Welcome to the next chapter!
kival737101; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Benny Farr; Yeah, Bambietta~
shephawk; Yeah, they will be meeting one another rather soon~ I could see Hiyori doing something like that.
Rider126; I guess either they don't wish to acknowledge their methods, or are bitter about their history.
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, they surely have done~ Hiyori, and Bambietta seem to have begun getting off to a rocky start. We will be learning more about her, and others in the future. She does yeah, how that will go we shall see soon~
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, Orihime was rather excited~ Hiyori was doing her own thing. Bambietta surely did. Yeah, similar to how the other Shinigami appeared at the school, Sakuto does the same. Nemu is on her radar. Yoruichi will. Bambietta has her reasons. She cares about Quincy in general. We will see them meeting soon enough. We will learn more about what squads he has been on when the time comes. Sakuto has a few things he has worked on. I can't spoil what is going to happen with Orihime. Depends on the opponent. Sosuke has respect for his brothers strength and his mind. I could see some Arrancar saying that.
Guest 1; Toshiro could be~
Guest 2; Maybe down the like he could do yeah, would be interesting to see.
Guest 3; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Chronosign; That would be an interesting way to go about it. Pretty fun~
danielsnow; She could be. Lisa is pretty cool. He isn't in the story. Sakuto is going to be going through a good deal yeah~
Skull Flame; Bambietta, and others. Glad you liked her banter~ Chizuru is like that yeah. Nemu definitely is~
Guest 4; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 5; In the future there could be. Thank you for the harem suggestions!
Orihime fan; Yeah, their meeting is going to be fun to explore. Orihime is yeah. Yeah, Sakuto was around when they were, more about that shall be revealed quite soon. He could do~
Guest 6; Yeah, that would be interesting to explore for Seven Deadly Sins. Yeah, he could be at the tavern. Jericho is pretty cool. That would be a cool combination. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 7; Yeah, there is things like that.
Guest 8; Sakuto and his brother do, yet they also have their differences as well. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 9; She surely is yeah. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
With the reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 5
Sitting down within a quiet little shop, was a blonde haired man who wore mostly green, with a striped hat leaning to the right hand side of his head, his fingertips tilting it ever so slightly with each passing moment, his face looking to be as if he was in deep thought.
Beside him, was a black cat that kept looking towards him every so often.
The man was called Kisuke Urahara, and the cat was called Yoruichi.
Yoruichi looked towards Urahara, and could see that there was something brewing within his mind.
"So. It was him after all."
Yoruichi began, grabbing Urahara's attention.
"Yeah, looks like it. Huh, I wonder what he's thinking about right now~? I'm sure that he noticed our presences~"
Urahara played it casually, though Yoruichi saw right through him.
"What are you planning Kisuke?"
Urahara furrowed his brows.
"Now that he's here, its going to be difficult whatever I plan. He might already suspect that I've got something in my sleeves when it comes to planning. He always was a rather smart individual, and its difficult getting things past him."
"Kisuke." Urahara tosses a look towards the cat who gives a sharp look. "I think its best that you contact one another. You both are rather intelligent people, its beneficial if you both meet up."
Urahara turned his eyes back to Yoruichi.
"I appreciate your past relationship with him..."
"Its exactly because of my past relationship with him that I can see clearly. I can understand with what happened with Aizen in the past, and if you're doubting him..."
When Yoruichi put that across to Urahara, the man himself shakes his head.
"No, I am not doubting such things. However, I don't think some of the others would feel the same way as you, Yoruichi-san. I have told them that he is here...he is the little brother of the man that experimented on them. Tensions are high, though not with all of them." Yoruichi fell silent for a few moments, as Urahara ran a hand through his hair. "You always did have a close bond with one another, Yoruichi-san."
When Urahara said it with a normal calm expression, Yoruichi looked on for a few moments, before showing a coy smile.
"I understand, you were always jealous of the special relationship that we had all that time ago. Sorry that you felt that way, though I had to dote on him, he was simply too precious for me not to do that. Plus, it always made Soi Fon jealous, and that was always cute to see."
Yoruichi said it with a sly smile along with a voice that clearly was teasing Urahara, drawing a small laugh from Urahara.
"Haha, I know more than anyone not to get between you two." Yoruichi snickered as Urahara exhales. "One way or the other, one of us going to approach the other. What happens after that...I can't even say. What his plans are, what my plans are. Would they coincide? Or, would we have different views? Could he...I wonder... More than most, Sakuto Aizen...he truly is someone that can be very intriguing to have as an ally, or be worried if he is your enemy..."
Yoruichi stayed silent as Urahara pondered his own thoughts for the time being, keeping his mind onto what was truly going on, and what best way to approach the situation that was currently going on.
Outside of the shop, two people had been listening in, though they didn't get many details, not even really hearing much beyond about Sakuto's name. And that was about it.
The two individuals were a red headed boy, and a girl with ponytails. Their names were Jinta, and Ururu respectably. Jinta was someone that was rather rambunctious, while Ururu was a meek girl who most of the time kept rather quiet.
"Aah, did you hear that Ururu?"
"No…what?"
Jinta develops a tick mark, and lets out a deep breath.
"This Sakuto guy, he's the enemy of the boss!"
"What? I didn't hear that..."
"Dummy! Of course he is! Didn't you see his serious face when they went inside before?!"
"But that doesn't mean they're enemies..."
Ururu tried to be the voice of reason, only to receive a confused look from Jinta.
"Eh...then what could it mean?"
"Maybe...they are old friends..."
"And he looked that serious? Naah, its something more than that!"
"Well...even then, we were told to stay away from this Sakuto-san..."
Ururu brought up, only for Jinta to gave a hard shake of his head.
"That's exactly why we've got to do recon on this guy! For the bosses sake! What if this guy tries something with the boss? We've got to be ready to help strike him out!"
"But..."
Ururu tried to speak her thoughts, but Jinta grabbed her hand, and began pulling her away.
"Come on! Lets get going already!"
Ururu let out a cry as Jinta pulled her away, for reasons even she was confused about...
Returning back to Orihime's place for the evening along with the others, Sakuto and Orihime were in the kitchen cooking together. Nemu was sat at the table, drinking some water, while Rukia was also sat the table, thinking about the encounter that she had with Bambietta.
"Lets see...if you mix this in with the bread, it becomes banana honey bread, right?"
"Right Sakuto-kun! Now, if we also add some curry powder, then it will be finished!"
Orihime excitedly called out, Sakuto was astonished, and picked up some curry powder.
"Should we also make a bean paste? To put on top of the bread? I remember last time that we did that, and the taste was out of this world."
Orihime widened her eyes excitedly.
"Ooh my, I didn't think of that...yes, lets do that as well! And afterwards, we can have chocolate cake! I picked it up earlier today. It looks so good! It even has chocolate frosting and everything...aah, its going to be chocolate Heaven...ooh, milk...I have milk, I think...milk and chocolate really do go together~"
Sakuto gave a gentle smile.
He always found it refreshing when it came to speaking to Orihime, he and her had similar views when it came to food, and her energy was something he found to be absolutely delightful.
"You didn't have to go to the trouble for us Orihime-chan."
Orihime waved her hands side to side.
"No, no~ I wanted too~ How often do I have so many house guests? I wanted to have a good time with everyone~"
He really did love her energy, and seeing her ever so excited, it really was a good sight to behold.
"Ooh don't worry about that, we'll find plenty of time to have fun Orihime-chan while we're here~ Oh yes, Orihime-chan." Orihime nods for him to continue. "I checked in on your brother, before I came here, and well, here." Sakuto produced a note, and passed it over to Orihime, who was bewildered. "I haven't had a chance to give it to you yet, and what better chance, right?"
Orihime looked over the letter with a grateful attitude for Sakuto to helping them communicate over the long distance between worlds, and placed it for safe keeping so she can read it later when she had a good chance to digest everything that her brother had put in the letter.
"How is he over there Sakuto-kun?"
"He's doing well yeah, he's settled into the community rather well. Funnily enough, he's acting like a good few peoples older brother. He's taken to making sure the children in particular are well looked after. It seems like he's doing his best to give those that are younger a chance at flourishing."
As Sakuto explained, he mixed some other foods into the main dish they were making to the delight of Orihime.
Orihime gained a bright smile on her face.
"That does sound like Sora, I'm so happy for him~"
"Yeah, he's happy now Orihime-chan. Though he worries about you to no end~"
"Hehe, that also sounds like Sora~"
"Yup. Though, I've told him you're doing rather well, and he's happy that you're happy, Orihime-chan."
Sakuto said softly, as he took a glance at Rukia.
Orihime did the same thing, giving a sad look as she turned back to Sakuto, and whispered.
"Is she okay? Ever since you came back, she's looked worried about something. Like she can't get her mind on anything else...it must've been one worrying meeting for her to be this frazzled, Sakuto-kun."
"That Quincy run in today, I think it was a little rattling. Not because she was threatening, its because she's a human, beings that Shinigami protect from the likes of Hollows and when they die, guide their souls to Soul Society. Now one is declaring her as the enemy, and Rukia-chan right now is also in charge of the towns safety, so one way or another, she's bound to be dealing with this girl."
Sakuto explained, Orihime furrowed her brows.
"But you're here with Nemu-san, Sakuto-kun."
"We are here for her, and if she needs us, then we can support her. I don't think its a fact of not willing to fight if needed, I think she would do. I think its more of not understanding why Bambietta-san has this grudge against Shinigami. Also, her name. Bambietta Basterbine, that sounds pretty cool."
"Ooh she does have a good one, huh~? Though, do you know why she has the grudge Sakuto-kun? Have you come across her before?"
"Beyond what happened in the history between our people, I can't be sure of her hatred for Shinigami, and no, I haven't ever met her before. Perhaps she's someone that does feel strongly about that incident. Or perhaps its something different. I sensed a deep anger inside of her, that and even sadness to a degree as well."
Orihime fumbled with her bottom lip using her teeth.
"It seems...really difficult, Sakuto-kun. The Shinigami..."
"Not all smiles and sunshine, I'm afraid to say. There's some pretty difficult stuff that's happened in the Soul Societies past like in many societies history."
Sakuto spoke, with Orihime intently listening.
As they spoke, Rukia went over the interactions within her mind over and over, wondering what would be best to approach this situation. What she should do, and if she was attacked, how she was going to respond.
"Sakuto." Sakuto glanced from the kitchen, and nods at Rukia for her to continue. "That girl...Bambietta, it seems that she could be serious about fighting us. Her intent was that I believe to be either her way, or she'd make it her way with even force."
Sakuto stopped cooking, and faced Rukia, his back leaning against a nearby wall as he addressed Rukia.
"Indeed, its possible she might try something if she doesn't get things going her way. What do you think about that?"
Rukia had to think about that for a short time, and wondered about it.
"It is my duty to defend this town. Which would include from her if she had any intentions of fighting. Yet she is a human as well, and its our duties to fight for humans against beings such as Hollows. Though she isn't an ordinary human either. I think from our interactions, she's bitter about something regarding Shinigami and said that many my age wouldn't know of Quincy, which she was right about. So, Sakuto. If you don't mind, may I ask, what is the history between Shinigami and Quincy? And why isn't it talked about anymore?"
Sakuto looked between Orihime, Rukia, and Nemu, seeing all three of their eyes upon him, so he nods.
"Lets serve food first, then I'll begin explaining."
Finding that acceptable, as she was rather hungry, they waited for the food to be served.
When it was, Rukia looked at it, and it...was a rather interesting combination.
Orihime and Sakuto found it very joyful when it came to eating the food and found it to be extremely tasty, Nemu didn't have any opinion on it as she hadn't tasted it yet, but Rukia wasn't sure if she should, to her it didn't look that appetizing, even though she saw Orihime and Sakuto eating it like they were eating one of the best dishes in the world.
Seeing that everyone was relaxed a little, Sakuto could see that Rukia wished to know more about the Quincy, so he began explaining about them.
"So, about the Quincy huh. I suppose we should start 200 years ago. The Quincy at that time, were wiped out by the Shinigami."
Rukia and Orihime looked surprised, Nemu on the other hand knew some stuff so she wasn't surprised.
"Wiped out?"
Rukia asked, Sakuto nods.
"But why Sakuto-kun?"
Orihime inquired, so he explained.
"Remember when I talked about how they slay Hollows earlier?" They both nod. "To a Hollow, a Zanpakuto is something that can give them the chance to go towards Soul Society, via purification, or Hell depending what the soul did in life. However, a Quincy doesn't purify when they kill Hollows. They kill them, and therefore they are unable to go to Soul Society or Hell. We Shinigami in the past were called Balancers for a reason, and what the Quincy did, disrupted that balance for the sole reason in how they defeat Hollows."
Rukia went wide eyed.
"If that is the case then the balance..."
Seeing Rukia beginning to work it out, Sakuto continued with a strong nod of his head.
"Yes, the balance of souls becomes unbalanced on one side. The Quincy killed them, unlike us who purify them. Doing that too much, the worlds we live in, the human world, Soul Society, it would be thrown into chaos."
"So...its like that, I see...then allow me too draw an example..."
Rukia briefly takes a pad and pencil, drawing two bunnies, with one representing Soul Society, and the other the human world, with one being off balance, something Sakuto thought was rather adorable for her to do.
Orihime looked happy to see Rukia's drawings, while Nemu analysed it.
"Is...that a dog?"
Nemu wondered, Rukia felt her bottom lip tremble ever so slightly.
"Its Chappy. He is balancing the worlds, see?"
Nemu stares at it with blank eyes for a moment while Rukia herself furrowed her brows on what she believed that she was doing, before she nods a single time.
"I see."
Rukia didn't know how to take that, while Sakuto continued on.
"Though it isn't as if the Shinigami at the time immediately went to killing them. Shinigami tried to reason with the Quincy, but in the end, nothing of an agreement could be reached. They wanted the Quincy to stop or at least cut back a good deal on their Hollow hunting. But the Quincy, didn't. For their reasons, they were determined to keep going. So reluctantly, the Shinigami wiped them out to restore the balance. Honestly, I wish there could have been more done to save bloodshed, perhaps work with the Quincy to modify how the Quincy kill the Hollows. So like Shinigami, they can purify Hollows."
"Could that have been done?"
Rukia wondered, Sakuto furrows his brows in thought.
"Basing it off of the Zanpakuto, the aspect of it that purifies Hollows, I believe with effort that I could modify the Quincy cross or whatever item she uses to focus her powers through to make it purify. It wouldn't be exactly like a Zanpakuto so no Shikai or Bankai or anything, and you'd have to account for the Quincy's abilities of course to gather Reishi and modify that to become the purification power we have, but definitely it is worth exploring to see if it can be done."
Rukia nods slowly.
"Could we work on that Sakuto? It could be a bargaining chip for us to avoid fighting."
Sakuto smiled in Rukia's direction, happy to see her thinking like that.
"Well, since you've asked me so kindly Rukia-chan, I'll see what I can do. Nemu-san, want to lend me a hand?"
Nemu pondered that thought, and then nods.
"Yes, it would be a breakthrough in science if we could achieve that, Sakuto-sama. How shall we begin?"
"First, we'd have to get some Quincy items, and begin working on them. Of course, we'd have to familiarize ourselves with the Zanpakuto's making and what its made out of, so we can begin transferring that aspect to the items. Ideally, it would be better if we had a Quincy work with us, but we can make do with what knowledge we have."
"Understood Sakuto-sama, I shall begin preparations."
Orihime was happy to see that this could end peacefully, but there was still something she wondered about, so she turned back towards Sakuto with a question.
"Sakuto-kun, are there many Quincy left?"
Orihime wondered, Sakuto shrugged.
"I couldn't give an exact number. Over the years they've gone more and more into either retirement or staying off the radar as much as possible. So I couldn't say, but there possibly could be a good few out there. Considering what happened in the past, it doesn't surprise me they would stay as hidden as possible in order to avoid detection."
Rukia lowers her head as she listened to everything that was being explained.
"Sakuto...I don't want to cause the Quincy more suffering. Especially in a town like this, that girls anger could cause destruction if she and I were to fight. But we also have to prepare if they attack, and minimize damage to the surrounding area. Also...telling the Gotei 13, after hearing your story, it might make them take action and kill this girl. I don't want her to die, especially after hearing that story you told."
Sakuto could see that Rukia was doing her best, and he was happy that in the face of a new unknown enemy to her, she was keeping her cool, and standing the ground that she had, and was prepared to do actions and also ready to listen and speak with Bambietta to see a peaceful solution, he definitely was proud of her.
"Yes, I think it would be best if we settled this peacefully. But like you said, we've got to be prepared. Since she's aware of you, yet not us, we have the surprise advantage. If she has allies, I can't say for sure. But we have some on our side as well, so that could be a key deciding factor should things turn to fighting."
"Allies, I see...yes, she could have other Quincy with her. Perhaps to ambush me."
Sakuto thought about it for a few moments, and then continues after a moments pause.
"Though deep resentment lies within her heart, she at least hasn't tried to fire an arrow through your body. If she desired, she could've done it the first day that you met, since you were taken by surprise, right?"
Rukia thought that was rather true.
"Yes...she didn't attack that day, so I surmise that even if she hates us Shinigami, she at least for the time being hasn't actively tried to kill me. But depending on how this meeting goes, she could turn around on us, and she could ambush us with other Quincy if things don't go her way."
Sakuto mentally agreed with Rukia, and stretched his arms.
"We will be prepared, but stress is also going to cause problems if we live in it, so when we can, we should try and unwind for at least a short time. Plus, if we can get these crosses to work, it really would be something good between our two people."
Orihime nods strongly.
"Yes, lets worry about that stuff tomorrow. For now, lets relax a little bit!"
Rukia appreciated what Sakuto and Orihime were trying to do to give her more of an opportunity to relax, and she appreciated it from the bottom of her heart.
However, while they talked, Sakuto glanced out of the window, and thought he sensed something, so he went to take a look, which he then found something rather peculiar.
"Huh...what are they up too?"
Thinking that to himself with a curious look, the young man returned to the table, and ate the food joyfully.
Outside, on top of a building, Jinta and Ururu duck down when they saw Sakuto going towards the window, with Jinta letting out "Did he see us?!" with Ururu unsure of how to answer that, so she didn't, and kept her head down.
"Jinta...m-maybe this wasn't a good...idea...he could...have seen us...and we were...told to stay away...for a reason..."
"No, this only makes it more of our mission! Maybe he's a Hollow in disguise!"
Ururu sweat drops.
"I don't think so...I think he's a Shinigami..."
"T...Then he wants to take the boss! Yeah, that's it! That's why he's here! Then we have to stop him!"
"But the boss said..."
"I know what the boss said! But it doesn't matter! We will have to deal with him!"
Ururu wasn't for it, but she could see the passion in Jinta's eyes, and when he was like that, she knew she'd have to make sure he didn't do anything too wild, or at least she'd try that anyway.
Meanwhile, across town, Bambietta arrived at a secret location that was surrounded by a barrier of thick Reishi, that was concealing the presence of the building, and its physical appearance as well, it was something that Bambietta was happy to see maintained.
So she slid inside of the building, and met up with a few of her friends, all sitting within the living room of the building.
"Damn, you should've seen that Shinigami, she looked so freaking lost, that it was almost sad to try and tease her. Maybe she will be smart, and take the hint, finally leaving Karakura so we can occupy that territory for ourselves."
Sitting within a rather luxurious room, where five woman.
The one that talked, was seemingly the leader, or at least made herself the leader, Bambietta looked out towards the girls that were around.
"Huh, seems like you're enjoying yourself a little too much. You haven't caused problems right?"
The first girl she saw, was sat beside her. She was a girl that was a rather tall and well-endowed slender young woman, with long, light-green hair. She has blue eyes, prominent eyelashes and thin, lightning bolt shaped eyebrows.
"Totally, Bambietta-san does do that from time to time, so I wouldn't be surprised. We still are growing Bambietta-san, please show restraint."
The second was like her friend, rather tall and well-endowed girl of slender build. She has long wavy pink hair and short bangs that frame her forehead and green eyes.
"No way Bambi-chan! Well, if this Shinigami is bad, then maybe I could turn her into a Zombie~"
The third was slender young girl with blue eyes and long, black hair extending down to her lower back, with two strands sticking up like antennae.
"Honestly...sometimes, I do have to wonder about you all..."
And finally the last, unlike her friends, she is a petite young girl with chin-length blonde hair and purple eyes.
All five wore what looked to be mostly white clothing, akin to uniforms that looked as if they were ready to go into battle.
These girls with Bambietta were called Candice, Meninas, Giselle, and Liltotto respectably.
Bambietta scowled when she heard the voices of those around.
"I wasn't causing trouble! She is a Shinigami, we have to be prepared for her!"
When she yelled that out, Liltotto looked towards Bambietta with a scornful look on her face.
"Honestly, you actually went to go and mess around with the Shinigami? You really are putting us in unnecessary troubles. You'll be the death of us one day if you carry on with your bad attitude."
Liltotto murmured looking towards Bambietta who in turn scowled.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You do realize that the Shinigami are the enemy, right Liltotto?"
"Did you forget that we're not supposed to go and start problems with the Shinigami when we're clearly not ready to do anything like that? Use your head a bit."
Candice agrees, and folds her arms underneath her bust.
"Besides, why bother going after a girl anyway? Now if it was a hot guy on the other hand then that would be where I would come in..."
"Ew, if they're are Shinigami, then I'm passing on that one. I'd rather not date a Shinigami."
Bambietta scornfully said, but Candice shrugged her shoulders.
"Are you saying you're going to pass on a cute attractive guy if they're Shinigami? Tch, this is why you'll never find anyone to settle down with."
Bambietta took umbrage with that, and went to voice her thoughts, when Meninas ran a hand through her hair.
"So, you want to date a Shinigami?."
Meninas spoke up to the surprise of Candice who scowled as a result.
"Why not? Depends if I like them or not."
"Well, you are free to date whoever you want, even Shinigami."
Candice didn't look thrilled about that, and tossed a dark glare towards her.
Giselle places her hands to her face, and gives off a gleaming smile.
"Ooh I see. Well, if you do go and fight the Shinigami, and lose Bambi-chan, then I'll bring you back! Don't worry, I'll treat you like a precious china doll! I'll even turn someone else for you to have a best friend that isn't me!"
Giselle's overly enthusiastic smile coupled with the zealousness of Giselle's pursuit of a certain something that she desired, caused Bambietta to have a moments pause and looked towards Giselle, seeing that she had her hands pressed against her face, and her eyes were as wide as saucers.
"Giselle, I appreciate it, but lets focus on that not happening." Bambietta lets out a breath, and tosses a photo to Liltotto. "Tell me, you've got info on the Shinigami. Who is this one anyway? Anyone important?"
Liltotto looked at the image for several moments, then turned her head to the side as she thought about it.
"She doesn't look like any Captain or Vice Captain I have memorized. But she has a familiar face, so it could be someone of importance. I don't know quite yet. Give me a little more time, I'll see what I can dig out. Though don't do anything reckless, got it? Shinigami might be the enemy, but lets not act dumb and draw ourselves into a fight with them all."
Bambietta gives a frustrated breath.
"Right, I know. I wont provoke Soul Society, that would be stupid. In the meantime, Karakura is a town that truly has deep connections to the spiritual energies, its a good place for us to set up shop. If we can take over that, then I am sure that the Quincy...yes, we would truly begin growing. So lets get to it everyone. Time to show everyone the power of us Quincy."
Despite Bambietta showing her enthusiastic smile, it seemed the other four were less enthused than Bambietta. But the girl didn't mind, as she was sure she was prepared for what was going to happen next, she was going to make sure she'd not allow anyone to stand in her way, no matter what.
The next day, early in the morning, Sakuto was up early, and was beginning to meditate within the apartment. Rukia and Nemu still slept, while Orihime was beginning to wake up, so he cracked an eye open towards her.
"Good morning Orihime-chan."
Orihime gave a gentle smile, as she sat up fully on her bed.
"Good morning~ Looks like the others are still sleeping. I should get breakfast ready..."
As Orihime was going to do that, Sakuto glanced at the young girl, and saw the smile that was on her face.
He thought she probably was happy to have guests within her home, knowing that she was alone most of the time when a friend wasn't there.
"By the way Orihime-chan."
Orihime turned towards Sakuto, and gives a gentle smile.
"Yes, Sakuto-kun?"
Sakuto looks over the young woman, while she goes towards the kitchen.
He then glanced at her hairpins, and then towards Orihime herself.
"Say Orihime-chan, it seems that your spirit energy spiked again since the last time we met up."
"It did huh?" Orihime wondered, placing a finger to her chin in thought. "Wow, I didn't know that it was growing even more." Orihime ran her fingers through her hair, and gave a gentle smile right back towards Sakuto. "Sakuto-kun, does it mean anything about my spirit energy? Good or bad?"
"Its not bad in the slightest. Its simply...astonishing. It makes me wonder, I have some theories. Though you'll not be negatively effected by your powers if you're worried about that. It just means you're currently a rather spiritual human, more so than many."
"Have you met anyone like me Sakuto-kun?"
"Over the years I have met similar people. But none like you. You're quite intriguing Orihime-chan."
Orihime giggled sweetly, and placed her hands together.
"Really~? Well, I am glad~ Because I got to meet you Sakuto-kun. And the others too."
"Yes, but you're aware of Hollows. Wouldn't you rather be ignorant of those beings?"
Orihime placed a finger to her chin, and thought about what he said.
"But if I was, then I'd never have had the chance to speak with Sora, and I wouldn't have met you, right Sakuto-kun?"
The young man lightly chuckles.
"Yes, you're right about that. Still, I can understand why for a normal human this could be rather daunting."
Orihime smiled at the kindness Sakuto was displaying towards her, and gave a firm shake of her head.
"Though at times it can be a bit confusing, I am happy to be around you and the others Sakuto-kun. Besides, whenever we are together, you always make me happy~"
"That's very sweet of you Orihime-chan, you always make me happy too."
Orihime thought Sakuto was a rather wise person.
Each time she was with him, she always felt like she learned something new, or she discovered something more about herself that she didn't know about, and even more things, it was one of the reasons she liked having Sakuto around.
A little later on, Sakuto, Rukia, Orihime and Nemu were on the way to school, and were discussing various things, including that of the Quincy, and what was going to be done about them.
"So, I think that we have some ideas on how to face this Quincy girl. I could use my blade to trap her long enough for us to subdue her."
Rukia began, Nemu inclined and turned towards Sakuto.
"Sakuto-sama, I have been reading my book, and within said book about romance, it mentions that seduction is a powerful tool. Perhaps, you could seduce Basterbine-san."
Sakuto coughed a little bit in surprise.
"You...want me to seduce her?"
"I believe that would be the best course of action if fighting is an option that no one wishes to do. I have believe you may..." Nemu consulted her book. "...be her type." Sakuto sweat dropped as Nemu closes her book. "Kuchiki-san, it would be best to include this into the battle options."
Sakuto went a little wide eyed, as Rukia and Orihime looked towards Nemu with quizzing eyes.
"Eh...yes, I will consider it as well."
Rukia murmured with a curious face, as Orihime brought something else up.
"Sakuto-kun, are you going to play base-cer with us later?"
"Of course, its one of the best games Orihime-chan~"
Rukia looked perplexed by what they were talking about.
"Base...cer?" Rukia wondered with intrigue. "What is that?"
"Its a game we thought of! Its a mixture of baseball, and soccer! Its really fun, right Sakuto-kun?"
"Yeah, its really fun~ Especially when, remember the time when Tatsuki-san kicked it and it flew right by a Sensei's head?"
"Ooh yes, then Tatsuki-chan had to explain the game, and the Sensei got all confused~"
Nemu tilts her head in curiosity while Rukia digested everything that was happening.
"I didn't know a combination like that could exist. Sakuto-sama, allow me to inquire about the rules of base-cer, and what it entails to be a participant."
"Haha, sure Nemu-san. Do you wish to play with us as well?"
Sakuto wondered, as he briefly paused, and glanced towards the right hand side, his eyes going upwards, and to the top of a building.
Though he knew something was up there, and was hiding in the shadows, he didn't voice his thoughts for the moment, and simply continued on, waiting for Nemu to answer, which she did a few seconds later when she thought about it.
"Yes, I believe it would help me expand my knowledge when it comes to humans and their interactions."
"Great, then we can do that~"
Though she said it stoically, it seemed that Nemu looked rather happy about it at the same time.
Sakuto was happy for her, and if this helped her express herself even more, then he was all for it.
While they walked, Jinta and a reluctant Ururu looked down towards Sakuto.
The former looked head strong and ready, while the latter was meek, and unsure of what to do.
Wielding some kind of giant iron club, Jinta looks down towards Sakuto, and gives a smirk while Ururu keeps her head down, not sure what she should do in this situation.
"Look, there's our target! Now, all we have to do is wait for the best opportunity...and strike!"
Jinta swung his large weapon outwards, slicing through the air.
Ururu had reluctance in her eyes, and wasn't sure what to think.
"But..."
When Ururu went to question it, Jinta silenced her by waving his hand towards her.
"No more buts. This guy wants to mess with the boss, he's gonna have to get through us first!"
Ururu hangs her head down, believing that Jinta had missed the point entirely.
But he was so ever determined, she just hoped that it didn't land him in hot water with anyone.
After school, Orihime went towards her club, while Nemu decided that she wished to explore, which Sakuto thought was a really good idea, so he encouraged her.
Rukia and Sakuto were left together, and began going around the town to gather some items. Sakuto glanced towards Rukia, seeing that she was deep in thought.
He could see why she would be, knowing that this was supposed to be a routine situation, and now potentially, she was being brought into a conflict that is many years in the making with how the Quincy, and Shinigami are involved.
"I've placed an order about the Quincy items, soon we should be able to experiment and see what we can do."
"Yes...wait, where do you even order that from?"
Sakuto winked at the bewildered Rukia.
"Lets say I've got some connections~"
Rukia was intrigued, as they continued walking together.
"This town, only a few days here, and already I have a nemesis that wishes to potentially fight against me."
"Yes, Karakura really does draw a number of people here."
Rukia could see why he'd say that, and she definitely did agree with that.
But as they walked, a thought came to her, and she suddenly paused while peering into his eyes.
"Sakuto..."
Before she could finish, suddenly they heard the sound of someone yelling "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" coming from behind.
Rukia turned to see Jinta charging through the air at Sakuto, who in turn didn't bat an eyelid, as he reached his hand backwards.
"Who is that?"
Rukia wondered, then even more so when she saw Ururu landing on the ground, looking rather apologetic.
"Guess we will find out in a minute."
Sakuto expressed showing a rather joyful expression upon seeing Jinta swinging down with all his might.
With a single finger, Sakuto stopped the movements of the giant iron club, suspending Jinta in the air who pushed hard, but wasn't able to move Sakuto's finger, not even by an inch.
"Eeeeeeh?! W-Wait! I will do it even harder!"
Jinta leapt back, and then shot for Sakuto, swinging his large iron club in a variety of different ways, though each time he tried, Sakuto's finger repelled the club without any issue, angering Jinta more and more.
"Excuse us little boy, but what do you hope to accomplish by trying to fight against us?"
When Rukia asked, Jinta refused to answer, and continued trying to attack Sakuto. Circulating him, and coming at all angles he could hope to try, Jinta wasn't having any luck, Sakuto simply was so fast and strong with a single finger that no matter what he tried, none of his attacks could reach Sakuto's form.
Then Jinta panted, landing on the ground as Sakuto raised a brow.
"So, you're not going to tell us why you're doing this?"
Jinta defiantly stared at Sakuto, who in turn was curious.
"We know you're the bosses enemy! So, we'll stop you! Right Ururu!?" Ururu didn't respond, and kept her head down, to the amused Sakuto, and the angry Jinta. "Hey Ururu! You're supposed to be in on this too!"
Ururu didn't reply verbally, and shook her head a few times.
When seeing that, Jinta growled, and turned his iron club upon Sakuto once more.
"Alright, that was a warm up! I'll show you my true power!"
As he said it, Sakuto did sense an increase in his spiritual energy.
But, he didn't show any concern on his face and neither did Rukia who watched with confusion.
"It seems that this child does possess some kind of power."
"Hmmm..."
Sakuto looked over Jinta, and could see his attitude showing itself, yet Ururu was completely different and looked as if this was something she didn't want to be apart of.
It was clear that they were polar opposites.
Yet something else about them drew Sakuto's attention, and he thought about it for a few moments, while Jinta continued to power up.
Jinta then yelled "Here it comes! The Jinta homerun!" and then stomped on the ground.
Gripping his iron club with both hands, he swung it as hard as he could for Sakuto.
Sakuto exhaled, as he in one fluid motion shot his finger upwards, colliding with the club. Immediately, the spiritual energy that Jinta had been releasing, vanished into the air, soon leaving no traces behind, and along with that, the air began to shift all around the red headed boy.
"What the heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell!"
The force of it was more than enough to send the bat, and Jinta up into the air only by a small amount, as Sakuto didn't want to hurt this boy, he landed flat on his back, his iron club flying out of his hand, and landed on the ground nearby.
Sakuto walked over, and grabbed the iron club, and twirled it around.
"It is a pretty interesting kind of weapon that you have used."
Jinta growled but couldn't stand up, as Sakuto turned to Ururu.
He then walked towards her, with the girl looking shyly on.
When Sakuto got before her, he bent down to her level, and placed a hand on top of her head kindly.
"Its okay."
"Huh…?"
Ururu tilted her head, as Sakuto gently smiled in her direction.
"You don't have to worry, Urahara-san doesn't have to know."
Sakuto whispered, to the point that only Ururu could have heard him.
Her eyes widened in surprise, she couldn't believe that he had worked it out.
"H...How did you know...?"
Ururu was convinced she didn't let anything out, and she didn't recall Jinta saying anything about it either.
So it made her wonder how he even knew that.
"Why don't you run on home now? I am sure that they could be worried about you."
"Y...Yes, we should...we should be going back. S-Sorry, thank you fo-for being understanding."
"Haha, don't worry about it, get home safe now."
"Yes, thank you."
Ururu bowed her head, and went towards Jinta.
Jinta however refused and aimed his hand towards Sakuto.
"This isn't over you know! We wont lose next time! Hear that brown haired guy!? You are my rival!"
Rukia gave a sly smile.
"At least this one isn't a mad scientist, or a man who constantly tries to swing a blade at you with a blood thirsty grin."
Sakuto showed an amused look to Rukia.
"Very true~"
Jinta wasn't sure what they were talking about, so he kept his finger pointed at Sakuto strongly.
"Just wait and see!"
Pulling out his tongue in a childish manner, Jinta ran off, with Ururu bowing once more, and took off as well.
Once they left, Rukia gave inquisitive eyes.
"I don't know what that was about, but it seems to be over with."
"Yeah, very odd huh."
Sakuto murmured, with Rukia nodding in agreement.
"Strong powers for human children."
"Yes, that is true. Though the girl held greater power than the boy, despite being more timid."
"Yes, I thought something about her was different to him..."
Sakuto nods his head, as he thinks about the two.
"I wonder..."
While they were talking, Rukia's phone goes off.
She looks at it, and sees another Hollow had come.
"Another Hollow huh. You weren't wrong when you said that Hollows do get attracted to this town."
"I guess you've got some Hollows to slay, Rukia-chan. I'll follow you in the shadows, in case Quincy girl decides to show up. Can't have her ambush you while alone now."
"Understood, lets go."
Ducking into the shadows, the pair came out of their Gigai's, and put them away, before going towards the Hollow.
A small time later, Rukia made it towards the Hollow, and withdrew her sword.
Without a moments pause, Rukia turned her sword onto the enemy that was before her.
The Hollow was rather tall, being at least twice the size of a normal sized human, with blade like arms. The white mask displayed the ferociousness that was within said creature.
"There it is."
Rukia examined the area, making sure that no one else was around.
She didn't see anyone, and she didn't feel anyone either.
"Time to finish this."
Tightening her hand on her swords handle, Rukia dashed forward, and came at the Hollow.
Said Hollow turned its blade arms towards her, and swung for her while letting out a rather unsettling growling sound.
Before it could reach her, Rukia stopped in her tracks, and then once the bladed arm had finished its movements, Rukia leapt at the Hollow and came at it with her blade.
However, before she could pierce it, the Hollow roared, and moved its arms in an X shape to block the strike of Rukia's blade, pushing her back where she flipped, and landed on the ground safely, looking into the mask of the Hollow.
"I see, so let me try another move."
Rukia pushed off of the ground at high speed, even the Hollow was surprised by her unusual speed.
When appearing before it, the Hollow turned his arm blades down towards her, and swung for her with both of them.
Rukia parried the strikes at the same time, and slid behind it.
Stunned, the Hollow didn't have the chance to turn around, as Rukia thrusts her sword deep into the back of the Hollows head, where it let out a small howl, and was erased from existence.
"Finished, time to get back to the others."
Confirming that it was deceased, Rukia let out a small breath, and prepared to leave.
What Rukia wasn't aware of was the fact that someone was watching her from a distance.
Not making their presence known, they began to back away…
When suddenly a sword was at their neck from behind on the right hand side.
The man looked towards the blade, and inhaled slowly.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? It isn't nice to spy on innocent Shinigami. Especially trying to keep yourself so well hidden, Urahara-san."
Urahara let out an awkward laugh, and tried to have a pleasantly joking tone.
"If it isn't you after all. Well, its been a while. Good to see you again. Or at least hear you, Sakuto-san."
With their tones matching one another in the way it was jovial, the pair looked to be having a normal conversation, if it wasn't for the undertone of something more between them.
"It certainly has. So, why exactly where you following Rukia-chan, Urahara-san? What makes her so special that you'd choose to follow her, out of all of the other Shinigami that have happened to come to this town before?"
Urahara exhales, putting his thoughts together the best that he could do.
"New Shinigami in town, I wanted to make sure that she was fine. That's something I care about, especially in a town like this. Isn't that okay, Sakuto-san?"
Sakuto raised an eyebrow, while Urahara kept his face straight ahead, away from Sakuto himself who was still behind him.
"If it was simply that, then I'd leave it alone. But we both know that isn't the only reason you're here, is it Urahara-san?"
Urahara slowly turned around, and faced the Shinigami clothes wearing young man Sakuto.
"W...Whatever do you mean?"
Sakuto kept up his blade for a few moments, before placing it to the side of him.
Urahara finished turning around, and fully faced one another.
Their eyes immediately locked onto the other's.
Neither showed anything hostile, if anything it seemed to be a little more of a relaxed tone on the surface, with a deeper curiousness from the pair of them underneath their smiles.
"Come on now, Urahara-san. You only came here to see how she was doing? For an exiled Shinigami, that's a very risky move to do. What if she had caught you? What would have happened then? What if she informed the Soul Society about you?"
Urahara shrugged his shoulders.
"Maybe it was risky, but I've always been that type of guy. Its as you say, I'm an exile of Soul Society. If I don't keep track of who comes and goes within Karakura town, then it would be rather reckless of me. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Though I do agree, when it comes to you, I feel as if there is more than meets the eye going on."
Urahara put on a fake offended look.
"Are you saying I have ulterior motives? My, how cruel~"
Sakuto gave an amused look at the fake hurt expression on Urahara's face.
"Ooh Urahara-san, always making me laugh~" Waving his hand in a playful manner, Sakuto soon turned his eyes towards the direction Rukia left in, then back to Urahara. "Why don't we go and talk for a little while, Urahara-san? I wish to understand your reasons for following Rukia-chan. Plus, I am sure you also have questions for me no doubt."
Sakuto peers into Urahara's eyes, trying to discern what he was thinking, and how he was feeling.
When it came to Urahara, Sakuto knew that this man wasn't to be taken lightly. Even when he appeared to be acting normal, underneath the surface Sakuto knew that Urahara was already thinking and planning for any eventuality, so Sakuto himself also was doing the same thing.
Urahara furrowed his eyebrows, thinking about what next to ask, and then fully met eyes with Sakuto.
"Can't say that you are wrong. But first...where is your brother currently?"
"I am the only one here, he is in the Soul Society."
Urahara let out a small breath.
"I see~"
Sakuto gave gentle smile, remembering briefly at how jovial Urahara could be.
"So, Yoruichi-san, and Tessai-san. They're with you, right?"
Urahara nods his head.
"Ones in town, the other will be soon."
"I see. Ones doing something for you?"
"You could say that, we're investigating something."
"Coincidence, so are we. Would that happen to be anything regarding what Hiyori-san came across?"
Urahara widened his eyes, surprised that Sakuto even had an inkling about what went on with Hiyori.
"So you even know about that?"
"I saw some stuff yeah. What she came across, was a Quincy. Though I'm sure you've figured that much out already."
Urahara rubbed his chin.
"Yes, I came to that conclusion as well. Figured out what this Quincy wishes for?"
"Hmmm, can't say yet. Working on that part." Sakuto replied truthfully. "So, got any comfy places to go? Maybe something to eat? I'm starving~"
Urahara looked over Sakuto, seeing that he looked relaxed.
"I just might do. We can talk privately back at my place."
"That's good...we have a few things we need to talk about, Urahara-san."
"Indeed, much to discuss, so please follow me."
"Lead the way, Urahara-san."
Urahara began moving, with Sakuto following closely behind him, both wondering how this was going to go…
End chapter!
So this chapter had discussions regarding the Quincy girls, with all of them making preparations. Sakuto discussed more about the history of Quincy, with him and Nemu beginning to work together to try and solve an issue with the Quincy, with them knowing of Bambietta, and the others also making their first appearances here as well.
In the meantime, Urahara, and Yoruichi discussed various things together, while Orihime and Sakuto talks a little more about Sora among other things.
Then at the end, Sakuto and Urahara finally met one another face to face, and they have a lot of things to discuss.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel, Yoruichi,