Chapter 7: Lending a Helping Hand
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Author's Notes:
Review responses
Monster King:No Zelda yet, but we may get some more people showing up from the Zelda universe soon
ultima-owner:I'm glad you like the story so much, feel free to give some suggestions of things you might like to see. Nothing is set in stone yet.
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In the aftermath of the invasion, the Seireitei was alive with activity. Damage needed repairing, and squads scrambled to restore order. Link, restless and eager to lend a hand, decided to explore and assist wherever possible. The Master Sword rested on his back, and his Hylian Shield gleamed on his arm, catching the afternoon sun. He wasn't just helping to rebuild the Seireitei—he was also curious about the people who called this place home.
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The first stop on his wandering was Squad 4's medical camp. The scent of healing herbs lingered in the air as shinigami bustled around tending to the injured. Link approached the area and caught the eye of Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, who paused in her work to look at him curiously.
"You're the swordsman Kyōraku brought in, right?" she asked, brushing a lock of silver hair out of her face.
"That's me." Link gave her a small, easy smile. "I thought I could help. Where do you need me?"
Isane blinked, her cheeks tinging faintly pink at his straightforward charm. "Uh, well... We could use help clearing that rubble." She gestured toward a pile of collapsed stone. "There are still injured people underneath."
Without hesitation, Link rolled up his sleeves and went to work. Using the strength granted by his Goron's Bracelet, he lifted chunks of debris that would normally require several shinigami. Isane stood to the side, flustered but appreciative.
"You're really strong," she said, slightly breathless.
Link grinned as he set another boulder aside. "Just trying to be useful."
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Link continued his rounds and soon found himself near the Squad 6 barracks, where Lieutenant Renji Abarai was overseeing reconstruction efforts. The red-haired shinigami was barking orders at his subordinates, who struggled to carry heavy beams into place.
When Link arrived, Renji gave him a once-over, then grinned. "So, you're the guy everyone's talking about. I heard you took down Chad without breaking a sweat—and gave Rangiku a good fight too."
Link shrugged with an easy smile. "They were both strong. I just got lucky."
Renji laughed, clapping him on the back. "Hah! Modest, huh? I like that. C'mon, you wanna give us a hand? These beams aren't gonna move themselves."
Link obliged, effortlessly hoisting one of the heavier beams onto his shoulder. As they worked side by side, Renji kept the conversation flowing, curious about Link's origins and adventures. Link shared bits and pieces of his travels—his fight with the evil King of Thieves, his encounters with ancient temples, and the artifacts he carried.
Renji whistled, impressed. "Man, that's some life you've had. If you ever want a change of pace, you'd fit right in with Squad 6."
Link chuckled, giving a playful smirk. "I'll think about it."
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Continuing his wanderings, Link ventured toward Squad 2's training grounds, where Captain Soifon watched her subordinates with sharp, critical eyes. She caught sight of Link as he passed and called out to him.
"You're the one with the glowing sword," she said flatly, her tone guarded. "What's your business here?"
Link gave her a polite bow, flashing a small, charming grin without even realizing it. "Just passing through, Captain. Thought I'd offer some help, if you need it."
Soifon crossed her arms, frowning slightly, but there was a faint hint of pink in her cheeks. "Tch. We don't need help. But... at least you're not slacking off like some of the others."
Link gave her an easy smile, tipping his head slightly. "If you change your mind, just let me know."
Soifon turned away, but her lips twitched ever so slightly, as if suppressing a smile.
--
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Link found himself near the Squad 13 barracks, where Captain Ukitake sat beneath a tree, a gentle breeze ruffling his white hair. Despite his frail appearance, Ukitake radiated warmth and kindness.
"You must be Link," Ukitake said, his voice light and welcoming. "Kyōraku's been telling me about you."
Link gave a respectful nod and smiled. "It's good to meet you, Captain Ukitake."
"Please, just Ukitake," the captain said, patting the grass beside him. "Come, sit with me for a while."
Link accepted the invitation, sitting cross-legged beneath the tree. Ukitake's presence was calming, and the two talked about many things—about leadership, responsibility, and the weight of protecting others.
"You seem to carry a lot on your shoulders," Ukitake observed, his gaze thoughtful. "In that way, you remind me of Kyōraku."
Link tilted his head, offering a modest smile. "I just do what I can. Same as anyone."
Ukitake chuckled. "Well, you're certainly leaving an impression. People around here are already starting to like you—whether you realize it or not."
Link blinked, his brow furrowing slightly. "Like me? I'm just trying to help."
Ukitake gave a knowing smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Exactly."
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Later that evening, as Link made his way back to Squad 8's barracks, he was intercepted by Rangiku Matsumoto. She sauntered over, her signature grin lighting up her face.
"There you are, hero," she said playfully, placing a hand on her hip. "You've been busy today, haven't you? Helping everyone out like a real knight in shining armor."
Link gave her a lopsided grin, completely unaware of how charming he appeared. "Just lending a hand. Can't leave all the work to you guys, can I?"
Rangiku chuckled, leaning in slightly. "Careful, or people are going to start expecting you to save them all the time."
Link gave her a teasing smile. "Wouldn't be the first time."
Rangiku blinked, caught off guard for a moment by his sincerity, then shook her head with a laugh. "You're something else, you know that?"
As Rangiku walked away, giving him a playful wave over her shoulder, Link's smile faded slightly as the unsettling sensation returned. The same feeling—the sense that someone, somewhere, was watching him—had returned. But the moment Rangiku had appeared, the presence had slipped away again, like a shadow retreating from the light.
He stood still for a moment, scanning the horizon, but found nothing.
--
Link eventually made his way back to Squad 8, the weight of the day's events settling on him. He knew that the peace wouldn't last. Whatever dark presence lurked in the shadows would eventually make its move.
Until then, he would remain vigilant—and ready.
--
The night was still, but Link's mind refused to rest. The feeling of someone watching him had returned stronger than ever, and the oppressive unease gnawed at him. Rather than lie awake, he rose quietly and left the barracks, his boots making no sound on the cold stone paths of the Seireitei. His instincts pulled him toward the Squad 5 barracks, toward the source of the evil that had revealed itself—Aizen.
His steps were slow but deliberate as he approached the Squad 5 headquarters. If he could find any clues about Aizen's plans—anything to explain the man's obsession with power—he might gain the upper hand the next time they crossed paths. Link entered the barracks silently, moving with the caution of a hunter stalking prey. The hallways were empty, and the soft moonlight filtering through the windows cast long shadows on the floor.
When he reached Aizen's office, Link carefully opened the door. Inside, everything appeared neat, too neat. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with carefully organized tomes, and the desk was immaculate, as if the office had been frozen in time. Link's hand hovered over his sword, sensing faint remnants of Aizen's presence lingering in the room like a foul stench. The evil was gone, but the memory of it remained.
As Link sifted through papers, searching for anything useful, the soft patter of footsteps sounded behind him. He turned, hand instinctively going to the hilt of the Master Sword, only to find Momo Hinamori, Aizen's former lieutenant, standing in the doorway. Her eyes were wide with confusion and sorrow, and she looked fragile, as if the slightest breeze might break her.
"Link?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "What are you doing here?"
He relaxed his grip on the sword but didn't answer immediately. Momo took a hesitant step inside, her gaze flickering between the office and Link's glowing blade.
"You hurt Captain Aizen," she murmured, her tone a mixture of disbelief and something close to envy. "You wounded him with that sword... The same sword that can hurt even someone as powerful as him."
Link gave a small nod but remained silent, watching her carefully. Something about her demeanor put him on edge—not danger, but despair.
Momo lowered her gaze, her hands twisting together anxiously. "You should use that sword on me too," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "End me. I should have known. I should have seen it... All the things Captain Aizen did, all the lies—how could I not realize? If I had been stronger... if I had seen the truth..."
Her words trailed off as tears welled in her eyes. She hugged herself tightly, trembling as if the weight of her guilt might crush her. "If someone as evil as Captain Aizen can be wounded by your sword... then I should be, too. Please. Just... just end it."
Link's heart ached at the sight of her suffering, but he knew better. The Master Sword, a blade blessed by the Goddess Hylia, could only harm those with evil in their hearts. Momo was not evil—just lost, betrayed, and broken by the actions of the one she trusted most. He took a step toward her, his expression softening.
"No," Link said gently but firmly. "You don't deserve that."
Momo shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "But I—"
"You were tricked," Link interrupted, his voice kind but unwavering. "Aizen lied to you, the same way he lied to everyone. He betrayed you—he made you believe in something false. That doesn't make you evil."
Momo sank to her knees, her sobs quiet but heart-wrenching. "I don't know how to live with this... I don't know how to stop seeing him as the man I loved and admired..."
Link knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to do it alone," he said softly. "It's not easy to see the truth after being deceived. But you can learn. You're stronger than you think."
Momo looked up at him, her tear-streaked face filled with uncertainty. "But how? How do I even start?"
Link gave her a small, reassuring smile. "You start by living. One step at a time."
Momo sniffled, wiping her eyes. "You sound... just like Captain Ukitake."
Link chuckled quietly. "I'll take that as a compliment."
After a long moment, Momo seemed to calm down. She sat quietly beside Link, her breathing evening out as the storm of emotions within her began to settle. Link stayed by her side, offering silent support until she was ready to stand on her own.
Before she left, she gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you... Link."
He nodded, watching her walk away with a bit more strength in her step. The shadows that had clung to her seemed a little lighter now.
As the door to the office clicked shut behind her, Link remained kneeling on the cold floor, his mind heavy with thoughts. The darkness he sensed still lurked, waiting for its moment to strike—but for now, he had made a difference. And that, for him, was enough.
He rose to his feet and took one last look around Aizen's office, his fingers brushing the hilt of the Master Sword.
"Soon," Link whispered to himself. "I'll stop him—one way or another."
With that, he left the Squad 5 barracks, the moonlight casting his shadow across the quiet streets of the Seireitei.
--
Link stirred awake to the first light of dawn filtering through the paper screens of his room. Before he could gather his thoughts, the door slid open abruptly, revealing Nanao Ise, her expression caught somewhere between mild annoyance and something more subtle. She adjusted her glasses, clearly trying to keep her usual stern demeanor, though there was a faint hint of frustration in her tone.
"You have visitors," Nanao informed him, her arms crossed. "They've been waiting for you to get up—something about needing your help."
Link blinked, still groggy as he sat up, brushing his messy hair out of his eyes. "Help? With what?"
Nanao gave a small huff and glanced away, her tone sharp but not harsh. "I wouldn't know. But they've been very persistent. I wanted to speak with you... but apparently, you've become quite popular."
She cleared her throat, adjusting her glasses again to hide the slight flush creeping up her cheeks. "It's... not easy to find someone with your character, after all," she murmured.
Link gave her a small, sheepish smile, unaware of the effect it had. "I didn't mean to cause trouble."
Nanao looked away quickly, her stern front faltering for a brief moment. "It's not trouble—just... don't make a habit of it."
Before Link could respond, Nanao stepped aside, allowing three figures to walk into his room. Captain Soi Fon was the first, her expression neutral but her sharp gaze locked firmly on him. Behind her were Lieutenant Momo Hinamori, who now looked far calmer than the last time they'd met, and the tall, soft-spoken Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu.
Link blinked, startled by their sudden presence. Soi Fon stood with her arms folded, her stance rigid and authoritative, while Momo offered a hesitant but warm smile. Isane fidgeted slightly, clearly uncomfortable, as if unsure why she was there in the first place.
Soi Fon spoke first, her voice cool and clipped. "We need your assistance, swordsman. Your skills and that... strange sword of yours have attracted a great deal of attention."
Link tilted his head, curious. "What kind of help do you need?"
Momo stepped forward, her expression a mix of gratitude and awkwardness. "I... wanted to thank you. For what you said to me last night. And... well, Captain Soi Fon and Lieutenant Isane heard about what you did for me, and they wanted to meet you too."
Link rubbed the back of his neck, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sudden attention. "I just did what I thought was right."
Isane gave him a kind smile, her voice soft. "Not many people are so... thoughtful. We've all heard the stories—how you fought Captain Aizen without hesitation."
Soi Fon scoffed quietly but didn't argue, though her sharp gaze lingered on the Master Sword resting against the wall. "You're an anomaly, Link. Not a Soul Reaper, not a Hollow, and yet you wield a weapon unlike anything we've ever seen."
Link gave a polite shrug. "It's... not much different from what I'm used to."
Soi Fon arched an eyebrow. "Not much different, you say? I'd like to test that someday."
Momo smiled, stepping a little closer. "You helped me, so if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask, okay?"
Link nodded, appreciating the gesture. Meanwhile, Isane seemed to gather her courage and finally spoke up. "I was wondering... would it be possible for you to share more about where you come from? I think your story could help us better understand how to... work with you."
Before Link could answer, Soi Fon's gaze narrowed, her tone carrying a subtle edge. "You've intrigued many people, Link. Don't forget—people are watching."
Link gave her a steady look, nodding. "I haven't forgotten."
Nanao, who had been standing quietly by the door, let out an almost imperceptible sigh. "If you're all finished here, I believe Link still has other responsibilities to attend to today. Perhaps you should leave him to it."
Soi Fon gave a curt nod but lingered for a moment, as if weighing her next words carefully. "If you're ever interested in a... more thorough discussion of your abilities, find me." With that, she turned on her heel and left the room, her lieutenant trailing behind her.
Momo offered Link another grateful smile before bowing slightly. "Thank you again, Link. I mean it." She gave a small wave and followed Soi Fon out, leaving just Nanao and Isane standing with Link.
Isane fidgeted nervously before giving him a shy smile. "I hope we can talk again sometime. I think you have a lot more to teach us than you realize."
Link returned the smile, his charm unintentional yet effective. "I'd like that."
Isane blushed slightly but gave a polite bow before excusing herself. Once the door slid shut behind her, Nanao exhaled slowly, visibly relaxing now that the others were gone.
"Well," she muttered under her breath, glancing at Link. "You certainly know how to attract attention, even when you don't mean to."
Link gave her a sheepish grin. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen."
Nanao shook her head, though a small, reluctant smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "I suppose you couldn't help it. Just... try not to get too distracted."
Link chuckled quietly. "I'll do my best."
Nanao gave him one last, lingering glance before adjusting her glasses and leaving the room. As the door slid shut behind her, Link leaned back against the wall, letting out a quiet sigh.
Though the morning had been chaotic, he felt strangely at ease. The connections he was building in the Seireitei were growing stronger, even if they came unexpectedly. And despite the looming threat of Aizen and the lingering sense of being watched, Link couldn't help but feel that—somehow—he was exactly where he needed to be.