Yes, I know, I'm dumb for taking so long, but here's the next chapter. Hope you like it.

Chapter 17 ~ Making a Plan

Arriving in Karakura Town just outside of Urahara's shop, Jin first noted the strange feeling in the air. Undoubtedly, Hollows had turned the area into a kind of haunt, and even as the Senkaimon closed behind them, he could feel the presence of several, all across the city and (he hoped was mistaken) a possible Menos-class Hollow.

However, just as the feeling set in, it disappeared and Jin felt another presence, one that was reminiscent of Atsuya's subordinate, Yashan, who had nearly stabbed Sajin in the neck during their rehabilitation at the Fourth's barracks. Was Atsuya sending his servants to kill the Hollows, or was Atsuya here himself?

The door to Urahara's shop opened and Kisuke Urahara stepped out, grinning widely.

"Well, it's been a little while, hasn't it, Captain Komamura?" he said cheerily, "and of course, your Third Seat, although from what I've heard, he's actually been promoted to your own son, hasn't he?"

"It's nice to see you too, Mr. Urahara," Sajin replied, detached and businesslike.

"So, you're the new Captain, Jin Narukami?" Urahara remarked. He gave an impressed whistle. "A new kid captain! I'm sure that Captain Hitsugaya's not too thrilled about that." From his pocket, he pulled out a fan and flicked it open, holding it in front of his face. "And Lieutenant Hisagi."

"I take it you know why we're here," Sajin stated simply.

His cheerfulness was subdued, but did not vanish, as Urahara replied. "Yes. The Head Captain already informed me of the current problem and I've already looked into it. Come inside and I'll gladly share what I know."

They followed him inside to a small room where most of them sat around a wooden table. Komamura, too large to be seated, stood off to the side and just as Urahara's two young protégés—Ururu and Jinta—dropped off cups of tea, the door opened once more and a dark-skinned, golden-eyed woman entered.

"I've checked the site, like you said, Kisuke," Yoruichi Shihoin remarked, "but I can't find any signs of the perpetrators beyond small remnant of their spiritual energy. Judging by their powers, I'd say that they are either Vizards or Arrancar, but their powers are definitely some kind of mixture between Hollows and Soul Reapers. Since I haven't been able to watch them in action, I can't be sure which."

"Thank you, Yoruichi," Urahara answered.

"There's more," Yoruichi continued. She reached into her shirt and pulled out a small bag—inside the bag was what seemed to be a piece of whitish plastic. "I found this at one of the sites." She handed it to him and he looked at it carefully.

"I've seen something like this before," he admitted. "It's a kind of bait that, when broken, opens small Garganta through which low-class Hollows can come through. Occasionally, a larger piece of bait could attract a Menos, but that's rare, unlikely."

"So, whomever executing the Hollows has been using this bait to do it?" Shuhei remarked.

Urahara looked up as if he'd only just noticed them sitting there. "I believe so. Though, why they're attracting Hollows is a mystery."

"It's for the Yami," Koji stated before he could stop himself.

"The Yami?" Yoruichi repeated in surprise.

"Impossible," Urahara stated. "Just to get to the Yami means that one has to reach the lowest level of Hell first."

"Perhaps, but it's not impossible. Ichigo has done it before," Yoruichi remembered.

"If it's been done before, that won't stop Atsuya," Jin explained, "and I know for a fact that Atsuya can't—or won't—resist the chance to increase his own power. He's already powerful with Kido, but his zanpakuto—I've never seen him release his zanpakuto. Almost every opponent he's gone against has been defeated with a sealed zanpakuto, hakuda, and Kido."

"He's that powerful?" Yoruichi asked in disbelief.

"No, he's that intelligent. As a Soul Reaper, his strength is unbelievably average. He's mind is his real weapon. That's how he's always been—hiding weakness behind cunning. I know for a fact that he doesn't lay all his cards on the table at once and he'll only release his zanpakuto in the most serious of situations. I've never seen personally."

"So, he's highly intelligent, but intellect is not a perfect substitute for power. He's probably no match for a captain," Koji stated. "I'm sure you or Father could—"

"He's always been stronger than me for as long as I can remember. For all I know, he could've achieved Bankai," Jin remarked.

Koji sighed. "I can't go one minute without putting my foot in my mouth."

"His strength could stagnate if without proper training," Urahara mentioned. "It's possible that he's become weaker than you, Captain Narukami."

"The first issue is getting him to reveal himself," Sajin noted. "He's been extremely elusive and that's a problem for us."

"Not really," Jin said. "I can try to draw him out."

"How so?"

"I spoke with him while we were being treated at the Fourth's barracks. He snuck in with one of his servants and he offered me a chance to join him. My intention is to allow him to find me—"

"Turning yourself into bait?" Sajin gasped. "That sounds a little drastic for a situation that we're not sure of."

"Sajin, I know how my brother thinks. I'm a lose end to him. He practically spilled his entire plan to me, so he'll want to deal with me sooner rather than later. My best guess is that Atsuya will attempt to coerce me again. If I pretend to join him, I'll be able to relay more information to you."

"If he sees through the deception?"

"He'll kill me."

"That's a bit too dangerous," Urahara remarked.

"I agree," Sajin added. "Jin, at the very least, you'll need backup, somebody who can be captured alongside you for added support."

"He wouldn't buy that."

"Captain," Shuhei began. "I think that the actual act of using yourself as bait is not only dangerous but—sorry—half-thought out. What if he kills you regardless?"

"Knowing how Atsuya operates, he'll know that you're my lieutenant and he's already seen Sajin."

"What about me?" Koji asked. "He hasn't met me."

"Atsuya's intellect is his pride. He'll have done his research before risking returning to the Seireitei to recruit me. I think our best is to simply let me pretend to join him. At least then he'll be distracted."

"Well, what if I transformed myself?" Koji suggested. "I'm really good with Kido; I can disguise myself with Kido like I did before."

"Possibly. It's a chance."

"No, I don't want to risk his life."

"I'm a Soul Reaper," Koji stated with pride and, for the first time, he sounded offended. "I live by putting my life on the life. I've already risked my life by following you here. This is just another part of doing my duty."

Urahara closed his fan with a clicking noise that demanded their attention. "Your plan isn't as thought out as you believe it to be, Captain Narukami. Your false betrayal has so many faults that it's hard to know where to begin. I would suggest that we wait and do a little more investigation before we reach a final decision."

"No. I know Atsuya more than anyone! I know how he thinks! Just let me try! I'm the best chance we have!"

They were silent as they thought through his words. Finally, Sajin spoke.

"Only if we can watch you while you try this. I want us to be there in case something goes wrong."

Jin huffed. "You're not going to let this drop, are you, Sajin?"

"No."

He sighed. "Fine. But not too close. You can't jeopardize my plan."

Hope you like it. Enjoy.