Chapter 3: Unrest

Tapping the end of her pen against the table, Kirara glared at the piece of paper in front of her. Not that it had done anything particularly offensive, but her mind was still on the events that had taken place over a week ago now. A Hollow with an unusual Reiryoku output was worth looking into.

Too bad she had other work that needed doing.

Groaning, Kirara leaned back in her seat and looked out the window. A light breeze blew in the window, ruffling her hair and giving a much needed cool-down. Now just past the mid-summer peak, the temperatures were still high and the humidity unbearable.

Kirara sighed again, and looked down at the report she was reading over. Another uneventful month of patrols in the World of the Living. No rise in Hollow activity, nothing out of the ordinary. Shaking her head, Kirara signed it and dumped it into the pile that needed to be handed over to Yoruichi.

Hearing footsteps, Kirara looked up, right as a voice called out to her.

"Lieutenant Yamada," one of the messengers announced his presence. Kirara cocked her head at his call, wondering who was sending her a message. As far as she was aware, all her reports were on time and she wasn't supposed to be in any meeting.

"Yes?" she called, and the door slid open. The man, whose face was hidden, much like most of her own Corps, bowed respectfully to her.

"I have a message for you," he fished out a piece of paper, and Kirara got to her feet.

"Thanks," she took it from him, and he vanished after another low bow. Kirara examined the piece of paper, which was poor quality and sticky. It also stank of stale beer, making her grimace. "You could at least give me decent paper for your messages, old man," she grumbled as she managed to unpeel it. As she expected, there was very little written, and it was almost impossible to read. "Oh? This might be interesting after all," Kirara murmured to herself.

"Come on, Soi Fon. Make a move," Yoruichi chided, growing impatient as she waited for the young woman staring at the board in front of her. Soi Fon was red-faced; flustered as she struggled to think her way out of the trap her idol had sprung on her. Hearing footsteps, the two looked up. "Ah, Kirara, where are you off to?" the Captain asked as Kirara walked by.

"East Rukon. Back later," with a quick bow, she headed off, and Soi Fon frowned. Yoruichi called out a goodbye, seeming content with the answer.

"The Rukongai? But she's supposed to be working," Soi Fon, on the other hand, was not, and complained, unhappy with the Lieutenant's attitude.

"Forget about Kirara, what's your move?" Yoruichi asked her, dismissive of her concern. Soi Fon bit her lip, knowing that she had no chance of winning.

"Urgh, this heat," Kirara complained as she fanned herself with her hand, trying to keep to the shade. As it reached noon, the sun was at its highest and was beating down on the downtrodden residents, as well as Kirara. She ignored the people she passed by, who shot her suspicious glares. She wasn't surprised by the reception she received, being so far out to the east of the Rukongai.

"Scum," Kirara stopped at the low snarl, and someone spat at her feet, narrowly missing them. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, trying not to react.

"It's not worth the paperwork," she told herself, repeating this under her breath as she forced herself to keep moving. To her relief, the person didn't follow her, instead glaring at her from where he sat, outside of what Kirara assumed was his home. Most of the other residents kept their distance as she approached a building as run-down as the rest, in desperate need of renovating. Looking up at it, Kirara wondered - not for the first time - just how it was still standing, before walking inside.

Just as run down on the inside, the building had been a bar for a very long time without any maintenance. However, that didn't deter any that lived in the district from going inside, and even Kirara knew it was one of the best places to get a drink for some distance.

As soon as she stepped onto the creaky floorboards that threatened to give her any number of splinters, people went quiet, shooting her wary looks. Some quickly left, and Kirara rolled her eyes as she took a seat on one of the rickety stools, hoping it wouldn't collapse under her. Those around were smoking and drinking, their voices low.

"Would it kill you to dress like a normal person when you come here?" the barman grumbled, not looking around. Kirara grinned as she looked up at the tall man, whose blond hair was streaked grey.

He wore a grey kimono that was threadbare and wearing away in the elbows and knees, but unlike any of his customers - Kirara included - he wore a pair of plain sandals. Hidden behind the bar, it wasn't entirely noticeable and most of his customers probably never realised, but Kirara's sharp eyes didn't miss it.

"Sorry, can't. Have to be in uniform for work-related matters," Kirara replied to his complaint simply. The man sighed, and Kirara knew that, even without him turning around, he was already rolling his eyes. "I'll take a beer, please," she requested, setting down a bill onto the table.

"Drinkin' on the job, why ain't I surprised?" the money was scooped up in a flash, and a moment later a questionable glass was set in front of her.

"I think you'd be more offended if I ordered water," Kirara pointed out, and took a drink. She was quiet for a moment, and the man didn't speak either, keeping his back to her, and before long chatter started back up again, as the people in the bar seemed content that she was just there for a drink. "Okay, Kuroro, what do you have for me?" she asked so quietly, she almost didn't expect him to hear.

"Not much," the man finally turned to face her, revealing a grizzled older man with a scar along his jaw slightly hidden by greying stubble. "Three Shinigami in here last night, must'a been on patrol somewhere nearby. They were sayin' some things that didn't sound too good," Kirara's eyebrow rose at that. If Kuroro had sent for her, then it definitely wasn't good.

"Not enjoying being all the way out in 71st for their patrols?" she asked, and he snorted.

"When do they ever?" Kuroro asked, making a show of cleaning the bar with a rag as filthy as the wood he was cleaning. The corner of Kirara's mouth tugged up. She wasn't surprised; there would be few who would be happy with a patrol so far from the Seireitei, in a lawless area filled with bandits. It was a common occurrence for reports about clashes between low-ranking Shinigami and the residents to come in.

"Anything particularly incriminating?" Kirara asked after another drink. She thoroughly appreciated the cold drink, and had to admit that she was impressed that he managed to keep it so cool in such a run-down place, especially in such heat.

"Hmm," Kuroro's voice was a low rumble. "One in particular was adamant that his talents were being wasted. After a drink, he was eager to admit that becomin' a Shinigami was a mistake," Kuroro told her, and Kirara's eyebrows rose. Ballsy comment to make to anyone, even in a dump like the bar. In most places so far out, they might have evaded notice, but unfortunately for them, Kuroro was Kirara's oldest contact, and very little had ever escaped his notice.

"How did the others respond?" she asked, knowing that she more than likely already had her answer. Kuroro pressed harder on the rag.

"It took another few drinks, but they agreed in the end. One mentioned the chances of resigning," he said quietly, and Kirara winced at his words. That was not what she wanted to hear. She resisted running a hand through her hair, and instead took a drink to try and remain impassive. "Sorry kid, I know you hate hearin' this shit," the barman spoke quietly, glancing up just long enough to see her furrowed brow. Kirara tilted her head, and set the glass down.

"Don't tell me that you feel bad," she quickly lost her concerned look, and smirked, unable to resist teasing him as she heard what could almost pass for remorse from the gruff man. "I hardly come here expecting good news," she pointed out as he rolled his eyes.

"Good," Kuroro retorted, his irritated look remaining as he met her gaze. "You know how I feel about you stinkin' this place up," he said, making her smirk widen. In all the time Kirara had known him, he'd always been abrasive and gruff, treating her like she was in the way and costing him customers. Which wasn't entirely untrue, but the money she slipped him covered more than just her own drink.

"Come on now," Kirara leaned her elbow on the bar, smiling up at him as she rested her head in her hand. "I know you'd miss me if I stopped showing up," she winked up at him, earning another derisive snort.

"Like a hole in the head, brat," he shot back, unruffled by her teasing. "Hurry up and finish your drink so my regulars can relax," he told her, voice rough and only making her laugh.

"Sure, sure," Kirara nodded, and took a long drink. As she did, some of her humour faded. Wanting to resign; a dangerous thought to have, even when they thought nobody else was listening. Being a Shinigami wasn't for everyone, but it seemed like most learned that the hard way.

Setting down her now empty glass, Kirara was quiet for a moment longer. Sometimes, they really made her job tough. But that wouldn't stop her from doing it. "What were they like?" she asked, not looking up.

"One big guy, dark hair. The scrawny one, red-head, was the one askin' about resignin'," Kuroro replied. He was vague, but he never gave her full descriptions. "The leader wasn't too tall, shorter than me," he said, and Kirara resisted a snort. She'd have been impressed if he'd been taller. "Dark hair. Scar on his hand," he said shortly, and Kirara didn't respond, memorising his words.

When she stood, Kuroro barely looked at her. Some of the other customers shot her more wary looks, but Kirara simply flashed Kuroro a smile.

"Thanks for the drink, it was as great as ever," she told him in a pleasant tone. He only grunted in response, watching from the corner of his eye as she slipped from the bar, not even causing the rotting floorboards to creak. Kuroro shook his head, hiding his faint smile as he got back to work.

To Kirara's relief, by the time she returned from the Rukongai, it was late in the afternoon and the unbearable heat had finally subsided to a much more reasonable level. Deep in thought about what she'd learned from her excursion, Kirara was already planning out her next steps. First, she needed to figure out exactly who they were, and that meant talking to Yoruichi.

"Good evening, Lieutenant Yamada," some Shinigami greeted as Kirara passed them, bowing to her. Kirara flashed them a smile.

"Good evening," she greeted them in response, continuing on back towards her Squad's barracks.

"Ah, Kirara!" she stopped at the familiar voice that called out, and looked around to see Natsuki waving at her with a big smile. Kirara waved back, breaking into a smile of her own.

"Hey Natsuki, what brings you over here?" she greeted as she approached the blonde Lieutenant. "Run out of your own Squad members to fight?" Kirara asked, only partly teasing. Squad 11 fought so much, she was surprised that they had anyone left to fight within their own members. Natsuki shook her head, ignoring the jab.

"Had to go to the medical bay," Natsuki lifted her sleeve to reveal bandages the entire length of her forearm. She then pouted. "And deal with my least favourite of the Yamada Lieutenants," she complained, and Kirara laughed. Of course her brother had treated her. He went out of his way to treat any member of Squad 11, instilling his own version of torture on them.

"Well, you should know by now what happens when you get carried away," Kirara wasn't sympathetic in the slightest. Natsuki's pout grew.

"Urgh, remind me why you're my favourite again?" she grumbled. Kirara flashed her a smirk.

"Because my youngest brother isn't a Shinigami, and you haven't met him yet," she pointed out. Natsuki hummed, nodding to herself as she accepted this. She knew of Kirara's brother Hanataro, who lived with Seinosuke, but despite knowing Kirara since their childhood, she'd never met him. "But hey, at least you survived another trip to the medbay," Kirara nudged her with a grin.

"Barely," Natsuki grumbled, and Kirara laughed again. "Where have you been?" she asked, and sniffed, before grimacing. "You stink like a brewery," she complained, wrinkling her nose.

"Careful Natsuki, your snob is showing," Kirara warned, keeping her wide smile as she was unfazed by the comment. She received a droll stare in response, and with a giggle, Kirara lifted some strands of her hair to take a whiff. "I was in the Rukongai. Is it that bad?" she wondered, frowning as she smelled stale smoke and beer clinging to her. The downside to going out to Kuroro's bar.

"It's pretty bad," Natsuki admitted, making Kirara sigh heavily.

"Damn, I better go take a bath before I see Captain Shihoin. Soi Fon will have a fit if I show up smelling like I've been out drinking all day," Kirara grumbled, and Natsuki giggled.

"Great idea," she nodded, having heard all about Soi Fon's idolisation of the head of the Shihoin family. "I better get back to the Captain and make sure he's done his work. I'll see you later," Natsuki decided, walking off and waving as she left. Kirara waved in response, and then sighed as Natsuki disappeared back to the Squad 11 barracks.

"Well, guess I'll go take that bath," she decided, continuing on her path back to the Squad 2 barracks and her private quarters.

The sky was turning a pale pink as Kirara leaned out the window; arm stretched out. On the tip of her finger, the black and purple Jigokucho twitched its antennae. Kirara was focused on it, watching its slow, delicate movements, before it finally flapped its wings and took off, headed straight for Yoruichi.

For a moment longer, Kirara watched it flying off into the distance, and she gave a quiet, contented sigh. Then she straightened up, leaving the room and headed straight for the already filled bath. Kirara's long black hair fell from its tie with a quick tug, reaching her ankles, and she flicked it over her shoulders, out of her face. Once again she debated cutting it, before dismissing the thought.

Finally she stepped into the bath and sank down with a loud groan, her knees emerging as she slid low down into the water. As the hot water washed over her, Kirara let her muscles relax after a long day of being on the move.

"So good..." Kirara groaned to herself as she sank even lower, letting her hair fan out in the water and rid herself of the grime and sweat of the day. The apple smell was a familiar favourite of hers, and she was happy to let it soak into her skin. Closing her eyes, Kirara found herself unable to completely relax as her mind lingered on her newest task.

The threat of potential deserters was never good. And unfortunately for Kirara, they wouldn't be the first.

"What, did they run out of men to catch me?" the man looking down at Kirara as he laughed loudly at the sight of her. Kirara didn't speak, fighting her nerves. Her first solo mission; a test from Yoruichi. She'd been the one to track him down, and it was up to her to stop him. "What's the matter, woman? Realise that you're in over your head?" the man taunted. Kirara''s eyebrows rose, and she lifted her head to study him.

The man was unkempt, with his dark beard growing out from a few weeks of hiding out and being on the run. He'd swapped his Shinigami robes for something he'd gotten from the district, allowing him to almost blend in, but he'd made one mistake in wearing shoes. Nobody that far out wore shoes, and the residents had been happy to sell him out instantly.

"Are you done with your sexist crap now?" she asked, sounding stronger than she felt. The man's twisted grin didn't leave his face, and he didn't move from the wall he was leaning against. To his credit, he'd made it as far as the 63rd district in North Rukongai before Kirara had tracked him down. "You've got one chance to surrender, or I'm taking you down," Kirara warned, and after a moment of quiet, the man burst out laughing again.

"Are you kidding? I killed my 'superior', and he was twice your size. You have no chance," he told her, and Kirara sighed. She knew it wouldn't work, but she always liked to make the request. However, this man was twice as big and twice as wide as her, which led him to believe he had some kind of advantage over her. Clearly he'd never met Lieutenant Sarugaki, who could reduce a man to a bloody, battered mess in seconds.

The man then straightened up, still smirking as Kirara watched him warily. He drew his Zanpakuto from his side, raising it in what Kirara assumed was supposed to be a threatening stance. It glinted in the poor light of the setting sun. "You were nice enough to give me a chance," he chuckled as Kirara resisted rolling her eyes. "But I'm not. Sorry, little Shinigami, but you're going die like the lapdog you are!" he shouted, lunging at her.

Kirara jerked, splashing water from the tub, and cursed as she realised she'd been dozing and reliving a memory from years ago. She then sighed, relaxing again and glancing at the water that had splashed onto the floor. So much for a relaxing bath to clean up.

"The others are right...I do sleep too much," Kirara complained aloud, sinking into the water and letting it bubble as she sighed heavily.

Kuroro is one of my favourite characters, he's fun to write.

Hope you liked it!

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