Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or the name Kurosaki Masaki, both are owned by Kubo Tite. My OC is owned under the name of Mai.
Feedback: Reviews motivate to write, so please review! No flames though. Thank you to all my reviewers you guys are amazing. Your response for the last chapter was even greater than the last and I'm truly grateful for your comments (I hope my anon readers will find their way back. Thanks!) They really do fuel my muse, so keep those comments coming! I'm also very grateful to all who read my fic.
AN: I have some art for you guys to check out! KidRou aka Falconrukichi had asked me a while back if she could draw Masaki and create art for this fic. I granted her permission and now she has produced some amazing artwork like I knew she would. Thank you KidRou! I dedicate this chapter to you! I have also uploaded artwork of my own based on Masaki's childhood flashback (Ch 10). Links for both artworks are my on profile, so please check them out!
Edited formatting 2/17/18
Landing on the ground, Renji glanced at the entrance of the hospital spotting a head of flaming orange hair where a white crescent moon hairpin rested securing the top portion of a female Shinigami's hair while the rest of her hair flowed down to the middle of her back. She was standing beside the first pillar marking the hospital entrance walkway apparently conversing with someone.
His stomach constricted uneasily at the sight. There she was again, the Shinigami with the orange hair and violet eyes, the future daughter of Ichigo and Rukia. While he now knew the truth of her origins, his mind and heart still hadn't quite come to the terms with the fact she really was from the future. He almost thought he had dreamt it up last night or at least had hoped it was a dream, but he had heard Komamura-taichō's earlier message and had figured if he bothered to go to the trouble of explaining her then she had to be real, she had to be sticking around. There she was standing mere feet away. All he had to was walk towards the hospital and approach her.
"So that's her," he heard a voice speak on his right.
He turned his head. Standing to his right was Ikkaku, eyes keenly assessing the female Shinigami standing in the distance, his purple sheath over his shoulder. Yumichika appeared on his left a second later.
"Damn, she sure got Ichigo's Reiryoku," Ikkaku commented in a low voice.
"She sure did," Renji muttered, his tattooed eyebrows quirking downward, taking note of her true Reiryoku for the first time. Of course, she would hide it.
"Taichō class Reiryoku," Ikkaku said.
Renji just nodded as Masaki suddenly turned her head, catching sight of them.
"Oh my," Yumichika gasped. "What alluring beauty. Her eyes are almost as beautiful as mine," he said, batting his eyelashes over his lavender orbs. "And while her hair is certainly like Ichigo's it definitely does more for her than it does for him."
Watching Renji frown, Ikkaku shot Yumichika a look to shut up just as a loud voice behind them declared, "Oi, what are you fools looking at?"
"A beautiful image," Yumichika said, rather dreamily.
"Che," Marechiyo muttered, eyes falling on Masaki, who was now sporting a young pink haired girl on her left shoulder carrying a Reiryoku ball. "So, it's her. I don't see what the big deal is."
"You wouldn't know beauty if it hit you on the face," Yumichika declared, annoyed.
"What?" Marechiyo glared at him, as he moved to stand next to the connoisseur of beauty. "Of course, I know what beauty is, Ayasegawa, and it ain't—"
"Shut up, Ōmaeda," Ikkaku hissed, since the large fukutaichō wasn't bothering to lower his voice.
"Look, Mini Ichi! It's Fatty, Yun-Yun, Ren-Ren, and Pachinko head!" The four men turned at the sound of Yachiru's voice. Masaki was walking towards them while Yachiru excitedly pointed away as she labeled the men before them.
"Fatty?" Ōmaeda repeated annoyed. "I'm not fat; I'm just robust because I eat well unlike you."
"Whatever, Fatty," Yachiru said cheerily. "He's the fukutaichō of the Second Division," she explained to Masaki.
"That wasn't a proper introduction either, Kusajishi. I'm the fukutaichō of the Second Division and Corps Commander of the Patrol Unit of the Onmitsukidō, Ōmaeda Nikkōtarōemon Yoshiayamenosuke Marechiyo," Marechiyo said proudly.
"Otherwise known as Fatty," Yachiru told Masaki, prompting the large man to scowl and Ikkaku to snicker. "And that's Pachinko head—"
"Fukutaichō, quit callin' me that!" Ikkaku snapped, raising his purple sheath from his shoulder and into the air.
"Baldy is part of my division. He's the third seat," Yachiru continued on, oblivious to Ikkaku's annoyance, as her gaze turned to Masaki.
"Don't call me that either! I'm not bald!" This time Marechiyo was the one snickering.
"He likes to think he has hair, but he's really bald," Yachiru said in a low, conspiratorial tone as they stopped in front of the men.
"I'M NOT BALD! I DO HAVE HAIR!"
"See."
"I do have hair, I just shave," Ikkaku insisted as he lowered his head and pointed a finger at it.
Yachiru turned and said, "Looks bald to me. His head is as smooth and shiny as this ball, isn't it, Mini Ichi?" Yachiru said, holding her Reiryoku ball out in front of her to prove her point.
Masaki stared at the ball and Ikkaku's head. Both round surfaces gleamed underneath the sunlight.
"No, it's not, right?" Ikkaku asked Masaki, his head still bent. "You can tell I shave my hair, right?"
Before Masaki could reply, Yachiru leapt off her shoulder and landed on Ikkaku's head, slid off the surface, and maneuvered herself so that she was holding onto his shoulders while she slammed her Reiryoku ball on his head as she said, "He's bald, isn't he?"
"Owww, Fukutaichō!" Ikkaku hollered as the ball exploded upon making contact with his head. Yachiru had slammed it so hard it disintegrated. "Why'd you do that, Fukutaichō?" Ikkaku demanded, clutching his aching head now adorned with burn marks.
The young girl was standing beside him unharmed, giving him an innocent grin. "I just wanted Mini Ichi to have the best view possible." Cocking her head to the side, she glanced at the aforementioned young woman, "So, did you take a good look? His head was as smooth as that ball, wasn't it?"
"Uh, I didn't get a chance to see, Yachiru-chan," Masaki said, "but it could be he just shaves closely."
Yachiru shook her head. "No, he is bald."
"I'm not!" Ikkaku shouted, dropping his hand away from his head, looking indignant.
"Now, now, Ikkaku, you know Fukutaichō won't ever say otherwise. Just let it go," Yumichika intervened.
Recognizing the validity of his friend's words, Ikkaku glared at his fukutaichō and said, "Fine."
"I'm the Fifth Seat of the Eleventh Division, Ayasegawa Yumichika," Yumichika introduced himself as he stepped forward, "and he is Madarame Ikkaku."He nodded towards the bald man, his gaze roving over Masaki now that she was in close proximity. "Who might you be?"
"She's Ichi's baby," Yachiru piped up.
"I know, Fukutaichō, I meant what is her name."
"I'm Kurosaki Masaki," the young woman answered, the slightest blush gracing her features.
"What a beautiful name for someone who is both elegant and beautiful," Yumichika said approvingly.
Masaki's blush deepened. "Arigatō, Ayasegawa-san."
"There's no need for formalities, you may call me by my first name if you wish," Yumichika said.
"Okay, Yumichika-san. The same goes for me," Masaki said, her lips curving into a smile.
"Oh, Mini Ichi, and this is Ren-Ren, he's the Sixth Division fukutaichō," Yachiru said, nodding towards the red head, who had merely been observing the events unfold before him.
"I know, Yachiru-chan, we've met already," Masaki informed the pink-haired girl.
"Oh okay," the Eleventh Division fukutaichō said, turning her attention back to Ikkaku. Seeing that he had resumed rubbing his head, she jumped on his shoulder and looking at the burn marks said, "At least, it now looks like you have something on your head."
"Why you little!" Ikkaku exclaimed, attempting to swat her off him. Yachiru giggled happily, as she easily evaded him and continued to do so as the bald man kept waving her off.
Ignoring the commotion beside him, Renji finally spoke, his eyes not quite meeting Masaki's.
"So we have," he acknowledged their meeting, "but apparently it was under false pretenses. Kurosaki Masaki, eh?" There was just the slightest hint of a sneer in his voice.
"Gomen nasai," Masaki apologized. "I never meant to lie to you and the others, but I couldn't risk talking to Komamura-taichō or exposing who I really was. I never even intended to talk to you guys. I just wanted to talk to Kyōraku-taichō or Ukitake-taichō to explain my situation and get back to where I belong. I figured they were the only ones most likely to believe me. Unfortunately, nothing has gone to plan. I can't go back as you may have guessed. At least not now…Not until this war is over," she explained.
Renji stared at her, taking in her words. He knew she was telling the truth, he just couldn't help himself but point out the obvious that she had lied to him right down to her name. His instincts had been right about her 'story'. She was definitely not what she had appeared to be. She wasn't some sweet, shy young woman who had graduated from the Academy recently. No, she was clearly an intelligent, confident young Shinigami woman who had managed to trick him and was apparently the future Seventh Division fukutaichō from what he had heard.
She had definitely inherited Rukia's acting abilities. He knew all about the raven-haired Shinigami's saccharine act. Growing up, she had perfected her abilities helping them con their way out of many situations. While there were many times where they just relied on their physical abilities and mental cunning to outsmart the adults in their district to get food, there were others where Rukia's craftiness had served them well.
He had to admit Yumichika-san was right. Masaki radiated a natural elegance reminiscent of Rukia albeit to a higher degree. He always felt Rukia had this natural graceful, elegance about her since they were children that not even her tomboyish tendencies or their lowly surroundings could erase. Masaki had inherited that quality although it was more defined in her because of her more feminine nature.
The disappointment he detected from her voice was exactly what he had felt when he had heard the news about her staying. Okay, maybe it couldn't compare, now thinking about what it meant for her to be here in the so called past, but still his heart resonated with the pain he had felt since he found out yesterday who she was. He figured he would have to get over it eventually, but having her here made it all too real. Made the pain more prominent.
He could feel Masaki's eyes on him, but he couldn't bring himself to stare into those violet pools directly. Those eyes he knew that were very much like Rukia's. She was waiting for him to say something, so he said, "I see."
After a pause, he added, "It's too bad things didn't work out. Didn't exactly appreciate the lying though. That was quite a show you put on. Had us all going. Should have known you weren't some rookie running around town having a look-see."
"Gomen," Masaki said. "It couldn't be helped. If it makes you feel any better, you at least got to lecture me and you were observant about whether I had been performing my duties, which forced me to lie more."
"That's true," Renji said, remembering the little lecture he'd given her.
"Listen, kid, you're not in the Academy anymore, you're now a full fledged Shinigami and you can't afford to do childish things like that. Not if you ever want a reach a seated position anyway. I'm willing to bet my Zanpakutō you're not a seated officer."
"Looks like the only bad thing is you owe me your Zanpakutō now," Masaki said, a grin forming on her lips.
Renji frowned, and as he glared at her directly, he noticed amusement shining in her amethyst orbs.
"The Hell I do! You cheated!" the red head cried out, outraged.
"Well, you were the one confident enough to bet your Zanpakutō," Masaki pointed out.
"I never actually placed a bet with you! I said I was willing not that I was actually gonna do it!"
"Okay, calm down. It's not like I want it anyway. It's not my style," Masaki said coolly.
"You'd be lucky to have a Zanpakutō that is nearly as good as mine," Renji informed her.
"If you say so." Masaki grinned, eyes still sparkling with amusement.
Renji just stared at her, looking slightly annoyed. First, she's apologizing and then she's trying to take his katana away, and she finds it all very entertaining. That grin…those eyes… even her voice and manners…So very Rukia like but her hair, skin, and Reiryoku all thanks to Ichigo. This was truly their daughter before him. No matter how surreal he found the notion, there was just no denying it.
"What are you guys doing here?" A sharp, strong, imposing female voice rang clearly throughout the area.
Masaki looked past Renji, and he along with the others—Yachiru and Ikkaku had long ceased their antics— turned. Walking briskly towards them followed by Jūshirō was Sui-Fēng.
"Sui Fēng-taichō!" Marechiyo cried.
"We may have relieved you of your guard duties, but there's no reason for you to be loitering around here," the petite but lethal taichō said, not even glancing at her fukutaichō.
"We just got here and we're about to go inside, Sui-Fēng-taichō," Ikkaku replied.
"Well, quit dawdling and get inside," she ordered.
"Taichō, did you finish setting up the barriers?" Marechiyo questioned.
"What kind of question is that?" she snapped, her grey eyes glinting with annoyance. "If we're here, it's because Ukitake and I have finished our duties. Get inside now. Abarai and Kurosaki Masaki prepare to leave for the Soul Society."
"I'm coming too!" Yachiru exclaimed. "Ken-chan said it was okay!"
"Prepare yourself then, Kusajishi. You will leave as soon as we inform the sōtaichō," the woman said as she walked past them towards the hospital.
Jūshirō, who was lingering behind the Second Division taichō, stopped beside Masaki. "C'mon now, let's go," he said, his voice filled with kindness unlike his colleague.
Masaki started, falling in step beside him. The others followed behind them. Ten minutes later, Masaki, Yachiru perched on Masaki's shoulder, Renji, Tōshiro, Rangiku, Momo, Byakuya, Mayuri, and Jūshirō were gathered in the center of the empty parking lot in front of the hospital.
Holding his katana in front of him, Byakuya stepped forward and opened the Senkaimon. Nine Hell Butterflies flew forth and, one by one, the Shinigami followed the dainty, fluttering creatures into the otherworldly gate.
Several minutes later, moonlight greeted them as they exited the Senkaimon and appeared in the Seireitei.
"Ooh, it's night," Yachiru said, observing the sky.
"There's a time difference between the World of the Living and the Soul Society," Masaki said.
"There sure is." The pink-haired girl nodded. "Hmm…I can't give you a tour now. It'll have to wait until morning. We shouldn't play either since it's night, but I don't feel sleepy. I already slept. I feel like playing—and eating candy!" Yachiru exclaimed suddenly. "We should go get it from Byakushi's house!"
"Let's go, Mini Ichi!" Yachiru said. "I'll show you the way!" The young girl impatiently tapped Masaki's shoulders to move.
"No." Byakuya's smooth baritone filled the night, stopping the young Shinigami's actions. Yachiru and Masaki turned to stare at him.
"Neither you or her will enter my home," Byakuya said firmly. "Whatever candy you may have stored there, consider it forgotten. I have already sealed away the entrances leading to the room you were using for the Shinigami Women's Association meetings. You will no longer be able to conduct meetings or store your candy there."
Yachiru grinned. "That's mean, Byakushi, but are you sure you sealed all of them?"
Unfazed, Byakuya merely said in his usual tone, "I have sealed them all. And if even if I didn't, security is well aware that you are not allowed on my premises."
Yachiru continued smiling as her gaze returned to Masaki. "Even if I'm not allowed, Mini Ichi is! She could let me in, if she wanted to!" Yachiru pointed out happily.
"Why would she let you in?" Byakuya questioned. "It is my home, not hers."
"But her mommy is your imouto-chan, so that makes her your mei-chan."
Slate eyes narrowed slightly. "That does not give her the authority to do anything in my home. I already told you that neither of you are allowed in my manor."
"But why isn't Mini Ichi allowed?" Yachiru queried. "She's your family."
There was just the slightest twitch in the Kuchiki Clan head's jaw. Everyone was staring at him, Yachiru, and Masaki.
"Masaki-chan won't be staying with him. She'll be staying with me," Jūshirō spoke. "There's no need for her to go there."
"But—" Yachiru began.
"You heard him, Yachiru-chan. There's no need for me to go there," Masaki cut the young girl off.
Byakuya's eyes glanced at her briefly before walking away. "Renji, let's go."
"Renji," the Sixth Division taichō called again when the red head made no move.
"Hai, Taichō," Renji nodded, snapping out of his thoughts. The red head quickly followed his superior.
Mayuri also began to leave. Rangiku and Momo stared after the Sixth Division taichō, wearing somewhat surprised expressions.
"Kuchiki-taichō sure isn't happy about Masaki," Rangiku noted.
"No, he isn't," Momo agreed.
"Let's get going," Tōshiro ordered, looking as though he was not in the mood for gossiping. Not that he ever was, but his face seemed rather icier than normal. He immediately started walking away from them, and they imitated him.
Sighing, Jūshirō watched as Byakuya and the others left the scene. "Well, I suppose we should get going too," he said to Masaki and Yachiru.
Renji could tell his taichō wasn't happy at all. His strides were long and his haori kept swishing constantly due to his haste. Watching as the haori flapped behind its owner, Renji couldn't help but feel that the material seemed to rip through the air as though it were a whip. His taichō hadn't uttered a single word since they left the area where they had arrived.
Renji hadn't bothered to ask him where they were going. It was clear they were headed for the Sixth Division barracks. He supposed he wanted to assess how the division carried on while they were away.
One thing he knew for sure though, his taichō wasn't pleased with Masaki's arrival. When they had gathered to leave Fake Karakura, he never saw him glance at her. He acted as though she didn't exist. His words from a few minutes ago clearly indicated he didn't really see Masaki as family nor did he want to. Not that he really expected his taichō to be happy with the news or anything.
He always knew the bastard wouldn't want anyone for Rukia other than some pompous noble to preserve the Kuchiki pride. Obviously, he didn't get his wish, he got the orange-haired idiot for a brother-in-law. How the hell did Ichigo manage to marry Rukia? Byakuya would surely have tried to Senbonzakura him into oblivion. Damn, it was too bad the strawberry managed to win. If he had died that would have surely left the door open for him….But wait if Ichigo was trying to get married to Rukia, then that meant she was in love with the fool…She would be sad if the moron bit the dust…She wouldn't be willing to marry again not for awhile…He would have to wait, but he had already waited decades, a couple of more wouldn't matter.
He mentally cursed himself for thinking such pointless thoughts. He wasn't going to be with Rukia, Ichigo was. They were going to have a daughter—one who was a beautiful mixture of them and very much alive in the here and now.
Just like he had to get used to idea, Kuchiki Byakuya would also have to get used to it.
It was bad enough that he had to find out his imouto-san would marry that orange-haired brat, but now their future daughter had to remain in this current time period. And not only that, apparently the taichō and Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends weren't the only ones aware of this. The fukutaichō knew as well. It was none of their concern. They didn't need to know of the truth concerning the identity of the 'Ryoka.'
Renji learning this information, he could accept, but he didn't like that the others, well in particular, that the pink-haired menace knew. He knew, of course, it was unavoidable considering the fukutaichō gossiped far too much and that it might have been his own fukutaichō who had done the talking considering his relationship with the Humans, but still it didn't lessen his annoyance. He had heard the brat call the orange-haired young woman "Mini Ichi" obviously in reference to her parentage.
He didn't like it nor did he like her bringing up that Kurosaki Masaki was related to him or Rukia. Kusajishi Yachiru didn't need to go around announcing who she was. She needed to keep her mouth closed and she certainly didn't need to come inside his manor. While he had indeed seen to it that her secret tunnels were closed, he also knew it was only a matter time before she built new ones; she was never deterred by his attempts to keep her out. There was also the possibility he hadn't located every door. He hoped that she wouldn't try to come in and bring her along. He didn't need to deal with the problem of having her run around his manor announcing to everyone who she was. Not that they would believe her, but still he didn't need to waste his time with her. There were more pressing matters to deal with. He would just have to make sure that the guards were on constant vigilance for the pink-haired brat.
It was really unfortunate that Kurotsuchi-taichō had been unable to fix her device immediately. Not only did it bring about issues like these, but it had also brought about the issue of her stay in this time period during the taichōs' meeting. While Yamamoto-sōtaichō outlined what his plan was, the same questions that had been asked days ago were raised. What was Aizen's next move and was it wise to leave the fake town and return to the Soul Society? In the first meeting they held after everyone was treated for their serious injuries, they decided considering the health of everyone and that Aizen's goal was to destroy the real Karakura that it would be best to remain in Fake Karakura. They figured that it was vital to maintain the fake town, because the only reason Aizen had retreated was because he was still waiting for the Hōgyoku to activate properly. Two days later, Yamamoto-sōtaichō had also asked for a division to be brought in to aid in keeping the Hollows at bay and to allow everyone time to recuperate properly and train. Komamura had volunteered his and they arrived the following night.
In today's meeting, Yamamoto-sōtaichō discussed his concern about the fact that stronger Hollows were starting to appear in the Soul Society. While it seemed that they were gradually appearing there just as they had gradually started to appear in the fake town —about two days and a half ago counting the moment Kurosaki Ichigo came across some of those Hollows—the sōtaichō felt it was prudent to have several leading officers return. However, not everyone agreed. Some had misgivings that it could be another ploy from Aizen to get them to divide their forces. While they debated the merits of Yamamoto's plan, Hitsugaya-taichō was sent to deal with his fukutaichō and the others that had been in front of the hospital garnering unnecessary Hollow attention. Once he returned he said instead of wasting time figuring out if it was the right thing to do and trying to guess Aizen's plan, why didn't they just ask Kurosaki Masaki?
Another debate ensued afterwards on following such a course of action. The sōtaichō pointed out that it was illegal to perform Kidō that affected time for a reason and that her appearance through time itself was even more dangerous and could inherently have far worse consequences. He asked Kurotsuchi-taichō what could be the possible ramifications of her appearance and her help. The Twelfth Division taichō presented what knowledge of time travel theories he had, but he said there was no telling what the effects could be on the time space continuum seeing as this had never happened before. The only way to actually know would be if Masaki were able to successfully return to her time and gauge if any changes had occurred.
As far as Byakuya was concerned, he sided with the sōtaichō in the debate. Her appearance was an anomaly that could very well present a danger to everyone. The fact that she was alive clearly indicated that the war resulted in their favor, that was all the confirmation he needed that they would figure out Aizen's plans and stop him. Her help wasn't needed in the least.
In the end, the sōtaichō, like he most often did, ended the discussion. He decreed that they wouldn't ask Kurosaki Masaki anything and that they would proceed with his plan. The selection of the team returning to the Soul Society was made and it was decided that the four pillars would be reinforced by Kidō in light of the increasing Hollow attacks that had started occurring last night. The sōtaichō felt it was better than having an individual fight off Hollows and risk damaging the pillars in the process.
Byakuya felt it was the right decision. Time was wasted though in coming to this decision. All because of her. Why did she have to appear here? Why did that Urahara Kisuke have to fabricate such a device? Hadn't that man learned that his creations did not seem to offer improvement but rather cause problems? That man was far too curious for his own good.
It was a pity though that the man couldn't put his skills to use at the moment to send her back.
Jūshirō handed Masaki a warm cup of tea, prepared by his third seats. They had been very enthusiastic to see their taichō alive and well. Not to mention surprised to find him in the company of the Eleventh Division fukutaichō and Masaki. While Jūshirō intended to avoid telling them the truth, Yachiru had no qualms about announcing who Masaki was and thus he was forced to tell them the truth, but not before, he lectured the pink- haired girl that this wasn't something for her to go around blurting out on Yamamoto's orders. He hoped she would understand.
She was currently procuring some candy since his stash was depleted. He suspected she might have gone ahead to Byakuya's house despite his words. He supposed she would able to pull of the feat without being discovered by Byakuya or the guards. She always did it.
"Kusajishi has sure taken a liking to you," Jūshirō commented, noticing how the young girl had hadn't left Masaki's side since he had seen them playing in the hospital's lobby after the meeting. She had even asked to return to the Soul Society. Not that he blamed her. There wasn't really much for her to do in the fake town.
"Only because she thinks I'm a baby," Masaki said, as she blew on her tea. She was seated across the white-haired man on a zabuton just as he was. "I suppose I have Zaraki-taichō to thank for that."
Jūshirō smiled. "I think so." He blew on his tea gently, before carefully taking a sip. "She is rather keen on the idea, isn't she?" he spoke once he swallowed the warm liquid. Yachiru had confused his third seats with her constant talk about Masaki being a baby that had come from a Senkaimon. He had settled them straight, once he lectured her.
"She is," Masaki agreed, lowering the cup away from her lips. "I tried making her see the truth, but in the end I couldn't tell her. She's just so…innocent."
"That she is. But you know, regardless of what she thinks, I do think she genuinely likes you. She seemed to be enjoying herself when I saw you playing with her."
"Well, I tried the best I could to keep her entertained. She is very energetic. I don't think I've ever had to deal with kids as energetic as she is."
"Really?" Jūshirō asked, lifting an eyebrow. "I've never thought she would ever run out of energy," Jūshirō commented, before bringing his cup to his lips once more.
Masaki was drinking her tea so she didn't reply immediately. "Well, it happens," Masaki said vaguely, as she took another drink.
"I find it hard to believe, but I suppose she would eventually stop being so…innocent," the white-haired man said, attempting to make sense of what the young woman before him was saying.
"Everyone changes," the orange-haired young woman said softly, staring into her tea.
Silence filled the room as Jūshirō contemplated her words. "Even Byakuya?" He didn't like the way the Sixth Division taichō had acted towards her earlier. He knew that was just the way Byakuya was, but couldn't the man try to accept the situation? It was going to happen anyway whether he liked it or not.
Masaki lifted her gaze to meet his. "In some ways he has and in others no…"
Jūshirō couldn't help but detect some bitterness in her words, but it was gone before he knew it.
"He doesn't treat me like that. We've always gotten along and he does allow me in the Kuchiki Manor," she assured Jūshirō. "I…I don't expect him to act otherwise… I know I'm not what he wants…I don't expect anything from him or the others."
"By others you mean, Ichigo-kun and Kuchiki?" Jūshirō asked.
Masaki nodded.
"Did you happen to talk to them?"
"Hai, I…I talked to them both," she admitted."I ran into Kuchiki-san when I went to the cafeteria then we saw Kurosaki-san when we went to his house."
"Kuchiki-san? Kurosaki-san?" Jūshirō repeated.
"I have to get used to it. They aren't my parents. At least they won't be until later," Masaki replied.
"I see," Jūshirō nodded. "I take it now Ichigo-kun has accepted the truth?"
"He has."
"Good." Jūshirō smiled.
Masaki nodded absently.
"What did he say? I mean, how did everything go now that everyone's aware of who you really are?" the white- haired man asked, raising his cup to his lips.
"Well…It went as best as it could I guess…" Masaki said, glancing at the half-empty cup in her hands. "He apologized for what he had said. Things were just so awkward afterward… I don't think awkward is a strong enough word for it to be honest." Masaki was quiet for a moment, before she added. "Not that I really expected anything else. I knew it would be weird for them to find out. Especially T—Kurosaki-san."
"It is quite a surprise to hear about you, but I'm sure they'll get used to the idea. I mean after all, they'll eventually be together."
"I hope so," she murmured.
"Of course, they will," Jūshirō said reassuringly.
"Taichō!" A gruff voice sounded outside the room. There was a tap on the shōji door.
"Taichō!" A shrill, feminine voice sounded.
"Ise-fukutaichō is here to see you, Taichō," Sentarō said.
"Hey, I was gonna say that, booger face!" Kiyone shouted. "Taichō, Ise-fukutaichō is here."
"Quit repeating what I said. I'm sure Taichō has already heard me!"
"You only said it once! I wanted to make sure that he did hear!"
"Taichō isn't deaf!" Sentarō pointed out.
"I know he isn't, but I still wanted to make sure he heard the message. He might have trouble understanding with the way you talk!"
"What the hell are you talking about, Kotetsu? I think he understood me perfectly!"
Jūshirō sighed. "I heard you two! I will be there shortly!"
"Okay, Taichō, I will inform Ise-fukutaichō!" Sentarō said.
"No, I will!" Kiyone said.
Jūshirō and Masaki could hear them scramble away from the door and shout insults at each other.
"Well, looks like I will have to talk to Ise-san, if you'll excuse me," Jūshirō said before finishing off his tea.
"Go ahead, Ukitake-taichō."
"You're welcome to stay here as I said before. I will let Sentarō and Kiyone know. I'll return as soon as I can."
"Arigatō, Ukitake-taichō." Masaki smiled gratefully. "Don't worry about me. I'm sure Yachiru-chan will keep me company when she returns."
"Ah, hai, of course, she will." Jūshirō smiled, rising to his feet.
He placed his empty cup and the tray that had been brought to serve the tea on a nearby desk.
"Well, then I'm off," he said, as he padded across the room, slipped on his waraji, and slid open the door.
Masaki nodded. Once the door closed, she closed her eyes for a moment as she lowered her cup to her lap. Opening them, she placed her cup on the floor beside her right knee. She sighed as she glanced at the white sheath resting beside her left thigh.
She reached over and stared at it as she held it vertically in front of her.
"You're the only one here who still knows me," she murmured, amethyst eyes glittering with sadness.
Slowly, she slipped her Zanpakutō from the sheath, flipped it horizontally, and placed it across her lap. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath.
After a few minutes, she furrowed her eyebrows and opened her eyes.
"You're no help, Kiri, you know that," she muttered, glaring at her Zanpakutō. "I never meant for any of this to happen….I know this is all my fault."
She sat there, staring at her Zanpakutō.
AN: Yumichika's comment about Masaki being elegant is not only in reference to the way she is but also to the meaning of her name, "Elegant Tree." In my initial searches, other meanings came up revolving around a tree or being correct, but then I came along a site that said that was one of the meanings. Surprisingly enough, it fits with the descriptive phrase I had already established for her (just like Kubo does for his characters), "Cool Elegance." And FYI, Masaki is supposed to be a boy's name according to the name sites, but I guess it's unisex in actuality.
I haven't been using the Japanese word for niece or daughter, but I couldn't resist using the word Mei (niece) in Yachiru's dialogue for this chapter. I might consider using it regularly.
Quick Glossary
Reiryoku- spiritual power/spirit energy
Imouto- younger sister
Zabuton- Japanese sitting cushion
Hai- yes
Waraji- straw sandals
Mei- niece
Kiri-mist
Don't worry, my dear readers, Ichigo and Rukia will appear in the next chapter!