Author's notes section:

2022-09-25: Hey, here is a preview of the story's next chapter. Please, bear in mind that it is, as mentioned, a preview. Some parts of it might not be included in the final release. I will try to finish this chapter as soon as possible. I would like to clean up some of the tasks in my schedule, and right now, there are many chapters queued there.

2022-10-01: Hey, a small update.

2022-10-26: Hey, a small update. I would expect the piece to be finished tomorrow, and as I have mentioned on the last piece, I'm currently working on one additional new chapter.
2022-10-28: Hey, the chapter is finally concluded.

Info: Ok, let me start with what I promised in the last chapter of `My home is where my heart lies`. So, I often find myself not motivated enough to progress through the story, to write something refreshing and good. And thus, I feel like I will be splitting the story into 3 parts, aka the initial story will be split into 3 separate works. It will allow me to finish one part, re-read it, and think about changes that are necessary to take place. Furthermore, I feel like I have made a lot of mistakes throughout these nearly 3 years of writing this story. And... a lot of these come from a simple concept; I have started too many stories, and I have not been able to conclude virtually any of these. Moreover, my writing style and English proficiency drastically changed/evolved throughout this time. As you might know, I'm a perfectionist; I would love each and every one of my chapters to hold the same standard, to be simply the best. And... yet, with my knowledge of language broadening, it would require me to completely rewrite the story to maintain more or less the same level. And, as you might expect, it would take me ages to do so. So, as I have said, I will try to conclude the first part of this series as soon as possible. Nevertheless, I expect that I will need at least 3 - 5 chapters to do so.

Don't forget to comment. I really appreciate your feedback.

Note that the dialogues written in italic are thoughts.

As always, I would like to thank you for everything. See you soon :)

Changelog:
[2022-09-25]: A preview has been released.
[2022-10-01]: The chapter was updated; I have managed to add around 400 words.
[2022-10-26]: The chapter was updated; I have managed to add around 500 words.
[2022-10-28]: The chapter was updated; I have managed to add around 1100 words.

Info: As promised, here is the preview for the next chapter. I will try to finish it asap, but as nearly always, I can promise you when the piece will be finished. Anyway, Enjoy :)

Info: Overall, the current plan is for me to write 'My home is where my heart lies' and 'Family tree' alternatively. Between the updates of these stories, I will try to upload other texts. Maybe, just maybe, I will be able to finish some of the short stories. However, I truly doubt that. It seems that most if not all of the stories will be extended both in terms of the time and the number of chapters.

Info: I will try to rewrite some of the older chapters between releasing new ones. I expect to start working on that goal in the middle of January. So, please be informed that the new chapters might take a bit longer to be finished and published.

Bonuses' section:
A new story taking place in the Warhammer 40k universe.
Story of one lost soul: The war call: rewrite.
An entirely new story (possibly Akali x [Irelia, Syndra, Katarina]).
A new short story (Vi x Cait).
An entirely original story (possibly even 2 stories, one taking place in medieval times, the other in the far future)
Bleach story. (Byakuya x Yoruichi / ?)
Naruto story. (Neji x Hinata / Neji x TenTen / Nagato x Konan)
Fairy Tail story. (most likely Erza x Mira)
Maybe some Star Wars?

References:

*bonuses will be worked on when I don't feel like writing the chapters pointed out in the schedule :D

End of the author's notes section.

Byakuya Kuchiki did not like to waste time. Hence, it was only a matter of a few fleeting moments before he arrived at Karakura town. Whenever the Captain visited the human realm, he felt a strange sensation. To some extent, its nature contradicted itself because simultaneously, Byakuya felt much weaker yet free. Nevertheless, it was not a fitting moment for such consternation. After all, he had a task on his hands. Hence, it must be completed as soon as possible. So, without hesitation, the raven-haired Captain rushed toward Urahara's shop.

The man's reasoning behind such a decision was relatively simple. As far as he knew, Yoruichi could have been found in Urahara's shop. And… even if she was not there as he would arrive, it did not matter all that much. After all, Byakuya was to convince both Urahara and Yoruichi to come back to the Soul Society.

With a clear goal set in the man's mind, he reached his target within moments. But unfortunately, his arrival did not go unnoticed. A singular flare of spiritual power was sensed soon. And… Byakuya knew that energy all too well. The substitute death reaper, Kurosaki Ichigo, was coming his way. However, regardless of that recognition, the Captain disregarded it, coming into the shop.

"Good morning, Urahara Kisuke," Byakuya formally greeted the former Captain.

"Oh, good morning, Captain Kuchiki Byakuya," Kisuke responded kindly. "Can I ask what's bringing you to my humble shop?" he inquired, looking at the much younger man from under his straw hat.

"But, of course, Captain Urahara," the nobleman responded.

"Hmm," the shop's owner hummed loudly. "Someone wants me to rejoin the Soul Society after all this time?" she asked unconfidently, as if he did not believe it was happening.

"Yes, Captain Urahara, there are still people within the Defensive Corp that would want you to return," Kuchiki responded formally. "However, you are not the only one we would like to see back within our ranks," he added. "By any chance, do you know where is Shihoin Yoruichi?"

"I should've guessed that you'll ask me that particular question, Captain Kuchiki," Urahara allowed himself to giggle slightly. "But… backing to the topic. You can find Yoruichi in the park north of here. She likes to spend time in her cat form, roaming around with the local cats," he added.

"Thank you, Captain Urahara," the raven-haired man uttered. "Is it feasible for our conversation to be postponed? I would prefer to have both of you here when we start discussing the details of your return."

"Yes, it's perfectly fine," Kisuke responded, flashing a small smile. "I believe other Captain arrived, am I right?" he asked.

"Yes, I believe so," the Kuchiki clan's head replied. "It must be Captain Sui-Feng. But alas, I have not been informed about her participation in this task. Nevertheless, I will be back shortly. Till then, farewell, Captain Urahara," Byakuya said, paying the respect with a slight bow.

Leaving the building, the man sighed extensively. All the heavens and earth signs told Byakuya that the day would be an immense challenge for him.

"Why are you here, Sui-Feng?" the man asked himself, calmly coming the other Captain's way.

In fact, all it took for these two officers to meet was a matter of a few brief moments. The 2nd Division's Captain spotted her peer nearly instantly, fastly approaching him.

"What is the matter?" Kuchiki asked in a slightly annoyed tone. "What is your business in Karakura Town?"

"The same as yours," Sui-Feng responded, marginally irritated, looking the man straight in the eyes. "The General Commander thinks that you might need a hand in concluding this mission," she added, shrugging nonchalantly.

"If it is what the General wants… hmm… so be it," the nobleman said, using a hum as a separator of his thoughts. "Let's change into our faux bodies, then we can go find Yoruichi," he spoke again after a brief pause.

"That's a reasonable plan," the 2nd Division's Captain stated. "Do you know where to look for master Yoruichi?" she inquired.

"Yes, Captain Urahara already told me everything I need to know," Byakuya replied cooly. But it was only a mask. Deep inside, the man started to get irritated by this pointless conversation. Hence, he tried to keep it as short as possible.

With nothing more to add, the officers opted to proceed with their task. However, to do so, they needed to pay a short visit to Urahara's shop. After all, soul reapers usually did not keep their faux bodies close. But that minor nuisance was swiftly resolved, allowing them to start looking for the missing Captain. Nevertheless, of course, there were downsides to such a decision. For the starter, from now on, the officers needed to travel in the same manner as the mortals. Hence, they were forced to travel to the park on foot.

After some time, their stroll finally concluded. Throughout it, both Captains remained silent, enjoying the walk as much as possible. For Byakuya, this state had its benefits. The man liked to observe his surroundings, finding some minor details that most people would have disregarded. Maybe in the past, he would have done the same. After all, he was not really accustomed to the life of ordinary people. The noblemen, especially in the Soul Society, lived a life much differently than any others. Nevertheless, he considered it a refreshing experience compared to his normal day-to-day life.

The park that Urahara had mentioned was not exactly impressive. Or… at the very least, the part of it the officers reached was not. Some benches were scattered all over the medium-sized open space. In addition, 3 passages made of cobblestone led deeper into the wood. However, aside from these minor things, there was little to speak about.

"Captain Sui-Feng, please stop," Byakuya's stoical voice sounded. "It seems Yoruichi is indeed spending her time with some feral cats."

"Pardon me?" the 2nd Division Captain asked, slightly confused. "Where are they, then?"

"At least 20 cats are lying at the tree line," the nobleman said, stifling a rude comment. "They are all there," he added, pointing his index finger toward the furballs.

The female officer took the lead immediately, approaching the tree line quickly. Her long strides expressed her excitement regarding meeting her teacher and master. In the meantime, Kuchiki pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to quash a wave of negativity that started to wash over him. It took him a full minute or so to achieve, at most, a partial success. Nevertheless, the man concluded that enough time had been already wasted. Hence, he strolled toward the cats.

Surprisingly enough, most of these furballs seemed content with Sui-Feng's arrival. Only 3 of the initial 20 ran away, or at least that was what Byakuya noticed. The rest was split into two somewhat proportional groups. The first consisted of relatively younger cats eager to be petted and played with. It seemed that there was a connection of sorts between the 2nd Division Captain and these furballs as she tried to play with all of them. But unfortunately, the same could not be said regarding the second group. These felines remained composed, either lying around or sitting nearby, observing the incident.

"Captain Sui-Feng, neither of these kittens we are so occupied with is Yoruichi," the 6th Division Captain commented coldly.

"How do you know?" the woman asked whilst petting the surrounding felines.

"Apparently, you had forgotten that she trained me when I was younger," the nobleman scoffed. "I can differentiate her animal form from any other cat," he added confidently.

Then, he simply took a few steps forward, kneeling before a large black cat with piercing yellowish eyes.

"Greetings, master Yoruichii," Byakuya said officially. "I would like to have a word with you if you allow me the audience. Here are your clothes if you decide to contemplate with me in your human form," he added, gently putting a pile of clothes onto the ground.

"Considering your official tone, I presume you have an offer for me?" Yoruichi's disembodied voice asked. "Am I right, little Byakuya?" she added, not missing a chance to mock the younger officer.

"A simple answer would be yes; however, as you had taught me, there are only a few simple matters in life," the nobleman responded, still bowing his head.

"I presume that conversation will involve Kisuke as well?" the woman more stated than asked.

"Correctly surmised, master Yoruichi," Kuchiki responded quietly.

"Very well, then. Let's meet in the shop. There we can discuss the matter," the woman said.

"As you wish."

And… before the man could raise his head, he heard rustling. As his back was turned toward his fellow Captain, he allowed a small smile to creep in. After all, there was no point in searching for his ex-teacher. She had already left, leaving both of the officers to their own devices. In all honesty, it was exactly as the man had remembered her.

"Are you ready to leave?" Byakuya asked without turning.

"I presume it's the right thing to do?"

"Let's say yes; it is the right thing to do."

(Sometime later):

"So, as we're all here, would you be so kind, Byakuya, to reveal the reasoning behind your unexpected visit?" Kisuke said once all of the involved people sat beside a small table.

"But, of course," the nobleman quickly responded. "The Defensive Corp seeks a way to improve its capabilities," he started in a rather straightforward manner. "Yes, it is a rather vague statement. However, after the last conflict the corp was involved in, we came to the conclusion that our ranks were seemingly lacklustre. Let's take Aizen's rebellion as an example," he added, pausing for a few moments to gather his wits. "It would be an understatement to say that we handled the situation accordingly. Hence, I have suggested expanding the corp. And… the General Commander tasked us with finding the appropriate candidates to fill these new positions. Naturally, I regarded both of you as excellent candidates. What would you say regarding such an offer?"

"Hmm," Urahara hesitated for a brief moment. "What about our past history? Would it be pardoned?" he inquired.

"I would wholeheartedly say so," Kuchiki responded nearly immediately. "However, the last say is reserved for the General Commander. That being said, though, I informed the General about you, and he did not seem to hold any grudge."

"What about our ranks?" Kisuke uttered another question. "Will we be treated equally to the other Captains, or?"

"The concept of expanding the corp isn't to bring people to disrespect them," Sui-Feng stated rather emotionally. "We won't treat you as cannon fodder. The whole plan won't make sense if we're not going to cooperate."

"I will side with Captain Sui-Feng," Byakuya commented. "However, I would word it differently. The whole point of bringing you back is to utilise your experience. In the past… the divisions did not really cooperate. And it is high time for it to change. We can all learn a thing or two from each other."

"The little boy I used to know would have never uttered such words," Yoruichi commented. "If anything, he would have tried to pursue perfection, believing that the law is everything."

"Yes, it is the truth," the nobleman agreed. "But, it seems that I have been bittered for far too long. I have wasted so many opportunities, and… my potential that I recall you being so fond of was mostly wasted," he said somewhat bitterly. "Hence, it should be me who pushes for a change. I would appreciate it if we could train once again, master," the man told Yoruichi.

"Do not try to play with sweet words," the purple-haired woman commented. "I have my doubts regarding this whole operation. However, I am willing to give it a try," she added after a moment of hesitation. "What about you, Kisuke?" she referred to her old friend.

"Hmm; I'd give this operation a chance," the blonde-haired man responded. "It'd be a thrilling experience to walk through Soul Society once again," he added, smiling slightly.

"Then, it is settled," Yoruichi commented. "Are you expecting us to arrive immediately?" she asked Byakuya.

"No," the nobleman responded politely. "We will inform the General Commander about your decision. However, I think that you can safely wait till the General summons you."

"Very well, then," the 2nd Division ex-Captain whispered. "I have a challenge for you, little Byakuya. If you really want us to train again, you need to beat me in a race. Or, at the very least, keep up with me. So deal, or are you too scared of losing again?"

"I will be eagerly awaiting the challenge," Byakuya responded cooly. "I think that I improved noticeably compared to our last encounter. However, as you once taught me, I will remain cautious. Still, for now, it is high time for me to bid you farewell. Captain Sui-Feng, I will report back to the General, so if you want to stay here a little bit longer, feel free to do so."

With the last word uttered, the nobleman took his leave without waiting for any sort of response from the gathered.

(Sometime later):

It took Byakuya much longer to reach Soul Society this time. Partially, it might have been caused by the wrought havoc in his mind. The man was not entirely sure what to think about his visit to the mortal realm. On the one hand, he seemingly dealt with the given task outstandingly. But, on the other, a lot of minor things seemed off, making the nobleman doubt himself, and making him conflicted.

One thing was pretty apparent to the Kuchiki clan's head. There were emotions that Byakuya thought he had buried long ago. But, the somewhat friendly encounter with his former master seemingly awoke some of these. As he sighed heavily, Byakuya wished he could have forgotten about the pain, about the past. Yet, it seemed impossible for him to do so. Instead, the jet-black-haired man remembered mixed feelings of betrayal, pain, and sadness. And… all of these were caused by a mere piece of information stating that his master had left him, choosing to leave Soul Society.

To some extent, the nobleman would wish to have enough courage to speak up his mind when he had a chance. After all, this situation could only be concluded by a thorough and honest conversation with Yoruichi. And… it was something that the man feared above anything else. To expose his weaknesses and his emotions would be unthinkable for him. And… yet, here he was, thinking about it.

Still, at least for now, these kinds of thoughts had no place in his mind. These needed to be disposed of, as he must remain committed to the given quest. Hence, Byakuya shook his head in a valiant try to scatter the painful pieces and then pushed forward, doubling the speed.