Chapter 23

Night groaned as she opened her eyes to see a ceiling before sitting up with a wince. She looked at herself to see she was bandaged on her chest, arms, neck, and her legs before she looked up.

"A hospital room? Am I home?" She wondered, confused.

"Ah I am glad to see you're awake Night." Night looked up, surprised to see Captain Unohana walking to her with a smile along with a woman she didn't know.

"Captain Unohana? Where am I?" Night questioned.

"Ease yourself Night. You are in the 4th Division." Unohana spoke gently.

"The 4th Division?" Night blinked, looking around surprised. "But this place looks like a hospital."

"Yes, for you see here in the 4th Division we are the medical division in the Soul Society." Unohana smiled. "In other words, we are the ones in charge of treating the injured and most of the manual labor."

"Oh, I see that makes sense." Night replied sheepishly. "Um, how long have I been sleeping?"

"Nearly a day though it is no surprise considering the strain your body has been through." Unohana remarked.

"A whole day." Night muttered, before she grew wide eyed. "The others! Are they alright?! My body broke out of the Kido!"

"Calm yourself Night." Unohana told her calmly and firmly. "My Lieutenant here Isane has checked all of those who had fought."

The woman, Isane, nodded, holding up a clipboard. "Everyone merely has scrapes and bruises but nothing too serious. Captain Kuchiki is the only one with more slightly severe injuries but nothing life threatening." She explained.

Night breathed relieved relaxing on the pillows of the cot. "Thank goodness I was really worried." She sighed.

"Although you should worry about your own condition." Unohana replied, yet had amusement laced in her voice. "There are also people who wish to see you. Are you up for it?"

"Hmm?" Night sat up once again. "Yeah, I'm good to go."

Unohana smiled and then nodded to Isane who went to open the door and the ones who came in surprised Night.

"Night, are you ok?!" Hikari called, rushing inside.

"Honestly we leave you alone and crazy stuff hits the fan." Akiro sighed, Roy followed behind him.

"What are you guys doing here?!" Night gaped shocked.

"Aunt Rukia got permission to let us come here to see you." Hikari smiled, sitting on Night's side.

"How are you feeling?" Roy asked.

"Ah, I'll live. I knew I wouldn't come out of this unscathed." Night sighed, rubbing the back of her neck.

"You were almost turned into a Hollow." Akiro deadpanned.

"... Ok yeah fair." Night sheepishly smiled, making the three sigh.

"So, what's going to happen now?" Akiro asked.

"Well Captain Hirako said he and the other Visoreds here will help me train with my mask once I pass the process." Night replied, before looking around. "Where's mom?"

"Talking with some of those Captains last I saw." Roy said.

"Well, she did see Night nearly turned into a Hollow so naturally she'd question them especially when she didn't know how the process worked." Akiro sighed.

"Did you guys see?" Night asked curiously.

"Aunt Rukia wanted us to stay back after hearing the first roar." Hikari shook her head. "So, we didn't see."

"Though you did cause quite the commotion." Akiro smirked.

"Ugh don't remind me." Night groaned. "Here's hoping I won't be in too much trouble."

"Wasn't like you were conscious." Akiro rolled his eyes. "Plus, it was their idea for you to stay here. You worry too much."

"No, you just don't worry enough." Night shot back.

"Hey so long as I keep Hikari away from the mad scientist here, I'll be fine." Akiro replied.

"Mad scientist?" Night blinked.

"Yeah, some Soul Reaper Captain that dad doesn't like too much." Akiro explained. "Said his name was Mayuri Kurotsuchi."

"Oh, you mean Captain Kurotsuchi." Night blinked in realization.

"You met him?" Akiro questioned.

"Yeah, the last time I was here, he did look a little odd." Night admitted.

"Yeah, that's reassuring." Akiro snorted sarcastically.

"Lady Night." They looked to see Katsumi rushing inside looking relieved.

"Thank goodness you're alright." She sighed relieved.

"Forget about me, what about you and Asami?" Night asked, worried. "The barrier you two formed shattered and I was worried."

"Oh, we're fine, just minor bruising." Katsumi quickly assured. "We were more concerned for you given the situation."

"Ok yeah that's fair." Night admitted. "But I feel fine despite the aches really."

"Your stamina scares me." Akiro deadpanned.

"Oh, hush and help me out of bed." Night scoffed, moving to the edge.

"Night you just woke up!" Hikari gaped.

"And I've been asleep for nearly an entire day." Night stated. "Roy, help me out."

"Sure." Roy nodded, helping Night off the bed.

"Roy!" Hikari scowled.

"Give it up Hikari, there's no stopping Night once she gets moving." Akiro sighed, but smirked.

"You're not helping Nii-san." Hikari scolded.

"He never does." Night laughed, as Roy gave her a walking stick. "Thanks Roy."

"No problem, lean on me if you get too tired." Roy told her.

"You're the best." Night grinned. Katsumi was silent as she watched the four interacting. She had learned about the others from Renji including the heritage of Akiro being a Quincy, Hikari with Orihime's abilities, and Roy with Chad's powers but with thunder mixed with it.

Now that I recall I'm surprised he can be so relaxed here given he's a Quincy. She thought, glancing at Akiro. Though I suppose his father relaxed the same way Lord Kuchiki did with the law…

"Hey Katsumi." Katsumi quickly looked up at Night who stood properly with the walking stick.

"Do you know which room Uncle Byakuya is in?" She asked.

"Oh well Lord Kuchiki decided to rest in the 6th Division barracks since his injuries were not so severe." Katsumi reported.

"Then 6th Division it is." Night smiled. "Mind grabbing Miyuki Tsuki please?"

"Of course." Katsumi nodded, picking up Night's Zanpakuto.

"Thanks, oh! I don't think we had proper introductions." Night began.

"It's alright Lady Night, Lieutenant Abarai already informed me." Katsumi replied. "Akiro and Hikari Ishida children of Uryu Ishida and Orihime Inoue and Roy Sado, only son of Yasutora Sado. Or is it Chad?"

"Both really Chad is a nickname our parents used for him for years." Night replied.

"Mama is usually the only one who uses papa's name." Roy said.

"I see." Katsumi hummed.

"So, Renji is good friends with our parents?" Night asked.

"He's actually childhood friends with Lady Rukia. They've known each other since they were children and even attended Shino Academy together." Katsumi explained.

"Shino Academy?" Hikari asked.

"Thats the school for Soul Reapers, isn't it?" Night asked.

"Thats right, when the two realized they had strong spirit energy they decided to enroll." Katsumi replied. "Once they graduated Lady Rukia was sorted to the 13th Division while Lieutenant Abarai was sent to the 5th Division."

"Not 6th?" Akiro questioned.

"It's not uncommon for Soul Reapers to be transferred to other Divisions usually to fit their personality and fighting style." Katsumi explained, as they walked.

"How do you mean?" Night asked curiously.

"Well for example here in the 4th Division it's best suited to those who generally use Kido and/or Kido type Zanpakuto especially for healing while those in the 11th Division focus on combat and have an unspoken rule to only use melee type Zanpakuto." Katsumi explained.

"Only melee?" Night asked.

"They view Kido type Zanpakuto as cowardly and unsuitable for fighters." Katsumi shrugged.

"Wha?!" Night gaped.

"Sounds like muscle brain fighting junkies." Akiro sweatdropped.

"Exactly." Katsumi agreed.

"Geez makes me glad I never fought their Captain." Night sighed, as they got outside. "Hmm then what about Uncle's Division? Division 6."

"Suitable for those who wish to uphold the law and order for the Soul Society stemming from its connection with the Kuchiki Clan." Katsumi explained.

"Connection?" Night asked.

"The Kuchiki Clan has such close relations with the 6th Division that it's customary for the Kuchiki head to be Captain and their successor to be their lieutenant." Katsumi replied. At this, Night nearly tripped before Roy caught her.

"Wait what?! But Renji isn't a Kuchiki! Or is he some distant cousin no one told me about?" She gaped.

"No nothing like that, see the previous Captain before Lord Kuchiki was his grandfather, your great grandfather, Lord Ginrei Kuchiki while his lieutenant was Lord Kuchiki's father, your grandfather, Lord Sojun Kuchiki." Katsumi explained. "Lord Sojun was known to have health issues but made it his duty to work for the Kuchiki Clan and the Soul Society. Unfortunately, though he died in action before he could succeed Lord Ginrei. So, Lord Kuchiki took his father's place and soon enough became head of the Clan and Captain of the 6th Division. And because he had no children before the passing of Lady Hisana, Lord Kuchiki instead chose one of his subordinates to be his lieutenant until Lieutenant Abarai became his current one."

Night was utterly speechless by this information, feeling ready to give Byakuya a piece of her mind for not telling her sooner.

"So, would Night be the next Captain for the 6th Division if Byakuya retires? Or would it be Renji?" Hikari asked curiously.

"That would be up to debate plus that's only if Lady Night manages 1 of the 3 ways to become a Captain." Katsumi said.

"3 ways?" Akiro questioned. "There's more than one way to become a Captain?"

"That's right, the most common one is the Captain Proficiency test where you show and prove you can perform Bankai to 3 Captains to witness including the Head Captain." Katsumi explained.

"The 2nd Sword release of a Zanpakuto." Night frowned. "So that's required to be Captain."

"Absolutely given they are the Soul Reaper's final move." Katsumi nodded.

"What are the other two ways?" Roy asked.

"Well, the second way is personal recommendation with at least six Captains and at least 3 approvals from the remaining Captains." Katsumi said.

"Option 1 is sounding a whole lot better." Night muttered.

"And what's the last one?" Akiro asked.

"Trial by combat." Katsumi frowned. "Defeat and kill an already acting Captain in front of their entire Division, the minimum being 200."

Night, Hikari, Akiro, and Roy gaped at Katsumi in shock and horror.

"What kind of option is that?!" Night yelled.

"One that got Captain Zaraki his position." Katsumi sighed.

"Now I'm really glad I never fought him!" Night grunted.

"Father wasn't kidding on interesting characters here." Akiro muttered with a sigh.

"So, in other words I just need to learn Bankai and I'm set?" Night asked.

"That is correct." Katsumi nodded.

"How long does it take for someone to learn Bankai?" Roy asked.

"At least 10 years." Katsumi answered, stopping in front of the 6th Barracks.

"10 years?!" They gaped.

"At minimum most require a few more years." Katsumi replied.

"Hold on but dad already had Bankai back when he was a Soul Reaper." Night frowned.

"Ichigo Kurosaki had achieved his Bankai through a quicker but dangerous technique, one that was created by Kisuke Urahara." Katsumi explained.

"Urahara-san?" Hikari said surprised.

"Yes, his wife Yoruichi taught Kurosaki and he was able to achieve Bankai in just three days." Katsumi said.

"Of course, he did." Night sighed, shaking her head. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Cause it's Ichigo?" Akiro smirked, making Night glare at him as they walked inside. Night looked around the barracks easily sensing her uncle's spiritual pressure and followed it to a door and knocked.

"Uncle Byakuya, it's me. May I come in?" She asked.

"You may." He voiced from inside. Night opened the door coming in, seeing Byakuya sitting on his bed papers in hand.

"You're clearly feeling better if youre doing work instead of resting." Night sighed, unamused.

"A Captain's work is never done Night." He stated.

"Neither will the 4th Divisions if their patients keep disobeying the doctor's orders." She shot back. "Honestly if all the Captains are like you forget joining Division Six I'll need to join Division Four to give them a hand."

Before Byakuya could counter he relayed what Night just said looking at her.

"So, you know." He stated.

"Got it from Katsumi." She shrugged. "Were you ever planning on telling me?"

"... When you are older you still have your own lessons in the World of the Living." he admitted. "Not only that but you were still adjusting as a Soul reaper I didn't wish to overwhelm you."

She looked at him for a moment before she sighed and sat down at his bedside.

"While I appreciate the sentiment you should give me a little more credit. I want to do this properly and correctly because I'm the heiress to the Kuchiki Clan and need to pull my weight into the duty." She said. "But in order for me to do that you need to teach me all I need to know. You've been doing this by yourself for a long time Uncle, but you don't have too anymore because I'm here…. Ah I hope I'm not sounding arrogant."

Byakuya could only look at Night speechless as she scratched her cheek sheepishly. For years he had been so used to carrying the responsibilities of the Kuchiki Clan on his shoulders alone. He had no desire to remarry after losing Hisana and so couldn't promise a child of his own to be heir. Yet his own niece, the daughter of his sister, his pride, who had only been a Soul Reaper for a few short months wishes to help carry the weight with him. He slowly reached out cupping the side of her head to her surprise and pulled her against his chest to her shock.

"Ack! U-Uncle?!" Night yelped surprised. "You gotta be more careful! You're still recover-"

"Thank you, Night." Byakuya spoke, making her go silent. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

She blinked surprised looking at him for a few moments before she huffed carefully wrapping her arms around him.

"If you wanted a hug, you could've just asked." She muttered. On the other side Katsumi could only watch speechless at Night and Byakuya before Akiro closed the door.

"Best give them a moment." He replied. Katsumi could only nod as she led the three to the main hall of the barracks taking seats.

"I… I must admit Lady Night truly was never what I had expected." Katsumi admitted softly.

"How so?" Akiro asked knowingly.

"Everything? Despite the fact she's a noblewoman of the Kuchiki Clan she never took advantage of it and she's so modest about her progress despite how fast she is compared to an ordinary student in the Academy." Katsumi remarked.

"Let me guess you had to deal with arrogant nobles?" Akiro asked.

"You can tell?" Katsumi asked.

"Yoruichi-san gave us the gist about it months ago." Hikari smiled.

"And you shouldn't worry about that stuff with Night." Roy added.

"Yeah, Night is way too modest and enjoys hard work." Akiro smirked. "Plus, formality makes her itch. But at the end of the day, she knows when to don the formal wear and get classy."

"I don't follow." Katsumi frowned.

"Our fathers, mine and Night's, are doctors and often have to go to fancy and formal dinners and parties for numerous reasons." Akiro explained. "And sometimes they let us come so we have to be on our best behavior for them."

"We meet all kinds of people in them too and not all of them are easy to handle." Hikari admitted with a small smile.

"That's putting it mildly." Akiro scoffed. "Most are those who flaunt their wealth and status like a game of pride, quite frankly it's quite distasteful if you ask me."

"Including when they pretend to be nice to us just so they could get closer to our parents." Hikari wrinkled her nose at the thought. "Especially at Night."

"Why Lady Night?" Katsumi asked.

"It was to get to Ichigo." Roy frowned. "Lot of women tried to go after him."

"Night was always so agitated by it, if it weren't for the fact we were in those galas I'm pretty sure she'd slap at least half of them." Akiro snorted. "Not like they didn't deserve it either way."

"So, they tried to seduce Ichigo Kurosaki." Katsumi frowned.

"No one really knew he was married given the whole Soul Reaper situation and all even though Ichigo made it clear he was NOT interested." Akiro scoffed. "That's why they try to use Night to get to him of course she knows better."

"It was very gross." Hikari scowled.

"Pretty sure that's why he invites papi and the others." Roy replied. "Gives him more people to talk to avoid the buitres."

"I'm sorry?" Katsumi blinked.

"Vultures." Akiro translated. "Roy and his family speak Spanish and they slip in it sometimes."

"Oh." Katsumi blinked. Truly these humans were not at all what she expected upon meeting and conversing with them. And she didn't mind it at all she realized. She truly didn't mind it, in fact she enjoyed learning these tidbits. Then she looked up to see Night walking over as they followed her gaze.

"Everything ok?" Akiro asked.

"Yeah, I got him resting thankfully." Night huffed, shaking her head. "Honestly that man worries me sometimes."

"Imagine Rukia having to deal with it." Akiro smirked.

"Oh, believe me I think it alright." Night sweatdropped, before she sighed. "But this just shows I gotta take my training seriously not just my Vizard training but for my skills as a Soul Reaper and a Clan Head too."

"Have something in mind?" Roy asked.

"I'm thinking of asking Captain Hirako for zanpakuto training, I mean I know Kendo and all, but I want to broaden my skills." Night frowned. "Maybe he can introduce me to someone..."

"If I may Lady Night." Night looked at Katsumi who spoke up. "Why not speak with Third Seat Ikkaku Madarame from Division 11?"

"From the same Division as the crazy Captain?" Night sweatdropped.

"Hear me out." Katsumi assured. "Despite the Division's nature, there are actually very noble warriors there as well. Ikkaku Madarame happens to be one of them. He is one of the most skilled fighters in the Soul Society not only that, but it was actually him who taught Lieutenant Abarai how to fight as well."

"He taught Renji?" Night asked, surprised.

"And Isao." Katsumi nodded. "Not only that but from what I recall he is also a good friend of your father as well, I'm sure he would not mind teaching you as well."

Night had a thoughtful look on her face, fingers to her chin as she thought before she hummed.

"Well, if he taught Renji who's a lieutenant then I don't see any harm in talking to him at least, especially since he's friends with dad." She admitted.

"Then it's settled." Akiro replied, standing from his seat. "Next stop: Division 11."