hey I remember you!" The man smiled reassuringly.

"Y-you do?" The boy looked like he was about to faint.

"Hanataro Yamada, right," Ikkaku looked down at him.

"Y-yes, Third seat Madarame," Hanataro gulped.

"Relax Yamada. I ain't gonna hurt ya," Ikkaku said impatiently, but rested his hand on the healer's shoulder. Hanataro flinched at the touch and tried to make his excuses, something about his Taicho needing him. Ikkaku pressed more firmly continuing to force a pleasant smile and hide his annoyance. The boy relaxed a little. Ikkaku did not know weather the kid had calmed down, or simply given in. He really didn't care at the moment. The man explained the situation to the healer, and summed it up by asking for the boy's assistance.

The boy nodded thoughtfully, "This is a friend of Ichigo's," Hanataro forgot his fears and smiled brightly,

"I will help you in this." For the first time looked up into the larger man's eyes. Ikkaku was taken aback, this kid really looked like a kid. His face had innocent warmth. His eyes were soft and caring, but there was also evidence of many old and faded bruises on his face and neck, 'Why had I not noticed it before. Perhaps that is why he lets his hair hang in his face. Why should I care…' He cut his thoughts short noticing an almost invisible scar tracing its way down his face from his forehead to his lower jaw and appearing to actually curve under, 'What the hell! It looks like someone had tried to cut the kid's face off!'That wound was definitely from a zanpaktou.

"Who gave you that scar and those bruises. I'm willing to bet they are newer then they look to. You can heal yourself, can't you?" Ikkaku felt a well of disgust and anger rise in his gut. He remembered this boy, he was weak and certainly not cut out to fight, but he was brave though and even stood up to Byakuya Kuichki. Someone, probably from Ikkaku's own squad no less, has been beating and cutting this boy for their own amusement. The boy looked caught like a small animal, only a small gasp escaped his pale lips.

"Answer me damn it!"

"Uh-uh, I don't know their names," He was shaking in fear.

'Their so more then one has ganged up in a helpless healer. Gods! Wvery solider who has fallen in battle only to be healed owes their lives to these little healers.' He had always been aware of these happenings, but it never was made real until this timid little kid shoved reality into his sights.

"It doesn't matter! What squad where they in?" He was intentionally directing an angry glare on the frightened medic.

"Squad eleven," The boy raised up a bruised and scared arm up as if to say, please don't hit me I didn't mean it!

Ikkaku gave the boy a little space, he placed his hand on the kid's head, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you." He smiled weakly. He was a ruthless warrior, but he did not agree with attacking the weak and defenseless. Attacking this healer was akin to abusing a child in his eyes. 'I must be getting soft in my old age.'

He took a calming breath and continued to interrogate the boy in a more friendly manner, "Hey, Yamada? When was the last time this happened?"

Hanataro blushed, "Yesterday after lunch time.

"What about that scar, what were they trying to do?"

"I-I don't know? They were drunk and I think they thought it would be funny to peel ma-my face off. One of them said they wanted to turn my face upside down then make me heal it that way. I broke away from them when I heard that and ran as fast as I could," Hanataro looked ill.

"Sick bastards!" Ikkaku said under his breath, "I'm really sorry, I promise that kind of thing ain't going to happen to you again. Not if I have any say in the matter," He added to himself rather then to the boy.

"Uh-um you d-don't have to do anything...I-I mean I'm used to it and I can always heal myself," He smiled like a very small child. His eyes had a ghostly look to them saying, I deserve whatever I get, because I'm worthless. Hanataro bowed his head, "Why?"

Ikkaku pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, "Look kid, It ain't OK! Nobody should be attacking their allies," 'Man I really am getting soft,' "You-your squad they heal us, if you did not then the rest of us wouldn't be around very long." He grinned a warning that the boy better stop looking a gift horse in the mouth and accept his promise, and friendship. It pays after all to have a medic as your friend when you spent half your time getting into fights. Fights with real warriors that can actually fight back.

Hanataro only noded in disbelief; then he looked up. He is smiling at the man, "I-I should go speak with Captain Unohana, from what you told me I may need to be away for at least a few days. This woman needs special care if, if it isn't to late." Eyes that had been shining with excitement with the prospect of helping someone now dulled in worry.

"I sure hope it ain't. That kid will hate himself if anything bad happens to her," Ikkaku looked grim, "I have other things to tend to before I leave, I'll meet you at the east gate in about two hours, ok?"

Hanataro nodded then ran to his captain. 'I need to see my own captain about this little problem. Hope he likes my idea on how to deal with those bastards.' From the deadly grin on his face there was no doubt in his mind of how his idea would be accepted.

Yumichika was waiting impatiently for his friend to show up. He was leaning against the seireitei wall tapping his foot with a scowl on his face. Hanataro arrived lugging a heavy looking bag of supplies.

"Who the hell are you," Yumi snapped.

The boy stuttered, "Uh-um I'm H-Hanataro Yam-ada, T-third S-seat Madarame asked me to assist on your mission." He kept his eyes down and blushed. The feminine looking man sniffed at the boy then ignored him.

Ikkaku finally showed up sweaty bloody and very happy, "Where have you been! Out having fun while little what's his face here and I have been waiting!'

Yumi looked him over, "You can't possibly expect me to be seen with you, looking like that! Besides the face that you might just scare that old woman the rest of her way to death!" Yumichika did make a good point in his ranting.

"Fine, I'll be back in fifteen minutes," He flash stepped away and left them there waiting a little while longer.

"You! What's-your-face, what squad are you in, let me guess. Squad four?" Yumi grimaced, 'I hope Ikkaku didn't pull this one out of the sewers.'Yumichika sniffed him he didn't smell of sewage, he did smell of herbs, and bitter medicine, which was not much better. The two sat there until Ikkaku returned.

"Don't hurry on our account Madarame!" Yumi called in a feigned good mood, "What were you doing fighting when we have business to attend to."

"Oh-heh," Ikkaku gave a sharp laugh, "Just enforcing a new rule Captain Zaraki had set in place for squad eleven." Ikkaku was grinning widely.

"New rule?" Yumi looked confused.

"Well Yamada here gave me the idea, I suggested it to Zaraki and he said it sounded like fun," Ikkaku ruffled the small medic's locks, nearly giving him whiplash.

"What rule, out with it!" Yumi smiled the grin on his long time friend being very infectious.

Ikkaku looked down at the boy, then up at Yumichika, "You know how the fourth's are always getting picked on."

"Yeah? Soooo?" Yumi asked not seeing how that could have anything to do with any new regulations.

"Well...I suggested that officers of the eleventh squad harassing members of other squads, at lease if it isn't a real fight and the opponent is obviously weaker. That officer should be forced into a duel with a seated officer of squad eleven. If a seated officer is caught in the act then he would be forced to fight Zaraki. Should be interesting," Ikkaku thought it was brilliant.

Yumi frowned, "You're going to wipe out half of our officers."

"Not if they behave themselves, besides they are not duels to the death, cough, unless they have to fight Zaraki, cough"

"Well I really could care less, but Congratulations what's-your-face, that's at least one squad off your back." Yumi prodded the little medic.

"You better watch it Yumi, unless you want to fight our Captain," Ikkaku had a blood thirsty grin. Yumi quickly removed is probing finger from the boy's shoulder, "And call him by his name, I know you can remember it. Yamada here is pretty brave, I'm surprised you don't remember him. He saved your life during the winter war." Hanataro blushed and looked a the most interesting rock in the history of rocks.

"Honestly I don't remember, him," Yumichika looked almost humble, "My apologies, Yamada."

"Oh, it's nothing you weren't conscious, you were hurt pretty badly at the time. I only wish I was a better fighter so I could be of more use on the battle field," The words sounded like shallow flattery, but the voice that mouthed them was as sincere as the sky is blue. Both men heard the sincerity, 'I guess I could get to like this kid, but he still smells.'

Keigo was so worried about Granny Mim. She collapsed from exhaustion three days previous. She was sleeping in a futon near the kitchen so it would be easier for Keigo to take care of her. Little did he realize that his mere presence was killing her. She was feverish. The young man was carefully washing her face with a cold cloth, "Hang in there Granny, you just rest. I'll make us some soup and get the fire going this morning. She mumbled something incoherent.

He thought she was asking for water so he grabbed her cup and brought some cold water from the well outside. She tried to drink but coughed and gagged on the water, making a frightening strangling noise that scared Keigo to tears, "Oh, Granny, what am I going to do I'm no healer." Tears of grief leaked out of his bloodshot sleep deprived eyes. Keigo wanted to go look for a doctor, but he was two afraid to leave her alone that long, plus he had no money to pay one. He waited for the inevitable.

He sat despondently next to the only family he knew, as her breaths grew more labored. It was now a death watch for Keigo. He would not leave her to dye alone.

The three shinigami approached a clean if somewhat modest house. They did not bother knocking. They walked in on the despairing boy and the unconscious old woman. He had her wrinkled hand in his own. He was, saying something encouraging to her in a listless voice.

His back was to them, but he knew who it was, "What do you want?" he was to tired to be sarcastic, or even sound angry. He was just there.

"Um-they brought me to help the lady," Hanataro volunteered, venturing in where the much stronger men feared to tread, "I'm a healer. Officers Madarame and Ayasegawa brought me to help this woman, but I am sorry you must leave her." Hanataro put a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder.

Keigo started to shake, "No!" He smacked the boy's hand away. If I go who will take care of her! She'll be all alone again, I'll be alone too! I can't face that!" His voice was cracked.

Hanataro looked at the boy and then the woman. The boy was pale and looked like he had neither slept or eaten for a few days. The woman, only appeared to be sleeping, but the sense of her energy slipping away was noticeable. The boy's own spirit was crushing the insignificant power of the woman.

Hanataro studied the boy's face and had a spark of recognition.

"Keigo, I remember you, You are-were friends with someone I respect very much. His name is Ichigo Kurosaki." There was a brief spark of recognition, the three men saw it. Hanataro continued, "Ichigo risked his life for his friends, He became a soul-reaper, even though he was still alive. He broke into the seireitei to save a friend. He risked his life, he inspired his friends to do many brave things. He saved your life once. I remember because he brought you to me to be healed. I realize you must not remember him, but he really cares about you. I know. Please, let us help the lady. I promise I can heal her, but You are hurting her by just being near her. If I find someone who can help take care of her at least until she is strong again, would you consider accepting the training at the soul-reaper academy?"

The room was silent. Ikkaku, and Yumichika were in disbelief that Hanataro had voiced their concerns to the boy. He had even asked the boy to do what he had refused, and even caused him to scream and attempt to fight them so many times. Hanataro had stated it eloquently and simply, but also kindly. The boy nodded, his head was down. There were dark spatters of tears on the smooth wooden floor, "If you promise that someone can be here for her, then I will go."

"I think I can arrange something," Hanataro smiled and patted the teen's shoulder reassuringly, "Could one of you take him back to the seireitei." Hanataro was unpacking his bag which was indeed filled with herbs and bitter smelling medicine it filled the room. Yumichika pinched his nose, "I'll escort the boy."

"Please come back when he is safe," I will need someone to stay with the lady and the other can go with me. I have a friend who I know would be capable of helping us," Hanataro sighed, then whispered, "A very good friend."

Keigo had nothing to take so there was no packing. Yumi took the boy and escorted him back, glad to be out in the fresh air and away from the horrid smell.

Hanataro uncovered the woman and checked her vitals, amazingly she seemed to already be improving. Ikkaku watched the skilled healer performing his duties like he had been born, or rather died, to be a healer. He was gentle, and soft spoken. Where he was other wise clumsy his hands were steady and delicate. He gave the woman some medicine and made a healing balm which he rubbed on her neck. To Ikkaku the smell was almost pleasant, if it weren't for the acrid bitter undertone of the medicine. The boy placed the covers back over the woman, He took her hand and comforted her. The woman squeezed the boy's hand and whispered, "Keigo." She mumbled some nonsense then she began to sleep, real sleep.

Hanataro looked at Ikkaku and smiled. Ikkaku took it as a good sign, but said nothing so he'd not disturb her from her much needed rest.

The two shinigami felt the presence of Yumichika approaching. They ventured outside quietly.

Once outside Ikkaku was bursting to ask one question, "Who would be willing to help care for a frail old woman."

"I have a friend, I can guide one of you. I would not like to go into the forest alone if it is ok with you, but someone must stay with her. Keigo is right she should not be left alone for more then a few minutes. At lease until she is feeling better."

"You can stay here Ikkaku," Yumi gladly grabbed the boy's wrist and started walking away.

"Hey! Wait!" Ikkaku screamed only to be shushed by the small medic. He slouched and went inside.

"Um, Fifth Seat Ayasegawa-" Hanataro started only to be interupted.

"Just call me Yumichika, the title is really long," Yumi interjected.

"Oh, um, Yumichika?"

"What?" Yumi dragging him away from the house.

"We need to go the other way," Hanataro pointed behind them.

"Oh," Yumichika corrected their path.

They walked for almost an hour. Hanataro leading, looking for signs his friend left so that Hanataro could find them easily. No one else would recognize the trail. That was how they wanted to keep it.

"How much further..." Yumi stopped in his tracks the words hanging on his lips just fell off silently, as he looked up at two giant arms sticking up out of the ground.

Hanataro greeted the guards they said something outlandish, but Yumichika was not paying attention, 'Who is this kid mixed up with anyway.' He did not even realize he was being lead underground until they were halfway down the steep staircase.

They were lead to a large room where a man that was very familiar to Yumichika sat off to the side of an immodestly clad, albeit very beautiful, woman sat in a most unladylike like fashion. Yumichika decided to let his little friend do all the talking and hope he did not get them killed.

Finally the woman spoke, "Greetings Hanataro, it had been some time since your last visit." She purred at him in a very friendly manner.

"Greetings Kūkaku Shiba, I am pleased to see you and your brother as well. Hanataro bowed, Yumi copied his friend, 'Crap the Shiba clan, I knew I recognized that fat oaf! One of the few ugly faces I am forced to remembered. This kid is serously out of his mind!'

With the formalities having been observed everybody was relaxed.

"Hanataro, How the hell ya been!" Ganju shouted excitedly. He rose with his older sister, the head of their clan. The notorious and deadly Kūkaku Shiba. The dangerous woman embraced the small boy in a motherly hug, and then Ganju did the same, minus the motherly part, So what's up Hana?" You need help, don't you. I can tell," Ganju smiled and ruffled the boy's hair.

Hanataro looked up at the man and met him with serous eyes, the man mimicked the expression.

"You're right. I need your assistance, but first I would like to explain everything. Perhaps Yumichika can fill in some of the details I am not aware of." Hanataro respectfully indicated his newest friend.

"Hey! I remember you. You son-of-a-" He was not able to finish.

Kūkaku's food made impact with his head and forced it to the floor, "Remember brother; these people are our guests, and they are in need of our help. You would do well to remember your manners in the presence of company."

A muffled apology was uttered, Ganju was glad his face impacted with the plush carpet their guests had been sitting on, rather then the stone floor. Kūkaku let her brother up and he behaved after that.

They were lead into a beautifully decorated tea room and seated. A servant brought them tea and a light meal. Hanataro and Yumi explained the situation. Ganju heartily agreed to help. He got the blessing of his sister to stay with the woman as long as he was needed. Kūkaku gave Hanataro a parting hug. She looked like a proud mother the woman seemed to swing from very gentle, when it came to the small medic, to extremely violent, in regards to her own brother. Ganju seemed none the worse for ware.

The man and the soul-reaper medic were set to stay with the lady until such time as Hanataro deemed her fit to take care of herself.

"Hopefully she will develop a better opinion of shinigami," Ikkaku chirped, unusually cheerfully, "That Hanataro could win anyone over." Ikkaku laughed over Yumichika's harrowing encounter with the terrifying Kūkaku Shiba.

Yumichika was just glad this ordeal was over, now they only wondered what to do with the boy until the new quarter started to he could be enrolled and out of their hair (only for the time being of course).