"Eh?"
Kuchiki Rukia and Kurosaki Ichigo both stared at Ishida Uryū, surprised that he could see Tachibana Yu at all. Inoue Orihime and Sado Yasutora looked dazed as well. Hearing the word Soul Reaper stirred something in them, a strange familiarity like a memory just out of reach.
Yu said lazily, "Do not get the wrong idea. I am not a real Soul Reaper yet, more like an unlicensed one."
"A Soul Reaper is a Soul Reaper. Licensed or not, trash is still trash to me," Uryū said coldly.
Homeroom teacher Ochi Misato blinked at the exchange and had to interrupt, cautious and confused. "Um, Ishida-kun, who are you talking to?"
Only then did Uryū realize the whole class was staring. His face darkened several shades. Ochi could not help thinking: mental health issue?
"Sensei, I am perfectly normal," Uryū bit out, then finished his self-introduction with a black look.
"Click, click," Yu said, amused. "Congratulations, Ishida-kun, you just forfeited your dating prospects for years."
Uryū's mouth twitched, but he held his tongue.
"Could it be..." "A Quincy..." Rukia murmured at last, eyes widening at Uryū. After the incident over a decade ago, she had heard every Quincy was wiped out by Soul Reapers. She had not expected a survivor.
After school, Ishida packed his bag, snorted, and addressed the trio. "Soul Reapers. With me."
The three traded a glance and followed him out of the school.
In a quiet alley, Uryū whirled, a blue bow blooming in his hand, arrow aimed at Yu's forehead. "Soul Reapers, I assume you know what I am..."
"Something's off," Yu frowned, ignoring the threat and looking southwest. "Someone is coming."
A few seconds later Rukia received a message and went pale.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked.
"Someone from Soul Society," Rukia said, biting her lip.
Yu's eyes narrowed. Aizen Sōsuke had made his move. If Seireitei learned the truth, Kuchiki Byakuya would be next to arrive and drag Rukia back by force.
"Bad news?" Yu asked.
Rukia nodded. "Second Division. Fourth subunit, the Swift Recon team."
Seeing the three blank faces, she explained anyway. "Within the Gotei 13, the Second Division is the Onmitsukidō. Their operatives specialize in high mobility, assassination, and concealment, a special force that works in the dark."
"Onmitsukidō splits into five teams. First is the Executive Militia, responsible for executions and assassinations."
"Second is the Patrol Corps, who patrol Seireitei and monitor Soul Reaper movements."
"Third is the Supervision Corps, who guard the Surveillance Tower and imprison Soul Reapers deemed a threat to Soul Society."
"Fourth is the Swift Recon Unit, who search for missing Soul Reapers."
"Fifth is the Inner Court Couriers, who relay orders quickly across divisions."
Yu blinked. Even he was impressed. The Second Division's duties and authority covered almost everything. Thinking of Shihōin Yoruichi and Soi Fon, their standing was no joke.
"They are here..." Rukia watched the approaching figure and spoke bitterly to Yu. "Yu, Ichigo, I am afraid I have to return to Soul Society. From now on you must never enter Soul Reaper form lightly..."
"Will you be safe if you go back now?" Yu cut in.
Rukia forced a smile and started to answer, but he had already shifted his gaze to the incoming Soul Reaper and said coolly, "I get it. You do not have to say more."
Not far away, on a rooftop, Urahara Shop's crew and one black cat watched with interest.
Hanakari Jinta snickered. "That damned human is in for it. Stealing a Soul Reaper's power is a serious crime."
Tessai Tsukabishi sighed with pity. "They must be terrified."
Urahara Kisuke fanned himself and smiled. "Who knows. But if they dare raise a hand against a Soul Reaper, the fallout will be... unpleasant."
"Meow, meow, meow," the black cat Yoruichi spat, eyes narrowed at Yu.
Meanwhile, the Second Division operative spotted the group and stopped with a frown. "Who are you?"
He had never seen such a bizarre mix: a human, an unknown Soul Reaper, a Soul Reaper in a gigai, and a Quincy with a bow. A cross-species coalition?
Yu also took in the newcomer. He looked like a middle-aged man and was not wearing a shihakushō, more like a human outfit.
After a moment's thought, the man turned to Rukia with a deeper frown. "Kuchiki Rukia. You have been missing for over half a month. Explain yourself, and identify these individuals."
Rukia drew breath to speak, but Yu yanked her into his arms.
"Mm!?" Her eyes flew wide.
Yu snorted and held her there, glaring at the operative. "You cannot tell?"
The man's brow furrowed tighter. He could not.
Yu ruffled Rukia's hair. "This woman is my captive. I took her powers. Now she is my plaything to do with as I please."
"Mmm mmm!" Rukia thrashed, desperate to explain, but Yu's grip locked her in place. Ichigo stared, clueless about what kind of cosplay the two were pulling. Uryū looked equally lost.
Please do not lump me in as an accomplice.