Adult-FanFiction.org : Bleach

For The Love of a Friend	By : orionshadow Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female Views: 32416 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 44
- 45
- 46
Tite Kubo owns Bleach and the characters depicted therein.   The characters in this story are not mine, except for the original characters. I make no money from the publication of this work.

Farewell to a Friend

After thinking it through, or rather finding the entrance to the access for Los Noches heavily guarded, Toshiro and Soi spoke, finally agreeing they had to get approval from the Captain-General. Matsumoto sighed but agreed as the Shinigami guarding the entrance would accept no authority except Yamamoto's and even demanded written and sealed proof for anyone to use the passageway.
Grumbling Toshiro decided to leave the Captain-General for last and outlined his reasons. For once Soi didn't argue with him, simply nodding as they walked to the next destination with Matsumoto following.
It took much longer than Toshiro had anticipated to organise the many things which needed to be done. Matsumoto assured him she was packed but Arai wasn't. Then there were one or two items which were needed by the scouting party which had to be obtained and after at least an hour's delay they were finally at First Division.
Convincing Yamamoto was difficult as he was being even more stubborn than Soi or possibly it seemed that way because he wanted to get this over so he could be with her.   He knew the Old Man had trouble accepting advice from junior officers but he seemed to be even more obstinate than normal. Every time there was a mention of Las Noches his eyes seemed to flicker. While he noticed it, Toshiro decided not to ask about the reason. This matter needed to be sorted. Matsumoto was not safe in the Seireitei. She may not be safe with her husband either but it might draw attention away from Soul Society and given them a better chance to continue their preparations. Too much time had been wasted on the lockdowns and other distractions which had almost caused a number of catastrophes.
Kurotsuchi seemed to a key element to many of them. It was not his imagination. He had to be behind the attack on Matsumoto but for what reason?
Yamamoto was speaking. "Captain Zaraki ordered his wife to remain here and I gave an undertaking that her safety was assured. It would be a mistake for her to leave the security of the Seireitei and go within reach of the people who have attempted and succeeded in abducting her. This is very unwise, Captain Hitsugaya," the old man turned to Matsumoto. " Lieutenant Matsumoto, you will remain here."
Toshiro was trying to think of a reply when his lieutenant spoke. Again he wished she'd learned the value of silence.
"No, I will not. I don't mean to be rude, Captain Yamamoto but it is my decision. You can issue orders and in most cases I will obey, but in this case I will be safer with my husband. Being here without him scares me." Matsumoto sounded very determined and her tone was firm. Hearing her speak like thins made Toshiro understand how unwavering she was in her desire to rejoin her husband, despite any opposition. He had never heard her address the Captain-General in this manner before. Most Captain's wouldn't dare address him in this way, except for Zaraki and Soi.
She had often disregarded his senior position when talking to him and he'd resented it and warned her many time but had marriage changed her? Was she now even more insubordinate than before? If she was, how would he handle the situation, especially if she appealed to her husband? Zaraki was not a man who would toleration any disrespect to his wife and this might affect the chain of command. Yes, Matsumoto would often ignore what he said but her nature often prevented constant arguments.
Dismissing these considerations as something he would think about in the future, he noticed the expression on the Old Man's face. His lips had thinned and he sat up straight. "Lieutenant Matsumoto, if you had bankai, my concern would be you were preparing to apply for the role of Captain. Watch your words."
Toshiro was interested to see the reaction of his subordinate. She faltered, flushed and appeared lost for words, not a normal state for her.
Then another voice spoke. "Captain, we do need to send word to the scouting party regarding the traitor in their midst." Soi's husky but authoritative tone drew attention away from the agitated Matsumoto and he noticed the quick, thankful glance she cast at Soi. "The Lieutenant has volunteered and an escort from the top ten seats of 11th Division has agreed to accompany her. As you know, due to the," she paused and coughed, "delicate nature of this information, we cannot inform them by our usual means."
The stare Yamamoto directed at Soi indicated his displeasure. "The proof we have a traitor is not completely verified."
These words irked Toshiro. "Then how the hell did Arrancar invade the Seireitei? It seemed they knew where the weak points were and directed the attacks there and also managed to catch us completely unprepared. How did Ichimaru manage to remain in Soul Society and abduct Matsumoto after his initial failure? How was the water drugged? How did he manage to appear at the right time?" His voice was rising with each question and he felt an icy clutch begin on him as his temper rose. He took a deep breath, trying to calm wishing the Old Man wasn't so blind. Maybe if he opened his eyes once in a while he might see past his own pride.
"How did this make it way into Captain Zaraki's quarters?" Soi added drawing a familiar rock from her pocket.
His relief at another person attempting to convince the bone headed man made his stare at the rock. Toshiro had a vague memory of holding it once. He'd seen it in Matsumoto's room and wondered but never felt the need to ask why she kept a rock. People has strange fancies keeping all manner of things in their possession even when they were of no use.

Soi placed the rock on the table in front of the Captain General displaying a strange sigil on one surface. "You know this mark," she said.
Yamamoto looked irritated and disgusted. "A discredited and illegal adaptation of kido," his voice was louder than normal. "All research on this application of kido was banned due to its probable misuse."
Toshiro was curious. This was new information and the reaction of Yamamoto was telling. "Who was undertaking the research?"
The thinning of Yamamoto's lips indicated he was not prepared to answer the question.
Toshiro vaguely remembered something he'd overheard. "Was it Tessai, the former kido squad captain?" he guessed. It seemed likely.
"No. He had too much pride in the kido he knew. He was the person who persuaded the council to make any further research on this project illegal. It was one of the conditions Kur....," he stopped and cleared his throat, seemingly aware he had revealed too much. "The person who conducted the research was sentenced to imprisonment in the Maggot's Nest." The words sounded final but the earlier slip made it easy to work out who the person was.
Before Toshiro could say anything, Soi said as calmly as he'd heard her speak, "You allowed him to be released from the Maggot's Nest. Why? And to such a man as Urahara?"
A complacent smile showed Yamamoto thought he'd struck a nerve, despite Soi's composure. "At the time, Captain Urahara guaranteed the research would not be recommenced. He invited Captain Tessai to make certain the illegal activities were abandoned and Captain Yoruichi also provided surveillance until their unfortunate disappearance. "
Toshiro was a little surprised Tessai had agreed, but then remembered Urahara and Tessai had formed a close friendship, or so he'd been told.
He might have trusted Urahara and the two other captains, but why would anyone trust Kurotsuchi? It had been safer for all of them when he was locked away. There seemed to be further factors which had not been revealed. "Did Aizen speak on behalf of Kurotsuchi?"
The frown deepened on Yamamoto's face. "Aizen was not in a position to speak on anyone's behalf. He was not a Captain at the time, simply a lieutenant and one who seemed at odds with his Captain, for no good reason it was thought at the time. Aizen presented as a careful and dedicated Shinigami who didn't voice an opinion on any matter unless he was sure it was the one to provide the least amount of problem."
This didn't seem consistent with things he'd heard. There seemed something amiss with the situation. Aizen used Kurotsuchi to assist with the abduction and possibly with his escape from the Seireitei but if he had not been released from the Maggot's Nest all these plans would not have been put into action. Yet, would the request by Urahara with Yoruichi's support be enough to release a man from the Maggot's Nest? Urahara had been the person in charge of the Maggot's Nest for a long period before he was appointed Captain. Had this been arranged so he would encounter Kurotsuchi and learn of his abilities?
How could that be? Who could have the foresight and influence to do this? Yamamoto might be suspect, but that would make him part of the plot and it made no sense. Why create the Council and the Seireitei to ensure that the balance between Humans and Hollows was maintained and then actively work to gain the ultimate power over the spiritual and human worlds.
It couldn't be correct. Yamamoto seemed taken aback when Aizen revealed his real purpose and had actively been planning toward the Winter War. While he had not approved of the successful rescue of Matsumoto he had not sent anyone to interfere in the preparations and none of the participants had been court martialled or suffered any disciplinarily action.
"What does the sigil mean?" Toshiro asked Soi, trying to dismiss the ideas he was having. There was something wrong with Yamamoto. Something it wasn't easy to establish and it would continue to worry him until he'd found out all the facts.
Yamamoto glared at the rock, seeming unwilling to touch it. "I haven't seen this form before."
"Neither have I," Soi agreed. "It looks like an amalgam of two or three sigils designed for different things. One is to project an image which can only be clearly seen by one specific person, but the rest is a jumble."
"Which explains why Matsumoto was convinced she saw Gin in her room," Toshiro said carefully. "I apologise Matsumoto for disbelieving you."
His lieutenant's face was a mixture of anger and relief. "No one else could see the image? It wasn't my mind playing tricks on me? If I see Gin again I'll make certain he doesn't give me any more treasures I am supposed to keep. Thank you, Captain," she said to Soi fervently. "It scared me, both the experience and the fear for my mental state."
Soi seemed taken aback by the thanks but recovered and smiled. "I am unsure if the thing can be destroyed, but we will make certain it is removed far from you. Perhaps Former Captain Ichimaru might enjoy appearing to the inhabitants of the Maggot's Nest."
It was hard to stifle the laugh Toshiro felt rising. He was unsure if it was simply an image or a projection of the real person.
Yamamoto finally nodded and sighed heavily. "Only one person knows how to create those objects. It is an indication that Captain Kurotsuchi is indeed working with the traitors. The scouting party need to be informed so they can monitor their conversation and communication when he is with them. Also they will need to exercise care when using any device manufactured by 12th Division." The words were slow in coming and the Old Man appeared to be experiencing difficulty in speaking. "As Lieutenant Matsumoto has volunteered to go and you have agreed to released her from her current duties, she is the best choice to convey the news. There have been a few too many incidents concerning her in the last few days."
"I'm sorry, Captain Yamamoto. It wasn't intentional," Matsumoto said.
"Intentional or not, the events occurred and have caused up considerable trouble. it is best you go soon before there is another attempt on your life and we have more cause to lockdown Divisions." He paused and seemed to be trying to form words. "Try and maintain your distance from the traitors, lieutenant. They are not your friends." Once again his eyes seemed to flicker slightly as he spoke and the words were forced.
Toshiro glanced at Soi and noticed she was observing her superior officer with concern. Had she noticed the strange behaviour? Thinking back Toshiro had been slightly aware Yamamoto on occasions had shown a little hesitation but now it seemed more noticeable. What could be the cause? The flickering eyes was a new development and made him wonder about something. "Captain Shaolin, would you please arrange for the rock to be removed and sent to the Maggot's Nest as a matter of priority?"
The startled look she gave him was quickly replaced by one of understanding. "I will call for a member of my special division to remove it immediately." A few seconds later the rock was removed and Yamamoto sat straight in his chair. His gaze swept all of them. "I agreed to this foolish idea under duress," he began. "Lieutenant Matsumoto, if you persist in this idea make certain you are with another Shinigami at all times."
Matsumoto nodded, her face flushed and Toshiro guessed she was imagining being with her husband at all times. Then again being this close to Soi and knowing they were reconciled, for the present, made him wish to end this meeting as quickly as possible. Yet there were a few more issues to finalise.
"You agree that Division 2, 10 and 11 will work closely to better co-ordinate our efforts?"
"Hurumph. Still proposing that idea. Divisions work independently to better fulfil their primary function..."
To all their astonishment Matsumoto broke in. "It isn't working, not now. We need a different approach. With some of our strongest leaders away our strategy should be modified. Working together will help us share our strength."
Why was she talking now? Nearly everything had been organised and her intervention might cause further issues and yet another argument with the Old Man. To his astonishment, Yamamoto was nodding, but didn't seem happy.
"You have a point, Lieutenant. Are you certain you are not aiming for the position of Captain?"
"No. Not now," she replied hurriedly. "I haven't a bankai which immediately disqualifies me."
"However she is working toward it," Soi added softly.
The Old Man looked very thoughtful. "Indeed. We may talk about this further Lieutenant Matsumoto on your return, when you have successfully obtained bankai."
Matsumoto was slowly turning crimson. "That may take considerable time," she said, her agitation obvious.
"I will help you," was Soi's contribution.
"As long as you don't get hurt again," Toshiro muttered under his breath. If the Old Man knew about their relationship there might be repercussions, and as he wasn't certain the form their rekindled relationship might take he was wary about indicating anything to anyone else. It was difficult now with Matsumoto being aware of their intimacy, but she was leaving soon and not likely to tell anyone, except Zaraki.
He sighed. If Zaraki knew... Would it matter? He wasn't prone to gossip unlike...
Matsumoto.
The sigh turned into a groan. Everyone in Los Noches would know before a week was out. Matsumoto wasn't a gossip so much as imprudent. She'd always found keeping any secret a challenge, unless he gave her a direct order and even then she might forget when excited or angry. Toshiro, suddenly aware of where he was tried to turn the groan into a cough but it was too late.
"Why the groan, Captain Hitsugaya?" Yamamoto asked briskly.
He thought quickly. "I am not pleased at the idea of training another Lieutenant," he said as soon as the idea presented itself.
"Do not worry Captain. I have no intention of trying to gain a promotion until the Winter War is over and I have a proper honeymoon," his lieutenant assured him with a distant look in her eyes.
Soi sounded like she was trying to stifle a laugh but turned it into a cough as well.
"It is a pity I sent Captain Unohana on the scouting party," Yamamoto said. "It appears a few of my Captains are developing a cough."
"A slight tickle to the back of my throat," Soi said serenely. "It has passed now and hopefully will not return soon."
There was a silence which Toshiro decided it was wise not to break. Much had been said and the Captain-General would make up his own mind about how the Seireitei would be run. He always had and didn't appear to welcome the idea of anyone interfering.
Matsumoto fidgeted, obviously impatient at the delay and his cool glance made her stop for a brief time.
Finally they received their answer. "For a trial period the 10th and 11th Division may work together and with the 2nd Division. I will review the progress within a week and if problems exist we will revert back to the prior arrangement. However, there will be a cost."
Of course there was a cost. Any new idea came at a price and Toshiro was damned certain the burden was not light. "Captain Hitsugaya and Captain Shoaling will both monitor the arrangement and provide detailed daily reports. Any incidents will be reported immediately and any person who is found to be causing problems will either be incarcerated in 1st Division or if the problem is serious they may be confined in the Maggot's Nest indefinitely. No one is excluded from observation."
His breath faltering, Toshiro wondered if the bard was set at him. Did it mean even the Captain's would be observed and if so, how could he approach Soi? Their all too brief and unconsummated reunion might be destroyed by this knowledge. It was bad that there was additional paperwork involved but he could ignore that if he was seeing Soi regularly. No Matsumoto, no Soi, more paperwork and a possibly unworkable arrangement between Division which were more used to competing than cooperating.
"What do you mean, Sir?" Soi asked after exchanging a worried glance with Toshiro.
The man leant forward ponderously. "Against my advice and better judgement I agreed to release two men who'd attempted to take the life of Lieutenant Hinamori. You have promised they will not make the attempt again, but they are from the same Division as those who attempted to attack 12th Division."
Matsumoto said in a surprisingly calm voice, "Captain, they were provoked."
"And you were the cause of the provocation, Lieutenant," he raised his hand before she could reply in protest. "I am aware you didn't mean to provoke anyone but it remains as a fact. This is one of the reasons I've agreed you can leave for now, but if there is any further action like those taken previously there may be executions without trial. We cannot afford rebellion or revolt now or ever. The status quo must be retained."
Matsumoto bit her lip and looked concerned. "They promised they would avoid Momo, I mean Lieutenant Hinamori."
"She is well guarded, Captain and no one really blames her," Soi added. "Most of the anger is now directed at Akon but I understand he is under your personal protection."
Their senior officer simply nodded. "Yes. Akon is under my protection while I seek to obtain information from him regarding his recent actions. If he is assassinated before he delivers the information I require we may find ourselves in a difficult situation and justice will be administered quickly to anyone involved."
Toshiro wondered if any of the 11th Division officers would try to seek further vengeance on the man. They must know he was under the importance of the information he might provide but was anger and the desire for vengeance more important than common sense? From the evidence he'd seen it was pretty evident some people existed, even Shinigami who put their needs and desires above all others. If these beings made a determination there was little that could dissuade the idea becoming an action and the action affecting all around them.   Did they care that their need for revenge might cause problems for all their comrades? Or was the impact on other people so unimportant to their mind that it wasn't even considered? Did they even consider the consequences of their actions? Did they even think? At all?
He wondered why his mind was wandering in this particular field of speculation. Each person had their good and bad attributes. If he broke it down further there were some people who acted on their good impulses, others acted on their bad and others acted on any impulse they experience as long as they had the time, energy and ability.

The silence which had followed the last words by Yamamoto had provided the time to analyse these thoughts briefly while waiting for a final decision.
"Very well. Lieutenant Matsumoto, take the message to your husband and the rest of the scouting party. We can give you nothing in writing, you understand. You will have to commit the words to memory and only provide the message to the officers I designate. This is the message. 'Our commanding officer has reason to suspect one of the members of the scouting party is a traitor and working with Aizen. The possible traitor is Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi . You are to take no direct action but instead observe and record anything you notice. You are not to communicate your concerns to his Lieutenant. Do not interfere in his actions in any way unless they will cause critical physical or mental harm to any members of the scouting party.' Do you understand the message?"
Matsumoto repeated the message clearly in a sincere tone and then asked, "To whom do I deliver this message?"
"All the Captains, except Captain Kurotsuchi, Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki and possibly Rukia Kuchiki. As she is acting on behalf of her Captain she is representing him and required the information. It is the responsibility of each Captain to inform his subordinates to follow the rules."
Matsumoto bowed in a respectful manner. "I understand Captain Yamamoto and will perform the duties as requested. May I go now?"
A grim smile lifted the Captain-General's lips. "So eager to be with your husband, Lieutenant? You are not displaying proper womanly modesty."
Toshiro hoped his subordinate wouldn't respond but she did.
Resting a hand on her hip Matsumoto smiled and said, "Sir, to be frank I see no point in modesty. Former Captain Aizen was often held up as a model of modesty, dedication and hard work and he was a traitor."
Silence followed her comment until Soi said, "I am sure the Lieutenant meant no disrespect."
"Whether she did or didn't, her point is valid. You have my permission to depart. Do not become involved with any fighting and please refrain from being abducted. It irritates your husband and he often takes foolish actions as a result." There was a slightly quizzical expression on Yamamoto's voice as he spoke. Did it mean he disapproved?
They all bowed and left the office to find Matsumoto's designated guard waiting. "Are you ready, Ma'am?" Arai asked formally.
"Ma'am?" Matsumoto laughed as she said the word. "Please call me Ran or Rangiku. We have a long and difficult walk ahead of us and I want to arrive as soon as possible."
"I packed lightly," Arai assured them all.
"Then let's go," Soi said as she led the way. The walk was silent with heated glances passing between Soi and Toshiro. Their reconciliation had been delayed too long. He wondered where they would go after they finished their current obligation. Not the linen closet in 4th Division. The door wasn't secured and he didn't want any more interruptions.
Should they talk first? He quickly decided it was a bad idea. Too many words led to too many misunderstandings and problems. Maybe after but he'd be certain he didn't speak of Momo, Yoruichi, Aizen or any of the problematic people who'd influenced their lives and thoughts for too long.
They arrived and showed the confirmation documentation to the Shinigami guarding the gate. He was loathe to accept it until Matsumoto assured him if he didn't she would tell her husband, the Captain General and everyone else of importance. He paled slightly and quickly readied the gate.

Before she left, Matsumoto hugged him fiercely and whispered in his ear. "Be kind to Soi. She's much nicer than she seems but less resilient." She kissed him on the cheek and left without a backward glance.
Toshiro turned to Soi and then wondered what he should say. "Your place of mine?" he blurted out and then stopped, hoping he hadn't made a mistake.
Soi grinned at him and he sighed in relief. "Yours."
A.N.
Don't take the soundtrack too seriously. 'Fantastic Baby' is included as the damn song has been stuck in my head all week. Very catchy.
Okay. Long delay. Reasons? Many. Will it happen again? Don't know. Depends on what life throws at me next and with any luck it won't be a brick.
Soundtrack
'From Kashima' Mock and Toof
'Fantastic Baby' Bigbang (I wanna dance, dance, dance)
'Toxygene' The Orb
'Cindy Elecronium' Raymond Scott
Review. They sometimes amuse. So does ceasing bouncing my head against a brick wall.
- 44
- 45
- 46
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

For The Love of a Friend