Pre-Note
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. This is for creative purposes. I do own this plot.
There are Images for this Chapter.
Reminder: Mature-rating. Mystery-themed. Light sexual content. Crucial to remain attentive to detail. This is for Rukia and her relationships.
Strangers, Are we?
"I can't believe this." Rukia said, now staring at the Gotei 13 who were laying on hospital beds in the hidden dimension where she had first met Yoruichi, Kisuke, and Yūshirō. It had been a quick decision to transfer them somewhere safe, given the fact that their current state was most likely caused by Jushirmai.
Sitting on a chair now, beside her older brother who wasn't breathing on his own at all, Rukia stared. Unsure of what to say or what to feel. Byakuya couldn't die that easily—he had more willpower than that, Senbonzakura knew that for sure. Even if Jushirmai tried to target him, Senbonzakura knew how to get rid of him – he would've protected him in his oblivious state.
"He got to them quicker than I thought." Yoruichi said, eyes lowering with her fist under her chin. The call from Rukia had been unexpected. Yoruichi was unsure whether she could believe her but the tone of her voice through the phone told her it was true. The Gotei 13, now lifeless bodies, were laying in front of her. None of them had moved even once.
"They're more weaker than I thought." Raiden said—not feeling much remorse for them at all. Although, he would admit that it was a tad bit surprising given how much Rukia and Renji talked about them being strong. Raiden was almost sure they were dead but the others...the others were sure that they were not.
"What are we gonna do now?" Renji asked by Captain Kuchiki's foot-side. "It's not like we can move ahead with the Gotei 13 like this."
No one replied.
Rukia's eyes were only fixed on her brother. His chest raised nor up or down.
Little did she know, Byakuya was right beside her—in his living, breathing form, looking at his own dead body. Byakuya did not fear death at all, he knew like others there would come a day when he would die however, seeing it with Rukia sitting beside his body was not something he wanted to see. She had never left his side ever since they were transported into this hidden dimension according to Renji.
There were several times where she seemed to be contemplating whether to touch his hand but she never touched it—only ever attempted before taking it back. Her eyes expressed some kind of remorse, some kind of sorrow. It couldn't just be because he appeared dead to her unless she was coupling her emotions for him with her emotions for Kurosaki Ichigo who was currently being 'educated' on the side with Captain Hitsugaya. Byakuya had left long ago so Captain Hitsugaya could explain.
"Renji...?" Rukia called.
"Yeah?"
"Ichigo's body...have they found it?" Her eyes still never leaving Byakuya's face.
"No," Renji said, lowering his head. "they're still looking."
"His reiatsu may be gone but he's not dead—I refuse to believe that Ichigo's life would end in such a pitiful way." She said.
"I know. That idiot's way too strong to die like this—he's fine, I'm sure. Don't let it get to your head."
"I'm not it's just..." I can't help but feel that way. I left and it only took a few days for them to cripple like this. Ichigo's not dead—Byakuya can't be dead for sure – but the others? What if? What if this is my fault? "Never mind."
"Rukia—"
"Ichigo's fine. Byakuya's alive. I know—as for what we're going to do next, the only option is to move forward underground."
"So we're staying here?" Raiden asked.
"The way I see it, if Jushirmai is responsible for this is that our only option is to stay underground and off his radar. This is the only dimension where he won't be able to sense our presence—it's better if we stay here instead of relocating back to the Soul Society or the World of the Living." Rukia said.
"I agree." Yoruichi said. "There's still lots to do before returning to the Capital."
"Well that's just fucking great. Busted you out of your cell just so we can babysit the Gotei 13, that's just fucking great." Raiden said.
"This is our message from Jushirmai. Staying underground is our response to it—nothing more, nothing less. They still can't be involved in this." Yoruichi said.
"If that's what you're worried about then you can stop worrying." Rukia said. "I have no plans of showing them my true form nor do I want them involved in this."
"Speaking of that, hell-fucking-o to you. Thank you for looking normal again. I can finally speak to you without bending so far down I look like a chicken."
"You already look like a chicken." Renji said.
"What was that?" Raiden sneered.
"I said, you already look like a chicken so bending down to look like one shouldn't be a problem." Renji said a bit closer to his face.
"Well, fine by me. I feel like I'm actually talkin' to the real Rukia now—thanks."
"She didn't do it for you." Renji said.
"I didn't say she did, Abarai—can you keep up please?"
"Raiden." Rukia warned.
"It isn't just me—it's him too." Gesturing at Renji.
"Kisuke." Yoruichi said in a serious tone. "Did you find Ichigo?"
"No sight of him yet." Kisuke said. "His reiatsu is still out of the radar. Even if he's suppressing it, we should at least be able to sense something attaching him to his existence but I've got nothing."
"What if he's like the others?" Yūshirō asked.
"His body must be out there somewhere." Renji said. "He can't just disappear."
"Well if it's out there Abarai, we haven't found it yet." Kisuke responded.
"I'll go search for Ichigo."
"What the—"
"I find it hard to believe that he'd get himself into that position. Follow me if you want." Renji said about to walk away before Raiden pulled him back by his shoulder.
"What the hell do you think you're doin' Abarai?" Raiden said. "Why the fuck do you need to go find him for?"
Before Renji could reply, Raiden's next target was Rukia.
"And you," His eyes moved to hers. "Why the fuck are you sitting there worried about that asshole? Are you forgetting he tried to kill you? Have you executed? None of that rings a bell? What the fuck are you doing?" He was talking about Byakuya.
Byakuya who was still standing there did not like the quincy's presence. He had admitted to his faults in his past, the quincy judging him now had no knowledge of who he was, he did not have the right to make assumptions.
"Why are you so angry?" Rukia asked.
"Because in the past fifty years, it seems like neither you or Renji adopted a fucking brain. Why are you wasting your time watching this asshole after what he did to you? Why the fuck are you sitting there as if you matter? And you, Kurosaki Ichigo may be your friend now but I don't trust him, you need to keep him out."
"He's Captain Kuchiki's grandson..." Rukia reminded him.
Byakuya took a double take of her words. She had addressed him as his grandfather's grandson. It was not something she was supposed to do neither did he expect her to ever say. Rukia had never met his grandfather. His grandfather had passed shortly after his wife had passed and a little before Rukia's adoption. She did not know him personally therefore her words made no sense to him. He was unsure of whether she was addressing him that way because of the quincy who visibly did not like him although Byakuya couldn't say that he liked him at all either. The feeling was mutual.
"What's that gotta do with anything? In the past? Yeah sure, it'd probably fucking mean something but what meaning could it have now? He tried to fucking kill you—He's only now being nice to you because Kurosaki Ichigo beat his ass!"
"You know what? You're right, Byakuya and I haven't had the greatest relationship in the past fifty years. In fact, there was no relationship at all. Yes, he tried to have me executed and you know what? You may even be right about the fact that we only have a relationship now because of Ichigo. But regardless, I won't leave—I can't. Think of Captain Kuchiki...Lieutenant Kuchiki...like it or not, I can't leave."
This time she was addressing his father as 'Lieutenant Kuchiki'. Another person she had never met nor was expected to address that way.
"And I can't leave Ichigo." Renji intervened. "If it weren't for him there's a lot of things that could've happened but didn't. There's a lot of people he changed for the better, a guy like that won't die that easily and as his friend I gotta do what I have to do."
"Wow, you guys sure are great friends." Raiden sarcastically noted. "I wonder where all of that was fifty years ago when it came to me."
"Raiden - "
"I don't wanna hear it." Raiden said, walking away. "I'm gonna go find Captain Kuchiki."
Except, Captain Kuchiki was standing right there—at least, the current one was.
"So you already knew?" Tōshirō asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, Rukia told me awhile ago. I'm two steps ahead, Tōshirō—this isn't news."
"Well..." Tōshirō said, a bit flustered. "I didn't know that you knew. I thought this would be news to all of us that Kuchiki, not only has a brother here in the World of the Living but has been living in a smaller body that is not her own given how strange she's been acting."
"Nah, I already know about that stuff. The only thing I didn't know was that Jushirmai was the name of her younger brother. Speaking of which, why the hell does he have the same name as the ryoka? Or why does the ryoka got the same name as him? It's just too weird to be a coincidence."
"I agree. There is definitely a link between Okasake Jushirmai and this one. The problem is that I'm unsure whether we'll be able to find that link soon given our position."
"This Interioreum World...can't we just go back to the Soul Society and have them get us out? There must be someone besides Captain Kurotsuchi who can get us out."
"I'm afraid that's the problem, Kurosaki. There is no one available to get us out because everyone is stuck inside."
Ichigo's eyes widened—absorbing what Tōshirō had been saying to him in the past while. Sure, he got the fact that they were stuck in some kind of dimension where they could see people but they couldn't see them but, he didn't know that there were more people stuck inside with them."
"What the hell?! How are we suppose to get outta here then? Rukia and the others have no idea that we're stuck in here, goddammit!"
"Calm down, Kurosaki. I know, we're currently thinking of a method to alert of them of our situation however, I think our bodies did them on its own."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, before you arrived, Kuchiki and the rest of her entourage were taking our hollow bodies along with the Gotei 13 and your human friends inside her house before we were transferred here. Take a look for yourself." Tōshirō gestured towards a short pathway that Ichigo slowly followed before spotting his group of friends along with the rest of the Gotei 13, Ishida, Inoue, and Chad with the exception of himself on hospital beds.
His eyes widened. "What the hell?"
"I'm afraid this is our current predicament however, it shouldn't be too long before we get out of it. While Kuchiki and Abarai may not be aware of the Interioreum World, Urahara and Shihōin are. They should come to rescue us soon." Tōshirō appeared beside him, looking in the direction of the hospital beds.
Rukia...
He could only see the back of her, hair a bit longer, height a bit taller, a white coat covering her shoulders. This, he semi-knew about. He couldn't say he was an expert but he knew more than the Gotei 13 did that's for sure.
"Their hearts are still beating," Jushirmai said. "but I'm afraid that waking them up is going to be more than less impossible."
"Are you positive?" Yoruichi asked.
"I've treated numerous patients in the Soul Society and the World of the Living before however, I've never encountered something like this. This isn't a coma."
"I wonder how long they'll stay that way if what I'm assuming is true." Kisuke said.
"You think Jushirmai did this to them?"
"Could be, Yoruichi-san. Although I'm unsure of his reasoning...having them awake and alive would be the better option."
"Considering his presence never leaves our house or ever for that matter, it might just be his way of causing alarm the way he would imagine would bring the most stress to my sister." Jushirmai mentioned as he carefully looked over Lieutenant Matsumoto.
"If that's the case, you'll have to be precautious too." Yoruichi said.
"Why would I matter?"
"You're the last existing piece of her bloodline. You matter to her more than anything. It's your blood that keeps you alive."
"Kurosaki Ichigo, Abarai Renji, the rest of the Soul Society...they matter to her too."
"While that might be true, Dr. Oswald, you're Kuchiki-san's biological younger brother. That in itself gives you a lot of worth. Being that significant to Kuchiki-san puts you above all. Dare I say, even above Kurosaki Ichigo."
"As the only existing individual from her bloodline, Okasake Jushirmai will protect you at all costs." Yoruichi informed. "That's exactly why, you've been protected. He's marked you without you knowing. The only time he'll harm you is if you become a nuisance to him."
"And when does that happen?" Jushirmai asked.
Kisuke and Yoruichi looked at each other for a few seconds, unsure of how to proceed.
Jushirmai waited for a response.
"Well, you see Dr. Oswald—"
Yoruichi cut Kisuke off immediately. "What happened to your sister, Hisana was no accident. Okasake Jushirmai ensured that her presence didn't last too long in the Soul Society."
"She became a nuisance when she married herself into the Kuchiki home." Yoruichi continued. "Back when, it would be easier for Rukia-san to discover her existence and would therefore give Rukia-san a true connection to the Kuchiki home which he didn't want."
"So what do I have to do to stay alive?" Jushirmai asked, head down.
"Stay away from Kurosaki Ichigo and the current Captain Kuchiki." Kisuke advised. "The last thing you want to do is form an alliance with the noble home Jushirmai despises the most and the person Rukia-san treasures the most besides you."
"And what of Captain Kuchiki Ginrei?" Jushirmai asked, unaware that the person he was speaking of had already entered.
"And what of me?" A hoarse voice responded.
All three of them turned.
"What...what is this place?" Rangiku questioned as they walked down a large pathway made of red rocks.
"I don't know but we'd better find a fucking exit soon." Ikkaku said behind her. "All that sand made my back itchy. Think I'm allergic or something."
"We're bound to find something soon." Captain Ukitake assured them. "We must make the best out of our situation."
"Won't be easy with everything in this place looking the exact same." Ikkaku replied.
Yumichika gagged. "Don't they know that the ugliest match of colours you could possibly put together is anything with carmine red?"
"There's some fucker running round with an original ice zanpakutō in his hands who's apart of some cult-thing called the assassins with some power thing we've never even heard of. Finally, some decent competition enters the Soul Society and I can't even fight him." Captain Zaraki groaned.
"I'm not sure you could even if you had a chance." Captain Unohana said, appearing behind Captain Ukitake. "To fight an individual who holds the power of sheatsu is already way too much for your hands, Zaraki Kenpachi."
"I'm afraid Captain Unohana is right, Zaraki. At the very least, you can save yourself the embarrassment." Captain Kyōraku smirked.
Kenpachi scoffed. "Yeah, we'll see about that."
"Only individuals who have been trained as one and hold the power of sheatsu would be able to understand it. You underestimate their power." Sui-Fēng informed.
"I'm starting to think you all got this thing called sheatsu since you're the only Captains warning me about it." Kenpachi said.
"If I were the holder of sheatsu I would be working with the Capital and Sensei Okasake. I wouldn't be here with you, Captain Zaraki." Sui-Feng sneered.
"Guess you're not good enough to be one of them." Captain Zaraki smirked.
"What did you say? I, Sui-Fēng of the 2nd Division, commander of the Stealth Force isn't good enough to be a part of the assassins when I was trained to be one?" Sui-Fēng asked. "Clearly, you don't understand what you're implying Captain Zaraki."
"Then the fuck you doin' here for?"
"It's simple. 'Cause of Yoruichi-sama."
"Yoruichi's got nothing to do with it. You don't have it."
"She does!" Sui-Fēng responded in defense.
"Calm down...there isn't any reason to be ashamed. You just gotta accept it and move on." Captain Hirako spoke.
"What would you, a visored-soul reaper, know about the power of the assassins?"
"You'd be surprise, Captain Sui-Fēng about how much I do know about the assassins." Captain Hirako responded.
"Are you their ally?" Sui-Fēng asked.
"It'd be nice to be one but no. The people around you on the other hand...well, that's a different story."
"Are you suggesting that you're aware of who's associated with the assassins in the Gotei 13?" Mayuri inquired. The Captain knew exactly what he was doing. Diverting the attention from himself, Captain Unohana, Ukitake, and Kyōraku was their only option (AN: reminder that The Research and Development Department has relations with the assassins' Research and Technology Institute).
"I didn't say that either although I have my suspicions."
"Might as well go all the way, don't you think?" Captain Kyōraku questioned.
"If there's any Gotei 13 member who probably has any chance of having a relationship with the assassins, it would be you, Captain Ukitake and Unohana."
"Can't say I agree with you, Captain Hirako. We've got nothing to do with this." Captain Ukitake said.
"Hey, it's just an assumption." Shinji said with his arms up. "Got nothing to back it up but suspicion."
"We stopped having relations with the assassins after Yama-jii stopped communicating with them centuries ago." Captain Kyōraku said. He hated to lie to one of his own comrades but he wasn't in the mood to get on the Head Captain's bad side.
"All I'm saying is that it's mighty suspicious and wouldn't make sense that you wouldn't have any typa relationship with the assassins if you know what I'm saying. You were Head Captain Yamamoto's students...It's either you got something to say that you don't wanna or you don't and I bet you do." Captain Hirako shrugged. "But hey, who am I to criticize you three?"
"Who are you is right." Sui-Fēng replied. "Accusing members of the Gotei 13 of being part of such an organization is—"
"What is it? Wrong? With that attitude, it's no wonder you ain't one of their allies."
"I am not denying that I knew who they were but having a relationship with them is far from the truth. It didn't last long, at least the one with the first Sensei Okasake didn't. It's as Shūnsui said, we stopped having relations with them centuries ago."
"Do you know who this Okasake Jushirmai is?"
"The first Sensei Okasake's adopted son." Captain Kyōraku responded. "But everybody knows that now."
"Then in your opinion, who do you think is worse? Aizen or….." Shūhei spoke for the first time.
"Okasake Jushirmai….." Captain Ukitake responded.
"Your answer is the assassin?" Captain Kurotsuchi asked.
"The assassins are worse." Captain Kyōraku responded with a serious voice. "Believe me, you have no idea what we're up against Lieutenant."
Rangiku, Ikkaku, and Yumichika continued to walk ahead with Captain Zaraki following behind. The group had left the others a minute into the conversation, more focused on finding a way out of the dimension they were in.
"We've been walking for hours." Ikkaku complained.
"It's only been 15 minutes Ikkaku, get it together." Yumichika said.
"Only?" Ikkaku scoffed. "Maybe we need to break a wall or something. Get rid of all these damn rocks."
"We might as well try it." Rangiku said. "~Ohhhh~Captain Zaraki—"
Before Rangiku could say anything else. Kenpachi sped past them, pulling out his zanpakutō to break a hole into the red walls. With his yellow-coloured reiatsu outlining his body and his grunts of satisfaction, you would've thought that he had made a bigger hole than what the outcome was. The flash of yellow reiatsu was vivid, blinding the others. With power as strong as Zaraki Kenpachi, the members of the Gotei 13 were sure that his impact had been damaging enough to at the very least make a hole but as the light faded away and the scene before them unveiled, Zaraki Kenpachi did not leave a scratch.
He didn't even make a hole.
"What was that?!" Tōshirō asked suddenly, feeling the intense reiatsu emerging from Captain Zaraki who was not too far away from their location.
"I felt it too, it's Kenpachi." Ichigo responded.
"They're nearby, we must find them." Tōshirō said.
"Right, but what about the others? You're telling me they can't sense this either?" Ichigo asked, still trying to comprehend the whole 'Interioreum thing'. Toshirō took a peek but sensed no reaction from any of the others who existed outside of it.
"No, they can't. I told you, Kurosaki. They won't be able to sense us while we're in here."
"How the hell are we gonna get out of this thing then?" Ichigo asked, frustrated once again.
"Let's regroup with the others and then we'll make our move."
Rukia entered the area where the Gotei 13 were being laid on hospital beds, her stare instantly fell on Byakuya.
Just then, she felt a familiar presence come up from behind her.
A man who had indeed been a meaningful character in her life.
A man whom she shared a history with that had become complicated very quickly.
This man was very special….this man was her friend, one of her closest friends among all things. This man…was supposed to be her adoptive grandfather first before all things and yet…
Rukia turned around to face him. He wasn't someone she could have family relations with to begin with. "It's not what it looks like."
"I did not say anything." Captain Kuchiki responded.
He walked towards her as she turned back around to look at Byakuya.
"We got a problem." Rukia announced in a low tone, stating the obvious.
"That will not change our initial deal." He warned.
"Right..." Rukia said. He must've sensed the uncertainty in her because she felt his stare above her head. "Relax." She said soon after, "I know what I have to do."
"You will not sway." He said, she knew deep inside he did not fully believe her.
Rukia sighed, "I gave up on that, remember?"
"I am taking precaution."
"Well I'm not switching anything, alright? The Gotei 13 won't be involved and...whatever we discussed stays."
Moments later, she crossed her arms, feeling as if she should just say it to rid him of his suspicion of her.
"Look, if you want me to say it and go through another one of our run-throughs then fine." Rukia said. "Tell him the truth, this shouldn't come from me."
Following along, he asked "what good does letting him know about his relationship with them do?"
Rukia sighed, unsure of how to word it. "It'd be easier to leave, you shouldn't—"
"Leave without emptying out my regrets." Ginrei finished for her.
"You know I won't force you." Rukia replied to complete the run-through of a very similar conversation they'd one too many times.
Though at least those were more enthusiastic.
He released a low hum, signaling the end of it too before moving onto other matters. "Genryūsai's body is not here."
"If his remains are in the Soul Society, it would be best to leave it there." He added.
"I agree, although...it doesn't make sense."
"Genryūsai will remain unharmed unless he tries to interfere with Capital matters. If he is conscious unlike the Gotei 13, the logical decision would be to remain put." Ginrei said. "His involvement in this matter depends on him."
"That being said, he'll arrive when he's ready." Rukia concluded.
"I guess...though obviously I've complicated things for him. I'm sure it's made it harder for him to de—"
"Captain!" Raiden called from far. He ran up to them, panting. "Captain, what the hell have you been doin'? I've been searching for you everywhere."
"The manor."
"And you didn't bother to tell me?!"
"Captain Kuchiki! Finally, what the hell took you so long?" Renji said running up to them.
"I'm not quite sure, you may ask Raiden."
"ME?! The fuck, I went searching all over the fucking place for you and I couldn't find your ass. How was I supposed to know you'd go flying to your house the moment you got here?"
"Wait, you idiot. You mean to tell me that you can still go back to the Soul Society? The fuck, you didn't tell me for?" Renji said, turning his attention completely to Raiden.
"How the fuck am I supposed to know what goes on with you? Thought you went to find your orange friend."
"Well did it ever occur to you that maybe just maybe I'd go lookin' for him there?" Renji said, hands on his hips, eyes focused on Raiden.
"Did it ever occur to you that I don't give a flying fuck?" Raiden asked mimicking Renji's actions.
"Amazing." Renji scoffed, not seeming to notice that Ginrei had been able to enter the Soul Society too.
"Would you two stop it?" Rukia asked, a little annoyed. As much as she loved the fact that they were at the very least communicating with each other, this wasn't the time for bickering. "I don't think Ichigo's body would still be in the Soul Society if all of the Gotei 13 fell here so your services weren't needed Raiden."
"Seeeeeee~ Renji, all that fuss over fucking nothin'." Raiden.
"I agree." Ginrei said. "He does not view the human as an asset worth keeping."
"Well, he isn't here." Renji said.
"Are you sure about that?" Raiden sneered, arms crossed. "You probably missed something, knowing your eyes."
"My eyes are just fucking fine!"
The red-haired pair continued to argue in front of Ginrei and Rukia who were starting to tune them out of annoyance.
Ginrei closed his eyes, "It is hard to believe that after so many years they continue to be this much of a nuisance to each other."
Rukia sighed. "Tell me about it, they're so immature."
Both of them turned around and walked away, leaving Renji and Raiden to argue in front of their guests.
"We need to get moving." Yoruichi said as she helped load the Gotei 13 bodies onto a silver rectangular structure.
The last of the bodies belonging to the Lieutenant of the 2nd division and the Captain of the 11th Division were finally loaded. The bodies laid on individual stretchers with the proper equipment hooked to ensure their breathing.
"Uhhhhh, Nee-san, these bodies—ugh—are taking—euhhh—too long to push" Yūshirō said, struggling to push the rectangular structure from behind.
A quiet voice spoke behind him, "that's what we're here for." it was Ururu.
"We'll take care of it." Jinta said behind her with a mechanical arm ready to pull from the front.
As Yoruichi pulled the last body up, she sensed a familiar presence heading in her direction – she turned immediately. "Ginrei-dono." Yoruichi greeted with a smile. "Long time no see."
"Long time, indeed." Ginrei responded, arms crossed.
"Wasn't expecting you to arrive so early Captain Kuchiki, given the other task you had in mind." Kisuke said, carrying a box full of medical supplies onto the wagon-like structure.
"Task?" Rukia asked, shortly appearing behind him. "What task?"
"It is something I am testing having to do with time." Ginrei responded.
"Guess that means you won't be joining us for now huh?" Yoruichi said, immediately connecting the dots. She briefly looking at Byakuya. "About Byakuya-bo," She smirked as she turned. "I'll take good care of him."
"You know the rules."
Her eyes fell on Rukia who immediately advised her to give up, "let it go."
Rangiku's eyes, filled with disbelief, stared at the scene, unsure of how to formulate words. Zaraki Kenpachi was undoubtedly one of their strongest Captains. Although he resorted to reckless acts before critical thinking, he earned his position as one of the strongest Captains in the Gotei 13 and yet...
Not a single scratch. Not a single mark. The red rocks remained strong and unharmed.
"What the hell?" Kenpachi muttered to himself. "What kinda place is this?"
"An untouchable one." Tōshirō said, appearing a few feet in the air.
"Captain!" Rangiku greeted happily.
"Matsumoto. Where are the others?" Tōshirō asked, launching himself onto the ground.
"They're not too far from here." Ikkaku informed. "They started arguing over something so we left them. Where the hell is everybody else?"
"Kuchiki and Kurosaki are with me as well. Though, Lieutenant Ise and the Head Captain are missing as well as Kurosaki's friends."
"Ichigo's here? Well, where the hell is he then?" Kenpachi questioned.
"He went to find his human friends." Tōshirō informed.
"Captain Hitsugaya," Captain Kyōraku greeted with the other Gotei 13 members behind him. "fancy seeing you here."
"Kyōraku, I'm afraid we have a serious problem." Tōshirō said.
"Obviously." Kenpachi muttered.
"It isn't the dimension, it's us."
"What are you implying, Captain Hitsugaya?" Captain Unohana questioned.
"We're stuck in the Interioreum World—the dimension within the dimension. That's the reason why our powers do not have any effect. We're not in our bodies, we're alive based on spirit alone." Tōshirō said.
Everyone froze with the exception of Captain Kurotsuchi who was well aware of who's fault it had been that the Gotei 13 had ended up in this world (AN: Not Just Yet). He cursed himself for not realizing it sooner—the breaking of that crystal...had trapped them in this dimension. The only question that intrigued Mayuri however was how they were able to be severed from their bodies' physical form without knowing.
"What da hell? How did that happen?" Kenpachi questioned, the only member who showed no shocking response. Mayuri did not respond.
"I'm not quite sure but we're all stuck in here as well as Kurosaki Ichigo's friends. The others are most likely in this situation too."
"If what you're saying is true, that means our bodies are located somewhere...have you found them yet?" Sui-Feng asked.
"Yes. They're with...Kuchiki—Lieutenant Kuchiki." Tōshirō said.
"In the enemies' arms." Sui Fēng corrected.
"Regardless of how you see it, our bodies are with Kuchiki, Shihōin, Urahara, and the others."
"And w-what others, Hitsugaya-kun?" Momo asked quietly behind Captain Hirako.
"You will see for yourself."
"Well that's just great. How the hell we gettin' out of here then?" Captain Hirako questioned.
"That's the thing...I don't know."
"The Interioreum World was designed as a military tactic to steal secrets from the assassin side centuries ago when soul reapers and assassins were still engaged in a civil war." Captain Ukitake informed.
"That's right. In entering the dimension, your physical body would be left in a dormant state and leave your spiritual body free to roam the same world without being seen, eliminating any kind of physical contact." Captain Kyōraku explained.
"So how would you get out?" Shūhei questioned.
"Well usually, they'd be a person on the other side controlling the activation key located in the 12th Division barracks to get you out." Captain Kyōraku answered. "The only problem is, it doesn't seem like there's anyone to get us out."
"You gotta be kidding me." Ikkaku said.
"Wait-isn't there any way we can contact someone, Captain?" Lieutenant Kotetsu asked.
"The Interioreum world had always been a flawed tactic. When you are in this world, physical contact with any individual outside of it is impossible. When this tactic used to be used, the soul reapers who participated had a time limit since there was no other way to make contact." Captain Unohana informed.
"Yoruichi-sama will get us out of here. She's aware of what this dimension is." Sui-Feng said.
"Unfortunately, she hasn't recognized our situation yet." Tōshirō said.
"What are we gonna do now?" Shūhei asked.
"We'll regroup with the others and follow them. It'd be best if we stayed next to our physical bodies until Urahara and Shihōin recognizes our situation." Tōshirō said.
"Then what the hell we doin' here for?" Kenpachi asked before starting to walk.
"He's right, we should re-group. Lead the way, Captain Hitsugaya." Jūshiro said.
"Ah-also," Tōshirō said, the Gotei 13 stopped in their tracks. "Prepare yourself, for when you see Kuchiki. There are far more things off about her than I originally thought."
"Of course there is, she's the enemy." Sui-Fēng said before she started to walk.
Ichigo's body was laid back first on a table. Hovering over it was a naked woman with medium-length dark hair with a faint shade of purple eyes. She licked her lips – curiosity getting the best of her.
"Get off." A heavy voice ordered. "He's going to be dropped soon."
"Dropped where?" She asked, smiling down at Ichigo.
He took awhile to respond.
"To Rukia."
The woman turned to face him.
"But...I am right here." She responded before hopping off of Ichigo.
"I am her." She whispered. "I am."
Jushirmai didn't respond.
"Dr. Oswald, if you're Kuchiki-san's younger brother, does that mean you have a strong reiatsu too?" Yūshirō questioned, walking beside the much taller doctor.
"I do." He smiled. "But it's not as strong as Nee-san's."
"I see. But still, you could've become a soul reaper just like Rukia-san!" Yūshirō said.
"Unfortunately, I had no interest in those things. Fighting had never been something I was into." Jushirmai said. "More importantly, I had no desire of becoming a soul reaper."
"So you just came back here? In the World of the Living?"
Jushirmai nodded his head. "This world...has always been where I belonged. Living elsewhere, would never feel like it does here – even if I am dead in this world. The Soul Society isn't home to me—it never was."
"Have you visited your grave?" Yūshirō asked out of curiosity.
"I did. One of the first things I did when I came back here was that. Can't say it was a good feeling." Jushirmai said, reminiscing the day he came back to see his grave...along with his sisters together.
"Isn't it annoying to be in a gigai all the time though?" Yūshirō asked.
"You sure do ask a lot of questions." Jushirmai said with a smile before answering. "I've never been bothered. If it means I can live here in my own world, in my own house, then I don't mind."
"Didn't people start to notice...?" The curious child questioned.
"Sorry about that, he's not exactly...a thrill to be around with sometimes." Yoruichi apologized, a few steps behind Jushirmai as they walked.
Jushirmai turned to Yoruichi. "It's fine." He responded with a smile.
"And yes, they did. 'Why was I the only one who never aged when they all did?' I watched many of my friends live through their human lives up until the end. I watched their youth cripple away, saw how their lives changed, saw how they matured until it was time for it to end. The only option I ever had was erasing their memories so they wouldn't start to question me."
"Oh..." Yūshirō said. "We...We actually relate a lot Dr. Oswald. I'm glad to have met you."
"Really?" Jushirmai asked.
"Yes, you see, I don't get to see my sister a lot either. We've been separated...for a really long time. I can't imagine what you had to go through to be reunited with yours."
"Now he's done it." Kisuke muttered.
"Done what?" Raiden asked.
"Yoruichi-san, ya mind?" Renji asked.
"What do I have to do with this?" Yoruichi asked.
"He is, your responsibility, Yoruichi-san." Kisuke said smiling.
"Anyone mind tellin' me what the fuck we're going off about?" Raiden asked, still confused.
"Ah...well, you see..." Jushirmai was trying to find the words. "the thing is...I never got to reunite with my older sister..."
"Yūshirō looked up at Jushirmai. What do you mean...?"
"Are any of you gonna stop him or?" Renji asked.
"Stop who from doing what?" Raiden asked.
"Not like we can stop him now." Kisuke said.
"He already said the whole thing, might as well let him go all the way." Yoruichi responded.
"Can someone please tell me what the fuck we're blabbing about?"
Jushirmai looked down at him with a smile. "She passed away...before I could see her again."
"O-Oh." Yūshirō immediately looked down. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean too—ask."
"Who passed away before what?" Raiden asked. "Nothing is adding up here."
"He's referencing to Lady Kuchiki Hisana. Kuchiki-san's older sister—you remember, don't you?" Kisuke said with a low voice, not wanting Jushirmai to hear.
"Kuchiki who?" And suddenly, it all came back. "Ohhhhhh, you mean that Hisana chick Rukia mentioned one or two times in the Rukongai. Wait a minute, if she's Rukia's sister then why da hell is Kuchiki her last name?" Raiden asked. "Doesn't make any sense."
"It's 'cause Rukia's sister married into the Kuchiki clan, remember idiot?" Renji said in a quiet tone.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait." Raiden said. "That's fucking hilarious! You mean to tell me, that Rukia's sister was Captain Kuchiki's grand-daughter-in-law all along and Rukia is his—oh wait, that's fucking weird. What the fuck kinda incest-fuckery is that?"
"The Kuchiki clan have an unusual family set up." Kisuke responded.
"It all makes sense now! No wonder Captain Kuchiki started acting weird, the whole time he was off planning, Rukia's sister was doing her own shit with his grandson." Raiden said before momentarily stopping. "Wait a fucking minute," I know.
"Do Ginrei a favor and not mention that in front of him, okay?" Yoruichi asked.
"Yeah, the Captain's already going through his own stuff. Last thing he probably wants is to be reminded of that." Renji said.
"You might not want to mention that in front of Kuchiki-san as well. It's just—"
"Weird." They all responded in unison.
"Kurosaki-kun will probably find us soon." Orihime said as she walked side by side with Uryū and Sado, lost in the red-rocked dimension.
"This place is just full of rocks." Uryū said.
"Do you think we're still in the Soul Society?" Sado asked.
"I don't think so." Uryū responded. "What's even more troubling is that we woke up here without any of our memories."
Not too long ago, the three humans had woken up on the sandy, red ground—confused about their whereabouts. The three had sat for awhile trying to recollect their memories until they remembered what had occurred. The barrier was where it had happened. Before everything had come crashing down, that was their last memory until they woke up here.
"Ishida-kun, do you think Kurosaki-kun is alright? Since we all were together...why didn't we all wake up with each other?" Orihime asked.
"I'm not sure, Inoue-san—he could've woken up with the others. Captain Hitsugaya and Captain Kuchiki were with us as well."
"Strange..." Sado said.
"What do you mean?" Uryū asked.
"We were in the Soul Society...how'd we end up here?"
"It's most likely the ryoka's fault or...the assassins." Uryū hypothesized.
"The assassins? You mean, the group Kuchiki-san is associated with? Why would they do that to us?"
"I'm not sure about a lot of things as of now but I do know that we need to get out of here and figure this all out, starting with Kuchiki-san." Uryū said.
"That's been our plan ever since the beginning." Ichigo said, suddenly appearing beside Uryū.
"Kurosaki-kun!"
"Ichigo, how'd you find us?"
"Ishida's reiatsu." Ichigo said. "Surprised I could still sense it in here but then again, when Kenpachi released his it was easy to tell where he was."
"What are you talking about?" Uryū questioned.
"I'll fill you in, let's just head back to the others first."
"7th seat Yamada." Lieutenant Ise called.
"Y-Yes, Lieutenant Ise?" Hanatarō responded, eyes-wide, mind-distracted.
"Have you been able to sense anyone's reiatsu yet?"
"N-No, Lieutenant Ise I-I haven't. I-I must say, it's rather s-strange n-not to sense anything."
"The worst part is that I don't even remember a thing." She said.
Nanao and Hanatarō had woken up beside each other in the red-coloured dimension as well. Separated from all the others and the only ones to end up with only two members together. Most importantly, they were unable to identify any other reiatsu nor could get in contact with the Soul Society.
"D-Do you think it's the ryoka? I-I mean, he w-was very strong and a t-tad bit scary." Hanataro started to speak faster. "Also with that whole entourage of his and that whole assassin thing," he got faster. "it could very well be him—I mean he's got that scary thing, sheatsu, and that whole scary entourage who clearly are well-trained and then he's got those lines of ice and that first ice-based zanpakutō and—"
"That's enough, 7th seat Yamada." Nanao said to calm him down. "Did you happen to notice someone from that entourage of his?"
"N-No, why would I?" Hanatarō asked.
The news had spread quickly that Yamada Hanatarō's older brother, Seinosuke was a part of the ryoka's team although, it seemed Hanatarō himself was clueless about who he was or what he was a part of. Yamada Seinosuke was known as the Lieutenant of the 4th Division before he disappeared. It was odd to others that he remained so devoted to the healing division when he had a 'rotten' character. He remained devoted to Captain Unohana Retsu before his disappearance (AN: this is the only known official background of Yamada Seinosuke) and it seemed to Nanao that Hanatarō didn't know why.
"Uh, never mind." Nanao said. "Let's turn here."
"Now that we've re-grouped, we should find Kuchiki and the others." Tōshirō said with the now-reunited Gotei 13 along with Kurosaki Ichigo's friends.
"Wait, what about Byakuya?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm not sure how well he'll be able to handle this." Captain Ukitake said, a bit concerned that Byakuya was now aware of Rukia's younger brother, Jushirmai. He had been keeping this secret from him for a long time. He never imagined it would come to this and yet it did.
Suddenly, Byakuya appeared beside Tōshirō with his eyes closed.
"Oh- hey, Byakuya." Ichigo said. Byakuya didn't respond.
"Alright then, let's get going." Tōshirō said, leading the group in the same direction Rukia and the others had headed to with their bodies.
"I'm kinda hungry...hey, Kisuke you got anything to eat in that sack of yours?" Raiden asked.
"Why yes, Arigawa-san." Kisuke said.
"We've only been walking for three hours." Renji said.
"Well excuse-fucking-me, didn't know it was a crime to eat."
"I'm sure you already had a whole ass meal before coming down here." Renji sneered.
"And so fucking what? Not like we're doin' anything entertaining anyways. Jushirmai and Yūshiro are talking away, Kisuke and Yoruichi aren't doin' nothing, Rukia's over there being a whole downer, whadaya want me to do?"
"We aren't just pieces of furniture ya know! We exist too!" Jinta said in the background.
"Well, excuse-fucking-me, the red-haired furniture over there is pulling the soul reaper and the nice lady with the black hair is doin' most of da work, what do you want me to do?"
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" Jinta said, stopping the cart.
"Raiden." Rukia said in an annoyed tone. "Can't you just eat your food without causing trouble?" She asked, taking her eyes off of Byakuya for the first time in awhile - she had been sitting beside him ever since the cart began to move.
"Maybe Arigawa-san is right, we could stop to get some rest for awhile." Kisuke suggested.
"Then should we set up camp here?" Yoruichi asked.
"For the night? That'd be fine." Jushirmai said. Yūshirō turned around and nodded his head in excitement.
"Seeee~Renji." Raiden stuck his tongue out.
"If I didn't bring it up we wouldn't have been able to sit down." Renji said.
"Always gotta give yourself some typa credit, useless." Raiden scoffed.
"Would you two stop it?" Rukia asked before walking past them. "Let's eat."
"Captain Hitsugaya." Uryū called.
"Yes?"
"How long do you think it'll take for Yoruichi-san and the others to figure out that we're stuck in the Interioreum world?"
"It shouldn't be too long. While Kuchiki and the others may not be too familiar with it, I know Urahara and Shihōin are well associated with it."
"They probably think it's the fault of Jushirmai right now." Ichigo said. Except it wasn't, at least not entirely.
"Right. That's probably their first thought, though I'm sure...Shihōin will recognize it soon."
"All this talk about this Jushirmai but are we sure that the person you're referring to as her younger brother isn't the ryoka?" Rangiku asked. Captain Hitsugaya had explained the story rather quickly, even Rangiku got lost a bit but she didn't say anything.
"No, it isn't. I was aware of her brother's existence, long before this situation happened." Captain Ukitake explained—Byakuya, who walked beside him, did not look at him once.
"So if he's really Lieutenant Kuchiki's brother...who's the other Jushirmai, that can't be a coincidence—can it?" Rangiku said. Having two people with the exact same names in your life wasn't exactly a common thing to occur.
"Unlikely." Tōshirō responded.
"I mean, I always thought his name was Okasake Jushirmai; That was the name he had when he adopted into the Okasake clan in the first place. Got no idea why they'd change it if they did." Captain Kyōraku explained.
"Maybe it has something to do with Kuchiki-san's younger brother, Jushirmai." Uryū suggested.
"You realize, you're suggesting that the ryoka named himself after Lieutenant Kuchiki's younger brother, when she's the person he obviously had romantic implications with." Captain Kurotsuchi implied.
Can't be worse than the Kuchiki clan's family dynamic, Captain Kyōraku thought.
"It is a possibility." Uryū said.
"I agree. Besides, Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri, you're the last person who should be talking of indecent behavior when it comes to relationships." Captain Unohana said.
"She's right, Captain. You got a record." Captain Kyōraku said.
"That goes for you too, Captain Kyōraku." Captain Unohana politely scolded.
"Wasn't expecting you to turn on me like that Unohana." Captain Kyoraku responded, pulling down his sugegasa hat.
"Speaking of that, have you been able to sense Lieutenant Ise's presence at all today, Captain?" Lieutenant Hisagi questioned.
"No, not really." Captain Kyōraku responded. "She'll be alright. We'll meet her soon."
"Looks like they set up camp here." Ichigo said, coming to a stop.
Rangiku suddenly screamed in excitement. "Is that my body?" She flash-stepped to the spot. "Wow, I gotta say I look even more attractive from here?"
"Why does my face look like that?" Lieutenant Hisagi asked.
"What's wrong with it?" Lieutenant Kira asked.
"It's just odd-looking."
"You know, I must say. I look taller—I must've grown." Tōshirō said admiring his lying body.
"Awhhhhh Captain~are we looking at the same thing?" Rangiku said, peering over her Captain's body.
"Matsumoto!" Tōshirō responded angrily.
"AHHHHH! Why do I look like that?" Isane said in horror.
"What do you mean, Isane? You look fine." Captain Unohana said beside her.
"Are we sure I ain't smaller than that?" Lieutenant Ōmaeda questioned.
"No, I'm sure you're bigger than that." Sui-Feng responded, annoyed.
"I told you there were no fine lines on your face—it was just your imagination." Captain Kyōraku said to Captain Ukitake.
"Hold up, where the hell is my body?" Ichigo questioned, searching among the many bodies on stretchers on the cart.
"They probably haven't found it yet." Uryū said.
"You mean my body's just lyin' around somewhere?" Ichigo said. "Well that's just great."
"We'll have to feed them food mechanically for now, through a tube." A voice said. The Gotei 13 turned to see a tall, dark-haired man with a doctor's coat approaching the cart with a different Rukia by his side. There was no mistaking it—they were identical—it was her younger brother.
"That's Ruki-Ruki's younger brother?!" Yachiru asked in excitement. "They're twinsies!"
"Twinsies is right. They're practically identical." Kyōraku said, impressed by the site.
"Do you think it'll be enough to last them?" Yoruichi suddenly appeared.
"I'm sure. It's best we keep their bodies healthy until they wake up." Jushirmai said.
"You know, I've had enough of you people walking away like that." Raiden appeared behind them as well.
"The quincy is here too." Captain Kurotsuchi noted. Uryū took notice of the quincy—he had been curious ever since he heard of his existence. He wanted more than anything to communicate him, if only...he could get out of here and ask his questions.
"Are we sure he isn't related to Lieutenant Abarai as well?" Rangiku asked. "I mean, he kinda looks like him too."
"There's no way." Lieutenant Hisagi said, not seeing how they could be related.
"Remind me to ask Lieutenant Kuchiki where she gets her conditioner from." Rangiku said.
"It is as I said, Kuchiki is not exactly the person we thought of her to be. She is much older than we thought and obviously much more knowledgeable about things than we are." Tōshirō said.
"Is that really Kuchiki-san?" Orihime asked, unable to look away. "She looks beautiful...that way."
With her medium-length hair, matured appearance, and slightly taller appearance, it was hard to look away.
"I think Lieutenant Kuchiki is even more taller than Captain Hitsugaya now." Lieutenant Hisagi muttered to Lieutenant Kira.
"What was that, Hisagi?" Tōshirō immediately responded.
"N-Nothing, Captain."
"She doesn't deserve praise. She is the enemy. If she could hide all of this from us, I'm sure there's more she must be hiding. She had no reason to lie to us about these things." Sui-Feng said.
"Well, I don't know about that Captain Sui-Feng. Hiding your age isn't really a crime." Captain Kyōraku said.
"Maybe so. But it still doesn't explain anything."
Byakuya remained silent. Casually watching Rukia care for him while the others indulged themselves in useless chatter. No matter how many times he tried to make sense of it, he still did not understand. Talking about not understanding it wouldn't make him understand it any more, so he chose not to speak at all.
Eventually he'd make sense of it.
Ichigo couldn't stop staring at Rukia.
He didn't know what to say—the others sure did but him? Nothing. She looked different—a good different.
There was something different about her aura. Rukia had always been more mature than him, he figured 'cause she had lived longer she had naturally matured with time. Not to mention, she lived with Byakuya for a whole 50 years—it made sense why she had carried such a presence in the first place but this one was different. He still sensed the same mature and elegance he always saw in her but this time he was seeing it for what it was—her own. It wasn't influence, it wasn't time, this...this was how she had always been.
To watch her walk around, completely oblivious to his presence bothered him a lot. His head still couldn't make sense of any of this. There must be a way for her to recognize him, he thought. After all, Rukia and him were connected—he knew that for sure. Therefore, how could he get her to recognize him?
Being unable to talk to her while she was there was already frustrating enough but at the same time, watching her walk around wasn't all that bad. It gave him time to think.
If this Jushirmai was her brother, who exactly was this Okasake Jushirmai to her?
"Gotta say, Jūshirmai looks exactly identical to Rukia." Ichigo said, turning to look at Jushirmai who was aiding Lieutenant Kotetsu's body. "Got any ideas on how the hell that happened?"
Ichigo waited but Byakuya never responded. "C'mon Byakuya, I'm just asking to have a lil' conversation with you." Still nothing.
"Anyways, it's kinda weird don't you think?" Ichigo said, speaking with a low tone. "Your mind's probably all messed up now—I get it. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about it. If your wife, Hisana brought Rukia here as a baby, it doesn't make sense how Rukia would be so close to her in age or how Rukia shares memories of her brother, Jushirmai. Something must've happened in between to cause all of this and that something, must be that Jushirmai character."
"To be honest with you, I knew about Rukia's younger brother from awhile back when we were dealing with those Bounts. Never met him, but she told me—didn't look like she was ready to explain everything so I never pushed her about it. I just let it be. Anyways, it never really made sense from the start so I never asked how it was possible that Jushirmai could exist when you know, she was just a baby." Ichigo explained his side of the story. Even though Byakuya looked the least bit interested in what he was saying, Ichigo knew he was listening.
"She used to visit him a lot when she came to the World of the Living." Ichigo said. "Though…I never saw her like this. Figured she had to be much older then, you know around the time I found out, but I never saw this side of her until now."
"Just wanted to let you know, that's all. We're kinda going through the same thing. I'm confused but you're probably going through a whole lot worse right now. Doesn't help that we're stuck in this weird dimension. Who knows what that bastard is doing to the Seireitei right now." Ichigo muttered. The entire Soul Society were left fighting for their lives right now and the Gotei 13 couldn't do anything but leave the job to the 'assassins' who Ichigo wasn't entirely confident in regardless of how 'superior' they were to the soul reaper."
"I am not Rukia, Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Huh?" Ichigo asked confused.
"You seem to be speaking to me with the sole intention of relieving your mind."
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. I just thought you should know."
"The Seireitei is currently in hold and secure. It looks like the assassins are taking control over things." Yoruichi informed Kisuke who was crouched down, eating near the cart.
"The assassins?" Tōshirō said in shock, turning his attention away from his own body to Yoruichi and Kisuke on the ground.
"Well, well, well it looks like Sensei Okasake finally decided to shift gears." Captain Kyōraku said, walking to the front.
"It's not like we have much of a choice. With our situation, it's best they take over the situation as of now." Captain Ukitake appeared behind him.
"This is ridiculous. Why are assassins belonging to the Capital interfering with soul reapers?" Sui-Feng asked in disgust.
"Guess that makes sense, it was about time they re-entered the Seireitei." Kisuke responded to Yoruichi. "Besides, with Okasake Jushirmai being the ryoka, they'd have to visit eventually."
"Urahara Kisuke." Sui-Feng grumbled under her breath.
"It seems that Sensei Okasake took notice of Jushirmai's growing presence even before he struck the Seireitei however, he didn't declare a state of emergency until the Gotei 13 disappeared." Yoruichi said.
"Probably 'cause of Kuchiki-san." Kisuke responded. "Now that the Gotei 13 is gone, guess they'll be taking control of our barracks as well. If they can find a way to eliminate the ice, that would already be enough to move parts of his sheatsu out of the Seireitei."
"They're working on it. Wildfire, Major Shira, and Major Haru have shifted their divisions to the Seireitei already. The Head Captain however, is still reportedly missing."
"Well if Major Shira and Haru have already taken over then the ice will be gone in a jiffy." Raiden appeared behind Yoruichi. "Though, I will say. Shoving Wildfire in there wasn't exactly a smart decision on Sensei Okasake's part."
"Wildfire? Shira? Haru?" Tōshirō asked, surprised at all these unfamiliar names. "Who are these people?"
"They're high-ranking assassins. The equivalent of a Captain in our books." Sui-Feng informed. "Just like we are the Gotei 13, the assassins have their own categorized protection squad. To be a Major is a Captain and to be a Secretary of State like Arigawa Raiden over there is what a Lieutenant is to us. Major Shira runs the 5th Division in their state—she's a high-ranking noble, Major Haru runs the 6th Division, he's a commoner and Wildfire, is a well-known Major, a commoner as well." Sui-Feng informed.
"Well, well you seem to know a lot about the assassins, Captain Sui-Fēng." Captain Kyōraku noted.
"Yeah, where did all of that come from Captain?" Rangiku asked.
"If you have information on the assassins, it would be best if you told us now." Tōshirō said. "Otherwise, I'd be forced to believe that you have some kind of private association with them."
"Yeah, Captain where's this comin' from?" Lieutenant Ōmaeda questioned.
"It is as I said. I was trained to be an assassin. The 2nd Division barracks are home to the training of assassin-type soul reapers. Each Captain who runs it must have an association with the Capital's assassins. It is not a rule, it is a necessity. We train different but we carry the same name. When Yoruichi-sama was in charge, she had Capital-based assassins visit us every day to monitor our training. You could only see them if you had sheatsu." Sui-Feng informed.
Doesn't explain why you were grumbling when I thought Captain Kyōraku, Unohana, and Ukitake were involved with them, Captain Hirako grumbled in his head.
"So how the hell did you see them?" Kenpachi grumbled.
"Sheatsu isn't like reiatsu—it can be shared. By the touch of someone's hand, a person is able to transfer a fraction of their sheatsu or the entire thing into a person's body for a period of time. If that period of time expires, the sheatsu living inside that person could either die with the person or remain in that person for the rest of their life." Sui-Fēng said. "When I was younger, my grandfather transferred a fraction of his sheatsu into me to use for training. I wasn't meant to be a Capital-based assassin since I wasn't born with it but I used it anyways. Once that period of time expired, it became bound to my body."
"Oh? And when does that happen?" Captain Kurotsuchi spoke for the first time in awhile.
"The period of time expires when the source of the sheatsu dies." Sui-Fēng explained. "I was able to see the assassins because of this gift my grandfather gave to me."
"Haven't seen her in years." Renji said in the background, who had by now entered the scene while the Gotei 13 were distracted by Sui-Feng's explanation. The Gotei 13 had slightly forgotten about the conversation going on in front of them after Sui-Fēng began to talk.
"Probably still looks the same too." Renji said.
"She wasn't missin' you, Abarai so you can get over yourself." Raiden said.
"Yeah, yeah whatever." Renji dismissed the topic.
"If Major Shira and Major Haru have been dispatched, does that mean the Head Captain has lost control of the Seireitei?" Yūshiro questioned.
"Yes and no, Yūshirō-san. The Seireitei is still in the rightful control of the Head Captain but since he can't be located, the control has temporarily been passed off to the assassin side." Kisuke explained.
"Well that's just great, the assassin's got control of our side now." Captain Hirako said.
"Isn't it wrong for them to enter our territory? We haven't even seen these people before." Tōshirō asked.
"With Yama-jii missing, ol'man Hirosuke probably had no choice."
"Shunsui is right. Okasake Jushirmai poses a dangerous threat to us all. In our absence, the correct procedure would be to take over until further notice."
"The only question is, where's the Head Captain?" Lieutenant Hisagi asked.
"Man, this place is a dump." A woman by the name 'Wildfire' commented as she walked side by side her associate, Haru.
They had entered the Seireitei, walking their way down a broad corridor to the 1st Division barracks inside to announce their control. The woman named Wildfire couldn't help but comment on the interior design of the place as she discovered more of what the Seireitei currently looked like. It wasn't what she was used too over where she was from.
Contrary to her name, the woman's appearance, for the most part, differed from fire—she earned her nickname due to her blush-red coloured eyes which often seemed to become brighter during the day. With a tall, slender figure such as hers and mauve-coloured hair tied up in a ponytail with a bow, she could easily be mistaken for a noble. The Major-leveled woman wore a fit almost similar to that of a black dress with the v-neck a little lower than usual – paired with a sleeveless black haori.
"Tell me about it." Major Haru replied.
"I mean, you'd think they'd put some colour somewhere or have some, I don't know, noble-kinda looking décor but the place is so plain." She criticized.
"The Capital barracks are a palace compared to this place. I'd forgotten since it's been so long." Major Haru said. "Hard to believe Abarai could stand such a place."
Wildfire hummed in agreement. "Well, then again, Renji's never been the sophisticated type anyways. Any kinda place is a luxury to him." Wildfire said. "It's not like he could be picky either."
"I guess you're right." Haru said. The Major-leveled assassin by the name Haru was the opposite of his colleague—a man who looked like a commoner but actually had some noble influence. With messy black hair, cerulean blue-shaded eyes, a few tattoos running up his left arm, and a blueberry pin pinned to his sleeveless haori, Major Haru Sojuro was far from it.
Wildfire and the Major had been dispatched by Head Commander, Sensei Okasake Hirosuke to guard the Seireitei until further notice. The Gotei 13 being involved was already starting to cause trouble within the Capital. The Capital refused to have any relation to soul reapers, period. Some even going as far as to request the Head Commander to leave them for dead even with the severity of the situation.
The missing Gotei 13 didn't come to a surprise to Wildfire. The assassins were one thing but Okasake Jūshirmai was another. He had willingly attacked them prepared—obviously holding the greater advantage. She wasn't surprised that they were missing and wouldn't be surprised if they remained missing. Of course, she wouldn't say it out loud—wishing the Gotei 13 or soul reapers in general misfortune wasn't something she liked doing. Unlike some of the popular opinions that existed within the Capital, they weren't all that bad to her. She didn't really care if she was being honest—as long as they knew who was superior.
Haru agreed with her. Unlike the popular opinion, he didn't wish the soul reapers any harm. They had co-existed peacefully in the last few centuries, there was no need to wish for their eradication even now. The order was simple—remain with the conscious soul reapers until the Gotei 13 arrive. Don't touch anything, don't meddle in any of their affairs, and most importantly, get rid of Jushirmai's sheatsu.
Shira, the other noble Major had disappeared from the pair to make her own observations. A serious woman who didn't seem to care much for anything. She was arguably the least likable member among the 13 Divisions and yet the most popular. Short-black hair, emerald green eyes, four failed marriages, Shira. Arguably one of the most accomplished assassins, on her way to be promoted a Sensei although, she never acted big about it.
"I wonder how's Shira's doing." Haru said.
"Probably fine...or...disgusted." Wildfire responded.
"I just hope she isn't giving them too hard of a time." Haru said.
"She wouldn't be Shira if she didn't." Wildfire responded before coming to an immediate stop. There was a sheatsu approaching them—a green type, 2nd rank-based Sensei-leveled sheatsu. She hadn't noticed it while they were walking, probably due to the fact that Jushirmai's thick sheatsu was everywhere. It was hard to take notice of it when it was stronger than the faint one approaching them.
"What?" Haru asked, only sensing it a few seconds after.
"There's someone approaching us." She said, before fixing her eyes on the spot. "Identify yourself."
Haru, staying true to the assassin norm, had his arm reached out behind his back- holding the hilt of a sai, waiting for the individual to arrive. As the individual approached, the sheatsu's power level became stronger. To yield a green Sensei-leveled sheatsu meant to hold the 2nd most powerful sheatsu in the Soul Society. It was no wonder the ground shook as the individual approached.
"Retract your weapons." A hoarse voice spoke, belonging to the Head Captain of the Gotei 13.
"Head Captain Yamamato Genryūsai..." Major Haru was the first to greet, abandoning his initial defensive stance. "It's been awhile."
Genryūsai grunted in response. "Major Haru Sojuro, Major Ira Ma—"
"Can you not call me that?" Wildfire briefly interrupted. "Thanks."
"You are on my territory." Genryūsai acknowledged.
"We were ordered here by Head Commander Okasake." Wildfire informed.
"I have no interest in your order. You must leave now."
"We won't leave until we've completed our task." Haru said. "If you insist on standing in our way, we will have a court order made against you."
"Okasake Jushirmai is our responsibility. The Gotei 13 willingly got involved in this mess and are now missing. Our Research and Technology Institute are still unable to detect their reiatsu in this world or any other dimension that may exist. They might as well be dead unless," she paused, a change appeared in her expression "you've got something to do with it—seeing that you're still here." Wildfire said.
"Your attentiveness, Major Ira has not changed." Genryūsai noted.
"What I'm known for." She responded. "So," she paused. "the Gotei 13's disappearance gotta do with you? Why?"
"The nature behind their disappearance isn't your concern. Report back to Hirosuke."
"What you gonna do? Hide them away until we deal with Jushirmai? What is this?" Wildfire questioned in disbelief.
"If that is your plan, it isn't a good one. The Gotei 13 are already involved in this matter. As much as I hate to involve another party, they're already way too deep to come out of it." Haru said. While this was an assassin matter, the Gotei 13 already knew more than they were supposed too. Haru knew that there was no chance of them backing down, even if they were told to retreat. By the looks of it, they'd eventually have to work together soon whether the Head Captain wanted them too or not.
"The Gotei 13 are not prepared for this situation." Genryūsai's voice grew hoarser. "This is not the life they were prepared to live."
"I get that but—"
"The decision is final. What is left of Central 46 has already decided. The Gotei 13 will not be involved. Return to your positions on the other side or else I'll be forced to remove you myself." Genryūsai threatened.
"How'd they even get involved in the first place?" Wildfire questioned, clearly not taking the Head Captain's threat seriously. "I mean, how else would they have found out about us to begin with?"
Haru turned his attention to Wildfire to explain. "According to Head Commander Okasake, a well-known noble to the team was branded as a traitor for apparently having relations with Jushirmai."
"A soul reaper?" Her voice grew high-pitched in disbelief. "Having relations with Jushirmai? Who is she? Did she sleep with him or something?"
"Head Commander Okasake wouldn't say." Haru explained.
"Who is she?" She redirected her question to the Head Captain.
"You are on my territory." Genryūsai repeated.
"Yeah, yeah we got that but we're not leaving so move on with this stuff and tell. What happened?" Wildfire's character was very bold. She had an intimidating nature to her. While her speech could be carefree, her tone and expressions always would deter from it. The Head Captain wasn't her superior either, motivating her to push even further.
Genryūsai chose not to bother with Major Ira. He was familiar with her behavior—she was a talented assassin but very prudent when she needed to be. He was well aware that she wasn't fond of abiding by rules either, especially given the fact that he was not her superior. "Major Haru, I am warning you both."
"Wait a minute, if you're keeping them hidden as you say, you're still gonna need us." Wildfire said.
"Not quite sure you want this place turning into dust." Haru said before looking up to the ceiling. "Even if it does lack proper decor."
"We're staying." Wildfire said, stepping forward. It sounded more like she was giving the orders than Genryūsai. "It's an assassin order. Surely, you're aware which order takes precedent over what."
The Head Captain did not respond.
"It isn't like we're strangers or anything, either. We used to train here when we were kids. Not that big of a deal—it's not like you're leaving it to someone you don't know." Haru said. While he understood that soul reapers and assassins were not the right foot, it didn't erase their relationship over the past few centuries. Capital-based assassins still continued to do their training within the Seireitei when it was necessary and Genryūsai still did share a relationship with Sensei Okasake. In spite of the bad blood, it was not like they hadn't co-existed peacefully in the last few centuries. This conflict didn't erase all the moments of peace they shared, offering this kind of help was just a reminder that they were kind of like allies.
"Yeah, no need to get all worked up over it." Wildfire didn't understand the Head Captain at all. Hiding the Gotei 13 didn't make sense nor did refusing their help did. The assassins were allies to soul reapers—helped when necessary without a single issue. She failed to see why he was being so difficult just 'cause the Gotei 13 just so happened to find out about their existence.
"We were sent here to monitor and guard the Seireitei until the Gotei 13 return. You could at least let us do that, Head Captain."
"Our divisions are already down there doing most of the work anyways. The reapers from the divisions are safe and outta harm's way...what's the big deal?" Most importantly, aiding the soul reapers to ensure that casualties would cease for now would be the best option for the Gotei 13—considering how many lives were lost thanks to Jushirmai. They needed their divisions to be alive.
"This doesn't have to be a competitive thing, Head Captain. We were sent here with orders out of good intentions, regardless of how you look at it." Haru tried to reason. If Genryūsai was intending to hide the Gotei 13, leaving the other soul reapers to suffer wasn't a good option - especially without leadership.
Genryūsai stared at the Majors for a long time before finally speaking. "By no means will you be allowed to release any assassin-type information to the conscious soul reapers without my permission."
"Looks like we gotta deal." Wildfire said.
"You are still on my territory." He reminded. "Your actions will be followed by consequences."
"We'll be mindful of that, thank you, Head Captain - for letting us stay without any further complications." Haru said before bowing.
"Very well." Genryūsai said about to flash-step away before he was interrupted.
"Wait a minute," Wildfire said "you still didn't answer my question. Who was she? You know, the noble that Haru mentioned who knows Jushirmai?"
Genryūsai didn't respond.
"Find it hard to believe that Jushirmai out of all people would have relations with a soul reaper, even if she is a noble."
Haru sighed. "Jushirmai's hatred for soul reapers was very extensive...I am surprised as well." Haru spoke with his fingers on his chin. "Is it possible that she could've been one of our own?"
"Unlikely. We've got no high-ranking Gotei 13 member on our dual list." She reminded.
"Head Captain," Haru called. "it would benefit us greatly if we knew who this soul reaper was. Our division could find a connection to use to our advantage."
"If it's a high-ranking member it's gotta be either a Captain, Lieutenant, or 3rd seat - am I right?" Wildfire asked.
"And if she's a high-ranking member and noble, she must be a part of the four great noble clans or five, if you count the Shibas."
"Who's the soul reaper?" Wildfire asked.
Genryūsai opened his eyes for the first time in awhile, his expression was stoic.
"The Lieutenant of the 13th Division, Kuchiki Rukia."
"W-What?!"
End Note
Images for this Chapter
Wildfire (Major Ira's) appearance (hair)