Chapter 14: Memories in the Rain (Shiba)

Kurosaki Clinic

Yuzu sighs as she locks the front door, "I didn't plan on getting back this late, but I'm glad Uncle was able to sort everything out with that fake version of dad. It's good to know real dad wasn't attacked or anything…"

Yuzu walks into the kitchen, preparing to make a late-night dinner for herself, when she notices something in the corner of her eye. Laying on the counter is a plush lion with a note next to it. Yuzu picks up and reads the note.

Hey kiddo! I realized I forgot something at the house so came back to town today. I was planning on visiting, but something came up… I feel bad about not being around, so I'm giving you this stuffed lion to take care of. I know he's dirty and can be a real handful, but he's got a lot of character! I know you'll take great care of him. Think of him as a good luck charm if nothing else, as he's apparently blessed by the spirits! Hope to see you again soon, Dad.

After a moment of processing the information from the note, Yuzu regards the lion plush, who appears to be quite dirty, as her father mentioned. The girl picks up the plush, inspecting it briefly with a curious expression.

Yuzu then gives the stuffed toy a friendly smile, "Time for you to take a bath!"

15 Minutes Later

The past 15 minutes came as quite a surprise to Kon, who currently sits on Yuzu's bed next to a collection of a few other plushies.

The lion inwardly beams, "That girl sure knows how to make a stuffed lion feel loved… I can't believe I thought she was going to treat me poorly! Now if only she were a little older, a little more stacked… no—what am I saying? She's like an angel—a definite upgrade from that Goat-Beard!"

Yuzu walks into the room, dressed in a clean pair of pajamas after taking a shower herself. The girl rummages through a dresser before pulling out a small piece of fabric that Kon can't quite make out.

Yuzu glances at the plushie, "You don't want to be naked, do you? I just bought a doll, and I made these clothes for it~!"

Kon struggles to keep his expression neutral as Yuzu forces him into a dress, before placing him back on the bed.

The girl beams at her work, "Wow! You look great in that outfit, Bostov!"

Kon internally screams, "NO! I LOOK STUPID! Also, WHAT'S WITH THAT NAME?!"

Yuzu sighs as she sits in front of her bed, placing her head on the sheets, "Y'know, Bostov… dressing you up like this reminds me of the first time I cut Ichigo's hair…"

Kon raises a mental brow, "Ichigo? Who's that…?"

Yuzu gives a sad smile, "Mom was still around then too… it's one of my only memories of her… It all started when I…"

Yuzu's Memory

A small, 4-year-old girl watches her brother, an older but still young boy, sitting down expectantly on a chair, as a woman with wavy, dirty blonde hair places scissors and a couple other cutting instruments on the table next to him.

The boy notices the girl tug at his sleeve gently before glancing back at the woman, "Mommy wait."

The woman pauses and gives the boy a confused look before glancing down at her daughter. The prompts the woman to give a knowing smile.

The boy continues, "Can Yuzu try cutting my hair this time?"

The woman, now beaming, nods, "Why, I think that's a lovely idea, Ichigo!"

The woman places the equipment on the table before picking Yuzu up off the ground. She regards her daughter with a loving smile, "Mommy is going to help you with this, Yuzu. We wouldn't want you to hurt him by mistake."

The woman helps guide the girl with cutting her brother's hair. Overall, a warm and loving atmosphere has been established.

Present

Tears gather in Yuzu's eyes at the recollection of this memory. She wipes her eyes before glancing back at 'Bostov', who had been listening intently the entire time, although the girl is unaware of that.

The girl looks down dejectedly for a moment, "I wish they were both still here now…"

After a few more moments of silence, the girl climbs into her bed and hugs her plushie as she drifts off to sleep. Kon can feel the occasional spasm coming from the girl, no doubt due to bad dreams.

Kon can't help but feel sympathy for the girl, "Poor girl… losing her brother and mother so young must be rough…"

Xcution Hideout, Naruki City

Ginjo sits at the bar, his usual spot, shaking the liquor in his shot glass in a circular motion. The man has a bored expression on his face, letting out a sigh. At this point, he is the only Fullbringer at the hideout who is still awake, only the footsteps of an approaching individual can be heard. The man glances back to face none other than a bespectacled Bambietta Basterbine, who regards him with a cautious expression.

Ginjo raises a brow at this, "What do you want?"

The woman maintains her serious gaze as she takes a seat next to him, "What are your intentions with Yuzu Kurosaki?"

Ginjo gives the woman a surprised look, maintaining his raised brow, "I thought I already—"

The woman cuts him off, "A lie, obviously. I want you to drop the bullshit and tell me why you really are interested in a Quincy like her."

Ginjo looks away with an unreadable expression, not answering the question.

Bambietta narrows her eyes, "Who are you really, Kugo Ginjo?"

Ginjo chuckles, "Again, I'm confused what you mean… I just want to help Kurosaki control her powers, that's all."

Bambietta slams her fist on the table, hissing at the man, "I told you to cut the bullshit! I can tell you're a killer—I knew from the first time I saw you. You have the look in your eyes—the same look I have in mine! I've seen it more than enough to be able to tell!"

Ginjo is silent for a moment before giving a sinister smirk, "So then, what if I told you I planned on using Kurosaki for my own benefit and will throw her to the wayside when I'm through?"

Bambietta gives the man an evil smirk of her own, "Then that would make you an honest man."

The woman suddenly drops the smirk and regards Ginjo with a serious, yet still sinister, look, "If you do, in fact, intend to enact any of those plans, then I will kill you without hesitation. I need the girl alive for my own benefit. You understand."

Ginjo snorts, "Well then, I should count myself lucky that I no longer have those intentions with Kurosaki. I want the girl alive and well too."

There still seems to be a layer of hostility in the room, so Ginjo decides to get rid of it.

Ginjo offers the woman a playful smirk, "By the way… you shouldn't assume that I don't enjoy being smacked around by a strong woman… y'know a lot of people are into that kind of thing…"

Bambietta's eyes widen for a moment before offering the man a sultry look in kind, "Well, I could still smack you around, if you'd like~."

Ginjo chuckles, "It's unfortunate I'm not a masochist then, because I'll have to pass up on that offer!"

Bambietta huffs, glancing at a nearby room, "Want to get a room and try me~?"

The man looks blankly at the woman before chuckling.

The Sternritter's face becomes red, "W-what's so funny?! I'm being serious here!"

Ginjo stifles his laughter, "I-I know… it's just… you really took that part about me liking your direct side to heart, didn't you?"

Bambietta growls, "A-and what's so wrong with being forward?!"

The man waves his hand defensively, "Nothing at all. You like to get right to the point… so traditional flirting isn't really for you. It's a good way to get a one-night stand, but not so much to get someone to fall head over heels for you, y'know?"

The Quincy declares while stuttering in partial anger and embarrassment, "W-well, I don't need to flirt anyway! Mark my words: you'll have no choice but to fall victim to my advances and lust for me!"

Ginjo then gives the woman a serious look, although still smiling, which makes Bambietta flinch.

The man pats her head in a somewhat affectionate manner as he whispers, "I'm looking forward to it. ~"

Ginjo promptly jumps off the stool before walking off, leaving Bambietta a flustered mess as she shudders in place, having found Ginjo's vicious look quite attractive.

The Fullbringer smirks as he mutters to himself, "Too easy…"

Las Noches

Roka Paramia has only ever known a life constrained to serving Szayelaporro, in whatever form that might entail. Currently, she counts herself lucky that she is serving him in the way she was created to—using her threads to assist his observational research.

The girl finds herself lost in her thoughts, "I feel sad for this poor hollow master Szayelaporro has set his sights on… but I'm just glad he doesn't seem interested in master Nelliel anymore…"

Szayel, noticing the girl deep in thought, slaps her across the face. Around them is a mostly dark room save for monitors here and there and an operating table. Next to the table is a slew of equipment that Roka is personally familiar with, in the worst kind of way. In the back, there is a door to a storage room, with the words 'Failed Subjects' labeled above it. Roka knows the room houses the corpses of various unfortunate hollows and Arrancars that Szayel experimented on or tortured to death. Roka needn't even use her threads to know that, as she is more than familiar with the distinct scent of rotting hollows by now. Szayel's lab very much fits as what one would expect from a mad scientist.

Szayel berates the girl, "I retrieved you from those imbeciles so that you could work as an extension of my will—not so that you could get lost in thoughts!"

The girl nods wordlessly before getting back to her feet and using her threads to scan over various locations in Hueco Mundo, feeding what she sees into one of the monitors for Szayel to view as well. Once the scene settles onto a group of about fifteen Adjuchas fighting amongst themselves, Szayel orders her to focus on that scene. What she sees is astonishing; a large orange-haired dragon Adjucha with long, forward-facing horns and a black striped pattern on its face. The beast is tearing through the group of Adjuchas with extreme violence. Her initial assessment that this was a free for all couldn't have been less true, in fact, it could hardly even be considered a fight, more like a one-sided slaughter.

"EXCELLENT!" Szayel calls out, observing the scene, "It seems that White is just as ferocious as the stories claim! I can see how he would've been able to wound that fool Barragan."

Szayel observes the dragon as it finishes devouring the last of the Adjuchas, "We'd best keep this confidential… it'd be a shame if Barragan kills him before I have a chance to witness this creature as a Vasto Lorde."

Roka notes that Szayel chose not to say, 'if he becomes a Vasto Lorde' as he would with any other Adjucha, but 'when', as if it was a forgone conclusion that this creature will reach the pinnacle of Menos evolution.

Szayel instructs, "Try and interweave your threads into his essence. Extract copies of his memories but be discrete about it! I'd like to get a better idea of what type of being this creature really is…"

Roka says nothing, following her master's instructions.

The Next Morning, Kurosaki Clinic

"I'm sorry, uncle! I got lost!", Yuzu bows pleadingly before Ryuken Ishida.

The white-haired man adjusts his glasses, glaring at the girl with a look of disapproval, "I dropped you off right in front of the building—all you had to do was walk in. Are you lying to me?"

Yuzu pouts, "No! Some older friends recognized me and made me go shopping with them right after you left! They didn't give me the chance to explain myself!"

Yuzu recalls the way Candice and Bambietta seemingly jumped her after Ryuken drove away, the former not giving her a chance to explain that she had therapy before sweeping her away to go with them on their shopping spree.

Ryuken stares at the girl, "I can't feel deceit from her tone…"

The man sighs before adjusting his glasses, "Alright, I believe you… next time it seems I'll have to escort you directly into the building so none of your irresponsible 'friends' can take you away."

Yuzu breathes a sigh of relief, "I'm sorry again… I should've called you… but I lost track of time and forgot while I was with my friends…"

Ryuken narrows his eyes, "Well, if you aren't going to therapy, then you are going to school. I was being serious when I said that being a Quincy is not profitable."

Yuzu giggles at this, "When aren't you serious?"

Ryuken blushes lightly while adjusting his spectacles, "Just get ready for school…"

Shiba Estate

Karin is in the middle of having a somewhat pleasant dream for the first time in about a week when suddenly her dreams are interrupted by an immensely cold sensation, as if someone poured cold water on her.

Karin's eyes shoot open, realizing that's exactly what happened, "THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

Karin regards Rukia, who is holding a second bucket of ice water. Karin's glare is murderous.

Rukia smiles at the girl innocently, "Good, you're finally awake."

Karin snarls, "What time is it anyway?"

"Before dawn.", Rukia answers immediately.

Karin deadpans, "WHAT?!"

Rukia waves her hands defensively, "It was your father's idea. Here, I'll explain…"

Rukia pulls a sketchpad from her Gi, scrolling through it to show Karin various drawings of rabbits and other animals wearing Shinigami clothing.

Karin raises a brow before blurting out, "How come your drawings suck so much—"

Karin is met by the sketchpad being thrown in her face.

Rukia growls, "I stayed up all night drawing out these explanations and this is the thanks I get?! I'm the teacher and you are the student—show a bit more respect and gratitude!"

Karin's eyes widen, "Oh—uh, I'm sorry Sensei! Please, continue your explanation."

Karin bows awkwardly, prompting Rukia to huff, "It's fine…"

Rukia retrieves the sketchpad once more and begins her explanation, "Your father gave me a 2-week training regimen, which includes waking you up in a somewhat violent manner before dawn every morning, followed by a morning run, which will lead into Zanjutsu, or swordplay, training. Only after this, will you be allowed to have breakfast."

Karin gawks, "That's insane!"

Rukia shakes her head, "It's not. If you want to have what it takes for me to feel comfortable passing you on the entrance exam, then you will need to toughen up. Also, you father wants to be doubly sure you are ready to be a real Shinigami."

Karin looks down, "I think I get it… so you said we were going on a run?"

Rukia hands Karin the sketchpad, "Follow the instructions to get to the training area here. Try to keep up!"

Karin's eyes widen as Rukia seemingly vanishes, "Wha—? Hey!"

The girl grabs her Zanpakuto and bounds out of the Estate, following the directions the older woman gave her.

10 Minutes Later

Karin huffs as she arrives at the location specified—a forest clearing with targets set up a distance away.

"Took you long enough!", she hears Rukia's voice call out from above.

Karin watches as Rukia lands in front of her with grace.

The woman regards the targets, "Those will be for later if we have time for you to learn Kido…"

Karin raises a brow, "Kido?"

Rukia nods, "Yes. They are the spells us Shinigami can use to attack, bind, or heal. They can also do various other things depending on the spell. Most Shinigami think of it as a back up to when you can't fight with your Zanpakuto."

Karin still looks a bit confused, which prompts Rukia to sigh, "It's not important that you understand what Kido is yet. We are here to work on your swordplay, after all."

Rukia draws her sword, prompting Karin to act in kind.

Rukia calls out in warning, "Now, your father insisted that I be rough on you, so don't hold back!"

Karin nods before rushing carelessly at Rukia. Rukia doesn't even need her sword, as she sidesteps and evades Karin's attack easily before grabbing the girl by the wrist and flipping her over on her back.

Rukia backs away a fair distance as Karin struggles to pick herself up off the ground.

The woman eyes Karin before suddenly asking, "Why do you fight, Karin?"

After dusting herself off, Karin raises a brow, "You already should know the reason. I've said it around you before…"

Rukia sighs, "If you choose to follow that path, you must constantly have the resolve to affirm those beliefs."

Karin, unable to get the sight of Ichigo being dragged away out of her head, states while balling her hand into a fist, "Never… I'll never stop until hollows can't do anything like that ever again… and until that hollow White has been slain."

Rukia sees the resolve, or perhaps hate, in Karin's eyes and gives her a cautious look, "Be careful… the path of vengeance and honor often destroys and warps those who do not have the resolve to see it to the end. I've seen it too many times…"

Karin gives the woman a soft look, "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to bring up bad memories…"

Rukia stares Karin directly in the eyes, with resolve of her own, "No. You need to know the dangers. I'll tell you about what happened to your cousin, Kaien."

Karin's eyes widen as Rukia begins to recount the tale.

Rukia's Memories

Rukia stands at attention in the Squad 13 Barracks, awaiting some kind of orientation. However, she can't shake the feeling that she is being alienated in some way.

The woman glances over at a man a distance away, "Um…"

The man notices her glance, "Can I… help you?"

Rukia gives the man an almost pleading look, "I'm just a new officer. Please treat me like anyone else."

The man gives a clearly fake smile, "Oh yes! O-of course!"

Rukia can hear whispers of her fellow Squad 13 members in the room over, discussing how a privileged Kuchiki was able to fly through the Academy and secure a position in their squad.

Rukia looks to the ground in disappointment, "I knew it. It's the same here, after all…"

Suddenly, an assertive voice calls out, from the other room, "Hey! What are you all doing here?! This isn't a show! Get back to your posts!"

Rukia looks over to see a man with spiky black hair and green eyes enter the room.

The man immediately greets her with an informal solute, "I'm Vice Captain Kaien Shiba! Pleased to meet you!"

Rukia sweat drops with widened eyes, "Um… hello."

It was an ordinary encounter.

Kaien growls at the woman, "Huh? 'Hello'?"

The man suddenly grabs Rukia by the top of her head, causing her to yelp in surprise.

Kaien proceeds in scolding her, "What kind of greeting is that?! I'm a Vice Captain! You're supposed to say, 'Pleased to meet you, sir!' What's your name?!"

Rukia struggles to get out the words, "Ru… Rukia… Kuchiki…"

Kaien tilts his head to the side, unamused, "And?"

Rukia stiffens, "P-pleased to meet you, sir!"

An ordinary greeting, an ordinary chewing-out, and ordinary relationship between superior and subordinate…

Kaien removes his hand from Rukia's head, giving her a friendly smile, "Good! You're ok, Rukia!"

But 'ordinary' was exactly…

Rukia attempts to get fix her disheveled hair as Kaien explains, "Welcome to Squad 13! Our Captain's in poor health, so I basically run the show! It's ok to call me 'Captain Kaien' every now and then by mistake!"

Rukia stares at the man with wide eyes, "All right. I'll keep that in mind…"

…what I'd been searching for.

Sometime later, Rukia bows over in reverence to her brother, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki.

Rukia explains in a respectful tone, "Brother. My enlistment ceremony went smoothly."

The man doesn't bother to turn back to look at her from his seat, "Good. What seat are you?"

Rukia looks down in disappointment, "Um… well… I'm sorry. With my abilities… a seat wasn't…"

There is silence for a moment as Rukia trails off.

Byakuya still has his back turned to Rukia, "I see… you may leave."

Rukia can't hide her disappointment, even after she returns to the Squad 13 Barracks.

Kaien notices Rukia's absentminded look, calling her out as he bends over to face her upside down from the tree branch he is on, "Hey! What's with the puppy dog eyes?"

Rukia squeals in reaction, just now noticing him.

Kaien gives the girl a look of irritation, "Seems like you squeal every time you see me. (It kinda hurts my feelings). Here. This is for you. Drink up!"

Kaien hands the girl a can to drink from. The two sit next to each other in silence for a moment.

Kaien looks off in the distance as he explains, "Knowing you, you probably won't tell me what's bothering you. But don't forget, as long as you're in this company, I'm your friend for life."

Rukia stares at the man wide eyed.

Rukia attempts to tell Kaien something, but she is cut off as Kiyone and Sentaro, who both are clearly drunk, come barreling in. The two start teasing Kaien viciously for his heartfelt words directed at Rukia. Rukia looks squarely uncomfortable among the antics.

After a minute of this, Kaien has enough, "Okay, party's over! Get ready for the next mission!"

Rukia observes Kaien's interactions with the squad members and can't help but smile.

It felt nice being around him.

The Vice Captain had a wife.

Despite being a strong woman who had risen to the position of Third Seat, she was wise and kind.

And she was beautiful.

I looked up to her.

I wanted to be just like her.

She was… my idol.

Kaien stares at the corpse of his wife with wide eyes. Rukia's expression is one of dread. Ukitake glances at the corpse with a saddened expression.

The captain explains, "Her unit was annihilated…"

A bead of sweat falls down Kaien's face.

Ukitake continues, "None of them escaped… so we hardly know anything about the hollow that did this. We'll assemble a combat unit. In two days, we'll…"

Kaien suddenly starts to rush out of the room.

Ukitake calls after him, "Wait, Kaien! Calm down! We don't know anything about the enemy!"

Kaien snaps back, "I know all I need to know! I don't care what its abilities are! You expect me to just sit here and wait?! Leave it to the combat unit and do nothing?"

Ukitake's expression softens, "We know two things about the hollow… one, that it's non-migratory. It nests in one place and hunts for prey. And two…"

Ukitake, Kaien, and Rukia stand on a tree branch above a cave.

Ukitake finishes his statement, "… that its nest is here."

The group looks down at a unique looking hollow with tentacles coming from its head and upper back.

The beast glares up at Kaien, "The scent of… prey!"

Kaien draws his blade, glaring at the hollow in cold fury.

Rukia prepares to draw her blade as well, "Kaien, sir… I'll go first."

Kaien doesn't take his eyes off the hollow, "Captain… let me go alone."

Rukia gives Kaien a shocked look.

Why?

Ukitake glances at his Vice Captain.

Why didn't I…

Ukitake merely states, "Very well…"

…try to stop him?

Kaien jumps off the tree, maintaining the death glare on the hollow.

The hollow chuckles, "So it's you first, eh, boy?"

Kaien regards the hollow seriously, "Before we fight, there's something I'd like to ask you… How many Shinigami have you eaten?"

The hollow thinks for a moment before responding, "Sorry, I don't recall…"

Kaien tries to maintain a passive tone, "Have you… ever regretted it?"

The hollow responds, "What a stupid question. I have feelings, just like you. Not a night goes by when I don't regret eating a Shinigami. Why right now, I'm regretting last night… I REGRET NOT EATING THE REST OF THAT FEMALE SHINIGAMI!"

Kaien glares at the hollow, "I see…"

The hollow prepares to eat Kaien, however, the man rushes the hollow far too quickly, cutting off its left arm before it can process what happened. Kaien jumps on its back and grabs one of its tentacles.

Kaien raises his Zanpakuto, "Rankle the seas and heavens… Nejibana!"

Kaien's eyes widen as his Zanpakuto shatters from the hilt up.

The hollow elaborates, "Once a night, the first to touch my tentacles has their Zanpakuto destroyed!"

The tentacles slash at Kaien, sending him flying back with a confused look on his face. The hollow continues to pursue him, continuing to lash at him with its tendrils.

Rukia calls out, "KAIEN, SIR!"

The woman grabs for her blade but is halted from drawing it by a hand grabbing her own.

Rukia looks up to her captain in confusion, "C-captain?! Please let me go! We… we have to save him!"

Ukitake doesn't move his eyes from the fight below, "But what will become of Kaien's pride if you save him? If you go to his aid now, his life will be saved. But you would end up killing his pride forever."

Rukia argues desperately, "WHO CARES ABOUT PRIDE?! Compared to his life, pride is…"

Ukitake continues his explanation, "Listen and remember this well. There are two kinds of battles. Each time we fight we must know whether it's a battle to protect life…"

Ukitake continues with a scowl, finding it incredibly difficult to hold himself back, "…or a battle to defend honor."

Rukia gives her captain a troubled look.

Ukitake finishes, as Kaien rips tentacles from the hollow with his bare hands, "Right now, Kaien is fighting for honor. For the honor of his men, and for that of his wife. But above all… for his own honor. Think of it as foolish pride if you like. But let him fight this battle alone."

Rukia loosens her grasp on her hilt as Ukitake finishes his speech.

Kaien and the hollow stare each other down, both badly wounded at this point, yet equally unwilling to back down.

The hollow chuckles, "To come this far without a Zanpakuto… not bad."

Kaien smirks, "What did you expect? My Kido's more than enough to finish you. You're going down!"

The hollow stares at Kaien dubiously, "You talk big, boy. Fine… I didn't want to use it again today, but since you insist on insulting me, you leave me no choice!"

The hollow roars as its tendrils shoot out and pierce Kaien's arm. Both Rukia and Ukitake watch in horror.

Rukia calls out, "Kaien, sir…!"

The remainder of the hollow's body falls limp as Kaien looks up at Rukia, his eyes now pitch-black save for a sinister yellow glow, "What? Did you call my name, little girl?"

Rukia stares at him with a horrified expression, "Kaien… sir?"

The Kaien licks his lips, "Why do you keep saying my name like that? Are you that worried about me, little girl? Am I that dear to you?"

Rukia is too taken aback to be able to react when the Kaien jumps up and is within arm's reach of her.

The Kaien cackles, "In that case, I'll start by devouring you first!"

Ukitake quickly comes between the hollow and Rukia.

"Captain…", Rukia gasps.

Ukitake glances back at the woman, "Run, Kuchiki."

Rukia stares at her captain, wide-eyed, "What?"

Ukitake shouts, "GET OUT OF HERE NOW! DO YOU WANT TO DIE?!"

Rukia shudders in fear before turning and running away, cursing the events, "Why? Why is this happening? Why?! Vice-Captain Kaien!"

The hollow taunts Ukitake as they face off, "What's the matter? Why won't you attack?! …I know what you're up to! You're trying to think of a way to drag me out of his body! But it's hopeless! This isn't like human possession! I'm a spiritual entity and so is he."

Ukitake's eyes widen at the explanation.

The hollow continues, "We're a fusion of spiritual entities! We can't be separated! I'll spend all night eating his spirit from the inside!"

Ukitake slashes the hollow across the side of the neck, "Is that so?"

Ukitake regards the hollow with cold eyes, "Then it can't be helped. I'll kill Kaien along with you."

The hollow starts to get desperate, "Are you crazy?! You'd kill me, your subordinate, with your own hands?!"

Ukitake doesn't hesitate, "Yes. I won't let you have Kaien's body."

Just then, Ukitake feels a sharp pain, spitting up blood from his condition.

He curses himself as the Kaien approaches, "Not now! Blast!"

The Kaien passes Ukitake, however, and heads after Rukia who is standing with her sword drawn between the trees a distance away.

Ukitake shouts at her, "KUCHIKI YOU FOOL! WHY DID YOU COME BACK?!"

When I came back…

…I had no plan.

I just knew…

…I couldn't run away.

I knew I had to…

…save the Vice Captain.

"KILL HIM!", Ukitake roars as blood spurts from his mouth.

Rukia's eyes widen as Ukitake elaborates, "HE ISN'T KAIEN ANYMORE!"

Rukia only recalls a blur as Kaien is upon her. Ukitake urges her to kill him once more, and so does her blade pierce the heart of Kaien Shiba.

Kaien's body lays hunched over Rukia's form as it begins to rain.

Kaien whispers out to his captain, who is near enough to hear, "Captain… thank you… for letting me fight."

Ukitake's gaze softens, recognizing that Kaien may die as himself.

Rukia glances at Kaien, tears streaming down her eyes, "K… Kaien, sir."

Kaien regards the girl softly, placing a hand on her back, "Kuchiki… sorry I got you into this mess. You… must've been scared. Thank you. Now… I can… leave my heart behind…"

Kaien's body begins to dissolve into pieces.

Present

Karin stares at the woman, wide-eyed, "I…"

Rukia shakes her head, "I do not wish for you to go down the path of vengeance, as Kaien… I realized that I could've stopped him but chose not to. I won't repeat that mistake if I can…"

Karin dwells on this for a moment before Rukia catches her attention.

Rukia states with a hint of bloodlust, "Besides… you're not strong enough to choose your own path yet anyway!"

Rukia immediately closes the distance between them, causing Karin's Zanpakuto to squeal in excitement of meeting a worthy opponent, as the slash from Rukia is enough to send Karin on her back.

Karin looks up to see Rukia's ice-cold gaze as she holds her Zanpakuto to Karin's neck, "If you truly wish to slay this hollow White and end the existence of hollows in the living world, you must become strong… far stronger than you are now—stronger than I, certainly. Only someone on the level of Captain Ukitake or your father even have the right to dream of such a possibility… So, I ask you… do you have what it takes, girl?"

Karin's shocked gaze hardens at the voice of her Zanpakuto calling her to get up and fight, "I'll do whatever it takes…"

Rukia sees the look in the girl's eyes and backs away a distance, "Then pick up your blade and come at me. Once you can land a hit on me, you will have the right to have breakfast. I won't even use Flash Step this time."

2 Hours Later

Karin tries to do this for a good 2 hours with poor results.

Karin thinks, "This is impossible… Maybe I should—"

The girl hears the voice of her Zanpakuto, "Don't you dare give up! This could be a lot of fun if you catch her off guard—watch her movements!"

Karin's eyes widen as she recognizes the way Rukia has been dodging, or parrying, rather. She used her non-sword hand to divert the strike, before sending Karin bouncing back with a strike to the face by the flat edge of her sword. Either that, or Rukia simply would sidestep, causing the attack to miss altogether.

Karin smiles, regarding her blade, "I just might have an idea…"

The Zanpakuto chuckles, "Such an amusing idea… I like it! Let's do it!"

Karin once more charges with her blade. Rukia is used to this by now, so prepares to intercept Karin's charge. Rukia uses her hand to push Karin's strike away and swings to hit Karin with her sword only to widen her eyes as she sees Karin's leg outstretched in Rukia's blind spot. The momentum of Karin's body causes her foot to kick Rukia in the side of her stomach while Rukia's sword hits Karin in the face. Karin is sent barreling back to the ground, her sword flying from her grasp and into a nearby tree. Rukia is sent backwards slightly from the kick, the sliding of her feet on the ground generating a dust cloud.

Rukia grabs her side, "That kick actually hurt!"

Karin quickly gets off the ground, stating carelessly, "So, we can have breakfast now."

Rukia pouts, "H-hey! You didn't use your Zanpakuto! That was a cheap shot!"

Karin shrugs, "You never said I had to hit you with my Zanpakuto—just that I had to hit you! Besides, isn't it a bit hypocritical to preach that honor is bad and then get mad over a cheap shot?"

Rukia growls a bit with a face as red as tomato before sighing and returning to a normal expression, "Yes. You're right… the Shibas are quite unconventional to begin with, which is perhaps one of their main strengths…"

Karin doesn't respond to this, but flinches as Rukia looks at the Zanpakuto lodged in a tree before glaring at Karin with mild frustration, "Never let go of your sword in combat! You should always remember to respect them as if they were an extension of yourself—because they are! Now, go retrieve them and tell them you're sorry!"

As Karin begrudgingly does so, she hesitates to apologize to her Zanpakuto.

The blade merely chuckles, "I like her! We should keep fighting. We just got to the good part!"

Karin growls, "Can it, ya stupid sword!"

Rukia sends a glare in Karin's direction, prompting the girl to change her words, "Oh—I'm sorry… I-I didn't mean it!"

Karin grumbles internally as she can hear the woman giggling in her mindscape.

Rukia sighs, "Well, that's it for now, then…"

The two conclude their morning training, heading off towards the Shiba Estate.

Karakura Elementary School

Yuzu waits anxiously for Ryuken to come and pick her up after school, but oddly enough the man seems to be running late.

A female teacher regards the girl, "I'm sure he's just busy at the hospital. Midoriko's parents are always open to—"

A voice cuts her off, "That won't be necessary."

The teacher and Yuzu both look to see a boy with long dark hair and glasses wearing a neutral expression.

Yuzu recognizes the boy instantly, "Uryu!"

The boy stiffens as the girl addresses him with a friendly smile, "I never recall formally introducing myself to her—she's acting overly familiar…"

While Uryu thinks to himself, Yuzu explains that Uryu is Ryuken's son, so she can leave with him. The teacher allows it, leaving the two to walk down the street in an awkward silence.

Yuzu shifts around nervously, unsure of what to say.

Uryu notices this, "So, Ryuken told me you want to become a Quincy… I wasn't aware your mother had Quincy blood."

Yuzu nods, "Yes, I want to follow in mom's footsteps… although, I didn't even know what Quincies were until just recently."

Uryu sighs, adjusting his glasses, "I see… well, I know you already know this, but I am Uryu Ishida—the last of the Quincy, and I hate Shinigami."

Yuzu giggles causing the boy to stumble back awkwardly, "What's so funny?"

Yuzu smiles, "Well, you're just so serious. You remind me of Uncle Ryuken!"

Uryu gawks, "Please do not compare me to that man!"

The girl frowns, tilting her head in confusion, "Why not? He is your dad, isn't he?"

Uryu bashfully adjusts his glasses once more, "In any case, Ryuken said we could use the sealed training area under the hospital today to train…. I hope you are Quincy material, Kurosaki."

Yuzu regards Uryu with a serious expression, "I'll try my best to meet your expectations! Also, please call me Yuzu—Kurosaki is too formal!"

Uryu sweat drops, "This girl just won't give up!"

Underneath Karakura Hospital

Uryu sighs as he examines the rubble that used to be the shooting range, noting the target still standing, "While your firepower is exceptional, your marksmanship…"

Yuzu looks down in disappointment, "I know how bad it is…"

Uryu raises a brow, "How would you—"

Just then, the door to the chamber opens, Ryuken entering through it.

The man observes the training ground curiously, "I was surprised when I felt her reiatsu from upstairs, as this training ground should cut it off from the outside… but it would seem that she has been operating off of raw talent…"

Yuzu rubs the back of her head, "Sorry for making a mess…"

Ryuken shakes his head, "You've nothing to be apologizing for, this is Uryu's fault."

Uryu is baffled, "WHAT?! But you said—"

Ryuken glares at his son, "I told you to bring her here and wait for me for any training. Any practice she did before now was under your supervision. I expect you to have this cleaned up before tomorrow morning, Uryu."

Ryuken then turns on his heel and leaves.

Uryu growls in his father's direction before his attention is grabbed by Yuzu, "So, are we going to do any Blut training?"

Uryu's eyes widen as he notices blue lines running across the girl's skin.

"You can already use Blut?! How?!", Uryu is shocked.

Yuzu looks confused by his shock, "I don't get why that's such a big deal… it was super easy to learn… isn't that the case for all Quincies?"

Uryu can't believe what he is hearing, "The way she switched between them and how she talks about it… is she an Echt Quincy? Excluding marksmanship, she's already surpassed my level as Quincy… I don't understand, I thought father was the last Echt Quincy? Unless she's actually my—"

Uryu brings his thoughts to a halt, not wanting to think about the further implications surrounding Yuzu's birth, as it would be too disgusting to stomach.

Yuzu notices the look of disgust on Uryu's face, "Did I do something wrong?"

Uryu shakes his head, "No… It's just that only Echt Quincy can master Blut in the time period you have…"

Yuzu tilts her head, "E-Ack? Uck—uh…"

Uryu sighs, "'Echt'… but apparently you weren't fully aware there were different types of Quincy, so I wouldn't worry about it, if I were you. I think it's best if you continue your target practice. When you're done, I'll walk you home. Don't worry about the mess."

Yuzu nods with a smile, "Alright, thanks!"

Uryu tries not to cringe as he continues to watch Yuzu's attempts at hitting the target.

Author's Note:

As I mentioned in a previous chapter, I'll continue to place snippets of Szayel and Roka throughout this arc, as well as some other Hollows in Hueco Mundo here and there.

Next chapter will focus on Karin.