Welcoer to the next chapter!
Chronosign; Pretty intriguing to think about.
Benny Farr; He very much did.
ShadowUzumaki55; He did yeah, he had a good time. The Hollow stood no chance. Glad you liked their spar section. He did his best for Orihime.
Guest 1; Thank you for the harem suggestion.
Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, it surely was. Glad you liked seeing their training session. Rukia loves her rabbits. Yeah, seems Giselle is up to something. Orihime had quite the reactions. Shrieker was dealt with rather quickly for sure. He was a calming presence for Orihime. She does like having them around. Glad you liked the Yoruichi and Sakuto scene. Bleated happy birthday! Yeah, they are a fun read. Those relationships sound good to me. I am sure he would be able to tell his brother apart from someone posing as him. There will be things with the Fullbringers coming up in the future. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 2; Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 3; Someone could do.
Guest 4; Thanks for the harem suggestion.
Queztlecoatl; She could be.
kurenai lui; Thanks for the harem suggestion.
Guest 5; Thanks very much!
Orihime fan; Yeah, he surely was. Glad you liked her appearance. She did yeah. It was a nice moment.
Guest 6; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Drake san; Thanks for the harem suggestion.
Guest 7; Heres more!
With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 10
The day after sending Yuichi, and Orihime was able to converse with her brother Sora, early in the morning, Sakuto was casually making breakfast for the others, while they slept after the night that they had.
Nemu had spent a good deal on trying to perfect the Quincy cross, which after only a short time, the pair together were very close in finding the perfect blend so a Quincy would still be able to use their powers freely.
Rukia had been training hard, so Sakuto thought she deserved to have a break. He didn't want her to push herself too hard. Knowing that she was going to grow in strength, and also taking care of her health at the same time.
And Orihime had gone through quite the emotional situation regarding her brother and seeing him again after all the time that they've been apart, and also not seeing him as a Hollow as well, she thought that was really amazing.
While he was cooking, Sakuto noticed something outside of the window. It looked to him like someone was trying to mask their spiritual energy, and hiding rather well. But for as good as they were, he was able to detect the hint of their energies, so he was able to sense that he was being watched.
However, he didn't think it was malicious in anyway.
"It seems that Giselle-san is outside again. She's been doing that since the fight with them. I wonder if she's shy, and doesn't know how to approach? Though there's something about that girl...even then, I don't think she's going to attack, but I wonder what she's thinking of doing..."
As he thought about it, Rukia had begun waking up, rubbing her eyes.
Sitting up from her bed, she looked towards the kitchen, seeing her Vice Captain cooking away.
"Ooh...Vice Captain, making breakfast for us...how kind..." Rukia caught her thoughts, when staring towards Sakuto, and furrowed her brows, as she began getting out of the bed. "Good morning Sakuto…"
She yawned, standing fully on her feet, and made her way towards the kitchen.
"Good morning Rukia-chan, you didn't have to get up yet. Its still early."
"I couldn't sleep, I was thinking about something."
"Oh, Bambietta-san?"
Rukia to his surprise, shakes her head.
"No, I've been thinking about my Zanpakuto and drawing out its power even more. Using my dances in various ways. To be honest, while I've got a good grasp of my Zanpakuto, but I also know that there is more to it than maybe I'm not thinking about it. Have you got any ideas for me Sakuto?"
"Well, I have thought about your Zanpakuto, and one of the dances that you've got within your repertoire as it were. Like your Tsukishiro ability. Its main weakness is that the enemy is able to leap out of it before its fully frozen, so I'd suggest that before unleashing it, you'd be able to use Kido to perhaps bind the enemy."
Rukia slowly nods her head.
"Yes, that is something I have thought about."
"Also, don't forget that aside from the dances, your sword is ice. It freezes, use that to your advantage Rukia-chan."
Rukia tilts her head to the side.
"Use it to freeze the enemy?"
"Yeah, that, and the ice could also be used to freeze the enemy from distances, using it to create an area that suits you, and hinders your enemies. I think with your Zanpakuto, you should be able to freeze the area around you and your opponent, even being able to cause them to freeze without a dance, which could give you time to use one of your dances."
Rukia thought about what he said, and she thought that it was a rather intriguing thought to have about her power.
"Yes, I can see what you mean. Hinder the enemy, then while that hindrance is happening, I could use that chance to fire a Kido, or prepare a dance with my blade..."
"Exactly." Sakuto said with a grin. "In battle, it isn't all about bombastic attacks, sometimes the subtlest moves, can be detrimental to your enemies. It can change the tide of the battle, depending on how you take advantage of it."
Rukia listened to his words, and was rather happy to hear it.
While doing that inside, Giselle who had been silently watching from the outside began shaking from side to side with some kind of glee. Her body twitched at each movement that Sakuto made, and then she allowed her hands to come together in a gleeful state.
"I am certain...yes, its got to be the right way to go about it...alright, I'm doing it...hehe~ I'll do it…!"
Having decided something within her mind, Giselle leapt off of the rooftop, landing on the ground and began walking away.
A while later, the group arrived at the school, and as they got into the classroom, Chizuru immediately shot off towards Sakuto, who sat down at his desk, and saw the extending finger towards him.
"So, here you are. What happened between you and Hime yesterday?"
Sakuto gave a coy smile, and looked towards Orihime, who bashfully looked right back.
When doing that, Chizuru felt her jaw hit the floor, as Sakuto wagged his finger.
"A gentleman never reveals his secrets~"
Tatsuki snickered when she heard that, seeing Chizuru being rather dumbfounded.
But then she turns to Nemu, who looks at her, without expressing any emotions on her face.
"Kurotsuchi-san, did you also go with them yesterday? If you did, I wish I could've gone with you~"
"Our outing yesterday was an intimate setting between Sakuto-sama, myself, Kuchiki-san and Inoue-san."
Chizuru spluttered.
"W-What? I-I-Intimate setting!?"
"Correct. We ended our day going home together, and sleeping in close proximity."
Sakuto found it amusing how Nemu's words could be construed as something completely different, and Chizuru took it that way.
"G-Group s-s-s-s-s-s...n-no! It can't be! Not only Hime, but a Goddess like you, and the adorable Kuchiki-san?! It can't be! You all can't fall for his charms!" Sakuto took this chance to wave to Chizuru who places her hands on her head dramatically. "No waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! He's building a hareeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeem!"
Nemu tilts her head, Orihime gasps, and blushes, while Rukia furrows her brows, turning towards Sakuto curiously.
"Sakuto, I didn't know your intentions were to build a harem. Though, I do understand that it can be beneficial..." Sakuto raised a brow at Rukia as she continued on. "...I have been watching these things called dramas, about love triangles, and the idea of finding your love with another partner, caught in the act so to speak. It would easily be solved if they entered into a polyamorous relationship, then all parties would be happy, right?"
Sakuto was bewildered that Rukia watched dramas, and another fact as well.
"Did you just admit that you're for harems?"
"Hm...I suppose that I did. It makes the most sense to me. Are you not Sakuto?"
When Rukia said that, Nemu and Orihime paid extra close attention.
Seeing the eyes of the three women on him, he scratched the back of his head with a soft hearted smile on his face.
"If everyone is all for it, and they're perfectly happy, then I suppose I would be."
Nemu took out her book on Sakuto, and wrote on it 'Sakuto-sama is for harems, further inquires need to be made' before she closed her book, and continued to observe Sakuto from a distance, while Rukia nods along.
"I agree, if everyone is happy, then no one is unhappy."
Chizuru claps her hands together, and swoons over Rukia.
"I am so glad you see it like that~ Because I was thinking, Kuchiki-chan, that we could start a harem together, and you could be in-"
"You wish to be in Sakuto's harem as well?"
Sakuto mouthed 'As well?' to Orihime, who like Sakuto wondered if Rukia considered herself as such already.
Chizuru shivered.
"No thanks. Though...it seems that you're on the Sakuto band wagon...well, it seems I'll have to focus my attentions upon Kurotsuchi-san then." Nemu looks over, and sees Chizuru giving a flirtatious wink, only to send a blank stare back. Chizuru cringes as a result. "Looks like I'm gonna have to put my best effort in to capture this Goddesses heart."
Tatsuki briefly thinks "Honestly, she never learns." trying to rid the thoughts of Chizuru out of her mind.
However, Tatsuki then looked back to all of the others, her eyes in particular going towards Orihime.
"Say Orihime, the strangest thing happened to me yesterday."
Orihime looked concerned, and remembered the last time Tatsuki said that, to do with Yuichi.
"O-Oh? What happened?"
"Well, remember that parakeet I text you got out?" Orihime remembered, and nods her head. "Well, I didn't manage to find the little guy...but, I did get a surprise when I came home. It was another parakeet, perching at my open window."
Orihime looked bewildered, as Rukia glanced at Sakuto, who gave a soft smile in return.
"R-Really?"
"Yeah, he's really smart, like I'm teaching him to do tricks."
"Wow, that's great Tatsuki-chan!"
"Yeah, I guess that it is. He's a bright one alright. Though I do miss seeing that old talking bird...I hope that he managed to find whatever it was that he was looking for."
Orihime nods strongly.
"Yes, I am sure that he did."
Knowing that for a fact, at least with regards to him passing on, Orihime did her best to convey that to Tatsuki indirectly without giving the game away.
Meanwhile, within the hideout of a certain group of exiled Shinigami, Hiyori kept looking towards a few of her fellow group members, and pondered what they were doing, especially looking towards Kensei, who kept his eyes focused and he was seemingly training for something.
Shinji looked towards Kensei, and then towards another member called Love, who had a large afro, and a pair of sunglasses worn at pretty much all times, was training together with Kensei, and he shook his head, as he looked towards fellow member of their group Hachigen, otherwise known as Hacchi, who was a rather tall and jolly man with a pink moustache under his nose.
"Are they seriously still training to get strong enough to fight against Sakuto? Tch, those idiots piss me off almost as much as Shinji."
Shinji looked towards Hiyori bewildered, but she didn't back down and scornfully stared at him, making him cringe.
"It seems that they want answers from Sakuto Aizen-kun, or perhaps they wish to understand why his elder brother is like how he is."
Hacchi offered, very insightfully doing so.
Hiyori didn't believe it, and shook her head.
"No way, they're being idiots and placing blame on others. Hey, he should be placing blame on that Tosen guy too, he was the one who slashed him right?"
Hiyori asked Shinji who nods.
"He does hold animosity towards him too, but he isn't here right now. Sakuto-kun is. Better or worse, some have some difficult feelings about that situation."
"Still damn annoying. And where's Lisa anyway? And Mashiro?"
"Lisa's gone out to get her...hobby stuff, and I'm not sure where Mashiro is."
Shinji answered truthfully, while Hiyori nods slowly.
"Guess that explains it. Damn Lisa, I wish she wouldn't bring her damn stuff out in the open!"
Shinji gave amused eyes towards Hiyori.
But then Shinji develops a sly look on his face.
"Looks like you're forgetting someone."
A question mark appears above Hiyori's head.
"Who? Everyone's here or has been accounted for."
Shinji withheld his smirk from growing further.
"What about Rose?"
"Rose?" Hiyori snapped back, initially confused. But it soon became clear to her, and her jaw began lowering down. "Rose!" Hiyori yelled, looking around with surprise, unable to see Rose within the hideout. "Damn, he isn't here either is he?"
Shinji snickered, to the detriment of Hiyori's patience.
"You forgot him, didn't you?"
"I did not forget him! Shut up Shinji! I slipped for a second, that's all! Sorry for not being perfect!"
Shinji believed that he had achieved victory, even if only a small one.
Hiyori didn't like that, so she brought up her sandal, and aimed for his head, causing him to become slightly worried.
However, before she could follow through with her movements, Hacchi looked towards the others once more, pondering a few thoughts.
"To settle this with some of the rowdier members of the group, we'll have to go and meet with Sakuto-kun. To put their thoughts about him to rest. I myself have no qualms with him, and find the idea of having qualms with someone related to someone else, to be rather odd. But, I also do understand why some might have things that wish to be gotten off their chest so to speak. Because Aizen isn't going to be able to give them answers, they look to the younger brother for any kind of answer."
When Hacchi suggested that, Shinji agreed.
"Unlike his scheming bastard of a brother, I'm sure that Sakuto-kun would meet with them and discuss their feelings about what happened all those years before. Plus, it ain't right for Sakuto-kun to be put in this position in the first place anyway, so lets get it out of the way now so we can move forward, and begin taking down that son of a bitch older brother of his."
Hiyori didn't have a problem with that, and folded her arms.
"Would it finally shut them up? They've been doing my head in about this since we found out Sakuto was here."
"Its a good way to clear the air. I also have some questions for Sakuto-kun as well." Hiyori angrily turned towards Shinji who waved his hand around erratically. "Not negative ones! I assure you!"
"Good, because Sakuto's got enough on his plate without having to deal with your negative crap."
Shinji was surprised to see that Hiyori seemed rather concerned about Sakuto, but then curious as to something else.
"What about their negative crap?"
"All of it baldy! Yours and theirs!"
Shinji cringed at the tone, while Hacchi clapped his hands together a single time.
"Then its settled, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I'll go and approach him about it." Shinji began, as Hiyori brought out her sandal, which caused Shinji to cringe as he didn't want to incur her wraith. "...W-What?"
"We will go. You'll mess it up somehow."
"I don't know how I'd do that...I mean, I'd only be talking to him, right?"
Shinji began, only to receive a sandal to the back of his head, with Hacchi cringing.
"You would mess it up somehow. I don't know how yet, but I'm sure that you would find a way to do it. Besides, I wanna see that Bambi girl again, I've got some unfinished business with her."
Shinji cringed when he heard that.
"Are you going to have a fight with her?"
"Heh, I will do what is necessary. Besides, it isn't something you need to worry about, alright?"
Shinji wasn't sure on what to think about it.
But it seemed more than usual, there was something about how Hiyori was speaking, which showed how she was determined to meet up with Bambietta again.
Meanwhile, at the Quincy home, Bambietta seemed to be deeply invested into looking through various things, while the others were busy doing their own thing. That included Giselle who was currently in thought about various things.
"Seems like the Shinigami kept to their word."
Meninas began, with Bambietta glancing up from her work area, and gave an incredulous look, while Candice showed a strong smirk.
"See? Hot, and reliable."
Bambietta shook her head, something that Liltotto noticed.
"What are you doing over there? Some kind of plan?"
"Its best to strike now, while they're unsuspecting of us."
"Did you forget the part where they kicked our asses?"
Liltotto reminded, Bambietta gritted her teeth.
"W-Well, we are new to our powers and all, we haven't got the best grasp of them. So lets form a plan where we can take full advantage of our strengths, and turn them against the enemy."
Liltotto let out a small breath.
"We aren't doing that anymore. Honestly, I was skeptical in the first place, it only has been confirmed to me when we got our asses kicked. Do you not recall that?"
Bambietta gave an antagonizing look towards Liltotto who didn't back down.
Giselle, trying to break the tension, began waving her hands back and forth.
"Lets all chill out, and become zombies~" Bambietta and the others give Giselle a WTF face, so the girl giggled happily. "I meant lets chill out, and stop fighting. It isn't going to solve anything, is it really?"
"It is, because we have to band together against the Shinigami."
"Because that worked so well last time."
Candice murmured, Bambietta shot her a look.
"We have to train and become stronger. So, lets begin training, I've found several different ways of us to be able to increase our power. Studying our lineage, and leaning into not only the powers we've gained, but also using more of our Quincy abilities, we should be able to overpower the Shinigami. I've even thought about Hueco Mundo..."
"You want us to head towards the Hollows land?" Meninas wondered. "Erm...but, wouldn't that be super dangerous?"
"I don't want us to head there for no reason at all, and of course, getting the Shinigami there would be impossible. I thought that if we could train there, build up our power, then we'd be able to put ourselves in the line of winning...don't you think that's a good idea?"
Liltotto could see exactly what was going on, and how Bambietta was truly thinking.
"You are getting lost in your hate. Listen to yourself, and what you're saying. You want us to go to a dangerous place, with very strong Hollows, when we clearly need to practice more before even venturing towards places like that. So, don't be stupid. We're not going to do something dangerous and stupid for your vendetta."
"We all have a vendetta against Shinigami, right? It isn't only me. Giselle, you also have hate for Shinigami, don't you?"
"Well, there's some that I hate, but it isn't any of those in this town."
Bambietta gave surprised eyes.
"But, what they did..."
"Yeah..." Giselle began, looking surprisingly thoughtful in the way she displayed herself to Bambietta. "But these guys didn't do anything to us. In fact, they took care of us, without trying to kill us. Not everyone is a monster Bambi-chan. Maybe its best to work with them, and for us to begin again, you know?"
Bambietta couldn't believe what she was hearing.
She thought that this was a mistake, or she was hearing things.
"Tch...I will be proven right, you'll see. They will betray you. That's what Shinigami do. They betray, and use you for their own games."
With that, Bambietta turned around and walked out of the room.
As she did, Liltotto looked towards the others.
"We have to be careful, I have a feeling she might do something stupid."
Candice and Meninas agreed.
Giselle however remained uncharacteristically silent on the matter, which also made Liltotto wonder what's going on in her mind...
Walking home from school that day, Sakuto went with Orihime, while Rukia had gone to deal with a Hollow. Nemu had said she wished to get some new foods to try so she went off to the shops by herself, saying she wished to surprise the others.
"It was really nice of you to do that for Tatsuki-chan. She's really happy with her new pet~"
"She seemed sad when Yuichi-kun left, so I thought that it would be nice if she received such a thing. Might not be a spirit in a bird, but its better than an average parakeet~ Like she said, it can learn to do basic tricks for her, and such."
Orihime giggled, wrapping her arm around Sakuto's own.
"Yes, that's good for her. I think that's really wonderful for Tatsuki-chan. She's able to get something like that, after being unintentionally being brought to the supernatural through Yuichi-kun. Speaking of, I wonder how he is…?"
"He would have made it there for sure. Its difficult to say when and where he'll show up, but I'll keep eyes out for him, and make sure when he's appeared, that he could perhaps go and meet up with your brother?"
Orihime became mystified when she heard that.
"Really? You think that he could do?"
"Wouldn't your brother be for that?" Sakuto asked, seeing Orihime nodding happily. "Then lets see what we can do about that. I think it probably would be for the best."
"Yes, I think it would be as well~ Aah, Sakuto-kun. Its really amazing, isn't it?"
Sakuto raised an eyebrow.
"What is?"
"That we can have time like this, and also that good people can have good lives even after they pass on. I know, it isn't all smiles and sunshine over in Soul Society, my brother was telling me that its quite different to the human world."
"Yeah...that is true. It ain't like the human world, it isn't always the easiest, but it is surprising to see how people in Soul Society can bond. There's families that are created from strangers, groups form to be able to have someone special. If I'd have to say a positive about it, then it would be that. And your brother is quite the poster man for such a place. He's really doing his best for those that he feels need that extra guidance."
Sakuto explained to the nearly in tears Orihime, who was ever so happy to hear that her brother was continuing to be himself, even after all this he had gone through, and thanks to Sakuto, being able to see him again, really did a good number to her heart.
"Yes... I'm glad that Sora gets to do what he loves to do. He took me away from my bad family. I don't really remember them, so I can't say much about it, but Sora did his best for me in life, and he's doing his best for those like him in death, and its all thanks to you, Sakuto-kun. Standing there with me, and sending him to his new home, purifying him so he could have that chance."
Sakuto hearing her sincere words, caused him to break into a strong smile.
"You really are sweet. I am glad to be of help. Shinigami tend to not find out the story behind the Hollow. Like your brother, or that Shrieker guy, its not really our business. But, when I hear and even am apart of stories like with your brother, it makes me happy."
"I really like that Sakuto-kun."
Orihime hugged his arm tightly, and peered into his eyes strongly.
While they talked and walked, Sakuto noticed that someone was approaching them, so he paused, and looked towards the area that he felt the presence.
He glanced towards Orihime, and gently smiled.
"Some people are about to meet with us, but don't worry, they're harmless...at least to us anyway."
"To us?"
"To us yeah. To each other, that's a different question all together..."
As Sakuto said it, Hiyori and Shinji came down from the sky. Or rather, Shinji came flying down from the sky, after being slammed in the back of the head by Hiyori, who yelled "Don't mess this up idiot!" over and over again.
"Ugh…as ever, that swing of yours hasn't let you down..."
Hiyori huffs at Shinji, landing down on the ground, and peered towards Sakuto.
"This idiot wants to speak with you." Hiyori glanced at Orihime, and gave a sly smile. "Ah, I see. So this is the girl you wanna protect?"
Orihime blushed lightly as Sakuto chuckled.
"She is yes."
"Well, it looks like you're getting cozy. Sorry that Shinji is an ass and wishes to ruin that because of his insensitive timing."
Shinji wanted to refute what was being said, but in the end, he did find it rather difficult to do such things.
"It isn't a bad time or anything, if you wanna talk Shinji-san, then I'm willing to hear what you've got to say."
Shinji laughed lightly, and began rubbing the back of his head.
"Well, its really weird since its been a good long time and all. Plus, looking at you, I can definitely see your brother as well." Orihime when hearing Shinji say that, felt like there was bitterness in his voice, but not directed at Sakuto. "Sorry little lady, gotta steal your boyfriend for a bit. You don't mind, right?"
"B-Bo-Boyfriend!?" Orihime gasped out in loud surprise. "W-Well, Sakuto-kun and I...although we do have a close relationship and all...b-but to think that his friend also...and there's this girl, that also seems to like Sakuto-kun too...and if she ends up after Sakuto-kun, and myself, then there's Kuchiki-san and Kurotsuchi-san as well..."
Orihime rattled off to herself, Hiyori looked perplexed as she pointed towards herself.
"Wait, what did she mean when she said I also seem to like you? When was that even implied ever?!"
Though Hiyori snapped, Orihime seemed to not register what was being said, and kept thinking out loud.
Hiyori twitched an eyebrow, but before she could do anything, Sakuto placed a hand on top of her head, patting it gently, and looked at her with kind eyes.
"Come on, lets go."
"Grrr...I said don't smile at me like that damn it! It makes me feel complicated!"
"Complicated in love?"
Shinji joked, only to receive a dark glare from Hiyori, who in turn turned his head.
Sakuto then faced Orihime, and gave his kindest of smiles.
"See you soon Orihime-chan, gotta deal with these guys~"
"Okay, see you later!"
Sakuto nods, and begins walking away with the others.
Shinji brought Sakuto and Hiyori towards an area that seemed to be rather deserted. While still in the town, it was a place that clearly hadn't been used for a good long while. It made Hiyori wonder why Shinji chose this place out of everywhere they could have gone too.
"So, this is a little ominous. Not planning a surprise attack?"
Sakuto joked, Shinji lightly laughed.
"No, I am not crazy enough to plan such things against good people." Shinji turned towards Sakuto fully. "I am sure that by now, you've heard a fair bit about our groups thoughts regarding you. Its why, I thought..." Hiyori cleared her throat. "...we thought-" Hiyori nodded at the correction. "-that it would be best if we were able to meet one another in person. My group, and of course yourself."
"May I ask, what do they believe to come from this? I had no involvement on that night, if its answers about why he did it, then truly that's only something he could answer. I can only give what I believe to be the true answers."
"Indeed, its true that you had no involvement, and yes it would make sense what you're saying. However, some of the others...they struggled when it first happened. Of course, we all did. But some more than others. Some see you as the face of that negative feelings. Not justified by your actions of course, but..."
"Because they wouldn't be able to meet with my brother, they want to vent their emotions towards me to...get it off of their chests so to speak, that's what you're saying, right?"
Shinji gave a keen smile.
"Exactly right. So, would it be possible for us to meet up and discuss about that night? Sorry, I know you're probably busy, Urahara said as much, and it isn't like its your responsibility to discuss their feelings regarding your brother and all..."
Sakuto didn't mind what he was saying.
"Please, its okay. I've always felt like it probably would come to it at some point, so I already mentally prepared for when I came into contact with you guys again. I suppose we'd have to agree to a mutual area to meet. I'm sure any suggestions that I offer would only be seen as me trying to set them up, correct?"
"*Cough* Kensei *Cough*." Hiyori cleared her throat to the amusement of the two guys present. "Seriously, lets just go to Urahara's, most mutual place for us to be at, right?"
Sakuto agreed with Hiyori.
"Yeah, that's fine with me. What about the others, Shinji-san? Think they'd be up for it?"
"Don't see why not. Well, looks like everything is working out~ Though, I do have one question I'd like for you to answer."
"Sure, what's that?"
Sakuto wondered, so Shinji reached his hand out towards Sakuto, and aimed his finger towards the young man.
"Urahara has informed me of your plans, and it seems like you've thought it through well enough. But, do you think it'll work?"
"Tough to say. Depends on what moves are made on both sides, no one can predict what's going to happen, if we do something, what does he answer that with? All I can say is that I believe together Urahara-san and I have formed a good idea that could have the potential to change the tide of many things."
"I see...well, I can't say that I don't have any concerns. But Urahara has been good to us over these years, and I also remember liking you over your brother, so I'll put my trust into you. I can't say much about the others, they'll have to come to their own conclusions, but yeah, I at least believe you can do it."
Sakuto bowed his head.
"Thank you. And, while this would never come from him, so allow me to say it to you...what happened that night, for what its worth coming from me, I am sorry that you and the others suffered as you did."
Shinji to Hiyori's surprise, looked almost as if he was beginning to tear up ever so slightly.
But, he held it together, and released a breath.
"What are you apologizing for huh? Nothing to do with you, idiot."
"Idiot, you're the only one who can qualify as such a thing Shinji."
Hiyori snarled, causing Shinji to cringe.
Sakuto found their antics amusing to say the least.
"Well, let me know when you guys wanna meet up, and I'll do my best to meet you guys."
Though Sakuto said it, he saw that regardless of his words, the pair were continuing to fight.
Sakuto murmured "Erm..." but was met with "Shut up Shinji! You really do suck!" coming from Hiyori.
Chuckling awkwardly, Sakuto waved and began walking away from the area, hearing the yelling of the pair behind him continuing on and on.
Later that day, Sakuto arrived back at the apartment, and was surprised to feel that Orihime wasn't there. But a quick search, and he felt no dangers around her so he shrugged, and thought that she probably was doing something important, or she wanted to go and get something for herself.
But he did feel Nemu inside of the apartment, and began going inside.
As he went inside, he began speaking up.
"Hey Nemu-san, I think we can complete potentially, the Quincy cross, I had a sudden burst of inspiration..."
However, once he turned his eyes towards where Nemu was, he saw that she was nearly completely naked.
She only had on a towel, which didn't even cover her chest at all, and reached down to her neither regions.
He turned slightly red, while Nemu stared at him, a small desiring look within her eyes.
"Sakuto-sama, you've had a breakthrough?"
To save her modesty, he didn't look directly at her, and turned his eyes towards the kitchen.
"Yeah...and Nemu-san, you're..."
"Yes, I am naked currently."
Sakuto thought that she was stating quite the obvious, but it also seemed that Nemu was thinking something from the brief glance he got of her face.
"I see."
"I finished having a shower, and decided to dry off within this room. Sorry for the inconvenience."
"No don't worry about it. I'll leave you to get dressed."
Sakuto went to turn, and go into a different room, when Nemu stood up, and approached him.
"Sakuto-sama, there is one aspect of human interaction that I have been contemplating on how to express desires that otherwise I wouldn't express. I've been doing research on the suitable male partner, and I believe you have the qualities that I would desire."
"Nemu-san, you're saying..."
Nemu, straight faced, and yet also had a tinge of red dusting her cheeks, fully crosses the distance, and allows herself to hug her body towards his own, her arms managing to go around his form and look deeply into his eyes.
"Yes, I believe it would be best if we consider pursuing a romantic relationship."
When she said it so overly, he couldn't hide his surprise.
Especially considering that it seemed she either intentionally, or wasn't even aware of the fact, that she had her chest pushing against his own upper body.
"Sakuto-sama according to my research into the desires that I have, I believe that your male parts are something that would be according to desire, and I also believe that we are compatible. You have a high stamina drive, as do I. You have a face I would describe as very desirable, and sincere at the same time as being arousing."
"Thanks..."
Hearing this, he never was expecting that Nemu of all people would be saying such things.
"I have done research into sexual intercourse, and I have chosen you as my partner." Before he could answer, she allowed her body to nestle against his own, causing an immediate reaction that Nemu observed. "It seems that I am desirable to Sakuto-sama, I am most pleased." Speaking aloud so that Sakuto could even hear, Nemu showed a determined face. "Sakuto-sama, shall we begin the art of making love? If so, I would like for you to take the lead as I have no experience."
When she said that, he could tell that Nemu was very serious.
She also was clinging to him by this point, not letting go for even a moment.
Certainly he thought she was very beautiful, and he really did like Nemu.
He wanted to make sure that she was ready for such things before going any further with her.
However, he then realized that they weren't alone, and coming through the door, was Rukia, so he suddenly flashed the pair of them to the bedroom, not wanting to embarrass either Rukia or Nemu on this situation.
"H-Hello? Is anyone here?"
Rukia called, going around the apartment.
Sakuto went to answer, when he glanced at Nemu, seeing that she was beginning to take her towel off.
"Nemu-san, we can discuss about this later, okay?"
"Yes. Next time, I shall place a special barrier around this home so we cannot be disturbed."
Sakuto chuckled curiously at her words.
But he could see that she was rather serious, so he knew they'd have to talk about it quite soon.
Early the next day, Sakuto took Rukia out towards a training area, with Orihime joining them this time.
Continuing with Rukia's training, Sakuto watched as she parried some barriers that he had sent her.
He could see over the days, she was improving a good deal, and with thanks to Nemu who was able to take care of the Hollows if they showed up while she was training, Rukia was able to focus her mind onto gaining strength for the inevitable fight against Bambietta that she was certain it would happen sooner or later.
"Wow, she's really improving, isn't she Sakuto-kun?"
Orihime brought up, with the young man inclining his neck.
"She surely is. Rukia-chan's always been rather talented. I've thought so since I first taught her, and now she is showing even more potential that she had deep inside."
Orihime becomes curious.
"You did Sakuto-kun?"
"Yeah, I've given some lessons in the Shinigami academy."
"You weren't in it at the same time?"
Orihime was curious, so Sakuto explained.
"I was a Shinigami when I was rather young. I graduated before Rukia-chan went to the academy and was a seated officer rather young as well."
Orihime was in wonder.
"So, even young, you were a Shinigami...what was it like Sakuto-kun? As a kid to fight Hollows?"
"Well, I've grown up around fighting them. It might seem strange to humans and those that wouldn't be used to it, but I've fought them, even before I gained a Zanpakuto. My brother used to take me to see Hollows when I was really young, I suppose it would be easier to imagine if I said I was similar in age to Yuichi-kun when he used to take me."
"That young? How come?"
"I can't speak for him and his true intentions of course, but what he told me was that he wished for me to understand all about the world around me. What's out there, the challenges that I might have to overcome as I grow stronger. What might want to hurt me in this world. Things like that."
Orihime was enamored with his words, it made her wonder even more about Sakuto, and what his life was like when he was a child.
"It seems really rough to do that though, Sakuto-kun."
"I can see why you'd say that, and yes, it was rather tough as a child. In reality, it probably helped prepare me for life as a Shinigami. In his own way, I believe he was trying to help me, and I suppose that it did help me in the end, prepare for many things, Hollows to us Shinigami...well, they have various levels of strength, some have evolved to become incredibly powerful, so seeing that so young really did make me understand the kind of situations I could be in one day."
Orihime wondered who Sakuto's brother really was, as now she had heard a decent bit about him, yet she also wasn't entirely sure on how to think about him. Though she wondered how Sakuto thought of him, at the very least, she could feel that he respected Sosuke's strength and intelligence.
As they talked, Sakuto observed Rukia's engagement with the tasks he had set up, seeing her tackling it head on, which caused him to smile strongly.
But before he went to praise her, he realized that something was off.
So he began searching around via his spiritual sensing, looking and searching for anything.
That's when he found what he was looking for, and turned towards the right hand side, his eyes going towards an abandoned building in particular.
He didn't voice his thoughts for the moment, and simply observed.
"Hmm, I wonder what's going on there..."
As he thought it, he didn't notice the person doing anything dangerous for the moment so he kept his eyes sharp upon her and waited for anything to happen, and if not, then he'd approach them to make sure they didn't do anything.
He then faced Rukia with a renewed smile.
"Good, you're doing really great Rukia-chan! How about we take it up a notch?"
"Yes...I am willing to do my best."
"Great, then here it comes!"
Rukia panted, as Sakuto created two barriers, and increased the speed of them to see where she would be able to go with them.
Acting rather fast, Rukia leapt up, and came down with her blade, managing to cut one of the barriers, as the other came in from around her right hand side, where she placed her finger outwards.
"Hado 1, Sho!"
Using a basic Kido, she shot off a small amount of spirit energy to push the target back, which intrigued Sakuto to see, as it allowed her to land on the ground, and then swing her sword outwards, cleaving through the barrier, all together.
"Mixing in Kido. Yes that's a good way to go about it. Kido can be used in various ways, and one of them is to keep opponents at bay. It also goes to show your reaction speed has increased Rukia-chan. Before, the barrier would've been too close but you increased your speed to be able to fire off your Kido. Well done."
Rukia released a deep breath, and turned her neck side to side.
"Th-Thank you, I'm glad that I've been able to improve. Will it be enough…?"
"Trust me Rukia-chan, you're going to be able to be ready for her."
"But, when will she strike?"
Sakuto thought about that.
He had begun understanding more about Bambietta, and how her mindset worked.
Thanks to meeting up with the other Quincy as werll, that was something that was an eye opener.
"Tough to say, wish I was a mind reader." Sakuto lightly laughed, then his face turned slightly serious. "Though based on what's not really been happening, I'm sure she's making preparations for when it is going to happen. She'll be dazzled for sure."
Sakuto walked towards Rukia, as he withdrew his Zanpakuto.
Rukia cocked her head to the right hand side, as he drew near with his sword.
Standing face to face with her, Sakuto showed a smile.
"How about some sword practice~?"
"S-Sure, I'm ready."
Sakuto showed a strong smile and raised his sword up, so Rukia did the same thing.
Getting into a stance, the pair began to clash swords against one another, with Sakuto giving out pointers towards Rukia in areas that she'd be able to improve and praise what she already was pretty good in, all the while feeling as if they were being watched.
But this time, it wasn't Giselle.
It was someone else.
When the time came for the lesson to end, Rukia and Orihime went on ahead home, leaving behind Sakuto, who was sure he was aware of the person that was spying on them, so he called out towards them.
"Hiding isn't going to work with me, Bambietta-san."
Moments into him saying it, Bambietta appeared before him.
She showed a strong expression, and had gathered a sword made of Reishi.
"I should've known that you'd work out that I was there. But it doesn't matter to me in the end, as regardless, I will show you my power."
"Why? What are you going to do?"
Bambietta takes a stance with her blade, and makes it very well known on what she truly intended to do.
"I think it should be obvious what I'm going to do."
Sakuto looked over Bambietta, and her stance, before exhaling.
"That wouldn't be a good idea."
"Why?"
She demanded, so Sakuto explained it to her.
"Because I could see a few ways that I'd be able to disable you. Plus, I doubt deep down within you, you're really after us in the first place. If I had to take a guess, I'd say that you're probably angry at some Shinigami and now paint us all with the same brush, right?"
Bambietta tightened her hand on her swords handle. To the point that her knuckles turned white.
"You don't know me!"
She yelled it out.
Almost as if she was trying to defy everything else, and only believe in what she thought was right.
Though as Sakuto began to speak again, she was baffled, and unsure of what to think.
"No, perhaps I don't know you. But I can see in your eyes, the anger you hold isn't for me, or for Rukia-chan. Its for something or someone else. Without details, I can only take guesses. But I'd have to say that someone in your life caused you to hate Shinigami. Was it another Shinigami? Or was it Quincy Shinigami relations over the years? Or perhaps a combination of both?"
Bambietta didn't know what to say.
She looked with uncertainty towards Sakuto.
She had unwavering ideals before, but his words, caused her to rethink what was being said.
"...You don't know anything about me."
Her voice was low.
Barely above a whisper.
Full of sadness and pain, something that Sakuto recognized.
"Of course I don't, without you telling me anything how could I know anything concrete about you? I could only gain knowledge by searching for your name, and looking into your history. But that doesn't tell me about you, only the circumstances that could lead up to why you're feeling this way towards Shinigami."
Bambietta closed her eyes for a brief moment.
Memories flashed within her mind.
Sakuto saw that on her face, she looked increasingly unsure of what to think or do.
"Even if Shinigami's have hurt you in the past, your actions against us, those that had no involvement in your past, is a choice you're making. Everyone in this world has choices. If you want to fight me right now, then I'll do that. But if you wanna stop and think what might happen, then I'll honour that as well. I don't have any desires to harm you, but I will also defend myself and others as well if that's what needs to happen. All of it, is your choice."
Her choice…
What would she choose?
Did she want to fight?
Did she want to carry the burdens she felt deep down forward?
She didn't know, and she wasn't sure on what to do.
So she did the only thing that she could, and that was right now take off.
Leaving without a confrontation, Bambietta's feelings seemed to be fluctuating, from what Sakuto could tell.
He wondered, if his words had reached her, or if she was going to turn on them still?
Only time, truly could tell.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with a few things, showing how some more people think about Sakuto, such as Shinji, and Hacchi. Meeting up with them again, Sakuto and Shinji managed to speak about a few things. Rukia is continuing her journey into growing stronger, Orihime and Sakuto are showing their closeness, Nemu is also showing her own desires to grow closer to Sakuto. Bambietta is also losing those close to her by continuing to go with her destructive ways, each of her friends showing concern for her, and wish to help her. Giselle is also seemingly following Sakuto for some reasons she has, while Bambietta had a brief confrontation with Sakuto, giving her some things to think about.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel, Yoruichi, Hiyori,