Ch20

Netto's grip tightened around his Zanpakuto as a surge of spiritual energy coursed through his veins. With a heavy heart, he looked down at his brother's body. "I'm sorry I promise it will all get better." Saito's soul had been consumed by darkness for far too long, and it was time to release him from his torment.

With a swift, fluid motion, He swung his Zanpakuto, channeling his resolve and pouring his spiritual energy into the blade. A brilliant burst of light erupted, engulfing Saito in a purifying energy. Saito's body trembled as the darkness within him was shattered, piece by piece.

As the light faded, Saito's features softened, the lines of anger and resentment etched upon his face melting away. He looked at him with a mix of gratitude and sadness, his voice filled with a newfound clarity. "Thank you, Netto. I... I am ready to find peace."

A gentle smile spread across his fac as he reached out a hand towards his brother. "Rest now, Saito. Your soul shall find solace in the Soul Society. May you be free from the burdens that plagued you."

Saito clasped his hand, his grip weakening as his soul started to transcend. I'm sorry for the pain I caused. Please, protect our family, protect our memories."

He nodded, tears falling down his face. "It's alright, things happen." His voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "I will, Saito. I will cherish our memories and protect those we hold dear."

With that, Saito's form dissipated, his essence ascending to a higher plane where he would find eternal peace. Netto stood there, a mixture of emotions swelling within him, both sadness for the loss of his brother and hope for the redemption that had been achieved.

Toshiro approached, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the ordeal they had just faced. "Netto, it was a difficult choice you made, but it was the right one. Saito's soul can finally find rest."

Netto nodded, a mix of weariness and satisfaction weighing upon him. He looked up at the hole in the sky and up at the dark sky. "Thank you, Toshiro. I hope he finds the peace he sought for so long."

Turning he saw Nel run over and talk to her friends. "Come on lets help them out."

Toshiro nodded but cautiously watched them as they broke their bindings.

"Thank you," The woman said. "You may call me Tier Harribel."

"I'm Netto and this is Toshiro," he said.

Harribel looked him over cautiously, despite being an arrancar he could tell she wasn't looking for a fight. "We owe you our gratitude. It seems fate has brought us together in this dark place. Thank you for protecting Nel. If you need anything let us know."

"Thanks for the help," he said to the two women. He couldn't help but admire them, they were both pretty attractive.

Nel smiled and hugged him and Toshiro slamming their faces into her bosom. "Come back ok!"

Tier chuckled. "If you need assistance we'll help."

He pulled away and nodded. "Keep this place safe for us."

"Of course," Tier said as she opened the gate for them to return. "So long Hikari Netto and Hitsugaya Toshiro."

Netto and Toshiro stood side by side in the peaceful tranquility of the human world cemetery. The air was still, and the soft sound of rustling leaves carried a sense of serenity. Before them lay a simple gravestone, adorned with fresh flowers—a symbol of remembrance and love.

Well rest well wherever you maybe. His heart was heavy as he looked at the tombstone. It wasn't easy to convince his parents but he managed to do it.

His gaze was fixed upon the gravestone, his thoughts drifting to the memories he shared with his brother, Saito. The pain of their past and the journey they had embarked upon together felt both distant and yet so vivid in his heart.

Kneeling down, gently placing a bouquet of vibrant flowers on the grave. As he traced the engraved name with his finger, his voice carried a mixture of longing and sincerity. "Saito, I hope you've found the peace you sought. May your soul be at rest, and may happiness find you in the next life."

Toshiro stood silently beside him, a solemn presence offering support in this moment of reflection. He understood the weight of Netto's emotions and the importance of this farewell. His voice was filled with empathy as he spoke softly, sharing in Netto's sentiment. "May the winds guide his spirit and lead him to a realm of eternal peace."

Netto rose to his feet, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He turned to Toshiro, a small, grateful smile gracing his lips. "Thank you, Toshiro. Your friendship has meant the world to me. Together, we've faced trials and witnessed both sorrow and triumph. Let us continue to protect this world, in honor of those we've lost."

Toshiro nodded, his expression a blend of respect and resolve. "We'll face each challenge with the memories of our loved ones as our guiding light. Their spirits will live on through our actions."

As they turned away from the gravesite, their steps carried them towards the horizon. The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape. In that moment, Netto felt a sense of closure, a peaceful acceptance of the past.

Though Saito was no longer physically present, his memory would forever reside in Netto's heart. The journey they had shared, the battles fought and lessons learned, had shaped him into the person he was now—a warrior, a friend, and a protector.

"I'll do my best to make sure to live up to his memory," he said softly.

Toshiro nodded. "You'll do a good job. You're already a half decent substitute."

He smiled at his friend. "Thanks for helping me through all of this."

Toshiro nodded his face reddening. "Just don't do anything that would embarrass me."

He laughed. "Don't worry we are friends."

A small smile spread across Toshiro's face. "That we are."

They would face the future together, forever connected by the bonds of friendship and the memories of those they had lost. He looked down at his PET and saw Rockman. "You ok?"

His navi nodded. "I can't explain it but I feel more at peace, as if a piece of me that had gone missing has been restored."

"If you feel anything bad we'll let grandpa know," he said as he looked down at the tombstone.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky, he whispered a final farewell to his brother, a promise to honor his memory in every step he took. The winds carried his words, carrying them to the heavens, where Saito's soul would forever find solace.

Saito rest well.

AN: Thank you all for this short story I wrote. For now I'll end it here, hope you all enjoyed it sorry if it seemed anti climatic. I may add to it in the future but for now I don't have plans for anything. I worked on this story with some friends who low key wanted to ship Netto with Rangiku or Toshiro but I decided to keep it platonic for now. I'll let you all know if and when I decide to continue it.