Categories > Anime/Manga > Bleach > So I Can Join The Shinigami
Chapter 34 What Do I Do Now?
0 ReviewsKurono has a run in with Byakuya Kuchiki and some other soul reapers.
Chapter 34
What Do I Do Now?
That’s all I could say over and over. Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow….
“Ginshiro and Gintaro are my nephews? That sorta changes things… it really changes things.”
“The family soon removed Taroda-ku’s and Yakunan’s names from the books. They hunted down Katsu and she agreed to return to her husband, taking the roll as head as the family. She left her sons in the care of her father, knowing they would be happier there.”
I ran my hand threw my hair
“So let me get this straight. My mother betrayed my father, got with my uncle, and exiled my father to the human world?”
“Yes, it was a take over. Your uncle and mother used the love of your father as a way to over throw him.”
“So does Ryu… know about all this?”
Eijida-ku threw a glance at his partner.
“Yes”
I nodded
“So he knew and never told me? Why?”
“We asked him not to”
Then something clicked
“Wait, how did you know Ryu was talking to me?”
They exchanged glances and the woman spoke
“We found your brother by chance. I saw his name in the graduating list a few years ago. Your brother didn’t become a Shinigami until just 50 years ago, so it was only recent. But after we told him and confirmed that he was indeed Isamu and Fuyu’s son, he told us of you. He told us how you made him remember his life as a human and told him stories of another sister. He didn’t really believe you but he didn’t want to kill someone who just might be related to him. Your brother couldn't even hurt a fly, let alone kill someone claiming to be his sister. And the fact that you didn’t try and kill him proved to him that it might be true. And the whole stories matched up and he understood…”
“Why can't Ryu be head of the family?”
“Because Isamuda-ku and Yakunan were still married when Ryu was born. He was conceived out of wedlock and therefore is not able to take the place as the 28th head. You on the other hand are able.”
I nodded
“But I thought Ryu was exiled because he didn’t kill me.”
“No, he asked to be stationed in the human world so he could keep an eye on you.”
“But why not tell me?!”
Eijida-ku closed his eyes. I was starting to get annoyed
“Because when he told Suki she went nuts”
“Wait Suki knows? Ryu talked to Suki?”
The woman nodded as my head swam with the new info. When did all this take place?
“He told her of their family but she only saw it that her real life was stolen as well as her parents. That you kept her from a chance at a life.”
“How did I ruin it?”
“You were the one who gave off the hollow Spiritual Pressure. Not Suki”
“I thought you said we both did?”
“It was only you. If Taroda-ku had attacked Suki the hollows would not have saved her.”
I sat in silence, not knowing what to do. Now it makes sense why Suki wants to kill me so bad. Not only did I kill our parents but I was the one who enabled her to have a happy life in the Soul Society.
“Why did the hollows protect me?”
Eijida-ku threw his eyes to the floor
“We have no idea. But new info shows that your mother had problems with the pregnancy and accepted help from a Shinigami that claimed he could help her. This Shinigami is now known as Sōsuke Aizen.”
My head swam. So Aizen was involved in my life even before I knew it.
“I need to get a shower. Can you wait here?”
I pulled myself off the bed, wincing at the pain in my stomach. I headed for the open bathroom door, hiding my sword at my side, as Eijida-ku spoke
“Ok, well hurry up. We have some other matters to discus.”
I only nodded and closed the door behind me. I went about pulling off my bandages and dumped them the trash can. I started the water but didn’t get in. I slid open the small window above the toilet, which seemed to have been never used. I stood on the toilet and slid out the widow only to land on Zelo.
“Ahh! Look out!”
I landed right on his head and we dog piled onto the ground.
“Ugh, Kurono! Get off!”
I crawled off him, allowing him to stand.
“What are you doing out here!?”
He started dusting himself off
“Me? What are you doing out here?”
He looked threw the open window and smiled, shaking his head
“You're escaping aren't you?”
“No…Yes…Maybe?”
Zelo laughed and reached a hand towards me
“Then let me help you. It's not like you know where you're going”
I smiled and accepted his hand. He pulled me up and we started walking away from the building. It had tall yellow walls surrounding it, blocking my view from what lay beyond. No one was in sight and guards were posted by the gates.
“Oops, no going that way”
Zelo headed away from the gate and I followed him. We reached the outer wall and he looked around. He made a step with his hands and held it against the wall.
“After you”
I used his hands and shoulder to get over the wall and he scaled the wall by himself. We walked away into the maze of streets.
“So Kurono, what did those royal people want?”
I ducked my head
“As it turns out, I'm part of the Suzuki royal family. Who knew right? Turns out my father was a Soul Reaper who was exiled to the human world.”
“Nice. And I have another question”
“What?”
I looked up at his green eyes.
“Who’s Grimmjow?”
My gut turned
“Uh… he's a nobody…”
I shifted my eyes from his stare
“He doesn’t seem like a nobody. You were saying his name a lot while you were knocked out”
I stared at the ground as we walked. My wound didn’t hurt any more. It seems my healing power was also greater due to the return of my hollow.
“I told you, he's not important”
“You said you loved him”
I looked at him with a scowl
“Why would I love someone like that? Grimmjow is brutal, impulsive, with an excessively-violent personality and a lethally-short temper. He’s also blunt, sarcastic, and sadistic. He displays little respect for authority and says whatever is on his mind, regardless of whether or not it is appropriate. I do not love him. We’re complete opposites”
Zelo chuckled
“From what I hear, you’re just alike”
I sighed
“What else did I say?”
“Nothin’ much. Just that you’d get back to him before he kills Ichigo”
I bit my lip. Man I have a big mouth
“It's ok; you don't have to tell me.”
“No, you need to know. I used to be a hollow, but not just any hollow. I was Espada level”
“That explains your Reiatsu”
“Yeah, well Grimmjow is the 6th Espada… he was my guardian I suppose you could say”
“Ah, well he must be really great if he thinks he deserves you”
I looked at Zelo. His arms were crossed behind his head and he was looking at the sky. He threw me a glance and smiled
“Just don't tell Seji. You’d break his poor little heart”
I laughed and so did Zelo. He didn’t seem to mind that I was in love with a hollow. We kept walking not talking. The silence was great. I didn’t think about anything except walking. We finally came to a square that I reconized. The crumbled stone and walls had been cleared away but there were still craters in the ground. A group of people stood to the far right. From what I could tell it was 5 captains, 3 lieutenants, and 2 squad members.
Me and Zelo walked closer and I could make out at least a few people I knew. Rukia’s black hair was next to Renji’s red. Seji’s yellow hair was quite visable as he drooled over a woman with long and wavy orange hair, blue eyes, full lips, and a beauty mark located under the right side of her mouth. She had a curvaceous figure, her most distinctive feature of it is her very large breasts, which were even larger than Orihime's. She was dressed in the garb typical of Shinigami, though she let her robes hang loose for her ample bosom to be revealed. She wore a thin golden necklace tucked between her cleavage and a long pink scarf over her shoulders. In addition, her lieutenant's armband was worn on her uniform's sash, as opposed to around the arm. She carried her Zanpakutō behind her back.
I knew 2 of the captians that I had seen in the fight. The man with the scarf and the man that looked like a clown. The 3rd I knew from Ichigo’s stories. Tōshirō Hitsugaya was a short boy who has turquoise eyes and short, spiked, white hair, which tends to draw attention to him. He wore a standard sleeveless captain's haori with a green sash around his shoulders, held together by a round clip. The sash holds his Zanpakutō's sheath in place on his back and is tied to it at either end. He is relatively young by Shinigami standards and had the appearance of a child.
The last two captains were completely unfamilair to me. The one closest to me was standing by Rukia. He was a tall man with a somewhat emaciated appearance. His hair was white but his eyebrows were black, the color, I assume, his hair used to be. His hair was worn long, almost reaching his waist. He wore it parted on the left side with one long piece that tends to fall over his right eye. He had kind green eyes that seemed used to smiling. The man wore the common Shinigami uniform with a long sleeved captain's haori, and a crimson lining. He wore a narrow white obi, in which he secures his Zanpakutō.
The next man was to his left. He was a tall Shinigami with grey eyes and long wavy brown hair. His hair was tied in a long ponytail and has long bangs that frame the left side of his face. He wore a straw hat and a pink, flowered ladies kimono, which was draped across his shoulders and over his captain's uniform. He had thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks.
The two captians from before were talking with Tōshirō in hushed tones while the latter captains spoke to the squad members and lieutenants. As me and Zelo approached Seji waved at me energeticly. I smiled and waved back. Rukia and Renji turned to look at us. both looked equally surprised to see me.
“Hey Rukia”
I stopped in front of her, smiling warmly
“Kurono?! How… why??”
I laughed
“Everything is fine now, I'm on your side”
“But when did you die?”
I furrowed my brow
“Oh! That’s right, you never knew”
Rukia looked confused
“Knew what?”
Renji stepped to her side
“That Kurono was a hollow, working with the Espada”
The way he said it made me feel small
“It's not like I'm working with ‘em now. Jeez Renji, you're just mad I beat you in that fight”
“If I remember correctly that fight went unfinished”
Renji growled as I laughed
“That’s old news ginger. I'm on your side now.”
He stared into my eyes
“So it was you we felt earlier eh? The one who did this?”
Renji gestured to the craters
“Yup that would be me. Zaraki wouldn’t go down with out a fight. But that’s how it always is and it makes it funner when they don't give up right away.”
The tall white hair captain stepped forward
“That’s excatly how Zaraki veiws his work.”
He smiled and bowed his head
“I do not beileve we have been properly introduced. I am captain Jūshirō Ukitake of the 13th squad. It’s a plessure to meet a friend of Rukia’s”
I bowed my head in return.
“It is a plessure to meet a nice captain”
His smile widened.
“And I'm Shunsui Kyōraku, squad 8. It is my plessure to meet such a beautiful Soul Reaper with such power”
The man in the hat knelt and kissed my hand. I felt my face grow hot
“Uh… thanks”
He smiled and Ukitake chuckled
“Oh Shunsui, always the ladies man.”
“It is a plessure to meet both of you. I am Kurono… Suzuki.”
Ukitake’s eyes widened
“Suzuki of the royal families? It is an honor my lady.”
He bowed his head again and I put my hands up in a stop motion
“That’s not needed. I just found out, I don't plan to boss people around or anything. I'm just like every other person…”
Then the black haired captain looked at me. Now every one was looking at me, no longer in their respective groups
“A noble is not like every other person. They are to be held in high recard and adressed with proper respect.”
I frowned
“Who are you?”
“Byakuya Kuchiki, captain of the 6th squad and 28th head of the Kuchiki clan.”
“You say that the royals are not like normal people and demand respect? I wish to be adressed how I wish to be adresssed. I don't want someone calling me “My lady” and “sama” all the time. The royal families are full of snobs and stuck ups. I don't want to be apart of their arrogance…” I looked the captain up and down. “Mr. fancy britches”
I could see it in his eyes that I offended him. All the other captains looked at us, uneasy. I could see I was going to have fun with this
“I can see that you are not ready to take on such a great responsibility. The royal families need someone who will show respect. They do not need irresponsible brats.”
I kept my cool and smirked
“The royal families are full of arrogent people that show no repect for others. They hold their heads high and stride around like they’re better than everybody. I would rather be an irresponsible brat than a egotistical windbag”
The captain’s eyes darkened
“A sharp tongue is no indication of a keen mind. You are an offense to the royal families. You misunderstand arrogance for knowledge. Your foolishness will bring the down fall of the Suzuki family. With new ideas bring the end of a great linage”
“All people like you have the same problem: Diarrhea of the mouth; constipation of the ideas; never thinking before they open their mouths or coming up with ways to better people’s lives.”
The man closed his eyes and sighed
“I have no use to stand here and waste my intelligence on an insolent child”
The captain started walking away and I couldn't help but laugh. I bent over, tears about to fall. The captain looked back at me with a scowl.
“What are you laughing at?”
“I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” more giggles “You took me so seriously!!” More fits of laughter “I'm really sorry!! I mean no disrespect!!” More laughter “I couldn't help myself! I'm sorry!”
I stood up and wiped away my tears
“You're right, Royalty needs respect but they have no right to demand it. That’s all I was saying. No need to storm off like that dude.”
The captain closed his eyes
“You have a lot to learn before you become the head of the Suzuki.”
I nodded
“I know. And I just realized that being a Kuchiki makes you Rukia’s brother. Am I right?”
Rukia and Byakuya exchanged glances.
“Yes”
I smiled and closed my eyes
“Then I take it all back. You're not a windbag. Just a man with a heavy weight on his shoulders.”
I opened my eyes and smiled at him
“And you're a caring brother and a good captain. You have my respect for saving your sister even though it went against the rules. It is an honnor to meet you in person. Please excuse my attitude, it comes from a… hard past. It really is an honnor”
I bowed my head and Byakuya nodded.
“Like wise”
He started to walk away but I'm sure I saw a small smile on his face. I turned my gaze to Tōshirō
“You're Tōshirō Hitsugaya, squad 10 right?”
Tōshirō nodded
“Yes, I am. But I don't have time to sit around here and chat. Come Rangiku”
Before I could say anything the large woman spoke in a whinny voice
“But captain! We just got here! And if I go I'll have to do paper work! And you know how much I hate paper work!!”
She was leaning over his shoulder, shoving her chests on the back of his head. It was in this moment that I decided I didn’t like her. She was too loud and annoying.
“I don't care Rangiku, we have to go”
The woman sighed and followed her captain. The last captain took this as an opening to speak
“You are a fine speciman”
I looked at the one who spoke and immediately felt uneasy. He reminded me all to much of a certain Espada that I'd rather forget.
“I am Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of the 12th squad, reaserch and development. And I must say you'd be a fine addition to my collection.”
This man was starting to freak me out and Shunsui frowned
“Don't start that Mayuri. I don't wanna hear that this eairly in the mornin’”
The captain gave me a wink and I felt save again
“What? I was just stating how much her energy Zanpakutō could contribute to the over all deleopment of my science. Think of all the ways I could use its power as a genarator? And her Reiatsu is nothing to be dismissed. I could use it in a number of ways. How about it girl? Would you stop by my lab for a quick disection?”
Shunsui put his hand on his hat and his tone got serious
“I'm serious Mayuri, stop that nonsence”
Mayuri frowned
“Stop medeling in my afairs. It's none of your business”
“Go away, you're beginning to annoy me”
Mayuri furrowed his brow.
“You have better be glad that I have better matters to attend to. Nemu! Come.”
He turned and a lieutenant, the small girl from before, followed without a word. But before he was gone Mayuri turned his head back to me
“If you change your mind stop by my lab and I'll fix you up something nice”
I shivered as he disapeared. Shunsui looked at me, smiling
“Don't let that creep bother you. He's mostly harmless. And I think you’ve got enough friends that will protect you.”
I looked around and smiled. Zelo and Seji were both in battle mode, still staring after the captain. Rukia was beside me and so was Renji. Ukitake smiled at me, standing next to Shunsui.
“Yes, I'd say you do have good friends.”
“I'd drink to that”
I looked at Zelo who yawned
“Kuro-chan!! What are you doing out? You're still wounded!”
“Oh.. about that, I needed some fresh air.”
Seji put a cigarette in his mouth
“How long was I out anyway?”
I looked at Zelo and he shrugged
“An hour or so. Why?”
I furrowed my brow
“That can't be right”
Zelo looked down at me
“Why not? it's only 6am and the fight happened around 5”
“Because, my wounds have already healed”
“That’s thanks to your brother”
“What do you mean?”
“He is the 4th seat of the 4th squad. I got to see his power in action. He pulls out his sword and says his command. Then the blade becomes a purple orb or wall and covers the wound. It reverses the damage caused, though the pain still seems to be there.”
Ryu has that type of power? I never really thought about it before. I just knew he was squad 4. I never even bothered to ask what his power was. I had never seen him as a Shinigami after we moved in together. How much else do I not know about him?
“Wait, how did you know Ryu was my brother?”
“He told us… everything”
“Oh…”
That’s why Zelo took the news about being a hollow so easily
Ukitake cleared his thoat
“Kurono, if you wouldn’t mind I would like to speak to you. Would you walk with me?”
I felt like a small girl with a teacher. I nodded and he smiled
“You have no need to fear me Kurono. I mearly wish to get to know you. And your two friends may come if they wish”
The three of us followed him out of the square. Rukia whispered something in Renji’s ear and he nodded. They flash stepped away and I had a feeling I wouldn’t be seeing them for a while.
What Do I Do Now?
That’s all I could say over and over. Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow….
“Ginshiro and Gintaro are my nephews? That sorta changes things… it really changes things.”
“The family soon removed Taroda-ku’s and Yakunan’s names from the books. They hunted down Katsu and she agreed to return to her husband, taking the roll as head as the family. She left her sons in the care of her father, knowing they would be happier there.”
I ran my hand threw my hair
“So let me get this straight. My mother betrayed my father, got with my uncle, and exiled my father to the human world?”
“Yes, it was a take over. Your uncle and mother used the love of your father as a way to over throw him.”
“So does Ryu… know about all this?”
Eijida-ku threw a glance at his partner.
“Yes”
I nodded
“So he knew and never told me? Why?”
“We asked him not to”
Then something clicked
“Wait, how did you know Ryu was talking to me?”
They exchanged glances and the woman spoke
“We found your brother by chance. I saw his name in the graduating list a few years ago. Your brother didn’t become a Shinigami until just 50 years ago, so it was only recent. But after we told him and confirmed that he was indeed Isamu and Fuyu’s son, he told us of you. He told us how you made him remember his life as a human and told him stories of another sister. He didn’t really believe you but he didn’t want to kill someone who just might be related to him. Your brother couldn't even hurt a fly, let alone kill someone claiming to be his sister. And the fact that you didn’t try and kill him proved to him that it might be true. And the whole stories matched up and he understood…”
“Why can't Ryu be head of the family?”
“Because Isamuda-ku and Yakunan were still married when Ryu was born. He was conceived out of wedlock and therefore is not able to take the place as the 28th head. You on the other hand are able.”
I nodded
“But I thought Ryu was exiled because he didn’t kill me.”
“No, he asked to be stationed in the human world so he could keep an eye on you.”
“But why not tell me?!”
Eijida-ku closed his eyes. I was starting to get annoyed
“Because when he told Suki she went nuts”
“Wait Suki knows? Ryu talked to Suki?”
The woman nodded as my head swam with the new info. When did all this take place?
“He told her of their family but she only saw it that her real life was stolen as well as her parents. That you kept her from a chance at a life.”
“How did I ruin it?”
“You were the one who gave off the hollow Spiritual Pressure. Not Suki”
“I thought you said we both did?”
“It was only you. If Taroda-ku had attacked Suki the hollows would not have saved her.”
I sat in silence, not knowing what to do. Now it makes sense why Suki wants to kill me so bad. Not only did I kill our parents but I was the one who enabled her to have a happy life in the Soul Society.
“Why did the hollows protect me?”
Eijida-ku threw his eyes to the floor
“We have no idea. But new info shows that your mother had problems with the pregnancy and accepted help from a Shinigami that claimed he could help her. This Shinigami is now known as Sōsuke Aizen.”
My head swam. So Aizen was involved in my life even before I knew it.
“I need to get a shower. Can you wait here?”
I pulled myself off the bed, wincing at the pain in my stomach. I headed for the open bathroom door, hiding my sword at my side, as Eijida-ku spoke
“Ok, well hurry up. We have some other matters to discus.”
I only nodded and closed the door behind me. I went about pulling off my bandages and dumped them the trash can. I started the water but didn’t get in. I slid open the small window above the toilet, which seemed to have been never used. I stood on the toilet and slid out the widow only to land on Zelo.
“Ahh! Look out!”
I landed right on his head and we dog piled onto the ground.
“Ugh, Kurono! Get off!”
I crawled off him, allowing him to stand.
“What are you doing out here!?”
He started dusting himself off
“Me? What are you doing out here?”
He looked threw the open window and smiled, shaking his head
“You're escaping aren't you?”
“No…Yes…Maybe?”
Zelo laughed and reached a hand towards me
“Then let me help you. It's not like you know where you're going”
I smiled and accepted his hand. He pulled me up and we started walking away from the building. It had tall yellow walls surrounding it, blocking my view from what lay beyond. No one was in sight and guards were posted by the gates.
“Oops, no going that way”
Zelo headed away from the gate and I followed him. We reached the outer wall and he looked around. He made a step with his hands and held it against the wall.
“After you”
I used his hands and shoulder to get over the wall and he scaled the wall by himself. We walked away into the maze of streets.
“So Kurono, what did those royal people want?”
I ducked my head
“As it turns out, I'm part of the Suzuki royal family. Who knew right? Turns out my father was a Soul Reaper who was exiled to the human world.”
“Nice. And I have another question”
“What?”
I looked up at his green eyes.
“Who’s Grimmjow?”
My gut turned
“Uh… he's a nobody…”
I shifted my eyes from his stare
“He doesn’t seem like a nobody. You were saying his name a lot while you were knocked out”
I stared at the ground as we walked. My wound didn’t hurt any more. It seems my healing power was also greater due to the return of my hollow.
“I told you, he's not important”
“You said you loved him”
I looked at him with a scowl
“Why would I love someone like that? Grimmjow is brutal, impulsive, with an excessively-violent personality and a lethally-short temper. He’s also blunt, sarcastic, and sadistic. He displays little respect for authority and says whatever is on his mind, regardless of whether or not it is appropriate. I do not love him. We’re complete opposites”
Zelo chuckled
“From what I hear, you’re just alike”
I sighed
“What else did I say?”
“Nothin’ much. Just that you’d get back to him before he kills Ichigo”
I bit my lip. Man I have a big mouth
“It's ok; you don't have to tell me.”
“No, you need to know. I used to be a hollow, but not just any hollow. I was Espada level”
“That explains your Reiatsu”
“Yeah, well Grimmjow is the 6th Espada… he was my guardian I suppose you could say”
“Ah, well he must be really great if he thinks he deserves you”
I looked at Zelo. His arms were crossed behind his head and he was looking at the sky. He threw me a glance and smiled
“Just don't tell Seji. You’d break his poor little heart”
I laughed and so did Zelo. He didn’t seem to mind that I was in love with a hollow. We kept walking not talking. The silence was great. I didn’t think about anything except walking. We finally came to a square that I reconized. The crumbled stone and walls had been cleared away but there were still craters in the ground. A group of people stood to the far right. From what I could tell it was 5 captains, 3 lieutenants, and 2 squad members.
Me and Zelo walked closer and I could make out at least a few people I knew. Rukia’s black hair was next to Renji’s red. Seji’s yellow hair was quite visable as he drooled over a woman with long and wavy orange hair, blue eyes, full lips, and a beauty mark located under the right side of her mouth. She had a curvaceous figure, her most distinctive feature of it is her very large breasts, which were even larger than Orihime's. She was dressed in the garb typical of Shinigami, though she let her robes hang loose for her ample bosom to be revealed. She wore a thin golden necklace tucked between her cleavage and a long pink scarf over her shoulders. In addition, her lieutenant's armband was worn on her uniform's sash, as opposed to around the arm. She carried her Zanpakutō behind her back.
I knew 2 of the captians that I had seen in the fight. The man with the scarf and the man that looked like a clown. The 3rd I knew from Ichigo’s stories. Tōshirō Hitsugaya was a short boy who has turquoise eyes and short, spiked, white hair, which tends to draw attention to him. He wore a standard sleeveless captain's haori with a green sash around his shoulders, held together by a round clip. The sash holds his Zanpakutō's sheath in place on his back and is tied to it at either end. He is relatively young by Shinigami standards and had the appearance of a child.
The last two captains were completely unfamilair to me. The one closest to me was standing by Rukia. He was a tall man with a somewhat emaciated appearance. His hair was white but his eyebrows were black, the color, I assume, his hair used to be. His hair was worn long, almost reaching his waist. He wore it parted on the left side with one long piece that tends to fall over his right eye. He had kind green eyes that seemed used to smiling. The man wore the common Shinigami uniform with a long sleeved captain's haori, and a crimson lining. He wore a narrow white obi, in which he secures his Zanpakutō.
The next man was to his left. He was a tall Shinigami with grey eyes and long wavy brown hair. His hair was tied in a long ponytail and has long bangs that frame the left side of his face. He wore a straw hat and a pink, flowered ladies kimono, which was draped across his shoulders and over his captain's uniform. He had thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks.
The two captians from before were talking with Tōshirō in hushed tones while the latter captains spoke to the squad members and lieutenants. As me and Zelo approached Seji waved at me energeticly. I smiled and waved back. Rukia and Renji turned to look at us. both looked equally surprised to see me.
“Hey Rukia”
I stopped in front of her, smiling warmly
“Kurono?! How… why??”
I laughed
“Everything is fine now, I'm on your side”
“But when did you die?”
I furrowed my brow
“Oh! That’s right, you never knew”
Rukia looked confused
“Knew what?”
Renji stepped to her side
“That Kurono was a hollow, working with the Espada”
The way he said it made me feel small
“It's not like I'm working with ‘em now. Jeez Renji, you're just mad I beat you in that fight”
“If I remember correctly that fight went unfinished”
Renji growled as I laughed
“That’s old news ginger. I'm on your side now.”
He stared into my eyes
“So it was you we felt earlier eh? The one who did this?”
Renji gestured to the craters
“Yup that would be me. Zaraki wouldn’t go down with out a fight. But that’s how it always is and it makes it funner when they don't give up right away.”
The tall white hair captain stepped forward
“That’s excatly how Zaraki veiws his work.”
He smiled and bowed his head
“I do not beileve we have been properly introduced. I am captain Jūshirō Ukitake of the 13th squad. It’s a plessure to meet a friend of Rukia’s”
I bowed my head in return.
“It is a plessure to meet a nice captain”
His smile widened.
“And I'm Shunsui Kyōraku, squad 8. It is my plessure to meet such a beautiful Soul Reaper with such power”
The man in the hat knelt and kissed my hand. I felt my face grow hot
“Uh… thanks”
He smiled and Ukitake chuckled
“Oh Shunsui, always the ladies man.”
“It is a plessure to meet both of you. I am Kurono… Suzuki.”
Ukitake’s eyes widened
“Suzuki of the royal families? It is an honor my lady.”
He bowed his head again and I put my hands up in a stop motion
“That’s not needed. I just found out, I don't plan to boss people around or anything. I'm just like every other person…”
Then the black haired captain looked at me. Now every one was looking at me, no longer in their respective groups
“A noble is not like every other person. They are to be held in high recard and adressed with proper respect.”
I frowned
“Who are you?”
“Byakuya Kuchiki, captain of the 6th squad and 28th head of the Kuchiki clan.”
“You say that the royals are not like normal people and demand respect? I wish to be adressed how I wish to be adresssed. I don't want someone calling me “My lady” and “sama” all the time. The royal families are full of snobs and stuck ups. I don't want to be apart of their arrogance…” I looked the captain up and down. “Mr. fancy britches”
I could see it in his eyes that I offended him. All the other captains looked at us, uneasy. I could see I was going to have fun with this
“I can see that you are not ready to take on such a great responsibility. The royal families need someone who will show respect. They do not need irresponsible brats.”
I kept my cool and smirked
“The royal families are full of arrogent people that show no repect for others. They hold their heads high and stride around like they’re better than everybody. I would rather be an irresponsible brat than a egotistical windbag”
The captain’s eyes darkened
“A sharp tongue is no indication of a keen mind. You are an offense to the royal families. You misunderstand arrogance for knowledge. Your foolishness will bring the down fall of the Suzuki family. With new ideas bring the end of a great linage”
“All people like you have the same problem: Diarrhea of the mouth; constipation of the ideas; never thinking before they open their mouths or coming up with ways to better people’s lives.”
The man closed his eyes and sighed
“I have no use to stand here and waste my intelligence on an insolent child”
The captain started walking away and I couldn't help but laugh. I bent over, tears about to fall. The captain looked back at me with a scowl.
“What are you laughing at?”
“I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” more giggles “You took me so seriously!!” More fits of laughter “I'm really sorry!! I mean no disrespect!!” More laughter “I couldn't help myself! I'm sorry!”
I stood up and wiped away my tears
“You're right, Royalty needs respect but they have no right to demand it. That’s all I was saying. No need to storm off like that dude.”
The captain closed his eyes
“You have a lot to learn before you become the head of the Suzuki.”
I nodded
“I know. And I just realized that being a Kuchiki makes you Rukia’s brother. Am I right?”
Rukia and Byakuya exchanged glances.
“Yes”
I smiled and closed my eyes
“Then I take it all back. You're not a windbag. Just a man with a heavy weight on his shoulders.”
I opened my eyes and smiled at him
“And you're a caring brother and a good captain. You have my respect for saving your sister even though it went against the rules. It is an honnor to meet you in person. Please excuse my attitude, it comes from a… hard past. It really is an honnor”
I bowed my head and Byakuya nodded.
“Like wise”
He started to walk away but I'm sure I saw a small smile on his face. I turned my gaze to Tōshirō
“You're Tōshirō Hitsugaya, squad 10 right?”
Tōshirō nodded
“Yes, I am. But I don't have time to sit around here and chat. Come Rangiku”
Before I could say anything the large woman spoke in a whinny voice
“But captain! We just got here! And if I go I'll have to do paper work! And you know how much I hate paper work!!”
She was leaning over his shoulder, shoving her chests on the back of his head. It was in this moment that I decided I didn’t like her. She was too loud and annoying.
“I don't care Rangiku, we have to go”
The woman sighed and followed her captain. The last captain took this as an opening to speak
“You are a fine speciman”
I looked at the one who spoke and immediately felt uneasy. He reminded me all to much of a certain Espada that I'd rather forget.
“I am Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of the 12th squad, reaserch and development. And I must say you'd be a fine addition to my collection.”
This man was starting to freak me out and Shunsui frowned
“Don't start that Mayuri. I don't wanna hear that this eairly in the mornin’”
The captain gave me a wink and I felt save again
“What? I was just stating how much her energy Zanpakutō could contribute to the over all deleopment of my science. Think of all the ways I could use its power as a genarator? And her Reiatsu is nothing to be dismissed. I could use it in a number of ways. How about it girl? Would you stop by my lab for a quick disection?”
Shunsui put his hand on his hat and his tone got serious
“I'm serious Mayuri, stop that nonsence”
Mayuri frowned
“Stop medeling in my afairs. It's none of your business”
“Go away, you're beginning to annoy me”
Mayuri furrowed his brow.
“You have better be glad that I have better matters to attend to. Nemu! Come.”
He turned and a lieutenant, the small girl from before, followed without a word. But before he was gone Mayuri turned his head back to me
“If you change your mind stop by my lab and I'll fix you up something nice”
I shivered as he disapeared. Shunsui looked at me, smiling
“Don't let that creep bother you. He's mostly harmless. And I think you’ve got enough friends that will protect you.”
I looked around and smiled. Zelo and Seji were both in battle mode, still staring after the captain. Rukia was beside me and so was Renji. Ukitake smiled at me, standing next to Shunsui.
“Yes, I'd say you do have good friends.”
“I'd drink to that”
I looked at Zelo who yawned
“Kuro-chan!! What are you doing out? You're still wounded!”
“Oh.. about that, I needed some fresh air.”
Seji put a cigarette in his mouth
“How long was I out anyway?”
I looked at Zelo and he shrugged
“An hour or so. Why?”
I furrowed my brow
“That can't be right”
Zelo looked down at me
“Why not? it's only 6am and the fight happened around 5”
“Because, my wounds have already healed”
“That’s thanks to your brother”
“What do you mean?”
“He is the 4th seat of the 4th squad. I got to see his power in action. He pulls out his sword and says his command. Then the blade becomes a purple orb or wall and covers the wound. It reverses the damage caused, though the pain still seems to be there.”
Ryu has that type of power? I never really thought about it before. I just knew he was squad 4. I never even bothered to ask what his power was. I had never seen him as a Shinigami after we moved in together. How much else do I not know about him?
“Wait, how did you know Ryu was my brother?”
“He told us… everything”
“Oh…”
That’s why Zelo took the news about being a hollow so easily
Ukitake cleared his thoat
“Kurono, if you wouldn’t mind I would like to speak to you. Would you walk with me?”
I felt like a small girl with a teacher. I nodded and he smiled
“You have no need to fear me Kurono. I mearly wish to get to know you. And your two friends may come if they wish”
The three of us followed him out of the square. Rukia whispered something in Renji’s ear and he nodded. They flash stepped away and I had a feeling I wouldn’t be seeing them for a while.
Log in to rate and review this story