Bleach (c) Tite Kubo

Black and Blue

Arrangements

"There ya go. One obstreperous Shiba runt delivered safe and sound and in one piece, just like I promised." Shinji announces without preamble, barging into the touching reunion between erstwhile Lieutenant and Captain.

Already the Visored half of the duo seems to have subconsciously slipped back into his prior life's role, taking a step back and standing at his Captain's side to allow Kisuke and Shinji to reenter the room now the hasty pleasantries have been dispensed with.

Together, Kaien Shiba and Jushiro Ukitake were, and perhaps are, the exemplar of what a Lieutenant-Captain bond should be. A bond of unequivocal trust and reliance. Even his decades presumed dead hasn't eroded any part of that partnership in the slightest.

It's not something Shinji could ever manage with his treasonous cur of a former Lieutenant. Despite seeing through that polite façade to the sociopathic schemer beneath, Shinji still hadn't seen the betrayal coming. Maybe that's the greatest sting of them all, he had his eyes wide open for any sign of duplicity and still fell for Aizen's illusions.

"Ah, should've known. You've been trying to figure out a way to get me out of your hair for years. Only took you about sixty to pull it off." Kaien jokes lightheartedly, folding his arms over his chest with a slanted smile.

"Were it so easy. Sorry ta interrupt this heartwarming reunion but we got business to discuss." Shinji says, lazily plopping himself down on a square cushion by the chabudai.

Kisuke follows in short order, Ukitake resumes sitting on his and Kaien reaches back to a room corner to grab a spare cushion for himself.

"Which brings me to my next question: What's going on here?" Kaien enquires, settling himself down and somewhat confused now. "Not that I'm not thrilled to see you again Captain, but I don't think someone of your seniority is here to serve as backup to the Vanguard. Not when there's a whole mess of trouble back in the Soul Society."

"Yer disappointin' me Kaien. Imagine a touted genius being this slow on the uptake. I'd have thought you'd figure it out fer sure, especially since your little subterfuge set this meeting inta motion in the first place." Shinji interjects teasingly.

"Wha-" It takes Kaien a second to cotton onto his meaning.

Shinji smirks watching the man's head whip around to focus on his ex-Captain, eagerly pressing his questions. "You found the evidence? Is that why you're here?"

Ukitake shakes his head once, "No. Not yet, though Kukaku Shiba has sent runners to inform me of a recent breakthrough on that front. However I was called away to tend to this mission on behalf of the Captain-Commander before I could answer her request. I anticipate that she'll have fortunate news by the time I return."

"Fortunate...? Depends how you want to look at it I suppose. If you don't read that stuff? Sure. If you do? Say goodbye to a good night's rest in the foreseeable future." Kaien mutters to himself, then his expression turns quizzical, "But if you haven't got the evidence why are you here?"

"Captain Kyoraku put forward a proposal to the Captain-Commander a number of days ago. By virtue of Aizen's public confession of treachery and evidence of conspiracy to weaken the Gotei 13 from within, the Captain-Commander has carefully considered his options and used special war time authority to issue a formal offer of pardon to the Visoreds and those involved in that incident a century ago." Kisuke explains briefly. "That includes Yorucihi, Tessai and myself."

"A pardon?" Kaien echoes, eyes widen and focus on Kisuke, "Why only a pardon? Shouldn't it be a total exoneration? None of you, none of the Visoreds, did anything wrong."

Ukitake heaves a sigh, "It appears that the Captain-Commander wishes to officially reopen the investigation into that incident."

Kaien stares incredulously at his Captain.

"What is there to investigate? Aizen confessed. Publicly. In front of the entire command staff as a negación carried him away. He basically cut Ichigo in half, tried to burn Kuchiki alive under some bogus execution order and plunged the Seireitei into a civil war, for cryin' out loud." Kaien points out irritably, "Is this supposed to be a token gesture to soothe the bruised egos of those old codgers in Central 46? Or in an exceedingly rare display of contrition, they're gonna humbly take this opportunity to make up for their forbearers mistakes?"

"Optimistic, Kaien. Too optimistic. Yer know just as well as I do its a formality probably meant ta appease the old codgers. They screwed up and they know it. Now they're tryin' ta save face." Shinji drawls.

Kaien folds his arms over his chest and shakes his head while quietly grumbling to himself, "'Course it is. You know I'm not the kind of guy who says 'I called it', but just saying, they better pick up that ringing phone."

"Wait yer turn. They'll have ta take my call first." Shinji tells him humorlessly.

When Kaien opens his mouth to add onto his point, Ukitake stops him with a raised hand and, amazingly, the ex-Lieutenant backs down without out as much as a fuss albeit grumpily so. (That's one superpower Shinji never mastered. He needs to interrogate that secret technique out of his former friend. Especially since Isshin's been no help on that front either.)

"Regardless of who was in the right, the unfortunate truth is it's become a bureaucratic matter now, Kaien. We all know that Central 46's sessions move at a glacial pace. And if we take into account the sheer scope of Aizen's influence before he ousted himself as a traitor, there's a lot to sift through. The only reason we've managed achieve this swift a turnaround on the matter of the Visoreds is due to Captain-Commander Yamamoto pressuring Central 46 into placing this matter as their priority one." Ukitake informs wearily.

"I knew there was a reason I hated politics so much." Shinji announces what they're all thinking. Though Shinigami of their current and former stations (or nobility) don't reach the ranks they do without learning how to navigate that most loathed arena.

"But politics is one of the reasons why I've come to deliver this missive and offer in person. As a gesture of good faith. I wasn't jesting when I said I've come to bring you home."

Kaien frowns at him, "Beg your pardon?"

"You heard him. Ya ain't deaf." Shinji quips, batting Kaien's arm.

"I'm not going. Not by myself." Kaien casts a hasty glance Shinji's way.

Shinji can see the conflicting loyalties war in that expression. On one hand, Soul Society has always been their home and Kaien has living family over there and a clan to rebuild. On the other, the Visoreds took him in when he was a lost wretched ghost of himself, helped build him back up and functionally were his second family. Plus the ties he has to this world in Isshin and his baby cousins.

Then more respectfully Kaien continues, "Captain, I understand the gravity of the situation and I do appreciate what it means for you to come out personally to handle this matter, but like I told you before, either all of us are going home or none of us are."

"Yer misunderstanding the situation a tad, Kaien." Shinji interjects. "The offer's open to all of us, not just you. Yer might've noticed the Gotei 13 are short a few Captains. As it turns out, the Captain-Commander finds himself in a situation where it'd be... advantageous ta have a few extra skilled swords on hand."

"And you seriously think the others are willing to drop everything and head off right now?" Kaien questions, unconvinced.

"Nah, 'course not." Shinji shakes his head, "The old man's given us a fortnight ta respond. Seems the Captain-Command wants to hear us out about that crap a century ago; whether or not we decide ta stick around after that's entirely up ta us."

"And, for the sake of argument, if we decide not to stick around are the Omnitsukido on standby to send us to the hereafter?" Kaien shoots back.

"The Omnitsukido have been completely stood down and the execution order suspended for the time being." Kisuke answers. "It seems that the Captain-Commander has all but declared us free men and women... provided we continue to act within reason and don't draw undo attention to ourselves."

"Aside from the glaring fact that you're all still being publicly blamed for crimes you didn't commit, you mean." Kaien mutters, shaking his head.

"Sadly, the situation is what it is. This is the best we can offer right now." Ukitake says morosely. "The rest can and will come with time."

"After a hundred years, its better than nothin'. Better than what we had." Shinji reminds them.

"That is true, all things considered." Kaien agrees neutrally, leaning on the chabudai with his chin resting on his left palm.

Ukitake folds his hands on the chabudai, a pensive expression on his face when he looks at his one-time Lieutenant. "On an unrelated note; a matter requiring a measure of discretion and unfortunately a source of grim memories, I am well aware that Nejibana was disintegrated completely that night. To that end, I'd made quiet arrangements and Rukia had volunteered to deliver a package to you."

Kaien frowns at his Captain. "Package?"

"An Asauchi I would wager." Kisuke supplies, though Shinji observes his curious subtly guarded expression.

If Kaien or Ukitake noticed, they paid it no mind.

"That's correct." Ukitake confirms. "If our suspicions about you were proven false, which I'm happy to report they have been, my intention was to deliver that weapon to you so you could reconstitute your Zanpakutou."

"That suspicion being I was some kind of plant from Aizen." Kaien comments rhetorically.

"To be entirely fair at him Kaien, we all kinda figured the same sixty years ago." Shinji offers in his best attempt to placate without actually sounding like he was trying to placate.

Kaien raises both hands with a perplexed shrug, "What? That supposed to hurt my feelings or something? I'd think exactly the same thing if I were in both your shoes. Would've been a crime of stupidity if you hadn't."

Ukitake chuckles quietly to himself. "And as blunt as ever, I see."

"But on that point, Rukia hasn't brought it up or mentioned anything like that to me. Yet. But even if she did, I don't need it." Kaien says raising his right hand to flex his fingers demonstratively. "Nejibana's right here."

Ukitake frowns at the cryptic pronouncement, glancing between his Lieutenant's face and his hand as though the man's losing his wits. Shinji doesn't blame him.

"I can attest ta that." Shinji interrupts before the ancient Captain could question further, "Kid's still got that oversized tuning fork o' his-"

"Hey!"

"-Managed ta mastered his Bankai when I wasn't lookin' too."

"Wha - Hey, spoilers!" Kaien barks the indignant protest.

Momentarily forgetting the severe situation, Ukitake's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline with a mix of delighted surprise and enthusiastic interest. "You have a Bankai now? When we've resolved these matters, I would dearly love to see it."

"Captain, please." Kaien wilts.

"Whoops." Shinji gives his trademark unnerving smile, shrugging unrepentantly.

"I know where you sleep." Kaien threatens through clenched teeth.

Recovering and composing himself, Ukitake gives a single nod. "Very well then. I'll instruct Rukia to destroy the weapon immediately. If it's not required, it would be neglent to allow it to remain untended."

Shinji nods slowly. Kisuke's guarded expression becomes a touch warier. Kaien seems like he was about to agree then stops mid-thought.

"Aaaactually Captain... I have a thought or two about that." Kaien begins slowly, tapping his fingers against the chabudai, "Hypothetically speaking, is that sword unregistered?"

"Hypothetically speaking, all documentation on that specific blade is kept under lock and key. Do you require the sword or not?" Ukitake questions.

"I don't. But that does bring to mind an idea." Kaien leans forward on the chabudai, hands folded together. "Captain, I don't know how much of it was reported back to the Seireitei. Odds are things were kept quiet to avoid a panic but Ichigo Kurosaki is in a position where he requires a new sword. His Bankai was more or less obliterated."

"Obliterated?" Ukitake is staggered by the news, "That's..."

Kaien forges on, "With your permission and seeing as I don't need it, I'd like to assign that Asauchi to him. Maybe we could try to coax his soul spirit onto a new frame. And if we manage to pull it off, well, the sword still served its purpose as a replacement. Just not for Nejibana."

"Would that be possible?" Ukitake ventures.

Kaien gives a response appropriate for a man of his talents and reputation. "I'unno. Worth a shot though, isn't it? What do you think, Kisuke?"

Kisuke wears an enigmatic smile, "It could work or it might not. We won't know unless we make the attempt."

"You know how nuts you sound fer even suggestin' that, don't you?" Shinji asks flatly.

Kaien stares blankly at him for a solid five seconds. "Hi, name's Kaien Shiba. You seem familiar. Have we met before?"

"Yeah, yeah. Shut yer trap, wiseass."

Meanwhile, Ukitake strokes his chin with his brows knitted together in a contemplating frown. After a minute's thought he glances at his Lieutenant. "Are you absolutely certain?"

"I'll vouch for him. He's a good boy. Rough around the edges, sure, but so am I." Kaien says without hesitation, "If he starts anything stupid, I'll take full accountability for it. Even set him straight if I have to. He's my family after all. Makes him my responsibility by default."

"I don't anticipate it'll ever come to that." Ukitake says at length while considering the proposition.

After a minute, he answers. "If you're unsuccessful in your attempts, destroy it."

"Done." Kaien agrees unhesitatingly. "Thank you, Captain."

Ukitake gives an affirming nod and inhales a deep breath. He rises to his feet, followed shortly by the three other men. "Then with that last bit of unofficial business tended to, I must be on my way. I'll inform the Captain-Commander that we'll expect your response within the fortnight."

"I wouldn't hold my breath." Shinji warns only half-heartedly. "Some of us may not blame ya fer falling for Aizen's schemes, but we do remember how quickly our comrades turned against us. Forgiven but not forgotten as the old sayin' goes."

Ukitake takes this comment grimly, "I completely understand, but I'll pray for a favorable answer regardless."

The Captain bows his head in farewell, "If you'll please excuse me." He pauses brief on his way past Kaien, pausing to pat the younger man's shoulder almost paternally before reluctantly departing.

"Not entirely the outcome I was hoping for but it hits all the important check marks." Kaien admits when he and Shinji are on their way out of Kisuke's shop. It's mid-evening, the last embers of daylight are dying out and taking with it most of the day's heat.

A gentle cooling breeze sweeps through the streets of Karakura ruffling their hair and clothes.

"What else was on yer mind?" Shinji prods lazily, slouching with his hands in his pockets, "A gold leaf trimmed apology letter gift-wrapped in a mahogany lockbox etched with finely crushed jade? Or promises of the century's worth in backpay?"

Kaien makes a sound in his throat. "I certainly wouldn't complain about the backpay and all that but no. No, I was rather hoping we'd go home dragging Aizen's mangled corpse behind us... or his severed head. I'm honestly not fussed either way."

"Baby steps." Shinji reminds him coolly, "This doesn't mean that's off the table, but our prospects are lookin' a million times better than they did a couple months ago. And it's all thanks ta your stubborn ass and a mountain of faith, or sheer dumb frickin' luck. You should be pattin' yourself on the back."

"Mm." Kaien grunts, unconvinced. "But I am glad to see the Captain again. Thanks for giving me a heads-up."

"Don't mention it. He asked after ya first and I think he was about ready to throw hands if I refused, so I was more interested in saving my own skin. I don't wanna end up on the wrong side of Sogyo No Kotowari on a bad day. The hell makes ya think I wanna tangle with it on a good day?"

Kaien rolls his eyes, shaking his head. "Get real. You know he wouldn't have done anything of the sort."

Shinji chuckles, wearing that unnerving straight toothed grin for a second before it fades to a more stern expression.

"Look. Kaien. I want ya ta listen to me right now," Shinji claps a hand on his shoulder, halting them both in their tracks. He regards the younger Visored in a rare bout of sincerity, "Regardless of what any of the others want ta do with this, if you want to go back to yer old life then don't worry about us. Go back with a clear conscience, you understand me?"

That indecisive expression is back as the war of loyalties plays out in full force. Kaien forks his fingers through his hair. "Shinji, it's all well and good for you to say that but I can't-"

"Yes you can." Shinji interrupts, "Yer won't be abandonin' us or anything like that, and if yer somehow got that idiot idea stuck in yer blockhead, I'll beaten it out myself, ya hear me? Its yer life, you decide what ta do with it."

"A life you guys saved after I tossed the last one away on some grudge match like a reckless idiot." Kaien mutters under his breath.

"Your work gave us this opportunity, that's plenty enough ta pay back whatever debt ya think you owe us. Let us decide what ta do with it from here, will ya?"

Kaien's lips press in a thin line before he gives Shinji a little nod to show his understanding. Satisfied, Shinji slips his hands back into his pockets and continues down the road.

"What about Ichigo, ya managed to speak to him yet? Given the discussion we just had, we've got somethin' of an impending deadline ta consider right now."

"Eh, I got about half-way through offering to let him stay at our place for a while and help train him up right. Then Arashi decided to be a drama queen and hijacked me." Kaien grimaces, pinching the bridge of his nose, "After what was said there, I think its best to let things rest for a day or two. Arashi was..."

"A dick." Shinji finishes.

"A total asshole, yeah."

"He's a Hollow. Tends ta be their way." Shinji points out needlessly.

"Speaking of, what about yours? Things tracking along okay?" Kaien enquires.

"We ain't gonna be best friends any time soon, but its a hell of a lot better than it was." Shinji answers smoothly, "Now I just have ta stop Sakanade tryin' ta eat him every time I turn my back."

Kaien hides his snigger by clearing his throat, "I get the distinct impression you're not trying particularly hard on that front."

"Its a work in progress." Shinji dismissive with a wave of his hand.

"Well I'm glad to hear. I'll check in on Ichigo tomorrow morning, smooth over ruffled feathers. I think hearing we've got a solution to his Zanpakutou problem might help me there."

"Spoilin' yer baby cousin with new toys. How on-brand fer you."

Kaien laughs.

"A'right. But as long as yer don't forget you've got other plans too." Shinji reminds him casually.

"I'm sorry, what?" Kaien's humour drops instantly with that hasty double take, tearing his phone out of his pocket to inspect the calendar before his eyes snap wide. "Oh shit, that's tomorrow. Um... okay then, I'll go early in the morning."

"Wise move. I shouldn't have ta tell ya nothin' ticks her off more than tardiness. How Kyoraku survived havin' her as a Lieutenant as long as he did, I'll never know."

"One of the greatest mysterious of the universe." Kaien answers philosophically, then bluntly, "I, however, value my hide and want to avoid that at all costs."

"Huh. Would you look at that; sometimes you do make smart decisions."

"Piss off, Shinji."

Author's note:

Yay! Things are progressing!

Sorry it took me so long to get this update out. I've been in a bit of a runt. But happy first Birthday to Black and Blue for May 1st! :D

Regards,

Aurora313