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Fate In Bleach (355)
🕑 Added 2024-11-27 17:00:03 +0000 UTCChapter 355 - Bankai Interrupted
“Princess Rurichiyo, this is Byakuya Kuchiki, head of the Kuchiki Clan,” a large, imposing Shinigami with a surprisingly gentle voice whispered to Rurichiyo.
“Oh! My apologies, Lord Kuchiki,” Rurichiyo said, curtseying again. She might not have recognized Byakuya personally, but she knew the significance of the Kenseikan and Ginpaku Kazahana no Uzuginu he wore. Only the highest-ranking nobles were permitted such adornments.
“It’s quite alright.” Byakuya’s thought was elsewhere. The scene he had just witnessed had solidified his growing disillusionment with the nobility.
“Princess Kasumiōji, perhaps you could explain the circumstances of your… departure from the Soul Society. Your sudden disappearance has created considerable tension between the noble families and the Gotei 13.”
“My apologies. It was my mistake,” Rurichiyo said, bowing her head. While she didn't fully grasp the implications of Byakuya’s words, years of ingrained etiquette compelled her to defer to his superior status.
“You… you’re apologizing?” Ichigo stared at Rurichiyo, incredulous.
While their acquaintance had been brief, her imperious demeanor had grated on him. Her sudden meekness before Byakuya was jarring, as if she had become a different person.
“In that case, return with us to the Soul Society.”
“Yes, Lord Kuchiki.”
As Rurichiyo moved to comply, Ichigo stepped forward, pulling her behind him. “Hey! Can’t you see she doesn’t want to go? She’s just a kid! What are you trying to do, force her to do something she doesn’t want to?”
“Ichigo,” Ailin said, interrupting him. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“Captain Ailin?” Ichigo was startled. He remembered Urahara, Yoruichi, and Tessai’s warnings about Ailin’s power. “What are you doing here?”
“That’s a question for the young lady behind you,” Ailin replied. “Ichigo, you’re aware of Aizen’s recent… departure, I presume?”
“Yes.” Ichigo nodded. He had been involved, a firsthand witness to the events of that night.
“Before leaving for Hueco Mundo, Aizen used Kyōka Suigetsu to manipulate several Shinigami, leading them to… eliminate a number of noble families. Some of the remaining nobles suspect it was a coordinated attack by the Gotei 13, an attempt to seize control. Princess Kasumiōji’s disappearance has only fueled their suspicions. They believe we’re targeting them.”
He continued, “To reassure them, Captain-Commander Yamamoto sent us to find her. He believes this incident could be exploited by those seeking to destabilize the Soul Society. You saw those attackers. They intended to kill her. Ichigo, what do you think the nobles’ reaction would be if she had died? What kind of chaos would erupt if they openly confronted the Gotei 13? Do you still think we’re forcing her against her will?”
Ichigo fell silent. He understood Ailin’s point. Rurichiyo’s presence was essential for maintaining peace, regardless of her personal feelings.
“I understand, Captain Ailin,” he said, his grip tightening on his Zanpakutō’s hilt. “But I still can’t stand by and watch someone be forced to do something they don’t want to.” He turned to Rurichiyo. “Don’t worry. If you don’t want to go back, I’ll protect you. I won’t let them take you.”
Ailin smiled. Ichigo’s priorities were clear. He cared little for the world’s machinations. His only concern was protecting those he cared about.
“Such bravado. And yet, your strength remains… underwhelming,” Byakuya said disdainfully.
“Why don’t you test it yourself?” Ichigo challenged, his eyes locked on Byakuya.
The memory of their previous encounter, the effortless way Byakuya had broken his Zanpakutō and sealed his powers, still stung. He had imagined this rematch countless times. He wouldn't underestimate Byakuya, a fellow disciple of Ailin. He suspected Byakuya’s strength rivaled Gin Ichimaru’s.
As Byakuya reached for his Zanpakutō, Ichigo tensed, his senses on high alert.
Whoosh!
Byakuya blurred behind him.
Clang!
Ichigo spun, parrying the blow. “Your tricks don’t work on me anymore. I can see you!” His Bankai had significantly enhanced his speed and reflexes. He could now perceive Byakuya’s movements, his Shunpo and swordsmanship no longer a blur.
“You’re impressed by blocking a single attack? You disappoint me, Ichigo.”
While his blade was locked with Ichigo’s, he extended a finger.
“Hadō #4: Byakurai!”
A bolt of lightning shot towards Ichigo, blasting a hole through the wall behind him.
“Damn it!” Ichigo had dodged the attack, but the exploding debris grazed his face and forehead, drawing blood.
“This isn’t over!” He began to release his Bankai.
“Enough, Ichigo.” Ailin stepped between them, gripping Ichigo’s arm, his reiatsu suppressing Ichigo’s power, interrupting his transformation.
“How… how is this possible?” Ichigo had experienced Bankai failures before, during his fight against the Bount. But after confronting his inner Hollow, he had regained control. He had felt his power flowing, ready to be unleashed. And then, Ailin’s touch, severing his connection to Zangetsu. He had heard tales of Ailin’s power, but experiencing it firsthand was… terrifying.
“We’re not enemies, Ichigo,” Ailin said, releasing his grip. “I understand your concern for the princess. But Ichigo, there are responsibilities that come with privilege. She’s the head of the Kasumiōji clan, a high-ranking noble family, second only to the Four Great Houses. Her status is comparable to that of your…
Prime Minister. She enjoys a privileged life, and therefore, must bear the corresponding burdens. If she chooses to abandon her title, her position, we will respect her decision. Why don’t you ask her? Ask her if she prefers to relinquish her noble status or return to fulfill her duties.”
With his connection to Zangetsu restored, Ichigo looked at Rurichiyo. She, however, walked past him, towards Byakuya, pausing only to whisper a quiet “thank you” before bowing her head.
“Lord Kuchiki, I’ll return with you to the Soul Society.”
“Very well. Let’s go.”
“Yes, Captain Kuchiki.” Renji opened a Senkaimon.
As they prepared to enter, Ailin turned to Ichigo. “If you’re concerned about her safety, you can come with us. You saw those assassins. With you as her bodyguard, we won’t have to worry.”
“Alright.”
…
“Captain Ailin, why did you invite him?” Renji grumbled as they stepped through the Senkaimon. “Surely the Gotei 13 can protect a single child.”
“Renji!” Hinamori glared at him.
“It’s alright, Hinamori,” Ailin said, ruffling her hair. “Renji and I go way back. He was the Seventh Seat of the Eleventh Division before becoming the Sixth Division’s lieutenant.”
Hinamori’s excitement waned. It seemed everyone she knew was closer to Ailin than she was: Kira, Rangiku, Renji, and of course, Byakuya, his disciple.
“Renji, you need to broaden your perspective,” Ailin continued. “The Gotei 13’s primary duty isn’t to protect nobles, but to maintain order within the Soul Society. Furthermore, the nobles don’t trust us. Having Ichigo, the Substitute Shinigami, as her protector is a compromise we can all live with. He’s not part of the Gotei 13. And besides.”
He added with a wink, “He’s quite strong. Few, besides the captains, are his match. With him around, we won't have to worry about her safety. And less work for us, right?”
“That’s the real reason, isn’t it, Captain?” Hinamori said, rolling her eyes.
“Hahaha!”
Ichigo sighed. They were discussing him as if he weren't even there.
…
With Rurichiyo’s safe return, Ailin lost interest in the affair. The nobles, however, were in an uproar.
Tokinada Tsunayashiro had apparently made an appearance, attempting to assert his authority, but Byakuya had ignored him. The Kuchiki clan, the architects and enforcers of the “Noble Order,” still commanded more respect than the Tsunayashiro family.
