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Chapter 10: Passage of Time

Several years passed in the Soul Society, with little changing within the Seireitei. The biggest change was within Squad 12, as Urahara created the Research and Development Institute, recruiting Mayuri Kurotsuchi to help. Kirara still thought it was a bad idea, having Kurotsuchi as his second in command alongside Hiyori, but at the end of the day, it wasn't her call to make.

Kirara yawned widely as she lay in the grass, enjoying the sun once again. When she opened her eyes, she found herself looking up at Seinosuke. Her younger brother had his arms folded and one brow arched as he looked down at her.

"Good morning, little brother," Kirara yawned, rolling onto her side. "What brings you here?" she asked, unaffected by his irritated stare.

"Surely you should know by now why I'm here to visit you. It doesn't happen very often," Seinosuke replied shortly.

"Hmm..." Kirara yawned widely and stretched. Seinosuke sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Because I'm your sister and you love me?" she offered.

"Nice try," Seinosuke rolled his eyes. He crouched beside his sister, who just yawned loudly again. "Our parents have news of some sort, and they wish for us to return home," he told her, sounding even more irritated at the thought.

"I got the message this morning," Kirara didn't move as she closed her eyes again. "Too busy. You go," she told him, keeping her eyes closed.

"Oh yes, because you look to be rushed off your feet," Seinosuke spoke dryly. "We're going to see them tomorrow," he told her firmly. Kirara let out a whine, putting one of her arms over her face. "Sometimes I wonder how you got the nickname Princess. It baffles me how anyone could think you behaving like-"

"Oh hush, Seinosuke. That nickname is stupid," Kirara muttered irritably.

"And only makes sense when you fight properly," Seinosuke pointed out. Kirara remained silent, as if attempting to go to sleep while he was still talking to her. "Whatever the case, we're going in the morning, so-" he stopped, looking up as Kirara opened her eyes. They looked up as a messenger flickered into view, kneeling in front of the pair.

"Lieutenant Yamada," he started.

"Yes?" the pair chorused as Kirara sat up, stretching.

"Forgive me, I mean Lieutenant Yamada of Squad 2," the Messenger bowed a little deeper.

"It's fine, we're just messing with you," Kirara grinned, waving a dismissive hand. "What's up?" she asked him.

"A message from Kuroro Tsukino," he held out a piece of paper to her. Kirara reached out, taking it as Seinosuke watched with an arched eyebrow. "Thanks," she dismissed the messenger, who disappeared using Shunpo. "Sorry little bro, but that visit will have to wait," she chuckled as she got to her feet.

"What's going on?" Seinsouke asked with a puzzled frown.

"I've got actual work to do," Kirara grinned over her shoulder at him as she walked away. Seinosuke stared after her in alarm.

"You can't dodge this forever Kirara!" he warned her.

"Just go yourself little brother. Tell them I said hi!" Kirara called to him, and laughed as she used Shunpo to leave him behind, groaning in annoyance at his sister's ability to dodge her responsibilities.

"Good morning Kuroro, you're looking well," Kirara smiled brightly as she walked into the bar. Several people looked up sharply, and some began to edge towards the door, no longer comfortable in the bar with the Lieutenant of Squad 2.

"Dammit Yamada, do you have to ruin my business?" Kuroro complained irritably as he turned to her. His dark gaze didn't seem to affect the young woman, who just entered like she owned the place.

"Oh, and you're just as bubbly as ever," Kirara smiled as she took a seat at the bar. Kuroro muttered under his breath. "I got your message," she told him in a quieter voice as he set a cup down in front of her.

"I didn't want anyone reading it, just in case it was intercepted," Kuroro replied as he poured her a drink. "Those guys were back here last night," Kirara's eyes widened in alarm, and she looked up at the man. The much taller man looked grim. "I couldn't get out a warning to you, they were a little more on edge this time. And I couldn't do anything to aggravate them, not with this leg," Kuroro clapped a hand to his left leg.

"You probably would have killed them sooner than apprehend them," Kirara nodded, and Kuroro gave a gruff bark of laughter, flattered by her words. "Did you get anything from them while they were here?" she asked curiously.

"No names. Just faces, and a possible location," Kuroro explained, and passed her a sheet of paper. She took it, folding it up and slipping it under her robes.

"Thanks Kuroro, I appreciate you help. These scumbags have avoided me for long enough," Kirara told him firmly, taking a drink and shivering at the taste.

"Just be careful Yamada. These guys are dangerous. They were looking for a fight last night. They're raring to go, and if you're not careful, they will go after you," Kuroro warned her. Kirara gave a small smile.

"Honestly Kuroro, you sound almost worried about me," she smiled at him. The man scoffed, turning away.

"As if. Just finish your damn drink and get out before you scare off all of my customers," he told her roughly. Kirara's smile grew as she watched him. He refused to look at her again, but she could see the faintest trace of red on his face. "Don't worry Kuroro. I'll be fine. Thanks for your help," Kirara spoke softly again, setting her cup down, along with an envelope of money, as she got to her feet. "I'll see you in a year," she smiled, and went to the door.

"And not a minute sooner, y'hear?" he shouted at her. Kirara's smile widened, and she laughed, nodding as she waved to him and left. Kuroro shook his head and sighed heavily. "Damn girl," he muttered.

Yoruichi read over the paperwork Kirara had given her, while the Lieutenant lay on the ground beside her, waiting for Yoruichi to finish.

"Good work," Kirara started awake when the Captain finally spoke.

"So, can I take my team and track them down?" Kirara sat up as she asked hopefully, looking up at the Captain.

"You know where this place is. If they're hiding here, it's going to be incredibly dangerous," Yoruichi warned her, her golden eyes thoughtful as she looked up from the papers. "It's crawling with Hollows. You'll need more than just your little team on this one, even if you have help from the Detention Unit," Yoruichi decided, dropping the papers onto her table.

"And what do you propose?" Kirara asked curiously. "I'm willing to accept anything at this point, we're so close to catching these guys," she told her Captain firmly. The other woman became even more thoughtful at her words.

"This isn't just to get revenge for what they did to one of your men, is it?" Yoruichi's voice was soft, her eyes glittering as Kirara frowned.

"No!" she shook her head. "You know I'd never let my emotions get in the way of my work," she insisted, and Yoruichi suddenly smirked.

"Oh, really?" she asked, and Kirara's frown deepened. She didn't like the look the woman was giving her. "Are you sure about that?" Yoruichi challenged.

"Of course I am!" Kirara told her.

"Okay," Yoruichi nodded, getting to her feet. "Come on. We've got some work to do," she announced.

"So you'll let me go?" Kirara asked as her eyes lit up. She followed Yoruichi out of the main chamber, and down the corridor.

"Yes, but not alone. Myself and some of my team will accompany you. And I think another Squad should as well, to ensure the well-being of not only ourselves, but those who live in the area," Yoruichi decided. Kirara stopped instantly, and Yoruichi slipped her shoes back on before looking around at the Lieutenant, whose blue eyes were wide.

"No..." she breathed. Yoruichi smirked. "Oh come on! Why! That's just not-"

"You said you'd never let your emotions get in the way of your work," Yoruichi shrugged. "And Squad 5 have some of the best fighters," she said.

"I'd say Squad 9 is one of the better ones, if-"

"Kensei is busy with other duties," Yoruichi shook her head.

"Squad 12-"

"Have the Research and Development Institution to deal with," Yoruichi finished.

"Squad 7-"

"Love's got more work since his Lieutenant was injured in battle."

"Squad 11?" Kirara's voice was a mumble at this point. Yoruichi turned to her and quirked an eyebrow. "Fine. But I've been after these guys for a while now. They better not get in the way," Kirara grumbled.

"Remember, don't let your emotions get in the way of your work," Yoruichi sang, and laughed loudly as Kirara groaned again and followed her.

"Okay, the location of these guys shouldn't be too far from here," Kirara told the group that stood around her. Comprised of those from the Patrol Corps and Detention Unit, they were all ready to go and finally track down the group who had evaded them for some time. "Be careful, a lot of Hollows are known to swarm this area. If you need any help, do not hesitate to send out an alert," she told them.

"But what if that spooks the deserters?" one man asked with a frown.

"Better you live to chase them another day, don't you think?" Kirara asked, tilting her head to survey the much taller man. He nodded, accepting her logic. "Go in pairs, do not go off alone," she ordered then, and they nodded. "Any questions?" she asked them, smiling.

"Uh, just one," another, from the Detention Unit, spoke up. "Why are some of Squad 5 here?" he asked slowly, glancing around to where Shinji and Aizen were standing with their own Squad. Some of the Shinigami shot Kirara's team wary looks. As part of a known organisation of killers, those in the Onmitsukido were viewed with caution by even Shinigami.

"They're here to make sure Hollows don't cause a problem. It'll be fine, don't worry," Kirara told them confidently. "Satoru, are you okay to be here?" she turned to the man who had been the only one to have had contact with the deserters.

"Of course, Commander," the man bowed his head to her. A small scar lined his cheek, and his clothes hid the much greater scarring that had been the result of his encounter. Even now, his memory was fuzzy, and he couldn't remember much about the encounter.

"Good. Nobody will think any less of you if you need to take a step back," Kirara told him gently, and he nodded.

"Thank you, Commander," he smiled at her, and Kirara smiled back, touching his arm gently.

"Okay, move out," Kirara ordered, and they all bowed before using Shunpo to race off. Kirara released a breath and ran her hand through her hair, before walking back to the tent where Yoruichi was waiting. "The recon group have left," she reported, taking a seat on the ground near the Captain.

"Good. It shouldn't take too long," Yoruichi stretched, and reached out, lifting a biscuit from the pile she had brought with her.

"Even when camping, you live in luxury," Kirara grinned, reaching out and taking one as well.

"You can't really talk when you take full advantage of that luxury," Yoruichi replied, and Kirara grinned, taking a bite.

"You're right there," she nodded. She wanted to be out with her team, but as the Commander, she needed to be at base to give orders if necessary. After finishing what she was eating, Kirara stood again. "I'll be outside if you need me," Kirara told her.

"Make sure you behave out there," Yoruichi smirked. Kirara gave a mocking laugh, having heard possibly every teasing remark possible in the few hours they'd been there, and left the tent.

Stretching, Kirara looked up at the sky. Night was beginning to fall, which meant that it was likely they'd be camping out for the night. Walking past others who were waiting for word on the location of the deserters, or keeping an eye out for any sign of trouble, Kirara smiled to them as they bowed respectfully. She then disappeared into the thick of the trees, and as soon as she was a fair distance away, she stopped and took a deep breath, letting her arms fall to her sides.

Enjoying the peace of the forest, Kirara began to practice the moves she had learned when she had finished the academy and started her training to join the Onmitsukido. Swinging kicks high in the air and moving fluidly, Kirara performed her usual moves that she practised often.

Landing silently in the grass on one foot, Kirara kicked up with the other, moving with it to land on that foot and kick up with the other before bending backwards, landing on her hands before pushing up. As she moved through the air, her ears twitched, and she darted back into the trees quickly.

"What a pain...why did I agree to come on this lousy mission?" Shinji wondered aloud as he walked through the trees, irritated. He would much rather be back in his comfortable office, and not be at risk of having to camp out. All for a stupid mission that was entirely to do with the Onmitsukido, not him. Yoruichi had talked him into accepting before he even knew what he was accepting. "Knowing my luck, there won't even be any Hollow attacks and this will just be a waste of my time," he muttered.

Before he could stop it, his mind wandered to Kirara, who had been behaving in a bizarre manner since their Squads had joined up to work together. There hadn't been a sour look thrown his way, or even any rude words. She'd been – dare he say it – professional. And despite the wariness that his Squad had for a group of known killers, she'd been nice to them, even won some of them over. It was weird, to say the least.

Shinji groaned, scratching his head in his irritation. He needed to get his mind off Kirara. He was already in a bad mood, and his conflicted thoughts over the Lieutenant were not helping in the slightest. She'd been messing with his mind for ten damn years at this point. He'd been huffing about it when Yoruichi had barged in uninvited and gotten him to agree to join them.

Frowning, Shinji stopped suddenly, feeling a chill run down his spine. He turned, his eyes lifting, and he frowned when he spotted Kirara sitting on a branch high up, watching him with a raised eyebrow. "What?" he asked before he could stop himself. She was the easiest way to vent, she always rose to his mockery and he riled her up just as much as she did him.

"What?" Kirara tilted her head, still watching him. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Taking a walk," Shinji replied in a flat voice, and both of them were reminded of a time before, when he had stumbled across Kirara when she was in the middle of apprehending a group of men who had escaped house arrest. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Sitting in a tree," Kirara deadpanned. She was holding back, seeming to be wanting to bite back at him, but not. Typical. The one time he wanted her to take the bait.

"Why?" he asked, wondering if he could push her any further. The logical side of him was telling him not to, as they were there on a stealth mission, but the other side was irritated and wanted a way to vent.

"I wanted some peace," Kirara's elbows were resting on her legs as she leaned forwards, watching him with an unreadable expression. Her legs swung in an almost childlike manner. "If you're trying to get me to fight with you, it won't work," she said suddenly.

"We're always fighting, Princess, why would I need to try?" Shinji rolled his eyes and turned away with a dismissive wave of his hand. Kirara's fists clenched, and she took a slow breath. Shinji was surprised that she'd figured him out, but he also knew that neither of them could be around each other very long before they began to fight.

"Hirako, don't call me that," Kirara's voice was strained as she struggled not to lose her temper. "You shouldn't have come if you're just going to-" Kirara's words were cut off by the loud roar of a Hollow. "Dammit!" she stood quickly as Shinji whirled around. "Looks like you're getting your fight," Kirara told him wryly, before using Shunpo to race off back to camp.

As soon as she landed in the grass by the camp, where everyone else was mobilising, Kirara felt a large amount of Reiatsu rushing towards them. "Why are there so many?" she gasped, her eyes widening.

"Someone's leading them here," Yoruichi was beside her in seconds. "They must have realised we were here, and are using the Hollows to distract us while they get away," she realised. Several men reappeared, two supporting another who was covered in blood.

"What happened?" Kirara called to them.

"Ambush!" one of the Patrol Corps grunted, half-dragging another with him. "The Hollows are close behind us, we haven't much time!" he warned.

"Get him into the tent!" Yoruichi ordered, and the man nodded, hauling the other into the tent, followed by another who was to heal him. "Ready?" Yoruichi glanced to Kirara, who grinned.

"You bet," they both watched as multiple Hollows burst into the clearing, roaring loudly. Yoruichi leapt into the air, and with a powerful kick, smashed the Hollow's mask in. It roared, staggering as it barely survived the blow, only for Kirara's Zanpakuto to stab it clean through. The Hollow disappeared, and Kirara landed easily, pointing her blade up at another. "There's at least 8 here...how the heck did they manage to attract so many?" Kirara wondered, and for a moment, she was glad that Squad 5 were there to help. While she and Yoruichi could clear them out, it saved a lot of energy having others to help them.

Movement in the corner of Kirara's eye caught her attention, and she looked to the trees to see a man smirking. He wore the garb of a Shinigami, and had a Zanpakuto by his side. Instead of helping, he turned and disappeared into the trees. However, someone else followed. "Satoru!" Kirara called, but the man ignored her, following the Shinigami. "Dammit!" Kirara used Shunpo to follow.

"You won't escape this time!" she heard Satoru yell angrily, followed by a loud laugh.

"I'm honestly surprised you lived after my strike, but then again, I'd only just learned my Zanpakuto's name," another voice spoke up. "I wish I'd known of her ability, I would have enjoyed using it on you. But now, I think I'll kill you," Kirara intercepted the strike just in time, knocking the opposing Zanpakuto into the air.

"Commander!" Satoru gasped. Blood ran down his head and neck, and his hands were shaking.

"Get back to camp and help the others. I'll handle this," Kirara told him.

"But-"

"That was an order, Satoru," Kirara snapped. She hated saying such things, but he was in no state to fight, and would only get in her way. The man she was facing recovered from his surprise, smirking.

"Yes, Commander," Satoru nodded, and disappeared.

"Well well, a Commander. You don't look that important," the man commented idly, resting his Zanpakuto on his shoulder as Kirara focused her attention fully on him. He had bright red hair that was neatly brushed but stuck out a little, and eyes that seemed almost pink in the light. He had stubble lining his jaw that seemed a little unkempt. Kirara had a feeling he'd been out in the woods for a little while now.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lieutenant Yamada of Squad 2. Corps Commander of the Onmitsukido," Kirara told him as she pointed her sword at him. "And you are?" she asked with a flat stare.

"Oh, forgive my lack of manners!" the man looked surprised again. "I don't have a fancy title or anything, but my name is Kenjiro. Kenjiro Shirobara," Kirara blinked, but other than that, gave no other hint of her surprise.

"Shirobara? Of the Shirobara family?" she asked, still keeping her tone even.

"The very same," Kenjiro nodded. Kirara was even more irritated by the man. So he was a noble of mid-level status. And here he was deserting the Gotei 13.

"Very well. I hereby place you under arrest," Kirara declared. Kenjiro's smirk grew.

"Oh, really?" he gave a laugh. "Well, I hereby resist that arrest!" he launched at her suddenly, but Kirara moved, easily reading his attack. She landed a kick to his back that knocked his momentum off, and he stumbled.

"Good luck with that," Kirara told him calmly. Kenjiro laughed, seeming amused by her move, and leapt at her again. Kirara dodged again, and with a quick slash, caught him down his back. Kenjiro let out a growl, stumbling as blood began to run down his back. "You're lucky all I did was break the skin. Surrender now," she ordered.

"Oh Commander, I'm not one of your lackies. You can't tell me what to do!" Kenjiro whirled and lashed out, and this time Kirara blocked his move. She countered each of his strikes, forcing him backwards as his offence turned into a sloppy defence. When he slammed his blade against hers and pushed, Kenjiro grunted, before Kirara's fist slammed into his stomach and the air left him in one breath. He fell backwards, coughing and gasping for breath.

"Are we done here?" Kirara asked, still keeping her tone even.

"Not even a little bit!" Kenjiro's smirk was gone, and he pushed himself up. "I guess I'll have to show off a little bit," a red aura began to surround him, and Kirara's eyes narrowed as she felt his Reiatsu begin to rise. "Finally, a reaction from you," Kenjiro chuckled. "Let's see how well you do against her. Sever...Reikonsatsu," he breathed as he spun his sword. As it spun, it began to change shape, and he continued to spin it as the handle became much longer and more slender, while the blade curved. "Well, what do you think of her?" Kenjiro taunted as he held his scythe-shaped Shikai up proudly.

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