For Her Sake No More

"Kukaku! We will be returning to Karakura Town tomorrow. I came to say goodbye and I thought we could enjoy this fine bottle of sake together before I leave!" Yoruichi brandished a large bottle before Kukaku Shiba, a wide grin on her face.

"Yoruichi, You old were-cat! I helped you get into Seireitei and only now do you come looking for me…ah poor Kukaku…" She laughed heartily and slapped Yoruichi on the back. "Come in! Ganju! Prepare some small dishes for us!"

"You seem to be in a good mood today, Kukaku. Should I get us another bottle?" Yoruchi asked, noting something different about her friend's face.

"No no, I probably will not even manage one bottle tonight, Yoruichi." Kukaku smiled. Curious, Yoruichi looked at her closely. "Are you all right? Did I just hear you turn down a chance for more drink? Are you in love, Kukaku?"

"Haha, you idiot! Of course not! Something better. I will probably never drink as much from now on." Kukaku laughed at Yoruichi's questioning gaze. Her voice took on a softer tone. "She said it, Yoruichi. Kaien's killer came today and apologized. Even though I had known about the truth of Kaien's death from Ukitake all this while, and even though I knew she was not really to blame, it did not soothe the pain. It never did. I used to drink to numb myself. Why do you think you had to help me back so often?"

Kukaku took a deep breath. "A long while ago, I decided that I would forgive her, as long as she said those three words. She came by this afternoon. I… I have forgiven her. The pain… it no longer hurts so much. I do not need to down my sorrows in sake anymore, Yoruichi."

Yoruichi looked at the bottle of sake and made a mental note to pass it on to Shunsui instead. "Perhaps we shan't have sake tonight then, Kukaku. Would you care to join me in a farewell drink of milk?"

"Gah! Milk is for babies! But since you are an old friend…" They both laughed heartily.

After bidding farewell to Kukaku, Yoruichi made her final visit to the Second Squad. She thought of using her shun-po to enter Soifon's office, but changed her mind. Instead, she knocked on the door. "Come in," said Soifon.

She slide open the screen door and stood in the doorway. "Soifon."

Soifon nodded wordlessly, and did not look up. Why have you come?

"I just wanted to say one thing before I return to the real world tomorrow." Yoruichi's eyes narrowed and her voice softened in tone. "Soifon, I am very sorry."

Yoruichi waited for a while, and was about to leave when she heard a small whisper: "Goodbye, Yoruichi-sama." She looked up and saw Soifon biting her lip, her gaze still stubbornly fixated on her papers. Yoruichi permitted herself a small smile. "Goodbye, Soifon."

There was much fanfare when the time came for the ryoka to depart. Ukitake presented Ichigo with a Substitute Shinigami badge in acknowledgement of the services he had rendered to Soul Society. Rukia was there to see off the friends who had risked their lives to rescue her. There was laughter, good wishes, and goodwill all around. Yoruichi yawned and looked around disinterestedly, eager to return to the Urahara Shop.

They stepped into the dimensional gate that would bring them back to Karakura Town, and turned back to bid their friends one last farewell. Yoruichi looked out over Soul Society, enjoying the panoramic view of the land that had once been her home. She scanned the surrounding areas and spotted a small figure with a white haori looking from the distance. She nodded and waved, and the figure nodded and waved back.

When the dimensional gate had closed, Soifon decided to walk back to her quarters instead of using flash-step. You know, I actually think I deserve a day off after the vigilance of a hundred years against an enemy I never knew. She happened to pass by the Kuchiki estate and ran into Rukia, who was on her way home.

"Soifon taichou."

"Rukia Kuchiki. You have recovered?"

"Yes, Soifon taichou."

"And your brother?"

"Nii-sama's injuries are healing well. Thank you for asking after him."

"Good." Soifon started off, but Rukia spoke again. "Soifon taichou… I… I wanted to thank you and Yoruichi-sama for saving my brother. If you had not arrived when you did… I…nii-sama…"

"Do not think too much of it. I was doing my duty."

"Then… then I thank you, for doing your duty and for saving nii-sama in the process." Rukia bowed deeply.

My duty…

My duty means something? My duty means something. I have not simply been a pawn all these years?

I… I have actually made a difference in doing my duty?

Bit by bit, the wounds in Soifon's heart began to heal.