Welcome to the next chapter!
Benny Farr; It definitely is all his plan~
Chronosign; His Zanpakuto could be like that. No worries~
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, Liltotto definitely had the better power to deal with the net. Nemu has her fun moments~ Giselle surely did. Kensei badmouths Tosen to Hisagi later on, if they had a chance for one on one, could be interesting on what would have happened since they didn't get that chance in canon. Candice did yeah. Yeah, Sakuto wished to see what they were capable of doing. Liltotto understood by the end how the fight was going to go. Hiyori and Bambi have quite the dynamic. Yeah, it would have been cool to see their Bankai's in someway. Yeah, it always made sense for Soi Fon to show up for that fight. Tier could do yeah. Thanks for the harem suggestions! Their powers can be pretty brutal. We shall see what happens with Orihime during that arc. Yoruichi and Sakuto will have a moment pretty soon. Rukia could do, it would be a good way to show her growth. That would be good to show his leadership skills. Mayuri will still have his speech. Yeah, he will do pretty good in his role.
Guest 1; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
raio10; I am glad that you are enjoying him so far. Kukaku is pretty cool, thanks for the suggestions.
Longinus888; The Quincy girls could be. Sakuto knows a good deal, which he will show in the coming chapters.
GMotW - The Author; Thanks very much! Yeah, she is quite like that~ Not sure about that yet.
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! They did yeah, managing to hold off the Quincy girls. Sakuto and Nemu are working hard~ Seems like Kensei is yeah, lets see how that goes~ Yeah, a fun switch from how they can be.
Guest 2; Sakuto's Zanpakuto abilities will be shown pretty soon, and he has counters for Aizen.
Skull Flame; Yeah, seems like Rukia thought that would be a good way, and the others agreed~ Candice surely is~ Giselle seems to be yeah. Meninas is pretty fun to see that contrast with. Bambietta does yeah, we will learn more about her pretty soon. Haha, glad you caught onto that one~ They have a good relationship with one another.
Guest 3; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Animefan111; That is a tough question. I would have to agree with you about that one, it was difficult seeing some parts.
Orihime fan; Glad that you liked it! We shall see how it plays out~ Yeah, Sakuto and Nemu are working hard~ Glad you liked their reunion.
Guest 4; We shall see. His Zanpakuto shall be revealed pretty soon. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 5; Thanks!
shephawk; That would be a pretty interesting Persona story to do. Being Mitsuru's brother would be a nice bridge between the two games. It would be interesting if he awakened his Persona that way. Naoto is pretty awesome too, thanks for the suggestions!
Animangstar17; Thank you, I am happy that you are enjoying the story so far. Yeah, his relationship with his elder brother before and after that reveal is going to be fun to write about. Soi Fon will have some cool moments for sure. Thanks for the harem suggestion!
Guest 6; Yeah, they could depending on the character replace him.
Guest 7; Thanks for the harem suggestion!
ryanleemartinez14; Its been a while since I have watched it, but yeah maybe at some point it would be fun to write a story for it.
Guest 8; Things will be brought over yeah in a different way.
Guest 9; Thank you for the harem suggestion!
makotoxvalerie; Thanks for the harem suggestion! His Zanpakuto will be shown when needed. Yeah, that would be a cool idea to have their dynamic like that. It could be possible with the power of the Hogyoku.
With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 8
As the battle with the Quincy was going on, Orihime sat in class, and contemplated how the fight was going. She could feel internally that Sakuto was alright. She didn't know why she felt like this, but she just knew it deep down that he was.
Soon, lunch rolled around, and she along with her two friends, Tatsuki and Chizuru, sat on the rooftop of the school, eating their food with one another.
"I see that my Goddess isn't here." Chizuru began, but then became gleeful. "But, the menace isn't here either."
Tatsuki gained an annoyed face, and tapped Chizuru on the head.
"Are you seriously calling him a menace because he's friends with Orihime? You should be happy for them, Orihime likes having him around, and he's a nice guy, don't be cruel. Stop being so competitive."
"What? Competition isn't my style Tatsuki-chan. Especially with him!"
"Seriously, you are...actually, speaking of them though, where are the others?"
Orihime snapped out of her thoughts when she heard that, turning to Tatsuki with a gentle smile.
"Sakuto-kun and the others are dealing with a personal matter, they should be back tomorrow~"
"Aah good, then it will shut Honsho up about Kurotsuchi-san!"
"She is an amazing Goddess!"
Tatsuki sighed deeply, shaking her head.
"...Anyway, I've got something for you Orihime. Something weird happened to me yesterday."
"Really? What was it?"
Orihime was aware that while Tatsuki had some spiritual energy, she didn't think it was enough for her to see spirits, or Hollows or anything like that. But if she had felt something, then she thought that she should at least find out what it was, and report it back to Sakuto in case it was important to something.
"While I was walking back from practice yesterday, there's this bird that came towards me. So, at first it wouldn't leave me alone. I didn't know what was going on with it. It kept flying around my head. But then, it began speaking."
"Speaking? Like chirping or something?"
Orihime wondered, believing Tatsuki thought that it simply was chirping away.
But Tatsuki shook her head, and furrowed her brows.
"No, I mean actually talking. Like human talk."
Orihime widened her eyes.
"Really? It must be a talking bird~"
"Not so knowledgeable about such things like bird types, so I looked it up, and I think its a parakeet, they talk from what I could find out. Anyway, it landed on my shoulder, and wouldn't leave me alone so I took it home with me. I left it at my house. Say, why don't you come over, and see my new bird~"
Orihime wished to see what was going on with this bird, so she nods her head.
"Okay, we can do that~"
"Can I come?!"
Chizuru wondered loudly, Tatsuki raised a defensive brow.
"Are you going to do anything weird?" Chizuru looked sheepish. "Seriously Honsho, don't do anything weird and you can come."
"Great, then its settled!"
"Ooh, maybe Sakuto-kun could come~"
Chizuru made an X shape with her arms at Orihime's suggestion.
"Nope, only girls! Though if Kurotsuchi-san would be coming..."
Tatsuki gave an annoyed look towards Chizuru who gave a peace sign right back.
Orihime happily smiled towards her friends, glad that they were having at least a somewhat good time together, even if Tatsuki and Chizuru didn't always see eye to eye.
Meanwhile, Sakuto had broke off away from Hiyori, and was beginning to head back towards the apartment, when he felt a presence coming closer towards him.
He recognized the presence, and stopped in track to see that it was Yoruichi who was coming towards him.
Looking towards the cat, Sakuto gently smiled.
"Yoruichi-san, what's going on?"
"Kisuke wanted to know how the situation went with the Quincy."
Sakuto looked around, unable to see Urahara anywhere, nor did he feel him either.
"He couldn't come himself?"
"He is being all Kisuke like, and still trying to work things out within his head. You know how he can be. Lost in thought, and only keeping his mind on those gadgets and gizmos."
Sakuto mentally laughed, he did know how Urahara could be from time to time.
"I see, well it went pretty well. Though, they had some unique abilities, to be honest I wish to study them even more. Especially the one who was called Giselle-san. She didn't show it, but I had a feeling that it could be dangerous."
Yoruichi pursed her lips.
"How so?"
Sakuto got into a thinking pose.
"Well, due to a few things really. One was the fact that she didn't use it, yet she had the chance. Unless its an ability that isn't combat related. Still, it would be something even more intriguing. Is it a healing power? Or is it something else? She did seem to heal a little faster than the others with her when I used my healing Kido."
"Maybe she has a fast healing factor or something? Some kind of regeneration?"
"Hm, yes that could be something intriguing if she did have that. And it would explain how she healed a bit faster than the others. Aah well, I will be meeting with them soon enough, perhaps she will be able to enlighten me a little more on what's going on with her, and her powers. It seems for now, we have come to a truce, so lets see what happens~ Though, gotta keep eyes on Bambi-chan."
Though he said that, he couldn't get out of his mind that there was more to Giselle than she was letting on.
How she fought, it was something Sakuto wondered about as well.
Shaking his head, he turned his eyes fully towards the cat Yoruichi.
"Either way, I also need to go and see Urahara-san, to work on a certain something."
Yoruichi understood, and turned her back towards him.
"I would say lets have a race..."
"Why not? Cat vs Shinigami, stranger things have happened~"
Yoruichi snickered, and leapt forward towards Urahara's shop, so Sakuto began to follow after her at rapid speeds to try and overtake her in their race.
After school that day, Orihime and the others went towards Tatsuki's place, to see the so called speaking bird.
Tatsuki fought off Chizuru's advances towards Orihime as they went towards Tatsuki's room.
Upon entering, Orihime felt something come over her being, like she felt something spiritual around her within the room. She had learned from Sakuto to hone that kind of sensing, so she began doing what he had taught her.
She looked around, and couldn't see anything out of the ordinary within Tatsuki's room. But she did see what appeared to be a bird cage that was covered up.
That's where she felt the power coming from.
"So...the birds here, Tatsuki-chan?"
Tatsuki nods, and uncovers the covering on the cage, revealing a white parakeet towards Orihime's eyes.
She looked deeply into the cage, and saw the bird was making eye contact with her.
"Yeah, here it is. Or I should say he is."
Orihime slowly nods, being taken by what was being shown before her eyes.
She leaned towards the cage, and stuck her finger close to the birds cage.
"Hello there, my name is Orihime Inoue, what's yours?"
Orihime asked, she now was expecting some kind of answer as she felt a soul coming from the bird. A humans one at that. To her, though she wasn't a huge expert, she had some experience with sensing, and now she felt like she was looking towards a humans soul but it was within a bird.
"My name is Yuichi Shibata."
Orihime gasped, while Chizuru looked suspicious.
"No way, that couldn't have talked then. Say, Tatsuki-chan. Did you throw your voice or something?"
"No I didn't you moron! Remember, parakeets can talk! This guy here is very smart~"
Snapping at Chizuru, Tatsuki sent hard eyes towards her, while Orihime was enamoured with the small parakeet.
"Amazing, you actually talked so well."
"Yes, I did."
Orihime furrowed her eyebrows.
Orihime was intrigued by what she was seeing and hearing, that she wished to understand more about what was going on there.
She also did her best to play along with what Tatsuki thought was true, as right now, she didn't want Tatsuki to be in danger, and couldn't explain what she thought this really was, so she knew she would have to talk to Sakuto as soon as possible.
As that was going on, Rukia pondered what had happened with Bambietta. The fight that they had, and what happened after the fight. Try as she might, Rukia couldn't let the thoughts escape her mind.
Nemu who sat close to Rukia within the apartment of Orihime's, watched Rukia having an intense expression on her face.
"Kuchiki-san. I have been reading your expressions, and I believe that you have something on your mind. Would you wish to share? Sakuto-sama says sharing is good for the soul if there is a problem that is troubling you, and that you cannot think of solutions alone. A problem shared is a problem halved, correct?"
The young girl nods her head, while tossing a look out of the window.
"It isn't a real problem, we've come to a truce with the Quincy. Yet, I can't get Bambietta out of my head. I can't explain it. But when I looked into her eyes, I saw genuine pain within. I don't know if it is Shinigami related, or if she's using that as an excuse to get out her feelings..."
"I think that she might be suffering from a cycle of hatred."
Rukia became intrigued.
"A cycle huh?"
"Yes. She has emotions that fluctuate. She wishes to be the one that's in command within her group. But evident when we saw Liltotto-san take over during the remaining communications between our groups, she wasn't listening to her friends, and saw them not following her. She failed to see Liltotto-san was trying to look out for her well being. Along with that, her potential real fight with a Shinigami, as in yourself, ended prematurely. Perhaps she wished to show her dominance in that fight, yet didn't get the chance to address what she was feeling deep within her."
Rukia thought about what Nemu had said, and she couldn't say that it wasn't an interesting theory. She could see why Nemu would make those kind of conclusions.
"I see...so, do you think another fight is inevitable?"
"There is a high chance that indeed another fight could happen between you and Bambietta-san based on the evidence I witnessed."
Rukia clicked her tongue.
"And what I wanted to avoid as well...to be honest with you, if we had continued fighting, I am unsure of how the fight would have gone. She definitely was strong and could cause a lot of damage if I am unprepared. I am in charge of this town, I wish to be the one to settle this. Though I do understand going to others for help is also good..."
"Then I would suggest receiving training from Sakuto-sama."
Rukia let out an audible surprised voice.
"Really?"
"If you feel the need to prepare, then I would suggest accepting help of those around you. Sakuto-sama is highly versed in all combat areas that Shinigami possess, and I can understand facing these Quincy. When I fought Candice Catnipp-san, I was able to understand her more, and you also understand your opponents more."
Rukia gives a faint smile.
"Yes, you are right about that. Still, there is something I have been thinking about, if you don't mind me asking?" Nemu gave her the go ahead. "You seem to have attached yourself to Sakuto. May I ask why? Not that I think he's a bad role model by any means, but out of everyone you chose, Sakuto. Not your Captain, or someone else?"
Nemu confirmed the thoughts within her mind, as she addressed Rukia directly.
"Sakuto-sama is a rather fascinating subject to study, even Mayuri-sama can concur those thoughts. Sakuto-sama possesses high intelligence, and yet, unlike Mayuri-sama, he doesn't feel the need to experiment on others, and he doesn't look down upon others, unlike that of Mayuri-sama. Sakuto-sama uses his mind, for the benefit of others. His thoughts, are of that of helping others. I have witnessed it time and time again. Before we came here, and even now. He has guided me through many of my questions, inspired me to make my own decisions and offers me any support I request from him. It is why, I believe I can attach myself to Sakuto-sama, and learn much about this world, and also myself. Sakuto-sama also asked me what I wanted once, and I began wondering what it was I did want, even now I can search for what I desire."
Rukia looked surprised to hear Nemu speak like this, especially to her.
Nemu then continued, while pushing her thoughts to the surface.
"Now I have the chance to see Sakuto-sama work on these Quincy items, seeing his mind at work so to speak, it is something I find myself,...yes this emotion, it is enjoyment. I enjoy working together with Sakuto-sama."
Rukia remembered a time Nemu wouldn't have ever spoken so openly with anyone. Yet, now seeing them having a full blown conversation, Rukia found herself really liking the idea of spending more time with Nemu, and understanding more about her.
"Well...I am glad Kurotsuchi-san, I believe you have given me an idea. Perhaps I will go back to Sakuto for some training. I do wish to be prepared in case Bambietta does try anything. Thank you for your advice."
"I am...happy to offer my advice anytime, Kuchiki-san."
Rukia felt like she was becoming more aware of what Nemu was speaking about, and it made her happy to know that she and Nemu were beginning to form a connection with one another.
A while later, Sakuto went towards Urahara's shop, and began having a discussion around various things, putting some plans that they have into the beginning stages. But there was something on Sakuto's mind, not necessarily something he worried about, but it was something that he thought about a good deal.
Youruichi was curled up on Sakuto's lap, purring away as his fingers ran down her back, and her eyes kept going up towards him, in turn he smiled down towards her, something that Urahara took note of as they continued working together.
"So, is it true between you and Tessai-san?"
Urahara raised a brow.
"What do you mean?"
"For a while in Soul Society, there was a rumour that you proposed to him."
Urahara went wide eyed when Yoruichi said that, who was trying to hide the grin that was working its way onto her face.
"W-What!?"
Sakuto slowly nods his head.
"I figured it wasn't true, but I heard from Hiyori-san, after you became her Captain that was the case."
Urahara tightened his fist while Yoruichi let out the tiniest of laughs, drawing a look of ire from Urahara to the cat.
Yoruichi yawned, as she snuggled against Sakuto's thighs, enjoying every moment that she was there.
"Damn it...she must have said it when I was...when we weren't getting along."
"She probably did yeah, to have a laugh about it."
Urahara let out a small sigh, thinking about a smirking Hiyori telling people that story.
As they spoke, Sakuto was picking up a rather strange orb, and examining it deeply. From simply holding it, he could feel a number of emotions while looking over it. He especially could see the expression on Urahara's face, the achievement of its creation and the pain that the orb had caused.
"Its so tiny, yet its got incredible power. Even now, I can feel its existence trying to affirm itself over everything else. Almost like it has a will of its own...it gives off strange sensations for sure."
"Indeed, its a very interesting creation. If only for the fact that it has some unique qualities to it. When you look at it, what do you feel?"
Sakuto paused for the briefest of moments, and looked at the orb within his hand.
Something so tiny that it fit easily into his hands, pinched between his fingers.
The power that it radiated, yet it looked so ordinary if observed through eyes of not knowing what this orb could truly do.
"This little orb, causing so many problems to good people. Evident by what you've seen with your own eyes. I can't deny that it is intriguing and what potential good it could do if used correctly, but after seeing what it can do and its potential in the wrong hands, I'd rather not have this thing around due to what it truly could be capable of. Though since it is, I suppose that we will have to work at doing what's necessary to carry out our ideas. Wouldn't you agree, Urahara-san?"
Understanding what he meant, Urahara gave a keen stare.
"You are truly a fascinating being Sakuto-san. I can understand why Yoruichi-san batted for you when we were discussing if we should come together."
Sakuto raised a brow, as he looked down towards Yoruichi, who had decided to show the slightest of smiles on her face.
"She did huh?"
"She surely did, she saw something in you that saw the potential of us being able to accomplish many goals."
"Also, because it makes the most sense to me. To understand the enemy, is to understand the people closest to them. And Sakuto is that person, who understands better than anyone what we're going to do in this situation, and who we are up against."
Yoruichi added, Sakuto inclined his neck.
"Yes, you're right Yoruichi-san, this is a situation I think that truly can pull together our unique talents. It seems together, if we do this correctly, we could pull off a good deal together."
"Though, the next move is going to be tricky. Are you prepared for it? I mean, he is..."
As Urahara trailed off, Sakuto understood exactly what he wished to say.
"I am prepared, I know what we've got to do. Sometimes, people get blinded to reality around them, they seek higher goals, and lose sight of what's truly important. Sometimes they believe what they're doing is the right thing, or they choose to believe in something that could cause others to suffer to further their own desires and goals. Everyone has reasons for doing what they're doing. Even you did, right Urahara-san? When you created this orb?"
"Yes...that is very true. I wanted to see what this orb could become."
"When you finally did create it, did you like what you saw?"
Urahara peered at the orb, and looked at it with the intensity of a thousand suns. Almost as if Urahara himself hadn't thought about it, or chose not to think about it once remembering what happened with the orb in the past.
"Honestly? Its yes, and no. It exceeded expectations, and here we are today."
"I can understand that rather well, Urahara-san. Creations can sometimes be more than we ever expect."
Understanding where Urahara was coming from, Sakuto silently continued the work together with Urahara, while Yoruichi was quite happy to see them, some of her favourite people, being able to come together towards a common goal between them…
As that was going down, Bambietta, and the others had returned to their hideout. With the sun having set, Bambietta gazed up at the moon, while Liltotto was eating, Candice was casually fixing her hair after her fight with Nemu, Meninas was watching TV, and Giselle seemed to be spaced out, not gazing at anything in particular, lost in her own thoughts.
"...We need to be prepared for next time."
Bambietta began, with the others turning to the downtrodden Quincy.
"What do you mean?"
Candice wondered, Bambietta gritted her teeth.
"It is what I said, isn't it? That girl...all of them, they got the better of us today. We got a chance to come back swinging."
Liltotto shook her head.
"No, lets not do that."
Bambietta shot her eyes for Liltotto who held her ground.
"Why not?"
"Because we proved that we don't have a chance. Besides, I liked their idea."
Bambietta scowled when hearing that.
"Tainting Quincy power with Shinigami? Are you for real?"
"You should listen to what they actually proposed. It wasn't Shinigami power. They said it themselves. Its to make sure that Quincy can purify Hollows. Originally, we slayed Hollows because they're the enemy of us, they're like our poison. So think about what they said, we have the power to purify them, I think its worth at least exploring."
Bambietta scowled.
"You have been suckered in by their deceptions!"
"No, I have been open minded to their proposal, something that you should also take into consideration as well."
"And how do you know they aren't lying?"
Bambietta countered so Liltotto expressed her thoughts.
"Why would they need to do that? They had the upper hand, they won our battle. It would be pretty pointless to lie about it if they'd be able to simply defeat us in a fight. Use your head a bit."
"That is a good idea. I wish everyone else would use their heads. The Shinigami are our enemies. Do you always want to be in the shadow of the Shinigami? Or do you want to be a proper powerful Quincy? We were gifted these abilities, not to waste them being friends with the Shinigami, but to obliterate them. And now, you're speaking as if were supposed to be friends with them? I'm sorry but I can't do that!"
In the room, the atmosphere was tense. Neither Bambietta nor Liltotto would back down.
Meninas didn't want her friends to fight, Giselle looked between them and could see the frustrations that were on her face.
Candice looked over the angry face of Bambietta, so she began to speak up.
"...Bambietta-chan, Liltotto is right. We have to think about what's best. Maybe all Shinigami aren't evil, didn't you say the Quincy weren't holier than thou?"
"The Quincy were stupid, so were the Shinigami. I'm talking about here, and now. Today. Not what happened in the past with those idiots from both sides, I am talking about us and our best interests. We need to survive, can we really trust these Shinigami?" Bambietta looked and saw everyone had worried faces for their friend, so she exhaled. "...I need to have a breather, excuse me."
Bambietta turned her body towards the door, and began walking out.
The others watched their friend disappear, knowing that any words would be meaningless since she was feeling rather angry, and no words would reach her right now. Giving her sometime to cool off, and think about what needs to be done, is the best they could do for her right now.
That night, Orihime returned back to her apartment, to see that the others were already there. Excitement came over her, and she rushed towards them all to check on what happened during that day.
"How did it go everyone? Did the Quincy girl show up?"
Rukia turns her eyes towards Orihime with a gentle smile.
"We managed to win, and I believe we changed...four of the fives opinion about us."
Orihime paused, as Sakuto offered her some food that he made, which she thought was super sweet, especially seeing that it was one of the combinations of foods that she had taught him, which she loved, not so much by everyone else, who were eating something different from Sakuto and Orihime.
"Four...so they had more?"
Sakuto folded his arms, as he began explaining.
"Four more Quincy, all female. And all had mysterious abilities as well, including the girl called Bambietta-san, apparently seems to be able to create bombs."
Orihime looked curiously while Nemu raised her head.
"Create bombs...yes, it did seem her Reishi itself wasn't the bomb."
"Yeah. From my observations, and from what Rukia-chan described about their battle, she infused her Reishi into an object, and caused that to become the bomb. Rather than hurling bombs around themselves. It would explain why when my Kido spell hit her Reishi, it didn't explode immediately, to me it looked as if they were combining, again later as Rukia-chan was speaking about her battle, and how she used close ranged explosions, perhaps she can even simply infuse the air with her bombs for close range blasts, or she is simply able to send of close range destructive waves."
Orihime was blown away when she heard that.
"Wow, that's a curious power to have Sakuto-kun."
"Indeed, and each of them...no, that Giselle-san, she didn't show any abilities, yet I believe she does have one."
"Maybe it isn't combat related."
Rukia posed her thoughts, Sakuto inclined his neck.
"Yes, maybe you're right. Still, each of them had intriguing powers. Though I fought a girl that was basically Superwoman, she threw a building at me."
Orihime gasped.
"S-She did? They can even become that strong?"
"Yeah it seems so, but I sliced the building up. The fact she could do that though, highly impressive indeed. If she was faster, then it would be a dangerous situation to behold. I couldn't imagine what would happen if she was unleashed with speeds like some of the faster Captains in the Soul Society."
Orihime couldn't help but agree with what he said, she also thought it was impressive.
That's when Nemu began to speak up.
"I am under the impression they came into their abilities not all that long ago. Perhaps more training would be required to use them to their desired results. Even then, they had enough power that if it was seated Shinigami, and not Vice Captain level at least, then they'd be able to win."
Sakuto agreed with Nemu's words, and carried on.
"Definitely, all of them are stronger than most seated officers already, so harnessing their powers, it makes me curious on how strong they could become based on what we have seen already."
Rukia looked astonished.
"You really think they have that potential, Sakuto?"
Sakuto nods his head.
"They weren't pushovers to be sure. Yet still not trained in the full use of their new abilities. Intriguing girls for sure, makes me wonder more about them."
Upon hearing that, it made Rukia think about a few things.
"And they already were worrying with their unique abilities. Their potential is rather worrisome. But, it is good that the majority are at least willing to cooperate with us. Bambietta on the other hand...it seems that she isn't going to be the most willing to join us in anything."
Sakuto bows his head.
"Yeah, that's how it is. Maybe she could come around, maybe she wont. Maybe her thing with Shinigami is deeply engrained inside of her heart that even finding Shinigami like us that would be willing to make friends with her, is such a strange thing that she doesn't know what to do about it. If she should take that leap and open herself up, or close off her heart to those around her, it really is something only she truly could know right now."
As they all talked, Orihime recalled the parakeet and thought she'd share that with the others.
"Sakuto-kun, I know this is off topic, but...is it possible for a human soul to live inside of a parakeet?"
Rukia and Nemu became bewildered when she heard that, while Sakuto tilts his head.
"Depends on the circumstances on how that soul became inside of a parakeet, it certainly is. Did you come across something like that?"
"Well, Tatsuki-chan was telling me she came across a bird yesterday that could talk. I saw it before with Chizuru-chan, it really talked like a human. And I could feel the soul...it felt like a humans Sakuto-kun. When I asked the bird a few questions...it seemed like he was human to me."
Sakuto was intrigued when he heard that.
"Hmm, that's rather interesting. So, at her home huh...let me have a quick feel..." Sakuto spread his spirit sensing, and closed his eyes for a brief moment. Seconds later, he opened his eyes. "...I see. Yes, you're right, I am sensing a human soul contained in a non human form. A bit difficult to sense since its a normal soul that's got very low spiritual energy, but no denying that it is there."
Rukia folds her arms.
"How would that have happened? All I can think of is that maybe someone put the soul there. But for what purpose?"
Sakuto thought about it for a few moments, then smiled lightly.
"I am detecting fleeting traces of Hollow Reiatsu surrounding that human soul, perhaps some kind of Hollow did something to the humans soul. Soon, we can go and get the bird. Its probably best to not keep it with her, in case the Hollow came back. I will make sure both girls are safe, rid them of any residual spirit energy the bird would have left around them, so no Hollow would be attracted to them for that reason."
Orihime looked relieved about that.
"That's good, now what do we do Sakuto-kun?"
"Hmmm, we should make it look like that the bird simply escaped its cage, and flew out the window, she'd not have any questions if we did it that way, as if we did when she isn't there, she might think someone broke in or something. Though she's got burgeoning spiritual energy, its not enough for her to see us Shinigami at this time, so we'll go and get the bird soon. So, does she suspect it is supernatural, Orihime-chan?"
"Erm, no I don't think so, she thinks its a really advanced parakeet, since they can learn human talk." Sakuto nods in understanding. "But Sakuto-kun, a Hollow would be able to do that to Shibata-san...erm that's what the bird called himself. So, a Hollow can do that Sakuto-kun?"
Orihime pondered.
"Hollows come with all sorts of abilities, its not strange one had the ability to do that. But fortunately, I'm not sensing any Hollows around this town. It could be our presence keeping it away and trying to think of a way to fight us or something, if it has intelligence beyond what normal Hollows have. Some act only on instinct, some do have higher thoughts, along with those instincts, so it could be that. Either way, when we get this bird, we can ask ourselves about what happened, and get prepared."
Orihime nods her head, glad that she was able to help this little bird out.
A small time later on, Sakuto and Rukia went towards Tatsuki's place and entered her room once making sure she was there. Nemu stayed outside with Orihime since she was a human and couldn't sneak in like those of the Shinigami.
Tatsuki was lazing around on her bed, reading a magazine, unaware of the two presence of Shinigami.
"Well, successful entrance. Now what?"
Rukia wondered, so Sakuto looked towards the window.
"I'll open this so Tatsuki-san doesn't notice, and then we can have Yuichi-san here come with us."
He then moved towards it, and began subtly pushing it open enough for the bird to be able to escape. Said bird, Yuichi, looked perplexed when seeing the two Shinigami.
When he went to speak, Rukia placed a finger to her lips, and then gestured for the bird, so Yuichi stayed quiet, as Sakuto successfully opened the window a good deal to the point the bird would be capable of flying out and away.
"Alright, now that's done..." Rukia looked towards the bird, and moved closer. "Hello there, please don't speak right now, but nod or shake your head if you wish to answer me, okay?" Yuichi nods. "That girl on the bed, we can't have her be placed into danger, so we wanna help you out, okay?" Yuichi nods his head. "Great. Then I'd like to request that you come with us. We wish to help you."
Yuichi looked unsure, so Sakuto moved closer and examined Yuichi with his eyes, and his spiritual senses as well.
"Up close, I think our initial theory of a Hollow interference was right. And the chain is separated from the physical body, so there's no chance for us to go and put the soul back either."
"It must have been separated for a good while, there is...regrettably nothing more we can do with that. Should we perform Konso?"
"Yeah, there's sadly nothing else we can do for him at this point but to send him to the Soul Society."
Yuichi looked down, Sakuto noticing the eyes of a pained child.
So he began speaking to Yuichi.
"I don't know what happened fully. But it seems that a creature with a mask did this to you, right?" Yuichi nods. "Do you remember a girl called Orihime-chan?" Yuichi paused, and recalled that name. "She sent us to come and get you. She wishes to see you again, and to help you."
Yuichi lifts his head at that and looked curiously at the Shinigami.
Remembering Orihime's gentle smile, Yuichi seemed to be pleased, so Sakuto smiled.
"Now, if you want to see her, you'll have to get out of the cage, and fly out of the window. Since Tatsuki-chan there doesn't know about spirits, and such, its best if we do it this way, okay? So she doesn't become hurt."
Yuichi believed he understood, so he began tugging at the lock with his beak, while Tatsuki continued reading her magazine.
That was until she heard the clicking of the lock, so she looked up, to see it off.
"Damn, how did you..."
As Tatsuki began to stand, Sakuto uttered "Time to go kid." so Yuichi spread his wings, and flapped while pushing the cage door open with his body, astonishing Tatsuki, who tried to grab the bird, but flew higher than Tatsuki could grab.
"Out the window, I'll show you where to go."
Rukia went out first, while Tatsuki tried to reach up high, and kept saying "Hey, wait!" over and over again, Sakuto mentally apologized to Tatsuki, knowing with her current level of spirit energy, it would've been too dangerous to involve her in this.
Yuichi then shot for the window, and flew outside, as Tatsuki called "Hey, come back!" but to no avail.
She exhaled, sitting down on the edge of the bed sadly.
"Damn...and I was beginning to like the talking bird too..."
She laughed to herself, but not in a jovial way, Sakuto exhaled and began going to the window to meet up with the others.
But before he left, Sakuto took one last glance at Tatsuki, and thought "Though it wont be like Yuichi-san, I could always give her a parakeet..." then he left out of the room to meet up with the others.
Returning back to the apartment, Sakuto, Orihime, Rukia and Nemu all sat around the bird Yuichi who was sitting on the coffee table. Orihime and the others listened as the boy began to explain his story to them.
"...And then my Mom...she died...when that man...attacked her...but I pulled...on his shoe lace...and he went over...the balcony..."
As the boy explained, Orihime's head fell to her chest, and her eyes displayed sorrow as a result.
Sakuto silently took in everything that was going on, and then looked towards Orihime in particular, and seeing her sad eyes, he placed a comforting hand on her back, something that she appreciated as she looked towards him.
"...B-But then I was...put into this parakeet...and then..."
As he continued, Sakuto could see Nemu looking on, and he wondered what her thoughts about this were. Rukia herself while not showing it as much as Orihime was, also felt disheartened by this boys story.
So he reached over, and placed a hand on top of her head, giving it a comforting pat, causing Rukia to lift her lips up ever so slightly.
"T-Then the monster...he said that if I could...escape him for three months...then he would bring back my Mom to life...and then we would...we would be together..."
Sakuto shakes his head at the boys story, and then expressed something sadly.
"I am sorry, but I highly doubt that this Hollow...the monster would be capable of doing that."
As he said it, he wondered what kind of sick individual would toy with a child's emotions like this, only to take them away, and continuously pursue the boy to have some kind of game with him, that's the impression that Sakuto was getting from the story Yuichi was telling them.
"But my Mom..."
Yuichi began sadly, Rukia nods her head slowly.
"Its possible that she's gone to the Soul Society now. Erm, to Heaven."
Rukia did her best to explain to Yuichi who as a result looked increasingly sad.
"So I can't see Mom again?"
"You can go too." Sakuto explained. "We Shinigami can send you there, and you could potentially find her again."
As he said it, Nemu glanced towards Sakuto, and thought "Though the chances are slim Sakuto-sama that he could find his Mother since it isn't guaranteed people of the same family are sent to the same area, even now you're trying to give this soul a soothing passing, and save him from becoming a Hollow." while she understood more and more of the man that she admired truly was like to begin with.
Yuichi himself seemed to be really excited to hear what was being said, and could barely contain his excitement.
"R-Really? I could?"
The hope in his voice stirred emotions within Rukia in particular, she didn't have a Mother so she didn't know what it was like to feel like that.
Nemu also thought about it, and wondered if this was a typical response of a child.
Lastly Orihime was lost in her own thoughts about her elder brother, and how it would've been to see him like Yuichi was hopefully going to see his Mother again.
"Yes, that's right. There is hope she is there."
Yuichi wasn't sure, so Orihime leaned over towards him.
"Its okay, if Sakuto-kun says its possible, then I'm sure that it is. He's very smart, and he knows a lot about these kind of things. So maybe if you go...then your Mom will be there. I also lost my brother a few years ago, and like you...I didn't know what to think either. But, I saw my brother again thanks to Sakuto-kun. He gave me...that chance, and now he's going to give it to you as well. So, don't be afraid, I'm sure that you'll get there, and maybe even see my brother too along with your Mom~"
Yuichi tilts his head left and right, while gazing towards Orihime.
"You...remind me...of my Mom…she was really nice like that too..."
"Hehe, I'm glad~ So, are you ready to go?"
As Orihime asked, Sakuto gave a gentle smile towards Orihime, seeing her kind and caring nature was something that he simply adored.
"Well...erm...I...I don't...I...its a bit scary...but I also want to see my Mom...but I'm also worried..."
Yuichi looked shy, and worried, so Sakuto hummed.
For a few moments, he wondered about what to do. He didn't want to worry the young boy about his passing. He also did feel about how his life ended at such a young age, hardly any time to experience many things about the human world. But also, the fact that they'd have to send him eventually, less he becomes a Hollow, which none of them wanted.
So he thought of something, and expressed said thoughts.
"Tell us, what was one thing you wished to do, before...what happened to you, happened."
"Huh?"
"You know, like a wish. Was there somewhere you wanted to go? Or was there something you always thought about doing, but never could?"
The young boy furrowed his brows, and thought about what Sakuto had said.
"W...Well, I did want to go...to an amusement park, and ride some of the big kids rides...seems weird now..."
"Amusement park huh...I see. Well, here's a deal. We'll take you to an amusement park tomorrow, if you gain the courage to go to the Soul Society."
Orihime gave a very bright smile, perfectly understanding what Sakuto was saying, and what he wished to do for the young boy, to give him good memories before going to the other side, after having such harsh experiences with the Hollow, especially someone so young.
"R-Really?"
Orihime nods, bouncing upwards.
"Yup! Lets all go together! Lets have a day of fun together!"
As she cheered, Orihime gleefully looked towards Sakuto who gave her a gentle smile in return.
"Amusement park. What is amusing about it Sakuto-sama?"
Nemu wondered, as Sakuto lightly snickered.
"Its a place where people go with friends, or family, or whoever to go and have fun on rides, and play different types of games, eat different types of food, mostly not good for you but taste really good. Its basically a place to have fun."
"To have fun with friends...I would like to attend this amusement park as well."
Sakuto was glad to hear that, seeing Nemu wishing to try more things was good in Sakuto's eyes.
Then Sakuto turned to Rukia, who was being rather quiet.
"Rukia-chan, you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. So, amusement park tomorrow? Well, I've always been interested in seeing what is done there myself. And I wonder if there's a mascot in the human world that's like Chappy the Rabbit...though, I am sure Chappy would be more of a hit..."
Sakuto was amused by that.
Yet, something else about Rukia, seemed to be a little off. And he had a hunch on what that could be, so he promised to speak to her after this.
So he faced Yuichi once more.
"By the way, want to come out of that parakeet now? I am sure its been tough staying inside there, I can free you."
The boy, Yuichi excitedly nods his head.
"Yes, please!"
"Great then...here we go..."
Sakuto went over to the parakeet, placing a finger to the birds head, and then a flash of light rang out through the area.
When it died down, the spirit was released from the bird, and they all saw the ghost of the young boy that had been inside of the parakeet all this time.
"Wow, so that's what you look like~? You're so adorable~"
Orihime giddily showed cute expressions, while Nemu observed silently on what was happening.
Sakuto was happy to see Orihime was excited, and they enjoyed time with one another for a short while.
A small time later, Rukia called Sakuto to the roof of the apartment complex, staring out towards the sky together. Sakuto didn't say anything, while allowing Rukia ti collect her own thoughts on the matter.
When she was ready, she faced Sakuto.
"Sakuto, I'm sure you're aware of why I called you up here."
"Its about the fight with Bambietta-san right?"
"Yes, that and something else." Sakuto tilted his head, so Rukia carried on. "I have been thinking ever since that battle, and she...she was strong, Sakuto. I expected her to be, but her level of strength, and you mentioned they have the potential to grow even stronger."
"Indeed, each of them have untapped potential. And so do you, Rukia-chan."
Rukia blinked in surprise.
"You think so?"
"Of course, you are very talented Rukia-chan, and also have great potential to grow even more."
Finding his words rather sweet, and comforting at the same time, Rukia bowed her head, and most of her body to his surprise.
"Then, I'd like to formally request that I would be able to train under you, Vice Captain Sakuto."
Sakuto was rather astonished by her rather formal request.
Even to the point that she bowed towards him, he didn't expect that to happen.
"You want to train under me huh? Even being so formal~"
Rukia nods strongly.
"I want to see this through to the end, which also means being able to fight her more evenly. I need to achieve new levels of strength, to face her, and I know you'd be able to help me achieve such levels of power."
Sakuto slowly nods his head, understanding more and more about what she was thinking.
"You want to save her, from her self destructive ways, and to fulfil your duties as this towns protector, correct?"
Momentarily surprised, Rukia soon inclined her neck.
"Yes, that's correct. I can feel if she keeps going in this way, then it isn't going to end well for her...to be honest, I understand the history of both Quincy and Shinigami now, knowing what happened, and why it happened. That seems to be in the past for Bambietta, but there's something more about her that I wish to explore about. I couldn't think of anyone better than you to train me, since you understand much about me, has experience from your time teaching at the academy, and also understanding my abilities thus far."
He could understand her emotions, and did wish to be of help towards her.
"...It does seem that you've made up your mind, and you are very determined. If this is what you truly want, then I can help make you stronger Rukia-chan. Might be tough, but the efforts will soon be shown. Lets do our best, Rukia-chan."
Rukia's face lit up in delight.
She expected it to be tough.
But she did want to increase her power, and she knew that Sakuto would be able to help her do that.
So she would train hard underneath his teachings.
"Yes, lets do our best."
Showing enthusiasm in her voice, and equally on her face, Sakuto could see the determination in her, something that he highly encouraged.
"Great! Then we'll start tomorrow morning." Rukia showed an elegant smile, she was prepared for anything he could offer towards her. "Until then, lets enjoy the night, okay?"
Rukia agreed, and peered up towards the sky, knowing that with Sakuto's help, she'd be able to grow.
Though she wasn't sure what Bambietta would do next time, she'd make sure she was ready for anything that would be thrown at her.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with Sakuto and Urahara continuing towards their goals, Rukia after her fight with Bambietta wishes to confront her again should Bambi try anything, so she after gaining advice from Nemu, has gone to Sakuto for some training. While that is going on, Orihime has come across Yuichi, so the group will be dealing with that, and Bambietta along with the others are beginning to think about what they wish to do now the confrontation has happened, having some differing opinions.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel, Yoruichi, Hiyori,