Chapter 9: Proof
Despite her plans to return to the rest of her work quickly, Kirara took her time, both in returning to the Seiretei, and in getting cleaned up. She scrubbed herself clean of the stench of smoke, and changed into a fresh uniform to rid herself entirely of the smells.
After stuffing some leftovers into her mouth, Kirara headed back out to return to the main hall of the Squad 2 barracks. The sun was high in the sky at this point, and beat down enough that Kirara hoped it would dry her hair sooner rather than later.
"And what were you up to, that required a bath?" Yoruichi asked, teasing in her voice as Kirara arrived. The Lieutenant rolled her eyes, trying not to smile at the implications of the question. "You seem tired, Kirara. Up all night with Kisuke?" she teased, and Kirara couldn't stop the snort.
"Hell no," she denied, though couldn't stop the blush from rising to her cheeks at the question. While she had absolutely no attraction to Kisuke, she couldn't stop herself from blushing. Yoruichi grinned. "I wouldn't take him away from Soi Fon. She's been following him around with more dedication than she does you," Kirara said as she sat down and went for the plate of cookies sitting there. Yoruichi burst out laughing.
"I see," she said once she managed to calm herself, eyes still gleaming with laughter. "Then what were you up to that had you so busy all night?" the Captain asked her, still grinning.
"I was working, as foreign a concept that might seem to you," Kirara replied, taking a deliberately loud bite of the cookie she'd lifted. She gave a quiet sigh of delight at the taste, the buttery goodness melting on her tongue. Yoruichi grinned, always delighted when Kirara stood up to her.
"I see," she said, leaning back again. "I suppose the extra help will make sure Kisuke gets to his exam on time today," Yoruichi said, more to herself than Kirara. "Working all night will be a much better excuse than being up all night with you," she grinned, and Kirara shook her head, still smiling. "And it won't break the heart of a certain Captain," the smile instantly vanished.
"Why do you have to ruin a perfectly fun conversation?" Kirara complained. She had a rebuttal ready to fire back about Kisuke, but she valued her life. Yoruichi enjoyed when Kirara was cheeky and stood up to her, but there were certain lines that Kirara knew she should never cross.
It was hardly her business anyway.
"Because you always respond in such fun ways," Yoruichi replied, unapologetic. Kirara rolled her eyes and shoved the rest of the cookie into her mouth. "So undignified. Why did I choose you as my Lieutenant again?" she wondered with a sigh.
"A question that has eluded me for a long time," Kirara answered through a mouthful of food. "Maybe that's why I turned you down twice," she said, thinking back to it.
Kirara had only been the 7th Seat in the Squad for two years, and a part of the Patrol Corps for a little more than ten years. Then Yoruichi's previous Lieutenant had been killed in action - a mission that Kirara herself had been on - and of all the choices she had, Yoruichi had chosen her.
Shaking her head, Kirara reached for another cookie as her stomach growled in demand. "Kisuke seems thrilled by the recommendation," she commented, and Yoruichi shrugged.
"He's comfortable," she replied, her voice softer as the teasing fizzled out. Kirara nodded, having to agree with her there. Kisuke had been the third seat since before Kirara had even joined the Squad. There was quiet for a moment, before Yoruichi lost that thoughtful look. "If you keep eating those at the rate you are, you're going to put on weight," she warned, and Kirara smirked at her.
"Hopefully it'll go to my boobs. Maybe then they'll rival yours," she replied, going for another purely because of Yoruichi's comment.
"Bad time?" Kisuke's voice made them look up, and both grinned as they saw the faint blush on his face from what he'd just heard.
"Not at all," Yoruichi chuckled, and he took a seat. "Kirara was just telling me how you kept her up all night," she said, eyebrows waggling at the man. His blush grew.
"I should have warned you. She's on one today," Kirara shook her head.
"You know, I think I have some work to do back in…" Kisuke tried to get up, but Kirara kicked his leg and knocked him back into a sitting position.
"No way," she smiled sweetly at him. "If you're going to take this Captain's exam, you can't go and hide with your work," Kirara teased him.
"She's right," Yoruichi nodded as the man gave them both an exasperated look. "Oh, speaking of the Captain's exam-" as the Captain went to say more, the sound of footsteps hurrying towards the main hall made her pause.
"Excuse me!" Soi Fon called out a greeting as she hurried inside. Tucked under her arm was a small stack of papers with neat writing. She stopped, eyes wide as she saw Kirara and Kisuke sitting with Yoruichi.
"Hey," Yoruichi raised her hand in a casual greeting to the girl who followed her around like a baby duck. Kirara grinned, waving to her with the half-eaten cookie still in her hand. "Perfect timing," she commented, eyes gleaming.
"Oh, hello," Kisuke greeted her with a pleasant smile. He liked the young girl, even if she always looked down on him.
"Kisuke here is going to take the Captain's exam," Yoruichi said as Soi Fon slowly approached the three with what almost seemed like trepidation. Kirara had to bite her lip. Soi Fon looked as if a loud sound would send her running. The girl's grey eyes widened.
"Lady Yoruichi, you don't mean to allow him to!" Soi Fon pleaded with her, clutching the papers under her arm tighter.
"I do," Yoruichi's response was gentle, but firm. "And I think you should accompany him," she decided. Kirara was unfortunate enough to be mid-bite, and choked on her cookie. She began to cough, doubling over, and Kisuke reached out to pat her back as Soi Fon looked confused. "Normally, only Captains are allowed to be present, but I made a special request," Yoruichi told Soi Fon, unruffled by the coughs beside her.
"W-why must I go?" Soi Fon complained, confused by what felt like a strange assignment.
"No need to hesitate," Yoruichi smiled, seeming almost kind as Kirara finally managed to breathe again. "I know that you have feelings for Kisuke," there was a moment of quiet as Soi Fon stared, trying to process what Yoruichi had just said.
Her reaction was almost comical. Her eyes went wide, and her face turned bright red. Even her ears and neck weren't spared from the violent blush that took over. Soi Fon looked like she was going to be sick.
"What are you saying?!" she shrieked. Kirara wasn't able to contain her giggles, putting her hands to her face as she shook.
"Don't be embarrassed. I've known all along that you've been tailing Kisuke," Yoruichi accused her. Kisuke instantly turned an accusing stare on Kirara, who was too busy laughing to try and look innocent. There was a mild blush on his own face at the teasing going on, involving him in it, and he chose to stay quiet.
"No!" Soi Fon spluttered her denial. Her voice was rising in pitch as she got more and more worked up by Yoruichi's conclusion. "You've got it wrong!" remembering the papers under her arm, Soi Fon took a step forwards.
Kirara managed to calm her laughter, tears in her eyes, as she watched Soi Fon move around them to reach Yoruichi. She held onto the papers like a lifeline. "Please don't belittle me! I tailed him because I wanted proof of his incompetence. I wanted to show he's not worthy of your recommendation," Soi Fon told her desperately. "Please read this, and I'm sure you will change your mind," Soi Fon insisted. Yoruichi looked at the papers for a moment before her curiosity won out and she took them.
Quiet fell again as Yoruichi scanned over Soi Fon's neat, descriptive writing. Her eyebrows lifted, and Kirara edged in to take a peek at what was writing. Surprise flickered across her own gaze as she did, seeing just how detailed Soi Fon's report was.
"Oh look, Kisuke," Yoruichi beckoned the Third Seat closer. "Your daily activities are been recorded here in great detail," she told him. Kisuke shuffled closer to take a look, and hummed.
"That's amazing…" Kisuke murmured. "Hey Kirara, you're in here too," he pointed.
"So I am!" Kirara laughed, seeming delighted as she read the harsh critique that Soi Fon had given of her behaviour in the bar - so unfitting of a Commander and Lieutenant. "This is really detailed. Soi Fon, have you ever considered transferring to the Patrol Corps?" she asked, only half-joking. Soi Fon glared at her.
"He shirks his Gotei 13 duties," she turned back to Yoruichi, and ignored Kirara's question. "And ambles around the Rukon district! He produces no results!" Soi Fon continued to list what she'd witnessed when spying on the man. "Is this the behaviour of a Third Seat?!" she demanded angrily.
"Uh…" Kisuke scratched his neck as he thought about it. Kirara was grinning.
"If you have any excuses, speak now!" Soi Fon only sneered at him. To her surprise, he just shrugged and offered a sheepish smile.
"No, you're absolutely right," he admitted, laughing lightly as Soi Fon stared at him. She hadn't expected him to go with it - she had expected half hearted excuses and a plea of innocence.
"What?!" she couldn't find the words, quickly losing her sneer. It was almost as if the tables had been turned.
"You don't change, do you Kisuke?" Yoruichi considered mildly. "Soi Fon, good work. You're absolutely right about him," the Captain said. For a moment, Soi Fon started to relax, a look of relief on her face. Then Yoruichi smirked. "This love journal is filled with so much love!" she declared, seeming convinced.
"I told you, I don't have any feelings for him!" Soi Fon argued, flustered as she went red again. Yoruichi just started to laugh loudly as Kirara shook her head. She almost felt bad for the girl.
"Try not to take her too seriously," Kirara leaned her elbow on the table and rested her head in her hand. She gave a lazy smile. "She's on one today," she grinned. Soi Fon huffed.
"I can't help it if my Third Seat is so popular," Yoruichi said. Kirara rolled her eyes as Kisuke gave an embarrassed smile in response. "But Kirara's right. You're much too serious, Soi Fon," she teased. Soi Fon's blush grew, and she sighed heavily as once again her attempts to open Yoruichi's eyes seemed fruitless.
"Pardon me!" they turned at the call to see a man kneeling by the large open doors of the hall. "Division Leaders," he addressed Kirara and Kisuke, who exchanged looks.
"Excuse us," Kirara was on her feet in an instant, brushing down her skirt as she approached him with Kisuke. Soi Fon glared at them, but didn't speak.
"Did you locate them?" Kisuke asked as the man got to his feet. He was a member of the Detention Unit, working with Kisuke, but Kirara had seen him around a few times.
"Yes, sir," he confirmed with a nod. Kirara and Kisuke exchanged looks.
"Do you want me to take this?" Kirara offered. Kisuke shook his head, but had a grateful smile on his face.
"No. This is my responsibility, I need to see it through," he said, determined. If he passed the Captain's exam, he didn't want to end his time with Squad 2 by fobbing off this search. And if he didn't…he'd never forgive himself for abandoning his team.
"Is it about that matter?" Yoruichi frowned as she got to her feet.
"Pardon me, but some people I've grown very attached to have been found," Kisuke explained. Yoruichi's gaze shot very quickly to Kirara in understanding. "May I go there first?" he requested.
"That's fine," she sighed. "I'll go to the exam site myself and get things rolling," Yoruichi decided. Kisuke nodded, and Kirara flashed a confident smile.
"I'll get him back to you in time," she said, and Kisuke raised an eyebrow at her.
"You're late to everything. How can she consider that a reliable promise?" he challenged.
"Please wait, Lady Yoruichi!" Soi Fon pleaded with Yoruichi as the Captain made to leave. "If he does not make it back to the exam in time, he will smear Squad 2's reputation and your name!" she said, convinced that Kisuke would do nothing but let them down. She shot Kirara a glare as well, knowing that Kirara's own words would prove false too.
"Oh, don't worry," Kisuke shrugged. Kirara had to admit, she admired how easily he brushed off the insults that Soi Fon had been hurling his way for the past few minutes.
"As if we can trust you!" Soi Fon sneered in respond, bristling at how he brushed off her concerns.
"Kisuke, come immediately," Yoruichi ignored Soi Fon's protests. Kisuke nodded, and used Shunpo to follow the man who had come to warn them. Kirara glanced over her shoulder, and grinned at Soi Fon.
"Come with us, if you're so worried about us ruining the Division's reputation," she taunted. Soi Fon scowled at the challenge, before Kirara vanished.
The men that Kisuke had been searching for turned up in one of the places that Kirara had marked for them. Just on the outskirts of a massive bamboo grove was a small, derelict shack that had clearly once belonged to someone tending the grove before they had left, finding it too far away from decent civilisation.
"You got them pinned down?" Kirara's voice was quiet, the taunting gone as she and Kisuke joined the small team waiting amongst the bamboo.
"Yes, ma'am," one man nodded, and pointed to the shack. "They're inside there," he said. Kirara turned her blue eyes to study it. On the brink of falling apart, it was clear that it was a hiding place out of desperation. Those inside were truly determined not to return to the Seireitei. "But I think they detected our presence," the man warned. Kirara's eyebrows furrowed just slightly, and she gave a very quiet sigh.
"No matter," Kisuke spoke up as he moved to the front. He studied the shack as well, his expression unreadable. "I expected this," he admitted quietly.
"They've been on the run for so long, they're bound to be constantly on the lookout," Kirara said, not blaming the men around her. She then shivered. "I have a feeling that they're watching us too," she said. The hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end from the feeling of being watched. She hated it. "At this rate, it's going to be a stalemate until they lose patience," she considered aloud.
"I thought you didn't like strategy games," Kisuke commented quietly without looking around at her. Kirara glared at him.
"Shut up," she grumbled, and Kisuke almost smiled. When they heard footsteps in the grass, all but he and Kirara turned around quickly. Soi Fon approached slowly, her eyes wide as she took in the people around her, finding that she recognised them.
"You're…" she muttered under her breath. They had been sitting with Kisuke, talking to him and nursing their drinks as she'd watched. "What's going on?" Soi Fon walked over to Kisuke and Kirara, and peered over at the shack. "Who's in there?" she asked, keeping her voice down like they did.
"Deserters," Kirara was the one to answer quietly, not taking her eyes off the hiding place. Soi Fon took in a deep breath.
"Deserters?!" she repeated, stunned. To attempt to desert the Gotei 13 was a high crime, and often those who attempted to do so were desperate or dangerous. Usually a combination of both. She wasn't a fool - as a junior member of the Onmitsukido herself, Soi Fon had the luxury of knowing that it did happen, and it was up to the Detention Unit to track them down.
"I guess the air in the Seireitei didn't suit them," Kisuke considered, as if trying to keep the conversation light. Soi Fon didn't reply.
Kirara blinked as the Pressure then slammed into them. Feeling like a combined force of Reiryoku of all the people inside the shack, their message was clear to Kirara, and it made her scowl.
"What's this Reiatsu?" Soi Fon breathed, having ducked behind Kisuke in panic at the sensation. The seriousness of the situation was the only reason that Kirara didn't laugh at her clutching the man's sleeve.
"Just a threat," Kisuke responded, as unfazed by it as Kirara. "They won't out yet," he explained when he saw the confusion in her gaze. "But, I do have a promise to keep with Yoruichi," he said, and as he stepped forwards, Soi Fon quickly released him as she blushed, cursing the instinct she'd had to latch onto the man.
"What are you going to do?" Soi Fon stared as he moved.
"I'm just going to drop in," Kisuke moved out from the cover of the bamboo and began to approach the small building.
"Wait! You're facing this massive Reiatsu alone?!" Soi Fon demanded, starting to follow him. Kirara grabbed her arm, and Soi Fon struggled, but found it like a vice. It didn't hurt, but it was impossible for her to break free. "Lieutenant Yamada!" she looked up at the woman who was watching Kisuke with a blank expression. "Why are you letting him go alone? Surely we should-"
"We're Kisuke's backup. If anything goes wrong, we move in," Kirara glanced at the men who were standing perfectly still. All of them had faith in Kisuke, just like Kirara did, and knew he had it handled, but they still kept themselves at the ready just in case. "This is Kisuke's job, not ours," Kirara said softly.
Soi Fon didn't speak. Instead, she watched as Kisuke used Shunpo to clear the distance down to the shack, and kicked the door down. The moment he stepped inside, a wave of Reiatsu exploded from the shack, making it groan and creak as it threatened to collapse from the sheer power being exerted. It caused a powerful wind to kick up, and Soi Fon would have found herself knocked back if Kirara hadn't been holding onto her arm.
After only a few moments, the pressure faded, and the wind settled back down. Bamboo had snapped around them, and leaves now clung to Soi Fon. The moment Kirara let her go, she raced down to the shack.
"Alright guys, you've got cleanup handled, yeah?" Kirara turned to the men standing nearby. They were smoothing down their ruffled uniforms. "Kisuke has an important meeting to get to," she grinned, and they nodded in response. While she wasn't their Division Leader specifically, she was still a higher rank in two ways, so they obeyed her without question.
"Yes, ma'am!" they chorused, heading down to take care of the defeated Shinigami. Kirara laughed quietly as Kisuke walked out, looking completely unscathed, and Soi Fon trailed after him with a look of both awe and fear on her face.
"Well, that's one way to show exactly why Yoruichi recommended him for the Captain's position," Kirara mused to herself. Kisuke appeared beside her, and she smirked. "Ready to go?" she asked, and he nodded. His eyes almost glowed, and his Reiatsu was still gently rolling off him - a pleasantly cool feeling.
"Ready as I'll ever be," he answered with quiet determination.
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