The chaos had yet to die down even after hours. In fact, the Soul Society had rather taken an initiative. Troops of Shinigami had been sent out into the Rukongai following the previous disaster, two guard the Districts, and to investigate any suspicious Hollow or Shinigami activity..
The main focus was still on the North's 50th District, where the main attack had occurred. The Research and Development Team were still busily collecting samples of the remnant Reishi and Reiatsu within the atmosphere, while the Disciplinary Team supervised their work.
Kensei Muguruma folded his arms, his face stern and his eyes cold as he watched the 12th Division go about their work. He was the only Captain keeping guard on site, as requested by the Captain General himself.
"Oh! Kensei Taicho.." A lively cry sounded out from behind him which made him facepalm. The dark spots under his eyes looked depressing already. His green haired lieutenant Mashiro crept up from behind him, holding in her hand a small basket.
"What is it? You idiot, aren't you supposed to be investigating with Lieutenant Sarugaki and the rest?" Kensei turned around with a harsh scolding tone, but the smile on her face only got brighter. "Well, I was investigating and I got tired. So I decided to find something to eat. I brought you something as well.. Don't be so tense all the time Jeez!" Her voice was a loud cacophony of joy and laughter, and to that, Kensei could only grunt before taking a strawberry filled bun and gently popping it into his mouth.
"Taste good.. doesn't it?" Mashiro's eyes held a crafty light, while Kensei clenched his jaws to prevent his face from softening at the taste of the bun. "Come on..admit it Kensei." She poked at him with her elbow, but his face remained straight, only letting out a grunt when it was getting too annoying.
While their gimmick went on, a figure came trotting, before them, holding onto a box, with a serious face. "Oi, Mayuri! Any findings? And what the hell is that box?" The figure walking before then didn't stop, even after hearing Kensei's voice.
"Kisuke Urahara has requested specific samples from the scene.. Also I do remind you, refrain from calling me by first name, we have no relations.." The figure's voice resounded from afar. Kensei's forehead creased, while Mashiro cringed. "I hate that guy! What a jerk!" She quickly voiced out, staring at his fading shadow in the sunset.
"Hate? Hate is a very strong word, Lieutenant Mashiro. If such a word is being used by someone like you, then he must not be really likeable.."
Another voice, this time calm and collected,. humorous even, came from the side, and as they turned they found a man. Dressed in a black shikahusho, dark brown hair and bespectacled, with a comforting smile. "Aizen!" Mashiro rushed to his side with giggles.
"Shinji sent you here? Tsk! That lazy bastard!" Kensei grunted in annoyance. Meanwhile, Aizen sent him a look. "I'm here of my own accord. But ..I'm sure Captain Hirako should be arriving soon.." The lieutenant called Aizen wore his badge proudly around his right arm.
"He better!" Kensei grunted.
"Oh Rangiku!" Mashiro spotted her from afar and waved, but her smile faded when she spotted whom she was accompanied by.
"Ugh. Rangiku, who's this?" She inquired. Meanwhile Genma who stood shyly beside Rangiku lowered his head even further. "It's alright. This is Genma. He's my new friend. I'll be taking him into the Soul Society with me.." She smiled and ruffled his hair which made him lower his head even further.
"Woah! Aren't you a little young to be adopting kids Rangiku? I mean, you should enjoy your youth, fall in love, have fun, amongst other things.." Mashiro slid into her left ear and whispered, which was unintentionally loud enough for everyone to hear.
"If you had kids, you wouldn't be so carefree and jolly all the time, and I'd finally have some peace!!" Kensei's groaned, sighing. "Oi, what does that mean? What's wrong with being carefree and jolly? Aizen come on, back me up.."
Mashiro shot back, her eyes turning sharply to Aizen who coughed awkwardly and adjusted his glasses.
"I'm not adopting...okay maybe I am, but Genma wants to become a Shinigami and I want to help him.." Everyone's eyes suddenly shot at the young boy, while Rangiku shielded him with her huge bosom.
"Stop staring. He's already shy as it is.." She quipped. Mashiro scratched her head awkwardly, Kensei cleared his throat and Aizen lowered his gaze, hiding the unknown glint within his eyes...
"You know what, I think the Research team needs me. I'll be over there.." Kensei quickly excused himself from the awkwardness, while the others picked their own routes and left.
*
*
Meanwhile, a cloaked figure watched the exchange, his agile figure crouched low on top of a large tree, blending within the scenery. Sky blue eyes watched the Shinigami intently, and only trembled for a moment after spotting the young boy and hearing the words of the orange haired woman..
'At least he's alive. It's probably for the best..' Minato heaved a sigh. He tried to calm the turmoil on the inside. One part of him was relieved, that Genma was alive. The Shinigami had found him. Genma was talented, Minato believed that if he was given the right opportunity, the boy could one day surpass him.
Another part of his heart bled. He was his Sensei. He didn't want to abandon the boy, but he was better off without him. At the very least he won't spend his days rotting out here in the Rukongai..
Rubbing his forehead in exhaustion, Minato's figure blurred and then disappeared, reappearing several kilometres away from the scene. He had learnt a lot about the Shinigami within these few moments. Apparently the strongest ones were called Captains, and then there were Lieutenants.
'That Captain, his Reiatsu was exponentially stronger than any other Shinigami I've encountered..' Minato paused. Not even compared to any Shinigami, his Reiatsu was more powerful than anything he'd ever seen since arriving in this world. The Hollows, everything and everyone. It didn't even come close..
'That strength multiplier ability they used before. I'm guessing a Captain has to master it to the point of surpassing the power a lieutenant could wield. Either that or the Captain has to go beyond that power to another..'
Minato thought deeply, as he walked on, however, his instincts drew him out of his reverie. He felt it. No he sensed it. A threat. Something was coming, something insanely powerful. He withdrew the wakizashi on his lower back in a split second to block an incoming slash from a blade aimed right at his head.
CLANG!
Minato was forced back by the incredible force within the attack. His hands trembled for a moment and his eyes widened a bit. He finally got to look at the attacker, and his heart sank.
"Sharp reflexes. Kid. Why are you snooping around? This particular zone has been heavily restricted with Kido Spells. I can't imagine how you got in, but sheathe your blade and come with me.."
Kensei Muguruma. His Captain's cloak flapped behind him, his face straight, his expression forceful. The kind of man who'd never take no for an answer.
"Are all Shinigami so forceful with the citizens? Aren't you meant to be protecting us?" Minato's voice was calm, the grip on his wakizashi shifted into reverse.
"How can I protect you when your blade is drawn against me?" Kensei asked. Minato didn't even flinch. "I'd be dead right now if I hadn't drawn my blade.." He answered cooly. Even Kensei had to admire the kid's disposition. He had intentionally let out a bit of his Reiatsu to pressure him, but the kid looked completely unfazed.
"Come with me. Put away your blade. I'm not known for being gentle..."
The wakizashi in his hand spoke for him, as his other hand formed the hand seal of confrontation.
A/N: I don't usually post on Sundays, but I'm going through extra mile today. I might not have the chance to do so regularly during the week. Your reviews, comments and powerstones help me and the book with the recognition it deserves. Without you, we can't do it.