A/N: Glad to see at least some of you back ^^ Thanks so much for the reviews and support. Please don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this chapter (or even if you didn't).

After this chapter, I think the second arc will officially begin. ^^

I did have someone ask about the Japanese filler text in one of the old reviews. Don't know if they're still around, but "Aa" is "Yeah", "Sou ka" is something like "Is that so?" or "I see", and things like "ano…" and "eto…" are kind of like English "umm…" and "you see…" Stuff you say when you need to start talking and haven't yet figured out what you're going to say. I'll try to cut back on the Gratuitous Japanese, but sometimes the filler text helps, because if I'm imagining the characters speaking, I'm imagining it as if it were in an anime, so…it adds flavor, I guess?

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. At all.

Chapter 13: The last calm days

"What can we do for you today, Kotetsu-san?" asked Yuzu, standing at the door to the administrative office. She gave the visitor a reassuring smile, resting her hand on the open sliding door. Kotetsu Kiyone, third seat of the Thirteenth Division, raised her head to return the smile, and promptly froze, her eyes wide. Yuzu kept the smile on her face, refusing to let it falter, and forced herself to not look over her shoulder. The captain loomed over her from behind, resting his hand on the sliding door just over her head and giving Kiyone a withering glare.

The fact that the door strained beneath her hold, threatening to close in Kiyone's face, was the reason why Yuzu had her hand out like this.

"Ah—um—well—!" Kiyone jumped, then cleared her throat, looking back at Yuzu. "Um—I'm here on Shinigami Women's Association business," she said, pulling a clipboard out from under her arm. "We'd like to schedule time for a calendar photo shoot—."

"We refuse." Byakuya tightened his hold on the door and pulled harder, the sliding door moving an inch. Yuzu braced both her hands against it and leaned into it, managing somehow to stop it from moving. The door rattled under the strain, and Yuzu worried it was going to break.

"A-Ano, what kind of photo shoot—K-Kotetsu-san?" asked Yuzu, trying to keep her tone pleasant even while Byakuya continued to pull against the door. Kami, he was doing all of that with one hand. How strong was he?

Kiyone seemed to catch on to the struggle between the two officers, because she began speaking very fast. "It's for our new project to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Winter War—ah—." The door moved a few inches, pushing Yuzu back. "—a celebration of the Gotei 13! Nothing weird, I promise!"

The door stopped moving beneath Yuzu's hands. She let out a sigh of relief and relaxed her grip, feeling her shoulders starting to get sore. Kiyone also let out a sigh of relief as Yuzu stood up straight, wiping her hands off on the fabric of her shihakusho.

Byakuya's tone hinted at guarded interest. He didn't remove his hand from the door. "What would this photo shoot entail?" he asked.

"We'd just ask the two of you to pose in front of your Division's banner," said Kiyone. "Whatever—whatever pose you feel suits your Division best. We might offer up suggestions, but it won't be like—like last time. Ise-fukutaicho is overseeing it."

Byakuya paused to consider, but she felt his resistance melt away at the mention that Nanao would be overseeing the project instead of Yachiru. Yuzu fiddled with her hands as he considered, wondering what on earth had happened last time to make him so averse to working with the Women's Association. Ichigo would probably know.

"…We would remain fully clothed?" asked Byakuya.

Kiyone reddened, and Yuzu's eyes widened, her eyebrows shooting straight up into her hair.

What happened last time?

"H—Hai!" said Kiyone, quickly. "You'll both wear your shihakushos and whatever else you normally wear."

Byakuya paused for a few more moments to consider, then nodded. "Very well," he said, stepping away from the door. "Tomorrow is fine. I'll leave you to discuss the specifics, Kurosaki."

"Hai, taicho."

Yuzu stepped forward as Byakuya turned to go back to his desk, closing the office door behind her. Once it was closed, she leaned against it, closing her eyes and letting out a long sigh. Her hands hurt from holding the door back, with red lines pressed into her palms exactly the width of the door. Yuzu opened her eyes and cupped her right hand in her left, massaging the palm with her thumb to get the circulation going again. She looked up, realizing that Kiyone was looking at her with a mixture of shock, gratitude, and…was that admiration?

Yuzu blinked.

"You didn't even flinch!" Kiyone said, reaching out and taking her by the arm. Her eyes were wide. "He was glaring at you, and you just…stood there!"

"Ah—is that so?" asked Yuzu, taking a step back as Kiyone moved forward. "It's nothing, I just didn't get a chance to look." It was true enough—she'd had her hands full keeping the door open.

"But you got him to agree!" said Kiyone. "We've been trying to get Kuchiki-taicho to agree to a photo shoot for almost thirty years, and we've never managed it before!"

"Ah, well—." Yuzu cleared her throat, prying Kiyone's hand off her arm as gently as she could and stepping out of the other woman's hold. She clasped her hands behind her back. "I didn't really do much," she said. "I just kind of stood there, that's all. You're right, he's probably really annoyed at me by now."

"But he wouldn't have agreed if you weren't there!" said Kiyone. "What's your secret, Yuzu-chan?"

Yuzu backed up as Kiyone started to advance. "S-Secret? I don't have a secret." This conversation was edging very close into dangerous territory. Yuzu could feel her heart starting to race, warmth beginning to climb its way into her cheeks. The idea that Byakuya had listened to Kiyone only because she was there set a suite of butterflies loose in her stomach, and she could not let anyone else in on thatparticular secret. To save face, she reached into the pocket of her sleeve, pulling out a small notebook with the kanji for '6' on the front cover. She flipped it open to the right page.

"A-Ano, so taicho usually does office work and Division inspections in the morning, and he has a meeting from 1:00 to 2:00, so should we say around 2:30?" she asked, tapping her pen against the empty slot. Kiyone's eyes widened, and Yuzu quickly jumped back as she surged forward, making a grab for the book. She managed to keep it out of the other shinigami's grasp, just barely.

"You have his schedule?" she asked.

"A-Actually, i—it's the Rokubantai administrative schedule—it's just easier to keep everything in one place. The—there aren't any personal things on here—only business. See, I use it too." She turned the book around just long enough for Kiyone to catch a glimpse of the neat columns beside each time slot, one for each of them. Unfortunately, she wasn't quite fast enough, and the other shinigami caught her wrist before she could pull her hand away.

"Tea?!" Kiyone asked incredulously, staring at one of the items on the list.

"T-T-T-T-Tea is part of the Division business!" said Yuzu, pulling her hand back. Kiyone held fast, and she felt the blush on her face spreading.

"Right," said Kiyone. "And what do you do? Sit outside on the veranda, sipping tea, watching the birds, and the flowers and enjoying the sun?!"

"Y-Yes?"

Kiyone gave her an odd look, and Yuzu tensed, waiting for her to say something.

Then Kiyone let go.

"I don't get to do that with Ukitake-taicho," she said, turning away and lowering her head. "Why? Does he not like me? It's not fair! I work harder than Sentaro, and the fukutaicho likes me better!"

Yuzu relaxed, letting out the breath she was holding. "So, um…2:30, then?" she asked.

"Hai, hai," said Kiyone, waving a hand weakly in Yuzu's direction. "Also, you're blushing, Yuzu-chan."

Yuzu froze in the middle of writing, eyes wide.

The Ine izakaya was one of the multiple establishments that had popped up within Seireitei for shinigami to visit during their off-duty hours. Slightly more expensive than the places the rank-and-file drank at and much less expensive than the establishments that captains and noblemen decided to waist their money on, the Ine catered mostly to seated officers of mid-to-high rank, and to those high ranking officers that preferred the bar's relaxed atmosphere to the polite, sometimes stuffy political minefield of some of the higher-class bars. Tonight, the bar had a healthy crowd of officers from most of the Gotei 13 divisions, the majority of them unwinding after what no doubt had been a tense day keeping their divisions in order and waiting for news on the situation in the living world. Most of them were old enough to remember the Winter War, and none of them wanted to experience something like it again.

Karin, Masaryu, and Kohaku sat at a table in the back, a pitcher of beer in the center of the table in front of them. They picked at the appetizers the proprietor had sent out to them, listening as the conversation in the room swelled to a new high.

"So, that's it, then?" asked Kohaku. "You're just going to go off for a month?"

"Mm, about that long," said Karin, picking up a small piece of food with her chopsticks. "It would be so much easier if that damned peacock wasn't coming with me."

"Are you sure you're alright with that?" asked Masaryu, looking over at her. "Going back to Karakura Town, I mean."

Karin shrugged, popping the piece of food into her mouth. She chewed and swallowed, washing it down with a sip of her drink. "Does it matter?" she asked. "It's been sixteen years. I had to go back sometime."

"Mm, but you know how the human world is," said Kohaku. "It's changed a lot since that time…"

"It's not gonna be a big deal," said Karin. "I'm not gonna run into anyone I know. Besides, how much could it have changed?" She set her chopsticks down, looking around the restaurant. Her eyes narrowed in impatience. "Mou, what is taking her so long? We agreed to meet an hour ago!"

Kohaku gave Karin a slightly nervous smile, taking a sip of her drink. "Ah, well you know how it is," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "It must be hard to be a vice-captain at a time like this."

Masaryu nodded in understanding, taking a sip of his drink. Karin exhaled, relaxing into her seat. "Well, if we don't order food soon, Ine is gonna throw us out," she said, glancing over at the bar where the shop's owner waited. "How about we just order? I know what she likes."

"There she is," Masaryu looked up, glancing at the door. Karin straightened up and turned in her chair, craning her neck so she could see it. Yuzu stepped in through the door of the establishment, looking embarrassed. She stepped around the group of officers and walked over to them.

"Oi, where were you?" asked Karin as Yuzu took a seat. "We've been here an hour."

"Sorry, everyone," Yuzu tucked a strand behind her ear, giving the group a sheepish smile. "I got here as soon as I could. There was some…um…trouble in the division."

The way she said trouble told Karin it had more to do with the division's captainthan with the men themselves. Karin snorted, glancing at the menu on the wall. "That bastard giving you any trouble?" she asked.

"Um, I wouldn't say that, exactly," said Yuzu, with a nervous laugh. "Just something to do with the Women's Association photo shoot, that's all."

"Oh, yeah, I heard about that one," said Kohaku. She rolled her eyes. "Abarai-taicho and Kira-fukutaicho have been practicing their pose. It's getting embarrassing. Let me guess. He wasn't happy?"

"He tried to shut the door in Kotetsu-san's face."

"I'm surprised he agreed to it, then," said Masaryu, taking a sip.

"Well, he couldn't exactly close the door while I was standing in it," said Yuzu, accepting the glass Kohaku handed her with a grateful nod.

"You did what?" asked Karin.

"The taicho wasn't exactly pleased." Yuzu took a sip of her drink. "Um, but it worked out alright in the end, so don't worry about it. He was only upset for, um, a few hours. After that, we had some…creative differences about what best represented the Sixth."

"Well, since you're not dead," said Karin, "maybe we should order food. Before Ine decides to come over here and change that." She glanced over her shoulder back at the bar, where the Ine for whom the shop was named stood, giving them all angry glares.

"I agree," said Masa, looking back up at the menu. "Should we start with a seaweed salad?"

Yuzu grimaced. "Anything but that," she said.

A few minutes later, they had several plates of food in front of them, along with a decidedly less irate proprietor. Yuzu picked up a piece of sashimi with her chopsticks, popping it into her mouth and chewing as Kohaku turned towards her.

"But, man, being a vice-captain must be difficult," she said. "You don't only have to watch over your division—you also kind of have to babysit the captain."

"Ah, it's not so bad," said Yuzu, giving Kohaku a small smile before going back to her meal.

Kohaku's smile widened. "I'm sure," she said, then winced as though she had been struck. Yuzu said nothing, continuing to eat as Kohaku reached a hand under the table to rub at her sore leg. Karin noticed Masaryu watching them with an odd look. Kohaku went on talking, barely missing a beat. "A-Anyway," she said. "I don't ever want to become a vice-captain. Sounds like too much work, even if the pay's good."

"Oi, aren't you the one going on and on about becoming a captain someday?" asked Karin, turning towards her. "How do you want to manage that without becoming a vice-captain?"

"Simple," said Kohaku, smiling. "I'll achieve bankai and take over the Ninth. Instant promotion!"

"Oh, yeah?" Karin took a bite of food, giving the other girl a knowing grin. "And how's that working out for you, huh?"

"We may be running into some technical difficulties," said Kohaku, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. The light reflected against them.

"Thought so," said Karin, taking a sip.

"What about you, Karin?" asked Kohaku, turning towards the other girl. "Considering how quickly your brother managed it, I bet you'll get it pretty soon."

"Meh, I don't really care about being a captain," said Karin, setting her glass down with a thunk. "Besides, Ongetsu's a little brat. Trying to get him to do anything is like banging your head against the wall. He's stubborn as hell."

"Hm, I wonder where he gets it from," said Masaryu in a flat tone.

"Not in the mood for sarcasm, Masa," said Karin, shooting him a glare.

"How about you, Yuzu-chan?" asked Kohaku, smiling at her.

"Eto…" Yuzu took a sip of her drink, setting it down gently. "Uh…Jungetsu-chan says that I'm not ready for that sort of thing yet. So I'm taking it easy for now."

"You actually talked to your zanpakuto about it?" asked Masaryu, his brows raising.

"Uh—h-hai," said Yuzu, lowering her eyes to the table. She looked embarrassed. "During jinzen, when I was learning about her—her other abilities. She mentioned in passing that she feels like her bankai is dangerous to the user and difficult to control. A-Anyway, I haven't really tried. I'm in no hurry." She took another sip of her drink.

"Hmm~?" Kohaku gave Yuzu a knowing stare. Yuzu studiously ignored her.

"Anyway," said Karin, leaning back in her chair. She raised her hands up behind her head, locking her fingers together behind her neck. "It's not really a big deal. What's important is dealing with this whole New Dawn Arrancar business. Which starts with making sure Kusanagi's guys don't wind up Hollow food, and going from there."

A chorus of nods around the table met her statement, the group settling down to eat. The conversation turned to other things as the night wore on, the izakaya's lanterns casting a warm light over the full room.

The night was quiet as Yuzu and Karin walked back to their divisions, traversing one of the main streets of Seireitei. The moon hung high in the sky, providing enough light to light the way, even without the dim lanterns on either side of the street. The sisters walked in silence for a few moments. Masaryu and Kohaku had returned to their divisions about half an hour earlier, leaving Karin and Yuzu to finish up the last of the food and drink. They settled the bill quickly and left. It hadn't made much point to stay without them, and as the night wore on, the mood at the izakaya was becoming distinctly less pleasant.

As if all of them realized that this was only the calm before the storm.

They passed the Fourth Division and slowed in their walk, pausing to glance at the lights that were still on in the windows of the hospital. The men and women of the Fourth were working tirelessly. No doubt they sensed it too.

Healers would always be needed in a war.

The sisters walked on, as if deciding as one not to discuss it. The situation was dire enough without bringing it to light, and the night was almost pleasant. They rounded the corner, moving away from the Fourth and its lights and into the area claimed by the Fifth.

"So," said Karin, once they had put the Fourth Division firmly behind them. "What was that all about?"

Yuzu blinked in confusion, glancing her way. She walked with her hands clasped in front of her, a demure posture in contrast to Karin's arms raised over her shoulders, hands on the back of her head.

"Karin-chan?" she asked.

"Back there." Karin glanced back in the direction they had come. "With Kohaku. What was she on about?"

Yuzu tensed, and quickly looked away. "I don't know, Karin-chan," she said. The movement didn't quite disguise the blush on her face. She tugged at her hair like she always did when she was nervous, tucking a strand of it behind her ear.

Karin exhaled, saying nothing. For someone with an illusion-type zanpakuto, Yuzu could be such a bad liar sometimes. Or maybe it was just because she knew her sister better than anyone else. Or at least, she thought she had.

"Well, whatever," she said, closing her eyes and shrugging. "It's probably none of my business anyway."

Yuzu nodded, her eyes showing some of her relief. She didn't look up.

As one, the twins stopped, reaching the gates of the Sixth Division. Karin turned towards her sister, lowering her hands to her side. "Well," she said. "This is your stop. Night."

"Good night, Karin-chan," said Yuzu, turning towards her. "Good luck on your mission tomorrow. Please be careful."

"I'll try," said Karin. She actually meant it that time. "Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal."

The smile Yuzu gave her was slightly strained. "I'll try," she said, clasping her hands tighter.

Karin paused to glance at the Sixth Division behind her, at the kanji character painted on the barrack walls. She looked back at Yuzu, unsure for a moment what to say. If her suspicions were right, she wasn't sure she could say anything.

"Hang in there," she said instead.

Yuzu nodded. "You too," she said. "Good night."

"Night," Karin said again, turning and heading back down the road towards the Eleventh Division.

"K-Karin-chan," said Yuzu, causing to her to stop. She looked back over her shoulder at her sister.

"Hmm?" she asked.

"Say hello," said Yuzu. "…to Mom for me."

"Mm." Karin nodded in response, raising her hand in acknowledgment. She turned, beginning the walk again.

When she looked back over her shoulder a second time, Yuzu was gone, having already disappeared beyond the Sixth Division gates.

TO BE CONTINUED

Omake

"Ne, Karin, aren't you worried at all?" asked Kohaku.

The two of them were walking through the streets of Seireitei to where Yuzu and Masa were waiting to meet them. Karin had her hands behind her neck, her fingers laced together. It was a calm spring day. She cracked open an eye, glancing at the other girl.

"About what?"

They were passing by the Eleventh Division barracks, and the usual loud cacophony of noise was emanating from the building, washing out into the streets. The two of them watched with some interests as a man was forcibly ejected from the premises—he sailed in a wide arc across the street before crashing into another building. Karin cringed, realizing that he was one of the seated officers.

"Your Division," said Kohaku. "I mean…um…there's only you and Kusajishi-fukutaicho, right? Being in a Division full of men like that…I guess bath time would get a little scary."

Karin snorted, lowering her hands as they walked. "Not really," she said. "We've got the best bath security in Soul Society."

"Eh?" Kohaku looked genuinely surprised. "What do you mean?"

Flashback, Last Night

Steam curled up from the hot water in the Eleventh Division baths, seeping out into the hallway. The group of men who stood outside waiting for their turn, clustered closer to the door, pushing and shoving at each other. They inched dangerously close to the thin sliding door, coming within a few inches of knocking it over.

"Oi!" shouted a gravelly voice, causing them all to freeze. "None of you punks better be tryin' to steal a peek at my brat, you got that?"

The cluster of men jumped back, appropriately terrified. They stood, frozen, as Captain Zaraki Kenpachi stepped forward, eyeing all of them with a scowl on his face.

"I said," he said, his eyes narrowing, "Got that?"

A chorus of 'H-Hai, taicho!"s sounded from the hallway.

Inside the bathroom, Kusajishi Yachiru leaned against the edge of the tub, her head resting on her folded arms as she glanced at the door. The pink-haired girl had grown enough to warrant taking her own bath.

"Ken-chan sounds like he's having fun, ne, Rin-Rin?" she asked, listening to the terrified shouts coming from the hallway outside.

Karin opened her eyes from where she was leaning against the other side of the tub, her head tilted back and her arms spread against the edges to either side of her. Her hair was down instead of in its usual high ponytail, and it swept over her shoulders and down her back like a damp curtain. After a whole day of starting fights, breaking fights, and ending fights, the huge, empty tub was almost luxurious. She stared up at the ceiling, watching the way the rising steam made patterns in the air before dissipating. "Aa," she said.