Chapter 15 - Chapter 14: Prelude to Death and The Strawberry

Ten or so years before Death and Strawberry.

(Within the seven-year period)

Kuchiki Rukia was curious. She was curious of her superior of the former Eighth Seat that was now the Lieutenant of the 13th Division, the very same division she was in. She was aware of how the man not only being extremely powerful that he could wipe away most of the effects of Captain Ukitake's disease to the point it was manageable, being that she was present herself.

She was also aware of how the new Denreishinki, that recently had been replacing the ones that they had previously, came into existence due to the Lieutenant's cooperation, or so she heard from the members of the Shinigami's Woman Association. Fiddling the thin, all-screen denreishinki on her hands, it certainly felt odd for her, but it was certainly fitting the duty it was meant to carry, and more. Facilitating real-time communications, active positional tracking on map, and providing entertainment… It was nothing short of a truly life-easing tool, especially during patrols. It helped in reducing the response time for reinforcements when necessary and helps in pinpointing locations where they're needed and such.

That was all she thought while she was walking home towards her family's mansion, located somewhere within the Kizokugai in the Sixth Sector. Imagine her surprise to see a compound with a bizarre architecture that appeared after literally a day.

"This was not here before…" She murmured.

She recalled that the place was originally owned by a Noble House that was, for all considerations, defunct for quite a while. She hadn't heard of anyone having interest in that place for a long time, let alone taking it off the hands of Central 46 and living there. And from the looks of things, that someone also completely rebuilt the place, seeing as whenever she passed by, she recalled on how it was left uncared, slowly being claimed by nature after it was no longer inhabited for quite some time, until now.

As she walked towards the gate of the compound, she looked over the entire gate. In perspective, it was similar to the ones from the compounds of the other Noble Houses. When she looked for the supposed emblem of the owner who now owned the land, she paused as she gazed upon the emblem, located just above the gates' doors. It bore resemblance to one that she had seen only once before.

'Where have I…?' She pondered before it clicked.

At the same time, Shugo sensed a person being outside the compound's gates. Upon using his aetheric senses, he discerned the identity of said person.

"Rukia-san?" He raised a brow.

By this point, he was familiar enough with the lass to refer her by her first name comfortably when he's alone. He'd call her that only when they're in the division, though he always calls her with a prefix. It was common courtesy, after all.

With Shunpo, went to the gates and immediately opened it, seeing the lass who was still observing the symbol atop the gate.

"Kuchiki-jou." He greeted her.

Her attention was finally back to reality after hearing his voice. She turned to look at her superior, who was now standing near the now-opened gates, looking at her. Her face went red at the embarrassment for being seen like a fool who was staring at something while not paying attention to her surroundings. It only lasted for a moment before she realized of how he called her.

"Umm, Lieutenant Kurenai? Why are you calling me Lady Kuchiki?" She prodded in confusion.

He raised a brow. "Is it not courtesy to greet a fellow noble, especially of the opposite gender, as such?"

She was silent. Seeing her reaction, he sighed. Did she not pay attention to his office? The family crest behind his seat in the office was obvious enough for anyone to see. Though more likely than not, she hadn't been to his office often enough for that.

Even despite the training that she, Sentaro and Kiyone went through under the supervision of him and the captain, she never really prodded his own background further than the basics. Not that he'd mind anyhow, given that she's essentially his subordinate. However, considering that she has not been made into a seated officer for this long, the reasons must've been related to her family. And from there, he connected the dots to where the reasoning for her unseated position was clear enough for him.

She was being kept from danger. 'And likely by the arrangements of her family.' He hypothesized.

"May I know the reason for this visitation?" He asked her.

"A-ah, no… It's just, I was just curious." She quickly shook her head, waving her hands, albeit almost flailing.

"Hmm…" He did not look convinced at all. "Is that so?"

"Y-yes!" She nodded fervently.

Staring at her for a moment, he lets out a sigh. "Very well, we shall leave it at that."

"Ah, yes!" She was relieved, somehow. "Permit me to excuse myself. I'm sorry for bothering you, Lieutenant Kurenai."

She quickly bowed before leaving. Shugo shook his head as he entered the compound once more. The place was all but finished, with only needing the finishing touches via the addition of furniture and decorations. He already had an idea in mind on what to place.

It was time to finish it all.

…..

The following day, which was around the weekend, the housewarming party was organized. While Shugo himself wasn't against it, but given that it was at Ukitake's insistence, and the other captains once they found out, he was facing off against overwhelming odds in terms of votes of having the party or not, much to his own reluctance.

He wanted a small celebration of sorts. Instead, it turned into quite the ordeal. Putting aside the fact that the captains were attending with their Lieutenants, some of the nobles from the Four Noble Houses even expressed their intent to participate in the mess. Most notably was of the Kuchiki and the Tsunayashiro.

For the Kuchiki clan, he was not surprised. According to their response, the one that will be attending would be current head of the clan who was also holding the current position of Captain of the 6th Division, Kuchiki Byakuya. The man will also be accompanied by Kuchiki Rukia, and the previous head and captain, Kuchiki Ginrei. Given that Shugo was Rukia's superior, and that he did look after her, even indirectly, somewhat raised his image in their eyes. Hence, it was somewhat expected, though only to a certain degree. Rukia being there was almost a given at this point, so he didn't bother to question that.

However, the Tsunayashiro were the real surprise for him. He had absolutely no idea why they were interested in the first place. He never had any direct contact with any one of their members, or even knowing one of them. He only knew them by name and their supposed duty, which was to record the history of Soul Society.

Still, that was a matter for another time.

He had been helping in arranging the things for the party. With help from the various division members of the 13th, he was busy since he got back from the division's barracks around the afternoon. These members came along with him and were essentially one of the first few that seen his new house. Suffice it to say, they were either gawping or in a stupor for a full minute before they snapped back to reality and began preparations.

It was relatively simple enough, since he already had prepared for such an occasion, albeit on a smaller scale. Regardless, he still had enough by himself to sustain the party later that day. And with the addition from the gifts and supplies courtesy of the other divisions that gave them to him, it was certainly more than enough.

He'd been responsible for the cooking, with help from several of the division members who knew how to cook.

Come evening, the preparations had been completed. And during that time was when Shugo mused on the whole thing. Whatever reservations he had though, must be kept in check. Because within the next few moments, the guests would be arriving. He quickly changed into his artifact attire and stood ready to receive the guests.

Certainly enough, it was quite the itinerary once they began to arrive at his doorstep.

…..

(BGM: Crimson Sunset – Stormblood: FFXIV OST)

Kuchiki Byakuya was one to not easily be impressed. Having experienced the many occasions of nobility within the Seireitei, he had already seen all that they had to offer. He thought that this was simply another of those events, one that will only leave a footnote in his memory but nothing more. How sorely mistaken he was.

As he, accompanied by both his grandfather and Rukia, arrived at the gates of the compound, he saw the family crest atop the gate. The three flower petals with petals of leaves between them, signifying the owner of the former lands of the fallen Ryōdoji Family.

"Interesting family crest." Ginrei curtly remarked.

Byakuya agreed in silence but kept it from being shown visibly. He was notified that someone had taken the ownership of the land some time ago, but who they were specifically was not said until the place was built, and he found out from his sister.

It was that new Lieutenant of the 13th, Kurenai Shugo. He was the person who helped in training Rukia within the 13th, along with the division's captain, Ukitake J­ūshirō. When he asked the white-haired captain why he had begun training Rukia, he simply answered: "To ensure that Rukia is more than capable of handling things herself, should such a situation arise."

While Byakuya was not pleased with the decision, however, it was certainly heartening for him to see her slowly breaking away from her shell once more. Ever since he picked her up from the Shin'ō Academy in accordance with his late wife's, Hisana, request, Rukia was still viewed rather unfavorably by the rest of the family, other than his grandfather, Ginrei.

He had already stretched the rules, nay, broken some of the rules within the family when he brought Rukia into the family. Hisana was already the stretching point previously, but with Rukia, it went past that point. Ginrei, his grandfather, could not do much himself. The old man was no longer the head of the clan, and even with his prestige and connections, it was simply impossible to do anything about it.

However, Byakuya kept all of this under wraps, even his own thoughts. His grandfather was aware of his worries, but only to a certain extent. The next time anything happens, and if it involves her, he would be all but powerless to do anything about it in the legal way. He doesn't know if he could break the law once more, for the promise he made upon his late parents' graves. He could only hope that nothing will happen.

And something did happen the next time around, while she was slowly opening up for the first time. The incident with the Hollow called Metastacia, in which Rukia was forced to… Mercy-kill Shiba Kaien. This caused her to shut herself off due to the sheer guilt she held within her. But thankfully, she was now slowly reopening herself once more.

All this thought came to a stop as he walked through the gates and stepped into the compound. What he saw was nothing short of…impressive, as much as he didn't want to admit.

In the center of the courtyard was a giant Cherry Blossom tree that was on a mound. It certainly makes for an impressive sight. The tree seemed as if it had been there for a long time, given its large size. Turning his attention to the left, he saw a large pond, which had a clear water and some decorative lotus plants. Just a tad beyond the pond, he saw a gazebo that had a peculiar style to it, making it distinctly different than the style used in Seireitei.

Looking around, he also saw several benches that was reminiscent of what one would find at a teahouse, spread at certain locations within the compound. There were also wooden lanterns lighting the pathways within the compound. It was certainly not a mere decoration since it serves its function well enough, while being pleasing to the eye as well.

Then, as he gazed to the right, he saw at a small distance was some sort of a large building, though the sign outside said The Hall. It was easy to assume that it was their destination, given that aside from that obvious sign, there were apparently members from what he can assume to be of the 13th.

Alongside his grandfather and Rukia, he went to the Hall to register their arrival. Upon seeing the trio, some of the volunteers quickly went to receive them and help in getting the registration of their arrival there.

"Right this way, Captain." They guided him towards one of the three tables for the registration.

Surprisingly, there was no noticeable line. This probably owed to the fact that this was a simple registration desk, meant to only register their arrival. Oddly enough, he could see that some of the members had these… "Things" in their ears. The more he paid attention, the more he noticed that it seemed to be a form of a communication device, or the extension of one.

'Could it be the earpiece for the new Denreishinki?' He pondered quietly.

Of course, he was aware of the development and deployment of the new Denreishinki. And yes, he was also aware of who was responsible for its inception. It had only been several years since it was developed and released, yet he already heard of rumors regarding that there was a development for the extension for the new Denreishinki, allowing them to communicate without having to take out the device from one's pocket with the press of the button on the said extension.

He himself had one, and he had to admit: it was undeniably useful. It certainly smoothed communications between members within the division and the entirety of the Gotei 13 overall, with information dissemination could be done almost without delay. Not to mention, this helped in matching the reports from the field with the one that's given to him and the other captains, allowing a measure of tampering prevention to a certain degree.

This was not mentioning that the SRDI was rumored to have developed a newer iteration of the computer terminals based on the new technology that came from the new Denreishinki. Within those rumors, it was even said that Captain Kurotsuchi himself developed it and had it replace most of the terminals used within his personal lab for starters.

But such matter was not of Byakuya's concern. Right now, he and his entourage had just been registered and were to enter The Hall.

As the captain of the 6th Division and co entered, they saw the guests who had already arrived before them. Surprise to no one, Captain Ukitake came as part of both the 13th Division and his family. With the first person they see being the white-haired captain, it took no time for them to recognize the other person who was next to the man.

The telltale sign of the flowery kimono worn over the captain's haori and shihakushō, with the iconic Sugegasa straw hat. And lastly, the sake cup on one hand while the other was over the white-haired captain of the 13th. It was all one need to recognize Kyōraku Shunsui from a simple glance, even if they didn't see his face. The flamboyant captain was simply too iconic to not spot amongst the crowd, if there was any.

Others in the surrounding of the two includes Captain Suì-F­­ēng and Lieutenant Ōmaeda of the 2nd, Lieutenant Ise of the 8th (accompanying Kyōraku while also technically representing the Ise Clan). They, including him and Rukia, were members of the Gotei 13 that were of nobility.

However, when looking at another crowd within the hall, he spotted several of those that were of only nobility, without any ties to the Gotei 13 directly. Most notable were those of the Kasumiōji Clan, Kannogi Family, and surprisingly, the Shiba Clan.

'Kasumiōji Rurichiyo, and Kannogi Shū…' He noted of their presence.

Granted, the Kasumiōji Clan was represented by the heiress to the Clan's throne, accompanied by her two servants, while the Kannogi Family more than likely went along due to their known association with the clan, with only the son of the family coming while accompanied by one servant.

It should be noted that while the Kasumiōji were not of the Great Noble Houses, however, they're considered only second to the Great Noble Houses in standing, albeit they never involve themselves too much with Central 46 or even appear in public.

'But for her to come here…' He frowned in thought of the Shiba.

The puzzle in this matter was the presence of the Shiba Clan. Ever since Shiba Isshin went missing, and was subsequently declared as exiled, the clan was no longer a part of the Great Noble Houses, despite technically there being no way for that to happen. Currently, the clan is headed by Shiba Kūkaku, the sister of Shiba Kaien, the late clan head and former Lieutenant of the 13th Division. Said current head of clan was present in this event, alongside her younger brother, Shiba Ganju.

This was not even mentioning the known animosity that the younger brother of the Shiba's current head bore for Rukia regarding Kaien's death during the Metastacia incident some time ago. Regardless, this was not much of an issue for Byakuya, for it is the right of the host to invite whomever he wishes.

As he glanced around, he spots the Tsunayashiro in their own little corner. None were seemingly keen to approach them. While the Kuchiki were somewhat in the same situation, ironically however, this wasn't exactly the case, since Rukia was present and she was, at the very least, being of the few that were approachable, when compared to other nobles. This was, of course, with the knowledge that she was adopted from the Rukongai.

And as far as to what he was aware of the Tsunayashiro's attitude towards Rukia, more than likely they thought it was a given, since she was of lowborn, coming from the Rukongai. He certainly had mixed feelings of such an opinion. While it was insulting, he was ironically grateful that it prevented them from moving or causing trouble for her.

Those thoughts came to a stop, however. Soon after, the hall became silent as they spotted the host for the party of this evening entering the premises, with their eyes all looking at the man of the hour: the current head of the Kurenai Clan, and the current Lieutenant of the 13th Division.

Kurenai Shugo.

…..

Donning his artifact armor that has since been repaired by himself due to its nature, Shugo made his entrance into the Hall, where the guests had gathered at. It truly felt like a lifetime since he participated in something remotely like this.

'A banquet, huh…' He chuckled quietly.

The closest one that he could recall for comparison was the banquet held by the Sultana, being the guest of honor in said banquet. Though for him, the banquet ended on a rather awkward note, since he went unconscious after seeing the vision of the past from the Echo that was triggered by one General Raubahn Aldynn. To be precise, it was of the events during the First Battle of Cartenau, just before the lesser moon Dalamud descended and Bahamut broke free from the inside of the lesser moon, being its prison for the past five millennia.

Do note that the banquet example wasn't his first. It was simply because of the complications and rather unpleasant memory of the second one that he ignored it and chose the first one for comparison instead.

Mentally shaking his head at the unpleasant thought of that banquet, he kept his pace and greeted the guests. The first group he greeted was Byakuya's, given their recent entry from what he had heard from the volunteers that came to notify him earlier.

"Greetings and salutations." Shugo bowed lightly. "My thanks for your willingness to participate in this party of mine, Kuchiki-dono."

Byakuya gave a nod in affirmation. "It's fine." He waved his hand lightly. "Your contributions to the Gotei as a whole and reclaiming your family's status are more than enough to have my respect."

"Thank you for your kind words." Shugo nods in acceptance. "I've simply done what was necessary."

"It's fine." Byakuya waved his hand again in dismissal. "And besides…" He then glanced over at Rukia. "I need to see for myself, how you are outside of your duty as her superior."

"Of course." Shugo once more nodded. "'Tis the right of a brother to watch over his sister, is it not?"

"Be that as it may." Byakuya had a neutral look on his face. "It seems that you are indeed as my sister described you to be."

"Oh?" Shugo raised a brow in curiosity. "I hope I did justice by her with my actions."

Rukia, who had been listening into the conversation, got flustered almost immediately. "L-Lieutenant Kurenai, I assure you, I-"

Before she could finish, Shugo lightly raised his hand towards her with a chuckle. "Fret not, Kuchiki-san. I know that you did not convey ill words of me to your brother."

'Not when her aether is obvious enough.' He kept this to himself.

Rukia was left with an embarrassed face, being quite red. He shrugs with a chuckle. How is she still this awkward? This was not even talking about her overly rigid sense of humor that did not catch on with his words until the very end.

"Anyroad…" He cleared his throat. "I hope you enjoy this party."

"Of course." Byakuya nodded neutrally.

"I must bid you a farewell for now, Kuchiki-dono, Kuchiki-san." He waved his hand, bidding his goodbye. "And of course, to your venerable grandfather as well. It would be discourteous of me to neglect the others here."

He then walked away, leaving the Kuchikis to their own devices. He sighed mentally, at the thought of the next guest (and the remainder) that he'd have to greet.

This was going to be a long day.

...

The head of the Tsunayashiro was certainly a rather… Erm… What's the word, overly expressive? This was what he thought when he shook hands with the man and conversed with him, albeit in a short time. Though, the man was a tad overexcited to meet him to the point it felt unnatural for Shugo. Given that, he decided to see the threads of fate for the man and his entourage.

However, he wasn't prepared to witness the horrors that was their penultimate fate. In fact, he nearly froze in shock when he witnessed it through Gurenbana's ability.

'The Sins are overjoyed

The heavens trembled

Death has staked its claim

over the snakes.

Forfeit are them

for they have created

their own demise

by their hands.'

What he saw… He saw nothing but a sea of blood, and these people… They were in it. Not as if they were the cause, but rather, they were made as the source of said sea. Their bodies bled, drowning their home in blood. Their life was forfeit.

And ironically, it was done by one they'd least expect. The only thing that he could tell about the perpetrator, was that they were related to the Tsunayashiro themselves. Not to mention, the upheaval caused by the perpetrator would be enough to shake the entirety of Soul Society to its core. However, given that the supposed member was not present, he could only see so much with the present party.

He didn't bother to contemplate to interfere with their fate. Based on the various things he had heard of them, and the results of their actions, he could care less for them. They were not exactly the paragon of virtues. He bade them farewell and went on with the remainder of the guests within the hall.

After having to deal with a drunk Shunsui, conversing pleasantly with Ukitake, and making connections with the Fēng family, the party was over by nighttime. Exhausting, yes, but it was certainly enjoyable, and less dangerous compared to some of the previous ones he experienced prior.

...

(Timeskip to present time)

Masaki opened her eyes and was greeted with a weird sight. She was surrounded by buildings that looked like it belonged to the historical period of Japan that's before even the Meiji Restoration. She recalled as she passed through the Senkaimon, she was suddenly in a line of sorts. There were people from seemingly various backgrounds and times. Meanwhile, the surrounding was white.

After some time, it was her turn as she got to the front, with there being a person who gave her a ticket number of sorts and a set of clothing, which looked like an average kimono. However, she was told to change her clothes into the new ones and throw away the old one. She complied, seeing the long line behind her, and not wanting to delay the others from their turn.

Later, she was then told to wait at a certain spot before she found herself standing where she was at currently. Perhaps it was because the nature of her being an Echt Quincy prior that she still had her memories with her, despite being told that more than likely she would lose it once she passed over. Shaking her head, she still remembered Shugo's words: To hide and lay low until he found her.

She did exactly just that. It's been some time since she arrived, and she was currently in a non-descript building that she happened to find empty by pure chance. Whoever owned the building was either away for some time or long gone. She waited inside.

At the same time, Shugo had just exited from the Senkaimon. He arrived within the Seireitei. To be precise, within the 13th Division. Some of the members who were near his arrival spot gave him a bow before they went on. It seems that his habit of doing this is very well known throughout the division. Thus, they were no longer bothered by it.

He then left for the north gate of the Seireitei, also known as the Black Ridge Gate. After mere moments, by using Shunpo, he arrived at the gate. He greeted the Guardian of the Gate, Danzōmaru.

The gate guardian easily dwarfs even Shugo. If he had to point a reference, the gate guardian mayhap be as tall as the shades of Ancients he had seen and interacted with in Amaurot back on the First, or even slightly taller. Having a brown skin, light bushy eyebrows, and a nearly clean-shaven head (there was a patch in the center, where the patch of hair was dyed in alternating pattern of light and dark), it wasn't hard to spot the man.

"Danzō-san." He nodded lightly at the giant of a man.

"Ah, Lieutenant Kurenai!" The giant was surprised. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I must needs pass through this gate." Shugo said straight away. "I have an urgent matter that requires immediate attention."

The giant man nodded in understanding. Given Shugo's rank and achievements, he was more than privileged enough for this. "Of course. One moment." He said as he lifted the gate.

CREEEAAAAKKK!!!!

The gate was slowly being lifted off the ground since it's the kind that's vertically operated. An opening that was enough for Shugo to pass through soon appeared.

"My thanks, Danzō-san." He bowed lightly.

"Ah, don't mind it." The giant man waved his hand. "'Sides, it ain't everyday I get to see you being in this hurry."

Shugo didn't respond as he left through the opening. It was soon closed after he passed through it. Now that he was outside of the Seireitei, he used his aetheric senses to feel the crystal that he implanted within Masaki.

After a few nonces…

PING!

He felt the small mental ping. Right now, he was within the 1st District of the North Rukongai. The signal originated somewhere near East Rukongai's 10th District. He immediately used Shunpo to proceed towards her. He had no time. He had to ensure that this all went smoothly.

Blitzing through the rooftops of the various buildings, Shugo kept his pace as he went around from the North to the East Rukongai. It took a few nonces, but he arrived at the 1st District of East Rukongai. He then proceeded to the 10th District, which was still a few distance away, which will require him to Shunpo further a bit.

'She's close…' He thought as he deftly flashed through the various rooftops of the districts between the 1st and the 10th.

He could feel her aether. It was not moving, though he was certain she's still alive. And there were no Shinigami signatures near her.

'Thank the Twelve.' He exclaimed in his heart as he was about to reach the 10th District.

In the next few nonce, he arrived at the building she was in. He found her within, sitting on a chair available in the building. Rather, the building only had a table, a chair, and a straw bed. However, he could tell it had not been inhabited for a while. The dust that accumulated inside the building, aside from the clean spots that was due to interaction by Masaki, were proof of this.

"Masaki-san." He greeted her. "I hope the journey here was…safe."

She stood up as she nodded in affirmation. "Yes. And somehow, I still have my memories, even without the need for the crystal."

This raised Shugo's brow. "Well. A surprise, to be sure. But a welcomed one nonetheless."

He then gestured her. "Stand by for a nonce. I shall open a direct portal to the inside of my estate."

She obliged as he then raised his hand at a certain direction and created a portal.

FWOOOOSH!

It was like the one he usually used. Compared to the Senkaimon, the portals he used doesn't endanger the user and does not necessitate the need for a Hell Butterfly for guidance. And not to mention, the Soul Society doesn't have any means to track the portal. The most they'd probably detect would be some weird signatures, but that was it.

Even after his arrival there, the Gotei 13 still hasn't developed a proper measure to detect aether proper. This certainly proves that the secrecy surrounding his origins were completely secure. Or were well enough that the rest of those that didn't know specifics about him had no idea about such matters.

Back to the matter at hand…

"If you would…" He gestured her to go inside the portal. "Do wait once you've arrived. I shall guide you to where you shall remain for the time being."

She was initially hesitant before she went through. It didn't take long before she arrived at her destination. She walked through the darkness and arrived at the distant distortions of light at the end of the path. Or at least, that was her perception of it.

However, those didn't matter much when she exits through the portal and found herself in quite the sight of a home.

…..

Seeing Masaki entering the portal, Shugo closed the portal's entrance. It wasn't as if he closed the exit as well, rather he closed the entrance while having the intent of keeping the exit open until the one inside the portal exits through the said exit.

With Masaki essentially secured for the time being, he went back inside the Seireitei. Since he's in the East Rukongai, he went through the East Gate, also known as the Blue Stream Gate, which was guarded by Kaiwan. The giant of a man was bare on his upper body, while having a black hakama with a white obi sash on his lower body. He also has a long black hair, and a black facial hair styled into two bushy stripes on both cheeks, but otherwise clean shaven. In size, the man was about equal to Danzōmaru. In fact, according to some of his subordinates, the gate guardians were all about equal in height.

"Kaiwan-san." He nodded lightly.

"Lieutenant." The gate guardian nodded in kind.

"Mayhap I can gain entry through this gate?" Shugo asked.

"You wanna enter through here?" Kaiwan asked back. "Why?"

"I've just concluded an emergency matter." Shugo explained shortly. "For the moment, I wish to return home for a tad ere I resume my duties in the Human World."

"Heh… 'Zzat so?" Kaiwan pondered for a bit. "Guess shouldn't be much of an issue." He shrugged.

"My thanks." Shugo nodded lightly.

Kaiwan proceeded to open the gate a tad, just enough for Shugo to pass through. And from that point on, it was easy enough for Shugo to immediately Shunpo towards his estate.

After a few minutes, passing through the neutral district where the academy is located, he arrived at his compound located within the Sixth Sector under the 6th Division's jurisdiction. He entered the compound, and easily spots Masaki, who seemed to be in trance at the sight of the whole compound.

It should be noted that the compound does not have any guards. Instead, it employs a barrier of his own conjuration, barring anyone or anything from prying into the insides of his compound. And if there were any unwanted gifts left behind within the compound by those he invited in, it will be isolated and thus preventing any form of espionage to take root.

It also, in effect, prevents physical or dimensional entry into the compound, unless it was through the aetheryte that was located under the main mansion, or through the portals he made. Essentially, Senkaimon or any other form of dimensional travel would be next to useless if they were to be employed to attempt to gain entrance into his compound.

He already had his fill of having enemies infiltrating and/or breaking into his base of operations (his home, for this case). The times that they did previously, his comrades perished. And he wasn't looking forward for a repeat of such history.

Back to the present situation, he approached Masaki who was still in trance.

"Masaki-san." He greeted her, snapping her back to reality. "If you'd follow me." He gestured.

She nodded absent-mindedly as he walked to the Main House. Walking past the round mound, he walked straight to the house, with Masaki in tow. Going up the small steps, he opened the door of the house, showing the living room on the first floor.

The living room had a setup of basic two sofas and two couches, with a table in the center of the four chairs, which was occupying a small section of the spacious living room. Just past the living room was the dining room and the kitchen, with a door to the path to the bath house. Overall, the place was quite large, even for just one floor. Masaki marveled at the spacious floor.

"Wow, Kurenai-san. You're certainly living in quite the house!" She exclaimed.

"Well, you shall be the guest of my house for the period." He chuckled at her. "We shall ascend to the upper level of the residence. 'Twould be where you'll be residing."

At the far-left end of the living room, from the entrance, there were stairs leading upwards to the second floor. The two walked towards it and up the stairs. After a few seconds, they reached the second floor.

There was a hallway large enough to ensure the traffic will not be impeded. On the second floor, there are five rooms. Aside from the master bedroom, where Shugo sleeps, the other four empty bedrooms were all same in size, while small in scale for the floor, 'twas still larger than the average living space of apartments in Tokyo.

He then led her to the middle of the hallway.

"Feel free to pick one of the four rooms. They're essentially the same, so fret not." He gestured. "Once you've made your choice, do tell. However, don't take too long. I must needs return to my duties ere long."

She nodded and she went over the four before finally settling on one of them.

"I'll pick this one." She gave her choice.

Seeing she picked one, surprisingly fast, he nodded. "Very well." He then materializes the key to the room's door, in the form of a crystal. "Take in this crystal and it'll serve as access for your room and the house. However, it won't grant you access to leave the compound."

She took it as he explained the reasoning. "None within the Seireitei must ever see you. Considering your heritage, yours is not an enviable of circumstances. Aside from the few that I trust, there are no one else that I'd inform of your presence, and of your temporary residence within my estate."

"I understand." She nodded in understanding. "Still, thank you, Kurenai-san." She bowed.

"Please." He raised his hand. "This is but temporary. Ere the clock strikes the appointed hour, I'm sorry that you must needs remain here till then."

She nods as she absorbs the crystal, it turning into motes of light as it went into her.

"If you wish to eat something, feel free to use the kitchen at your leisure." He reminded her. "And use the bath house, which is the one connected to this house through the door by the kitchen, should you need to wash or relieve yourself."

She nods as he then slowly walked towards the stairs. "Ere I forget, you need not clean the house on my behalf. For 'tis capable of cleaning itself."

He went down the stairs slowly as he bid a goodbye. "Fare you well for now, Masaki-san. I must needs resume my duties."

And there she was, now living in a house that was as large as the Ishida Manor. In the meantime, Shugo immediately went towards the 13th Division's Barracks and opened a Senkaimon there, going back to the World of the Living. There were still two more last details he needed to hammer down.

…..

Standing in front of the Kurosaki Household, Shugo was in his visible form, wearing his casual "mortal" attire that was the one he wore when he first encountered Aura some time ago. It was still raining at the time. Barely two hours had passed since Masaki's passing in the Human World.

'No doubt the family is mourning.' He sighed at the thought.

He might be able to fool the kids, but what of Isshin? For he had no idea on how to say it to the mourning husband. This troubled him greatly, as he struggled to lift his hands to knock the house's front door. But before he could do it, the door opened, and perchance by the worst possible candidate. The orange-haired eldest child of the Kurosaki family, little Ichigo.

His heart felt a twinge, his guts winced. Little Ichigo's eyes were puffy, clearly swollen after crying for quite a while. He could still see the visible streaks of tears, despite the young boy getting washed by the rain and a bath. It already left its marks. He knelt to Ichigo's level and rub the young boy's head softly.

"Hey, little one." He gave a forced smile. "Why do you look like so?" He asked, playing the fool.

"U-uncle Kurenai…" Ichigo's voice was cracked, clearly overused from crying. "W-welcome…"

The young boy clearly tried to welcome him, but Shugo could see that the child was not in his best shape. His heart twinged yet again, seeing the cheerful and bright Ichigo being like this.

"You seem to need time to yourself." Shugo clenched his teeth. He really hated playing the fool like this. "Go on now, little one. I'll be fine entering alone."

Ever the stubborn child that he was, Ichigo wiped his eyes a bit with his hand, and shook fervently. "N-no! Since you came, I have to lead you inside."

Shugo took a deep breath. Seeing that the child was unrelenting in the matter, he conceded. "Very well. Lead on, little Ichigo."

Entering the home, he could feel the somberness in the household. The usually bubbly and warmth that he felt whenever he came by was not present anymore, replaced by an aura of sadness and grief. He steeled himself as he continued further, entering the living room on the first floor. There, he could see Isshin sitting on the sofa. The man was opening a bottle of what appears to be whiskey. The man of the house then noticed his arrival and stood up from his seat.

"Kurenai." Isshin greeted, a tone of sorrow could be heard within his voice.

"Kurosaki-san." Shugo greeted in kind.

The bearded man then turned towards his son.

"Ichigo, go back to your room." Isshin then suddenly said. "Uncle Kurenai and I need to talk for a bit."

Ichigo only nodded and went up the stairs near the entrance's hallway. After the young boy could be heard entering his room, Isshin gestured Shugo to sit down. Proceeding to sit down, Shugo got a hard glare from Isshin as the man stared at him after the two got seated.

"Why?" Isshin asked.

"….." Shugo took another deep breath, organizing his thoughts. "…One moment."

He pinched the bridge of his nose, before facepalming and rubbing his face with his hands, and eventually clasping them together in a small clap.

"Fuuuh…" He lets out his breath.

Quietly casting a soundproof spell, he then looked back at Isshin, mustering a hardened stare towards the grieving man's eyes. "Masaki-san… Her death was inevitable."

THWACK!

That caused Isshin to grab Shugo by the collars of his clothes and lifted him up. "What… The fuck… DO YOU MEAN BY THAT!?"

"Know that her death was preordained." He coolly responded to Isshin. "Fate herself had made it so, for the sake of her plan."

Isshin's eyes widened in shock. "…What?"

Shugo grabbed Isshin's hands and got it off him, dropping back onto the floor gently before fixing the clothes' collars. "'Twas for a future that remains largely unchanged. I've seen the thread where I was not present. She would've still perished regardless."

"….." Isshin was speechless as he drooped back onto his seat.

"Know that my Zanpakutō's powers alerted me to this. And to ensure the future remains that way, I had no other choice but to allow her to perish." Shugo sat back down. "In the material world, anyroads."

Isshin's eyes, that seemed dead previously, started to show some signs of life. "Are you saying…" He was catching on.

"I shan't say if 'tis indeed or not." Shugo said neutrally. "For less the enemy knows, the better."

Isshin froze. He knew what Shugo was talking about. But still, the indirect confirmation that Masaki MIGHT still be alive in Soul Society is truly the best news. The man sighed out of relief as he downed the glass on his hand and puts down the empty vessel onto the table in front of him.

"I…see." Isshin paused for a moment before giving his response to Shugo's statement.

Shugo undid the spell as he stood up from his seat. "I've said what must needs be said."

Walking to the front door to leave, he stopped as his hands reached for the door's knob. He sighed once more.

"For what it's worth…" He paused for a moment, as he turned the knob and opened the door to the outside. "My condolences."

He stepped out before he could hear Isshin's response and closed the door behind him. Opening up his Vermillion Paper Parasol and walked away from the clinic. Transitioning back into his Soul Form, he left towards Urahara's Shop for the final thing he needed to finish. While not necessarily needing the parasol, it was still apropos, considering the rainy day, despite him in his current state of being.

…..

Shugo arrived at the man's shop in no time with Shunpo. However, there was something a bit different about it for the day. This wasn't to say that the shop seemed different in terms of its appearance. In fact, it looked the same as always. However, it's another story for the inside. Folding the parasol and dismissing it, he went inside.

He could tell that Urahara was inside. However, there were two other signatures he wasn't familiar with.

'Mayhap…?' He immediately had the idea popped in his mind of who these two might be.

As he went through the door at the back inside the shop, he could hear them having their conversation, albeit it was still unclear on what they were talking about. Truth be told, he never met the other possible two within the shop. He rarely ever went to Urahara's Shop, if ever. Aside from the first few weeks since Masaki's incident years ago, he never bothered with the exiled captain in any way.

Thus, imagine his surprise when he entered the room where the trio were at.

One tall, stupidly buff man, with a rather unique moustache, and a complementing pair of glasses to boot. This was not to mention the rather… Unique hairstyle the man sported, and the fashion sense he had, considering he's wearing an apron. Not that it mattered much to him, but apparently, rarely men would wear such a thing, unless they're a chef or a cook.

Another one was… Uh… A cat? A black cat?

"..." He was genuinely speechless.

An actual cat, speaking. He knows that the Miqo'te are cat-like, but they're still at least somewhat human in form. But this? This takes the cake of the weirdness of this star.

And in the middle of it all was the exiled captain, Urahara, himself. The signature hat and clogs (his geta was outside the room, but regardless) was all too easy to spot, not to mention that cane of his.

"Ah, Kurenai-san~!" The man brought out his hand fan and unfolded it, almost iconic in fact. "Welcome~!"

"Must you be so… Nonchalant on this auspicious day?" The shop owner's chirpy attitude really rubbed him off the wrong way this time, making him sigh in disapproval.

"Oi, Kisuke! You haven't introduced him to us!" A male voice could be heard coming from the black cat, apparently reprimanding the shopkeeper.

"Milady Yoruichi is right, Shop Manager!" The large, buff glasses man also chirped in.

'Milady?' Shugo was in a whirl. 'Yoruichi? Wait, the cat is the former 22nd Head of the Shihōin?!' Now he was confused, utterly.

"Ah, ah, calm down, Yoruichi-san~." Urahara tries to calm down the raging cat. "You weren't here the first time around, so that's why. Same applies to Tessai-san, so there's that."

"Just… Introduce us, already." The cat sighed and shook its head. "It's getting awkward that you're the only one who knows who this guy is."

Urahara heaved a heavy sigh. "Fiii~ne…" He said as he folded his hand fand.

"This wonderful gentleman here…" He points at Shugo. "…is the Lieutenant of the Gotei 13's Thirteenth Division, and current patriarch of the Kurenai Family, Kurenai Shugo."

Instantly, Yoruichi got on her guard. Tessai, though, had a look of interest. The glint reflected by his glasses were certainly enough hint.

"Kisuke!" The cat scolded. "Why the hell did you allow a Lieutenant to come here!?"

"Calm down, Yoruichi-san~." Urahara laughed. "He was only promoted to Lieutenant several years ago! Besides, he showed me something interesting after the problem with Masaki-chan…"

This got the cat's eye to twitch. "Interesting? You mean that failure of a car!?"

"Hey!" Kisuke got ticked off. "At least call it the Spirit Automobile! It works and looks fine, thank you very much!"

The two banters on, leaving Tessai and Shugo in a rather awkward situation. Both stared at each other before Tessai spoke first, breaking the ice.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Kurenai-dono." Tessai bowed. "My name is Tsukabishi Tessai. I'm an employee here at the shop, though my official job is called Retail Associate."

"Lieutenant Kurenai Shugo of the Thirteenth. The pleasure is mine." Shugo bowed in kind. "Though I must ask: Is this a common thing here?" He pointed at the bantering duo.

"I'm afraid so." Tessai sighed and shook his head, shrugging. "Though it's uncommon, it still happens more often than they'd like to admit."

'By the Twelve, this seems to be the running joke of this reality…' Shugo groaned in his mind.

"You've been living in this reality for more than ten years, yet still you can't wrap the bizarreness of the things here around your head." Gurenbana prodded with a chuckle.

'Oh, sod off, Kupo.' He rolled his eyes.

Why does she become active in moments of non-import like this? And only to prod at him? Her laughs echoed within his Inner World, in bliss over his misadventures.

'Twelve forfend…' He sighed helplessly at this.

…..

After half an hour, Urahara and Yoruichi finally stopped bantering with each other. Tessai had brought Shugo some tea in the meantime, so he was sipping the cup of tea while in wait. The former duo looked rather embarrassed in silence while the latter duo didn't seem to mind it.

"Have you finished your witty arguments?" Shugo asked sharply, and self-answered with the following. "Good. Now, onto the purpose of my visitation."

"Oh, of course~!" Urahara quipped with a smile. "Sorry for the interruption. Go on~!"

"I shall permit you to modify two of the new denreishinkis. You may procure them at your leisure." Shugo sat straight as he looked at Urahara, keeping a neutral look. "One for Isshin and another for a certain individual that-I'm-sure-you-would-know-who-but-I'd-rather-not-entail-so-as-to-not-tempt-fate."

The man in green's smile disappeared slowly. "I see…"

"Once you've finished the modifications, which will entail a private connection to only between the two…" Shugo paused as he gave the details. "Have them delivered to my base of operations. Of which, I'm sure you know what needs be done."

He then handed him his denreishinki, which certainly caught Kisuke's curiosity. "'Tis mine, directly from the SRDI. I believe the expression for this occasion is… Courtesy of your successor, yes?"

He didn't tell Kisuke that it wasn't the original. Of course, he kept it a secret. Needless to say, the man knew it as well, though he didn't voice it out. "Hat-n-Clogs" nodded with a serious look on his face.

"I understand, Kurenai-san." Kisuke answered. "But you know this won't be cheap, yeah?"

Shugo waved it off. "Have ye no faith in me? Know that me permitting you access to such device, mine own to be precise, is already a boon in it of itself, let alone studying it. 'Tis truly the bleeding-edge technology currently in Soul Society, after all."

"But why are you doing this?" Yoruichi asked, tilting her head (still in cat form), curious after all.

He glanced over at the cat. "Simply put, I care for the well-being of this star, and of those who live on it as well."

Before she could say something to that, however, he raised his hand. "I also know who you are. I believe… You were the 22nd Head of the Shihōin Clan, Shihōin Yoruichi, yes? Pleasure to make your acquaintance. And I only found out after I was afforded certain…privileges after I entered the Gotei and also restored my family's nobility status."

He stood up after he finished the last sip of his tea, leaving the cup empty. He had been sipping his tea while conversing with them. He let his words sink into the two heads and one employee.

"My thanks for the tea, Tessai-san." Shugo nodded lightly towards the large man. "'Tis truly refreshing, especially when considering the weather of the day."

"You're welcome, Kurenai-dono." Tessai bowed in kind. "It's truly a pleasure making your acquaintance and having you here."

"Before I leave…" Shugo stopped himself before he stepped out of the room. "One more thing of note: for the love of the Twelve, do not attempt to implement any form of listening devices into mine own denreishinki. I care not if it's for the two mentioned prior, but do not do it on mine."

Without waiting for the response from Urahara, he walked out of the "living" quarters of the shop, and then exited the shop. He then quickly went to work on his patrol. Now that everything that he could think of had been done, he got back to his original duty and continued his patrol in the town. Rain continued to fall as he began his patrol that day.

Once more, after a period of brief absence, Karakura knew a measure of peace. Some Hollows who got a bit daring during his absence were either purified by him or went into hiding after he was back. At least, for those who became spirits after recently dying, or those who were earth-bound and had yet to be discovered by him.

…..

Perhaps as a testament to his role in creating the SRDI and his own ingeniousness, Urahara managed to modify the requested two denreishinkis and returned Shugo's own personal denreishinki within five days. Shugo checked his denreishinki and it seemed like Kisuke heeded his words. There were no "bugs" within the denreishinki. Nodding in satisfaction, he stored it and went on with the week.

In the meantime, Masaki's funeral in the Human World began in the week following her passing there. He attended it, as it coincided with his plan to hand over the modified denreishinki to Isshin. Going there, he saw the people present to be her acquaintances. Her friends from high school: Naomi, Kanan, and Shiho, were all present. Those that were married brought their families with them.

However, the jarring sight was Ryūken not being present. Shugo had heard of him being mentioned time to time whenever he visited the Kurosaki family in the past by Masaki. He also heard that the man eventually married his retainer, the one named Katagiri (he recalled seeing her back when Masaki was in danger to the Hollow infection, rather after Masaki was treated and Ryūken left Urahara's Shop).

'Odd, considering his care for her.' He thought. 'Though given he's now married, I suppose 'twould be improper of him to see her.'

'Yet still…' He sighed.

The whole procession was somber. Those present all wore black in attire. Yuzu, the youngest of the Kurosaki household, cried during the entire event. Karin kept a strong look on her, though he could tell she was desperately holding back the tears that were slowly forming on her eyes. Ichigo, though…

'Forgive me, little Ichigo…' He closed his eyes in a heavy sigh before opening it after.

The boy had a neutral look on his face. The only reaction he could visibly see was from his overall body language, aside from the puffy, red eyes Ichigo had. It seemed like the boy had cried for the last week by his lonesome before this day arrived. When the boy looked at him, however, he could only show him a forced smile. He couldn't bear to show anything else.

Isshin, the head of the family, in the meantime, kept a cool look. There were no other words that could express what look he had on him other than that.

Shugo went over to the man.

"Kurosaki-san." He called. "If you would but spare a moment."

Isshin nodded wordlessly. The two went to a secluded place. "So…" Isshin started. "What do you want?"

Shugo took out a denreishinki from his pocket. "Keep this away from Ichigo. For your use only."

Isshin raised a brow as he took it from Shugo. "What is this?" He asked.

"The newest denreishinki." Shugo answered curtly. "Modified for private communications with a designated pair of denreishinki."

"What about its charge?" Isshin asked. "Can't access my powers anymore, remember?"

"No need to fret. "Shugo waved his hand in answer. "'Twas also modified to use ambient reishi as the charge instead, courtesy of a certain Hat-n-Clogs."

Isshin was silent for a moment.

"Thanks, Kurenai." He lets out small words of gratitude.

Shugo shrugged as he walked away, waving his hand in dismissal. He went ahead back to the procession, with Isshin following only several steps behind, and after around an hour, it ended. The Kurosaki stayed for a bit longer, while Shugo left after the other guests had left first. He then continued with his planned patrols, before finishing the duty later by the end of the week and eventually returning to Soul Society.

…..

"What?" Ukitake asked, his eyes widening at what he had just heard.

Shugo sighed. He knew this would be a troublesome matter to deal with. But still, could the captain not be this surprised?

"The spouse of former Captain Shiba, now Kurosaki, has perished." He explained once more. "For the moment, I'm having her as a guest within my estate."

The white-haired captain was silent before he slowly puts down the brush he had on hand. He then sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. This was no simple matter.

"How am I supposed to pass on this report…?" He pinched the bridge of his nose.

Putting aside that she's the wife to a former captain, the fact that she, one of the few remaining Quincy, died, certainly doesn't help the Shinigami of their image in the remaining Quincy's eyes in the World of the Living. He had heard of efforts that came from one of them who were attempting to form a cooperation of sorts with the Gotei in dealing with Hollows, but he never heard the outcome of it.

"There is no simple recourse around this, captain. However, we ought to discuss this with the head captain nevertheless." Shugo gave his solution. "Truth be told, I'd like to have this discussion within my estate, for 'tis much ease for us all in practicality: You and the head captain can ask Kurosaki-san and form the opinion from what she says."

He paused before adding another footnote in his words. "This is also in regards as to her passing. Much needs be discussed on that particular topic as well."

Ukitake frowned for a bit. This Lieutenant of his looked rather troubled when he said that last part. Having worked with the young man for the past decade, he could already tell of Shugo's body language, or at least to a certain extent that is certainly more than others could say, but lesser than what Captain Unohana could sense.

This meant that something else is going on, and it bothered this Lieutenant of his.

'I'll have to see what's picking on his mind.' He decided as he relayed his decision.

"Very well." The captain nodded. "I shall send the message to Sensei. We'll see you later in the evening, Kurenai-kun."

"My thanks, Captain." Shugo bowed his head lightly.

"You're welcome, Kurenai-kun." Ukitake smiled. "You may go home now."

"Sir." Shugo bowed lightly before he left the captain's office.

After Shugo closed the door to the office, Ukitake pulled out his denreishinki.

The captains' denreishinki were made with higher security in mind, hence they're not so easily intercepted. Not to mention, when communicating with another contact that's confirmed to be a captain as well, it would encrypt any and all messages between them that it would be next to impossible to hijack it or whatnot.

Typing in the message, Ukitake "flagged" it as important and the contact it sent to was named "Sensei". But for those who are familiar with him, they would know that it refers to the head captain himself. Before long, he got a reply that simply said "Understood.", which was aptly short and curt. Such was the head captain unless it was something of import.

He sat back as he stretched his body. Things were starting to pick up now. He could feel it, but he couldn't tell what it was exactly. Slowly, but surely, the gears started to grind.

…..

Later, in the evening…

Within the living room of the Main House inside the Kurenai Compound, gathered the trio of the most influential within the Soul Society. One was the captain-commander of the Gotei 13, the other was the one who brought revolution upon telecommunications within Soul Society, with the last one being one of the only two Shinigami who has a Dual-type Zanpakutō and was also one of the two pupils of the captain-commander, being taught directly by him so long ago.

Aside from the three mentioned above, there was perhaps a single person that felt a bit out of place. And that was Masaki. Admittedly, her own placement in this whole circle is unique. She's a Quincy, an Echt to be precise, which meant that she was of pureblood (not mixed with any other). Even despite the infection from the Hollow, she is by birth an Echt, and only considered as a Gemischt when the Hollow infected her.

Being a Quincy in the place she was at right now would afford her straight towards the gallows, to put it in a way. Since the directives of the Central 46 were clear as such, most Shinigami would not hesitate to eliminate her, should she encounter them back then. However, fortunately for her, she met two that were very amicable to her, with one even becoming her husband, and the other who's hosting her now.

But that's beside the point for now. She's currently being scrutinized by the old-looking man, whom Shugo introduced as the head captain of the Gotei. This meant that the old man was Isshin's (former) and Shugo's boss. She still kept her composure, though admittedly it's hard since whatever happened back then, in which she lost her powers that led to her death.

The other one, though, the white-haired captain, whom Shugo introduced as the captain of the division he belongs to, looked rather amicable. The man kept a friendly smile at her, so she would smile back in return.

"So…" Yamamoto's voice echoed the room. "Speak of the reason why you had this meeting here, Kurenai."

"Sir." Shugo bowed lightly. "This pertains to the complicated situation I encountered during my latest patrol in the 3600th District."

He looked at Ukitake, who then proceeded to explain further. "Sensei, Kurenai-kun and I need your wisdom in this. Frankly, we aren't sure on how to proceed with the matter."

Yamamoto raised a brow. "Is this relating to this lass over here?" He asked, motioning at her.

"Indeed, Yamamoto-dono." Shugo nodded. "This is indeed in regards of her."

Yamamoto stroked his white beard in contemplation. "Well then, speak."

"Sir." Shugo nods as his face hardens. "On the seventeenth of this moon, or the third day of my patrol, there was an incident in the evening, involving this lady and her son."

He began to explain as Yamamoto nods in understanding the first part. "Allow me to preface this with the fact that she is the spouse of former captain Shiba of the Tenth."

That earned a look from Yamamoto as he went on. "With that in mind, Mrs. Kurosaki here, along with her son, Kurosaki Ichigo, were involved in an incident with a Hollow on that day. I believe the Hollow's name was… Grand Fisher?"

"Is that so…" Yamamoto stroke his beard again as Shugo nodded. "'Twas apparent that the child, Kurosaki Ichigo, was the Hollow's aim, for he was the one who spotted it. Or to be precise, its bait that it made to appear like a human girl."

Yamamoto immediately spot the jarring thing. "You mean to say… That the child could see the Hollow's bait?"

"Indeed." Shugo nodded grimly. "Ichigo, for his age, already possessed a very high amount of reiatsu to be able to see the Hollow's bait. And do note that the former captain hasn't spoken a single word regarding reiatsu, Soul Society, or any in the matter of his past to the child."

"In fact," Shugo added. "Only the spouse knew of his history, and even then 'twas out of necessity, so as to keep their children away from the matters of the spiritual world, if I must give my conjecture."

"We're straying from the topic." Yamamoto said.

"Pardon me for that, head captain." Shugo bowed lightly. "Back to the matters at hand…"

He went on to explain the chronological events in order to the head captain, who only gave a small nod every time he made a point. It was until he reached the point where he explained his intervention, however, that Yamamoto questioned him.

"Why did you not interfere before she died?" Yamamoto asked sternly.

Shugo sighed. "Head Captain, you are aware of my Zanpakutō's ability, yes?"

To that, Yamamoto nodded in affirmation.

"In the threads of fate, I've seen hers. And frankly, I was still in turbulence whether I should immediately intervene to save her or not. For hers, you see…" Shugo hesitated for a moment. "The fates would have her perish, for the sake of molding the child for its machinations."

Yamamoto opened his eyes in alert, while Ukitake looked shocked. He finally unraveled what had troubled this Lieutenant of his. Frankly, they knew that his Zanpakutō was not the typical type that could be classified in elements in the classical sense. But seeing the results, they couldn't help but admit the sheer power he possessed. Having witnessed when he first showed them his mastered Bankai, and its subsequent forbidden usage of it, they knew how powerful he could be in raw power alone.

However, they were unaware of the real extent of his powers. And now, they just heard of what it could do: he could observe and manipulate the threads of fate with his actions.

"What?" Yamamoto asked slowly.

"Head Captain." Shugo looked at the old man with a firm face. "My existence alone has changed the fates of many here, let alone to speak of my actions. This also includes the fate of Captain Ukitake."

"Mine? What do you mean, Kurenai-kun?" Ukitake raised his brow.

"Truth be told…" Shugo sighed. "You would've perished due to your disease, captain. It would've weakened you so that it would later cause your life to be forfeit, sometime in the foreseeable future."

He looked at his captain, who was baffled. "Or would have, in this case, had I not been present in this reality of yours."

It took them a few moments to process what he had just said. Masaki sighed, knowing how it was absurd for her as well. Being told that they would've died was certainly something else.

"Get to the point." Yamamoto heaved a heavy sigh.

"To be frank, head captain, we request your wisdom in how to record of the events that transpired without raising the suspicions of the Central 46." Shugo just laid it bare. "This is due to the issue that will arise once they became aware of Masaki-san's heritage from the reports. I suspect that expunging it from the reports would not be suffice, considering she was given a Soul Burial and passed onto Soul Society."

Ukitake on the side had a look of realization on his face. 'She would be logged and could be discovered!'

'A sharp one, though he made a valid point…' Yamamoto kept a blank look, though he opened his eyes in thought.

Being a Quincy, no doubt the lady would be put to death. Even in memory of the transgressions done by the Quincy Emperor a millennium ago and considering that the Gotei massacred the Quincy remnants in the World of the Living some time ago, this was no easy situation to deal with. It would not be fair to condemn her for only her heritage, being only of the few remaining Quincy in the World of the Living after the unpleasant business that occurred between them.

Clasping his hands together, Shugo looked at the head captain who closed his eyes once more. "Ere the appointed hour arrives, I wish to conceal her from them."

The trio then hashed out the details necessary. It wasn't easy, since the report would be requested by the following week for review and eventual storage, they needed to finish the matter in a short time. Eventually, after a grueling seven-hour discussion, in which the evening had turned to night, they finished their discussion.

It was agreed upon that the report would replace some of the context within it, where Masaki's name was stricken from even being mentioned, putting instead a normal soul from a Human who was unfortunate enough to encounter said Hollow and perished before Shugo arrived. With the Head Captain in the loop, it was easy enough to fool the Central 46.

…..

Masaki yawned as she walked upstairs. She had been wracked in nervousness. Meeting the higher ups of her husband and friend wasn't exactly something she expected in the day she died in the Human World. Not to mention, them agreeing to keep her hidden from their government was something that was unbelievable, considering of what she heard from Isshin and Shugo regarding how Central 46 handled matters.

The old man who was apparently the head captain did not say much when he looked at her, before he left after the discussion. The one who was Shugo's boss, however, stayed a bit before offering his own…apology on behalf of the Gotei for their actions against the few Quincy's in the Human World.

She was young when it happened, and she didn't remember much. Hence, she wasn't that affected compared to the likes of the Ishida Family. Though, it would be a lie to not feel a bit of resentment since they were indirectly the cause of her family dying off. But she's not one to hold grudges over things that had already passed, so she accepted the apology.

With that in mind, she almost didn't notice Shugo walking from her behind and tapping her shoulder.

"Ah, Kurenai-san!" She exclaimed.

"Masaki-san." He nods lightly. "A moment, if you would."

She didn't mind and gave her approval as he then took out something from his Shihakushō's sleeves. It was some sort of a phone, or at least that's what she assumed it to be. It didn't have any sort of keypad, and not to mention, it was very thin while only having a large display. She had seen it whenever Kurenai would have to leave to do his duties as a Shinigami.

"Here." He suddenly said as he handed it to her. "While you can't leave the premises, this will allow you to maintain contact with your husband. Though for the time being, your children will be kept in the dark as the price of it."

She took it from him, her hand shaking. She… She could still talk with her hubby! Even if she couldn't talk with Ichigo, Yuzu or Karin, at least she could ask on how they're doing from her hubby!

"Thank you, Kurenai-san!" Her eyes were watery, tears forming as it threatened to spill out from her eyelids.

She was grateful for what he had done. While not all of it was positive, it was at least something.

"Think nothing of it. "He waved it off. "All I ask…is for you to be able to hold it within you."

She froze as she knew what he meant. The first thought when she got it was to speak to her son. But Shugo's words just denied her that.

"I know 'twould not be easy." He said as he slowly walked towards the door to his bedroom. "However, there's no other way to preserve the future from changing any further."

He left a contemplating Masaki behind as he entered the room and closed the door behind him. Taking off the Lieutenant armband and his uniform, he changed into a more comfortable nightwear, or rather, home wear after storing the armband and the uniform in his inventory. Now, wearing only the recreation of the Hempen Undershirt and Underpants, he walked towards the balcony.

Opening the balcony door, he took a seat as he enjoyed the night sky. Summoning a glass and a bottle of wine, he poured into the glass and sipped as he stared at the moon up in the sky. He had just finished a hurdle that'll be worth the next few years, until Ichigo's thread plays its card.

'Until then…' He closed his eyes in thought.

He plans to take things a bit slow for now. The path has never been easy. It never has been and will never be. And he only felt naught but pity for Ichigo. The lad was being forced onto the path of a hero, at such a young age. Resentful as he is towards fate, he kept himself in check. He knew the lad would grow stronger in time, but still, he wished it would be less painful for the child than it had to be.

But then again, his own journey back then wasn't exactly that easy either. The most he could do for Ichigo is simply laying down the guidepost for him to follow, while staying his hand from interfering. This was perhaps the time where he finally felt how it was to be an immortal. After essentially gaining an additional five part for his soul, which made him whole (and to a degree more like the Ancients), he no longer felt much towards the passage of time. Though, he still does things similarly to before that.

'Now that I think about it…' With that in mind, he finally understood something.

He had been living in this new star for more than ten years. His mind knew, but his self never really bothered with it until now. The sensation is truly bizarre, given things has been mostly slow, with only a few that ever goes to the speed he had experienced on Hydaelyn.

'This truly feels…alien, to me…' He had a strange look as he gazed into the night sky in ponder.

…..

[Side Story]

Some time prior to Masaki's passing…

With Aura following behind, hand in hand, Shugo opened a portal and walked through with her. For her, it felt surreal as she was like walking on a path that didn't seem like it was solid ground, yet it was firm enough to hold their weight as they walked on it. Not to mention, the surrounding that looked dark, with only the light at the end of the path as the source of light. She held his hand tighter as they soon reached the end, and then arrived within his base of operations.

"Welcome to my abode." He said with a smile, spreading his arms in welcome. "Whenever I'm stationed in the Human World, you can find me here."

Aura looked around. She could see that it was certainly very organized. There were chairs and sofas for seats, while there was a bed as well if one wanted to rest. It had all the creature comforts similar to what she had in her room. But…

"Abode?" She tilted her head.

"Ah…" He facepalmed. "You must needs learn of the wider world first. Though, I shall teach you the basics of the realms."

Opening his palm, he created a crystal that was imbued with the concept of projection. Using said crystal, he projected the four known realms for her to see.

"The world as the humans know of it is referred to as the World of the Living, or simply the Human World." He pointed at the second projection, which showed the Earth and various cities on it. "This is where Humans reside, and where we're at currently."

She nodded as he continued with his explanation. As a reminder, she already knew of the basics but lacking in specifics due to her father.

"The first one…" He pointed at the projection of Soul Society. "…is what Humans would refer to as the afterlife. Though, 'tis known as the Soul Society as its formal name."

She took a better look. It seemed rather contrast in comparison to the Human World. It looked…primitive? Though it couldn't be applied to the entirety, since she could see that there's a place at the center of it that looked rather clean, reminding her of her room.

"What's…that?" She asked, pointing at the Seireitei.

"Ah." He paused for a moment. "That place, child, is known as the Seireitei. 'Tis where Shinigami, like me, and the government of Soul Society reside."

"What's a Shinigami?" She asked.

"That…" He paused again. "…will be discussed later. For now, we'll focus on these first before we go further into the details, okay?"

She nods. He smiled as he continued.

"The third world here…" He pointed at the world filled with white dunes and eternal night. "…is known as the world of Hollows, or Hueco Mundo. 'Tis where Hollows would most oft be, should they not be found in the Human World."

She nods as she now has more understanding. She knew what Hollows were, or at least what her father had taught her. She knew they were at least dangerous, and that they were the one who injured her mother, indirectly causing her mother's death since her mother didn't survive long after she gave birth to her.

"And lastly…" He points at the fourth projection. "This one is known as Hell. 'Tis where all souls who committed heinous crimes prior to their deaths are sent to."

She was about to nod before she paused. There was something on her mind. "Azem-san."

"Hmm?" He raised a brow, surprised that she finally seemed wanted to ask something. "You wish to ask something?"

She nods. "Where do you think my father went?"

"..." He froze, blinking in shock at her question. "You would presume he has…?"

"Yes." She answered nonchalantly. "So please, answer my question."

He was silent for a good minute. In consideration of what he had seen within her memories, was her father a good father? In a certain perspective, albeit even then 'twas beyond protective. However, can his actions be constituted as a heinous crime? By his own personal morality, 'twas an easy yes. But by standards of what he had seen from some of the Hollows/Souls he dealt with? Very doubtful, with a sprinkle of no.

"Putting aside mine own morality, your father mayhap be in Soul Society." He answered her. "Though, 'tis less likely for him to be left alone, considering he's no mere human in life."

"…I see." She was contemplative after hearing his answer.

'Considering his thread of fate…' He left the few words in his mind unsaid.

He didn't view it on person per se, but he did view it through the connection with Aura. The father had indeed perished. Though, he was surprised that the thread that cut the father's thread was one that had a similar shade to the ones from the Tsunayashiro Family. He had his suspicions, but he kept it to himself.

Unless he somehow meets the person in question later on, there wasn't any point on investigating. Though he was surprised to see the mysterious Tsunayashiro thread to interact with Aura's, albeit it was still a bit further from the current time.

"Anyroad…" He clapped his hand. "We shall go over the details now."

"First off…"

…..

The lesson went on for the next two hours. Shugo decided on that particular timeframe since he still need to send her to the local authorities, or as how they call their version of the Brass Blades, the Police Department. However, compared to the former, the PD was less corrupt. Well, at least according to what he had seen during his daytime walks and nighttime patrols.

In the two hours, he gave her a basic rundown on basic knowledge regarding Shinigami and Hollows. Granted, if were found out, he'd get in trouble with Central 46. However, considering his disposition of being an… Ancient? Hyur? Truth be told, he doesn't know which one he was anymore, but anyroads, being a Shinigami was secondary compared to either to those two. And it would take a literal miracle if they could listen in or even breach this base of operations of his.

With that in mind, there was another reason he wishes to hand her over to the PD. It was simply impossible for him to "raise" her. His current position simply doesn't give him enough flexibility to stay within the World of the Living for an extended amount of time that was deemed necessary for a proper "raise" of a child.

Truth be told, he wanted to. Granted, he could go when he's not in duty and travel from within his estate if he didn't volunteer to patrol in the World of the Living. However, at most he could only stay for a day or two before having to return to the Soul Society if he used that option. As said before, he deemed the time he wanted to have to be insufficient.

Thus, he settled with a compromise.

"Little Aura." He called her, who was sitting on the sofa.

"Yes?" She tilted her head.

She had a weird look on her, being called as Little Aura by him.

"For the moment, 'twould not do if you were to live here." He paused for a moment. "Considering that I'm not your family, the most I can do for you is to lend my ear to you and guide you whenever I'm patrolling here."

He felt conflicted, or rather, an inexplicable feeling that was wrenching his heart out. She had a blank look while looking at him, though for some reason, tears started to flow from her eyes. As she noticed after feeling it coming down, she looked confused.

"Azem-san." She called him, snapping him out of his brooding that was washing over him.

"Yes?" He nods at her.

"Why are there…tears coming out from my eyes?" She asked, genuinely confused.

He did not say anything. He walked towards her before patting her head with his hand.

"Forgive me for this one, Little Aura." He knelt down, looking at her in the eyes with a bitter smile. "That, child, is known as sadness."

"Sadness…" She muttered. "I…see…"

He wiped away the tears from her eyes. "You must needs see this world with your own eyes. Experience what it has to offer. Meet people who'll enrich your life, be it for weal or for woe."

She listened in rapt as he continued. "For that's what makes one human." He points at her metaphorical heart. "Be it joy or sorrow, pain or gratitude, kindness or treachery; such is what makes life all the more fulfilling. Remember them, for they will give you strength in times you feel weak, you feel that you can't go on."

He lifted her face upwards a bit to match his, eye to eye. "And never forget that which is dear to you. For it'll be proof of your conviction, your will. Never let it go."

These words would impact her so much, that later in life, she'd cherish it for being the reminder of what was right for her.

In the end, she agreed to be brought to the Police. Shugo gave a testimony that he found her stumbling out of her father's mansion. The local police station sent officers to the mansion in question, who found signs of confinement within the basement of the mansion. When news of this broke out, the public went into full uproar. The sheer perverseness of a father who imprisoned her own daughter, not to mention disappearing and leaving her without any means of sustenance… It sent waves across the people.

Her relatives from her mother's side came as soon as they got the news. Meeting Shugo, they thanked him before leaving with her. Before parting, she was given a crystal that would correspond to him if he was in town. As she looked back, her hand held by a relative of her mother's and the crystal in her pocket, she saw the smile on his face. Without realizing, she gave her own smile towards him. Her very first smile.

'Live a colorful life, little one.' This was his prayer for her.