Becoming who we were meant to be
16: All the wiser
Rukia exits the interior training grounds with a sigh. After overseeing a few fighting and kido routines from her lower-ranked soldiers and being generally satisfied with their skills, she had decided to delegate the rest of today's squad training to her fourth seat. The guy was qualified and more than capable of taking over the task, and besides, she had other things on her plate.
Things like paperwork.
Or Ichigo.
The last few days had been rather quiet, to put it simply. Ichigo got back on his feet by spending all his free time training and focusing on the imminent emergence of the 14th division, even though he hadn't spoken a word to Hirako-taichou or Byakuya as of yet. It's not like he was purposely avoiding them, but Rukia knew it would take some time for the incident to become water under the bridge.
Sliding open the door of her office, Rukia recalls Hirako-taichou's words.
"Pardon my crude actions, Kuchiki-san," he said as soon as Ichigo's body went limp from falling unconscious, lowering his sword. "Believe me when I say I wish we could've done this another way."
Rukia exhaled a breath she'd unknowingly been holding in. His eyes were apologetic, almost regretful as he stepped away from her. Rukia relaxed a little, glancing at her brother. He kept his eyes closed, but Rukia knew him too well to miss the tension in his jaw and the way he angled his body away from her.
Guilt.
Byakuya spoke then, justifying their actions. "Yamamoto-soutaichou can't risk one of his captains endangering anyone else."
"We have to make sure Ichigo isn't and will never be a ticking time bomb." Hirako said, studying Ichigo's sleeping form. "Especially if he wants to win Yamamoto's trust."
Rukia reflected over their words, walking over to Ichigo as her eyes dressed up into their usual cloak of coldness.
"I understand." She said with a nod directed at Hirako-taichou.
He returned the nod, waiting a moment. "He will be angry when he wakes up."
Rukia crouched in front of Ichigo, sighing in resignation. She would be there when he woke up. And she would try to make him understand, too.
Before she can fully step into her office, her captain's words stop her; pulling her out of her thoughts in the process.
"Ah, Rukia!" Ukitake exclaims and Rukia lifts her surprised eyes to him, bowing her head not a second later.
"Sir," she greets him with a polite smile.
Ukitake smiles in his usual kind demeanor. "I'm glad I caught you. I've got good news."
"And lastly; the fourteenth division training grounds."
Ichigo's eyes widen at the view, about a mile or two long of bare grounds extending before him. He hears Atsuyo give a low whistle behind him, seeming just as much in awe as he is. Having both been summoned by the first division, they had found themselves exploring the halls of the freshly constructed buildings and what would soon grow to be their division.
From the soldiers and lieutenant's barracks to the headquarters, the whole visit feels beyond surreal. Surprisingly, Ichigo finds himself being grateful that he doesn't have to through it alone.
"Here are the official documents for you to sign," the soldier says, handing the documents to Ichigo first and bowing. "Kurosaki-taichou, Shiba-fukutaichou."
Ichigo supresses a sigh at the amount of text as he begins to read -somehow this already feels like the hundredth document he's had to sign. His eyes scan the paper quickly, paying more attention to the last paragraph at the bottom.
As an official officer and captain of the Gotei 14, I hereby declare to lead my immediate subordinate to the best of my capacities, and thus pledge to take responsibility for their actions in the duration of their services in this division.
He would've frowned at that, had his face not already been wearing one. Despite the doubtful use of words, Ichigo signs without much hesitation, reminding himself that every captain of the Gotei 14 has had to sign those at one point or another. It's more of a formality than anything else.
He then follows on with one or two honestly quite useless signatures about -ironically- health and safety precautions, as well as security in the headquarters. The latter stipulates he is to, quote unquote: ensure order amongst his subordinates and is to refrain any of them from taking part in training methods which may possibly result in the partial and/or complete destruction of the division infrastructures. Blah, blah, blah.
Suppressing a snicker, Ichigo signs at the appropriate lines, then hands the document over to Atsuyo.
When he, in turn, finishes signing the documents and gives them back, the first division officer bows in Ichigo's direction. "Kurosaki-taichou, if all is settled, I may take my leave."
Ichigo gives one nod in his instance, sharp enough so he understands his services are no longer required. A tip he's picked up on over the last few weeks.
"So," he starts once the soldier is out of sight, turning to Atsuyo. "What to do you think?"
Atsuyo meets Ichigo's eyes like he's been caught off guard, and once again he seems to hesitate before answering. He scratches his elbow, gaze falling over the grandiose space before them.
"I think…" he scoffs then, shaking his head slightly when he recalls their last conversation in Ichigo Kurosaki's office. "Honestly I still can't quite believe this is real."
Ichigo twitches in surprise at Atsuyo's words. Again, this isn't quite what he had expected from the guy. Maybe a part of himself still expects him to revert back to his cocky attitude.
"The fourteenth division, or being a lieutenant?" Ichigo inquires, trying to solve the puzzle that was this kid, even if just a little further.
"…Both."
A smirk breaks out on Ichigo's face, one which he allows to appear without restraint. "Yeah, I know the feeling."
Atsuyo returns the grin, relaxing his stance. Ichigo begins making his way inside the training grounds, taking a look around at all the equipment laid out on the back wall. An idea pops in his head then, and he gestures towards the training area. After all, the least he can do is get an idea of his own lieutenant's skills.
"What do you say we break it in?"
Atsuyo shifts his weight onto his other leg, tensing up once again. "Break it in…? As in…training?"
"Yeah," Ichigo nods, crossing his arms over his chest. "One-on-one combat."
"Uh," he scratches his neck. "Alright. But, sir, I-."
"You know, I don't mind if- nah, actually, I'd prefer you calling me Ichigo." He goes to grab a wooden sword, holding it up next to Zangetsu, weighing the options. "Practice weapon or Zanpakutos?"
Atsuyo stands immobile, speechless and looking a little shocked. In the entire history of the Seireitei, he's never heard of a captain asking to be called by their first names, yet, given the situation, he manages to get past it rather quickly. Surprises himself, even. But then again…
…no bullshit, right?
He squares his shoulders, closing the mouth that had slowly been opening. "Zanpakutos." He answers, his voice having regained some confidence. "If you're gonna be sizing me up might as well go for the real deal."
Ichigo pauses for a short second as he replaces the wooden sword back on the rack. He grins to himself at the realization that he's already unveiling a new side to Atsuyo Shiba.
"Agreed."
Walking into position, he waits until Atsuyo faces him from a few meters away, unsheathing his katana for the first time. Ichigo notices the dark blue color of its hilt- and he suddenly remembers just how intimidating his own weapon can appear to others.
"Uh, right," he gives a questionable look at Zangetsu in his hand, how huge it appears in comparison to Atsuyo's. "My Zanpakuto is always in shikai form, so don't hesitate to release yours."
Atsuyo nods once in understanding, positioning his feet and bending his knees in a defensive position, already narrowing his eyes in focus.
It takes a while before neither of them moves, like they're assessing everything about their current opponent; weapon, height, feet-positioning, balance. Both trying to predict how the other is going to move.
Eventually Atsuyo attacks first, call it courage or young arrogance, but he does, swinging his katana so rapidly it seems like its cutting through the air, and that's all it takes for Ichigo to know the guy is fast. Really fast. Maybe even faster than himself.
Although, not quite as fast as Kuchiki Rukia. Who he, thankfully, has been training with for the past month.
He sees it coming and blocks effortlessly, instantly noticing the attack is lacking in strength. Ichigo smirks, transferring to Zangetsu enough force to push Atsuyo away in one simple motion. The kid blinks once, his expression unfazed.
Truthfully, Atsuyo was expecting to get his ass kicked, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't give this fight his all.
He repositions himself, re-focusing onto his opponent. He jumps in the air, attacking Ichigo from above and hoping to catch him by surprise, but Ichigo manages to interrupt his onslaught with one hand, grabbing his katana by the blade like its dull and throwing him off balance. Atsuyo doesn't even have time to be surprised before landing on the ground, rolling onto his side and up on his feet once more, his weapon on the ground a meter or so away.
Ichigo comes forth with a swing, purposely weakly doing so and letting Atsuyo dodge before he sees him run to his katana. He takes hold of it and turns to face his captain with sharp eyes.
"Scream, Aoikarasu," he murmurs under his breath.
Wind suddenly erupts and twirls around Atsuyo, forcing Ichigo to back away by a step or two with wide eyes. Soon enough the wind dissipates, revealing Atsuyo's shikai. The katana has been replaced by a slim silver blade in his dominant hand; while a much shorter, black dagger resides in his other hand, this one held horizontally. His stance reminds Ichigo of that of an assassin and he mirrors the intensity in his subordinate's eyes, side grin stretching his lips as he prepares for a third and different attack.
They both charge seemingly at the same time but Ichigo pays special attention to Atsuyo's movements. They're even quicker than before, yet something about his shikai demonstrates greater defence, and lesser offence. Ichigo swings Zangetsu left and right, studying the way his opponent dodges. Up, down, to the side- It's like wind pushes Atsuyo's body in every direction without him having to even try.
Until out of the sudden, Atsuyo lifts his sword so fast Ichigo tenses in surprise at the sound of their weapons clashing together. But Ichigo's feet are solid on the ground and he stands tall and strong, causing the impact to send Atsuyo flying backwards, feet scrapping the ground with a cloud of dust.
Atsuyo's eyebrows knit together for half a second before he rips through the air with both his sword and his dagger, midnight-blue ripples flying towards Ichigo at unbelievable speed. Ichigo swings Zangetsu across, breaking through and neutralizing the attack.
This kid is talented, Ichigo thinks then. He finally understands how making him a lieutenant was even a possibility in the first place. There's no denying his speed is remarkable, and knowing it comes close to Rukia's, he can't even imagine how easy it must've been for Atsuyo to win fights against other students at the academy. A prodigy, right?
He's talented. But he lacks experience.
And experience is just as important, if not more.
Ichigo doesn't waste time in following through with an attack of his own, wielding Zangetsu hard and fast with three cutting motions, red slicing forward with undeniable power. Ichigo is beaming. Even though he is holding back most of his capabilities, he can't ignore the rush of strength he feels surging from the weapon in his hands and through his body. Like he is no longer at war with himself. Like he has found a common ground with the demons in his head. Like they're all equals, and have all become one.
Atsuyo stumbles after managing to avoid the attack, blinking as if he hadn't expected that much force. Ichigo takes the opportunity and lunges forward until he's but a few centimeters away from his subordinate, their swords colliding. Atsuyo bents down and appears to almost glide sideways, aiming his dagger at one of Ichigo's weak points, right below his ribs.
Ichigo dodges but not before the weapon manages to rip through his garments, demonstrating its sharpness. Ichigo strikes with his free hand, knocking the dagger out of Atsuyo's grip and earning a shocked look out of him in the process. Ichigo keeps going however, swinging Zangetsu offensively and forcing Atsuyo to step back, one foot at a time, until he can not longer maintain complete balance and falls at a particularly strong impact, sword flying out of his hand and onto the ground.
He's panting slightly, eyes falling onto his lost Zanpakuto until they look up at Ichigo, wide and waiting.
Ichigo doesn't stand there for very long, instead lowers Zangetsu and ties it against his back once more. Grinning, he offers his hand to Atsuyo.
"I'm impressed. We should do this again sometime."
His subordinate stares at the inviting hand, blinking up in silence. Eventually, he returns the grin and accepts Ichigo's hand, and gets back on his feet.
Rukia steps onto the wooden porch of Ichigo's barracks as she breaks out of shunpo, her pulse a little quicker than usual. The news she's carrying with her holds a certain kind of excitement and she waltz in, finding the room empty.
"Ichigo?" Rukia calls out and her voice echoes against the walls, waiting for an answer.
"In here!" His response travels through the closed door of his bedroom, a few feet away.
Rukia heads down the narrow corridor as her eyes light up, quite honestly rushing into the room in question without giving it much thought.
"Hey," she greets him automatically before lifting her eyes to him. "I-."
The words drown in her throat at the sight of Ichigo, standing in the middle of his bedroom in nothing but a pair of hakama pants, hair still wet and softly dripping down his naked chest.
He glances at her sideways, roughly drying his hair with a small towel and then throwing it on a chair to hang-dry. "Hey," he flashes her a small smile. "What's up?"
Rukia snaps herself out of her ridiculous staring, mentally smacking herself in the face. "Uh, I-." She frowns suddenly, crossing her arms and looking away to her side, face flushed. "You could've warned me you were half naked in here."
Ichigo blinks, glancing down at himself. "Oh…uh, sorry. Didn't really think much of it." He looks back up with a raised brow. "Does it…make you uncomfortable?"
Daring another look at his stupidly attractive figure, Rukia huffs. "Nope. I mean, why would it?"
He remains silent, like he's in the middle of an in-depth analysis of her reaction, and a smirk ends up making its way onto his face. Smug bastard.
The color on Rukia's cheeks deepens then, no matter how much she hates how little control she has over it. Before it's too late and she ends up totally losing face however, she intensifies her frown and twists around, facing away from Ichigo.
"It's a matter of basic decency, is all." She explains but barely believes it herself.
Rukia hears Ichigo let out a low, amused scoff behind her and she waits, trying to attenuate the heat that's managed to set up camp on her face. The rustle of garments reaches her ears before Ichigo speaks up once more.
"There, now I'm decent."
Rukia hesitantly turns around again, lowkey expecting him to still be half-clothed, if the playfulness in his voice is any indication. Eventually she relaxes when she confirms that he is indeed, fully dressed.
"So, what's up?" he asks her, tying the final knot of his shihakusho robes.
Regaining her front, similar to the one she had when she first walked in, Rukia sighs and her frown falls. "I have good news, Ichigo." A small smile appears when the words finally leave her lips. "Yamamoto-soutaichou authorized a visit to the world of the living, for both you and Karin."
Shock befalls Ichigo as his eyes widen and his mouth drops a little. "Are you serious? But…how? I didn't even-."
"Ukitake-taichou brought it up to him a few days ago," she clarifies. "Only conditions are; it has to be before the recruiting ceremony of the 14th division, and it can't interfere with Karin's schedule at the academy."
Ichigo lets himself sit down at the foot of the bed, quite honestly speechless at the news. "Wow, I just...it's almost unbelievable. I had convinced myself not to have too much hope; thought it may take months, or even years, before Karin would be able to visit…"
Rukia studies him, the way he's staring at his hands tells her he's obviously shaken up at the thought, probably from having rejected it so many times in the past month. She softens her expression, taking a few steps closer to him.
"…But," he continues, his face lighting up with a new hope. "It's great news -amazing news, actually." His lips stretch out widely in a smile. "I'm sure Karin will be more than relieved, and Yuzu -she'll be able to see her again."
He lifts up his head at last and his bright eyes meet her hers. Her heart tightens in her chest, and she offers him a smile. "When will you tell her?"
"…Tomorrow, I think. We had plans to meet up after her classes."
Rukia nods. "Alright. Well," she inhales, gesturing towards the door. "I have to get back to my paperwork for now. Let me know how it goes, yeah?"
Before she can turn around a hand catches her fingers, gently keeping her in place. She blinks as she looks down, then notices Ichigo's eyes. Hazel looking at her from where he's sitting, taking her in, -holding a certain intensity.
"Wait," he murmurs in a voice that surprises her. She holds his gaze, still. "Thank you."
She gives him another smile, and as small as it is, it is sincere in its entirety. Shaking her head weakly, she still doesn't move, and his fingers keep on holding hers. "I didn't do anything."
"No," he corrects. He gets up from the mattress then, once again reminded of how much shorter than him she truly is. "You did everything. You always do."
Rukia blinks repeatedly at his words, not knowing quite what to answer. Perhaps she doesn't have to add anything, she thinks as she lets silence take over.
Ichigo swallows noticeably when his Adam's apple bobs, drawing himself closer to her little by little. Rukia feels her nerves setting in on high alert and for a second, is tempted to punch him and call him a dumbass. For some reason, she doesn't.
"Rukia," he says in a low voice. He seems a little nervous, pink hues dusting his cheeks. "Can I?"
His face is still a few centimeters away from hers. Rukia hears the sound of her own heartbeat as she realizes what he's asking. He's asking her. Asking her for permission. Making sure she wants it too. Making sure she's comfortable with what he's about to do.
As warmth travels up to her cheeks and mirrors his, Rukia tries to blink the nervousness away. "Yes," she whispers.
Ichigo inhales quietly then, closing the space between them until he lets his lips fall onto hers and he kisses her. This kiss is different from the other two they had shared. It doesn't carry the weight of unspoken thoughts of the past, nor is it a build up of feelings dying to burst out. It's timid, slow and a little awkward. But it works. Ichigo's back is drastically hunched in order to reach the height of Rukia's lips, but he doesn't mind. If anything, it makes it all the more perfect. Because it's her. And he wouldn't change a single thing about her.
He cups her face in his palms, deepening the way he's kissing her. Quietly, he's letting her know -thanking her for everything and anything. Thanking her for being alive.
Karin steps outside the building with a heavy sigh, three books neatly tucked under her arm. Quite unlike the rest of her thoughts, which seem to be stumbling aimlessly in her head.
Her first written exam was right around the corner, and having joined the academy so much later than the others, it was needless to say Karin did not feel prepared enough. It was shocking how much details the students were asked to retain, truly, she would much rather focus all her energy on actual training, but that was wishful thinking. At least, for a first year at the academy it was.
Nah, she would have to spend the next few nights studying. She didn't have much of a choice. It was either that, or risk failing her very first exam. And she'd much rather be burned alive, thank you very much.
Sleep had been a tricky thing to deal with lately, anyway. She could manage without it.
Karin walks down the academy grounds, noticing the lack of civilization before she notices the grey sky above her head. She looks up and a small raindrop falls onto her forehead. Then a second, and a third. The rain takes over the clouds, but it is soft, quiet; barely more than a drizzle. There's almost no one around, probably the aftermath of this rainy weather, and Karin exhales contently. It's peaceful. For once she feels like being out here, possibly even stay and study under a tree or something.
She makes her way across the academy campus -although she's probably the only one to call it that- and spots a tall, leafy tree in a far corner. She grins, her feet bringing her closer and closer to the tree in question. Jackpot.
She sits down and leans on the trunk; noting that the grass is still dry enough for her to lay out her books. She thanks the tree for this little shelter it offers her and pulls out her notebook and pencil, tongue sticking out between tight lips as she begins concentrating.
She goes over a paragraph or two of theory, spotting a few key points and planning to write them down in her notebook, until-
The pencil's lead snaps at the base.
"For fuck's sake," she cusses without restraint. She didn't bother bringing a second pencil, and it's not like this place even has pencil sharpeners-
"Kurosaki?"
Karin freezes when she hears a familiar voice coming from above. There's no way it's who she thinks it is though, she couldn't be that unlucky, now could she?
But she looks up and her fear becomes reality as she meets Oishi's surprised eyes; sitting on a large branch a few meters above her, legs extended and all.
She swallows. God, why did he always catch her in embarrassing situations? Where was the justice in that?
"Uh, hey." She says, voice betraying the fact that she'd been caught off guard. "Uh…what are you doing in a tree?"
He blinks from his perch, like he'd been caught off guard as well. "I was…napping. It was quiet up here."
Karin feels her ears warming up. Was quiet. As in, up until she sat down and started cussing like a sailor. Probably woke him up as well.
"Oh. I- I'm sorry. I can leave if you want-."
"No, I meant." Oishi interrupts the end of her sentence, squatting and then jumping down the branch. He lands next to Karin, the pages of her notebook blowing gently with the impact. "It is quiet. Usually this place is filled with students."
Karin opens her mouth, hesitates a little before scoffing in a relieved breath. "Ah, actually, that's also why I came here to study."
Oishi looks down at the books scattered around her. He sits down, his movement calm and controlled. Just like her first impression of him. Calm and controlled.
"Studying for the kido written exam?"
Karin nods, rolling her eyes as she relaxes her tensed shoulders. "Yeah. I knew I was gonna be behind on theory, but I didn't think it would be this bad."
Oishi remains silent, eyes jumping back and forth between her and the opened pages of her books. Karin frowns a little, yet one brow travels up and arches.
"What?"
"Do you…" He stops, seems to bite the inside of his cheek. "I mean, I could help you study, if you want."
Karin's surprised gaze shifts to him and for a moment she doesn't really know what to say. Her mind is bombarded with images from a few days ago, and it takes nearly all of her self-control not to run away. But then, she lowers her chin.
If he doesn't care about it, why should she?
Fuck it. What's done is done. She should look forward, not back. After all, she needs all the help she can get if she wants to do well on this test, and she's never been one to hide away in shame.
Karin smirks as her eyes find his. "Is there anything you're not good at?"
Oishi's eyebrows ride up, perhaps not the words he had expected as an answer. He relaxes, and for the first time, Karin sees his lips curve upwards in amusement.
"Uh, making friends."
She chuckles at his response, reaching for one of her opened books and pushing it towards him. The rain continues to fall around the tree without much noise, soothing.
"Fair enough."
Atsuyo Shiba arrives at the Academy after dusk, heading straight for the third years female dorm quarters. He finds the room in question and knocks on the door four times.
The door opens and she looks at him with her green eyes, eyes that still look the same from when they were kids. "Hey."
"Hey," he gives her a smile and steps in. She closes the door behind him and sits down on her mattress where tens and tens of books are scattered across.
Atsuyo sighs at the sight. "Maybe it would be good for you to make some friends. You're cooped up in your room a little too much, don't you think?"
She looks up at him, expression cold and unimpressed. "We can't all be popular and attention-seeking like you, you know."
Atsuyo scoffs, squinting. "Ouch. What's gotten you in a mood?"
She doesn't answer, trying to focus on the written words of her book, without much success.
"Yui?" he pushes for an answer. When she stays silent he walks closer to her, mouth thin and eyes severe. "Did he…visit you again?"
Yui sighs as she gives up, closing her book and shoving it away. "Yeah." Another sigh. "Two days ago." She looks down at her lap. "He wants to me get close to Kurosaki Karin."
Atsuyo twitches in surprise. He should've seen this coming, he really should have, but with all this lieutenant stuff lately, his mind had been busy. Still, not an excuse.
He grits his teeth together. "Shit. I thought he'd leave you alone, now that I graduated."
His sister keeps quiet for a few seconds, eyeing him. "It's fine. There's not much he can do to me, anyway." She pauses; they both knew that wasn't true. "It's you I'm worried about... Are you doing what he wants you to do?"
Atsuyo paces slowly around the room, as small of a room as it is. He shakes his head, resigned. "No. It's just not who I am, Yui. I…I don't think I can go through with it."
Yui nods slowly, playing with the hem of the pants of her academy uniform. "How is he?" Atsuyo meets her eyes, waiting for her to speak his name. "Kurosaki Ichigo."
"He lives up to his reputation. He…seems like a decent person. Hell," he huffs, clicking his tongue. "Better than most of the washed-up people here. I think he could change things for the better." He shakes his head, having made up his mind without knowing so himself. "I'm not gonna betray him."
Yui crosses her arms over her chest and leans her back on the wall. "Good. I think it's the right thing to do."
"But," Atsuyo starts, frown growing heavier. "You have to tell me if he visits you again. I don't want him to threaten you-."
"He already does," Yui interrupts him, shaking her head. "He threatens both of us. What difference would it make?"
Atsuyo sighs, frustration and anger feeling like old friends he just can't get rid of. "I'm sorry, Yui. One day we'll be free. I promise."
"I know." She says, attempts a small smile. "We're doing it for us, right?"
Atsuyo returns his sister's smile, trying to ignore the bitterness in his gut. "Right. For us. Not for him."