I-I'm exhausted...
Why is it that simply explaining things normally takes so much out of me?
I finally managed to finish my explanation to Ishida, Sado, and Orihime. In the middle of it all, Momo kept jumping in to chat with Orihime at almost every turn, so we kept veering off on tangents. It was a nightmare.
Well, at least I've settled things with those three for now.
My worries—aside from Momo being overly enthusiastic and insisting, 'I'll be the one to look after those three!'—should be gone, I think.
......
Ah! I almost forgot!! The Sixth Division!!
Knowing Byakuya and Renji, they must be checking in on Rukia quite often. I need to share the information that Ichigo is currently with the Eleventh Division!
Since Ichigo is the one who took care of his sister, Byakuya will probably want to thank him directly.
Now that I've settled on that, I should head out immediately...
......Ugh, the silent gazes from the division members are painful. Their eyes are practically screaming, 'Captain, are you going out again...? You're leaving us leaderless in a situation like this...?'
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
But there shouldn't be any more injuries related to the Ryoka!! When I get back, I'll loosen the current high-alert status a little bit!!
This is the crucial moment! If we slip up here, things will definitely become a hassle!!
Good grief!! This is all Aizen's fault!!
If only you had just said at the first Captains' Meeting, 'Oh, me arranging for Ichigo and the others to come was all part of my plan. For that matter, the Soul Disappearance Incident a hundred years ago was all me too,' everything would be so much easier!!
『While it may be to hide your guilt, I wonder about your ability to come up with such preposterous scenarios...』
'I can't help it. If I don't deceive myself with stupid thoughts like that, I won't be able to leave!!'
『Well, don't forget to follow up with your subordinates later. If you do that, most things will be settled naturally through the power of nostalgic bias!』
'Of course! This is only for now! This selfishness is just for this moment!! Besides, I'm doing my job properly!! It's not like I'm slacking off and playing around all year like a certain former Captain of the Second or Tenth Division!!'
"...Hm? Oh...?"
Just as I was making excuses to Nubatama, I suddenly noticed something... This spiritual pressure...
"Hmm..."
They are hiding their presence and spiritual pressure well, but if I get this close, I can manage to sense it.
I stop walking and look down, placing my hand on my chin as if I am lost in thought, all while searching for the person's location.
...Found them.
"Ah, right."
I clap my hands lightly, putting on a performance as if I've just come up with a brilliant idea, and then immediately move using Shunpo.
Thanks to the acting, they must have let their guard down slightly. By the time they realized I had vanished, I had already taken a position behind them.
"What are you doing in a place like this?"
"M-Meow..."
The black cat let out an obviously fake cry.
...Yoruichi.
If you think you can deceive me with that... no, she probably doesn't even think she can.
Her meow was literally just 'meow' in a flat tone. Not to mention, she's pointedly looking away from me.
『That's the kind of deception where you just hope for a one-in-a-million miracle!!』
"Sigh... Honestly."
The black cat tried to run, but my movement was faster.
I swiftly grabbed the scruff of her neck and lifted her up, pinning her in place.
"I'll give you a choice. Either you talk honestly right now, or I contact Soifon immediately and—"
"I get it! I get it!! I'll surrender and talk, okay!!"
"—...That was a quick decision."
Since she opened her mouth, I let go and set her free.
But I was only halfway through the second option... Does she really not want to see the current Soifon that badly? What a waste. I was planning to offer a third option: 'Being made all slimy by Nubatama'...
『Eeeh!? Yoruichi-dono! Yoruichi-dono!! The third one! The third one was the correct choice!! Do not be deceived!! Please, let my voice reach you! Reach! These feelings of mine!! And then... hehehehehe!』
No matter how much Nubatama shouts, his voice won't reach Yoruichi.
"I was looking for you! What on earth did you do to Soifon!?"
"What... you ask...?"
To Soifon...? All I did was—
"I encouraged her, trained with her, ate with her... that's about it. After all, that girl had a hard time when her beloved Captain suddenly vanished."
"Gugh..."
"And Yoruichi, you probably thought it would be fine to disappear without a word because I was around, didn't you? Since Soifon and I were close back then, you figured you could just dump it on me..."
"Gununu...!"
"In that sense, Soifon has grown strong and resilient. Including the special exceptions, she's doing a fine job as the Captain of the Second Division and the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido."
"B-But that was too much! I couldn't even put up a fight!!"
Ah, so that's how it was. Soifon really has gotten strong...
"You're the one who taught her Shunko, aren't you!? No, not just Shunko, but those strange martial arts as well!!"
"Just because I taught her doesn't mean she could master them. It's all the result of Soifon's hard work. So, Yoruichi, you should just give up and become Soifon's subordinate..."
"I refuse, absolutely!!"
"Then I really should contact Soifon right now..."
"Stop that too!! What was the point of making me choose in the beginning!?"
"But Yoruichi, you ran away during that scene."
"I saw myself murdering someone with my own eyes! Of course I'm going to run away!!"
After shouting that loudly, Yoruichi began to pant, her shoulders heaving. Seeing a cat look so utterly exhausted is quite a sight.
"Well, I ran away then because I was surprised and didn't want to get dragged into unnecessary trouble. But I have an idea about that inexplicable phenomenon. Though, I suppose it's only natural that you wouldn't know."
A few seconds later, after catching her breath, Yoruichi spoke with a serious expression.
Wait, is this the Kyoka Suigetsu spoiler coming? Is she going to tell me?
"That was likely Aizen's doing."
"Captain Aizen's...? Ah, you mean his Zanpakuto's ability."
"Wh...at...!? Y-You! Where did you learn that!?"
I smile brightly at the shocked Yoruichi.
"Captain Aizen's Zanpakuto—its ability is a water-type that induces friendly fire through the irregular reflection of mist and flowing water—isn't that the story?"
"Y-Yeah, that's right... that's what I heard too..."
"I had my doubts at times. Then I realized... perhaps Captain Aizen is hiding his true ability? Maybe that Zanpakuto harbors an even more powerful power... that's what I thought."
Half of it was manga knowledge.
But there were other moments when I could have noticed. Even without manga knowledge, there were times when I thought, 'Wait, something is strange.'
I won't say when or where, though.
"Heh, you really are a bottomless mystery... Well, fine. That's exactly it. The true ability of Aizen's Zanpakuto is apparently Complete Hypnosis. It can cause misperceptions of the five senses and even spiritual pressure. I've only heard about it and haven't verified it myself, though."
"Heard about it... Did you perhaps hear it from Captain Hirako?"
"Pffft!?!?"
This time the cat actually spat. Another rare sight.
"Y-You, how do you...?"
"How, you ask...? Considering your past movements, Yoruichi, it's only natural to imagine..."
"U-Umu... that's right. Aizen was also the one who framed Hirako and the others a hundred years ago. I'll skip the detailed explanation for now, though."
Come to think of it, she did rescue Captain Hirako and the others, so she must have shared information with Urahara and the rest in that process.
The reason they didn't tell Ichigo and the others... did they think it wasn't necessary? At this point, the main goal is rescuing Rukia... But once Aizen 'died,' shouldn't they have shared that info?
Besides, I'm happy to be told. I'm happy, but...
"How about it? Information worth a thousand gold pieces, isn't it? If we make this public... wait, what's wrong? Why are you holding your head...?"
"No, it's just that... the reliability of that information is quite low..."
"Reliability is low, you say!? Do you not believe my words!?"
"It's not about that; it's a matter of credibility. Captain Hirako, Mr. Urahara, and even you, Yoruichi, are currently fugitives with tarnished reputations. I'm not denying it's useful information, but if I report it to the higher-ups, they'll just ask, 'Is there any proof?' and that'll be the end of it."
That's the issue. The problem of reliability.
Publicly, Aizen is a 'very, very excellent Captain.' Even regarding the faking of his own death, if he says, 'They say to deceive your enemies, you must first deceive your allies. By observing from a distance, I discovered some interesting things,' we don't have enough material to counter it.
"Mu...! T-That..."
"Currently, you are the prime suspect for murdering Captain Aizen, so they might just say, 'She's telling convenient lies to escape her crimes,' and crush the report..."
It's too dangerous to report this as is to the Head Captain. Therefore, I think sharing it among allies is the limit.
"But it is certainly important information. So, you're coming with me for a bit."
I grab the scruff of Yoruichi's neck and lift her up again.
"H-Hey! What are you doing!"
"What, you ask? I was planning to go to the Sixth Division anyway. Since the timing is perfect, you should come too, Yoruichi."
"The Sixth Division... Hey, let go! I have no intention of going to a place like—!!"
Yes, yes. No matter how much you complain, I'm not letting go.
Let's go to the Sixth Division together. You're going to participate in the discussion too.
■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□
"Ms. Yukawa! Please listen, Ms. Yukawa!!"
When I went to the Sixth Division and announced I was there to see Byakuya, I was shown to a reception room.
While I was waiting with the kitty in the reception room, Byakuya walked in and was immediately in this state. The first thing he did was grab my shoulders and speak with an expression of joy.
I wonder what happened...?
"Actually, regarding Rukia, word has arrived from Central 46 that her execution will be postponed until the current Ryoka disturbance is settled! No, they even said they would consider a re-examination! It seems our appeals were not in vain!"
"Eh...? R-Really...?"
Postponed, not shortened? A re-examination?
What is the goal...?
Normally, since I was the cause of the wasted time, they're adjusting things on their end? Or is it simply to suppress the movements of the Kuchiki family? Or maybe they just wanted to sever her ties with the outside world?
There are many reasons, countless even, but no matter how I look at it...
"...Suspicious."
"Indeed. It is impossible for that Central 46 to overturn a decision."
The cat next to me agreed with the thought I had accidentally voiced.
"Hm? That voice..."
"It's been a while, Byakuya-bo."
"Mu... You, monster cat! What are you doing here!?"
Those two are acquaintances, aren't they? Though it's probably been a hundred years since they last saw each other.
Meeting the older sister figure who used to treat him like a toy when he was a child, Byakuya has a sour look on his face.
"What a greeting, asking what I'm doing here. Today, I am a guest accompanying Airi."
"Though she just became a subordinate of Captain Soifon of the Second Division yesterday."
"Hey! Don't say that!"
"I see, the Second Division... then at best, a Lieutenant. Hmph. For a subordinate, you certainly speak quite rudely to me, a Captain."
"What was that!?"
Byakuya laughed mockingly, looking triumphant. And Yoruichi is actually taking the bait.
"Um, Captain... It seems the teacher knows this cat too... but what is it...? It seems to have unusually high spiritual pressure for a cat."
Then, Renji, who was completely left behind by the situation and looking out of place, asked us for help apologetically.
That's right, of course he wouldn't know.
"This cat is Yoruichi Shihoin. She used to be the Captain of the Second Division and also the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido."
"And she's also the prime suspect who was suspected of letting criminals escape a hundred years ago, and is currently a fugitive for harming Captain Aizen."
"Heh...!? Shihoin... wait, of the Four Noble Families!? But wait, a hundred years ago... eh, and Captain Aizen? ...Um, then why aren't we catching...? Eh!? Eeeeh!?"
Renji's 'What does that mean!?' reaction is so fresh. It's fun to watch.
"Pfft... No, sorry, Renji. I teased you a bit too much. As you imagined, this person was the head of the Shihoin family. She may be treated as a criminal, but there must be various circumstances behind that. There is no need to capture her."
"What's this? You've become quite understanding, haven't you?"
"You teased me plenty, but you aren't a villain who would commit a crime without reason. I like to think I have at least that much discernment."
"Y-You... what on earth happened to you...?"
Even though she spoke provocatively again, he didn't take the bait at all. Yoruichi's eyes widened at Byakuya's nonchalant attitude.
"It doesn't matter what happened to me, does it? More importantly, despite being wanted as a criminal, you showed up here with Ms. Yukawa. You have something to discuss, don't you? I'm listening."
"U-Umu..."
"Actually, a lot happened when I was about to head here. So, I'll tell you everything, including that."
And so, Ichigo's goals and the current situation, as well as the information Yoruichi knew about Aizen and the others, were shared.
Well, the information Yoruichi gave was basically 'the ability of Aizen's Zanpakuto' and 'what Aizen did a hundred years ago.'
"...And that's about it."
Once the information sharing was finished, Yoruichi let out a sigh as if she were tired of talking.
"My throat is dry, but in this form, I can't even drink tea properly. Back to my original form—"
"Ah, no you don't. At the very least, absolutely do not do that here."
Since she was casually trying to return to her human form, I stop her with everything I've got.
"What? It's fine, isn't it? It's not like anything is going to be lost!"
"Ms. Yukawa is right. Think about the situation."
"Ah, so the cat form really was just a transformation... but why is it bad to return to the original form?"
"...Renji, do you want to see?"
"You see, Renji, when Yoruichi is a cat, she isn't wearing clothes. So, if she returns to human form... you get it, right?"
A naked woman appearing... I mean, I'd be happy? I'd be happy, but... it's a bit of a problem in front of Renji and the others...
"And Yoruichi is a woman. So, the problem becomes even bigger..."
"Huh, woman... this person is a woman!?"
"That's right, boy. What, do you not want to see? Though I say so myself, I think I have a rather good body."
If your physique only warrants a 'rather good body' rating, the whole world would be in chaos...
"N... No no no! I'm not really!!"
"That's right. You finally managed to reach an understanding with Rukia; you can't do something dishonest here."
Good boy, Renji! You held back well! But well...
He finally became a couple with Rukia! But if he said, 'I want to see Yoruichi's naked body!' in front of Byakuya... he couldn't complain even if he were sliced to pieces by Senbonzakura.
"Hmm, well... if that's how it is, I suppose it can't be helped."
"That's how it is. So Yoruichi, please refrain from doing anything that might cause misunderstandings. After all, Captain Kuchiki is in the same position."
"Thank you for your concern."
"Same position...?"
Ah, Yoruichi took the bait.
"What, Byakuya? Do you have a fiancée?"
"No, I have a wife and child."
".........Hah?"
And Yoruichi froze.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!! You too!? Following Kaien, you too!? You have a wife and child!? Why did I not know this!? It makes no sense, does it!?"
"It's not that surprising. As for why you didn't know... I don't know. If you stay away from the Seireitei, you won't have the chance to know."
"That's true, but... hah!! Don't tell me you too...!"
Don't point the conversation at me!
"No, not me."
"I-Is that so...? No... sorry. How should I put it... um... sorry..."
It's a very rare scene: Yoruichi apologizing normally and honestly.
I don't think there's any need for her to apologize, though...
"Anyway, let's get back to the topic. Captain Aizen seems to have some kind of plan, so we should be careful. We can cooperate with Kurosaki and the others, so we'll lend them our strength. That's about all we can do right now..."
"I suppose. Their plan to cause a stir centered on Ichigo and achieve their goal in the gap won't change. In that sense, the current stalled situation can be seen as a good opportunity. The collaborators can get on the same page, and Ichigo can hone his skills at the Eleventh Division. That should increase the probability of success."
When you put it that way, it makes sense.
Let's think of it as having gained a good preparation period.
"In that case, Yoruichi, please go to the Eleventh Division and help Kurosaki."
"Wh...at!? Me!?"
"You aren't in a position to walk around openly, are you? This way, you can stay hidden. It's killing two birds with one stone. Besides, you must have a secret plan or two prepared, right?"
I'm sure she was doing Bankai training.
So, please give them your full support.
"But it's me!? In this form, they won't let me in, and in my original form, I'll be caught!"
"Hmm, if that is the case, I shall help."
The one who volunteered was Byakuya.
"I am heading to the Eleventh Division, so you can just accompany me then. In that form, no one will notice if I tuck you into my sleeve."
"My sleeve!? Well, true, that makes sense, but..."
Tucking her into a sleeve... Ah, he definitely knows she could sneak in on her own but is choosing to be a bit mean.
Is this a bit of payback from his childhood?
"Besides, Kurosaki is the one who took care of Rukia—my sister. I want to meet him properly at least once."
This part must be his true feelings.
"Renji, are you coming too?"
"Eh? ...Well, yeah. There was that stuff in the living world too. I understand! I'll accompany you and make sure to meet him!"
It seems Byakuya and Renji will also be checking on Ichigo.
Lucky you, Ichigo. You're getting ahead of the story.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]