Welcome to the next chapter!
Eavise; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
dolo-solo; Thank you for the harem suggestions!
TheDarkWolfe; Soi Fon is a cool character, I agree~
Derek 23; Thanks!
Chronosign; His relationship with the Vizards is going to be fun to explore. I could see Sakuto commenting on that too. English Voice Actor, that is hard to decide as there are many great ones out there, if you have any suggestions, that would be great! Yachiru is as you said yeah, so maybe he does have a secret sweet tooth~ Sakuto knows how to handle Mayuri~ Given enough time, they probably could do yeah. It was Orihime~
Benny Farr; It all is apart of Aizen's plans~
shephawk; Yeah, we will be exploring how Orihime and Sakuto met one another. Nemu is going to the human world too, so it will be fun to explore what she's doing~
Rider126; Yes, that's what it means.
Rayashi; I can understand why people believe that, as it can be confusing. He is called Aizen by pretty much everyone like how Kisuke Urahara is mainly known by Urahara to most despite his first name being Kisuke and other characters in the series are mainly called by their surname. All the Captains in the Japanese version are referred to by their surnames, like Captain Kuchiki, Captain Unohana and so on, with only very few exceptions by those that are very close or for other reasons, and like them, everyone calls him Captain Aizen, or simply later on Aizen after he defects, so that's why Sakuto is called Sakuto Aizen, Sakuto simply prefers to be called by his first name. Hope that cleared it up.
ShadowUzumaki55; It seems that he is yeah~ Sakuto is quite the busy person~ Soi Fon will do yeah. Its going to be fun to explore~ Orihime and Sakuto's backstory shall be explored.
Silver crow; Thanks. Glad you like the Zanpakuto design. Yeah, Sakuto did. Nanao surely did. Shunsui is very happy about the idea of them being together. Yeah, they will have a little spar against one another. Rukia loves Chappy after all~ Unohana can be scary sweet. Maybe Soi Fon did. Sakuto knows Mayuri quite well. Sosuke and Sakuto's brotherly bond is going to be quite the intriguing part of the story as we see how they feel about the other, and what the other is doing. Sakuto has some surprises about him. I have ideas for what will happen with the Hogyoku. Rangiku could do yeah. We shall see what he knows about Urahara and the rest. That would be nice for Nemu. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Yeah any of those would be fine for Giselle. We could see some of them soon enough. Nemu probably would do yeah. That would be nice if Sosuke did that. Unohana could have shown that yeah. Kukaku could do. That would be a nice scene between Ukitake and Sakuto. I have some stuff planned for Tier. Nel could do yeah. That would be cool for that story.
Guest 1; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 2; Thanks! Yeah, his Shikai is going to be shown in a pretty fun way I'd say~
GoldStar77; Yeah, its a rather chaotic life, but he enjoys the good parts of it. Yeah, it would have been awkward between Mayuri and Byakuya if that happened. Its going to be a fun little battle between them.
Orihime fan; Yeah, she surely has~ Yeah, she and Sakuto will have many scenes together~ He does yeah. It will have similarities yeah.
Guest 3; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Skull Flame; Yeah, its going to be fun to explore~ Nemu does yeah, because he does good things for her, and is pretty knowledgeable so she believes he is able to help her understand a good deal about the world, and things she has no real knowledge about such as everyday things. Kenpachi and Mayuri do yeah~ Yikes indeed~ Orihime is going to have some interesting roles to play as the story gets going. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 4; Thank you for the harem suggestions!
Queztlecoatl; That could be interesting to explore.
Guest 5; Thank you!
Guest 6; Me too, its going to be fun to explore~
Guest 7; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
With those reviews answered, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 3
The next day had arrived, the day before Sakuto and Nemu were going to be heading for the human world, Sakuto began getting out of his bed, when he felt a weight beside him.
Letting out a yawn, he saw Rangiku latched onto his upper body rather tightly. Though she was fully clothed, she still hugged him to the point he could feel her warmth.
She looked rather happy, as she laid and cuddled against him, and she refused to let go even in her sleep.
It was something that happened from time to time, especially when they had a drink together.
So he simply laid there, and soon enough, she began to wake up.
"Ugh...the sun, its too bright...put it away..."
Rangiku slowly peeled her eyes open, while Sakuto have a gentle smile.
"Sorry, seems like the suns not going away for another good few hours yet."
Rangiku looked at their position on the bed, and gave a smirk.
"Aah, I can stray like this for a little while." She allowed her head to fall against his chest. "So comfy. I can't give this comfort up now."
"Its too bad you've got work Rangiku-san."
"Ugh...please don't remind me…I can't leave the warmth of this bed..."
Rangiku snuggled against Sakuto, who in turn gave a warm hearted smile.
"Sorry, Rangiku-san. Though last night was fun."
"Wasn't it just~?" Rangiku said without opening her eyes, using a dreamy voice. "Aah, it always is fun when we get a drink together~"
Rangiku rubbed her eyes as she peeled herself upwards.
Her robes hung a little open at the chest area, and she showed an expression that was a mixture of a teasing one and a genuine happy one as well.
"Still, the sun really sucks. Though this bed is really comfortable..." Rangiku yawned, and stretched her arms above her head. "Aah, it really is too early to do anything. How can anyone be chipper this early?"
"Its nine in the morning."
Sakuto dead panned, Rangiku grinned.
"And you're not at your Captains side? You're in as much trouble as I am~"
Rangiku joked, as Sakuto pulled his tongue at her.
"My vacations started so I'm a free agent for the next month. But, I've made sure that Captain Ukitake is in capable hands."
Rangiku gave a cute pout.
"Aah! And I can't go on one for a while yet either...ugh, why did I blow mine two months ago?"
"Sorry, maybe next year we can go somewhere together."
Rangiku blinked, then giddily leaned upon him, pushing her large chest towards his right hand side, causing his face to turn ever so slightly red.
"Ooh, we could go to somewhere nice and warm huh? Well, I'd like to hit the beach, would have to get a nice bikini of course." Rangiku looked down at herself, and then her eyes went towards Sakuto. "And you need a sensual swimsuit as well, Saku-kun. But don't worry, I know what looks great on you~"
"You do? Then I'll leave it with you what to get."
Rangiku gave a cheery smile, and leapt up to her feet.
"Good~ I have an eye for this stuff, you know~? I will get you one that's totally dazzling, and suits you very well~ In all areas~" Her singsong voice caused Sakuto to lightly smile. "But, look at the time, my Captain is going to be yelling at me for being late..."
"I sent word ahead that you'd be late, so hopefully nothing too bad will happen with Shiro-chan."
Rangiku placed a hand to her chest, and gives a happy smile.
"You did for me? You're so sweet~" Rangiku let out a breath. "But...the Captain is still going to be annoyed with me...especially since I didn't finish yesterdays work either..."
Sakuto suppressed a small laugh.
"Is that so?"
"I was busy...sleeping, and then we got together. You know how boring it can be."
"Can't argue with you there, sometimes it can be."
Rangiku nods "You understand me so well~" as she made her way towards Sakuto.
"Well, I've got to get going, see me again before you go, okay?"
"I will make sure of it."
Rangiku winked, and walked out of the bedroom.
Sakuto gave a light hearted smile, and went on with his day.
A small time later after everything had settled down, Sakuto was within his room, working on something for Yachiru, who was bouncing around happily all around him.
"And...there you go Yachiru-san, your wheels have been installed."
Sakuto handed Yachiru back her Zanpakuto with its sheath having the wheels in question, something that Yachiru had asked Sakuto to do for her.
"Yay! How fast can it go huh?"
"Depends on the amount of spirit energy you put into it Yachiru-san. Though keep in mind the speed you're going, okay? Wouldn't want you to burn out too quickly."
Yachiru gasped excitedly.
"Really!? You did that Saku-chan?!"
"You said you wanted to burn rubber, right? Now how you drive it is..."
Yachiru hopped onto her sword like she was riding a surf board, and channelled her spiritual energy.
Within moments, she practically blasted out of the door with the wheels rapidly spinning, nearly breaking them off fully, and shot out of the garden of Sakuto's, where he heard a little scream.
Sakuto looked outside, seeing a bewildered looking Momo who stared at the exit of the garden.
"Eeh, she's forever on the go it seems huh Momo-chan?"
Momo didn't know if she should nod or not, as she approached his room.
"So...what was that about?"
Momo wondered, so Sakuto explained.
"She asked for wheels. She said she wished to burn rubber, a saying she heard some others say. I had the time, so I hooked her up with some for her sheath."
"Hehe, Yachiru-san is going to be burning rubber. That sounds a little scary."
"At least she's happy~"
Momo couldn't argue with that as she walked into Sakuto's room.
The young man himself began packing away some equipment, while Momo watched on with soft eyes.
"Something on your mind Momo-chan?"
"Not really, I was thinking about something. That's all."
"Ooh, money for your thoughts? Or want me to give your Zanpakuto sheath some wheels too?"
He joked, only for Momo to shake her head with a smile working its way onto her face.
"No, nothing like that Sakuto-kun. I was curious, are you ready for your fight with Captain Aizen?"
"I suppose so. It would be interesting at least. Its more of a demonstration, than anything serious. But still exciting. Excited to see it Momo-chan?"
"Yup, I'll be cheering for you the entire time Sakuto-kun!"
"What about your Captain?"
Momo developed a cute shy look to her face.
"W-Well, that would also be...of course I'll be cheering for Captain Aizen too!"
"Haha, well if you're cheering Momo-chan, then I'm sure to do well~"
Momo smiles serenely, all the while she looked towards Sakuto.
Her face curled upwards ever so slightly.
"So Sakuto-kun, I heard you're going with Kurotsuchi-san."
"Aah yeah, Mayuri-san and I are going to have a blast~"
Momo did a spit take.
"Pft! What?!"
Sakuto chuckled, petting her head.
"Kidding, I'm going with Nemu-san."
"Geez, I thought that was real Sakuto-kun."
"Imagine if I went with him anywhere, by the end of the...first day I guess, he'd probably try and experiment on me. I'd have to stop him."
Momo giggled, and thought in a very sad way that probably was true.
"Yes, I could see that happening as well. So Kurotsuchi-san and you huh. Got anything planned?"
"Nothing really, just simply going to Japan for a while and doing different things together. I thought it would be good for her, to experience many things. Allow her to explore herself, and see what she can really do with her life."
Momo loved to hear that from Sakuto.
"Sakuto-kun, I'm sure with you, she is going to be able to do anything she wants."
Momo said in a sweet manner, causing Sakuto to lightly pat her head.
"Yeah, I am sure she will do. She has a lot to offer the world, and the world has a lot to offer to her too. Same with you Momo-chan, you've grown into a really strong Vice Captain. Maybe even Captain Momo-chan huh~?"
"Ooh no, I think you'd be Captain before me Sakuto-kun."
"Well, if I do, then I'll steal you away from my brother, and have you be my Vice Captain~ What do you say Momo-chan?"
Momo blushed up a storm, and poked her fingers together.
"W-Well, I suppose I could do...it would be nice..."
She admitted at the end, Sakuto caught it, and pats her head once more.
"Yes...one day, it would be really nice."
The pair smile together, while enjoying the sounds of the morning together.
As that was going on, within the human world, Rukia was pondering what she felt the previous day. Ever since then, she hadn't felt anything of the sort. She wondered if it was the Hollow that she faced down briefly.
"Strange...everything has been quiet today. Maybe its just that Hollow I slayed that caused me to have that feeling...what else could it have been...? Maybe I am overthinking it...but, I will still remain on guard..."
Rukia told herself, recalling that this town did have some Hollows more than others at times. So she went along with that theory for the time being, and made sure to keep her wits about her as well.
Just then, her phone went off.
"Hollow...and not that far."
Rukia took to her sword, and followed the signature that her phone was producing. She rushed through the different rooftops, landing for only a moment or two, before leaping off towards a different one to make sure that it didn't vanish.
She approached the Hollow, seeing that it was being rather docile, so she thought "I can get the drop on it..." so that's what she was going to do.
Drawing closer and closer, she stayed as silent as she possibly could do.
When she was about to strike, suddenly she was stopped as something pierced the Hollows upper body.
"What the..."
Rukia saw it was an arrow.
But not an ordinary arrow.
One that was made of spirit energy.
"Looks like you didn't get to it in time, Shinigami."
A female voice echoed through the area.
Rukia darted her eyes left and right, searching for this being, but couldn't find them.
"Who's there?"
Rukia clutched her sword, continuing her search for this being.
Friend or foe, she simply didn't know.
She felt spiritual energy, but it seemed to be on the move.
"Who's there indeed, Shinigami-chan."
The girls voice continued to echo. Rukia thought that the voice sounded rather playful yet serious at the same time, a stark contrast that would give most a hesitant moment of pause.
"You can clearly see me, so you're not an ordinary human. And I take it you're not a Hollow either."
"Being a Hollow. That really does make me feel repulsed. Next, you'll accuse me of being a Shinigami. Honestly, what is the world coming too."
Rukia thought she saw a shadow left, so she shot her eyes there.
But nothing was there.
Rukia didn't like this feeling.
She didn't know if this was an attempt of intimidation, one of simple curiosity, or a mixture of both. Or even, neither of those, and it was something else that Rukia had yet to determine.
"So you're neither a Shinigami, Hollow, or a normal human. There has to be something else that I'm missing, so if you'd like to enlighten me..."
Rukia heard a snicker, which only caused her to feel some annoyance.
"Who said I wasn't a normal human? I'd like to think that I'm pretty normal. At least compared to other people that I know."
Rukia furrowed her brows as she thought about what was going on.
Then a thought came to her, remembering the previous day, and how she felt something wrong, and also how it avoided her eyes, drawing the natural conclusion on what she was truly going through so made sure she was ready.
"Are you the presence I felt yesterday?"
"Yesterday? No idea what you're talking about Shinigami."
Rukia didn't know if she could believe that, she didn't even know if this was something she'd have to fight her way out of or not, so she kept her hand tightly wrapped around her Zanpakuto and made sure she was determined to fight if it came down to it.
"Are you telling the truth?"
"If I was or wasn't, wouldn't that be my problem, Shinigami? Either way, I guess that you're not going to know what's going on here."
Rukia furrowed her brows, as she saw an arrow land before her, piercing the ground with the force being strong enough to rip right through the stone.
The speed of it surprised Rukia, who wondered if she would have been able to dodge that if it came after her.
"You don't have to worry about the Hollows, Shinigami. I am more than capable of handling them. Besides, if I left it to the Shinigami, I wouldn't be a very good citizen, would I?"
Rukia exhaled, trying to keep a relaxed expression.
"Its my duty to fight Hollows, I currently am in charge of protection of this town. If you would like to discuss with me...I presume you're a resident of this town as well. If that is the case, then reveal yourself, so we can discuss..."
She heard a small laugh, as footsteps began leading away.
But the steps themselves sounded as if they were coming from all around her.
"We have nothing to discuss, so you don't have to worry about anything like that. Shinigami...heh. You might be fun."
With that, the voice disappeared, as did the presence Rukia felt.
She thought about pursuing, yet she didn't even know where to go. Whoever it was, had managed to keep themselves rather hidden, which for Rukia was something difficult to comprehend about considering they had contacted her, and recalling the speed of the arrow, so she wasn't sure if this was a being that wanted to harm her, or for something else that she didn't know about.
With nothing else to be done, Rukia began to leave, as a heavy footstep placed itself on the ground, the earth beginning to crack underneath the intense pressure.
Its eyes set upon Rukia...
Later on, Sakuto went to see how Nemu was doing, and if she would be ready for when they would be going the next day. Though when he arrived, the young man Sakuto saw something that did surprise him a good deal.
With a completely blank expression on her face, Nemu was packing a good number of things with her.
"Looks like you're prepared, Nemu-san."
"Yes Sakuto-sama. I have prepared many things for our adventure. Including several Gigai in case those we are in when arriving get damaged or are unable to function. Test tubes, and scanning equipment if we come across any mystery."
Sakuto lifted his lips ever so slightly.
"I see, its always best to be prepared."
"Yes, that is something Mayuri-sama also says."
Sakuto certainly believed that, for better or worse he wasn't entirely sure.
"Yeah, if nothing else, he's always crazy prepared for what he is trying to do. I guess its a trait you share huh Nemu-san."
Nemu tilts her head curiously.
"Sakuto-sama, may I ask you something?"
"Hmmm, what is it?"
"My question is, does Mayuri-sama and I share anything else in common? In your opinion."
Sakuto raised a brow at the question, surprised she'd ask something like that.
"Well, you do have some common traits, though that's to be expected I suppose. But why did you want to know Nemu-san?"
"Because Mayuri-sama is my creator, I wondered from an outsiders perspective about myself, and Mayuri-sama."
Sakuto felt it was a little more than that, perhaps even Nemu not realizing that fact itself, so he answered as honestly as he could do.
"Well, I'd say you do have things in common like the foods you eat and such, but you're also your own person Nemu-san. I am sure that as time goes on, you'll find many different kind of hobbies that you will enjoy, if that is what you want."
Nemu looks down at the ground briefly, thinking about what he said.
"Sakuto-sama, I wish to understand more about myself, but I do not know where to begin. Do you have any suggestions?"
"Well, no one can really tell you what you like and don't like, only you can determine that. But, for a place to begin, there's many things we can try out, and for you to see if you like them or don't while we are in the human world. Though, it seems to me you love research, data gathering, and analyzing said data."
Nemu tilts her head to the right.
"I...do."
It seemed like something perhaps Nemu hadn't even thought about.
But now that he mentioned it, she recalled when she was gathering data, and going over it, and she seemed to almost feel as if this was something she wished to do, rather than someone that she had been told to do.
"Seems so. Perhaps you have a penchant for science Nemu-san, it doesn't have to be like Mayuri-sans, yet there isn't anything wrong with wanting to build things or researching new and different things either. The only thing that is wrong with him is his methods. They are very...outlandish for what he can achieve in moral ways. But being a scientist can be quite fulfilling for someone personally if they're interested in pursing that kind of life."
Nemu pondered more of what Sakuto had said.
Did she want to have that kind of life?
She hadn't thought about it before all that deeply, only doing what Mayuri had required of her.
But now, she was thinking about it and she couldn't say she wished to stop researching either. The only question was something she expressed to Sakuto.
"If I, were to become a scientist...I wonder what kind of science I would go into?"
Sakuto lightly smiled, seeing Nemu taking an interest in something.
He walked over, and placed his hand on top of her head affectionately.
"Well, that's something you can find out, and I'll help you in anyway I can, Nemu-san. There's many types of scientists out there. I am sure with a brilliant mind like yours, you could go into just about any field, and excel in it."
Nemu looked towards his eyes, and saw a gentleness that she didn't really come across when in her squad.
The praise she received, and how kind he was to her, it told her more of why she did like going around with Sakuto, who encouraged her, and supported her in her self discovery.
"Sakuto-sama, thank you. I shall try my best."
"Then we can begin tomorrow when we get to the human world~ There really is many things in the human world that simply don't exist in Soul Society. Wait until you see the food they have there, unusual but interesting combinations."
Nemu didn't show it openly, but she was intrigued to see where her new life would lead her. What she would be doing, and where she could be going.
While Nemu was doing that and Sakuto himself was beginning to leave, Mayuri came into the room, and saw Sakuto.
"What are you doing here exactly? This is Squad 12 if I recall."
"I came to check on Nemu-san, and see if she's got everything ready. Is that fine?"
Mayuri gave challenging eyes, keeping an intense gaze upon Sakuto, though the young man didn't show anything other than a smile in the face of the scowl growing on Mayuri's face.
"Well, it looks like she does, doesn't she?" Mayuri looked darkly towards Sakuto. "Now boy. You better take care of Nemu while you're away, or I'll have your head on a pike boy."
At the threat, rather than be worried, it seemed that Sakuto looked on with a curious face, which in turn infuriated Mayuri.
"Geez, you make it sound as if I'd put her in danger."
Mayuri huffs, and turns his head to the right.
"She is my creation boy, do you not understand what that means?"
Sakuto knew that Mayuri wouldn't be the easiest of people to speak with when it came to emotions.
"If you're worried about her, you can always say so."
Mayuri scoffed upon hearing that.
"Are you trying to be funny? Worried about what? I created her, she isn't something that would break so easily. Do you honestly think that she would?"
Sakuto shook his head.
"Well, you don't have to worry about her then. Nemu-san is a rather strong resourceful person, she's more than capable, and besides I don't plan to do any real fighting anyway so you can be rest assured."
"Again, who's worried about what? I'm not worried about anything, I'm telling you that she better come back in one piece as she's my creation and important to the development of...not your business. Do you understand?"
Sakuto carefully watched Mayuri, who in turn scowled and narrowed his brows ever so slightly.
Sakuto believed at least a little at what Mayuri was trying to say, he just wished he said it for the right reasons when it came to Nemu.
"Understood, Captain."
Mayuri continued to show a rather aggressive face, as he tried to leave the room.
Sakuto raised a brow, then he quickly snatched something out of the air, and presented it to Mayuri after breaking the small Kido that was placed around it.
"Looks like this little bug here came off of you, Captain. Hidden in light huh. Wouldn't want you to lose your inventions now."
Mayuri growled at the playfully teasing of Sakuto's, and took the bug back.
"Damn you. Tch, next time boy. Remember what I said as well. I will show you who the superior scientist is."
Sakuto tilted his head as Mayuri boldly stared hard.
"You are in charge of the research and development department, isn't that saying something?"
Mayuri huffed and left, leaving Nemu to ponder what Mayuri's actions were for.
Sakuto looked over Nemu, seeing that she was looking towards the place Mayuri left, with many thoughts within her mind, something that he could understand well, especially when it came to the complex Mayuri, to Sakuto it probably did make Nemu wonder about him.
Finally the time had come for Sakuto and Sosuke to have a little spar with one another. Many of those from the academy gathered around the arena that was for the two Shinigami. Even those that weren't in the academy had decided to show up, some from the Gotei 13, including that of some Captains.
Including his own Captain Ukitake, Shunsui had appeared with Nanao, Momo was of course there, along with Nemu. Gin had showed up, Unohana as well, even Byakuya, though he was more to the shadows, than being in the crowd with everyone else, the same with Soi Fon who silently watched from said shadows.
Some of the Vice Captains also had come in attendance such as a young man named Renji and Rangiku, making Sakuto wonder how many people were able to find out about it in such short notice considering Sakuto was only asked the previous day.
Even those that Sakuto thought wouldn't even bother coming to something like this showed up, including that of Kenpachi himself along with Yachiru, and a good deal of Squad 11, though Sakuto felt that probably was for him to see even more how Sakuto was able to fight.
Mayuri even turned up, though he kept sneering at Sakuto, who in return rolled his eyes.
Though it was a simple sparring match to the pair of brothers, with those that had gathered, it felt more than a simple sparring match to the crowd looking on.
Facing his brother, Sakuto rubbed the back of his head in an awkward manner.
"So many spectators for a simple sparring match. Didn't think that it would be such a popular event that even Captains would bother to show up."
"It seems that they've become rather intrigued to see a match between us. Lets not disappoint them, shall we?"
Sakuto gave a strong smile, as he withdrew his sword. Spinning it within his hand, he was prepared to face down Sosuke in a friendly match between them, Sosuke himself also withdrew his own Zanpakuto, and held it out before him.
"Well, I'm ready when you are, Sosuke."
"Then let us demonstrate how to mix in the different styles of combat towards these future Shinigami."
Sakuto nods strongly, staring at his elder brother with determination.
"Yes, lets. So, when do we stop?"
"I will let you know. Until then, show these people your skills, Saku."
"Alright then."
With that, the match begun.
Wasting no time, Sakuto made the first move, where he used his flash step to instantly cross the distance between him and Sosuke. His speed made him so fast that even the likes of Mayuri was surprised to see, while Soi Fon murmured "Still so fast..." as she watched curiously.
His blade came down towards Sosuke, who in turn raised his sword, and blocked the strike, only for Sakuto to vanish and appear behind Sosuke, his blade aimed for the right hand side, Sosuke on the other hand quickly whirled around, and blocked another strike, with their blades pushing aggressively against one another.
"Wow...they moved really fast, I couldn't even see them..."
Momo murmured, as Sakuto vanished, so did Sosuke, and only the sound of swords clashing could be heard by those that weren't in the Captains range, Shunsui was joyful to see Sakuto and Sosuke fight one another.
"Nanao-chan, your boyfriend is showing so much fighting prowess. Perfect match for you I'd say anyway."
Shunsui joked, only to be on the receiving end of a blushing Nanao's book being hit against his stomach.
"Absurd words from you Captain."
Nanao murmured, as the pair reappeared.
Sosuke had a soft smile on his face, as Sakuto kicked off of the ground, and got before him, but this time rather than swing his blade, he clicked his fingers numerous times, summoning a good few spherical barriers around him, firing them off towards Sosuke in a barrage style of attack.
Sosuke swung his sword out rapidly, slashing the barriers away where they hit the ground all around him.
As he did, Sosuke noticed Sakuto having slipped within his guard, and his blade was heading for his torso.
Upon seeing that, Sosuke murmured "Enkosen." as an orange circular barrier appeared and blocked the strike of Sakuto, with the younger of the two looking up with a gleeful smile.
"Never miss a beat, huh Sosuke?"
"A simple distraction, I am surprised you went with-"
Before he could finish, he noticed that one of Sakuto's barriers he batted away was beginning to light up, then he heard Sakuto whisper "Hado 31, Shakkaho." which caused the barrier to unravel, and reveal the Shakkaho orb that was always inside, which began creating an explosion drawing closer to Sosuke.
When going to avoid it, Sosuke then noticed Sakuto clasped his hands together, which in turn caused a barrier to surround Sosuke in a box like shape along with the Shakkaho, effectively trapping him inside.
As the Shakkaho exploded, Sosuke exhaled, and rapidly protected himself with his own barrier, forming it moments before the Shakkaho could touch him, then turned to the barrier surrounding him, seeing how it was small enough so Sosuke couldn't make a swing with his arms that well.
"...So that's how you went, now its more interesting." Sosuke placed his hand out the best he could. "Hado 33, Sokatsui."
Blue energy erupted from his hand, shattering the box like barrier, only for Sakuto to appear before him, and below, slamming his leg upwards towards Sosuke's torso, who in turn blocked with his Zanpakuto, but the strength behind the kick was more than enough to fire Sosuke up several feet into the air, causing the crowd to cheer.
"Damn, he's fast, right Captain Kuchiki?"
Renji said, but Byakuya didn't respond and watched as Sakuto got into the air, leaping rather fast and came for Sosuke.
Sosuke placed his finger forward, murmured "Hado 4, Byakurai." releasing a bolt of lightning from Sosuke's finger, firing it right at Sakuto's upper body.
Sakuto went to block with his blade, when he heard Sosuke say "Hado 57, Daichi Tenyo." which caused the rubble on the ground created by Sakuto's initial Kido spell Shakkaho to rise up, and fire towards the airborne Sakuto.
"Haha, an interesting tactic Sosuke! Attack from high and low, very interesting!"
Understanding both attacks, Sakuto deflected the Kido lightning with his sword to the side, then he swiftly slashed downwards a few times to take care of the rest, only to see that Sosuke opened up his hand, and muttered another Kido spell.
"Hado 31, Shakkaho."
From his hand, he released the third Kido attack, at rather close range as Sosuke crossed the distance thanks to the distraction the other Kido provided for him, so Sakuto swung his sword out, and rather than slice through it, he managed to use his blade in a way where the blast was deflected away from him, exploding extremely close.
Landing on the ground finally thanks to the natural pull of gravity, Sakuto and Sosuke face one another, while Nanao was impressed.
"Hiding Shakkaho within that barrier to confuse the Reiatsu sensing as well as using the other barriers to hide his real attack. That's amazing. I hadn't realized that he had even done that, I did find it odd he'd throw some random barriers, but I didn't think about it would turn out like this...impressive, and thinking ahead, even catching Captain Aizen by surprise with what looked to be a simple attack..."
Nanao was in awe, while Shunsui playfully spoke up.
"Yes, he's a good boyfriend to rely on for sure, right Nanao-chan? Strong, and he could make you very happy."
Nanao shot a look to Shunsui, as Ukitake gave a cool smile.
"My Vice Captain, he truly does good work. I'm so proud of him. Even using Shakkaho like that, quickly thought and used expertly~"
Momo was happy to see the pair squaring off against one another, agreeing with what Ukitake had said, while Mayuri sneered.
"Heh, such weird ways of fighting. Even if a demonstration...maybe I'll gain some insight to how he fights even more..."
Nemu silently observed, and noted Mayuri watching on, like he was studying everything that was before him. The slightest movements of the pair, the way that they would come at one another with their Kido, among other things.
Gin on the other hand showed his snake like grin.
"To see the fight between brothers like this, is truly a delight to be held. Each seem to bring something new to this fight after all."
Rangiku glanced at Gin when he said that, noticing how Gin was keeping both of his eyes upon the pair of brothers in a rather sinister manner to most that would be watching Gin as a result.
Sosuke in turn showed a praising smile.
"My, that was an interesting way to use Kido. Then again, I should've realized you'd not throw barriers at me for no reason. Especially one that was so intricate as that one was. I thought perhaps it was a barrier that would be used to seal, but to conceal a Hado spell inside, its truly entertaining when we get to battle."
Despite trying his best to keep his excitement not shown, whenever Sosuke got the chance to see his little brothers more tactical mind at play, it was a joy for him as he liked thinking of how he'd be able to counter his little brothers tactics, he just wished that they'd be able to truly go all out here, but knew that right now, it wouldn't be able to happen.
"Well thank you very much Sosuke, and your quick usage of Daichi Tenyo as well as a mere distraction to try and have Byakurai strike me only to try and follow it up with a Hado so close that it could have connected if I was a second late, very exciting Sosuke."
Sosuke gracefully smiled, while Sakuto showed his brightest smile, seemingly having some fun facing off against one another.
"Then, lets keep going."
Sakuto heard Sosuke say, and within moments, Sosuke had already moved towards his right, so he swung his sword, only for a barrier to go up between them, Sosuke used that barrier to keep Sakuto's sword busy, and then used his free side to strike with a strong swing of his blade.
Sakuto murmured "Bakudo 39, Enkosen!" and released an orange circular barrier, blocking the strike of the blade.
Sakuto using this time turned his Zanpakutō horizontally in front of him, generating a yellow orb, which widens itself along the length of their sword. Once it is fully charged, it fires a wide, horizontal arc of yellow energy at the target.
"Hado 32, Okasen!"
Sosuke witnessed his barrier being broken instantly by the arc of energy, so he was forced to retreat, and went into the sky, as the energy shattered the ground in a beautiful wave.
High in the air, gazing down at Sakuto, Sosuke generates a blue-white glowing rod of energy in his hand.
"Bakudo 62 Hyapporankan."
Sosuke throws the rod towards Sakuto rapidly, so fast that even most Vice Captains had trouble seeing it.
The single rod multiplies into a many more difficult to count rods, which rain down on the young man, intending to pin him down to the ground, but Sakuto moves incredibly quickly, and leaps back several times, dodging the multiple rods threatening to pin him down fully.
"Very quick, Saku."
Sosuke said with a challenging expression, while Sakuto showed a joyful smile.
"Yeah, now lets see..."
Though the rods rained around him at a rate that most found dizzying to see, Sakuto was able to avoid being pinned down, and used his sword to block some of the incredibly fast moving rods as well, parrying them to head for some other rods. Sakuto noted that more rods than usual had appeared, showing the fierceness of the Kido Sosuke used.
Coming to a stop once all of the rods had stopped raining down upon him, creating a field where many rods were stuck in the ground, he turned his eyes up, seeing Sosuke still airborne, so Sakuto places his flat palm outwards.
"Hado 33, Sokatsui!"
When Sakuto said that, he gained Byakuya's attention, who furrowed his eyebrows to see what was going on fully.
"So, he's using Sokatsui is he? Even without the incantation, that Hado...I see."
While Byakuya thought it, releasing a torrent of blue energy towards Sosuke, Sakuto focused his eyes upon his elder brother who in turn returned the intense gaze right back.
"So that's how it is. Then Hado 33, Sokatsui."
Sosuke in turn released his own Sokatsui spell, and the energies violently crash into one another, pushing against one another for dominance though in the end neither could get the lead over the other, releasing a huge explosion between them that caused the arena to fill with intense smoke, making it difficult for most to see.
"Hah! I don't usually like this Kido stuff, but this is pretty entertaining!"
Kenpachi grinned out, as Sakuto came cutting through the smoke, and went towards Sosuke, who now had landed on the ground, and swung his sword at him, as Sosuke did the same thing, their blades generating sparks between them.
"Yahoo! Go Saku-kun!"
Rangiku loudly cheered, as Nemu nods along, noticing Mayuri was deeply invested in seeing more and more.
"Sakuto-kun, do your best! You too Captain Aizen!"
Momo was truly interested to see even more, watching as they clashed several times with their blades, each time they vanished and reappeared around the arena. Their sword sparks were rather visible from each swing of their blades.
Then they came to a stand still as their blades met once more, pushing against the other in a battle of dominance, but neither were able to gain ground over the other. Each clashing of their blades, resulted in a stalemate between them.
"Not bad Saku, its always fun to see what you'll come up with next."
"Same for you Sosuke, you're one opponent that definitely can switch between many forms of combat. So, think those students watching are learning?"
"I believe they are yes."
"That's good. So then, lets kick it up a notch!"
Sakuto using his might pushed Sosuke back, and came at him with a swing of his leg, forcing Sosuke to block with his arm, as Sakuto flicked his blade from his right hand to his left, and forced it in a stabbing motion towards Sosuke.
Sosuke didn't have much of a choice but to deflect with his own blade, only for Sakuto to bend his body right, and sent his foot for Sosuke's upper body, who in turn raised his arm, and deflected the kick with the strength behind such a kick being felt by those around, seeing the small shockwave between them.
"My, watching Sakuto-kun fight...is interesting. It makes ones excitement, grow even more."
Unohana watching on licked her lips upon seeing Sakuto's fierceness in battle, and his ability to adapt immediately going from swordsmanship to hand to hand in an instant, even switching from swordsmanship to Kido as well, she definitely liked what she saw, and stirred something within her.
Pushing one another back, Sakuto and Sosuke got into battle stances once more, hearing the roaring of the crowd. From Captains, Vice Captains and students alike, all of them seemed rather excited to see what was going to happen next.
"I must say, its always entering when we face one another."
"Yes, I have to agree, the way you mix your fighting stances and Kido, its really hard to predict what you're going to do next. But, it always keeps me on my toes regardless, so I'm happy to see the fruits of my training paying off by facing you."
Sakuto said with a refreshing smile on his face, then they continued for a good while.
Each spectator was rather invested.
Even though it was a simple spar, it seemed to be really important to those that were around.
When the spar ended, Sakuto and Sosuke faced one another, and bowed.
"Here ends the demonstration, I hope everyone learned something!"
Sakuto cheered out to the students, with them all being rather captivated by seeing such a spectacle.
Sosuke went to say something, when Kenpachi, who was rather excited from seeing the fight, didn't hesitate for even a moment, coming towards Sakuto with his own blade.
"Now the warm ups done, time for the real fight to begin!"
Sakuto chuckled awkwardly, and shared a look with his brother.
"Never a dull moment, is there Saku?"
As Sosuke said it, Sakuto repelled Kenpachi's blade with his own, and pushed him back a few feet, while Kenpachi stomped on the ground, his spiritual energy was leaking off of him unruly, beginning to surround him in a scary looking aura.
"Nope~"
Sosuke raised a brow, seeing the excited scary expression of Kenpachi.
"Want me to do anything?"
"I promised him a few more fights before I left for the human world, so its all good~"
Sosuke slowly nods, and watches the fight between Sakuto and Kenpachi, it seemed that even after all this time, Kenpachi always was excited to have a fight with Sakuto. Though even Sosuke couldn't deny a part of him always did find joy whenever he had the opportunity to cross blades with Sakuto himself.
Meanwhile, back within the human world, Rukia was continuing to do her duty, walking from rooftop to rooftop in Karakura town, seeing if she could see any Hollows, trying to shake the feeling she had the previous day, and before with the mysterious female with the arrows.
However, while walking across some buildings, she saw the same girl, Orihime, who was waving towards her in a kind manner. Rukia sensed no negativity from her whatsoever, all she felt were calming kind emotions erupting from her.
"So she really is seeing me. I wonder...since I don't have anything to do, maybe I should...yes, I think it would be best..."
Rukia looked around, before she made her way down to the street.
Arriving in front of the alone Orihime, the young school girl gave a bright smile.
"Hello, you're Kuchiki-san, right? My names Orihime Inoue, nice to meet you!"
Rukia did a spit take, surprised that Orihime knew that.
"Y...Yes, nice to meet you. But, how did you know who I was?"
"Ooh, Sakuto-kun told me you were coming. He didn't want me to be surprised, isn't that kind~?"
Surprise rose on Rukia's face, she knew Sakuto had come into contact with a girl in the human world. She didn't know the extensiveness of their relationship. To Rukia, it seemed to be more than casual acquaintances as that's what she previously thought.
"He did huh..."
"Yes, that's right. I see you guys from time to time, I never know when to say something or not. Sakuto-kun said that some can be really unsure of how to approach humans. But, he said you were really friendly, so if I could and you wanted too, then we could talk."
Clarity came to the likes of Rukia now, who was beginning to understand a little more about what was happening, though she still had some questions that she wished to have the answers by from Orihime directly.
"I see...well, it is nice to speak to someone from this world. Though it makes me wonder, how you and Vice Captain Sakuto got acquainted in the first place."
"Vice Captain Sakuto-kun, hehe~ He also mentioned you were rather formal sometimes too~"
Rukia gained a slightly embarrassed face, and scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"W-Well, he is my superior officer, so its only natural, isn't it? Though he always tells me to relax and that its fine to be so relaxed, I don't know exactly how to do that sometimes..."
"Ooh, I think he's right though, you should relax with Sakuto-kun~ We always have the best times when he comes to Karakura." Rukia was intrigued by how many trips Sakuto had made to Karakura before. "Aah right, are you busy slaying those...erm, those Hollows? Did we catch one another at a bad time?"
"Well, my duty here is to slay Hollows, but there aren't any active ones right now. But you even know about Hollows?"
Rukia thought that Shinigami yes she would know that from Sakuto, but to think he also told her about Hollows, she wondered why.
That was until Orihime cleared it up, as she produced her phone.
"Sakuto-kun gave me this, so when those Hollows are around, I can go the other way and steer clear of them. He said...they would be erm...attracted to me? Is that the right way to say it?"
Rukia showed a rare smile, feeling the corner of her mouth tugging up more and more.
"I see...yes, it is true that a Hollow could be attracted to your level of spiritual energy. So he gave you that, so you could...I understand. Yes, that makes sense, I could see Vice Captain Sakuto doing that, not wanting to have you in danger. But still, how did you and he even meet anyway? Humans and Shinigami...well, its rare that we interact, even more rare that it happens more than a single time."
"Hehe, well...its a bit of a story, it involves my brother, and how he became a Hollow too."
Rukia dipped her head.
"I am sorry about that."
"Its okay, Sakuto-kun saved me, and stopped my brother from doing anything bad. Then Sakuto-kun said that when he used his sword on my brother, Sora...he went to Heaven."
"Yes, that's true. If he used his sword on the...on your brother, he was purified, and was allowed to cross over."
Orihime showed a cute smile on her face.
"So, have you seen any of those Hollow creatures lately? Some appeared on my phone, but I steered clear of them~"
"I have seen them, be rest assured I will deal with them..." Rukia paused, when she remembered the feeling she felt just after seeing Orihime the previous day. "Incidentally, you haven't...noticed anything out of the ordinary, have you? Like...a feeling of...something being there watching you? Or come across someone that was speaking oddly?"
"Huh?" Orihime seemed perplexed. "Well, I don't think so. Did you?"
Rukia didn't want to alarm Orihime, so she tried to drop the subject.
"I wouldn't worry, it was something I was thinking about, that's all." As Rukia said it, her phone went off and drew her attention. "In any case, I am sorry to have bothered you."
Orihime waved her hands side to side.
"Not at all~ Really, its fine. I'm glad to talk to any friend of Sakuto-kun's."
Rukia curled her lips upwards ever so slightly.
"I see...then, I need to get going. I will see you again."
Orihime gives a sweet giggle, as Rukia bows her head, and takes off shooting through the sky.
As she vanished, a certain man wearing a hat, and clogs, looked in the direction Rukia took off in, furrowing his brows ever so slightly, murmuring "So, that is the Shinigami huh..." as he slunk back into the shadows, but not before for a second, noticing an odd feeling within his being, but that soon vanished, making him wonder what that was...
That evening, as Sakuto was getting everything set to head to the human world, he felt the presence of someone approaching the young man's home. Recognizing it, he develops a half smile, and waits foe what was to come.
Soon enough, Sosuke finally appeared, stepping in the door way to his home. Sakuto had his back to him, as he was finalizing everything that was needed to be taken.
"You know, while I'm away, I forgot to ask someone to water the plants in the garden. It'd be a shame if they were to wither, people like Momo-chan love them, and I myself always like seeing those plants flourish."
Sosuke folds his arms at his younger brother.
"Is that your so very subtle way of asking me to water your plants?"
Sakuto turns to him, and gives a cheery smile.
"Perhaps~ Did it work?"
Sosuke gives a small smile, as he steps inside fully.
"Well, I suppose that it wouldn't be too much of a chore to do that."
"Thank you. Me and my plants appreciate it."
Sosuke released a small laugh, barely enough to be heard, and goes towards the bed.
Upon making it, he sits down, and keeps his curious eyes upon Sakuto.
"So, how did you find the spar today? Its a shame that we couldn't go all out."
"Imagine if we did, the students wouldn't have been able to see anything so it would have been no point for us to even do it in the first place, right?"
"Yes, that's quite true. Still, I had a good time, its always entertaining to me whenever we have a fight. Even a small scale one such as that, as I never know what you'd be capable of pulling, which makes me rather excited to see what tricks you have and what I can do to counter it, and vice versa."
Sakuto could understand that perfectly well, he was happy regardless to go up against Sosuke like he did.
"That goes doubly for when we use our Zanpakuto's and such."
Sosuke lifted his lips ever so slightly.
"Yes. It was a shame that we didn't have the chance to release our Zanpakuto, but that would have been a little much for a simple training lesson."
Sakuto nods, and sits down on the bed beside his elder brother.
He looked over his brothers expressions, and thought about said expressions, wondering what was going on inside of his brothers mind.
"You know, Sosuke. I have a feeling that there's something you want to talk about."
"Am I that of an open book?"
"Well, I've known you my entire life, I can pick up these things when there's something going on. So, what do you want to talk about?"
Sosuke revealed an ever so subtle smile.
"Yes, its difficult to keep many things from you, Saku. Though it isn't a matter of urgency, nor is it anything that is concerning. I simply wish to say that...I was happy today. When we fought. Even though it was a practice match, it was rather entertaining."
Sakuto gave a light hearted smile towards Sosuke.
"Yeah, it was really fun for me as well. Its because you know me so well, that I have to put in even more effort to surprise you."
"As you say, you're the person who understands me the most, Saku. So when we fight, I always have to be on my toes. But, that only makes it all the more intriguing."
Sakuto nods slowly, casting his eyes up to the sky, and looked rather happy.
"Yes, you're right. Sosuke, it really was fun sparring with you."
Sakuto murmured, his eyes briefly closing for a moment as he thought "Sosuke...even for a little while, I am glad we can be together like this and have a laugh, it really was great." but didn't voice his thoughts.
Sosuke also looked up towards the sky, and then towards his little brother.
Without voicing anything and only thinking "I really do enjoy these times with you, Saku. You're the only person who truly can understand me." as Sosuke bowed his head ever so slightly, and then returned to his eyes towards the sky.
Neither said anything else after that.
Though the pair had thoughts about the other, and neither could share them either.
But it didn't matter, as they were able to sit quietly together, and be able to have even a little amount of time together without having to worry about anything else.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with Sakuto and his brother having a little back and forth with their fight, showcasing their different prowesses to one another, and those that were watching. Rukia also came across a new enemy, or perhaps ally, who slayed a Hollow before she could, while also meeting fully with Orihime, and learning a bit about how Sakuto and her even met one another. Rangiku and Sakuto seem to have a good relationship, while Nemu is beginning to wish to use her time in the human world to discover more about herself, and it seems even Unohana was quite happy with the battle between brothers as well.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel,