Kick About, Destroy, Bind
Chapter 9: "For Justice"
Karakura Town, 10 Years Before
He leaned back against the tree and took it all in. The smell of the grass as the morning's heat cooled down and formed dew. The sound of the cool night breeze rustling through the leaves as it traveled its course. He lifted his face and smiled as the cool night air brushed his face. His smile only grew as he heard the approach of familiar footsteps.
"I thought I would find you here," she said.
"You know me," he said. "How did your training go?"
"It went well. How did your studies go?"
"Fine, but I never realized that Law could be so…complex."
"Did you really think that it was all a matter of black and white? Right and wrong? True and false?"
"Well…yeah."
"You should know better than that," she said and smiled. "The world doesn't always work that way. That's why laws must be able to adjust to any given situation and why someone should be willing to stand up for them."
"But, you can't just keep on playing with the Law until it becomes too weak to be effective. Society is maintained by Justice and Justice is maintained by punishing those who do wrong and rewarding those who do right."
"But who determines who's right and who's wrong?"
"Those who make the Law determine that."
"But who determines that they're right or wrong? Don't you understand that there lies the problem with absolutism?"
"Yet you're training to enter the Gotei. Their purpose is to uphold the Laws of the Gensei Provinces and keep them safe from the Arrancars."
"I know. I know. However, I don't believe that the whole thing with the Arrancars should be an 'us vs. them' situation."
"Why not? Arrancars are evil and those who live in the Gensei Provinces are good. That's the way it is."
"Unfortunately, it isn't. I thought that you would understand that, but it seems as though all you can believe in is that if someone is not on your side 100% then they must be evil. That's sad."
"Wait a minute. What are you talking about?"
"It's sad when you willingly blind yourself to others because they do not agree with you 100%. I agree with you that Justice is making sure that those who do wrong are punished, but Mercy must play into it as well. Otherwise, the scales will only tip in one direction instead of remaining balanced."
"Mercy weakens Justice."
"No, Mercy strengthens Justice.
"Well, I better get going. My fiancé will be wondering where I am."
"When's the wedding?"
"It's going to be this Saturday. You're invited if you want to come."
"I'll…try to come."
"I hope you'll be there, Kaname."
Central 46 Rotunda
Kaname woke from the memory when someone knocked on his office door. He shook his head in order to clear it. He didn't know why he was remembering her again. He knew that he sided with Aizen in order to fulfill an oath he took so long ago. But that did not explain why he was remembering the past at this point in time.
"Who is it?"
"It's Kugo Ginjo from the Xcution Squad. Ichigo sent me over to give the news to Central 46."
"Well, come in then."
Kugo Ginjo opened the door and stepped inside. He bowed slightly and then straightened.
"Ichigo instructed me to come to the Rotunda and inform Central 46 that the Arrancars known as the 'Los Lobos Duo', 'Blood Star', and the 'Diamond Sisters' are in his custody."
Kaname nodded.
"That's good to hear. The citizens of the Gensei Provinces and the Borderlands will have something else to celebrate on Día de los Muertos," Kaname said and smiled.
Fort Seireitei
"Well, at least they're locked away," General Yamamoto said. "Thank you for informing me of this wonderful news. Have a good day, Mr. Kurosaki."
Aizen sat back as Yamamoto hung up the phone and looked at him.
"Well, are they behind bars?" Aizen asked.
"They are," Yamamoto said and nodded. "So far they haven't said anything important. However, they'll eventually talk. That's why I sent some of the other Captains to Karakura Town."
"That was a very wise decision," Aizen said.
"Excuse me, sir," Yamamoto's aide said as he walked into the office.
"What is it, Chojiro? I thought I told you that I did not wish to be disturbed."
"I understand, sir, but I think you might want to hear this."
"Very well," Yamamoto said. "What is it?"
"We've just received word. The train that Captains Kuchiki, Unohana, Kyoraku, and Ukitake were on was ambushed."
Karakura Town
Captain Kyoraku ran down the street. He could hear Ukitake coughing as he tried to keep up.
"Jushiro, you should rest," he cried back over his shoulder.
"No…we…we have to…" Ukitake said before breaking out into a coughing fit.
Kyoraku stopped and was about to run back to him when he saw Captain Unohana approaching. She looked at Ukitake and then at Kyoraku.
"Go," she said. "You have to make sure that Mr. Kurosaki does not make a mistake. I'll take care of Jushiro."
"Are you sure?" Kyoraku asked.
"I'm sure. Now go."
"Alright," he said and continued to run towards the Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff's Office
"You have a good day as well, General Yamamoto," Ichigo said and hung up the phone.
"Why?" Lilynette whispered. "Why didn't you believe us?"
"It's because you're Arrancars," Ichigo said. "You dogs kidnapped my friend. You attacked us time-and-time again. You tried to kill us. WHY SHOULD WE BELIEVE YOU?" he shouted.
Lilynette backed away when she saw the fury on Ichigo's face and she rushed to Harribel who embraced her. Harribel looked at Ichigo and pushed down the rage she felt.
"Did you have to scare her like that?" she asked as she stroked Lilynette's hair. "Did you have to snap at a little girl like that? Would you talk that way any little girl?"
"What girl?" Renji asked. "I only see a pack of dogs."
Rukia couldn't take it anymore. She got up and slapped Renji across the face. Renji looked at her, his eyes wide in surprise. He opened his mouth to ask her why she hit him.
"Don't…say…a…single word," Rukia said. "You two are acting like little boys."
"Rukia, you know full well that…" Ichigo said.
"I KNOW WHAT MOST OF THE GENSEI PROVINCES ARE SAYING!" Rukia shouted. "But that doesn't make it right."
"You're siding with…with THE ARRANCARS?" Renji asked.
"Only the ones here," Rukia said. "They came willingly. They didn't try to run. In fact, from the reports it seemed as though they tried to make sure that they didn't kill anyone. They have more respect for us than either of you do for them. As far as I'm concerned you're the ones who are behaving like dogs."
"Rukia, do I need to remind you who's the Sheriff around here?" Ichigo asked.
"That's so typical," Rukia said. "You think that by waving your badge around you can get me to respect you? There may have been a time for that, but not today, Ichigo. If you really want my respect, you will apologize to them for acting like a dog."
"I won't apologize to an Arrancar," Ichigo said. "Renji, lock them up while I go through their stuff."
"Sounds good," Renji said and smiled. "You know, that little girl was pretty attached to that box there. Maybe you should go through it first."
"Good idea," Ichigo said and reached out for Lilynette's Treasure Box.
"NOOOOO!" Lilynette shouted and rushed at him and pushed Ichigo away.
Ichigo was surprised. However, his rage took control of him and he struck out with his fist.
"You little bitch," he snarled as he hit Lilynette.
Starrk's reaction was extremely fast. He caught Lilynette with his left arm and grabbed Ichigo with his right and lifted him into the air. Rukia gasped in surprise, but she and Renji drew their revolvers and aimed it at Starrk.
"DROP HIM BEFORE I DROP YOU!" he shouted.
"You DARE to strike my Lobato," Starrk snarled and his eyes became not just golden, but the color of a combination of melted gold and fire.
"Starrk," Harribel said and put a hand on his right arm and she pushed it down. "It's obvious they don't understand."
"That still doesn't give him an excuse to hit Lilynette."
"It doesn't," Harribel said. "But it's like you said before. He's nothing but a little dog trying to act tough."
That seemed to calm Starrk down and he released Ichigo. Ichigo looked in surprise and grabbed Lilynette's Treasure Box from the table and was prepared to smash it against the wall. He didn't care for anything except how to make at least one of the Arrancars suffer. If he couldn't get at Starrk or Harribel, then he would get the satisfaction of seeing one of them suffer from Lilynette.
"If you dare make her cry," Starrk said. "You will feel my fangs."
"But at least I'll make an Arrancar cry," Ichigo said and smiled. "It's only fair for the tears they made me cry."
"That's enough, Ichigo," Rukia said. "Give that to me," she said and took hold of the wooden box.
"Stay out of this Rukia," Renji said.
"I can't," Rukia said. "I won't stand by while Ichigo does something he'll regret. For God's sake, Ichigo, she's about your sisters' age. What do you think Yuzu or Karin would think if they saw you like this?"
Ichigo looked at her and relinquished his hold on the wooden box.
"Fine, you can take care of looking through their things," Ichigo said. "But I want an accurate record of what they have. Renji, let's take care of their weapons."
"Yes sir," Renji said and the two went back to where the weapons that Riruka and Jackie confiscated were piled up on one of the desks.
"I'm sorry about that," Rukia said. "This is your Treasure Box, right?"
"Yeah," Lilynette said as she wiped her face with the sleeve of her shirt.
"I won't go through it if you don't want me to," Rukia said and smiled at her. "I'll tell you what. I'll keep it in my desk for safekeeping. Is that alright?"
Lilynette sniffed slightly and nodded her head. Rukia smiled and went over to her own desk. Starrk stepped towards her.
"Why are you being so courteous to us?" he asked. "I remember when you attacked us that you were almost killed by Aaroniero. By all rights, you should hate us. Why don't you?"
"It's because none of you are Aaroniero," she said. "He killed a close friend of mine and I went after him. From what I saw in the reports, none of you deserve to be treated like dirt. I just wish that those two would grow up."
"Thank you…uh…"
"My name's Rukia Kuchiki, but you can just call me Rukia."
"Thank you, Rukia," Starrk said. "Harribel and I also have our own Treasure Boxes as well. You have my permission to go through mine."
"And mine as well," Harribel said.
"She can go through mine," Lilynette said.
"Thank you," Rukia said. "I'll try to be as respectful as I can. Oh, here's your locket," she said and held out the heart-shaped locket out to Lilynette. "I'm sure you'll at least want this."
"Thanks," Lilynette said and smiled as she took it.
"Well, at least someone around here is decent," Apacci said. "HEY, YOU BETTER BE CAREFUL WITH THAT!" she shouted.
"Hey Ichigo, did you hear something barking just now?" Renji asked.
"Fine, have it your way," Apacci said. "Don't blame me if you blow yourselves up. What a couple of dumbasses."
At that moment the door to the Sheriff's Office burst open.
Hogyoku United Bank Headquarters
Gin Ichimaru sat forward.
"You didn't receive your gold shipment?" he asked.
"NO!" the banker across from him nearly shouted. "We didn't receive the printed notes either."
"That's disturbing," Gin said and he reached for the telephone. "Let me look into this."
"Look, if we don't have printed cash or the gold to back it up, I'll have to close down sixteen branches."
"I understand," Gin said. "Maybe there was a delay on the shipment. You remember what it was like when the Senkaimon River flooded last year."
"Yes, but the Senkaimon River doesn't flow through the Borderlands."
"That's true," Gin said as he entered the number to the main office of the Garganta line. "I hope that it's nothing too serious," Gin said.
Sheriff's Office
All eyes were focused on the door. Captain Kyoraku stood in the doorway, catching his breath. Starrk sighed.
"Captain Kyoraku," Renji said and snapped at attention.
Rukia and Ichigo followed suit and the three saluted. However, Kyoraku only gave a wave and the three stood at ease. He looked at the Arrancars and smiled and waved to them.
"I hope I'm not too late," he said.
"Well, this is a surprise. We weren't expecting the Gotei to send someone to help us question them," Ichigo said.
"I didn't mean that. I meant I hope I'm not too late to tell you to listen to whatever they say," he said.
Ichigo, Renji, and Rukia looked at each other. They thought that they heard wrong. However, one look on Kyoraku's face told them that he was serious.
"What?" Ichigo asked.
"I told you that you have to listen to whatever they say. If you actually used your mind for once you would conclude that they didn't come all of this way to tell us some bullshit story," Kyoraku said. "You did think with your heads, right?"
"These two didn't," Rukia said.
"What?" Kyoraku asked. His face went pale. "Did you call General Yamamoto?"
"I did," Ichigo said. "I told him that the Arrancars didn't tell us anything important."
"You…you…YOU IDIOT!" Kyoraku shouted. "Why did you do that?"
"They're Arrancars," Ichigo said. "Captain Kyoraku, I'm surprised that an officer in the Gotei is actually standing up for Arrancars. You should know that Arrancars are evil creatures who cannot be trusted and the Gotei are the good guys."
"Damn it," Kyoraku said. He rushed over to Ichigo's desk and picked up the phone.
"Tell us what's going on," Rukia said.
However, Kyoraku ignored her as he dialed in the number for Yamamoto's office. He listened to the other end. Ichigo could see the panic on his face. Then relief swept over him when he heard someone pick up.
"Yes," he said. "I need to speak with General Yamamoto at once." He paused and his face became hard. "Where is he? Well, how long ago did he leave? Alright, listen. This is Captain Shunsui Kyoraku of the Eighth Division. I need you to inform him that we made it into Karakura Town, but we were ambushed by members of the Kage no Tanken."
"What?" Rukia asked.
"No…that's impossible," Renji said, his face becoming pale. "The Kage no Tanken is under the jurisdiction of the Privatized Squads. They're on our side."
Ichigo did not say anything. Instead, his jaw muscles tightened and he felt bile rising in his throat. He looked at Starrk who did not say anything and had his eyes closed.
"I don't care how long he might be away. Find him if you have to and inform him, Private. That's an order."
Fort Seireitei
"I understand, sir," the soldier said and he turned to his companion. "I'll find him and let him know." He hung up the phone and sighed. "That was a close one."
"Damn right," his companion said. "It's a good thing that the old bastard found out about the ambush. Otherwise…"
"Don't remind me. Now hand me that cutter."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say," the man said and handed over the Gotei-issued knife. "So, are ya gonna deliver the message?"
"Tell me you're joking," he said and cut the phone line. "Job's done. And Jonas is keeping an eye on the telegraph in case anyone tries to wire in."
"Alright, let's meet up with the others," the other man said. "It's almost time for roll call."
With that, the two Gotei soldiers, one from the Fifth Division and the other from the Sixth Division made their way out of the office.
Pinkerton Agency Offices, Karakura Town
Tsukishima read through the report that Tatsuki handed him. He looked at her and smiled.
"This is very thorough," he said.
"Thank you, sir," Tatsuki said. "Fortunately, Miss Inoue was more than happy to tell me what she knew about the Espada."
"Did you sense that she was hiding anything?"
"No sir, I felt that she was completely open to me about them."
"And are you hiding anything from me?"
"Only what I promised Miss Inoue I wouldn't talk about."
"Such as…?"
"I'm sorry sir, but I cannot tell you. I gave my word to her."
"Yet you also gave your word to the Agency to inform them of anything that could be deemed…valuable."
"I know sir, but I did not hear anything from her that she told me to keep secret that could be important."
"Tatsuki, you're a good agent and very thorough, but I can tell that you're lying to me. But, I understand that you have a promise to keep and Sheriff Kurosaki has two Espada with their gangs in custody. So…I'll let it go. You're dismissed."
"Thank you, sir," Tatsuki said and made her way out.
Tsukishima sat back and smiled. He picked up Tatsuki's file and looked it through. She received very high marks in combat and investigative training. Her instructors said that she was honest and loyal to her friends, but not necessarily to the Agency. Tsukishima smiled.
"Yes, you'll do quite nicely for what I have planned," he said.
Chad's Blacksmith Shop
Yasutora Sado, better known as Chad, swung the hammer again. The sound it made as it struck the hot metal brought a sense of satisfaction with it. He lifted the hammer again.
"I thought I would find you here."
Chad turned and saw Uryu leaning on his cane in the doorway. Chad swung the hammer again.
"I'm sorry to hear about your father," Chad said.
"They said he'll be alright."
"I'm glad."
"I guess you already know that the Arrancars are in custody."
"Yeah."
"However, they didn't catch Ulquiorra."
"Is that why you came to see me?"
"Yes," Uryu said. "I'll be visiting Orihime to let her know."
"I'll keep my eyes open," Chad said as he held the nail he was making up to make sure it was getting the shape he wanted. "I'll be sure to let Ichigo know if I see anything."
"Thanks," Uryu said.
"Uryu," Chad called out as he put the nail in the cooling barrel.
"What is it?"
"Be careful. Something's not right."
Uryu nodded. He could feel that something worse was coming. He didn't know what it was and he hated not knowing.
United Hogyoku Bank Headquarters
Gin Ichimaru walked out into the lobby. He could see that many of the heads of the various banks throughout the Gensei Provinces and the Borderlands were on the verge of panic.
That's good, he thought. Just wait until you hear what I have to say.
"Did you find out what happened to my shipment of gold?"
"Where are the printed bills we were supposed to receive?"
"What's going on?"
The questions came at him. Gin Ichimaru fought the urge to smile. What he was about to say would cause a panic. They knew that printed money without something to back it up, such as gold or some commodity, was about as useful as toilet paper.
"I'm afraid that the news isn't good," Gin said. "Last night, Arrancars attacked the Garganta line and stole the shipment of gold and printed bills that were meant for your banks."
"What do you mean?"
"How much gold was lost?"
"Can we still conduct business?"
"I'm afraid that 25% of the Treasury's total gold reserves were lost," Gin said. "As for the printed bills…I'm afraid that 50% of the Treasury's total prints were lost as well."
"Oh dear God," someone moaned.
"We must keep this from our patrons," another whispered. "Otherwise, they'll panic and demand a withdrawal of all of their money."
There were murmurs of agreement. Gin knew that this part of the plan had achieved what Aizen wanted. He knew that this part was almost done and soon the others would be doing their part in preparations for the grand finale.
"I agree," Gin said with a straight face. "What they don't know won't hurt them."
Desatoya Mountains
Skullak sat next to the field telephone. His men were making preparations for the advance. All that he needed was the go-ahead from Rudobon.
"Sir, the Espada Army are in the Borderlands now," one of his men said.
"Thank you," Skullak said. "Have the other scouts reported in yet?"
"They have. So far, about one-fourths of the total Gotei forces in the Borderlands are going through withdrawal from Brujería and Amor. We estimate the remaining addicts in the Gotei will go through withdrawal over the next couple of days."
"I see," Skullak said and grimaced. He hated using addiction as a weapon. There was no honor to it. It was the same as taking the easy way out of a problem instead of facing it head-on. "What about the Plateado Brothers and their men?"
"We received word from Arturos that they are in Fort Seireitei and have made contact with the men Aizen already has positioned within the Gotei forces."
"Alright, and El General is moving into position in the North," Skullak said as he consulted the map opened beside him and held down with a stone at each corner. He took out the dagger that hung at his waist to trace the route. "When we get the order, we move north-east and unite with Rudobon outside of Junrinan and then proceed to the Garganta Pass where we'll meet up with the Espada forces."
He then thrust his knife into the spot on the map where Karakura Town was marked. "Then onto Karakura Town," Skullak said.
Precipice Mountains
Kenpachi Zaraki rode on his black stallion, Cutter, at the front of the line of 30 Gotei soldiers. Yachiru rode next to him on her pony, Mangler. Just behind them, Yachiru and Ikkaku looked excited.
"It's about time we got some excitement," Ikkaku said.
"I hope that the battle will be a beautiful one," Yumichika said.
"Shut up, you two," Kenpachi said. "From the information we got, we should be getting close."
"YAY!" Yachiru cried out. "This is gonna be fun."
"You got that right, Yachiru," Kenpachi said and grinned. "When the fighting starts, I want you to hide someplace safe. Got it?"
"I got it, Kenny," Yachiru said.
"Seizo, do you have the field phone ready?"
"Yes sir," Seizo Harugasaki said. "I have it set in case we need to call Maki-Maki."
"Good. Alright, men, I want you all to keep a look out. We're facing the Exequias here and they could be lurking anywhere. Keep your eyes and ears open."
"Yes sir," the men said and they rode forward.
Above them, a lone figure smiled and crawled back to where Alejo waited.
"Sir, they've taken the bait," the Exequias said.
"Good," Alejo said. "Antonio," he said and turned to an Exequias with a ram's skull tucked under his arm. "I want you and 20 other men to pin them down. Ricardo, call Alejandro and inform him to seal the valley and then contact El General and inform him that we're on our way."
Sheriff's Office
"Well, this sucks," Apacci moaned.
"Stop complaining," Sung-Sun said. "There's nothing we can do about it."
"HEY!" Mila Rose shouted. "Don't we get to have a lawyer or something?"
"NO!" Renji said.
"Shut up, Renji," Rukia said. She turned her attention back to Captain Kyoraku. "Are you sure my brother's alright?"
"He's fine. He's gone to the hotel while Ukitake and Unohana have gone to get the Officers."
"Are you sure it was the Kage no Tanken?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm sure. The three we took down had the red skull of the Aka Zugaikotsu tattooed in the webbing between their thumb and forefinger."
"That means nothing," Ichigo said.
"Are you still denying the facts?" Rukia asked. "The evidence is pointing to Starrk and the others telling the truth."
"NO!" Ichigo shouted. "I…will not…believe that the man who saved my life is a villain. As far as I'm concerned…THEY'RE the villains," he said and pointed at the Arrancars who were separated into the three holding cells.
"Wow, talk about bitchy. Here I thought Mila Rose was the biggest bitch around," Apacci said.
"What was that?" Mila Rose asked.
"You heard me, bitch."
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Ichigo shouted. Silence fell in the room. Ichigo broke it by hitting his desk and he walked out. "I'm going out," Ichigo said. "If you want to believe them…then believe them. I CAN'T."
"Ichigo," Rukia said and was about to chase after him when Kyoraku grabbed her arm.
"Don't," Kyoraku said. "Let him go."
"But…" Rukia said.
"Tch, if you wanna go after him, then go after him," Renji said. "I won't stop you."
"Renji," she said shocked at the tone of anger in Renji's voice.
"You two got this covered," Renji said and he followed Ichigo out the door.
"What just happened?" Rukia asked.
"I think whatever turmoil they're going through just became too much for them," Kyoraku said.
Sabaku Desert
Ggio Vega looked over at Sui-Feng who was sitting apart from the others. He knew that she was looking at the picture of her father with Yoruichi, the two people she admired the most. He sighed and he spooned out some of the soup into a wooden bowl.
"Taking the prisoner her meal again?" Yylfordt asked.
"Yeah," Ggio said.
"Why?"
"Lord Baraggan wants her to witness the destruction of everything she holds dear. I'm just making sure she lives until then."
"Right," Yylfordt said as he ladled out his own bowl of soup. "I hope you don't get too crazy."
"Shut up," Ggio said and he made his way to Sui-Feng while Yylfordt only laughed.
She heard him approaching and she looked up.
"What do you want?" she asked.
"Sheesh, I bring your meal and you act like a total bitch. I was hoping for a little bit of gratitude."
"Why should I show you any gratitude? Your boss had my subordinate killed in front of me and he's been boasting in my face about how the Gotei will fall and the Gensei Provinces will burn."
"Have I done any of that to you lately?"
"No," Sui-Feng said reluctantly.
"Anyways, here's your meal," he said and held out the bowl of soup to her. "You better eat up. We'll be moving out soon."
"Thanks," Sui-Feng said.
"So…Yoruichi Shihoin," he said. "I heard of her. How did your father get partnered up with her?"
"Well, they were assigned on the same mission while they were in the Gotei Training Program. She introduced him to my mother on that mission. He married my mother shortly after that mission and by that time they were both named officers in the Gotei. Then…then he came."
"Who?"
"Someone who made a mistake that cost my father his life and Yoruichi and him their place in the Gotei. I was 13 when it happened."
"What happened?"
"That's one thing that I can't talk about."
"I'm sorry," Ggio said.
"It's alright," Sui-Feng said. "So, why are you sitting here with me?"
"Someone has to keep an eye on you," Ggio said. "Lord Baraggan wouldn't want you running off."
"Liar," she said. "There's more to it, isn't there?"
"Guilty as charged," Ggio said.
"What is it?"
"I guess I like being around you."
Sui-Feng looked at the ground and smiled. It was the first time that anyone told her that they liked to be around her.
Inoue Residence
"I see," Orihime said. "So you think that Ulquiorra might be coming for me."
"It's possible," Uryu said. "I just want you to be careful."
"Thank you Uryu," Orihime said and smiled. "I'll be fine though. Isaac and Miria are here and they can keep an eye on me."
"Speaking of Isaac and Miria, where are they?" Uryu asked.
"Oh, they're out right now."
Karakura Town
"Hey Isaac."
"What is it, Miria my dear?"
"What kind of place do you think would be a great place to rob?"
"Hmm, let's see. Banks are done too many times and so there would be too much competition."
"Also, the banks like to rob from each other."
"Exactly, Miria my dear," Isaac said and then he stopped when he saw the Wanted posters. "Hey Miria, I think I found the perfect thing to rob."
"What is it, Isaac?"
"We'll rob…the Sheriff's Office. Think about it. When an outlaw escapes from prison, their bounty increases, right?"
"Well sure," Miria said.
"So, we help break a couple of outlaws. Then we blindfold them and lead them back into the prison. Collect the bounty and repeat it."
"THAT'S BRILLIANT!"
"I know."
"Excuse me," a monotonous voice said.
Isaac and Miria turned and saw a young man with an extremely pale face with unkempt black hair. He was dressed in black and wore a brooch of a silver bat with emerald eyes.
"WOW! Look at him, Miria, he's so gorgeous."
"I'll say."
"Are you an actor?" they both asked at once.
"No, I am not an actor," Ulquiorra said. "I understand that you are staying with Orihime Inoue."
"We sure are," Miria said.
"Do you know her?"
"I do," Ulquiorra said.
"Uh…you didn't hear what we were talking about, did you?" Isaac asked. "Because if you did…we'll uh…what were we gonna do, Miria?"
"Uh…tickle him?"
"That's right," Isaac said. "If you did, we'll have to tickle you."
"There is no need. I am here to talk to Orihime about breaking out some friends of mine from prison. I think we could use your…expertise."
Karakura General
Davis Murphy didn't know how long he had been up, but his head was killing him. He turned his head and saw Kisuke in the bed next to him.
"You're up."
Davis turned his head and saw Yoruichi walking towards him.
"My head…," he moaned.
"Here," she said. "Drink this. It will help."
She held the cup to his lips and Murphy sipped the tonic. His head throbbed, but the tonic was doing its work. He felt the headache subsiding, but he could barely move most of his body.
"What happened?" he asked.
"We were attacked," Yoruichi said.
"I guess we got too close to something," he said. "How's Kisuke?"
"He's doing fine. He's taking a nap right now. Ryuken was attacked too."
"How is he?"
"Isshin got to him on time. If Ryuken hadn't been bitten by a Death's Head Viper before, he wouldn't have made it."
Davis Murphy nodded. He knew that they were very lucky.
"I have something else to tell you," Yoruichi said. "Starrk and the Arrancars who were with him have been arrested. They're in custody right now."
"Are you going to try to break them out?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"I just wanted to make sure," he said with a smile. "When are you going to make the attempt?"
"Tomorrow night," Yoruichi said. "I want to make sure that Kisuke's alright before I head out."
Karakura Town, 10 Years Before
"LET ME IN!" Kaname shouted as he struggled against the guards.
"Sir, this was a Closed Session," one of the guards said. "The Chief Justices trying the case cannot answer any questions."
"This…this was a mockery. HE KILLED HER! HE KILLED HER!"
"Not according to Central 46," one of the guards said. "The word of Central 46 is absolute."
"This is a mockery to Justice. How dare they call themselves 'Justices?'" he asked.
"Sir, be careful with what you say. Such outbursts could have you standing trial for treason."
"They are the traitors. They are traitors to Justice."
"That does it," the guard said and struck Kaname across the face. "You will not speak in such a manner about the Chief Justices. Now, get out before I lose my patience and brand you an Arrancar."
Kaname stood. He kept his fury down as he walked away.
"My, that didn't go well for you," someone said.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Gin Ichimaru. I understand that you knew the victim."
"I did. But, how did you know?"
"My employer is very interested in you, Mr. Tosen. Like you, he is a man who wishes for Justice to be done."
"Justice…today I can't believe in it."
"If you decide that you can no longer believe in Justice than those who despise it have won. If no one can believe in Justice, then who will make sure that those who do wrong are punished and those who do right are rewarded?"
"Central 46 is supposed to stand up for Justice and they didn't."
"That's because money was exchanged."
Kaname stiffened when he heard that.
"What?"
"Money exchanged hands. I don't know who took the money, but whoever it was made a mockery of everything you and she stood for. Don't you want to make sure that Justice is done?"
"I do."
"Then, come with me."
Tosen did.
Central 46 Rotunda
Tosen woke from the memory and rubbed his head. He sighed as he sat back and looked at the phone. He got up and paced the office. His feet knew the layout of the office and he obeyed their movement. He went to the window and opened it and allowed the cool evening breeze to brush against his face.
He knew that tomorrow Central 46 would begin their Closed Council. During those two days leading up to Día de los Muertos, Central 46 would be locked in the Central Chamber to meditate on the year past and what they hoped to accomplish in the year ahead.
He heard the phone on his desk ringing. He knew that it would be from one of the other three. He sighed and picked it up.
Sabaku Desert
Luppi looked ahead and saw Grimmjow discussing something with Shawlong. He wondered what Grimmjow was discussing with his Fraccion as well as why he would go out so many times. When Luppi asked about it to Di Roy, Di Roy only said that it was because Grimmjow had to go use the privy and to mind his own business. If Grimmjow went out three times a day, Luppi would believe that it was just going to take a shit or piss. However, Luppi noticed that Grimmjow was going out at least five times a day. For him, that was more than just a shit or piss.
"What are you up to?" he asked aloud.
"Alright, listen up," Baraggan said. "We're in the Borderlands and Aizen left me in charge of our little…party. He left a set of instructions. Zommari, you and Aaroniero are to ride ahead to Karakura Town."
"Should I take my Fraccion?" Zommari asked.
"Of course," Baraggan said and handed Zommari an envelope. "These are your instructions. You are to follow them, but other than that feel free to do whatever."
"Thank you," Zommari said. "I shall not fail Lord Aizen."
"Fucking kiss-ass," Aaroniero rasped.
"Now get going," Baraggan said. "Aisslinger, you and Luppi are to make sure that only Arrancars who are addicted get Brujería and Amor. You are not to sell to any of the Borderlanders or Gotei."
"I understand," Aisslinger said.
"Fine, whatever," Luppi said and sighed.
"That's all I have for now," Baraggan said.
Luppi yawned and then looked over at Grimmjow. Luppi was surprised to see that Grimmjow was just sitting by the fire, but then he noticed that Edorad wasn't there. He looked around and saw Edorad walking a far ways off. He noticed that Edorad was walking west, the same direction that Grimmjow sometimes did when he didn't walk east.
He shook his head. It could be coincidence, but he would keep a close eye on them. He knew that if they continued doing that each day, then something was going on. He would find out what it was and act accordingly.
Inoue Residence
"We're back," Isaac said.
"Oh, just in time," Orihime said. "Supper's ready. Tonight it's broccoli with marshmallows over chicken with red bean jam and chocolate."
"Sounds delicious," Miria said.
"Oh, while we were walking, we encountered an old friend of yours. I hope you didn't mind if we brought him over."
"Not at all," Orihime said. "I'll just set another place at the table. It's always nice whenever one of my friends come over."
"I hope you mean that, Little Girl," Ulquiorra said as he stepped into the apartment.
Orihime straightened and turned to face him. Ulquiorra bowed slightly.
"What…what are you doing here?"
"I am here for your assistance. Ichigo Kurosaki did not react the way we hoped. Will you help us?"
"Of course," Orihime said. "What do I need to do?"
Karakura River
Ichigo Kurosaki walked the streets alone. He knew that he behaved like a child, but he couldn't help it. Seeing those Arrancars brought too many painful memories back. Not just memories of Orihime being captured and kept locked away in Las Noches, but also memories that preceded those. He came to the Karakura River and looked into the water. He sighed as he sat down.
"Those fools," he whispered. "Don't they understand you can't trust an Arrancar?"
He picked up a smooth stone and threw it. He watched as it skipped across the river's surface, creating ripples. He found himself glad that Orihime hadn't been there to see him act like that and yet he regretted that Rukia saw him act like that. Even after what she told him about them, he couldn't bring himself to trust them. He couldn't let go of the past.
Pinkerton Agency Offices
Tsukishima looked at what he wrote and smiled. Tomorrow, things would fall into place. Gin Ichimaru already informed him that most of the bankers were in a panic, but were pretending to their clients that everything was alright. He smiled. Everything was on course. Even the message he received from Aizen in Fort Seireitei were favorable. Most of the Captains were currently away and they were receiving reports from various Gotei outposts that men were collapsing from withdrawal, especially in the Borderlands.
He looked at the phone he used to contact Kaname earlier. He reached for it and then thought of something. He reached for his list and looked at it. He knew that Kisuke Urahara, Ryuken Ishida, and Miles Davis would not be of any use and so he crossed out their names. He crossed out the name of Yamamoto since he was safely in Aizen's clutches. He looked at the remaining names and smiled. He could easily cross out the names of Starrk and Harribel, but something told him not to count them out yet; at least, not until they were safely hanging from a rope, which they would be in a couple of days. He looked at the remaining names and then opened the files he had on each of them. He smiled as a new plan came into his mind.
He smiled as he picked up the phone and dialed Hanza Nukui's number.
Fort Seireitei
Aizen sat down with the Plateado Brothers. Mordred sipped at a glass of brandy while Arturos only looked at his glass of wine.
"What do you think of the plan?" Aizen asked.
"It's risky," Arturo said. "However, it was a good idea to cut the phone lines in Yamamoto's office and in the other Captains' offices. The rest can be easily monitored by your insiders."
"The same holds true for the telegraph offices," Mordred said. "I already have a couple of fellows monitoring them as well."
"Excellent," Aizen said. "Communication is the key to our success, or rather our control of communication."
"I heard you had a close call," Arturo said.
"Yes, apparently five minutes after Yamamoto and I left to be briefed on the little…mishap that the Captains heading to Karakura Town had, another call came in from Captain Kyoraku."
"That means that the Kage no Tanken failed," Mordred said.
"Only in so far as killing their targets," Arturo said. "However, they did cause a very useful diversion and they delayed the Captains long enough to keep the plans on track."
Precipice Mountains
The explosion rang throughout the darkening sky. Kenpachi raised a hand and the line stopped. He looked around, but the growing night made it difficult to see anything. However, he could barely make out a pillar of dust ahead. He gritted his teeth.
"Damn it," he growled. "We'll stop here for now. I want us…GET DOWN!" he shouted.
Gunshots began to ring out, but something wasn't right. However, all that they knew was that they were being fired at.
"DON'T FIRE," Kenpachi roared. "We don't want to waste ammo."
That was when he realized what was wrong. Whoever was firing at them was aiming to miss.
"It's a diversion," Ikkaku said. "Sir, they're not shooting at us. They're trying to pin us down."
"I know," Kenpachi whispered.
Then the firing stopped. Kenpachi looked around and then the night erupted in another explosion. He looked at the pass they traveled through and saw boulders falling and blocking the path.
"Damn it," he whispered. "Ikkaku, Yumichika, see if we can get the horses over that rockslide. "Seizo, contact Maki-Maki and inform him to be on the lookout."
"Yes sir," Seizo said as he dismounted and took the field telephone off his back.
"Kenny," Yachiru whispered and looked up at him. "What just happened?"
"We've just been made a fool of," Kenpachi said. "Damn it, someone got their information wrong."
Desatoya Mountains
"Sir, we got word from Rudobon. Alejo successfully diverted a force of Gotei soldiers and they're now making their way north."
"Good," Skullak said as he put on his helmet made from the skull of a bull with one horn shattered and the other with a long crack running down its length. "Alright men, let's get moving."
The other Exequias got onto their horses and began to ride through the Desatoya Mountains and into the Borderlands.
Karakura Town, 11 Years Before
"So," she said. "Have you found a girlfriend yet?"
"Not really," Kaname said. "Have you found a boyfriend yet?"
"As a matter of fact, I have."
"Really? Of course, I shouldn't really be surprised."
"Why, are you jealous or something?"
"Oh please," he said. "You know that jealousy is simply a sign of weakness."
"Yet you love me."
"Of course, you're the only woman I'll ever truly love…just not in that manner."
"I should hope not. So, why are you incapable of loving another woman?"
"I wouldn't say I'm incapable of loving another woman. It's just that…"
"Look, if you're gay that's fine."
"It's not that," Kaname said. "It's just that I don't know how to truly fall in love…in that way. I don't even think it's real love."
"Ah, I see. You think that just because they're not me then you can't love them. However, you're right about something. Truly loving someone is more than just sex or anything like that. True love is about the connection between people."
"I don't follow."
"My instructor, Ukitake, says that a bond forms when two people meet each other. He said that true love is when that bond becomes so strong that nothing can break it. He says that when we fight, we fight to protect others and our pride. However, when you get down to it, we all fight for one thing."
"What's that?"
"We fight to protect those we love, whether that love's in the form of friendship or family or more of an erotic love, it doesn't matter. Love is love. Do you understand?"
"Not really," Kaname said.
"Well, I hope I'm there when you do."
Karakura Town
Dawn came to Karakura Town.
Kaname Tosen made his way through the streets.
"'Love is love,'" he whispered and then shook his head. "There's none of that in me."
He made his way to the graveyard and stood over the grave. Thoughts whirled through his mind. In the distance a bell began to ring and he knew that in a couple of hours he would have to go to the Central 46 Rotunda. However, for now, it was just him and her.
"I'm back," he said and knelt by her grave.
Karakura Hotel
Unohana got up from the bed and pulled open the curtains. She looked at her Lieutenant who was in the other bed, still fast asleep. She smiled as Isane moaned something about the Kukkapuuro King coming to take her away. She would make sure that Isane didn't see that Kukkapuuro was on the menu.
There was a knock on the door. Unohana got up and put on a kimono over her night dress.
"Who is it?"
"It's me," Ukitake's voice said from the other side of the door.
Unohana smiled and she opened the door. Ukitake stood outside in his dark pants and white shirt. He looked at her and his face turned slightly crimson.
"Well, this is a surprise," she said. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Well…I wanted to tell you 'Good Morning,'" he said and brought out a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.
"Bellflowers, my favorite," she said as she took the bouquet. "Thank you," she said.
"It's to thank you for yesterday," he said.
"It's part of my duty."
"I know, but I…I…"
"You're welcome," she said and gave him a peck on the cheek.
She giggled as she saw his face go even redder. Then Ukitake did something that she had been hoping he would do for some time. He wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her on the mouth. She didn't mind and returned his kiss. When he broke away, he looked into her eyes and smiled.
"That's in case I don't get another chance," he said.
"I understand," Unohana said.
"Well, I'm glad to see you two finally did it," someone said and applauded. They turned and saw Kyoraku smiling at them as he clapped his hands. "I must say that's a fine way to greet each other in the morning."
"Kyoraku…how long…?" Ukitake asked.
"Oh I got here right as Captain Unohana was saying, 'Bellflowers, my favorite,'" he said and smirked. "Anyways, I came here to tell ya. Toshiro and Rangiku rode in last night. They're downstairs and they want to hear what we have to say."
Sheriff's Office
Ichigo walked in and saw Rukia slumped over her desk. However, he didn't see Renji anywhere close. He looked at the three holding cells and saw that the Arrancars were asleep. He looked at the last one and saw that the little girl was fast asleep on the cot. Starrk's duster was on top of her like a blanket.
He looked and saw Starrk sitting in the corner, looking at him.
"Good morning," Starrk said and yawned. "Did you have a good night's sleep?"
"Why should you care?" Ichigo growled.
"It's because I find that a good night's sleep helps to put me in a better mood the next day."
"Look, I'm…I'm sorry…for upsetting the little girl."
"You made her cry and I don't like it when someone makes Lilynette cry."
"I guess I wouldn't like it if someone made my little sisters cry," Ichigo said.
"In that case, we have something in common," Starrk said and he looked over at Rukia. "You should apologize to her. She was really hurt by what you did yesterday."
Ichigo looked over at Rukia and sighed. He knew that he hurt her the other day, but to have Starrk point that out was like having salt poured into an open wound. He looked at Starrk and saw that he was sitting on the cot and was stroking Lilynette's hair and humming softly.
"Orihime told me that I should trust you guys. I want to know why she said that."
"I couldn't tell you that," Starrk said. "Only Orihime could tell you. Did you think of asking her?"
"I…I did, but I…I just didn't listen."
"Bel told me once," Starrk said and looked over to the cell next to him where Harribel and Sung-Sun were still asleep, "that when a man asks a woman something, he should always be willing to listen. Orihime's a good girl. From the way she talked about you, she has feelings for you. Yet I can tell that Rukia has feelings for you as well."
"How do you know that?"
"I've seen the way Rukia acts when she's around you and how she talks about you. It's the same way Harribel was when she started to chase after me."
"I'm sure that you had plenty of women chase after you," Ichigo said.
"That's true, but wolves are usually monogamous by nature. When we mate, we mate for life. Harribel was the only one for me and I knew it from the very beginning. The problem is that I'm too much of a coward to admit it to her. So, between Orihime and Rukia, who do you like?"
"I don't really know," Ichigo said. "I guess…I never really thought about it. But, I'm curious about something. How did you know what Orihime thought about me?"
"After we escaped from Karakura Town four months ago, some of us holed up in an abandoned cabin," Starrk said. "That was a dark time. I wasn't sure if Harribel would make it, but then Captain Unohana and Orihime came. For a couple of days, we just waited to see how things would go and we all got talking. That's how I got to know her. I didn't have much contact with her when she was our prisoner."
"So you admit that she was your prisoner," Ichigo said.
"She was. The same as I am your prisoner now," Starrk said. "Ulquiorra was her guardian then and he rarely let anyone see her. Of course, he said he was under Aizen's orders, but I think a part of him was afraid that she would get hurt."
"She was hurt," Ichigo said. "She was beaten and bruised when I rescued her. Remembering that…
"I understand," Starrk said. "I would be angry at anyone who dared to hurt someone I cared for."
"Another thing we have in common," Ichigo whispered as he walked over to Rukia's desk. He looked at her sleeping over her desk and a wave of guilt came over him. "I'm sorry," he said and brushed a strand of her black hair away from her face. She moved a little and let out a small sigh. Her eyes began to open and she straightened.
"I must have fallen asleep," she said and then she stiffened when she saw Ichigo. "Oh…Ichigo…I'm sorry sir. I didn't mean to fall asleep."
"It's alright," Ichigo said. "I should be the one to say 'sorry.' I acted like a complete asshole yesterday, and I'm sorry."
"Well, at least you admitted it," Rukia said. "Where's Renji?"
"I don't know," Ichigo said. "I'll go look for him. You just stay here and keep an eye on them."
As Ichigo went out, he did not see the shadowy figure of Hanza Nukui follow him.
Central 46 Rotunda
Chief Justice Iustitia walked towards the double doors of the Rotunda. The other members of Central 46 were already gathering for the annual Closed Council. He nodded to one of the Pinkerton Agents who would be guarding the doors to make sure that no one entered without permission.
He saw Chief Justice Tosen talking with one of the other Chief Justices.
"Ah, Chief Justice Iustitia," the other Chief Justice said and bowed.
"Good morning, Chief Justice Dylan and Chief Justice Tosen."
"Good morning, Chief Justice Iustitia," Tosen said as he picked up his bag. "I'm glad that you could make it. I heard a rumor that you were a little bit ill."
"I would never miss this," Iustitia said. "I wouldn't miss a Closed Council meeting if I was on my death bed."
"I hear ya," Dylan said and laughed. "It's one of the only times that all of Central 46 is actually forced to gather. I hope that the two replacements know that."
"I'm sure they do," Kaname said. The bells began to ring.
"That's our signal to begin the Closed Council," Iustitia said.
"Yes, it is," Kaname said as Central 46 made their way into the Central Chamber.
Outside Central 46 Rotunda
"Damn it Renji, where are you?" Ichigo asked.
He stopped when he heard moaning coming from one of the alleys. He saw a pair of feet sticking out of the shadows and he rushed over.
"Renji?" he asked, but stopped when he saw the figure.
It wasn't Renji. The last time he checked Renji didn't have blonde hair; nor did he have a habit of continually biting his lower lip. He looked at Shinji Hirako, the head of the Visored Squad, sprawled out in the alley.
"Shinji, what happened?" Ichigo asked.
"I happened," someone said and before Ichigo could react he felt something hard hit his head. "Good night, sweet prince," Hanza Nukui said and he looked up as the bells signaling the beginning of the Closed Council began. "Well, time to get to work."
Central Chamber, Central 46 Rotunda
"Attention," the Minister of the Rotunda said. "This Closed Council is now in session."
Kaname Tosen sat back in his chair. He knew that the time was near. When he received the call the evening before from Tsukishima, he knew what had to be done. Now, things were going according to the plan that Tsukishima laid out for him.
"Chief Justice Iustitia, would you please give your address to your fellow Chief Justices?"
"I will be honored," Chief Justice Iustitia said and he approached the central podium. He cleared his throat when he began. "As you know, the day after tomorrow is Día de los Muertos, when we honor those who have lost their lives in the service of the Gensei Provinces. Each year, all of Central 46 gathers for the Closed Council in which we reflect on the past year and on the year to come. As you know, our main obligation is…"
"…FOR JUSTICE," Kaname shouted and he stood up.
Chief Justice Iustitia looked at him and murmurs of surprise rose from the others. The Minister of the Rotunda got up from his seat next to the podium.
"Tosen," he said. "This is unheard of. No one has ever dared to disturb the…"
"I dare to now," Kaname said. "Chief Justice Iustitia, wouldn't you say that our main priority is to ensure that Justice is kept throughout the Gensei Provinces?"
"Of course I would," Iustitia said.
"Would you say that you kept to it over the course of your career?"
"I would."
"What's this all about?" one of the Chief Justices asked.
Kaname only ignored him and he allowed one hand to travel to his bag. He could hear footsteps outside and knew that the time had come.
"Do you remember a case that came before you ten years ago? It was a case where a young woman was killed by her fiancé."
"I…I don't recall."
"You do recall," Kaname said. "I remember it. I know full well that you did not keep your oath to uphold Justice."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about what the defendant told me…before I carried out his actual sentence."
Fort Seireitei, 8 Years Before
He waited for him. The man came out of the bar, drunk as he was the night he dared to kill her. Kaname waited a while before stepping out from the shadows of the alley.
"Good evening," Kaname said.
"What's good 'bout it?" he asked in a slurred voice.
"Well, you're getting married tomorrow, right?"
"How'd you know?"
"Did you get into a brawl in there?"
"Yeah, but at least…at least dis time I don't have to kill no one."
"What do you mean?"
"Tch...da last time I got married my fiancé gave me shit about getting into a…into a fight and…and…and…"
"And you killed the man?"
"Damn right I killed him. He was gonna kill me…at least dat's what I told de judge. She gave me shit so I…I killed her. Fucking bitch deserved it for giving me shit."
"How did you get off?"
"How'd I get off? Daddy's got money…lots a money. He paid da judge off."
"I see. What was this judge's name?"
"Let's see here it was…it was…Eustace? No, dat ain't it. Constance? No, dat ain't it either. Iustitia? Yeah, dat's it. Iustitia… a very smart man to take the payment. Say, you look familiar. Have we met before?"
"We did. I have one last question for you. Do you feel guilty for killing your fiancé?"
"Fuck no," he said and snorted. "I ain't feel sorry for it. Bitch had it coming for giving me shit."
"I see."
"Ya know…I can't quite put my finger on it. But ya look familiar."
"I should," Kaname said. "I was close to your fiancé. The one you murdered," he said and pulled out the revolver.
"Dat's right," the other man said. "She told me about you. Another reason why I'm glad I killed her. She probably fucked you. I ain't gonna marry no whore. I'm glad she dead. I'm glad I got away with it. You fucked her so I fucked your own mistress. What's her name again?"
"Justice," he said.
"Dat's right," the other man said. "So…whatcha gonna do 'bout it?"
"This," Kaname said and brought out the revolver from his jacket pocket and fired three shots into the man's chest. The other man fell back, still alive. Kaname didn't hear anyone coming and so approached the man on the ground. "For Justice," he said and fired one bullet into the dying man's head.
"Well done," Aizen said as he stepped from the shadows. "I was right in thinking that you would go through with it."
"He made a mockery of Justice," Kaname said. "Now, I have one more name to cross off."
"You will, but you'll have to wait for that. I know of a way to make sure that everyone pays for daring to make a mockery of Justice," Aizen said and put a hand on Kaname's shoulder. "They'll all pay for shattering her dreams."
Central 46 Rotunda
"Do you understand now, Iustitia? All of you dared to make a mockery of Justice and now you must pay the price."
"What are you…?" the Minister of the Rotunda began when Kaname put a bullet in his head.
Screams filled the chamber as the other Chief Justices got up. However, at that moment, the doors burst open and the Pinkerton Agents whom Tsukishima had standing watch outside burst in and began to open fire.
"Kaname, what are you doing?" one of the two replacement Chief Justices asked. "This wasn't part of the deal."
"Change of plans," Kaname said and shot the Chief Justice in the throat.
Kaname walked down the steps to the floor. He occasionally shot one of the other Chief Justices, but the agents were making quick work of the others. The air in the chamber was filled with the aroma of gun-smoke and blood. The agents spread throughout the rest of the chamber and picked off any of the Chief Justices who weren't quite dead. Kaname made his way to where Chief Justice Iustitia still stood.
"What…have you done?" he gasped.
"I made sure that Justice will be served," Tosen said and raised the revolver.
"Is this Justice?"
"It is," Tosen said. "You could have avoided this if you turned down the bribe."
Iustitia couldn't say anything to that. Instead, he lowered his head and closed his eyes.
"Taking that bribe is the one thing I regret. After that, I tried my best to uphold my principals."
"I know," Tosen said. "But that doesn't change the fact that you spit on her grave when you accepted that bribe," he said and pulled the trigger.
"I take it that's everyone," Hanza Nukui said as he came in.
"So it would seem," one of the agents said.
"Hmm, not quite," Hanza said and he counted. "I would say that there are about seven left."
"What are you talking about?" one of the other agents asked. "We got them all."
"Oh…all of the Chief Justices are dead, but…"
Hanza Nukui turned to the agent and shot him. The other agents were too surprised to do much of anything. Hanza Nukui smiled as he shot them all down and then he turned to Kaname.
"What is this?" Tosen asked, surprised.
"Change of plans," Hanza said and shot him.
Tosen felt the bullet pierce him and he fell back. He was gasping and groaning. He heard another pair of footsteps come in.
"Tsukishima," he gasped.
"I'm sorry, Tosen," Tsukishima said. "However, it would look too suspicious if one Chief Justice came out of this alive. Nukui, are the agents I sent here taken care of?"
"Yes sir," Hanza said. "I made sure that people will think they died heroes."
"Good," Tsukishima said and he pulled out his own revolver.
"What are you doing?" Hanza asked.
"Giving you a new assignment," he said and pulled the trigger. Hanza Nukui looked surprised. "Come on, you should have known something was up when I came in wearing gloves and boots."
"Bastard," Hanza gasped before falling to the floor.
"Tsukishima, why?" Tosen gasped.
"Call it, 'Tying up loose ends,'" Tsukishima said and aimed the revolver at Tosen.
Karakura Town, 12 Years Before
"I heard the good news," Kaname said. "You got into the Gotei Training Program."
"I did," she said. "I also heard that you got into the Academy of Law. Congratulations, Kaname."
"Thanks," Kaname said and smiled. "Just think about it, we'll both be doing what we wanted."
"I'm glad that you kept that enthusiasm."
"Do you remember that promise we made each other when we were kids?"
"Yeah, I do. Now, we've fulfilled it."
"Yes, but…let's renew it."
"Alright, you remember where to go?"
"Of course I do: the old tree on the hill."
"That's right," she said. "I'll see you there later tonight."
Central 46 Rotunda
Tsukishima fired the revolver and the bullet struck Kaname in the chest. He knew that it would only be a matter of time now before Kaname died, but he wanted to make sure that things looked the way he wanted them to. That demanded that some of the shots looked hasty. He looked around and he smiled.
"Now then, time to put out the 'evidence'," he said and reached into his coat pocket.
He walked over to Hanza's corpse and knelt beside it. He brought out a folded sheet of paper and put it in one pocket with one corner sticking out far enough to be seen, but not too far as to look suspicious. He got up and looked down at the body. He turned and was careful to step in the growing pools of blood.
"You should have noticed this too, Hanza," he said and looked down at the boots that were a little too small for him. He made sure to leave bloody boot prints. "Now, one last thing," he said and dropped the revolver. He then ran down the corridor, making sure that the bloody boot-prints matched what he wanted seen: a hasty get-away. He smiled as he reached into his pocket and brought out one last item and he let it drop from his gloved hand.
He stopped and looked back. A trail of faint bloody boot-prints followed until they stopped about five steps behind him. He smiled and he took off the boots. He walked over to one of the columns and brought out the bag he hid. He put the boots inside and brought out his own shoes. He looked at his watch and smiled.
He got up and slung the bag over his shoulder. From far off, he could hear the double doors in the entryway open. Three pairs of footsteps came in and Tsukishima smiled as he walked to the backdoor.
"It's show-time," he whispered and walked out into the early afternoon.
Karakura Town, 12 Years Before
Kaname stood under the tree. The light of the sunset beat against his face and a warm breeze blew against him. She stood with him and they both placed their hands on the tree.
"Do you want to go first?"
"No, you can go first," he said.
20 Years Before
"If you insist," the girl said.
"I insist," the boy said.
"No, let's do it together."
"Count of three?"
"One…"
"Two…"
"Three," they said at the same time.
"I swear upon this tree to do whatever I can to do what is right and noble. We, Kaname and Sarah Tosen promise this. We swear to do all things for Justice."
The two finished and looked at each other.
"Thanks for doing this with me, Brother," Sarah Tosen said.
"I'm glad I did, Sis," Kaname Tosen said.
In the distance they heard their mother yelling that supper was ready. The two looked at each other and smiled. Hand-in-hand, they ran home.
Central 46 Rotunda
He felt his life leaving him. Coldness swept through his body. From far off, he could hear voices. He heard running footsteps coming his way.
"Holy shit," one of them cried out. "Mizuiro get Ichigo here. Keigo, I need you to go back to the Pinkerton Agency and get the Investigation Force and find those Officers from Fort Seireitei. I'll stay here and secure the scene and make sure that you don't step in those prints. They're evidence."
"Whatever you say, Tatsuki," one of the others said.
"Damn, what happened here?" Tatsuki asked herself.
She then noticed Tosen on the ground and the shallow motion of his chest. She rushed to him and knelt beside him.
"Chief Justice," she said. "Hang on. I'm gonna get help."
He tried to speak, but the girl was already rushing out and calling for one of the other two to get the doctors over. He closed his eyes and he could see…
Karakura Town, 10 Years Before
…his sister's lying in the coffin. Her revolvers are crossed beneath her hands on top of her chest. He can only stand there as the ceremony is done. He remembered that night they made their vow to do whatever they could to uphold Justice and now Justice was at stake.
He approached her coffin and knelt beside it.
"Sis," he said. "I have a new vow to make."
Karakura Town, Early That Morning
"I'm back," Tosen said as he knelt beside the grave.
"I know it's been a few days since I've visited you. I have something I need to do," he said and laid the bouquet of flowers on her grave and he traced the name SARAH TOSEN that was engraved in the stone. "I have to complete the vow I made to you. There's only one person left and I must make him pay. I have to do this…"
Central 46 Rotunda
"…for Justice."
"No," his sister's voice answered and he could feel her hand in his, "for Justice and Mercy and Love, Brother. Do you understand? Without those three things, you're not truly fighting for what's right."
"I understand…Sis," Tosen said and he smiled as her face came into view.
I see. I can see you, he thought.
Then everything went black.
End of Chapter 9
A.N.: This chapter was a hard one to write. Originally, I was going to have Tosen slaughter Central 46 at the end of Chapter 7. However, I wanted to get Tosen's backstory in before I killed him off (yes, Tosen is dead), and so decided to hold off until Chapter 9. I'm glad I did. I didn't want to stray too far from Tosen's backstory as it appeared in the manga since it was extremely tragic and I felt that it gave Aizen the right tools to use to get Tosen on his side.
So, two parts of Aizen's plot have now come about: the theft of a large supply of the Gensei Provinces gold reserves to cause the bankers to panic and the slaughter of Central 46. However, what does Tsukishima have planned? What is Ulquiorra's plan to get Starrk and the others out of prison? What is Yoruichi's plan to do the same thing? What will happen in the Borderlands? These questions will be revealed in Chapter 10.
Thank you for reading and please review.