Chapter 33: Turn for the Worst
1 Week After Yuzu's Capture, Graveyard, Tokyo City
The sun is setting on a particular graveyard on the outskirts of Tokyo City, covering the area in an auburn hue. Kugo Ginjo squats on the ground, looking at the various gravestones in front of him with a subdued expression covering his features. His most trusted friend and ally, Shukuro Tsukishima, stands a distance behind him, saying nothing as he watches Ginjo quietly.
Ginjo's gaze becomes full of resolve as he makes a vow to himself, "Never again… I won't let those Shinigami kill anymore of my friends… We'll save Kurosaki…"
After a while longer of standing in silence, Ginjo looks up to the sky to see nothing but stars and the moon to fill the now blackness of it.
The Fullbringer sighs before rising to his feet, turning around, and walking away from the graves, "It's time to go…"
Tsukishima nods quietly as Ginjo walks past him before he gives one last look at the graves. The man's eyes soften before he closes them and turns on his heel, following Ginjo out of the graveyard.
Along River Bank, Karakura Town
The light of the moon reflects off of the river, illuminating in a particular pair of soft grey eyes.
Tatsuki and Orihime, the former staring distantly at the water, walk in the grass along the main river that runs through Karakura Town, discussing their recent training.
The black-haired girl smirks, "Training with that Kensei really did increase the power of my punches and kicks! …but I'm still a bit worried about what those guys said when they left…"
Orihime nods, turning to face her friend with an anxious look on her face, "I agree…"
Shinji's words run through the girl's mind, "Well, that should do it for you guy's training… there isn't a whole lot more we can teach you. As you all surely can tell, you're all much more powerful than you were before. Even so, I recommend that none of you come into direct contact with a captain if you can avoid it. Keep your noses down, and you just might have a shot!"
Tatsuki grumbles, "Are captains really that powerful?"
Orihime tilts her head, "Well, Chad said he used all of his power against the one they fought, and it didn't even phase him…"
The black-haired girl snorts, "That was before our training! Besides, that Shinji guy said the captain they fought is on another level than the rest, so it doesn't really count if you ask me!"
Orihime nods before staring off distantly at the river for a moment before stretching her arms and sighing, "You know, Tatsuki, this place is one of my favorite places to relax…"
The other girl follows her friend's gaze, beginning to wear a smile of her own, "It's been about two years since the two of us came here the last time."
Orihime nods with a smile, her eyes becoming a bit solemn, "Did I ever tell you about coming here with my brother?"
Tatsuki scrunches her brows, wearing a slight frown, "No… I don't think you have…"
The auburn-haired girl squats in front of the river, smiling lightly, still with the solemn look in her eyes, "Well, he and I used to come to this place too… he had this amazing ability to catch red dragonflies on his fingertip. He'd just point his finger up to the sky, and right away a dragonfly would land. It was like magic… I always wanted to be able to do that too… but I never could…"
Tatsuki lays a hand of support on Orihime's shoulder, kneeling down next to her. By now, the auburn-haired girl has tears in her eyes, which she wipes away.
Suddenly, the two hear a 'splat' noise.
The girls turn to see, in some type of red goo, plastered on the large concrete wall behind them; Urgent, meet us at the Urahara Shoten immediately.
Tatsuki scoffs, "What is this, some type of horror movie cliché?"
The two then notice that there is more to the message; P.S. if you think this is like some horror movie cliché, then you obviously have no sense of humor.
"OH, SHUT UP!", Tatsuki growls angrily as she throws a rock at the wall.
Orihime giggles, "Well, I guess that means he's constructed the portal."
The black-haired girl, now wearing a serious expression, responds distantly, "Yeah…"
20 Minutes Later, Underneath Urahara Shoten
As Tatsuki and Orihime arrive in the training area, they find most of the others already there, preparing to leave. Ginjo, Chad, Yukio, Tsukishima, Riruka, and Yoruichi all stand before a white rectangular portal that Urahara stands next to.
Ginjo notes with a sigh, "That's everyone, then…"
Riruka raises a brow, "What about Bambi and Candy?"
The Xcution leader stares off distantly, "The Quincies aren't coming this time…"
Riruka, Chad, and Yukio all wear mildly concerned expressions at this. Tsukishima stares at the silver bracelet around Ginjo's wrist intently, with weary eyes.
Urahara approaches, regarding the girls, "Allow me to explain how—"
Tatsuki cuts him off, with a frown, "I don't care how your portal works—just that it does. We don't have time for one of your long-winded explanations. Now, get it working already so we can go help Yuzu!"
Urahara pouts, "Aw… but I had it all scripted out and everything…"
The shop owner makes his way over to the portal before stopping and glancing behind him. The cat and Fullbringers copy his action, some of them gasping in surprise.
A voice familiar to those among Ichigo's friends calls to them, "Sorry… you were wrong when you said there weren't any Quincies coming…"
Standing before the group is Uryu Ishida, dawned in a white suit and a short white cape—a traditional Quincy uniform.
Orihime eyes the boy carefully, "Uryu… why are you here?"
The bi-speckled boy adjusts his glasses, frowning, "You seriously didn't just think I was going to sit back and let the Shinigami have their way with my cousin, did you?"
Chad, Orihime, and Tatsuki all give the boy smiles, as Yoruichi approaches Urahara next to the portal, "Alright, Kisuke. I think it's really time to go now. I'm not sure how much time the girl has…"
The hatted man nods, "Neither do I…"
Urahara eyes the group of nine seriously, "Alright, to keep it brief, you will have four minutes to make it through the Dangai, the world between this world and the Soul Society, or else you will be trapped there forever with no means of returning."
Yoruichi adds, walking forward, "You must keep moving forward while in the Dangai. Do not look back on those you are leaving behind. Only those who can do this can follow me through the gate and survive…"
The group all nod, wearing resolute expressions.
Tessai walks up, bending down on the left side of the portal, while Urahara bends down on the right, causing a blue light to materialize in the middle of the portal.
Urahara calls out, "Everyone ready? Once it opens, you run as fast as you can."
Tatsuki nods, "Yeah, we got it."
Without another word, the blue light turns into a black and white vortex, which consumes the group in a flash of light before all light in the middle of the portal fades away.
Noble District, Seireitei
Rukia walks down a long hallway, feeling quite nervous, "I wonder why the other Great Noble Clans want to meet…?"
Once the woman reaches the end of the hallway, she is greeted by the sight of two individuals seated at a round table, with another two seats being vacant. The room is of fair size, allowing for individuals to walk freely back and forth around the table. There are a couple of Shinigami standing guard, as well as stealth force members—garbed in ninja suits.
Rukia glances at the individual closest to her at the table; a dark-skinned boy with golden eyes and dark violet hair tied in a ponytail, wearing white and yellow robes. The boy gives Rukia a light smile, "Hello Lady Kuchiki… it's been a while."
Rukia returns the smile, speaking in a polite tone, "Hello to you as well, Lord Shihoin."
The woman then turns her attention to the other seated individual; an old man with long grey hair and a beard, garbed in tan and purple robes.
The man gives her a smile, "Please sit down, Lady Kuchiki… we have something very important to discuss."
Rukia bows lightly, wearing a downcast expression, being able to tell that there was disdain in his voice as he worded 'Lady', before taking a seat.
The woman questions, "If I may be so bold to ask, why could this not have waited until after my brother recovered? Surely if this was so important, you would want him here instead of me, as he is the proper head of the Kuchiki Clan…"
The elder Tsunayashiro nods, "You are correct… normally all four clans would gather, as well. The other clan could not make it today, but fortunately they have already weighed in on this matter. Now, regarding what we are about to discuss, you are much more vital and relevant compared to Lord Kuchiki given your unique connection…"
Rukia sits quietly, raising a brow, as the old man continues, "You see…"
The woman's eyes widen in shock as she listens to the old man's explanation. Her body quivers the longer and longer he goes on.
The woman can't hold it back after the man finishes his explanation, slamming her hand on the table, "NO! I won't stand for it!"
The Tsunayashiro does not look amused, staring at the woman with a stern gaze. The young Shihoin looks back and forth between the two other nobles, feeling quite awkward sitting in the tension that has been created.
The Tsunayashiro frowns, explaining, "Remember your place, Kuchiki. We've only summoned you here today out of formality. The time to act is now. Do not dishonor your brother by acting rashly."
Rukia clenches her teeth, "I'm not the one here who's acting rashly, you cowardly old fool!"
The Tsunayashiro sighs, "In any case, three-fourths wins the vote. I shall inform the Central 46 of our decision later today. I suggest you go back and continue watching over that Shiba girl… while you still can…"
Rukia bows lightly, her expression one of cold rage, "I shall be on my way, then, my lord."
Without any further delay, Rukia turns on her heel and storms out of the room, down the hall she used to get there.
Central 46 Chambers
In the central platform of the Central 46 chambers stands Isshin Shiba, listening intently as the council prepares to deliver their decision. Yamamoto and Ukitake stand a distance behind the Shiba man, near the chamber's entrance.
The speaker declares, "The council has reached a decision regarding Yuzu Kurosaki and the White incident… however, before we offer our decision, we call Captain Aizen to speak."
Isshin tenses up as he steps back, turning around as soft, infrequent footsteps can be heard. The man regards the limping form of Aizen, heavily bandaged with dark spots under his eyes. The man is assisted by a woman in a white coat, wearing her black hair in a braid in front of her—Captain Retsu Unohana of Squad 4, who has one of his arms slung around her shoulder.
Aizen breaks off from Unohana, managing to keep his balance, before regarding her with a friendly smile and nod, "Thank you."
Isshin and the veteran healer step back to stand among the other remaining captains in the room, the Shiba man wearing a slight scowl.
Aizen coughs lightly, clearing his voice, before regarding the council with a serious expression, "Council of the Central 46; I come before you today, humbled and humiliated by my failure in the living world. I hear you all have taken words that I may have said in my ravaged state as evidence for who may have attacked me… however, I must make it clear that Vice-Captain Abarai was mistaken when he said that Quincies attacked me, as I had no contact with any Quincies in the living world. I was, however, looking into them when I stumbled upon an old enemy of the Soul Society—Kisuke Urahara."
Isshin tenses up at this, feeling dread, as the members of the Central 46 all let out gasps of shock. The council begins to talk amongst themselves before the speaker tells them to become silent.
After a moment, Aizen elaborates, "I suspect Kisuke Urahara and his allies have been behind multiple conspiracies in the living world, including, but not limited to, the creation of the hollow White 20 years ago, harboring the traitors from 100 years ago, including my former Caprtain, Shinji Hirako, and finally manipulating Isshin Shiba and his family. In fact, I have my suspicions that Captain Shiba has connections to Kisuke Urahara…"
There is dead silence among the Central 46 at this, too shocked to speak. Meanwhile, Isshin trembles in both rage and shock, "I should've known Aizen would try something like this!"
Ukitake, Yamamoto, and Unohana all glare at Isshin, wide-eyed, with looks a mixture of shock and confusion.
After a moment of whispers amongst the members of the council, the speaker regards Aizen, "Ah… well… do you have any evidence to prove Isshin Shiba being in league with Kisuke Urahara? Do you have any ideas where Urahara may be hiding?"
Aizen shakes his head, wearing a disappointed expression, "Unfortunately, I was unable to confirm my suspicions before being assaulted by Urahara and his allies. Although Captain Ukitake may know more than I do, considering he shadowed Captain Shiba for over a year…"
The speaker nods, "Very well, Captain Aizen. Thank you for your testimony. Do you have any more to add?"
"I do not." Aizen states before backing away, as Unohana helps him.
The speaker regards another captain in the room, "Captain Ukitake: Do you have any inkling of suspicion about what Captain Aizen speaks of?"
The white-haired captain steps forward, wearing an anxious expression, as he recalls a particular Candy Shop Isshin went to one time, "I won't deny it's possible that Captain Shiba has connections to the fugitive… I may have an idea of where the fugitive could be…"
A member of the council suddenly shouts, "INEXCUSIBLE! Your negligence in this matter brings shame to your station!"
Ukitake looks to the floor in mild amounts of shame.
The speaker then declares, "Captain Ukitake; you are to search this location you suspect Kisuke Urahara is thoroughly. A full investigation is to take place! Furthermore, Isshin Shiba is to be restrained and placed in a cell until this investigation has been completed. That will be all."
The captains leave the chambers, Sasakibe appearing once they do and placing reishi cuffs on Isshin, causing the man to grimace. The veteran Vice-Captain then leads him away towards the Squad 1 Barracks.
Yamamoto furiously scolds his pupil, "Why did you not mention your knowledge about Isshin Shiba before?!"
Ukitake shakes his head, "I didn't know for certain, Sir Genryusai!"
Yamamoto huffs, calming down a degree, as he eyes Ukitake seriously, "Well we will now… I am sending three other captains with you to raid the location. If Kisuke Urahara is there, not even he will be able to take on four captains at once."
Ukitake bows lightly before the living legend, wearing a dejected expression, "Very well, sir… the law must be upheld…"
Unohana aids Aizen in walking down the hall, although is unable to see the sinister smirk placed on the man's face, "Your days are numbered… Kisuke Urahara."
Rukongai
All is peaceful in the Rukongai, not a soul out of place. Not even the usual trots of Ganju's gang besiege the streets on this day.
The village elder sits on the wooden porch in front of one of the buildings, staring off into space as his brow furrows, thinking about the troubling rumors going around recently, "Is it really true that three captains were hospitalized from a hollow attack? I have a hard time believing that such fearsome hollows exist…"
Suddenly, the man is brought from his thoughts as he looks up at the sound of screaming. His eyes widen as he watches a group of nine individuals falling out of the sky. After a moment, he sees a bright orange, almost yellow, triangular pattern form beneath them, catching them.
The object slowly descends like a petal in the wind before nearing the ground, upon which the individuals jump off the object. A moment later, the object disappears as lights flicker through the air, seemingly returning to the hairpins belonging to one of the group; a girl with long auburn hair.
The man regards the group carefully. The first he notices, aside from the girl with auburn hair who wears a pink shirt with a flower pattern and long grey pants, is a tall man with long wavy black hair. He wears black pants and suspenders along with a white button up shirt. Notedly, the man also holds a book in his left hand.
The elder's gaze moves next to him, to find a boy with long dark hair wearing glasses and a completely white uniform of some kind. The boy has a distant look in his eye, unnerving the elder. This prompts the elder to shift to the large boy next to him, with darker skin. The boy's black hair seems a bit unkept, falling in front of his eyes. He wears a sleeveless, dark blue shirt and black pants.
The elder notices a trio standing next to the tall man. There is a twin-tailed red-haired girl wearing what looks like a white plush rabbit hat and a black dress. The girl seems to have some plush animals strapped to the belt she is wearing. The man avoids eye contact due to the scowl on her face, as if greatly annoyed by something. Next to her is a young blonde boy, who also has a plush animal on his shoulder, who for some reason seems to be able to talk. The boy wears a completely black outfit comprising of a trench coat and hat. Last of the trio is a man with black, slicked back hair wearing a black leather jacket with a white undershirt and black pants. He wears some kind of silver cross necklace and bracelet of matching color.
The elder notes another girl next to the first one. This girl has short spiky black hair and wears a white karate Gi with bandages wrapped tightly around her hands and feet. Finally, the elder eyes the last individual, a black cat with piercing yellow and black eyes, calling out to him.
The man's eyes widen as he finally acknowledges the cat, continuing to call, "Village elder; can you not hear me?"
The elder gasps, "Y-yoruichi? Why have you brought a group of Ryoka to the Rukongai! The Gotei 13 must already know you're here!"
The cat nods, "I'm sure they do… I would like you to tell us where Kukaku Shiba is currently staying… after that, we shall leave you be."
The man flinches, looking up and down the road, before nodding briefly, "Very well… but please come inside… as you know, the stealth force may be around…"
The cat nods before turning towards the others, "You lot stay here. This shouldn't take long."
Yoruichi promptly follows the man inside his house.
Uryu adjusts his glasses, "So this is the Soul Society? The reishi here is so much denser than in the world of the living…"
Chad nods in response, staring off towards the more industrialized area down the street, "I wonder if that is where Yuzu is…"
The rest of the group follows his gaze. Ginjo furrows his brow, "I have no doubt that's where she is… the Seireitei…"
Tatsuki huffs, beginning to walk towards the Seireitei, "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go save her!"
Before she can get any further, Ginjo appears before her in a green flash of Bringer's Light, shaking his head, "No. The entire place is protected by a Sekkiseki barrier. Not even hollows, with their ability to travel between realms at will, can pass through without being destroyed."
Riruka raises a brow, "Well it looks fine to me…"
Ginjo wears a serious expression, "It might look normal now, but get too close and we'll be cut off before we have a chance to enter. The Gotei 13 is waiting for us, and given that Aizen probably survived, we'll no doubt have another captain or two waiting for us. We'll need to do this Yoruichi's way…"
The other Fullbringers groan in frustration at this, as Chad perks up, hearing a familiar voice calling out to him, "Mr. Chad! Mr. Ginjo!"
Chad and Ginjo both regard the new arrival with raised brows—a boy in brown robes with short brown hair.
The boy waves at them, wearing a smile, "I knew it's you! It's me, Yuichi!"
A Few Minutes Later
"I see… so you weren't able to find your mom yet…" Chad states as he leans against the wooden railing of a small bridge, looking down at the river below.
Ginjo stands behind him with his hands in his pockets, looking up at the sky with a blank expression.
Yuichi, next to Chad, looks down dejectedly, "No… but I'm sure she's here somewhere…"
Chad nods, "Me too."
After a moment Yuichi starts to cry a bit, "Are you sure you all can save Miss Yuzu? The Gotei 13 are strong! Their captains are the most powerful people in the Soul Society!"
Chad looks down at his right hand, clenching it into a fist. The boy smiles when he raises his left hand, staring even more intently at his as it balls into a fist as well.
The tall boy then turns to Yuichi, with resolve in his tone, "We'll deal with anything they throw at us until Yuzu is safe. Even the captains."
The boy widens his eyes, his tears halting, as he can practically feel the reiatsu beginning to pour out of Chad's body, "Mr. Chad… has gotten way stronger than he was before…"
A distance away, Orihime looks around the street, seemingly lost in thought.
Tatsuki calls her out, "What's up Orihime?"
The auburn-haired girl becomes a bit flustered, rubbing the back of her head, "Um, well, I was just thinking about how my brother would like this place… given that this is where his soul will go once he's purified…"
Tatsuki nods, "Yeah…"
Riruka, who stands close to the two girls, cuts in, "What do you mean 'purified'? Is your brother a hollow?"
Orihime nods, "Yeah… we got our powers shortly after he…"
She trails off, looking at the ground dejectedly, not wanting to say what he did.
Tatsuki gives her friend a look of sympathy while Riruka tilts her head in confusion, "After he what?"
Uryu cuts in, almost spitting, "What do you think? He tried to kill them. All those filthy hollows are the same… they're no better than Shinigami."
Tatsuki glares at the boy as she feels her friend tremble, "Shut up, Ishida! You're not helping!"
Uryu adjusts his glasses, stating coldly, "We're not here to sympathize with hollows, Arisawa. We're here to save a friend—in my case, family. Orihime's brother is gone, that thing you saw was not him."
The Quincy then quickly turns, causing his cape to flow with him, before walking off. Both Tatsuki and Riruka glare at the boy's back in apparent annoyance.
It is at this time that Yoruichi exits the elder's house, eyeing the exchange carefully.
After another moment, the cat states, "Alright everyone, we're leaving. We have quite the trek ahead of us—it should take most of the rest of the day. Follow me—we'll be leaving as soon as possible."
The group nod, before beginning to get their things together in preparation for their 'trek'.
Yukio stares off at the Seireitei distantly, lost in thought, as Tsukishima approaches him, "Are you going to stare all day Yukio, or are you coming with us?"
The boy nods, looking away from the Seireitei, "I'm coming…"
As the boy walks off, his thoughts are full of resolve, "We'll do whatever it takes to get you out of there, Yuzu. Just hold on a little longer…"
Underneath, Urahara Shoten
Urahara sighs, looking at the portal as he sits on the ground, "I hope my hunch is correct and they don't end up making things worse."
Suddenly, the man's eyes open wide as he turns, using flash step to appear upstairs.
He urgently regards Tessai, who is with Ururu and Jinta, "Tessai, give the kids that thing and have them run through the secret passage."
Tessai hands the children a case containing some type of glass crystallized object that has a round eldritch-looking sphere in the middle of it. Ururu takes Jinta by the hand as the two start running through a hidden narrow passageway in one of the shop's walls.
The boy attempts to protest, but the girl tightens her grip on his hand, shutting him up, "We must obey Master Urahara, Jinta…"
Before either of the men can do anything further, over a dozen Shinigami barge into their shop, "Raise your hands and do not resist!"
The two do as ordered, not resisting as Jushiro Ukitake, Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi walk through the doors.
Mayuri snickers at Urahara, "Well, well, well, if it isn't my old Captain, Kisuke Urahara. Seems this trip was worth my time after all..."
Urahara smirks from underneath his hat, "Mayuri Kurotsuchi... you're certainly looking well after the last 100 years."
Mayuri frowns, "I can't say the same about you... and that is Captain Kurotsuchi to you."
The man then snaps at a young woman with long black hair worn in a ponytail and green eyes, "Nemu! You and the others are to seize everything! Get to it!"
Before the woman can move, Toshiro reaches his hand out, stopping her.
Mayuri glares at him as he explains, "Squad 12 will not lay a hand on anything until the Central 46 decides it is allowed to see the light of day again."
The clown-looking captain frowns, not liking the reminder that he isn't free to take and research what he wants, "Fine. It's not like I'd want to steal another man's research anyway!"
By this point, both Tessai and Urahara have reishi cuffs placed around their wrists, courtesy of Ukitake.
Urahara tilts his head down, smiling lightly, "Well, at least that is out of Aizen's hands…"
The man's solace is short-lived, as his eyes widen in shock and despair when he hears the voice of Gin Ichimaru, "Hey would you look at what I found. Two kids running away with this thing!"
Gin holds the jeweled object Tessai gave Ururu and Jinta just moments earlier, which causes all the captains to gasp.
Behind Gin lays the limps forms of the two kids in question, bleeding in certain areas, as Ururu reaches out a hand towards the shop keeper, "Forgive us… Master Urahara…"
The girl then becomes unconscious.
Tessai looks to the ground in sadness, "Poor children… we never should've involved you in this…"
Ukitake frowns in disapproval at the sight, "Captain Ichimaru! You didn't have to do that with children!"
Gin maintains his ever crooked smirk, "And why not? They are with the enemy… don't tell me you're sympathizing with them? ~"
Ukitake scowls at this, becoming silent as Mayuri eyes the children with slight interest before glaring back at the item in Gin's hand.
After a moment, the scientist widens his eyes in shock and slight amounts of fear, "Be careful with that, you fool! That item releases a mixture of Shinigami and Hollow reiatsu—it must be the device he used to conduct his experiments!"
The Squad 3 Captain's playful smirk fades as he delicately holds the case containing the jeweled object.
Urahara grimaces, staring at the ground, "I knew I should've locked it away!"
The other captains and Shinigami continue to spread out through the shop to investigate as Ukitake gasps. In a separate room, the white-haired man stands before the peaceful form of Karin's physical body, laying in a glass tank of some kind.
The captain sputters, "T-that Gigai belongs to Captain Shiba's daughter!"
Toshiro tilts his head down in dejected lamentation, "Then it is true... Captain Shiba is in league with Kisuke Urahara… but why…?"
Multiple Shinigami continue to set up a barrier around the shop, for further investigation, as the four Captains walk out with Urahara and Tessai in cuffs.
Urahara, feeling that he has nothing left to lose, attempts to reason with the captains, "Wait, Captain Ukitake. There's something you should know before you take me back."
The captains look at the man in curiosity as Ukitake raises a brow, "Alright… what is it?"
The shop keeper warns in desperation, "The device I made for my hollow experimentation—the Hogyoku, is not unique. There exists another one in the Soul Society—one that I did not create, but another captain amongst your ranks."
The captains all stare at Urahara in shock, all except for Gin, wondering who the culprit could be.
Ukitake tilts his head, "Oh really? Who?"
Urahara levels his stare on Ukitake, "Sosuke Aizen."
There is silence for a moment before Ukitake looks to the ground with a scowl, "Truly, Kisuke Urahara… you have sunk to a point of no return. Was leaving Aizen in such a crippled state not enough for you?"
Urahara's eyes widen as he opens his mouth to further explain, "No, listen to me, Ichimaru is with hi—"
"ENOUGH! You've clearly also manipulated Captain Shiba into sympathizing with you, but we shall not be so easy! You show not but dishonor! Bind his mouth!" Ukitake declares, rather heated and emotional in the moment.
Nemu quickly does as requested, harshly tying a reishi rope around the shop keeper's mouth.
Toshiro looks at the scene, eyeing Gin intently as the snake like captain shrugs, shaking his head with a smirk, "But of course I'd be with captain Aizen, I was his Vice-Captain… but really, you're crazy if you think I had anything to do with what happened 100 years ago… I was just a kid."
Ukitake shakes his head, "I don't doubt your lack of involvement or devotion to Captain Aizen, Captain Ichimaru."
The snake-like captain sneers, "Well, that's good. I'd certainly be in quite the pickle if you thought otherwise…"
Toshiro's eyes narrow, "Captain Shiba is no traitor… he couldn't be! Something else is going on here… is… is Aizen actually a traitor as Urahara says?"
The white-haired captain levels his gaze on Gin, "I'll have to keep an eye on Ichimaru…"
Suddenly, Mayuri snaps, "How much longer are we going to loiter? I have important research to return to!"
Ukitake bows slighty, "Apologies, Captain Kurotsuchi, we shall leave now."
Just as Ukitake opens a Senkaimon gate, his spirit phone starts buzzing.
As the captain answers the phone, his eyes shoot open wide as he lets out a light gasp, "Ryoka have entered the Rukongai?!"
Shino Academy
Karin is deep into studying a scroll detailing how to best perform a certain Kido spell when she hears a knock on her door.
The girl, sighing in slight annoyance, rolls up the scroll before walking towards her door, "I'll be right there…"
After Karin opens the door, she is met by two deep purple eyes that she'd recognize anywhere by now, "Sensei—?"
Before she can fully get the words out, Rukia wraps her arms around the other girl, "Are you alright, Karin? Nobody came after you, did they?!"
The girl's eyes widen, feeling her sensei tremble as she clutches on the girl tightly, "Something's not right…"
Karin smiles lightly, patting Rukia's back, "I'm alright… could you stop squeezing me so hard…?"
Rukia's eyes widen before she backs away, "Yes. Of course, I'm sorry…"
The Shiba girl scrunches her brow, "Why would you think I'm not alright? What's going on?"
Rukia looks away briefly, "If only I could tell you…"
Karin can hear the voice of her Zanpakuto spirit call to her, "Seems your intuition was right… something is happening, something serious… I wonder if it has to do with the White incident…"
The girl's eyes widen, now wearing a look of urgency, "Is dad alright?! Please tell me he's still kicking!"
The raven-haired woman frowns, "Your father is fine… I just…"
Rukia still looks away distantly, finding the idea of lying to her pupil's face to be too disgusting to stomach, "…I was just worried that in my absence, your bullies would become harsher towards you…"
At this Karin groans with an annoyed expression, "Aw, c'mon! You had ME worried! You should know I have thicker skin than that, Sensei!"
The expression on Karin's face reminds Rukia of the annoyed look Kaien would sometimes wear when dealing with the Squad, which only further works to tear the woman's heart apart, "Yeah… sorry, it seems I overreacted…"
Central 46 Chambers
"For the crimes of hollow experimentation and the use of forbidden spells, Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi have been sentenced for 2000 years in Muken… they are already locked away, as we have no need to see them.", the speaker finishes.
Isshin, now in reishi cuffs, widens his eyes in despair as Sasakibe stands behind the man, watching over him as Yamamoto is needed elsewhere to lead the Gotei 13 against the potential Ryoka invasion.
The members of the Central 46 begin to argue about how they should deal with Isshin himself when an elderly man, the head of Tsunayashiro Clan, walks into the room past Isshin, with two masked bodyguards flanking him, bringing the council to a stunned silence.
The speaker bows, "Lord Tsunayashiro! How unexpected! How may we of the Central 46 serve the Great Noble Clans on this day?"
The Central 46 chamber is in complete silence as the noble declares, "The Noble Clans have judged Isshin and his daughter, 'Yuzu Kurosaki'. We find it clear that Isshin Shiba was manipulated and corrupted by that witch of a Quincy he calls his wife."
At this, Isshin recalls memories of his past with Masaki.
Flashes of a girl with short dirty blonde hair rush through his mind.
The girl stares seriously at him, "My name is Masaki Kurosaki. I'm a Quincy."
Following this are flashes of the girl laughing with perhaps the purest smile Isshin has ever seen.
More and more similar flashes rush through the man's mind until setting on one of her standing on a hill, bathed in sunlight, as she turns and looks at him with the most beautiful and loving smile he has ever seen.
Isshin's fist cracks as blood leaks from it.
The man stares at the Tsunayashiro elder with wrath, "My wife was NO witch. She was the most pure and honest soul I've ever met!"
The elder glances back at Isshin, raising a brow, "Of course, that is what the witch would lead you to believe. See here how far the Shibas have fallen! Speaking of a Quincy as though she were of greater importance and purity than we nobles are!"
The members of Central 46 break into a brief discussion as the speaker brings order, prompting them all to become silent once more, "How do you suggest we deal with this then, Lord Tsunayashiro?"
The noble strokes his beard, "The noble clans have already reached a consensus. The punishment must fit the crime and we feel that Isshin Shiba has stained the name of the once great Shiba Clan beyond repair. Therefore, the stain on the legacy must be wiped out—Yuzu Kurosaki must die."
Isshin's eyes widen in horror and dread, he opens his mouth to say something before the Tsunayashiro elder declares, "You there, Vice-Captain Sasakibe: take Isshin Shiba and lock him away. He must learn the hard way the depths of the shame he has brought unto himself."
The Shiba man turns to see Sasakibe but cannot react due to the reishi cuffs slowing him down as the other man uses some sort of Hakuda (Martial arts) move to strike his neck with his fist, dropping the Shiba man to the floor.
Just then, stealth force members, clad in ninja-like clothing, appear in front of Sasakibe and carry the unconscious Shiba man away, prompting Sasakibe to leave as well.
The Tsunayashiro finalizes, "We suggest a ceremonial execution at the top of the Sogyoku Hill, via use of the Sogyoku. We must ensure that future generations do not forget about this, lest they repeat these transgressions. The sooner the better."
The speaker then declares, "Very well, one week from now, Yuzu Kurosaki shall be put to death for all of the Seireitei to see."
The Tsunayashiro remarks coldly, "Oh, and another thing... her sister, Karin Shiba, is to be kept in the dark about this. We don't want her loyalties slipping, now do we?"
The speaker nods, "Very well, we shall also ensure this is kept from the ears of Karin Shiba."
The Tsunayashiro bows lightly before leaving the room, flanked by his bodyguards.
Squad 1 Barracks
Yuzu is suddenly surrounded in her cell by ninja looking people who immediately place a red collar around her neck. The girl wears a look of dread, shock, and confusion as more robed individuals rush into the room wearing hoods and cloth that cover their lower face.
One of them declares, "Yuzu Kurosaki, you are to be put to death in one week's time at Sogyoku Hill."
Squad 4 Infirmary
Aizen lays on his bed, attended by a tall woman with short, light magenta hair, bordering on white. Behind the woman stands a tear-filled Momo with an expression of worry in her eyes.
The woman finishes applying a Kaido spell before asking with a gentle smile, "How are you feeling now, Captain Aizen?"
Aizen returns the gentle smile, "Much better. Thank you Isane, please go attend to the others—they surely need it more than I…"
Isane nods, looking away with a slight frown, "The others were actually in better shape… Captain Zaraki has been walking on his own for days now… although Captain Kuchiki…"
As the woman walks off, Momo approaches her captain, "Are you sure you're alright, Captain Aizen?"
The man nods, maintaining his smile, "I am… please don't worry about me, Momo…"
The girl now wears a tear-filled smile of joy, "Thank goodness!"
After a moment, a snide voice calls out to them, "Well, how touching! I could almost cry."
Aizen and Momo shift their gazes on the doorway Isane left through, finding Gin Ichimaru leaning against a wall, smiling crookedly, "Really, it is…"
Momo feels a bit uneasy as Gin approaches Aizen's bedside, the Squad 5 Captain narrowing his eyes at the snake-like captain.
Gin's smirk widens as he continues, "But really, I never thought I would see you in such a wounded and helpless state… why, practically anyone could walk right in and kill you."
Aizen's eyes widen slightly, as Gin leans down to whisper into his ear, "Luckily for you, I won't do that captain… I'm not that cruel… but you should know, Kisuke Urahara has been locked up in Muken as you planned… however…"
Aizen raises a brow, "You are that cruel, Gin… what else have you to say—"
The Squad 5 captain stiffens slightly when Gin finishes his whisper, "All of Urahara's research material has been deeply locked away in a vault at the Central 46, Ryoka have appeared in the Rukongai, and Yuzu Kurosaki is going to be executed in one week at the Sogyoku Hill."
Aizen's eyes widen as Gin backs away, prompting Momo to let go of the hilt of her Zanpakuto. The Squad 3 Captain stops in front of the doorway at the sight of another new arrival: Toshiro Hitsugaya.
The young captain narrows his eyes, "Fancy seeing you here, Ichimaru. What were you whispering into Aizen's ear just now?"
Gin smirks jovially, looking away, "Oh, how intrusive the young can be! ~"
Toshiro scowls, "Bastard—"
"I must urge you both to leave… you as well Vice-Captain Hinamori… Captain Aizen needs his rest.", a third, feminine, voice cuts in.
The two male captains turn to see Captain Unohana, with a face of disapproval, "And regardless, did the Head Captain not order everyone to their battle stations?"
Toshiro flinches, "Y-you're right, ma'am. We were just going…"
Gin nods, the smirk not leaving his face, "Indeed, we were just on our way…"
The two walk down the hall, leaving the infirmary.
Unohana glances at Momo, "You too, Vice-Captain Hinamori… someone has to attend to Squad 5 right now."
Momo looks down but notices Aizen give her a reassuring look, "It's fine… it won't be too long before I can return to the frontlines…"
The girl nods, before following after the two captains who had just left.
Unohana eyes Aizen curiously before walking down the hall to tend to the others who are wounded.
Aizen stares into space, his mind going into overdrive, before he looks at his Zanpakuto at his bedside, smirking, "It's time to make a visit…"
Espada Meeting, Las Noches
"THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!", Barragan roars as he slams a skeletal fist on the long table.
Szayel stands in the large doorway of the Espada meeting room, met by various looks from the seated Espadas, most of which are not good looks.
Nnoitora snickers, "Seems that bastard bit off more than he could chew."
"SILENCE, CUR!", Barragan roars, prompting Nnoitora to shut his mouth.
Barragan breathes heavily as his anger is too great, making his composure leave him, "The Espada have become far too weak! No rogue Vasto Lorde should dare even dream of defeating one of us in battle! It's disturbing!"
The Espada present all give Barragan somewhat offended looks, excluding the hulking Arrancar seated next to the hollow King.
Indeed, Yammy Llargo yawns at the news, "I agree with him, you guys are weaklings! It's pathetic!"
Nnoitora gets out of his chair, "What did you just call me?"
Yammy shrugs, "What? You're weak, it's a fact."
The lanky Arrancar hisses, "Maybe we should take this outside so I can show you how 'weak' I really am, meathead!"
Yammy glares at Nnoitora menacingly, but before anything can come of it, Barragan once more slams his fist on the table, "Enough! I will not have either of you waste your energy bickering like children! There are Vasto Lordes to kill."
This causes Nnoitora to sit back down next to Nelliel, whose face remains stoic despite her eyes holding a hint of concern.
The King sighs, "Your reports have become more and more concerning, Szayelaporro. This 'Uncrowned King' and White need to die immediately."
Szayel, standing at the end of the table, adjusts his spectacles, "Then there's the matter of my losing communication with that General of yours… it seems he's with White now…"
Barragan is silent before he starts laughing, "Seems like Ggio has decided his fate… Fool, he should know that death is the only thing that awaits him now. I would deal with him myself, but it would be much more efficient to let someone else deal with these matters. Someone better fit for squishing an infestation of bugs and traitors all at once!"
The Espada all give questioning looks as Barragan regards Yammy next to him, "Yammy. Kill them all."
The large Arrancar gives the King a blank look before smiling menacingly, "Everybody?"
Barragan nods, "Yes. Order must be upheld in Hueco Mundo, meaning all troublesome factors must be destroyed."
Yammy then gets up before walking out of the room, "I'd say all you weaklings should come with to see how it's done, but I'm afraid my reiatsu would crush you all. Just stay here like the pissants you are!"
Nnoitora clicks his tongue as the colossal hollow leaves the room, an action that some of the other Espada, such as Dordoni, share.
Nelliel glances at Szayel, then to Aaroniero, and then finally to Barragan, "Don't you find it concerning that this 'Uncrowned King' fed on an Arrancar, despite being a Vasto Lorde?"
Barragan is silent for a moment before waving his hand carelessly, "It doesn't matter. I've seen the type before—and I've killed them all. Yammy will have no issues killing that hollow."
Nelliel frowns and looks away.
The hollow king declares, "That will be all for now. Next time I summon you all, it will be after Yammy has returned to discuss Luppi's replacement."
Repentance Cell, Senzaikyu, Soul Society
Within the Senzaikyu, a massive palace for holding repenting prisoners about to be executed, there is a particularly large room known as the Repentance Cell. Yuzu, now clothed in all white robes, sits in the tall dark room, the only light coming from a slit in the wall allowing her to gaze down upon her execution site—the Sogyoku Hill. There isn't much to this hill, as it is more like a plateau if one were to be honest, with hundreds or perhaps thousands of stairs leading up to the top. There is a small forest of withered trees a distance from a massive wooden stand that is no doubt used for executions.
Yuzu is currently wrapped up in a ball, crying weakly, "It's all my fault… dad and Karin are probably in danger too… so are Bambi and Candy… they're probably both dead right now…"
Yuzu had trained diligently to become a Quincy, however, due to the stress and hopelessness of the current situation, as well as her being exposed to both powerful Shinigami and Hollow reiatsu recently, something twisted has stirred within her.
The girl's body shakes as she whispers, a dark tone in her voice, "Brother… I thought you said you'd kill them all… but if you don't… then I will…"
Yuzu's eyes widen as soon as the words leave her lips, realizing what she just said. The corner of her left eye's sclera was black for a split second, "What did I just say…?!"
Yuzu can hear a voice in her head—a distorted version of her own, "Kill them… like they do to both our kinds…"
The girl looks in each direction, although the red bindings on her neck and wrists restrict her movement, "Who is there?"
There is no answer for a moment, causing the girl to scrunch her brow.
After a moment, the girl swears she can see movement among the shadows as a different voice—a ragged, serious voice, returns, "The persecution of the other spiritual races by the Soul Society has gone on for too long… will you tread down the path of bloodshed, like your brother, to fix it? Or will you die here, by their filthy hands…?"
The girl can better make out the figure now, noticing a man with long wavy brown hair covered by a black, ragged flowing cloak. The man wears sunglasses that hide his eyes and his beard is more like stubble, reminiscent of her father's.
"Who are you…?" the girl questions, already feeling an odd sense of familiarity with the man.
The old man answers, "I am -."
The girl frowns deeply, "Come again?"
In response, the man frowns, "It seems my true name cannot reach you… in this form… his power is too great for a wraith like I… but you already know who I am. His blood runs through your veins, and I am merely the manifestation of that…"
Yuzu's eyes widen, "Yhwach…"
The man smirks, "Indeed… so I ask again, child; which path will you choose…?"
Yuzu glances out the slit of the cell staring down at the Sogyoku Hill before the manifestation of Yhwach returns into the shadows.
The girl narrows her eyes intently, "For as long as I'm able, I won't use these powers to kill… I can't stain mom's legacy like that… I won't…"
The girl can't seem to shake Ichigo from her thoughts as she continues to stare down at the hill.
Author's Note:
Another longer chapter with a ton of developments… the stage is almost set for the next arc, but I must still return to wrap things up in Hueco Mundo. With that, the arc has 4-5 chapters left, which will mostly deal with Ichigo.
Remember when I said earlier in the fic that Yuzu wouldn't have an inner hollow or hollow powers? Well… I changed my mind.
In any case, these events have lit a fire—a rather toxic fire, in Yuzu that normally would have no business being there. Push anyone enough, and they will crack. Yuzu, however, doesn't want to give into hatred as almost everyone else around her seems to do.
If you all couldn't tell by now, breaking the cycle of hatred and/or bloodshed is a theme of this story, however, at this point in the story, I will say such a thing is NOT possible between Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollows. Take that as you will.
Lastly, before anyone asks, Urahara knows about Gin's involvement with Aizen due to Yoruichi traveling back and forth between the Soul Society over the years, allowing her to spy on the Gotei 13.
